Abstract: The present invention provides a high speed homogenizer which has an adjustable gripping means to grip and hold containers of varying size. This gripping and holding means can be centered or decentered under the homogenizing tool. Decentering a container held by the gripping and holding means tends to minimize or even eliminate vortexing problems. The homogenizer also has electronic means for controlling the speed and time of operation of the homogenizing tool. The electronic control means of the homogenizer can also monitor the temperature of the sample being homogenized and respond to changes in temperature when necessary. The homogenizer can be easily adjusted up and down a vertical support post by a counter weighting mechanism such as a constant force spring.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve in a cap, and more particularly a pressure relief valve in a cap for use with pressure vessels in chromatography systems. In one exemplary application the valve is contained within the cap of a pressure chromatography column. In a second exemplary application the valve is contained within the cap of a mobile phase reservoir of a high performance liquid chromatography system. The valve generally comprises a body, a sealing element, and a force applying means. The body of the valve is formed into the cap and defines an inlet in communication with the interior of the column, an outlet in communication with ambient air, a first bore, and a seat. The sealing element slides within the body and is urged into sealing contact with the seat by the force applying means. The sealing element has a raised lip at its sealing face to provide a substantial sealing force per unit of sealing surface area.