System for preparation of samples for analysis

An automated sample preparation system for preparing a sample for assay by an assay system comprising:

• means for containing a sample and for selectively automatically mixing same if a liquid and selectively grinding same if a solid;
• means for isolating a known volume of sample from the rest of the sample in said means for containing and for removing the rest of the sample not so isolated to waste and for thereafter automatically releasing the isolated sample back into said means for containing, wherein said means for isolating includes means to compress any gas bubbles in said sample before isolating the known volume of sample;
• means for automatically delivering a precisely measured amount of solvent or diluent to said means for containing and causing said solvent or diluent and said known volume of sample to be mixed and delivered to the assay system;
• means for applying a subatmospheric pressure to said means for containing to draw off any gas bubbles in liquid in said means for containing;
• means for applying greater than atmospheric pressure to liquid pathways in said automated sample preparation system;
• and
• means for isolating a known volume of sample out of a process stream and for delivering it to said means for containing.

A system for preparation of different types of samples for assay comprising:

• a sample preparation chamber with a sump shaped bottom including:
• a mixer/grinder means for mixing and grinding samples in said sample preparation chamber;
• an effluent pipe having a first outlet in said sump and a second outlet coupled to waste;
• a sample metering valve means for isolating a known volume of sample from a sample batch in said sample preparation chamber, said sample metering valve means including means for compressing any gas bubbles in said sample while isolating a known volume of sample;
• a fluid inlet pipe coupled to said sample preparation chamber;
• a first manifold having a plurality of first ports;
• a second manifold having a plurality of second ports;
• reversible pump means having at least two third ports for pumping a predetermined precisely measured amount of liquid in either direction;
• a first valve coupling one said first port to one said third port;
• a second valve coupling one said second port to one said third port;
• a third valve coupling one said first port to said fluid inlet pipe coupled to said sample preparation chamber;
• and
• a fourth valve coupling one said second port of said second manifold to a source of solvent or diluent.