Patents Examined by Ernest G. Therkorn
  • Patent number: 8685239
    Abstract: A separation device is formed of a first tube with a cylindrical wall enclosing a chamber having a first diameter, where the device has a first end for discharging a fluid and a second end for receiving a fluid. At least two stationary phase medias are packed into the chamber with separating frits between the medias. At least one end frit element, secured to an inner surface of the first tube contains the media in its section of the chamber and allows the beds formed of the media to be formed and packed. When the separation device so constructed forms a nanocolumn with a guard bed, the guard bed may be cleaved from the separation device extending the useful life of the nanocolumn. When the separation device so constructed comprises two analytical sections, and a plurality of guard beds, complex analysis may be performed on a column having an extended useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer Harnisch Granger, Robert Plumb
  • Patent number: 8685248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation matrix comprised of a porous support to which ligands have been immobilized, wherein said ligands comprise at least one aliphatic sulphonamide. The nitrogen of the sulphonamide may be a secondary or tertiary amine. The invention also relates to a chromatography column that contains the described separation matrix, as well as to a method of isolating immunoglobulin-like compounds by adsorption to a separation matrix that comprises aliphatic sulphonamide ligands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Glad, Bo-Lennart Johansson, Jean-Luc Maloisel, Nils Norrman
  • Patent number: 8679345
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for determining conditions for performing chromatography, particularly flash chromatography. The methods may be utilized for separating compounds in a sample in a column chromatography system. The method includes determining at least two retention factors corresponding to the TLC performance of a target compound and an adjacent compound and defining a sample loading amount and a solvent gradient profile using at least two solvents that will result in differential elution of the target and adjacent compounds from a chromatography column. The chromatography system and loading parameters may be selected to provide satisfactory separation of the target compound from adjacent compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Biotage AB
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Horsman, John R. Bickler
  • Patent number: 8679332
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system without relying on a nano-scale sensor in the operating flow path. A main flow sensor is disposed in the main flow path between the pump and a flow-divider. A waste flow sensor is disposed in the waste flow path downstream of the splitter. The output signal of the waste flow sensor is subtracted from the output signal of the main flow sensor in a difference circuit. The difference signal is divided by the output signal from the main flow sensor in a divider circuit. The output of the divider circuit represents an empirical split ratio of the flow-divider and is independent of media composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Keith Fadgen
  • Patent number: 8679333
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent composition gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate and precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<1 ?L/min) HPLC flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Joseph A. Luongo
  • Patent number: 8673151
    Abstract: A method for surface modification of a material by means of introducing the phosphorylcholine group represented by the following formula (1-1) onto the surface of the material by treating a material having amino groups with a chemical compound containing an aldehyde derivative obtained by the oxidative ring-opening reaction of glycerophosphorylcholine. The method of the present invention provides various materials such as medical materials having superior biocompatibility and hydrophilicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Miyazawa, Taketoshi Kanda, Yousuke Toujo, Aya Ohkubo, Osamu Shirota, Kenichi Sakuma, Masayoshi Wada
  • Patent number: 8673144
    Abstract: A liquid sample is prepared at a preparation site and then processed, e.g. in an HPLC column. The sample is prepared and conveyed to the device at a flow rate which is substantially less than the flow rate through the device. The different flow rates are preferably provided by variable rate working fluid supplies which drive the sample from the preparation site and through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: DH Technologies Development Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Neyer, David J. Rakestraw, Jason E. Rehm
  • Patent number: 8668829
    Abstract: A method for performing maintenance on a chromatography column (1; 41) comprising the steps of: a) when maintenance is required, detaching a detachable joint (7; 63) between a bottom plate (5; 53) of the chromatography column and a stand (3; 43) on which the chromatography column is provided; b) attaching an adaptor (15; 59) provided in the chromatography system to any part of the chromatography column (1; 41) making it possible to lift the bottom plate (5; 53) from the stand (3; 43) with the adaptor (15; 59); and c) raising the adaptor (15; 59) and thereby also the bottom plate (5; 53) such that maintenance can be performed under the bottom plate (5; 53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Manoj Kumar Ramakrishna, Daniel Salomonsson, Per Uselius
  • Patent number: 8663477
    Abstract: A method for conducting maintenance on a chromatography column (1; 51), said column comprising a column tube (32), a top end cell (20) and a bottom end cell (26), where during chromatography said column tube (32) is secured between said top end cell (20) and said bottom end cell (26). Said method comprises the step of rotating at least the top end cell (20) 180 degrees around a horizontal axis before maintenance is conducted to the top end cell (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Per Uselius, Kyril Dambuleff, John Davis
  • Patent number: 8658039
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles including an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric material. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. During application of the polymeric material/shell particle bilayer, the core particles are sonicated to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize agglomeration of particles. Multiple bilayers of polymer/shell particles may be applied. In one embodiment, the core particle comprises generally spherical glassy carbon, while the shell particles may comprise nano-sized diamond particles. Other acid-base-resistant materials may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Matthew R. Linford, Chuan-Hsi Hung
  • Patent number: 8658034
    Abstract: A mobile phase delivery device for use with high pressure liquid chromatography includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets, wherein each inlet is fluidly coupled with a solvent source. The manifold further has a mobile phase outlet that outputs a mobile phase, composed of solvent or solvent mixture, onto an analytical line. The device further includes at least one pump for delivering solvent to the manifold, and a fluid branch in the manifold that is located at a point downstream of the plurality of inlets, and is fluidly coupled with at least one of a pressure sensor and a purge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bruker Michrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Nugent, David Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8658038
    Abstract: An advanced silica gel sorbent for use in chromatographic separations that has been chemically modified by surface polycondensation of a trifunctional and/or difunctional organosilane. The chromatographic media exhibits a wider pH range and improved pH stability as compared to other silica gel based sorbents, while retaining all other positive aspects attributed to silica gel based sorbents. A method of forming the advanced silica gel sorbent by Templated Multilayer Inorganic/Organic Grafting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Phenomenex, Inc.
    Inventors: Ismail M. Rustamov, Michael C. Chitty, Tivadar Farkas, Lawrence Loo, Emmet Welch
  • Patent number: 8658040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatographic process for substance separation in the context of the preparation of chemicals such as, for example, chiral pharmaceuticals, isomers or biomolecules on the small-scale and production scale, based on Simulated Moving Bed (SMB=countercurrent chromatography) technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Strube, Karsten-Ulrich Klatt, Gerhard Noeth, Joern Greifenberg, Sebastian Bocker, Heinz Kansy, Peter Jahn, Berthold Justen
  • Patent number: 8652330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an asymmetric chromatography media suitable for separations applications, particularly as packed bed, fluidized bed or magnetized bed chromatography media. In certain embodiments, the asymmetric chromatography media comprises asymmetric particles, preferably beads, having at least two distinct, controlled pore size distributions. Preferably one of the distinct pore size distributions is in an internal region of the particle, and the other is in an external region or coating on the particle. These distinct pore size distributions can be modified with uniform or alternatively unique functional groups or mixtures of functional groups. The present invention allows for the control over pore size distribution within an asymmetric porous particle by providing a distinct internal region, preferably in the form of a bead, and a distinct external region, preferably in the form of a coating on the bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Kwok-Shun Cheng, Senthilkumar Ramaswamy, Chen Wang, Nanying Bian, Brian Gagnon, Joaquin A. Umana, Dennis Aquino, Neil Soice, Andrew Lyddiatt
  • Patent number: 8632680
    Abstract: Chromatography column comprising a column tube and at least one adjustable adapter assembly with a plunger that may be positioned at a plurality of longitudinal positions in the column tube, wherein the piston is arranged at the end of a threaded piston rod arranged with the threads engaged by a rotable end cap for enabling longitudinal movement of the piston by turning the end cap, and wherein the adaptor assembly comprises rotation prevention means arranged to prevent rotation of the plunger rod in response to turning of the end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Dan Hermansson, Girish Kittur, Patrik Akerstrom
  • Patent number: 8632679
    Abstract: A chromatography column and method of maintenance is described which does not require the use of a hoist or crane for disassembly. The method provides improved operator safety by reducing the need for the operator to work below a suspended or supported load within the column. Furthermore, the removal or replacement of column components is facilitated by providing access to the interior of the column and by the provision of a handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: John Davis, Stefan K. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8628667
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for mitigating column bed compression over time. This invention provides for an improved column design and method of controlling bed density in a chromatographic column using a protruding portion of a filter assembly. The invention results in a higher sorbent bed density than can normally be achieved using a fixed length column of conventional design. The invention may be implemented as a unique filter assembly or as a column tailored for the application and a matching filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Izzo, Raymond P. Fisk, Jonathan Belanger, Donald E. Ziniti
  • Patent number: 8608960
    Abstract: Provided are methods of separating an immunoreactive compound from at least one immaterial component, using a simulated moving bed (“SMB”) system and a SMB apparatus for use in these methods. Also provided are purified immunoreactive compounds prepared using the SMB methods and apparatus and methods of treatment with the purified immunoreactive compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Biogen Idec Inc.
    Inventors: Jorg Thommes, Alan M. Sonnenfeld, John P. Pieracci, Lynn Conley, Marc Bisschops, Maarten Pennings
  • Patent number: 8597508
    Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Abdul Malik, James D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8597509
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for constructing a spiral tube support apparatus used in countercurrent chromatography, improvements to countercurrent chromatography tube support design, and methods of using the improved countercurrent chromatography apparatus. The spiral tube support apparatus may be constructed by a shape forming process such as a three dimensional printing process that in turn uses a laser sintering technique, and can be made out of any easily formed material. Shape changes on both the tube support and the top improve the performance of the tube support and ease of manufacturing. The improved tube support and new method of creation permit use in both micro or macro scale preparations and use in small or large molecule preparations. In particular, specific solvent systems are described that permit purification of proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: CC Biotech LLC
    Inventors: Martha Knight, Thomas M Finn