Abstract: In some examples, a multi-device removal and installation tool may include a device removal tool including catch members engageable with an engagement face of a device to attach, upon engagement of the catch members with the engagement face, the device removal tool to the device. The catch members may engage the engagement face with a removal force that is sufficient to remove, upon engagement of the catch members with the engagement face, the device from an instrument. The multi-device removal and installation tool may further include a torque limit tool including a retainer having at least one protrusion, and a drive member having an inside surface and an outside surface. The torque limit tool may further include at least one detent positioned on the inside surface.

Abstract: In some examples, a filter assembly may include a filter including a first gasket having a first channel adjacent to a first side of the filter and a second gasket having a second channel adjacent to a second side of the filter. The first gasket and the second gasket may include a beveled surface adjacent to the filter. The first channel and the second channel may include a diameter of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm. A finger tightening system may securely hold the filter without any leaks.

Abstract: In some examples, a multi-device removal and installation tool may include a device removal tool including a first side having a first receiver with a first dimension that removably receives a first device, and a second side having a second receiver with a second dimension that removably receives a second device. The first dimension may be different from the second dimension. A torque limit tool may apply, in a first rotation direction of the torque limit tool and the device removal tool, a tightening torque to the first device. Further, the torque limit tool may apply, in a second rotation direction of the torque limit tool and the device removal tool, a loosening torque to the first device. The second rotation direction may be generally opposite to the first rotation direction.

Abstract: In some examples, a multi-device removal and installation tool may include a device removal tool including catch members engageable with an engagement face of a device to attach, upon engagement of the catch members with the engagement face, the device removal tool to the device. The catch members may engage the engagement face with a removal force that is sufficient to remove, upon engagement of the catch members with the engagement face, the device from an instrument. The multi-device removal and installation tool may further include a torque limit tool including a retainer having at least one protrusion, and a drive member having an inside surface and an outside surface. The torque limit tool may further include at least one detent positioned on the inside surface.

Abstract: In some examples, a filter assembly may include a filter including a first gasket having a first channel adjacent to a first side of the filter and a second gasket having a second channel adjacent to a second side of the filter. The first gasket and the second gasket may include a beveled surface adjacent to the filter. The first channel and the second channel may include a diameter of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm. A finger tightening system may securely hold the filter without any leaks.

Abstract: In some examples, a filter assembly may include a filter including a first gasket having a first channel adjacent to a first side of the filter and a second gasket having a second channel adjacent to a second side of the filter. The first gasket and the second gasket may include a beveled surface adjacent to the filter. The first channel and the second channel may include a diameter of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm. A finger tightening system may securely hold the filter without any leaks.

Abstract: The present invention is a ferrule for gas chromatography fittings comprising a body having a first end, a second end, and an internal bore extending length of the body; a tip integral with the body and protruding from the first end is disclosed. The tip has a flat surface through which the internal bore extends and wherein the flat surface of the tip is of smaller area than the first end and is perpendicular to the body. In one embodiment the body of the ferrule is formed from Zirconia ceramic. A connector assembly for creating a gas seal between chromatographic tubing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow control includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting a variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in the flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.

Abstract: A planar manifold that integrates all the control pneumatics, electronic pressure controls (EPC), and injector inlet onto a single plate, therefore eliminating numerous seals, fittings and transfer tubing between these devices. The planar manifold utilizes plates of specific geometry that minimizes heat transfer between the heated components and the unheated components in the planar manifold, while maintains the mechanical rigidity to support the attached components during shock and vibration. The planar manifold not only improves the reliability and manufacturability of micro gas chromatographs, but also lowers the cost of production.

Abstract: A flow control includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting a variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in the flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.

Abstract: A planar manifold that integrates all the control pneumatics, electronic pressure controls (EPC), and injector inlet onto a single plate, therefore eliminating numerous seals, fittings and transfer tubing between these devices. The planar manifold utilizes plates of specific geometry that minimizes heat transfer between the heated components and the unheated components in the planar manifold, while maintains the mechanical rigidity to support the attached components during shock and vibration. The planar manifold not only improves the reliability and manufacturability of micro gas chromatographs, but also lowers the cost of production.

Abstract: A selector valve assembly has reduced size, reduced cost, and increased repeatability with improved reliability and reduced maintenance expense due to use of a silicon micromachined valve body held in a releasable housing which in turn is mounted on a manifold plate to which are attached inlet and outlet fluid carrying tubing. The manifold plate includes two metal plates bonded together by an intervening polymer film and defining thread female connection inlets for tube fittings. The micromachined valve body is connected to a pilot valve assembly providing pneumatic operation of the micro-valves in the micromachined valve body. Also, a heater is mounted on the manifold plate to maintain temperature. The micromachined valve body is held on the manifold plate by a releasable spring-loaded assembly allowing quickly replacement of the micro-valve body in case of its failure.

Abstract: A housing for a (silicon) micromachined body (for instance an injector valve system, a detector or a stream selector for a gas chromatograph instrument) is field assemblable and disassemblable and mechanically self-aligning so that the micromachined body may be replaced in the field without tools and without adhesives or permanent bonding. The housing includes a top plate and a bottom plate spaced apart by two side rails and accommodating the micromachined body. The various tubes carrying fluids and pneumatic pressure to and from the micromachined body are attached to the housing by adhesives or brazing or by detachable screw-type fittings. The housing is held in alignment by alignment pins passing through it and is clamped together by a spring clamp which also clamps the housing to a printed circuit board and associated planar heater element. In addition to easy field assembly, this assembly allows manufacturing without precision alignment tools, adhesives, or welding.

Abstract: A miniature gas chromatograph with thermostatically-controlled heating of its component parts which contact and conduct the sample to the analytical column. The microvalve assembly of the gas chromatograph is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current through a metallic conductor formed on a surface of the microvalve assembly. The tubing which conducts sample from the gas chromatograph sample inlet to the microvalve assembly is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current directly through the tubing or through a metal layer formed around the tubing. The sample inlet fitting is heated by a wire heater element wrapped around it. Each heater has an associated temperature sensor for controlling the amount of heating to maintain a predetermined temperature.