Patent ID: 6893562
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: B01D,B01L,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. Apparatus, comprising, in combination: a sample preparation device for preparing a liquid sample, comprising a plurality of sample reservoirs, a common filtrate collection chamber, a membrane between each of said plurality of sample reservoirs and said filtrate collection chamber and having an upstream side and a downstream side, and a wick positioned downstream, in the direction of fluid flow, of said membrane and in said filtrate collection chamber, such that a gap between said downstream side of said membrane and said wick is formed, said gap accommodating the formation of liquid droplets on said downstream side of said membrane as a result of said liquid sample flowing from each of said plurality of sample reservoirs through said membrane, said wick comprising an array of spaced ribs, each rib in said array being positioned to contact said droplets in said gap, combine said droplets from a plurality of said sample reservoirs, and direct said droplets away from said membrane and to waste via said common collection chamber; and a source for providing a driving force for causing said liquid sample to flow from said sample reservoirs through said membrane.