SAMPLING APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING A PLURALITY OF FLUID SAMPLES

A sampling apparatus for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples is disclosed, such sampling apparatus being particularly useful in connection with dissolution testing of various products. The apparatus includes a plurality of sampling containers each having a chamber therein for receipt of a fluid, and a drive device for simultaneously moving the plurality of sample containers to a sampling station. First fluid conduits are provided for each of the sampling containers for conducting a fluid into each of the sampling containers when the sampling containers are positioned at the sampling station, and second fluid conduits are provided for each of the sampling containers for withdrawing a sample fluid from each of the sampling containers when the sampling containers are positioned at the sampling station. Devices are provided for coupling the first and second fluid conduits with the chambers of each of the sampling containers when the sampling containers are positioned at the sampling station, such devices in addition being adapted to individually seal the chambers of each of the sampling chambers when the first and second fluid conduits are coupled thereto. In the preferred embodiment, each of the sampling containers also includes an agitation element for agitating fluid introduced into the containers at the sampling station.