Dionex Corporation

Norman J Rothe

Gary L Gleave

Bruce E Richter

John L Ezzell

David W Kemp

An apparatus for automated extraction of an analyte from a sample positioned in a sample containment cell having a fluid passageway structure for communication of an extraction fluid to and from the cavity of the cell. The apparatus includes a loading tray, an oven assembly mounted proximate the loading tray, a fluid communication assembly mounted proximate the tray, a cell manipulation assembly and a controller. The cell manipulation assembly brings an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit of the fluid communication assembly into sealed relationship with the sample containment cell and uses the conduits to pick up and move the cell to and from the cell tray and oven assembly. The fluid communication assembly further causes flow of an extraction fluid into the cell and pressurizes the cell for extraction of an analyte from the sample under elevated temperatures and pressures, which can be under supercritical conditions for supercritical fluid extraction but preferably are below supercritical conditions for solvent extraction. The apparatus and method include a solvent extraction soak, purging of the extracted fluid, flushing with a gas and rinsing so as to avoid contamination of subsequent analyte extractions.

Automated accelerated solvent extraction apparatus and method

Automated analyte supercritical fluid extraction apparatus

An extraction cell apparatus (10) for use in elevated pressure and temperature fluid extractions having a pressure resistant vessel (12) forming a cavity (11), and at least one shoulder portion (13) defining an opening (14) communicating with the cavity (11). An insert member (16) is provided engaging the vessel (12) proximate the shoulder portion (13), and a shoulder seal member (17) is positioned proximate the insert member (16). The seal member (17) is positioned for contact with the shoulder portion (13) upon mounting engagement of the insert member (16) with the seal member (17). An end cap (18) is formed for sliding receipt of the insert member (16) therein until an interior surface (19) of the end cap (18) contacts a backside of the seal member (17). An exterior force applied to the end cap (18) in an inwardly direction toward the shoulder portion (13) causing increasing sealing contact between the seal member (17) and the shoulder portion (13).

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Foster City, CA, United States of America

Norman J Rothe