Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid heated to a desired temperature under pressure in a microwave oven uses a device having first and second chambers adapted to receive and hold, respectively, a first and second volume of a liquid, a vapor flow path from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a liquid/vapor flow path from the second chamber to a destination outside of the second chamber. The first chamber liquid receives less microwave energy per volume than the second chamber liquid receives. The device is placed on top of a receiving vessel and placed into a microwave oven, which is activated until the first chamber liquid boils and at least partially turns into gas, flows through the vapor flow path into the second chamber, and forces some of the second chamber liquid through the liquid/vapor flow path to the destination outside of the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid heated to a desired temperature under pressure in a microwave oven uses a device having first and second chambers adapted to receive and hold, respectively, a first and second volume of a liquid, a vapor flow path from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a liquid/vapor flow path from the second chamber to a destination outside of the second chamber. The first chamber liquid receives less microwave energy per volume than the second chamber liquid receives. The device is placed on top of a receiving vessel and placed into a microwave oven, which is activated until the first chamber liquid boils and at least partially turns into gas, flows through the vapor flow path into the second chamber, and forces some of the second chamber liquid through the liquid/vapor flow path to the destination outside of the second chamber.

Abstract: A device for delivering a liquid heated to a desired temperature under pressure in a microwave oven comprises a first chamber adapted to receive and hold a first volume of a liquid, a second chamber adapted to receive and hold a second volume of the liquid, a vapor flow path from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a liquid/vapor flow path from the second chamber to a destination outside of the second chamber. When the liquid in the first chamber reaches its boiling point and at least partially turns into a gas, at least a portion of the gas flows through the vapor flow path from the first chamber into the second chamber, thereby increasing a pressure in the second chamber. The increased pressure in the second chamber forces the liquid in the second chamber through the liquid/vapor flow path and out of the second chamber.

Abstract: A device for delivering a liquid heated to a desired temperature under pressure in a microwave oven comprises a first chamber adapted to receive and hold a first volume of a liquid, a second chamber adapted to receive and hold a second volume of the liquid, a vapor flow path from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a liquid/vapor flow path from the second chamber to a destination outside of the second chamber. When the liquid in the first chamber reaches its boiling point and at least partially turns into a gas, at least a portion of the gas flows through the vapor flow path from the first chamber into the second chamber, thereby increasing a pressure in the second chamber. The increased pressure in the second chamber forces the liquid in the second chamber through the liquid/vapor flow path and out of the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in liquid chromatography involves a column filled with media bounded axially by first and second porous plates. The column has an inlet end with an inflow region between the inlet end and the first porous plate. The column also has an outlet end with an outflow region between the outlet end and the second porous plate. The inflow region may be substantially longer than the outflow region. The porous plates may be moveable under pressure so as to compress the media.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for chromatography, featuring a composite chromatography column including a tubular member having an inlet end and an outlet end, where the tubular member includes an innermost first layer comprised of a first material and a second layer comprised of a second material. The chromatography apparatus can also include a first intermediate layer formed from a third material, where at least a portion of the first intermediate layer is disposed between the innermost first layer and the second layer. A second intermediate layer formed from a fourth material, can further be included in the chromatography apparatus, where at least a portion of the second intermediate layer is disposed between the innermost first layer and the second layer. A portion of the second intermediate layer can be disposed between the second layer and the first intermediate layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for chromatography, featuring a composite chromatography column including a tubular member having an inlet end and an outlet end, where the tubular member includes an innermost first layer comprised of a first material and a second layer comprised of a second material. The chromatography apparatus can also include a first intermediate layer formed from a third material, where at least a portion of the first intermediate layer is disposed between the innermost first layer and the second layer. A second intermediate layer formed from a fourth material, can further be included in the chromatography apparatus, where at least a portion of the second intermediate layer is disposed between the innermost first layer and the second layer. A portion of the second intermediate layer can be disposed between the second layer and the first intermediate layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in liquid chromatography involves a column filled with media bounded axially by first and second porous plates. The column has an inlet end with an inflow region between the inlet end and the first porous plate. The column also has an outlet end with an outflow region between the outlet end and the second porous plate. The inflow region may be substantially longer than the outflow region. The porous plates may be moveable under pressure so as to compress the media.

Abstract: A chromatography cartridge assembly includes a cartridge and first and second end caps. A wall of the cartridge defines a chamber for containing chromatography media. The end caps define inlet and outlet passages, respectively, for flow of process fluid. The first end cap defines flow distributor passages for distributing process fluid across a cross-sectional area of the chamber, and the second end cap defines flow collector passages for collecting process fluid from across a cross-sectional area of the chamber. A clamp is circumferentially located about the cartridge wall for applying a radial load through the wall to the first end cap to fix the first end cap in a desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in liquid chromatography involves a column filled with media bounded axially by at least one porous member. The column has an inlet end with an inflow region between the inlet and a porous member. The inflow region may be sufficiently long so that a chromatography sample module may be disposed therein. The column may be sufficiently long so that a chromatography sample module may be disposed therein. The column may also have an outlet end with an outflow region between the outlet end and a second porous member. The inflow region may be substantially longer than the outflow region. The porous members may be moveable relative to the column.

Abstract: A chromatography column includes a tubular member with an inlet end and a slidable porous member that bounds a chromatography media. The porous member is spaced sufficiently from the inlet end to define a receiving region.

Abstract: A chromatography sample module including a flow-through member having an inlet and an outlet, chromatography media within the flow-through member, and a sample carried on the media. The module can fit within a chromatography column, and a plurality of modules can be arranged in an array in a rack to facilitate processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly includes a first connection member, a second connection member, and a flow sealing member. The first connection member has an exterior surface, an interior surface and a threaded through hole from the exterior surface to the interior surface. The second connection member has a first sealing surface facing the interior surface of the first connection member, and a first flow passage. The first sealing surface is rigidly fixed with respect to the first connection member. The flow sealing member has external threads that mate with the threaded through hole, a second flow passage aligned with the first flow passage of the first member, and a second sealing surface that seals with the first sealing surface around the first and second flow passages upon application of sealing force via rotation of the external threads in the threaded hole.

Abstract: A chromatography cartridge assembly includes a cartridge and first and second end caps. A wall of the cartridge defines a chamber for containing chromatography media. The end caps define inlet and outlet passages, respectively, for flow of process fluid. The first end cap defines flow distributor passages for distributing process fluid across a cross-sectional area of the chamber, and the second end cap defines flow collector passages for collecting process fluid from across a cross-sectional area of the chamber. A clamp is circumferentially located about the cartridge wall for applying a radial load through the wall to the first end cap to fix the first end cap in a desired position.

Abstract: A check valve module includes a body having a first fluid communicating surface and a second fluid communicating surface, and two one-way check valves in the body controlling flow between the first and second surfaces. One of the valves permits flow from the first surface to the second surface, and the other valve permits flow from the second surface to the first surface. The body also has an outer sealing surface between the first and second fluid communicating surfaces.

Abstract: A pump drive assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a driver, a pump drive member driven by the driver, and a decoupler that decouples the drive member from the driver when a force acting upon the drive member exceeds a threshold force. The pump drive member can be a piston rod, and the decoupler can be a magnet attached to the piston rod and coupled to a magnetically attracted plate driven by the driver. When a force resisting movement of the piston rod exceeds the magnetic force coupling the magnet to the plate, the magnet decouples from the plate, and the pumping operation ceases.

Abstract: A chromatography sample module including a flow-through member having an inlet and an outlet, chromatography media within the flow-through member, and a sample carried on the media. The module can fit within a chromatography column, and a plurality of modules can be arranged in an array in a rack to facilitate processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing cartridges used in liquid chromatography. Such cartridges are commonly filled with media beds that are bounded axially by porous plates. The invention involves one or two sealing heads. Each sealing head comprises two slidably connected head pieces and an elastomeric sealing member. The head pieces and the elastomeric sealing member are sized to slide easily into an open end of a cartridge when the elastomeric sealing member is uncompressed. After insertion, relative movement of the head pieces compresses the elastomeric sealing member and causes the elastomeric sealing member to expand laterally so that it forms a seal against the cartridge, when the sealing head is pressed against the media bed or porous plate. An alternate sealing head comprises a plurality of head pieces and a plurality of annular elastomeric sealing members. One of the head pieces contains a body portion on which the other head pieces and the sealing members are slidably mounted.