Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.

Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.

Abstract: In a solid phase extraction (SPE) device, once all the columns of the SPE plate are filled with liquid, the needles cooperate with engagement formations on a pusher element for pushing down the plate together with an upwardly biased shoe into sealing engagement with a peripheral spacer surrounding a container. Simultaneously, vacuum is applied by appropriate control of a valve and all the columns simultaneously transfer liquid into the drain container. Then, vacuum is released, needles engage recesses to move a carriage above a collect container and a similar prosecution is resumed.

Abstract: In a solid phase extraction (SPE) device, once all the columns 31 of the SPE plate 29 are filled with liquid (81), the needles (47) cooperate with engagement formations (49) on a pusher element (24) for pushing down the plate (29) together with an upwardly biased shoe (23) into sealing engagement with a peripheral spacer (13) surrounding a container (11). Simultaneously, vacuum (78) is applied by appropriate control of a valve (76) and all the columns simultaneously transfer liquid into the drain container. Then, vacuum is released, needles (47) engage recesses (51) to move a carriage (20) above a collect container (12) and a similar prosecution is resumed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for preparing samples for analysis having at least a liquid-injecting needle (6), at least a column (32) for receiving the injecting needle, at least a tube (48), device (6, 26) for the tube and the column relative horizontal displacement between a position of coincidence in which the column bottom aperture (36) extends above the tube top aperture (50), and a relative lateral offset position of the two apertures (36, 50), and adapted device (6, 60) for the tube (48) and the column (32) relative vertical displacement such that in position of coincidence, the apertures (36, 50) interpenetrate, including vertical guide device for either the tube (48) or the column (32). The vertical guide device is adapted to operate the guiding under horizontal loading effect.