Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method providing a fluid flow suitable to grow and maintain living cells in the fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid displacement apparatus capable of providing at least one of positive and negative displacement of the fluid and configured to indirectly displace the fluid, an in-line flow sensor configured to directly measure the fluid flow, and a feed-back control in communication with the fluid displacement apparatus and the in-line flow sensor, wherein the feed-back control is configured to continuously control the fluid flow in response to the flow sensor measurements.

Abstract: A system for the automated compression connection of fluidic components includes receiving hardware configured to align an insert placed therein: an interchangeable plug-and-play consumable insert configured for automated connection to the receiving hardware: a drive force mechanism: and at least one mechanical support wherein the drive force mechanism is configured to apply a substantially axial drive force opposed by the at least one mechanical support to align and compress the insert to create a leak-resistant seal between the insert and the receiving hardware, such that the system provides automated alignment and sealing of the insert.

Abstract: The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications.

Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.

Abstract: A fluidic compression connection includes a first sealing device having a fluid inlet at an entry opening and a first mating surface at an exit opening end; a second sealing device having an interchangeable plug-and-play consumable insert, a second mating surface at the entry opening end and a third mating surface at the exit opening end; a third sealing device having a fluid outlet at the exit opening and a fourth mating surface at the entry opening end; a mechanical support; and a drive force mechanism, wherein the first mating surface opposes the second mating surface and the third mating surface opposes the fourth mating surface, and wherein the drive force mechanism is configured to apply a substantially axial drive force opposed by the mechanical support, to compress the first, second, and third sealing devices and create a leak-resistant seal in the connection between the sealing devices.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method providing a fluid flow suitable to grow and maintain living cells in the fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid displacement apparatus capable of providing at least one of positive and negative displacement of the fluid and configured to indirectly displace the fluid, an in-line flow sensor configured to directly measure the fluid flow, and a feed-back control in communication with the fluid displacement apparatus and the in-line flow sensor, wherein the feed-back control is configured to continuously control the fluid flow in response to the flow sensor measurements.

Abstract: The method for making microfluidic connections includes the steps of providing a system including a base, a movable device in communication with the base, and a sealing component attached to the movable device; delivering a microfluidic device to the base; aligning the sealing component and the microfluidic device, wherein the moveable device is capable of adjustably positioning the sealing component and capable of optical alignment, to bring the sealing component and the microfluidic device into fluid communication; and compressing the sealing component and the microfluidic device into contact thereby forming a microfluidic connection by creating a leak-resistant seal between at the interface of the sealing component and the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.

Abstract: A multi-column packing system and packed bed assessment system for producing small bore LC columns of superior quality, improved column-to-column reproducibility, and lower cost than current commercially available columns. The process utilizes an automated multi-column packing system with an integrated sensor that detects when the slurry-packed bed has reached the desired length. The optical packed bed assessment system examines the packed bed within the column and detects any packing inconsistencies or voids within the column. The multi-column packing system makes automated connections to tubes via an automated compression mechanism.