Two position rotary valve for injecting sample liquids into an analysis system

Claim 1

For use in combination with a source of liquid from which liquid flows at a selected pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to a liquid receiver, a rotary valve, positionable in either a first position, definable as a load position, or a second position, definable as in inject position, for injecting a liquid sample into the liquid stream from said source to said receiver, the valve comprising: a stator including a plurality of external ports and a corresponding plurality of internal liquid flow paths in communication with said ports, said ports including first and second ports connectable to said source and receiver, respectively, a third port vented to atmospheric pressure, and a fourth port; an external conduit defining a fixed length sample loop having an upstream end connected to said fourth port and a downstream end; rotable rotor means defining a needle cavity connected to the sample loop downstream end, and defining an upstream end and a downstream end, said rotor means further defining first and second rotor flow passages, said first rotor passage providing a flow path between the cavity downstream end to the stator internal path in communication with said second port only when said valve is in said inject position, and said second rotor passage providing a flow path between the stator internal paths in communication with said third and fourth ports when said valve is in said load position, and between the stator internal paths in communication with said first and fourth ports when said valve is in said inject position, said rotor means further including seal means for sealing the cavity upstream end, said seal means defining an opening accessible from the valve exterior for facilitating the insertion of a syringe needle into said cavity therethrough for injecting a liquid sample into said sample loop through said cavity; and plug means for effectively closing the opening of said seal means, said seal means with said plug means being adapted to withstand said selected pressure when liquid flows through said cavity at said selected pressure when said valve is in said inject position, said plug means comprising an elongated wire having a front portion thereof insertable into said cavity through the seal means opening to thereby close the latter, and a lockable plug holder connected to the wire end opposite the front portion which is insertable into said cavity.