Abstract: A high pressure freezing cartridge (300, 400, 500) for use in vitrification of a biological sample (10) is provided, the cartridge (300, 400, 500) being adapted to fixedly hold a sample chamber (216, 218, 220) at a sample chamber position (320, 420, 520) in the cartridge (300, 400, 500), a refrigerant channel arrangement comprising at least one refrigerant channel (208, 308, 408, 462, 464, 466, 468, 508, 562, 564, 566, 569) being provided in the cartridge (300, 400, 500) and extending from a surface of the cartridge (300, 400, 500) to the sample chamber position, and the cartridge (300, 400, 500) comprising a baffle structure (350, 450, 550, 571) at a baffle position being adapted to interact with a refrigerant stream in the refrigerant channel arrangement before the refrigerant of the refrigerant stream reaches the sample chamber position in the cartridge (300, 400, 500). A corresponding method in which the high pressure freezing cartridge (300, 400, 500) is used is also part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A capillary unit includes a reservoir capable of retaining a liquid. A capillary having a linear shape has one end secured on a bottom-end portion of the reservoir. The capillary extends from the bottom-end portion in a direction away from an opening of the reservoir. A nozzle connector is provided between a bottom of the reservoir and the one end of the capillary, and provides liquid-tight removable connection with a nozzle for injecting the liquid into the capillary from a portion adjacent to the reservoir.

Abstract: A fitting (200) for providing a fluid connection between a capillary (202) and a fluidic conduit (204) of a fluidic component (30), the fitting (200) comprising a male piece (240) and a female piece (250) for connection with the male piece (240), wherein the male piece (240) comprises a housing (252) with a capillary reception (212) configured for receiving the capillary (202), wherein a part of the capillary (202) being received in the capillary reception (212) is circumferentially covered by a sleeve (214), an elastic biasing mechanism (206) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252), being configured for biasing the capillary (202) against the female piece (250) and being supported by the sleeve (214), and a locking mechanism (208) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252) and being configured for locking the capillary (202) to the fitting (200).

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.

Abstract: Described is a chromatography a chromatography apparatus that includes a microfluidic substrate, a coupler and a sealing fitting. The microfluidic substrate can include one or more chromatography columns, such as analytical columns or trap columns, and an inlet in communication with the one or more chromatography columns. The coupler is diffusion bonded to the surface of the microfluidic substrate so that an opening in the coupler is aligned to the inlet in the microfluidic substrate. The sealing fitting includes a heat-resistant sealant disposed in the opening of the coupler and in contact with the surface of the substrate. The coupler and sealing fitting enable a compact fluid-tight connection to the inlet of the microfluidic substrate that exhibits high tensile and torsional strength, and does not require the use of adhesives.

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: In a fast gas chromatograph (GC) method and device for obtaining fast gas chromatography analysis, a capillary gas chromatography column is inserted into a resistively heated metal tube located mostly outside a standard gas chromatograph oven, which may serve as a heated transfer line to a flexible column that enters the resistively heated metal tube from its injector and exits into its detector. The fast GC device enables less than one minute full range temperature programming and cooling back analysis cycle time. The fast GC according to one embodiment is combined with mass spectrometry with supersonic molecular beams for the provision of fast analysis cycle time together with highly informative mass spectral information for improved sample analysis and identification.

Abstract: A fitting assembly having a nut, a ferrule, and a ferrule tip that may be assembled by an operator. The fitting assembly includes a nut with first and second ends, with the second end adapted to receive the first end of a ferrule, and a ferrule tip with a first end having an externally tapered portion adapted to abut the second end of the ferrule and a second end adapted to be received in a component or fitting of a liquid chromatography system. The nut, ferrule and ferrule tip of the fitting assembly have passageways therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.

Abstract: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: The invention is a chromatography apparatus which comprises at least one capillary column, which has a coil assembly of column material and a small diameter wire coated with an electrically insulating high temperature material encased within a high temperature sheath. The small diameter wire is at least one electrically conductive element co-linear with the column material. Also provided is means for directly resistively heating the at least one capillary column, and means for controlling the temperature of the capillary column. Additionally, the apparatus includes an oxygen gas containing inlet, a hydrogen inlet, an analyte port and a flame region, oxygen delivery means for delivering oxygen through the oxygen inlet to the flame region, a hydrogen and analyte delivery system for delivering hydrogen and analyte to the flame region, and a detector arranged to detect flame emission.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid fractionation of hydrocarbon phases in a sample fluid stream are disclosed. Examples of the disclosed apparatus and method include an assembly of elements in fluid communication with one another including one or more valves and at least one sorbent chamber for removing certain classifications of hydrocarbons and detecting the remaining fractions using a detector. The respective ratios of hydrocarbons are determined by comparison with a non separated fluid stream.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: The measurement sensitivity is improved by suppressing the surrounding temperature influence as much as possible, while realizing scale reduction, and by enlarging the detection signal, while reducing the production errors in enclosing a reference gas. Provided is a thermal conductivity sensor that detects thermal conductivity of a sample gas by using a Wheatstone Bridge circuit constructed in such a manner that measurement resistors that are brought into contact with the sample gas are disposed on a first side, and reference resistors that are brought into contact with a reference gas are disposed on a second side, and comparing the potential difference between connection points of the reference resistors and the measurement resistors. The measurement resistors disposed on the first side are assembled in one measurement space, and the reference resistors disposed on the second side are assembled in one reference space.

Abstract: A thermal modulation device for a gas chromatography (GC) system a cold zone, a first hot zone and a second hot zone, which are located outside of a GC oven of the GC system, and a flexible capillary column. The cold zone includes a thermoelectric cooler assembly. The first hot zone is adjacent a first side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding first heat source. The second hot zone is adjacent a second side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding second heat source. The flexible capillary column includes a first segment, configured to move between the first hot zone and the cold zone in accordance with a modulation frequency, and a second segment, configured to move between the cold zone and the second hot zone in accordance with the modulation frequency.

Abstract: GC-MS analysis apparatus has an interface section between GC and MS sections, which is located with respect to the direction of an analyte flow downstream of the GC section and upstream of the MS section. The interface section comprises at least one membrane with at least one orifice capable of establishing a molecular flow condition in the analyte passing between the GC and MS sections through the membrane. The membrane is subjected to a pressure differential such that the pressure pa in a region located upstream of the membrane is higher than the pressure pb in a region located downstream of the membrane.

Abstract: Described is a capillary column cartridge. The cartridge can be used to perform separations according to various techniques such as capillary gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and capillary liquid chromatography. The cartridge includes a capillary column secured in a cartridge body. The capillary column includes an inlet port and an outlet port that, in some embodiments, are disposed on a planar surface of the body. When the body is engaged to a separation system module, the inlet port is aligned to receive a sample to be separated and the outlet port is aligned to provide the separated sample to the separation system module. The path of the capillary through the body has a non-planar path shape such as a coil shape. Consequently, longer column lengths can be accommodated, leading to an improvement in separation resolution. The body can include a material having a high thermal conductivity to achieve improved thermal performance.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a sampling device and a chromatograph and for pre-concentrating analytes in a sample prior to introducing the sample into the chromatographic column is generally disclosed comprising an interface housing with a first channel and an adsorbent housing with a second channel, which contains at least one adsorbent. Valveless conduits permit fluid to be communicated between the sampling device and the first channel, between the first channel and the second channel, and the first channel and the column. In some embodiments, fluid flows in one direction when the analytes are adsorbed and in the opposite direction when analytes are desorbed. In certain embodiments, two different adsorbents are disposed in the second channel to adsorb different types of analytes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a gas chromatography (GC) system with a check valve. The check valve is situated downstream from the electronic flow control module and upstream of the injector. When a sample is volatized in the injector, the check valve closes into a checked position and prevents solvent and sample from backing into the gas delivery line. In certain embodiments, the check valve has a conical plug that fits into a seat that has an aperture. When the conical plug is depressed, the conical plug engages the sides of the aperture and seals the check valve, preventing solvent and sample from backing through the check valve. In certain embodiments, the change in pressure caused by over-pressurization in the injector, combined with the force applied by a spring on the conical plug, depresses the plug such that it seals the aperture.

Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.

Abstract: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: A feeding device for enriching and feeding a fluid sample into a chemical detector, the feeding device comprises (a) a sorbent element having a sorbent material for sorbing at least one target chemical present in the fluid sample; (b) a desorbing mechanism for generating conditions for the sorbent material to desorb the at least one target chemical out of the sorbent material, thereby to provide an enriched fluid sample; and (c) a loose connector, for providing a loose connection between the feeding device and the chemical detector, such that when the sorbent material desorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by the enriched fluid sample, and when the sorbent material sorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by environmental fluids.

Abstract: Embodiments of a front-end pre-concentrator module, a back-end pre-concentrator module and a gas analysis subsystem are disclosed, as well as gas analysis systems using combinations of the front-end pre-concentrator module, the back-end pre-concentrator module and the gas analysis subsystem. Embodiments of disposable and re-usable moisture removal filters are disclosed for use alone or in combination with a gas analysis system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a laser operation, wherein a laser source is provided, wherein lasing gas is supplied from at least one lasing gas source to the laser source for the formation of a laser beam, wherein, with the aid of the laser beam, an operation is carried out, such as for instance a welding, a drilling, a cutting or a lighting operation, wherein the lasing gas which comes from the at least one lasing gas source is fed through at least one lasing gas filter before the gas is supplied to the laser source. The invention further relates to the use of a quick-change filter for cleaning gases consumed in laser processing apparatuses.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.

Abstract: A portable weather resistant gas chromatograph system with a gas chromatograph enclosure having a body and a movable door and a seal, a gas chromatograph with a frame assembly removably secured in the enclosure, a plurality of exhaust gas lines connected to the gas chromatograph, an explosion proof terminal box with circuit breakers and terminals mounted to the enclosure, a communication conduit and armored power cable between the explosion proof terminal box and the gas chromatograph, a purge gas conduit port for the gas chromatograph, a pedestal for the enclosure, and at least two lifting eyes connected to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatographic method for eliminating interference from interfering agents, coming from the gas sample itself or from the system material used to perform the impurities measurements, on impurities to be quantified in a gas sample. The method advantageously relies on the use of an additional valve and an additional sample loop particularly arranged in a G. C. system, and also on an additional supporting gas inlet operatively connected to the system through the additional sample loop for providing the system with a supporting gas comprising at least a predetermined portion of a predetermined active gas that will react with the unwanted interfering impurities, if any, or with the column material to cancel out unwanted active sites. Thus, the method of the present invention can advantageously be used in gas chromatographic systems to improve sensitivity thereof by acting on column separation material.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography. The improvement is a two-valve switching modulator connecting two gas chromatography separation columns. The modulator is located between the first and second columns and includes two valves with transfer lines between the valves for switching a carrier gas between the transfer lines.

Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface injector device for the direct coupling of liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, comprising an outer body (1) with an inner cavity with two inner chambers (2a, 2b) separated by a dividing element (9, 11a); a first passage (3) of the first chamber (2a) to a waste duct (8); an inner tube (5) arranged in the inner cavity and traversing the dividing element (9, 11a), and having a first section (5a) in the first inner chamber (2a), a second section (5b) in the second inner chamber (2b), and an inner channel (5f) which can house an adsorbent material (6), and at least one inorganic wool material (7) retained in the first section (5a) of the inner tube by retaining means (7), a first opening (10) communicated with the waste duct (8) exclusively through the first inner chamber (2a).

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow rate into a chromatographic column is disclosed generally comprising communicating a fluid to the column through a transfer line, measuring the inlet pressure, determining the outlet pressure, and adjusting the applied pressure until the inlet and outlet pressures produce a desired flow rate for the transfer line outlet. In certain embodiments, the applied pressure is adjusted by controlling a proportional valve. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure is determined by measuring the pressure drop across the transfer line and calculating the outlet pressure from the measured inlet pressure and the pressure drop.

Abstract: A room temperature trap for the purification and concentration of gaseous methane. The trap utilizes the adsorption and desorption properties of microporous spherical carbon molecular sieves to purify and concentrate radiolabelled methane for application in an automated synthesis module without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Abstract: An in-line filter provided with a substantially elongated filter housing (1; 51) in which filtering material (A) is included, the filter housing being provided on a first end with an inflow opening (2) and, on a second, opposite end with an outflow opening (3), while at the inflow opening (2) and the outflow opening (3) fastening means (4-7) are provided for fastening a supply or discharge tube, respectively (8 or 9, respectively), while the fastening means (4-7) are quick-change couplings (4-7), a respective quick-change coupling (4, 5; 6, 7) having a coupled condition and an uncoupled condition, while in the quick-change coupling (4, 5; 6, 7) a shut-off valve (10) is provided which, in the coupled condition, assumes an open position thus allowing gas to pass and which, in an uncoupled condition, assumes a closed position thus not allowing gas to pass.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.

Abstract: An HPLC column holding apparatus used to mount an HPLC column in one of a plurality of positions is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a clip-device interface that secures the apparatus to a platform and a clip-column interface that secures the HPLC column to the apparatus.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include a thermal desorption unit, a chromatographic column, and an interface device between the unit and the column. The interface device controls the fluid flowing into the column, such as by providing additional carrier gas to maintain a substantially constant gas flow or velocity, by proving a controlled temperature increase, or by venting a portion of the gas received from the thermal desorption unit, thereby removing the dependence on the thermal desorption unit for such control. In some embodiments, the interface is a chromatographic injector. In certain embodiments, a transfer line from the desorption unit is coupled to the same port of the interface device as the chromatographic column. In some of these embodiments, this is accomplished by employing a special adaptor.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to optimize the analysis of substances separated by gas chromatography with a gas chromatograph, comprising a separating device and a mass spectrometer situated down there from. To this end, a detector that detects the separated substances in a nondestructive manner is placed in-line between the output of the separating device and a controllable inlet valve of the mass spectrometer. An evaluating device situated down from the detector evaluates the detector signals and, based on the evaluation, controls the inlet valve for introducing predeterminable substances into the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A unit for separating an exhaust gas containing PFC gases including CF4 and C2F6 generated in a production process, wherein the exhaust gas is concentrated in a concentration device, and then separated chromatographically in a chromatographic separation device using nitrogen as a carrier gas. The chromatographic separation device is packed with molecular sieve 13X or F-9 or the like. The unit is capable of effectively separating CF4 and C2F6.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas chromatograph assembly. In one implementation, the assembly includes a sample injector and a guard column assembly. The guard column assembly includes a guard column connected to and downstream of the sample injector; a jacket with low thermal mass surrounding the guard column; a temperature controlled heater connected to the jacket to control the temperature of the jacket and thereby the temperature of the guard column; and an insulating housing surrounding the jacket. An analytical column is connected to and downstream of the guard column.

Abstract: An inlet assembly for introducing a sample into a carrier gas stream for gas chromatography is disclosed including a housing having a bore that receives a liner. A sealing member having a core with a surface layer is positioned within the bore in sealing engagement with the bore and the liner. The surface layer of the sealing member has a lower adhesion to the housing than the core. The surface layer facilitates removal of the sealing member and the liner from the bore. A method of replacing an existing liner in an inlet assembly for chromatography is also disclosed. The method includes providing a liner with a sealing member having a core with a surface layer having a lower adhesion to the housing than the core, removing the existing liner from the bore and inserting a new liner with a new sealing member into the bore.

Abstract: A connector element for use with analytical devices is provided. The connector element includes a cavity for receiving a sealing member, and an access element for providing access to the sealing member when disposed in the cavity, e.g., for dislodging the sealing member from the connector element. Also provided are analytical devices that include the connector element, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A chromatography column to bind molecules or proteins, is filled with a replaceable matrix and is provided with fill elements with which a single feed tube can be connected to an across the column distributed fill element. The fill element keeps an inner land area free from fill openings which can be closed. With the fill element it is possible to dispense the matrix into the column in an equally spread manner. Elements are present to internally flush the feed tube, while there are features to make the flushing impossible during filling with matrix.

Abstract: A separation unit comprising a magazine unit with a magazine is described. The magazine comprises a plurality of pockets, each pocket being adapted for accommodating a separation column for separating compounds of a fluid sample. The magazine unit is adapted for moving any of the pockets to a structural component, wherein a pocket and the structural component are adapted for complementing one another to form a column compartment.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow rate into a chromatographic column is disclosed generally comprising communicating a fluid to the column through a transfer line, measuring the transfer line inlet pressure, determining the transfer line outlet pressure, and adjusting the applied pressure until the inlet and outlet pressures produce a desired flow rate for the transfer line outlet. In certain embodiments, the applied pressure is adjusted by controlling a proportional valve. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure is determined by measuring the pressure difference across the transfer line and calculating the transfer line outlet pressure from the measured inlet pressure and the pressure difference.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide vapor generation unit (10) receives hydrogen peroxide and water solution at an interface (20) and interconnects with an air dryer (14) by way of nipples (72, 92). In one embodiment, the dryer includes a clamping assembly (42) which is latched (74, 94) with the nipples and which receives a disposable desiccant cartridge (40). In an alternate embodiment, a reusable desiccant cartridge (40?) is connected directly to the nipples (72, 92). When the desiccant cartridge (40?) is saturated, it is removed and placed in a regenerator unit (120). A regenerated cartridge is installed in its place.