Patent ID: 7402285

Claim:
A switch block having at least two attached or integrated reaction vessels, the switch block comprising: a stationary part; wherein the stationary part is capable of having at least two attached or integral reaction vessels; a movable member mounted within the stationary part, the movable member being capable of being disposed in an open position so that, when a reaction vessel is attached or integral with the stationary part, the interior of the reaction vessel can be accessed in a straight line; a resilient element that is arranged between the stationary part and the moveable member, at least a portion of the resilient element being in contact with a mounting surface that is defined in either the movable member or the stationary part; the movable member also being capable of being disposed in a closed position so that, when a reaction vessel is attached or integral with the stationary part, the interior of the reaction vessel cannot be accessed and a seal is created between the movable member, the resilient element, and the stationary part, the seal isolating the interior of the reaction vessel from outside of the switch block; and wherein the stationary part, the resilient element, and the movable member are arranged with respect to each other so that, when the movable member is disposed in the closed position, and when at least one reaction vessel is attached or integral with the stationary part, (i) the stationary part limits the movement of the movable member in a direction along the straight line to seal the movable member with respect to the stationary part in a pressure-tight manner thereby preventing an increase or decrease in pressure inside of the reaction vessel from breaking the pressure-tight seal which isolates the interior of the reaction vessel from outside of the switch block, and (ii) an increase in pressure inside the reaction vessel causes the movable member to move in a direction along the straight line to compress the resilient element between the stationary part and the moveable member to thereby increase the strength of the pressure-tight seal.