Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter apparatus (1) for use in an automated system (100) for the preparation of a fluid sample for a chemical or composition analysis. The filter apparatus (1) comprises an inlet portion (2) with a conduit (3) ending in an entry port (4) for receiving the sample in an unfiltered state; a septum (5) held at and closing the entry port (4) of the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2); an outlet portion (6) with a channel (7) for dispensing the filtered sample to a receptacle (70); and an intermediate portion (8) having a filter chamber (9) in fluid connection with the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2) and with the channel (7) of the outlet portion (6) and a filter layer (10). The filter chamber (9) of the intermediate portion (8) has a diameter larger than a diameter of the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2) and than a diameter of the channel (7) of the outlet portion (6).

Abstract: A method of automated preparation of a sample material for a chemical or compositional analysis, comprises (i) arranging the sample material in a receptacle (7), (ii) storing the sample inside the receptacle (7) in a conditioning cabinet (3), (iii) grinding the sample material by way of a ball mill apparatus (2), wherein the ball mill apparatus (2) comprises an extraction container (23), at least one grinding element provided in the extraction container (23) and an agitator (21) adapted to move the at least one grinding element relative to the extraction container (23) when the sample material is placed in the extraction container (23), (iv) placing the sample material together with the receptacle (7) in the extraction container (23), and (v) grinding the receptacle (7) together with the sample material by agitating the extraction container (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for determining the physical and chemical stability of substances and formulations by means of samples. Said device is provided with a vibration spectrometer, a container (1) for storing the samples in controlled conditions, a robot (10) for transporting the samples between the vibration spectrometer (12) and the container, and a computer (13) for controlling the processes and for automatically storing and evaluating the spectra of the samples received by the vibration spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for determining the physical and chemical stability of substances and formulations by means of samples. Said device is provided with a vibration spectrometer, a container (1) for storing the samples in controlled conditions, a robot (10) for transporting the samples between the vibration spectrometer (12) and the container, and a computer (13) for controlling the processes and for automatically storing and evaluating the spectra of the samples received by the vibration spectrometer.