Abstract: A normally open fluid manipulation valve assembly and system and a method for closing, re-opening and re-closing same. The normally open valve assembly can include a substrate including a first surface, with first and second recesses formed in the first surface. A recessed channel can be formed in the first surface. The recessed channel can extend from the first recess to the second recess and can be at least partially defined by a first deformable material having a first modulus of elasticity. The valve assembly can also include an elastically deformable cover. The elastically deformable cover can include a layer of an elastically deformable material having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first deformable material, and an adhesive layer that contacts the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A normally open fluid manipulation valve assembly and system and a method for closing, re-opening and re-closing same. The normally open valve assembly can include a substrate including a first surface, with first and second recesses formed in the first surface. A recessed channel can be formed in the first surface. The recessed channel can extend from the first recess to the second recess and can be at least partially defined by a first deformable material having a first modulus of elasticity. The valve assembly can also include an elastically deformable cover. The elastically deformable cover can include a layer of an elastically deformable material having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first deformable material, and an adhesive layer that contacts the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing capillary electrophoresis, which includes an electronically controlled valve system for automatically introducing a sample into the capillary by means of a vacuum at the end of the capillary tube. This approach of sucking in the sample is extremely accurate and reproducible, and results in a minimum of band broadening. Furthermore, it enables the entire capillary electrophoresis sytem to be easily automated. An automated temperature control system is provided which enables the temperature of the capillary tube (and hence the solvent/solute system) to be controlled during electrophoresis, thereby very directly controlling pH and electrophoretic mobility. In another embodiment, the capillary is prewashed and equilibrated to achieve substantially zero charge on the capillary wall, thereby essentially eliminating electroosmotic flow and substantially improving resolution.

Abstract: An instrument for capillary electrophoresis has a vertically translatable carrier holding one end of the capillary and an electrode connected to a power supply, and a rotary carousel for presenting containers of sample and buffer solutions to a load position where the end of the capillary and the electrode may be inserted by operating the carrier. The other end of the capillary and a second electrode connected to the power supply are immersed in an outlet buffer reservoir. The instrument has a vacuum supply for providing a relative vacuum over the solution in the outlet buffer reservoir, so simple material may be injected into the capillary either by electromigration or by differential pressure. After injection, the first end of the capillary and the electrode may be immersed in buffer to accomplish electrophoresis. By manipulating the carousel and carrier, multiple samples may be electrophoresed in series.

Abstract: an apparatus is disclosed for providing capillary electrophoresis, which includes an electronically controlled valve system for automatically introducing a sample into the capillary by means of a vacuum at the end of the capillary tube. This approach of sucking in the sample is extremely accurate and reproducible, and results in a minimum of band broadening. Furthermore, it enables the entire capillary electrophoresis sytem to be easily automated. An automated temperature control system is provided which enables the temperature of the capillary tube (and hence the solvent/solute system) to be controlled during electrophoresis, thereby very directly controlling pH and electrophoretic mobility. In another embodiment, the capillary is prewashed and equilibrated to achieve substantially zero charge on the capillary wall, thereby essentially eliminating electroosmotic flow and substantially improving resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing signal to noise ratio in the detection of electromagnetic radiation traversing a capillary tube includes a ball lens and a holding element for holding the ball lens and the capillary tube, the holding element having an aperture so that the aperature and the lens together define an optic axis. The holding element is configured to hold the capillary tube such that the center of the capillary tube traverses the optic axis. The lens has a focal length and is held at such a position relative to that focal length by the holding element such that electromagnetic radiation incident on the aperature is focussed to pass radially through the capillary tube. Thus, the effective path length is 100% of the inside diameter of the capillary tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing capillary electrophoresis, which includes an electronically controlled valve system for automatically introducing a sample into the capillary by means of a vacuum at the end of the capillary tube. This approach of sucking in the sample is extremely accurate and reproducible, and results in a minimum of band broadening. Furthermore, it enables the entire capillary electrophoresis system to be easily automated. An automated temperature control system is provided which enables the temperature of the capillary tube (and hence the solvent/solute system) to be controlled during electrophoresis, thereby very directly controlling pH and electrophoretic mobility. In another embodiment, the capillary is prewashed and equilibrated to achieve substantially zero charge on the capillary wall, thereby essentially eliminating electroosmotic flow and substantially improving resolution.

Abstract: A trough-shaped element is vibrated in a motion that includes a rise and fall of the trough, and the inside of the trough is lined with a pile material of flexible filaments uniformly inclined from the vertical toward the direction of feed along the trough. The filaments have a size, density and resilience so the tips of the filaments flexibly support and feed objects along the trough.