Automated apparatus for testing sustained release drugs

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 having a plurality of dissolution chambers connected via separate flow paths through valving means to said reservoirs for buffer, wash and fluid collection.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a plurality of dissolution chambers each having a vent connected through first valving means and a first conduit for the passage of liquid, wherein said first conduit connects to second valving means capable of sequentially forming a flow path for liquid between the dissolution chamber and a second common conduit selectively communicating with a plurality of fluid collection reservoirs by a third valving means; said third valving means capable of also forming a flow path between said second common conduit and a third conduit; said third conduit interfacing with means for alternately supplying measured quantities of a preselected buffer and rinse solution; means for measuring a preselected volume of buffer connecting to said third conduit; means for measuring a preselected volume of rinse solution also interfacing to said third conduit; a fourth valving means for alternately forming a flow path between said third conduit and said means for measuring a selected quantity of buffer and between said third conduit and means for measuring a selected quantity of rinse solution; means for moving liquids through said flow paths, thus formed by the activation of said second, third and fourth valving means and a programming means for coordinating the operation of all valving means thereby to selectively activate and inactivate the flow paths.