Abstract: Method for loading a sample of a target compound into a nanospray emitter tube for analysis by nanospray ionization mass spectrometry, wherein a cartridge having a fluid container, an inlet and an outlet is mounted onto a nanospray emitter tube on a nanospray emitter mount to form a nanospray emitter tube assembly, the assembly is mounted on a micro-centrifuge tube, a volume of the sample to be analyzed is loaded into the fluid container and the micro-centrifuge tube is spun on a centrifuge to transfer the sample into the nanospray emitter tube.

Abstract: Capillary tube holder, a storage and shipping container in which a loaded capillary tube holder is securely held, a fixture for loading capillary tubes onto a capillary tube holder and a tube transfer fixture for transferring, removing or replacing individual capillary tubes from a loaded capillary tube holder.

Abstract: Integrated nanospray ionization package, comprising a nanospray emitter, a push button carriage with button element projecting through a bore in said package, an integral high voltage contact pin, a bore in said package for reversible protrusion of the nanospray emitter, a push-and-retract spring mechanism in which the range of forward motion of the emitter is not dependent on range of travel of the said button, and then upon actuation of said button element and spring element for retraction of said nanospray emitter, said nanospray emitter is pushed forward to establish electrical contact, and upon release of said button retracts and breaks the electrical contact.

Abstract: Integrated nanospray ionization package, comprising a nanospray emitter, a push button carriage with button element projecting through a bore in said package, an integral high voltage contact pin, a bore in said package for reversible protrusion of the nanospray emitter, a push-and-retract spring mechanism in which the range of forward motion of the emitter is not dependent on range of travel of the said button, and then upon actuation of said button element and spring element for retraction of said nanospray emitter, said nanospray emitter is pushed forward to establish electrical contact, and upon release of said button retracts and breaks the electrical contact.

Abstract: Droplets or plugs within multiphase microfluidic systems have rapidly gained interest as a way to manipulate samples and chemical reactions on the femtoliter to microliter scale. Chemical analysis of the plugs remains a challenge. It has been discovered that nanoliter plugs of sample separated by air or oil can be analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry when pumped directly into a fused silica nanospray emitter nozzle. Using leu-enkephalin in methanol and 1% acetic acid in water (50:50 v:v) as a model sample, we found carry-over between plugs was <0.1% and relative standard deviation of signal for a series of plugs was 3%. Detection limits were 1 nM. Sample analysis rates of 0.8 Hz were achieved by pumping 13 nL samples separated by 3 mm long air gaps in a 75 ?m inner diameter tube. Analysis rates were limited by the scan time of the ion trap mass spectrometer. The system provides a robust, rapid, and information-rich method for chemical analysis of sample in segmented flow systems.

Abstract: A union for coupling two or more segments of tubing or optical fiber, having an elastomeric core with two or more tubular sections encased in a through bore of a union body, the ends of the union body bore having compression nuts having through bores for insertion of segments of tubing or optical fiber to be coupled, which, tubular sections, when compressed by the compression nuts, deform radially inwardly to hold and seal the segments of tubing or optical fiber inserted therein.

Abstract: Capillary tube holder, a storage and shipping container in which a loaded capillary tube holder is securely held, a fixture for loading capillary tubes onto a capillary tube transfer fixture for transferring, removing or replacing individual capillary tubes from a loaded capillary tube holder.

Abstract: A union for coupling two or more segments of tubing or optical fiber, having an elastomeric core with two or more tubular sections encased in a through bore of a union body, the ends of the union body bore having compression nuts having through bores for insertion of segments of tubing or optical fiber to be coupled, which, tubular sections, when compressed by the compression nuts, deform radially inwardly to hold and seal the segments of tubing or optical fiber inserted therein.

Abstract: Feedback control system for electrospray nozzle using optical system for monitoring and controlling dynamic or static morphology of the fluid exiting the electrospray nozzle.

Abstract: Feedback control system for electrospray nozzle using optical system for monitoring and controlling dynamic or static morphology of the fluid exiting the electrospray nozzle.

Abstract: A feedback control system for an electrospray nozzle and counter-electrode, comprising a source of light which intersects, one or snore of the liquid cone, jet and plume of the fluid exiting the nozzle, one or more photo detectors to detect light patterns and generate photo-electronic signals in response thereto, an electronic detection and amplification system to convert the photo-electronic signals to electronic signals, a computer or micro-processor to interpret said electronic signals and a second computer or microprocessor to communicate with the first computer and generate a signal to a controller which adjusts the electric field surrounding the nozzle either by changing the distance between the nozzle and counter-electrode or changing the voltage of the nozzle or counter-electrode.

Abstract: A method for the coupling of a plurality of sample streams eluting from a plurality of High Pressure Liquid Chromatography columns into a single inlet mass spectrometer, wherein samples from individual chromatography columns are suppled to individual electrospray nozzles in an array of a plurality of electrospray nozzles positioned in front of said single inlet, each nozzle being switchable to an on or off state, and each nozzle being supplied by a sample supply tube or channel and having, in addition to said sample supply tube or channel, a separate fluid removal tube or channel, and wherein each nozzle, when in the off state, is held at a voltage that is between the voltage of the mass spectrometer inlet and the electrospray threshold value for that nozzle.

Abstract: Method for loading a capillary channel with a packing material to form a capillary column which comprises placing a first frit on a first capillary channel, forcing a slurry of a solid packing material in a liquid through said first channel so that the liquid, but not the solid packing material, passes through the frit and out of the capillary channel, to form a first bed of packing material within said first capillary channel and adjacent to the frit; thereby forming a pre-pack column, then removing the frit and joining the pre-pack column to an empty second capillary channel and attaching a second frit to the end of said second channel, then forcing a liquid into the end of pre-pack column, so that the liquid passes through the pre-pack column, mobilizing the packing therein and carrying it into the second capillary channel, where the liquid, but not the packing material, passes through the frit and out of said second channel, whereby said packing forms a packed bed in the second column; then separating the

Abstract: Method for loading a column with a packing material by inserting one end of a column to be packed into a slurry of a packing material in a volatile solvent, allowing said slurry to be drawn into said end of said column by capillary action, withdrawing said end from said slurry, and removing said volatile solvent from the slurry that has been drawn into said end of said column, through the same end of the column at which the slurry entered, and sinteriing.