Patent ID: 7646200

Claim:
A sample processing apparatus comprising one or more magnets defining a bore with spaced apart DNP and NMR working regions and within which are generated magnetic fields suitable for DNP and NMR respectively; and a coolant sub-assembly located in the bore, the coolant sub-assembly comprising: a plurality of concentric jackets surrounding an inner bore tube having first and second opposed ends, the jackets being adapted to inhibit heat flow to the inner bore tube, a DNP working region being defined within the inner bore tube where a DNP process will be performed on a sample in the DNP working region, whereby a sample holder assembly can be inserted through the first end of the inner bore tube to bring a sample holder into the DNP working region and can be moved through the second end of the inner bore tube; a coolant supply path extending adjacent an outer surface of the inner bore tube at the DNP working region in order to cool said outer surface; and an auxiliary coolant supply path for supplying coolant to a sample, located in use in the sample holder at the DNP working region, through at least one in the inner bore tube wall at the DNP working region, wherein one or both ends of the inner bore tube opens into a coolant waste path for conveying coolant away from the inner bore tube, and wherein the coolant, auxiliary coolant, and waste paths are coupled to pumping means in use to cause coolant to pass along the coolant, auxiliary coolant and waste paths, the arrangement being such that a sample holder can be moved from the DNP working region through said second end of the inner bore tube, and a solvent supply system to enable, preferably hot, solvent to be supplied into the sample holder, or means for melting the sample.