Abstract: A fluid delivery system for continuous fluid flow includes a first inlet in fluidic communication with a first pump, a first pressure sensor for detecting a first fluid pressure downstream from the first pump, a second inlet in fluidic communication with a second pump, a second pressure sensor for detecting a second fluid pressure downstream from the second pump, an outlet, a valve including a first position and a second position, wherein the first position fluidically connects the first inlet with the outlet, and the second position fluidically connects the first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet, and a controller system including a processor and memory.

Abstract: A method for sampling a liquidous material with a sampling system includes providing the sampling system having a gas/liquid separator. The gas/liquid separator includes a separation chamber having a membrane separating the separation chamber into a retentate portion and a permeate portion. The membrane is gas-permeable and liquid impermeable. The gas/liquid separator includes a pressure regulation system fluidically connected to the permeate portion of the separation chamber. The pressure regulation system is configured to control a gas pressure in the permeate portion. The method includes selectively operating the pressure regulation system in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode establishes a first gas pressure condition in the permeate portion of the separation chamber configured to draw a sample of the liquidous material from a reservoir through a first flow channel to the retentate portion of the separation chamber.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.