Patent ID: 6251267
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: B01D,F04B,F05B,F05C,F16K,G01F,G01N,G21F

Abstract:
Apparatus comprising:a plurality of openable sample containers each having a corresponding fluid inlet passageway, a corresponding space for insertion of a sample and a corresponding fluid outlet passageway;at least some of said plurality of sample containers being adapted to hold a different one of a corresponding plurality of samples;a first transport means;said first transport means being adapted to carry said plurality of sample containers;a second transport means;programming means for causing said first transport means to move a selected sample container and sample to the location of said second transport means;a supercritical extractor;said programming means including means for causing said second transport means to move said selected container and sample from the said first transport means to a supercritical extraction means;means for heating sample container at the place of extraction;means for passing fluid at said supercritical condition through the said selected sample container and sample, thereby extracting an analyte from the sample;said means for heating including a recess in which the said cartridge means is placed during the said extraction;the cartridge means being substantially enclosed as a result of its said placement in the said recess; andreceiving means for receiving extractant from the sample.