Apparatus for the sequential performance of chemical processes

Claim 1

A polypeptide sequencer having a gravity assisted, substantially linear, vertical fluid flow path through vertically aligned sequence elements, said elements comprising: (i) a delivery valve means for introducing fluids into a sequencing reaction chamber, said delivery valve means comprising: a valve body, a substantially linear, vertical fluid flow passage extending through said valve body from an inlet on a first surface of said valve body to an outlet on a second surface of said valve body, said outlet being connected to a sequencing reaction chamber inlet; (ii) a sequencing reaction chamber positioned below said delivery valve means, said sequencing reaction chamber comprising a substantially linear, vertical fluid flow passage extending from said sequencing reaction chamber inlet connected to said delivery valve outlet to an outlet; (iii) a transfer valve positioned below said reaction chamber, said transfer valve comprising a substantially linear, vertical fluid flow passage extending from a inlet transfer valve connected to said outlet of said fluid flow passage of said reaction chamber to an outlet; and (iv) a conversion flask positioned below said transfer valve, said conversion flask comprising a substantially linear, fluid flow passage extending from a conversion flask inlet connected to said outlet of said transfer valve to an outlet.