Method and apparatus for the batch preparation of sample aliquots by solvent extraction and separation of soluble species from sample comprising nonsoluble particulate, which comprises a receptacle which defines a sample receiving space into which a measured amount of sample is placed, a fluid-permeable filter which is remote from and communicates with the sample receiving space, means to add a metered quantity of solvent to the sample receiving space, means to supply pressurized gas to the sample receiving space to slurry the solvent with the sample, means to invert the receptacle to position the slurry into filtering contact with the filter, and means to collect a sample aliquot comprising the filtered liquid phase of the slurry.

An automated device for deconcentration and potentiation of homeopathic remedies, comprising a preparations flask held by a support fastened to a horizontal shaft driven in rotation. The mouth of the flask describes a circle and can be moved among several positions, particularly an original position for introduction of the dose to be diluted or rediluted and for introduction of the solvent, and a position for pouring the dilution into a wide-mouth bottle containing granules to be impregnated and put into rotation. Between each deconcentration, the flask is cleaned by washing means and drying means located on its path in other positions.

A film developing tank support plate is provided on a main housing, which support plate is pivotally mounted to agitate the development tank in response to a control unit in the main housing. The control unit has a solenoid whose arm is connected to the support plate and is actuated by a rotating contact abutting stationary contacts on a stationary plate.

A biological safety cabinet, including a hood structure defining a work chamber, at the bottom of which is a work surface, the cabinet being provided at its front wall with an access opening therein adjacent the work surface, and with means for creating an air flow through said chamber from top to bottom, which air may become contaminated by materials disposed in said chamber, air discharged from said chamber passing through a decontaminating filter disposed below the plane of said work surface, blower means arranged to withdraw decontaminated air passing through said filter and discharge the same in duct means operative to conduct such air to a chamber disposed above said work chamber, from which it is discharged into the latter at the top thereof. Means are also provided for readily effecting in a simple manner decontamination of the filter; for increasing the access opening in the work chamber to accommodate relatively large equipment; with control means, responsive to the size or closure of the access opening, for varying the operation of the blower; and indicating means for ascertaining operating conditions during normal or decontaminating functions. Means is also provided for effecting a relatively uniform distribution of air discharged into the top of said work chamber.

A method and apparatus for on-line analysis of a coal sample. Four radial arms (16) extend from the output shaft (28) of an indexing motor (14). Sample cups (12) at the ends of the arms are indexed along a circular path past a filling station (18) where the cup is filled with pulverized coal, an analyzing station (20) where various chemical analyses are performed on the coal sample, a dumping station station (22) where the residue of the coal sample is dumped for disposal, and a cleaning station (24) where the sample cup is cleaned in preparation for another analysis cycle.