Abstract: The invention relates to an improved continuous countercurrent chromatography apparatus. The invention further relates to an improved method of countercurrent chromatography comprises filling a separation column with a first solvent, introducing into the column a sample solute to be separated, continuously pumping a second solvent into the column, the second solvent being substantially immiscible with the first solvent, maintaining the solvent flowing out of the column at a temperature effective to avoid clouding thereof, spectrophotometrically monitoring the temperature-maintained separating fractions flowing out of the column, and applying back-pressure to the solvent flowing into and out of the monitor.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing N-bromoacetyl-3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine which involves subjecting 3,3', 5-triiodo-L-thyronine to a one-step bromacetylation reaction wherein 3,3', 5-triiodo-L-thyronine and bromoacetyl bromide are refluxed together in a solution of ethyl acetate. After formation the N-bromoacetyl-3,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine is purified by fractionation utilizing high speed countercurrent chromatography. Labeled N-bromoacetyl-3,3'-5-triiodo-L-thryonine may be made by a one-step bromacetylation reaction by reducing either [.sup.125 I]T.sub.3 or [.sup.14 C]T.sub.3 with bromoacetyl bromide.

Abstract: A type-XLL cross-axis synchronous flow-through coil planet centrifuge including exclusively left-handed column coils and a method of separating macromolecules utilizing the same. The exclusive use of left-handed column coils allows retention of the stationary phase when utilizing aqueous-aqueous two-phase solvent systems. The cross-axis synchronous flow-through coil planet centrifuge has been utilized to separate proteins utilizing an aqueous-aqueous polymer phase solvent system.

Abstract: A countercurrent chromatography apparatus and method where the column rotates about an axis spaced apart from, parallel to, and in the same radial plane as a radius extending from the central axis of revolution. The apparatus generates a unique force field which enables excellent separation.

Abstract: A horizontal flow-through coil centrifuge provides a very long continuous partition facilitating passage through a plurality of serially connected multilayer helical tubing coils subjected to a rotary motion at a selected angular velocity about a column assembly axis and, simultaneously, a revolving motion of that axis about a stationary horizontal axis at the same angular velocity therearound. The passage of a fluid mobile phase containing solute through the very long length of tubing generates a commensurately long dwell time of the solutes in the complex gravitational/centrifugal acceleration field through a relatively large volume of a fluid stationary phase held in the moving tubing, thus enabling very sensitive chromatographic separations of constituents between the two fluid phases. Gearing and speed and temperature controls are provided in the apparatus to ensure that inflow/outflow tubing remains free of twisting and allowing use at a variety of operational speeds and fluid temperatures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chromatography employ a vibration driven mixing device mounted inside a column. One end of the mixing device is held in place by a stopper while the other end is free to vibrate back and forth. The mixture at the free end is efficiently mixed while the mixture at the held end remains undisturbed. The undisturbed portion can then be removed. This invention is particularly applicable to centrifugal chromatography where the vibration is produced by high frequency oscillation in the centrifugal force field.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing efficient and stable separation of one material from the other using countercurrent chromatography. The apparatus includes a column holder, which is inclined at an optimum angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree., having a column wrapped thereabout. The configuration and orientation of the column may be varied depending on the properties of two-phase solvent system. A major feature is that the column holder rotates about its central longitudinal axis and the central vertical axis at the same angular velocity and in the same direction.

Abstract: Countercurrent chromatography is performed with an apparatus producing a hitherto unused mode of synchronous planetary motion. The axis of rotation remains tangent to the path of revolution about the axis of rotation. By this planetary motion, symmetrically distributed force vectors are created.

Abstract: A method of performing foam separation utilizes a gas-liquid dual countercurrent flow through a helical column subjected to a particular type of synchronous planetary motion. Samples introduced at the middle portion of the column, either continuously or batch wise, are separated according to the foam affinity. Any material having an affinity to the foam is quickly carried with the foaming stream and eluted through one end of the column, whereas other materials are carried with the liquid stream in the opposite direction and eluted out through the other end of the column.

Abstract: A monolithic multi-channel integrated flow circuit comprising a support matrix sheet or plate impressed or embossed with the desired circuitry; the desired circuit elements such as transfer conduit and separation columns are integral with and defined by the support matrix, which conveniently comprises a first deformable support sheet embossed with the circuits elements by thermoforming techniques, and bonded to a support blank or correspondingly embossed second support sheet to complete and define the circuit.

Abstract: A horizontal flow-through apparatus for countercurrent chromatography consisting of a horizontal multi-layer helically coiled column coaxially carried on a flanged spool which is rotated around its own axis in a frame which is simultaneously rotated by a motor about the same main axis. The column assembly rotates at a rate twice that of the rotary frame in the same direction, the arrangement being such that the inlet and outlet flow tubes are twist-free. The effluent through the outlet tube of the column is continuously monitored by a UV monitor and then fractionated into test tubes by a fraction collector. The apparatus is driven by the motor, which is drivingly connected to the frame on the main axis, and the column assembly is driven by gearing via a countershaft journalled in the frame and having a toothed pulley drivingly coupled by a toothed belt to a fixed toothed pulley coaxial with the column.

Abstract: A flow-through apparatus for two-phase countercurrent chromatography consisting of a multi-layer helically coiled column carried on a flanged reel mounted on a frame revolving on a first axis. The reel rotates on a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis, at the same angular velocity and in the same direction as the frame to prevent twisting of its inlet and outlet flow tubes, which extend through an axial passage in a shaft portion of the reel. The reel has opposite shaft portions which are journalled in detachable opposite bearing blocks carried by the frame. The bearing blocks have a plurality of sets of bearings spaced to define different spaced positions of the second axis relative to the first axis, enabling adjustment of the .beta. value for the system as required. A counterweight is detachably mounted on the frame opposite the multi-layer coiled column by means of detachable supporting blocks, enabling the counterweight to be readily replaced as required by the .beta. adjustment.

Abstract: A horizontal flow-through apparatus for two-phase countercurrent chromatography consisting of a horizontal multi-layer helically coiled column carried on a flanged reel which is rotated about its own axis and simultaneously revolved around a stationary central parallel horizontal pipe at the same angular velocity and in the same direction to prevent twisting of its inlet and outlet flow tubes, which extend through the stationary central pipe. The multi-layer array can retain a large volume of the stationary phase against a high flow rate of the mobile phase, enabling the separation of the sample components to be completed in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A flow-through centrifuge free of rotating seals. The centrifuge includes a frame having three spaced apart horizontal plates which carry a central bowl, a countershaft and a tube-supporting hollow shaft. A motor is arranged to drive the frame at an angular velocity of .omega.. The countershaft is driven by a stationary pulley on the motor and drives the bowl at an angular velocity of 2.omega.. The motion of the countershaft is also transferred to the tube-supporting hollow shaft by a pulley coupling having a ratio which effects rotation of the hollow shaft, with respect to the frame, at an angular velocity of -.omega..

Abstract: A centrifugal blood component separator with a spiral helically inclined rotor chamber. The apparatus uses continuous blood flow-through without rotating seals. At the lower end of the helical rotor chamber there are terminals for blood input and packed red blood cell output, whereas at the higher end there is a terminal for plasma. Intermediate outlet terminals may be provided for white blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A flow-through continuous countercurrent extraction system consisting of a coiled tube or spiral coplanar channel revolving around a main axis and rotating around its own axis at the same angular velocity and in the same direction. With two solvent phases A and B, there are 5 flow tubes: (1) a feed tube for phase B located at the head end of the column, (2) a return tube for phase A located at the head end, (3) a feed tube for phase A located at the tail end, (4) a return tube for phase B located at the tail end, and (5) a sample feed tube located at the middle portion of the column. The column is mounted on a hollow rotary shaft and the axis of revolution is defined by a stationary hollow central shaft. The 5 flow tubes are led through the hollow rotary shaft, and then through the stationary central shaft. In this way, the flow tubes from the rotary shaft are allowed to rotate freely without interference or twisting.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood component separator with a spiral helically inclined rotor chamber. The apparatus uses continuous blood flow-through without rotating seals. At the lower end of the helical rotor chamber there are terminals for blood input and packed red blood cell output, whereas at the higher end there is a terminal for plasma. Intermediate outlet terminals may be provided for white blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A flow-through continuous countercurrent extraction system consisting of a coiled tube or spiral coplanar channel revolving around a main axis and rotating around its own axis at the same angular velocity and in the same direction. With two solvent phases A and B, there are 5 flow tubes: (1) a feed tube for phase B located at the head end of the column, (2) a return tube for phase A located at the head end, (3) a feed tube for phase A located at the tail end, (4) a return tube for phase B located at the tail end, and (5) a sample feed tube located at the middle portion of the column. The column is mounted on a hollow rotary shaft and the axis of revolution is defined by a stationary hollow central shaft. The 5 flow tubes are led through the hollow rotary shaft, and then through the stationary central shaft. In this way, the flow tubes from the rotary shaft are allowed to rotate freely without interference or twisting.

Abstract: A flow-through liquid chromatography system wherein a motor directly drives a rotary frame rotatably and coaxially carrying a column assembly consisting of chromatography column segments annularly arranged around the rotational axis, which are serially connected. A countershaft journalled on the frame has a gearing arrangement which drivingly couples the column assembly to a fixed sun gear on the frame via a planetary gear on the column assembly and which is arranged to cause the column assembly to rotate twice as fast as the frame, in the same direction, and around the same axis, the arrangement being such as to avoid the need for rotating seals for the flow tubes. The column assembly is dynamically balanced so that there is also no need for counterweights.

Abstract: A horizontal flow-through coil planet centrifuge wherein flow-through separation columns are rotatably mounted on both sides of a rotor formed by a pair of spaced parallel rotary wings, with suitable intercoupling to avoid the need for rotary seals. Fluid circuit and adjustable valving arrangements are provided for (1) allowing two separations to be simultaneously performed, (2) for connecting the two columns in series to double the partition efficiency, or (3) using one column to separate samples in an ordinary manner while a desired portion of the eluate can be introduced into the second column to recycle.