Sample introduction system for a fluid chromatograph

Claim 2

In a sample introduction system for a fluid chromatograph, means forming a carrier fluid conduit for transmitting a carrier fluid stream to a fluid chromatographic column, means forming an airtight lock for housing a capsule filled with a sample material to be introduced into the carrier stream and to be carried therein through the chromatographic column, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING, slidable puncture tube means for rupturing the sample filled capsule within said lock means to permit the sample material to be introduced from the capsule into the carrier stream for passage through the chromatographic column, said slidable puncture tube includes a peripherally relieved portion spaced from the end which penetrates the capsule to provide a blow-by passageway between the puncture tube and the inside lip of the puncture opening in the capsule through which the carrier stream may flow between the punctured capsule and said slidable puncture tube for passage to said chromatographic column.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said slide valve structure includes a housing having a bore therein to slidably receive said slide member, said bore communicating with said lock means containing said sample capsule via a passageway through which said puncture tube is driven into said capsule, said housing having a plurality of ports communicating through the side wall thereof with said bore, said slide member having an axially directed passageway therein communicating with the fluid passageway in said puncture tube, means forming a port in said slide member communicating through the wall thereof with the axially directed passageway therein, and means forming a plurality of sealing rings carried upon said slide in axially spaced relation therealong, said sealing rings being positioned relative to the position of said ports such that in the retracted position of said puncture tube the carrier stream is directed through a first housing port and out a second housing port along a path which bypasses said capsule, and such that in the punctured capsule position the carrier stream is directed along a path which includes said first housing port, said slide port, said puncture tube, said capsule, third and fourth housing ports to said second housing port and thence to the chromatographic column for flushing the sample from said capsule through the chromatographic column.

Claim 4

In a sample introduction system for a fluid chromatograph, means forming a carrier fluid conduit for transmitting a carrier fluid stream to a fluid chromatographic column, means forming an airtight lock for housing a capsule filled with a sample material to be introduced into the carrier stream and to be carried therein through the chromatographic column, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING, means for rupturing the sample filled capsule within said lock means to permit the sample material to be introduced from the capsule into the carrier stream for passage through the chromatographic column, said means for rupturing the sample filled capsule includes a puncture tube defining a fluid passageway communicating with the carrier stream, means for driving said puncture tube through the wall of the capsule to place the interior of the capsule in fluid communication with the carrier stream, and means forming a slide valve structure having a slide member affixed to said puncture tube for valving the carrier gas stream through the sample capsule to the column when said puncture tube is driven into the capsule and for valving the carrier stream through a bypass which bypasses the capsule when the puncture tube is in a retracted position.

Claim 5

In a sample introduction system for a fluid chromatograph, means forming a carrier fluid conduit for transmitting a carrier fluid stream to a fluid chromatographic column, means forming an airtight lock for housing a capsule filled with a sample material to be introduced into the carrier stream and to be carried therein through the chromatographic column, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING, means for rupturing the sample filled capsule within said lock means to permit the sample material to be introduced from the capsule into the carrier stream for passage through the chromatographic column, said means for rupturing the sample filled capsule includes a puncture tube defining a fluid passageway communicating with the carrier stream, means for driving said puncture tube through the wall of the capsule to place the interior of the capsule in fluid communication with the carrier stream, and means forming a slide valve structure having a slide member affixed to said puncture tube for valving the carrier gas stream through the sample capsule to the column when said puncture tube is driven into the capsule and for valving the carrier stream through a bypass which bypasses the capsule when the puncture tube is in a retracted position.