Device for automated and contamination-free sampling and analysing

Abstract

A device is disclosed for handling a sample container () having an open side, the device comprising a head () having an inner chamber () with an opening () and a substantially constant cross-sectional shape taken perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the inner chamber, wherein the opening extends substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis, a rotor () part arranged within said inner chamber, rotor drive means () and rotor displacement means (), a piston () having an edge part () of a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the inner chamber, and piston displacement means () arranged to displace the rotor along the longitudinal axis so that the edge part of the piston will scrape the wall () of the inner chamber, the device further comprising a holder () arranged for supporting a sample container so that the open side of the sample container is in connection with the opening of the inner chamber, and head drive means () arranged for alternating the orientation of the head between a position where the opening of the inner chamber is oriented upwards and a position, where the opening of the inner chamber is oriented downwards.