Patent ID: 8028566

Claim:
An apparatus for characterizing particles in liquid, comprising a housing with a first mixing chamber and a first collection chamber separated by a wall containing an opening for passage of the particles between the first mixing chamber and the first collection chamber, particle characterization means for characterizing particles passing through the opening, a first bore in the outer surface of the housing for entrance of liquid samples, a first cavity for receiving and holding a first liquid sample, the first cavity being movably positioned in relation to the housing, and a second cavity for receiving and holding a second liquid sample, the second cavity being movably positioned in relation to the housing in such a way that, in a first position, the second cavity is in communication with the first bore for entrance of the second liquid sample into the second cavity, and, in a second position, the second cavity is in communication with the first mixing chamber for discharge of the second liquid sample into the first mixing chamber, wherein the first cavity in a first position is in communication with the first bore in the outer surface of the housing for entrance of the first liquid sample into the first cavity, and, in a second position, the first cavity is in communication with the first mixing chamber for discharge of the first liquid sample into the first mixing chamber.