Extraction apparatus

An extraction apparatus for extracting a portion of at least one selected component from a substrate material, the apparatus comprising:

• a separate first vessel for containing an extractant fluid, said first vessel formed to including an orifice,
• a separate second vessel for to receive an extractant fluid, said second vessel formed to including an orifice,
• a separate third vessel for containing a substrate material, said third vessel including a first opening and a second opening,
• first means connecting said first vessel orifice to said first opening of said third vessel to permit fluid communication between said first vessel and said third vessel,
• second means connecting said second vessel orifice to said second opening of said third vessel to permit fluid communication between said second vessel and said third vessel, whereby extractant fluid is permitted to flow from said first vessel through said third vessel containing a substrate material, and into said second vessel as an extract composed of the extractant fluid and at least one selected component form the substrate material,
• first vent means external to said first and second vessels for permitting venting communication between said first vessel and said second vessel when said first vessel, said third vessel, and said second vessel are oriented in a first substantially vertical arrangement in which said third vessel is interposed between said first vessel and said second vessel, said first vent means including a hose connected between said first vessel and said second vessel,
• second vent means for permitting venting communication between said first vessel and said second vessel when said first vessel, said third vessel, and said second vessel are oriented in substantially opposite arrangement from said first vertical arrangment, said second vent means including a hose connected between said second vessel and said first vessel,
• closure means included in said first vent means and said second vent means for selectively permitting venting communication between said first vessel and said second vessel, and
• third vent means for selectively permitting venting communication between said third vessel, said first vessel, and said second vessel when said first vessel, said third vessel, and said second vessel are oriented in said first vertical arrangement, said third vent means including a hose connected between said third vessel and said first vent means.