Patent ID: 7655187

Claim:
A system for collecting an eluate containing an analyte for subsequent testing, the system comprising: (a) a sample holder for holding an extract of a sample containing a toxin, the sample holder defining a headspace portion; and (b) a fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the sample holder for delivering a plurality of liquids and pressurized gas to the sample holder; wherein the fluid delivery system includes: (i) a pressurized gas source for providing the pressurized gas; (ii) one or more fluid conduits for dispensing liquids to the sample holder; (iii) a three-ended conduit connection for routing liquids dispensed by the one or more fluid conduits; a first end of the three-ended conduit connection being sealingly engaged around the one or more fluid conduits such that the one or more fluid conduits pass through a second end of the three-ended conduit connection, which is connected to the sample holder; (iv) a gas conduit connected to the pressurized gas source for dispensing the pressurized gas provided; (v) a first valve connected between the gas conduit and a third end of the three-ended conduit connection; (vi) a second valve connected in series with the first valve; and (vii) a bleeder valve connected to the second valve, wherein when the first valve is open, pressurized gas may pass through the first valve toward the second valve and the third end, when the second valve is open, a major portion of the pressurized gas passing through the first valve enters the second valve and, thereby, passes to atmosphere through the bleeder valve while a minor portion of the pressurized gas passing through the first valve enters the third end and, thereby, passes to the headspace portion, and when the second valve is closed, the pressurized gas passing through the first valve enters the third end and, thereby, fully passes to the headspace portion.