Patents Assigned to Waters Investments Limited
  • Publication number: 20080269368
    Abstract: Porous hybrid inorganic/organic materials comprising ordered domains are disclosed. Methods of making the materials and use of the materials for chromatographic are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Kevin D. Wyndham, John E. O'Gara
  • Publication number: 20080264848
    Abstract: A method and device for increasing the loading capacity of a chromatography column through dilution of a mobile phase at the head of the column. A strong mobile phase is provided for dissolving a sample. A sample is injected into the strong mobile phase, and subsequently diluted with a weak mobile phase. The resulting sample-containing weak mobile phase is passed through a chromatography column for retention and separation of the components of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Thomas E. Wheat, Charles H. Phoebe, Mark K. Baynham, Uwe Dieter Neue, Raymond P. Fisk, Richard C. Turner
  • Patent number: 7442299
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous resins for solid phase extractions. The resins feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion exchange functional group. The resins exhibit superior wetting and ion exchange performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Peter Jeng-Jong Lee, John E. O'Gara
  • Publication number: 20080257835
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, methods and apparatus for performing separations in which particulates are separated or removed from a fluid stream flowing to a column. In one embodiment directed to a device, the invention includes a body (13) having a first surface (17) and a second surface (19) and at least one wall (23). At least one of the first surface (17) and second surface (19) is for receiving in sealing engagement a first conduit means. The remaining first surface (17) or second surface (19) is for engaging a column or a second conduit (19). The at least one wall (23) extends between the first surface (17) and the second surface (19). The body (13) has at least one opening (25) extending from the first surface (17) to the second surface (19) defining a chamber for receiving a solid phase separation media assembly (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Christopher C. Benevides, Jonathan L. Belanger, Marianna Kele, Thomas H. Walter, Raymond P. Fisk
  • Publication number: 20080260558
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to method and devices for measuring the pressure of a pump chamber in which no internal opening or connections are needed. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for pumping fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one housing having a transducer surface. The transducer surface has a thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface has a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure. A strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface producing; at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Joseph A. Luongo, John Angelosanto, Frank Rubino, Stanley P. Pensak Jr., David J. First, Jean-Pierre Pugnaire, Richard R. Venable
  • Publication number: 20080258094
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and device for controlling the flow of fluid. One embodiment of the device for controlling the flow of fluid comprises a rotor, stator and compression means. The rotor has a rotor fluid communication means and at least one rotor load bearing, surface. The rotor load bearing surface sealably engages a stationary load bearing surface. The rotor is capable of assuming a first position and a second position by rotation. The stator has a stationary load bearing surface having stator fluid communication means. The stationary load bearing surface sealably engages the rotor load bearing surface and permits rotation of the rotor with respect to the stator. At least one of the rotor bearing surface and said stator load bearing surface has a diamond-like carbon-silica coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: James E. Usowicz, Theodore C. Ciolkosz, Marc Lemelin
  • Publication number: 20080251141
    Abstract: Gradient performance with high pressure gradient solvent delivery system is optimized by approximation of infinite stroke volume of high pressure pumps by the addition of pulse dampening with backflow prevention to each high pressure pump. The backflow prevention adds sufficient minimum flow resistance, thereby enhancing the performance of the pulse dampening over a wider range of flow rates resulting in consistent gradient performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Hal Richardson, Richard W. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20080245136
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent compositions gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate anti precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<?L/min) HPLC flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Joseph A. Luongo
  • Publication number: 20080237130
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography system comprising a chiral mobile phase used to separate enantiomeric molecules present in a sample is disclosed herein. In one aspect, the mobile phase comprises a chiral solvent. In another aspect, the mobile phase includes a chiral solvent but also a buffering agent. The liquid chromatography system described herein includes both high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) as well as high pressure capillary liquid chromatography (CapLC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Swartz, Uwe Dieter Neue, Peter G. Alden, Falk-Thilo Ferse
  • Publication number: 20080236243
    Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Theodore D. Ciolkosz, James E. Usowicz, Peyton C. Beals, Russell Keene
  • Publication number: 20080206067
    Abstract: A feedback control loop for a high pressure pump modifies the accumulator velocity and pressure during solvent transfer. The accumulator velocity is adjusted to maintain the system pressure equal to the expected pressure to thereby eliminate the effect of the flow deficit created by a thermal effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Jose De Corral, Stanley P. Pensak Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080208485
    Abstract: In complex separations, more than one entity may have the same molecular weight, to within the ability of an instrument to distinguish. Accurate mass measurements are used in light of the previously unknown regularities in retention time to determine a retention time (N pairs of values (tiB, tiBref)) (506). The retention time map allows a reference retention time to be assigned to each entity in a separation. The reference retention times, together with accurate mass measurements, can then be used to track and to compare entities (704,708) between separations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Marc V. Gorenstein, Guo-Zhong Li
  • Patent number: 7416328
    Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing extraneous forces and calculating corrected weights of samples based on buoyancy factors for a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The TGA includes a balance chamber and a furnace configured to heat a sample. A null balance is provided in the balance chamber and is used to measure the sample weight change during heating. The furnace includes a cylinder open at the top to receive a sample. The bottom of the cylinder is closed except for a small hole that allows a thermocouple to pass through. An infrared heat source may be provided to heat the cylinder. The balance chamber can be thermally isolated from the furnace using an actively cooled plate and a system of heat shields disposed between the furnace and balance chamber. A thermocouple disk is further provided to limit gas flow in the furnace and increase reliability of sample weight measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Robert L. Danley, John W. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080197078
    Abstract: A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Christopher C. Benevides, Robert Albert Collamati, Bruce J. Compton, Theodore Dourdeville
  • Publication number: 20080190498
    Abstract: A flow through isolation valve having a stationary member; a movable member, with a surface of the stationary member interfacing with a surface of the movable member; and at least one pin isolation valve. The pin isolation valve has a flow through internal conduit and is movable so that the internal conduit can fluidically communicate with at least one blank opening in the movable member and with a flow through internal conduit in the movable member. Movement is by rotation, linear or curvilinear translation. At least one pin isolation valve is fluidically coupled typically to a sample loop of a face seal valve, or to a pump supplying high pressure liquid to or to a column discharging liquid from a face seal valve of a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system or directly to the face seal valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Russell Keene, David R. Friswell
  • Publication number: 20080182931
    Abstract: The addition of zinc borate alone or together with a hindered amine light stabilizer and ultra-violet light absorber to organic materials such as thermoplastic polyolefin resin, as is common in wood-plastic composites, provides a substantial reduction in the ultra-violet light degradation of the resin in comparison with similar materials made without zinc borate. This could provide substantial improvements in the long term durability of wood-plastic composites and other organic materials which are used in exterior environments and subject to ultra-violet exposure from the sun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Mark J. Manning, Marek J. Gnatowski, Christine Mah, Cecilia L. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080169242
    Abstract: Systems, methods and compositions for the purification, separation and analysis of anionic compounds, including polyanionic compounds are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ziling Lu, Diane Diehl, Jeffrey Mazzeo, Stuart A. Oehrle, Claude R. Mallet, Michael S. Young, Erin Chambers
  • Patent number: 7399410
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for mitigating column bed compression over time. This invention provides for an improved column design and method of controlling bed density in a chromatographic column using a protruding portion of a filter assembly. The invention results in a higher sorbent bed density than can normally be achieved using a fixed length column of conventional design. The invention may be implemented as a unique filter assembly or as a column tailored for the application and a matching filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Gary S. Izzo, Raymond P. Fisk, Jonathan Belanger, Donald E. Ziniti, Yuri Tuvim
  • Patent number: 7396469
    Abstract: Gradient performance with high pressure gradient solvent delivery system is optimized by approximation of infinite stroke volume of high pressure pumps by the addition of pulse dampening with backflow prevention to each high pressure pump. The backflow prevention adds sufficient minimum flow resistance, thereby enhancing the performance of the pulse dampening over a wider range of flow rates resulting in consistent gradient performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Richard W. Andrews, Hal Richardson
  • Publication number: 20080121576
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system without relying on a nano-scale sensor in the operating flow path. A main flow sensor is disposed in the main flow path between the pump and a flow-divider. A waste flow sensor is disposed in the waste flow path downstream of the splitter. The output signal of the waste flow sensor is subtracted from the output signal of the main flow sensor in a difference circuit. The difference signal is divided by the output signal from the main flow sensor in a divider circuit. The output of the divider circuit represents an empirical split ratio of the flow-divider and is independent of media composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Keith Fadgen