| 摘要 |
A separator (10, 110) for separating each bead (94, 134) from a group of beads (94, 134) includes a bead holder (46, 116). The bead holder (46, 116) has a surface having a recess (58, 64, 132) sized to receive a single bead (94, 134), a passage (130) connected at its one end to the recess (58, 64, 132), and a restricting portion for preventing the bead (94, 134) from entering into the passage (130). The separator (110) further includes first (A), second (B), and third (C) stations. The first station (A) is to introduce a negative pressure in the passage (130), thereby holding the bead (94, 134) in the recess (58, 64, 132). The second station (B) is to eject a liquid (14, 174) around the recess (58, 64, 132) retaining the bead (94, 134), thereby removing a bead (94, 134) or beads possibly existing around the recess (58, 64, 132) away from the recess (58, 64, 132). The third station (C) is to introduce a positive pressure in the passage (130), thereby releasing the bead (94, 134) from the recess (58, 64, 132). In addition, a transporting means (70, 124) is provided for advancing the recess (58, 64, 132) through first (A), second (B), and then third (C) stations. |
