초록 ▼

The sealing apparatus of the present invention is a sample cuvette cap having a hole for inserting the nozzle of an auto-sampler therethrough. Located within the lumen of the hole is a small detent ball that can be positioned to block the lumen. The detent ball, which can be spring-operated or gravi

The sealing apparatus of the present invention is a sample cuvette cap having a hole for inserting the nozzle of an auto-sampler therethrough. Located within the lumen of the hole is a small detent ball that can be positioned to block the lumen. The detent ball, which can be spring-operated or gravity-operated, blocks the fluid flow in the hole in its normal, closed position. When the auto-sampler nozzle hits the ball, the ball becomes deflected to one side into a recess, due to a difference in the nozzle axis relative to the center of the ball. By the dislocating the detent ball, the nozzle can be inserted into the cuvette smoothly as the air goes in and out through the space around the nozzle. This allows the pressure in the cuvette to be kept constant. After the nozzle is removed, the ball returns to its original position by gravity or by the force of a spring, resealing the cuvette. All of the parts for the sealing apparatus are solid parts which can be easily cleaned and reused. Because there is no non-recoverable distortion or damage to the sealing mechanism, it can be re-used after cleaning.

대표청구항 ▼

A resealable cap for a container for permitting the sampling of a fluid disposed in the container by extension of the nozzle of a probe through said cap, said cap comprising: an annular bore having an axis and defining a straight lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said lumen inclu

A resealable cap for a container for permitting the sampling of a fluid disposed in the container by extension of the nozzle of a probe through said cap, said cap comprising: an annular bore having an axis and defining a straight lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said lumen includes a depression along its inner surface between said proximal and distal ends; a chamber in fluid communication with said lumen and positioned alongside said depression, wherein said chamber has an axis disposed at an acute angle greater than zero degrees with respect to the axis of said annular bore; and a movable sealing element disposed in said annular bore and dimensioned to conform with said depression, wherein said sealing element can be urged into sealing engagement with said depression to block the flow of fluid through said lumen, or said sealing element can be deflected into said chamber to permit access of said nozzle with the interior of the container.