Patent ID: 6365105
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
In an analytical instrument of the type for analyzing compounds contained in a fluid sample, the instrument having a source of a carrier fluid and a source of sample fluid, at least one separation column for separating compounds contained in the sample fluid, wherein the separation column is fluidly connected to the carrier and sample fluids and wherein analytes eluting from said column flow into a detector, and wherein the instrument and the fluids flowing through it are under the control of a computer, the improvement comprising:a manifold assembly defining fluid flow paths for the carrier fluid and the sample fluid from their respective sources to said separator column, the manifold assembly comprising: (a) a monolithic manifold having a plurality of outer faces, a first fluid flow path for said carrier fluid and a second fluid flow path for said sample fluid, each of said first and second fluid flow paths including an inlet port and an outlet port, each of said outlet ports communicating with one of said outer faces, and at least one fluid control device in each of said first and second fluid flow paths for selectively controlling the flow of said carrier and sample fluids, each of said control devices operatively under the control of said computer; (b) a collar having a first face directly mated to said one outer face of said manifold and having a first collar fluid flow path for said carrier fluid and a second collar fluid flow path for said sample fluid, said first collar flow path including an inlet port in said first face of said collar in fluid registry with said outlet port in said first fluid flow path of said manifold, said first collar fluid flow path having an outlet port, and said second collar fluid flow path including an inlet port in said first face of said collar in fluid registry with said outlet port in said second fluid flow path of said manifold, said second collar fluid flow path having an outlet port, said collar further defining a seat for engaging an injection valve and each of said collar fluid flow path outlet ports communicating with said seat; (c) an injection valve received in said seat in said collar and having ports fluidly connected to said first and second collar fluid flow outlet ports, said injection valve configured for directing said carrier fluid and said sample fluid to said separation column.