Abstract: A torque limited fitting is provided having a head and a body, which in certain embodiments may be assembled by an operator. The body of the torque limited fitting has a passageway therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing. The torque limited fitting may be adapted for use with a flat bottom port, such as in an analytical instrument, like liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, ion chromatography, or in in vitro diagnostic systems.

Abstract: A method of treating a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque can include identifying the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque and administering a sulfated polysaccharide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a subject in an amount and at a frequency sufficient to stabilize and reverse a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.

Abstract: Butterfly assemblies to deliver a fluid into a patient's anatomic space include a body and extensions. The body has an opening to receive a needle to penetrate into a patient's anatomic space, and the extensions are hinged to the body and movable between a closed, compact position and an expanded, open position without significant biasing forces tending to move the extensions into either position. Each extension has an outer periphery at least partially surrounding an interior surface having a locking structure to mate with the other extension and lock the extensions together in the closed, compact position.

Abstract: A chromatography column has a column assembly that further includes a column jacket tube and a column liner tube. The column assembly is configured with end fittings that have compression limiting features and are able to withstand very high pressure, such as used in UHPLC, in conjunction with flange portions of the column liner tube that seal the column assembly. The column liner tube may be biocompatible and may have a smooth consistent inner diameter of less than 2 mm, and an inner diameter of 1 mm in particular embodiments. The end fittings for the microtube assembly may ensure durability and reliability by preventing over- or under-tightening.

Abstract: A valve for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems may include a separate and removable stator plate. The stator plate may be a with a multi-piece stator plate with different layers. A mounting device mounting device may be adapted to engage the stator plate. The mounting plate may include a plurality of ports for fluidic connections in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate. Liquid chromatography elements, such as a packed chromatography column, a sample loop, or an electronic device may be formed on one or more layers of the stator plate. A first stator plate may be removed from a valve and replaced by a second stator having additional or different liquid chromatography elements than the first stator plate.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling fluid flow and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit. The flow control apparatus has a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information travels with the apparatus allowing for more reliable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A biocompatible tube and fitting system that can be used in a liquid chromatography system is described. The tube can have a polymer tip and can be used in conjunction with one or more fitting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a single-use, disposable module or manifold for testing and analysis of bioprocesses, as well as a portable and compact device which can be used with the module or manifold. A module comprising a valve, a filter or guard column, an affinity column, and a flow cell is provided with several ports for receiving tubing connections for a sample and one or more solvents, as well as one or more outlet ports for connections to one or more waste reservoirs. The flow cell may use UV light to determine a protein concentration of a sample in one particular example. The module can be connected directly or indirectly to a bioreactor containing the bioprocess and material to be sampled, and can be disposed of once a production run has been completed. In addition, manifolds are provided which can be embodied as a valve assembly, and which can comprise the same components and features as the disposable module. The manifolds and modules are compact and easy to use.

Abstract: A membrane gas-liquid contactor is arranged to define a fluid flow path for contact with a membrane in a manner to improve degassing efficiency. A degassing module housing the membrane is arranged with flow fields for distributing the fluid flow throughout the membrane contact area. The distributed fluid flow may have a uniform membrane contact opportunity.

Abstract: A chitosan solution is formed from chitin, which is a homopolymer of beta (1-4)-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Rinsed, dried and ground chitin undergoes a process of deacetylation to convert some N-acetyl glucosamine to glucosamine, a primary component of chitosan. The chitosan solution is prepared by mixing 5chitosan with a alpha-hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid. An aqueous chelated silver solution is prepared by mixing silver oxide with a carboxylic acid such as citric acid. The chitosan solution can then be mixed with the silver solution resulting in a cationic complex. The cationic complex of the present invention may then be electrostatically bonded with generally negatively charged surfaces. In use, citrate promotes uptake of the silver by microbes. The antimicrobial complex can be applied via several methods of application, including an impregnated wipe, a foam, a gel, a spray, a lotion and an ointment.

Abstract: An optical shutter apparatus for controllably blocking an aperture, the shutter apparatus having a rotary actuator configured to rotate a shaft about an axis from a closed-shutter angular position toward an open-shutter angular position and a shutter blade coupled to the shaft and extending along a plane that is in parallel with the axis of rotation, wherein a surface of the shutter blade is reflective. There is a ferromagnetic collar coupled to the shaft and having a protruding portion extending orthogonally from the shaft with respect to the axis. A stationary magnet is disposed to attract the protruding portion of the collar and urge the shaft toward the closed-shutter angular position.

Abstract: The breakaway assembly includes a first breakaway subassembly and a second breakaway subassembly. The subassemblies are configured to connect, which causes bellows sheaths in each subassembly to compress and open pores, allowing fluid to flow through the subassemblies. The subassemblies can be connected to luer tip. The luer tips can be connected to an intravenous (IV) fluid line or other types of lines used in the medical field to move fluids. This allows the movement of fluid from a fluid-holding component to a patient. Unless the subassemblies are locked together, the subassemblies will be disconnected under the correct amount of pressure. This disconnection closes the pores on the subassemblies, which keeps fluid from leaking, and prevents the contamination of the IV line. Luer tips may also be connected to the subassemblies. Some of the luer tips allow for the quick connection of the luer tip to the subassembly through a flange being inserted into a notch or flange acceptor.

Abstract: A manifold assembly has a manifold and can be located between a block and a plate, and serve as a stator for a valve or other component. The manifold, block or plate can have a plurality of ports either integral thereto or removably connected thereto, with the ports adapted to receive and sealingly engage with a tube having an inner tube layer, an outer tube layer, a sleeve, a tip portion, and a nut. Each of the nut, sleeve, inner and outer tubing layers, and tip portion have a passageway therethrough, with at least the passageways in the sleeve, tip portion, outer tube layer, and nut adapted to allow the inner tube layer to pass therethrough or extend over the inner layer. The ends of the tip portion and inner layer together can define a substantially flat surface which can form a seal in a flat-bottomed port of the manifold, block, or plate, which can be used in a component in an analytical instrument system, including for example a liquid chromatography system.

Abstract: Presented is a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for selectively switching optical paths. The apparatus includes a directing mirror for redirecting light from an incoming path to one of a plurality of input paths and redirecting the light from one of a plurality of output paths to an outgoing path, and a plurality of input mirrors, each one of the plurality of input mirrors operable for redirecting the light from one of the plurality of input paths to one of a plurality of transition paths. The apparatus includes a plurality of light modifying elements, each one of the light modifying elements in a corresponding transition path and a plurality of output mirrors, each one of the plurality of output mirrors operable for redirecting the light from one of the plurality of transition paths to one of a plurality of output paths.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a single-use, disposable module or manifold for testing and analysis of bioprocesses. A module comprising a valve, a filter or guard column, an affinity column, and a flow cell is provided with several ports for receiving tubing connections for a sample and one or more solvents, as well as one or more outlet ports for connections to one or more waste reservoirs. The flow cell may use UV light to determine a protein concentration of a sample in one particular example. The module can be connected directly or indirectly to a bioreactor containing the bioprocess and material to be sampled, and can be disposed of once a production run has been completed. In addition, manifolds are provided which can be embodied as a valve assembly, and which can comprise the same components and features as the disposable module. The manifolds and modules are compact and easy to use. A portable device for use with a module is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a first dimension system and a second dimension system, wherein outflow from the first dimension system is separated at a flow splitter under controlled conditions. The flow splitter separates the first dimension outflow into first and second split outlet flows, with one of the split outlet flows being metered to a designated flow rate with a flow metering device disposed downstream from the flow splitter. The flow metering device selectively closes or opens an outlet flow path to define a volumetric flow rate along that outlet flow path, so that the other split outlet flow is correspondingly controlled.

Abstract: A membrane-based fluid degassing system is arranged for automated control to a degassing efficiency set point, so that fluid is degassed only as necessary. The control variable may be assigned as the degassing environment, to provide the gas transfer driving force suitable to appropriately degas the fluid. By avoiding unnecessary degassing of the fluid, mobile phase pervaporation through the membrane is minimized.

Abstract: A tubing or fitting assembly has an inner tube layer, an outer tube layer, a sleeve, a tip portion, and can have a nut. Each of the nut, sleeve, inner and outer tubing layers, and tip portion have a passageway therethrough, with at least the passageways in the sleeve, tip portion, outer tube layer, and nut adapted to allow the inner tube layer to pass therethrough or extend over the inner layer. The tip portion can be molded over an end portion of the inner tube layer and also over a portion of the sleeve. The sleeve may include a retention feature in the form of a lip which extends into the tip portion, and also a narrower portion so that the tip portion and sleeve remain coupled together. The inner and outer tubing layers can also be retained by an interference fit.

Abstract: A fluid pulse dampener with automatic pressure-compensation is provided. A system of chambers and channels in the dampener creates an internal feedback mechanism that increases or decreases a compensating pressure on the membrane in response to increases or decreases in the pressure of a fluid moving past the other side of the membrane. Variations of the pulse dampener allow for the input and/or output of gas flow is be restricted or increased as may be desired.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches phospholipid nanoparticle compositions of cannabinoids formed from phospholipids and simpler lipids in an unfired sequential process that encapsulate a high concentration of cannabinoids, and create standardized precision-metered dosage forms of cannabinoids; yielding an increase cannabinoid transport across hydrophobic mucosa; increase the bioavailability of the cannabinoid 2-fold to 8-fold, decrease the dose of cannabinoids 2-fold to 8-fold less than an amount of cannabinoids needed to illicit the same therapeutic effect compared to raw and non-encapsulated cannabinoids; where the nanoparticle dynamic structure reduces the adverse effects of cannabinoids; and enable safe more efficacious cannabinoid therapy.