Abstract: A packed bed includes a housing and at least one packed bed component disposed within the housing. The housing includes a first integral end configured to axially retain packed bed components within the housing. The housing further includes a second integral end configured to axially receive packed bed components within the housing in a first, open position and axially retain the packed bed components within the housing in a second, closed position.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for use in a fluid transfer assembly includes a fluid conduit having a first fitting with first and second ends and a bore extending between the first and second ends for receiving the fluid conduit. The first end of the first fitting is configured to sealingly dispose a ferrule assembly within a second fitting in an engaged position. The fitting assembly further includes a third fitting having first and second ends and a bore extending between the first and second ends for receiving the fluid conduit. The first end of the third fitting is configured to sealingly dispose a collet assembly within the first fitting in an engaged position.

Abstract: An analytical instrument fitting assembly for coupling first and second analytical fluid conduits is provided. The fitting assembly includes a first fitting defining a central passage adapted to receive a first fluid conduit defining an internal diameter of no greater than 0.040 inch and a second fitting. The second fitting defines a central passage extending between first and second ends and is in fluid communication with the first fitting. A separation device is disposed within a central passages of the first and second fittings to selectively separate liquids passing therethrough. The fitting assembly further includes a retractable end fitting having a housing, a tube extending within the housing, and a biasing member. Selective positioning of the tube within the housing minimizes dead space between the tube and the second end.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for use in a fluid transfer assembly includes a fluid conduit having a first fitting with first and second ends and a bore extending between the first and second ends for receiving the fluid conduit. The first end of the first fitting is configured to sealingly dispose a ferrule assembly within a second fitting in an engaged position. The fitting assembly further includes a third fitting having first and second ends and a bore extending between the first and second ends for receiving the fluid conduit. The first end of the third fitting is configured to sealingly dispose a collet assembly within the first fitting in an engaged position.

Abstract: An assembly for placing an insert into communication with an analytical chemical instrument having a first portion of tubing and a second portion of tubing includes a clamp arm assembly having first and second opposable clamp arms and a first fitting subassembly in communication with the first portion of tubing and configured to engage a first portion of an insert, wherein the first fitting subassembly is received within the first clamp arm. The assembly further includes a second fitting subassembly in communication with the second portion of tubing and configured to engage a second portion of the insert, wherein the second fitting subassembly is moveably received within the second clamp arm and biased in a direction toward the first fitting subassembly. Further included is an actuator assembly configured to move the second clamp arm toward the first clamp arm to secure the insert between the first and second fitting subassemblies.

Abstract: A ferrule for use in a fluid transfer assembly having a fluid conduit includes a frusto-conical seal portion having a first cylindrical bore sized and configured to slidably receive a fluid conduit. The seal portion is formed from a first material suitable to seal the fluid conduit within a first fitting without substantially deforming the fluid conduit. A frusto-conical collet portion is mated with the seal portion and includes a second cylindrical bore in substantial alignment with the first cylindrical bore. The collet portion includes at least one axial finger extending along the tapered end that is configured to be biased into locking engagement with the fluid conduit. The collet portion is formed from a second material that substantially prevents deformation of the fluid conduit when the finger is biased into locking engagement with the fluid conduit.

Abstract: An assembly for placing an insert into communication with an analytical chemical instrument having a first portion of tubing and a second portion of tubing includes a clamp arm assembly having first and second opposable clamp arms and a first fitting subassembly in communication with the first portion of tubing and configured to engage a first portion of an insert, wherein the first fitting subassembly is received within the first clamp arm. The assembly further includes a second fitting subassembly in communication with the second portion of tubing and configured to engage a second portion of the insert, wherein the second fitting subassembly is moveably received within the second clamp arm and biased in a direction toward the first fitting subassembly. Further included is an actuator assembly configured to move the second clamp arm toward the first clamp arm to secure the insert between the first and second fitting subassemblies.

Abstract: A ferrule for use in a fluid transfer assembly having a fluid conduit includes a frusto-conical seal portion having a first cylindrical bore sized and configured to slidably receive a fluid conduit. The seal portion is formed from a first material suitable to seal the fluid conduit within a first fitting without substantially deforming the fluid conduit. A frusto-conical collet portion is mated with the seal portion and includes a second cylindrical bore in substantial alignment with the first cylindrical bore. The collet portion includes at least one axial finger extending along the tapered end that is configured to be biased into locking engagement with the fluid conduit. The collet portion is formed from a second material that substantially prevents deformation of the fluid conduit when the finger is biased into locking engagement with the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A method of forming a column (100 and 200) for use with an analytical chemical instrument. The method includes placing a frit (102 and 202) in proximity to a distal end (110 and 210) of a tube (104 and 204) having an internal bore (106 and 206) adapted to receive packing material (108 and 208) for selectively interacting with an analyte of interest in a sample. The method further includes laser welding the frit to the tube and inserting packing material within the internal bore of the tube. A column formed in accordance with this method.

Abstract: An analytical instrument fitting assembly for coupling first and second analytical fluid conduits is provided. The fitting assembly includes a first fitting defining a central passage adapted to receive a first fluid conduit defining an internal diameter of no greater than 0.040 inch and a second fitting. The second fitting defines a central passage extending between first and second ends and is in fluid communication with the first fitting.

Abstract: A quarter turn quick connect fitting assembly (10) for connecting miniature fluid conduits, such as tubing, includes a first fitting (12) having radially projecting pins (28) and a second fitting (14) located within a rotatable quarter turn nut (16) having spiral grooves (48) which receive the pins. The first fitting defines a central passage (26) and the second fitting defines a central passage (42) which may each be configured to slidably receive a hollow tube set (104), or to threadably receive an externally threaded mating fitting. The quarter turn quick connect fitting can be configured to attach to the end of a column, and can include an adapter (158), which houses a guard column (160), or a frit (188) for filtering the fluid passing through the quarter turn quick connect fitting assembly.

Abstract: A quarter turn quick connect fitting assembly (10) for connecting miniature fluid conduits, such as tubing, includes a first fitting (12) having radially projecting pins (28) and a second fitting (14) located within a rotatable quarter turn nut (16) having spiral grooves (48) which receive the pins. The first fitting defines a central passage (26) and the second fitting defines a central passage (42) which may each be configured to slidably receive a hollow tube set (104), or to threadably receive an externally threaded mating fitting. The quarter turn quick connect fitting can be configured to attach to the end of a column, and can include an adapter (158), which houses a guard column (160), or a frit (188) for filtering the fluid passing through the quarter turn quick connect fitting assembly. The quarter turn quick connect fitting is assembled by sliding the pins of the first fitting into the grooves of the quarter turn nut and rotating the quarter turn nut through approximately 90.degree.

Abstract: A pump head quick connect assembly (10) includes a pump head (28) having a body (30) penetrated by a first locating pin (16), having a proximal end (18) and a distal end (20), and a second locating pin (22), having a proximal end (24) and a distal end (26). The proximal ends of the first and second locating pins are attached to a base plate (12). The first locating pin distal end and the second locating pin distal end project beyond the pump head body and are inserted into a first outer passage (48) and a second outer passage (50), respectively, defined by a face plate (70). The face plate further defines an internally-threaded center passage (52) that threadably receives a manually adjustable screw (38). As the center screw is tightened against the pump head body, the pump head body is forced against the base plate, thereby forming a seal and centering the pump head on the base plate to prevent cocking.

Abstract: An integral fitting and filter assembly includes a tubular body (119) having a integral proximal fitting piece (121) and an integral distal fitting piece (122). A central passage (125) extends through the proximal fitting piece and the distal fitting piece of the body. A tubular filter assembly sleeve including a filter sub-assembly (142) and tubular extension sleeve (140) is slidably received within the central passage of the body. The filter sub-assembly includes two end caps (144, 145) and a center piece (146). The center piece is packed with a selective chemical-absorbent packing material (26), that is retained within the center piece by first and second porous plugs (148) secured within opposite ends of the center piece of the end caps.

Abstract: An integral fitting and filter assembly includes a tubular body (119) having a integral proximal fitting piece (121) and an integral distal fitting piece(122). A central passage (125) extends through the proximal fitting piece and the distal fitting piece of the body. A tubular filter assembly sleeve including a filter sub-assembly (142) and tubular extension sleeve (140) is slidably received within the central passage of the body. The filter sub-assembly includes two end caps (144, 145) and a center piece (146). The center piece is packed with a selective chemical-absorbent packing material (26), that is retained within the center piece by first and second porous plugs (148) secured within opposite ends of the center piece of the end caps.

Abstract: A fitting assembly (10) mates an end of polymer micro-tubing (12) in fluid communication with an internally threaded connector (22) having an internal bottom wall (38). The fitting assembly includes a male nut (16) having external threads and a passage for receiving the end of the polymer micro-tubing. The fitting assembly additionally includes an insert (24) having an elongated stem (30) and an annular head (26). The stem projects from the rear side of the annular head for insertion into the end of the polymer micro-tubing. The annular head includes a forwardly projecting nose section (31). An elastomeric seal (40) is received on the nose section (31) and retained in place by a lip (33) included on the nose section. The seal is compressed between the head of the insert and the bottom wall of the connector.

Abstract: A valve (10) is used to introduce fluid from a syringe (22) into the inlet (88) of the pump of an HPLC instrument (12). The valve includes a valve body (14) that is connected to the HPLC instrument for fluid flow communication with the instrument inlet. A valve rotor (16) is rotatably engaged with the valve body. A collar fitting (18) included on the valve rotor is connectable to the syringe. The syringe acts as a valve lever, and is displaceable to rotate the valve rotor about an axis of rotation (32) between an "off" position, in which fluid flow between the syringe and the HPLC instrument inlet is prevented, and an "on" position, in which fluid flow between the syringe and the HPLC instrument inlet is permitted. The valve enables one-handed priming operation.

Abstract: An integral fitting and filter assembly (10) includes a tubular body (12) having a integral proximal fitting end (14) and an integral distal fitting end (16). A central passage (18) extends from the proximal fitting end to the distal fitting end of the body. A tubular sleeve (20) is slidably received within the central passage of the body. The tubular sleeve includes a stem portion (22) and a larger diameter head portion (24). The stem portion of the sleeve is packed with a selective chemical-absorbent packing material (26), that is retained within the sleeve by first and second porous plugs (28) secured within opposite ends of the stem portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is slidably inserted into the body, and is adjustably positioned longitudinally to provide a pre-column filter that may be used to mate with differently configured mating fittings, such as high-performance liquid chromatography instrument inlet fittings.