Patent ID: 7364655
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for injecting a sample into a chromatography system, the apparatus comprising: a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, an open end, an inner surface and an outwardly-protruding flange adjacent the open end; a cap dimensioned to cover the open end of the tubular housing, the cap including a rod having a longitudinal axis generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tubular housing, the rod having a first end and a second end; a piston coupled to the first end of the rod, the piston protruding outwardly from the rod to define an outer surface, the outer surface dimensioned to engage the inner surface of the tubular housing when positioned within the tubular housing; a lever pivotally coupled to the cap and movable between a first position in which the lever engages the rod to substantially prevent movement of the rod in a first direction while allowing movement in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction and a second position in which the lever allows movement of the rod in the first direction and the second direction; and a biasing element positioned to bias the lever in the first position.