Abstract: An apparatus for handling sample carrier material is described. The apparatus comprises (a) a punch holder; (b) at least one punch means raisably and lowerably mounted on the holder; (c) a die having an upper and a lower surface, the thickness of the die being less than the punch means lower travel from the die upper surface, the die in functional alignment with the punch means, and the die upper and lower surface in a cutting and delivery position, respectively, of the sample material; and (d) control means to regulate the punch means.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating slack-filled capsules from properly filled capsules having the same surface area comprising:an endless conveyor belt;means for continuously moving the belt on which is contained at least a single layer of capsules;an inclined plane at the terminal end of the belt;a sorting box consisting of a series of fins for orienting the largest cross-sectional area of the capsule profile;a tunnel whose terminal end is adjacent to the box;means for creating laminar air flow through the tunnel;a first tube aligned in about a horizontal position with the tunnel for receiving said slack-filled capsules;a second tube aligned in about a vertical position with the sorting box such that properly filled capsules enter by gravity;such that when the laminar air flow is created through the tunnel, the slack-filled capsules enter the first tube.