Patent ID: 7255835

Claim:
A multi-sample infrared (IR) spectrum measuring apparatus for the automated detection of the IR spectra of a plurality of solublized samples, the apparatus comprising: (a) an IR radiation source for supplying IR radiation; (b) a microscope objective for focusing said IR radiation at a focal plane; (c) a sample element mount wheel comprising a plurality of sampling elements, each sample element comprising; (i) an internal reflecting element (IRE) comprising a reflection face located on the IRE at a region of intended contact between the IRE and a solubilized sample; wherein when the sample element is placed at the focal plane, the IR radiation is incident on the reflection face, further wherein the IR radiation is reflected from the reflection face once thereby creating an evanescent wave; (ii) a sample cell comprising an active sample volume; (iii) a functionalized tip comprising a surface-immobilized probe that partially or completely fills the active sample volume exposed to the evanescent wave; and (iv) a delivery tube for delivery of one or more of the group consisting of a sample, a reaction mixture, and functionalization chemicals; (d) a drive shaft intersecting the sample element mount wheel perpendicularly through the center of the mount wheel and bonded thereto, wherein rotation of the drive shaft around its central axis rotates the sample element mount wheel such that each of the sample elements of the sample element mount wheel can be placed at the focal plane of the IR radiation; (e) a motor control and transmission chamber, comprising a motor control element, said motor control element being in contact with the drive shaft and providing rotation to the drive shaft; and (f) a detector for detecting the once-reflected IR radiation.