Appeal No. 97-1595 Application No. 08/209,786 containing vials, which are supported in a single chamber closed by a sealing cover. Associated with each vial is an air channeling device, such as a needle, which extends through an aperture in the cover. As described on page 7 of the specification, [a]s the vacuum source is begun a vacuum is created within the chamber, which in turn, draws air or gas through the air channeling devices within cover apertures 26. Preferably, the gas flowing through each aperture is directed to the desired position within or above each respective vial. The gas flow through the apertures and into the vials, in turn, provides a blow-down evaporative effect. Since a vacuum is being applied, the air or inert gas will simultaneously flow through the needle and agitate the solution, being drawn by the vacuum itself. As the gas is eventually drawn back out of the vial and through the passageway by continuing vacuum effect, it will tend to also carry the evaporated solvent vapors with it. This is manifested in independent claim 1 by the requirement that there be “a recessed sample chamber...comprising a plurality of well positions..., a positionable chamber cover dimensioned to form an air tight seal...upon the chamber...[and] comprising a plurality of access apertures.” A vacuum circuit is specified which connects a source to the chamber. Similar language appears in independent claim 8. 3Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007