Patent ID: 7282184

Claim:
An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples, said instrument comprising: a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth; a pressure-resistant seal on said mouth of said vessel; a needle, portions of which penetrate said seal with a first end of said needle providing fluid communication into said vessel; a pressure transducer at the opposite end of said needle and in fluid communication with the interior of said vessel through said; a pressure control flow path from a portion of said needle outside of said vessel to a fluid port, said flow path being in communication with said needle, the interior of said vessel and said transducer; a controllable pressure release valve for said flow path and associated with said port for venting excess pressure from said vessel; a cavity for receiving said vessel therein; a source of microwave radiation in communication with said cavity; and an attenuator that removably receives said reaction vessel and positions portions of said vessel in said cavity and portions of said vessel outside of said cavity while providing an attenuating barrier to the escape of microwaves from said cavity.