Abstract: Disclosed, is a dosing apparatus [1] which is configured to provide a predetermined amount of material from one vessel to another vessel. The dosing apparatus [1] may comprise a dosing head having a dosing tube [9] and a dosing rod [12] which is movable within said dosing tube [9]. The dosing rod [12] may comprise a dosing chamber [10] which may be filled with a predetermined amount of material. Also described, is a method of dosing which utilizes the dosing apparatus [1] disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise providing a dosing apparatus [1], extending the dosing rod [12] with respect to the dosing tube [9], loading the dosing chamber [10] with a predetermined amount of material, and, retracting the dosing rod [12] with respect to the dosing tube [9] to close the dosing chamber [10]. One or more air and/or liquid cleaning steps may be employed, wherein a cleaning unit [17, 117] may be utilized to clean the dosing rod [12] and/or a funnel [4].

Abstract: Disclosed, is a sample preparation apparatus which is configured to prepare a material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction. The apparatus comprises a dished sample holder bottom configured to fit within an annular sample holder. The dished sample holder bottom has a concave dished surface which is adapted to distribute sample material under pressing forces. A method of preparing a material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction is also disclosed. The method comprises dosing a dished sample holder bottom which is configured to fit within an annular sample holder with sample material, wherein the dished sample holder bottom preferably has a concave dished surface which is adapted to distribute sample material under pressing forces.

Abstract: Disclosed, is a sample preparation apparatus (6B) which is configured to prepare a material sample (900?) suitable for X-ray diffraction. The apparatus (6B) comprises a dished sample holder bottom (500) configured to fit within an annular sample holder (400). The dished sample holder bottom (500) has a concave dished surface (501) which is adapted to distribute sample material (900) under pressing forces. A method of preparing a material sample (900?) suitable for X-ray diffraction is also disclosed. The method comprises dosing a dished sample holder bottom (500) which is configured to fit within an annular sample holder (400) with sample material (900), wherein the dished sample holder bottom (500) preferably has a concave dished surface (501) which is adapted to distribute sample material (900) under pressing forces. A new leveling device design tool (FIG. 12) is also disclosed.