Method and apparatus for the introduction of a vaporizable sample into an analytical test apparatus

An apparatus for the introduction of a vaporizable sample into an analytical test apparatus, comprising:

• a sample tube having an interior for the collection of the vaporizable sample and from which, when the sample tube is heated, the sample may be vaporized and eluted therefrom;
• means at an upstream end of the sample tube for passing a carrier gas to the sample tube interior;
• a hypodermic syringe having a heat dissipating metal walled, hollow needle for the condensation of the vaporized, eluted sample, from the sample tube on an inner surface of the needle, and transfer of the sample from the inner surface in a revaporized, concentrated form to the analytical test apparatus;
• a valve attached to the hypodermic syringe, at a location adjacent the needle, for venting carrier gas therefrom from which vaporized sample has been condensed in the needle;
• and
• a plug closing the downstream end of the sample tube and, in operation, sealing said needle in a perforation in said plug for the transfer of the eluted sample from the sample tube to the hypodermic syringe.