Abstract: A magnetic particle suspension system includes a vessel defining a chamber and an opening to the chamber, particles magnetically responsive to a magnetic field disposed in the chamber, and a suspension apparatus for controllably moving the magnetic field along a path having an engagement portion in which the magnetic field effects a magnetic response in the particles, wherein the suspension apparatus includes a motor, an arm movably driven by the motor, and a magnet supported by the arm for movement along the path, wherein the motor rotatably drives the arm about a drive axis so that the magnet travels along a circumaxial path about the drive axis.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement and biocompatible pump head for a pump includes a reinforcement structure having a plurality of ports and fluid pathways therein. The fluid pathways in the reinforcement may be coated or lined with a biocompatible material to form a biocompatible pump head useful for liquid chromatography and other analytical instrument systems. The biocompatible material may be injection molded into the fluid pathways of the reinforcement structure and may be machined after core pins are removed to obtain a desired surface finish and/or size of the biocompatible fluid pathways of the pump head.

Abstract: A method for processing a sample of a cell culture composition includes diluting the sample followed by filtering the diluted sample, wherein the dilution may be at least 10 parts by volume of a diluent to one part sample, and the filter may be a porous membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of less than 20,000 Daltons. The dilution may be carried out at a multiple-port dilution valve having a first condition and a second condition. The sample may be mixed with the diluent at a predetermined dilution ratio when the dilution valve is in the second condition.

Abstract: A fluid immersion control system may use a common electrode along with a plurality of sensor electrodes at a planar surface associated with a distal end of an immersion microscope objective to monitor electrical resistance of a fluid as an indication of presence of a fluid layer having a meniscus greater than a diameter of an optical axis used for immersion microscopy. The fluid immersion control system may activate replenishment of the fluid when the resistance indicates that the diameter is not immersed in the fluid.

Abstract: A multiple channel selector valve includes a stator and a rotor that is rotatable with respect to the stator. The rotor face includes first and second fluid flow paths for transferring fluids to selected sets of passages in the stator. The fluid flow paths in the rotor face are specifically configured to accommodate high fluid flow rate regimes while reducing flow restriction.

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 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: Various embodiments of a multi-laser system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the multi-laser system includes a plurality of lasers, a plurality of laser beams, a beam positioning system, a thermally stable enclosure, and a temperature controller. The thermally stable enclosure is substantially made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as at least 5 W/(m K). The thermally stable enclosure can help maintain alignment of the laser beams to a target object over a range of ambient temperatures. Various embodiments of an optical system for directing light for optical measurements such laser-induced fluorescence and spectroscopic analysis are disclosed. In some embodiments, the optical system includes a thermally conductive housing and a thermoelectric controller, a plurality of optical fibers, and one or more optical elements to direct light emitted by the optical fibers to illuminate a flow cell. The housing is configured to attach to a flow cell.

Abstract: The pressure fluctuations in a fluid degassing system may be diminished by independently controlling the intake phase and the exhaust phase of an evacuation pump. The speed of the pump's drive element may be modulated at least during the intake phase to more closely align with a pressure set point in a degassing module.

Abstract: Valve with two-piece stator assembly for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems. A separate and removable stator plate is provided with a mounting device to provide a two-piece stator assembly. The mounting device is adapted on one side to engage and contact the stator plate, and on the other side includes a plurality of ports for fluidic connections which are in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate.

Abstract: An apparatus 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 includes a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information may travel with the apparatus to enable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: Various claims of a multi-laser system are disclosed. In some claims, the multi-laser system includes a plurality of lasers, a plurality of laser beams, a beam positioning system, a thermally stable enclosure, and a temperature controller. Various claims of an optical system for directing light for optical measurements such laser-induced fluorescence and spectroscopic analysis are disclosed. In some claims, the optical system includes a beam shaping element configured to generate an illumination profile having a flat top.

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: Frits for use in analytical instrument systems, including liquid chromatography systems, particularly HPLC and UHPLC systems, and methods of making and using the frits, are provided. The frits can have multiple layers, which may have different surface finishes on different surfaces.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement and biocompatible pump head for a pump includes a reinforcement structure having a plurality of ports and fluid pathways therein. The fluid pathways in the reinforcement may be coated or lined with a biocompatible material to form a biocompatible pump head useful for liquid chromatography and other analytical instrument systems. The biocompatible material may be injection molded into the fluid pathways of the reinforcement structure and may be machined after core pins are removed to obtain a desired surface finish and/or size of the biocompatible fluid pathways of the pump head.

Abstract: A fluidic connection assembly and methods for quickly connecting or disconnecting a tube to a port by hand and without the use of tools. A body is adapted to receive a tube therethrough, and may have at least two sides which are hinged. Each of the hinged sides has corresponding latching portions or projections located near a lower end of the body. These projections are adapted to fit into a port or other fitting and be securely held in place. The assembly may include a tube extending through a body and through a spring located between the end of the body and the end of the tube, whereby the spring exerts a force directly or indirectly against the end of the tube and against the body, thus holding the tubing securely and sealingly engaged in the port when the assembly is connected. The body may further comprise an additional body or an adapter, and/or a cap and latch.

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 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.