Patent ID: 7459126

Claim:
An apparatus for delivering samples to an instrument for analysis, comprising: a first sample delivery line, wherein the first sample delivery line comprises a first sample loading and injection branch, a first sample holding loop, and a first control valve located within the first sample delivery line; a second sample delivery line, wherein the second sample delivery line comprises a second sample loading and injection branch, a second sample holding loop, and a second control valve located within the second delivery line; a fluid flow management mechanism comprising a position switching valve for alternately connecting the first and second sample delivery lines to the instrument; at least one cleaning fluid delivery line to supply cleaning fluid to the first sample delivery line and the second sample delivery line; at least one sample input channel fluidically coupled to the first sample delivery line or to the second sample delivery line by the position switching valve, wherein the at least one sample input channel comprises a robotic sampler positioning device that comprises at least one arm; and a wash liquid selection valve for delivering cleaning fluid to the first and second sample delivery lines, so that sample and cleaning fluid alternately flow through the first and second sample delivery lines.