Importance

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Abstract

Sampling apparatus designed for aspirating, diluting and mixing a small sample of fluid in precise amounts and delivering the mixture to a scientific apparatus at a place remote from the place of aspiration. Operation of the device may be manual but is preferably automatic. The apparatus is designed to process a plurality of sample fluids with no cross-contamination between samples. In essence, the apparatus is a fluid handling system including a sample pick-up assembly in fluid communication with an automatic valve assembly having two operative positions. The automatic valve assembly is in fluid communication with a dilutor assembly having a sample pump and a diluent pump operable by a common means. A mixing and delivery assembly is also in fluid communication with the automatic valve assembly and includes a cup designed for bidirectional rotation with an annular space about the cup. A dispensing probe dispenses into the cup precise amounts of sample and diluent in a predetermined ratio to each other and, following rotation of the cup to achieve the mixture of sample and diluent, an aspirator probe enters the mixture and delivers an amount thereof to an adjacent scientific instrument. The apparatus further includes a means for expelling the remainder of the mixture from the cup into the annular space surrounding the cup, and from there through a valve, to waste.

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First Claim