Abstract: A ferrule arrangement for use in sealing connections to gas chromatography columns includes a generally tubular metal ferrule with an axial bore to receive a fracturable column with a protective coating. The ferrule has a forward part that tapers to a tip region of the ferrule. A generally tubular former has a socket portion to receive the ferrule and further has an internal conical surface that, after such receipt, engages the forward part of the ferrule. A portion is provided on either or both of said ferrule and the former by which the ferrule and former may be directly or indirectly relatively moved together by application of finger force.

Abstract: A ferrule arrangement for use in sealing connections to gas chromatography columns includes a generally tubular metal ferrule with an axial bore to receive a fracturable column with a protective coating. The ferrule has a forward part that tapers to a tip region of the ferrule. A generally tubular former has a socket portion to receive the ferrule and further has an internal conical surface that, after such receipt, engages the forward part of the ferrule. A portion is provided on either or both of said ferrule and the former by which the ferrule and former may be directly or indirectly relatively moved together by application of finger force.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for manipulating the trajectories of moving charged particles. The apparatus includes a grid 14 of laterally spaced side by side elongate elements 16 and means 18 defining a path for charged particles to traverse the grid. The grid is supported and configured for application of a voltage gradient between and/or along the elongate elements, whereby to manipulate the trajectories of charged particles that traverse the grid. A method of manipulating the trajectories of moving charged particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the trajectories of moving charged particles. The apparatus includes a grid of laterally spaced side by side elongate elements and means defining a path for charged particles to traverse the grid. The grid is supported and configured for application of a voltage gradient between and/or along the elongate elements, whereby to manipulate the trajectories of charged particles that traverse the grid. A method of manipulating the trajectories of moving charged particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Syringe mounting apparatus includes a body (25,300), and a coupling mechanism (20) on the body having a housing (22) to receive a barrel of a syringe component and means (28) to detachably engage the barrel and thereby interchangeably retain the syringe component. A plunger connector (60) is positioned with respect to the housing for operably coupling a plunger driver to a plunger element in the barrel of a syringe component when it is interchangeably retained by the coupling mechanism. The plunger connector includes means (74) for detachably engaging the plunger element in a manner allowing the plunger driver to effect reciprocatory movement of the plunger element longitudinally of the barrel for drawing fluid into or expelling fluid from the syringe component. Also disclosed are a syringe system, a disposable syringe component, and a syringe component with engagement features.

Abstract: A ferrule arrangement for use in sealing connections to gas chromatography columns includes a generally tubular metal ferrule with an axial bore to receive a fracturable column with a protective coating. The ferrule has a forward part that tapers to a tip region of the ferrule. A generally tubular former has a socket portion to receive the ferrule and further has an internal conical surface that, after such receipt, engages the forward part of the ferrule. A portion is provided on either or both of said ferrule and the former by which the ferrule and former may be directly or indirectly relatively moved together by application of finger force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing droplets of a liquid includes structure providing a passage along which the liquid may be delivered to form a droplet at an orifice. The structure is configured to propagate a shockwave to impact the droplet and thereby to displace it from the orifice, whereby the droplet is dispensed. The structure may provide an elongate passage to longitudinally receive a syringe needle positionable with its tip, and the orifice at the tip, at or adjacent on open end of the passage, one or more needle guides to locate the needle in the passage, which is of greater cross-section than the needle at the open end, and a seal arrangement to substantially seal the passage about the needle at a position displaced from the open end of the passage whereby to define a chamber between the position and the open end.