Patent ID: 6598461
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A gas chromatography inlet system, comprising:a block having a chamber therein accessible through an opening in a side of said block; a stage in the chamber provided below the opening, said stage being adapted to receive an analyte sample falling under gravity through the opening; a temperature adjusting mechanism which is adapted to alter the temperature of the block and stage therein; a cover adapted to close the opening in said block; an inlet in said block adapted to receive a transfer gas, said inlet being adapted to direct the transfer gas over said stage; and an outlet in said block adapted to transmit the transfer gas, wherein when said cover closes the opening, the chamber is inaccessible from an exterior of said block except via the inlet and outlet, and wherein when said stage is heated by the temperature adjusting mechanism, the apparatus will be capable of vaporizing at least a portion of an analyte sample deposited on the stage.