Patent ID: 7186502

Claim:
A process for automated preparation of control samples containing a predetermined number of desired particles, comprising: providing a sample of particles; separating a predetermined number of desired particles from the sample by a particle separator; positioning by a collecting apparatus a receptacle or a surface capable of retaining particles to receive the predetermined number of desired particles; and dispensing the predetermined number of particles separated by the particle separator into the receptacle or onto the surface in accordance with a sorting instruction from the collecting apparatus; wherein the sorting instruction is sent from the collecting apparatus to the particle separator via a modified mouse circuit which activates software controlling the particle separator through an onscreen function button such that when a sorting instruction has been actuated the predetermined number of particles is delivered into the receptacle or onto the surface which is positioned for sufficient time to collect the particles by the collecting apparatus, following collection the collecting apparatus advances and positions a subsequent receptacle or surface for receipt of a subsequent particle, the collecting apparatus thereafter signaling the particle separator via the modified mouse to commence another sorting instruction.