Abstract: Method and apparatus for parallel dispensing of powder samples is described. Powder samples are dispensed into at least two powder sample holders, each said sample holder having a through passage which preferably generally tapers from a first aperture through which powder is introduced into said passage and a second aperture through which powder, when permitted to do so, flows from said passage. The lower apertures of the sample holders are preferably sealed using a resilient film. The powder samples are dispensed by substantially simultaneously perforating the film covering each aperture and agitating the powder samples to cause them to flow from their respective sample holders. Also disclosed are a method of generating a library of powder samples and a library of powder samples.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for parallel dispensing of powder samples is described. Powder samples are dispensed into at least two powder sample holders, each said sample holder having a through passage which preferably generally tapers from a first aperture through which powder is introduced into said passage and a second aperture through which powder, when permitted to do so, flows from said passage. The lower apertures of the sample holders are preferably sealed using a resilient film. The powder samples are dispensed by substantially simultaneously perforating the film covering each aperture and agitating the powder samples to cause them to flow from their respective sample holders. Also disclosed are a method of generating a library of powder samples and a library of powder samples.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming films from liquid samples for evaluation are disclosed. The liquid samples are dispensed into a channel formed by a die and a substrate on which the films are generated whilst moving the die and the substrate relatively to one another. Once formed, the liquid films may then be further processed, for example by curing or polymerization, to generate solid films for subsequent evaluation.