Abstract: A system for coupling a tendon to a bone may include a tendon coupling device engageable with a tendon, a fastener to secure the tendon coupling device to the tendon, a bone coupling device, and a flexible element. The flexible element may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the flexible element may be couplable with the fastener to securably attach the flexible element to the tendon. The bone coupling device may include a bone-facing surface engageable with a surface of the bone proximate a bone tunnel formed through the bone, and a hole formed through the bone coupling device. The second portion of the flexible element may be receivable through the bone tunnel and the hole formed through the bone coupling device to engage an opposing surface of the bone coupling device and securably couple the tendon to the bone.

Abstract: A stemmed implant comprises a proximal body with a distal shaft extending from the proximal body. The proximal body exterior may be spherical, conical, cylindrical, or another surface of revolution. The distal shaft comprises multiple longitudinal ridges which may originate from the proximal body as separate columns, or which may merge together. The distal shaft and/or the ridges may become narrower as they extend away from the proximal body.

Abstract: A stemmed implant comprises a proximal body with a distal shaft extending from the proximal body. The proximal body exterior may be spherical, conical, cylindrical, or another surface of revolution. The distal shaft comprises multiple longitudinal ridges which may originate from the proximal body as separate columns, or which may merge together. The distal shaft and/or the ridges may become narrower as they extend away from the proximal body.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for streamlined purchase of consumable chromatographic columns and efficient instrument management. Purchase orders for chromatographic columns are entered into based on estimating usage for a fixed period. An initial partial shipment is made of tagged columns as the columns are used. An RFID transmits trigger signals until an order point is reached at which time a new partial shipment is made. This process is repeated until the end of the fixed period. A general control system is in wireless communication with a plurality of apparatuses to ensure prompt and accurate supply of consumables used by the apparatus. As the apparatus uses the consumables, the instrument management system sends indicia from the apparatus to the general control which controls and monitors the number of specific consumables sent to the apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a collector, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the liquid chromatograph, store the information and transmit it. Moreover, the RFIDs may substitute for hard wiring in many applications and may enable a central computer to control several liquid chromatographic and environmental sample collectors.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a collector, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the liquid chromatograph, store the information and transmit it. Moreover, the RFIDs may substitute for hard wiring in many applications and may enable a central computer to control several liquid chromatographic system.

Abstract: Sample is applied to a chromatographic column containing shape stabilized packing and the liquid phase is pumped through the shape stabilized packing at a rate of flow greater than the standard rate of flow to obtain at least one of a target resolution and target time of run. Because of the improved resolution provided by the shape stabilized packing at higher rates of flow of solvent, the chromatographer can either obtain better resolution with a standard gradient or shorten the time of the run and reduce the amount of solvent needed by increasing the slope of the gradient.

Abstract: A bubbler is positioned within a solvent reservoir of a chromatographic system with its opening near the bottom of the system to measure the pressure of solvent. The bubbler may use air or may use helium or some other gas so that the solvent can be purged of excess air while its level is being monitored by the bubbler. The bubbler provides a depth signal to a microcontroller that records the drop in pressure and projects a low level of pressure at which point solvent should be replenished. The microprocessor may provide a signal to the operator or terminate operation or automatically replenish solvent depending upon the program.

Abstract: A sample injection apparatus includes a sample container and a tube that communicates with the inlet of a liquid chromatographic column. The sample container receives at least a preparatory-sized sample. A syringe pump pulls sample from the sample container and applies it to the inlet of the liquid chromatographic column.

Abstract: To provide or maintain pump prime in a liquid chromatographic system when changing solvents or solvent reservoirs or starting up a chromatographic run, first and second solvents are supplied to a mixer through corresponding first and second lines and from the mixer to a chromatographic column. Air in one of the lines is removed by a pump and the line is filled with solvent.

Abstract: A sample injector includes a rotary valve element with a straight passageway through it, which element may be rotated to connect a port communicating with a source of solvent with a port communicating with an inlet to a column. Another passageway connects two adjacent ports. The valve element may be rotated to one position in which it provides a straight path for sample to be injected, a second position in which it provides a path that connects a source of purge gas to the chromatographic system and a third position in which it provides a path that connects solvent to the column for preconditioning.

Abstract: Sample is applied to a chromatographic column containing shape stabilized packing and the liquid phase is pumped through the shape stabilized packing at a rate of flow greater than the standard rate of flow to obtain at least one of a target resolution and target time of run. Because of the improved resolution provided by the shape stabilized packing at higher rates of flow of solvent, the chromatographer can either obtain better resolution with a standard gradient or shorten the time of the run and reduce the amount of solvent needed by increasing the slope of the gradient.

Abstract: To make an inexpensive chromatographic column and perform chromatography with it, column walls and a column end with a port are molded integrally from plastic. A closure is integrally molded with a port as well. One type of closure includes part of a snap-on fastener integrally molded to it to cooperate with corresponding parts molded integrally with the column walls. In another type of closure for higher pressures, the closure is spin welded to the tubular walls. In still another type of closure for still higher pressures, a retaining plate is pressed into the column to hold the packing in place. The closures have channels molded into them radiating from a port and opening toward packing material such as silica beads or porous polymeric plugs. Filters and secondary seals may be located at the ends to prevent leakage of the packing material. The packing is balanced spherical or spheroid-like derivitized silica packing.

Abstract: A bubbler is positioned within a solvent reservoir of a chromatographic system with its opening near the bottom of the system to measure the pressure of solvent. The bubbler may use air or may use helium or some other gas so that the solvent can be purged of excess air while its level is being monitored by the bubbler. The bubbler provides a depth signal to a microcontroller that records the drop in pressure and projects a low level of pressure at which point solvent should be replenished. The microprocessor may provide a signal to the operator or terminate operation or automatically replenish solvent depending upon the program.

Abstract: Purchase orders for chromatographic columns and sampler tubing are entered into based on estimating usage for a year. An initial partial shipment is made of tagged columns or tubing as the tubing or columns are used. An RFID transmits trigger signals until an order point is reached at which time a new partial shipment is made. This process is repeated until the end of the year.

Abstract: A bubbler is positioned within a solvent reservoir of a chromatographic system with its opening near the bottom of the system to measure the pressure of solvent. The bubbler may use air or may use helium or some other gas so that the solvent can be purged of excess air while its level is being monitored by the bubbler. The bubbler provides a depth signal to a microcontroller that records the drop in pressure and projects a low level of pressure at which point solvent should be replenished. The microprocessor may provide a signal to the operator or terminate operation or automatically replenish solvent depending upon the program.

Abstract: To form a smooth gradient and a preparatory liquid chromatographic system having a plurality of syringe type pumps, solvents are alternately drawn and inserted into each cylinder. The solvents are alternately drawn into and through a long narrow path formed of tubing to create axial mixing and spreading out of the interface and then are drawn into the cylinders during the refill stroke of the piston at a sufficiently high velocity to create turbulence. The drawing of the solvents into one side of the cylinder a radial distance from the center creates circular eddy currents.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a collector, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the liquid chromatograph, store the information and transmit it.

Abstract: A sample injector includes a rotary valve element with a straight passageway through it, which element may be rotated to connect a port communicating with a source of solvent with a port communicating with an inlet to a column. Another passageway connects two adjacent ports. The valve element may be rotated to one position in which it provides a straight path for sample to be injected, a second position in which it provides a path that connects a source of purge gas to the chromatographic system and a third position in which it provides a path that connects solvent to the column for preconditioning.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a fraction collection system, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components including the fraction collector to provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like useful in maintaining inventory control and managing the system. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the fraction collector including the location of sample containers.