Patents by Inventor Hermann Hochgraeber

Hermann Hochgraeber has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11802854
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Patent number: 11802855
    Abstract: A plug unit for connecting capillary tubes includes a plug housing that has an axial borehole, a plug capillary tube that projects through the axial borehole, and a sealing element that surrounds the plug capillary tube. The front end of the plug capillary tube is sealed by an elastic and/or plastic deformation of the sealing element against the capillary tube receptacle opening of a bushing unit. A hollow cylindrical pressure piece is provided that surrounds the sealing element in an axial region facing away from the end surface of the plug capillary tube, and the pressure piece has a rearward end side that faces away from the end surface of the plug capillary tube and that can be loaded by the plug housing with an axial pressure force when the plug unit and bushing unit are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Adolf Satzinger, Daniel Buerger, Andreas Unger
  • Publication number: 20230160381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of loading a fluid into a fluidic element, wherein the method is performed in a fluidic system comprising the fluidic element, wherein the method comprises determining a volume that has flown into the fluidic element since a start time tstart, and at a switching time tswitch, switching the fluidic system to an operating state to stop flow into the fluidic element. The present invention also relates to a fluidic system configured for performing the method, and to a corresponding computer program product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Christoph Hollnagel, Hermann Hochgräber, Martin Rendl, Anne Morgenstern
  • Patent number: 11624735
    Abstract: A method performed in a liquid chromatography system includes a metering device pushing a sample into a trap column. The metering device sucks in the sample from a sample reservoir, wherein the sucking in the sample from a sample reservoir precedes the step of pushing the sample into the trap column. The liquid chromatography system also includes a trap column and a metering device, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the metering device to push a sample into the trap column and wherein the metering device is adapted to push the sample into the trap column in this configuration, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the sample to be sucked into the system by means of the metering device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the liquid chromatography system for liquid chromatography, in particular of high-pressure liquid chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Dionex Softron
    Inventors: Christoph Hollnagel, Remco Swart, Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Publication number: 20230070054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle (1), wherein the needle (1) comprises a channel (12) extending through the needle (1), wherein the needle (1) comprises a needle tip (11), wherein the channel (12) comprises an opening at the needle tip (11), wherein the needle (1) defines an axial direction (x), wherein the axial direction (x) defines a distal direction and a proximal direction, wherein the needle tip (11) is a distal portion of the needle (1), and wherein the needle tip (11) comprises a first surface section (112) and a second surface section (111), wherein the first surface section (112) is arranged at a first angle (?) with respect to the axial direction (x) and the second surface section (111) is arranged at a second angle (?) with respect to the axial direction (x), wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. The present invention also relates to a corresponding apparatus, system and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Michael KOLBE, Christoph HOLLNAGEL, Hermann HOCHGRAEBER, Robert SPRINGER
  • Publication number: 20220065826
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventor: Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Patent number: 11156589
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Publication number: 20210199628
    Abstract: A method performed in a liquid chromatography system includes a metering device pushing a sample into a trap column. The metering device sucks in the sample from a sample reservoir, wherein the sucking in the sample from a sample reservoir precedes the step of pushing the sample into the trap column. The liquid chromatography system also includes a trap column and a metering device, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the metering device to push a sample into the trap column and wherein the metering device is adapted to push the sample into the trap column in this configuration, wherein the system is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the sample to be sucked into the system by means of the metering device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the liquid chromatography system for liquid chromatography, in particular of high-pressure liquid chromatography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph HOLLNAGEL, Remco SWART, Hermann HOCHGRAEBER
  • Publication number: 20210102922
    Abstract: A method of introducing a sample into a separation column includes introducing the sample into a trap column, isolating the trap column from ambient atmosphere and pressurizing the trap column to a first pressure while the trap column is isolated from ambient atmosphere, providing a fluid connection between the trap column and the separation column after pressurizing the trap column to the first pressure, supplying the sample from the trap column to the separation column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph HOLLNAGEL, Hermann HOCHGRAEBER, Thomas WACHINGER
  • Patent number: 10948463
    Abstract: A method performed in a liquid chromatography system that includes a metering device pushing a sample into a trap column. The metering device sucks in the sample from a sample reservoir, wherein the sucking in the sample from a sample reservoir precedes the step of pushing the sample into the trap column. The liquid chromatography system also includes a trap column and a metering device (100), wherein the system (1000) is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the metering device (100) to push a sample into the trap column (6) and wherein the metering device (100) is adapted to push the sample into the trap column (6) in this configuration, wherein the system (1000) is adapted to assume a configuration allowing the sample to be sucked into the system (1000) by means of the metering device (100). Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the liquid chromatography system (1000) for liquid chromatography, in particular of high pressure liquid chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Hollnagel, Remco Swart, Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Patent number: 10816515
    Abstract: A method of introducing a sample into a separation column includes introducing the sample into a trap column, isolating the trap column from ambient atmosphere and pressurizing the trap column to a first pressure while the trap column is isolated from ambient atmosphere, providing a fluid connection between the trap column and the separation column after pressurizing the trap column to the first pressure, supplying the sample from the trap column to the separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Hollnagel, Hermann Hochgraeber, Thomas Wachinger
  • Patent number: 10722816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting a gradient delay volume GDV of a liquid chromatography system for a chromatography run in liquid chromatography, in particular a high-performance liquid chromatography system, in which a desired value GDVtarget of a gradient delay volume of the liquid chromatography system is ascertained or predefined and, if the value GDVtarget deviates from a specific fixed value GDVactual of a liquid chromatography system, this value GDVtarget is set in a range 0??GDV=GDVtarget?GDVactual?Vmax of a volume of a volume adjustment device 5. Furthermore, the invention relates to an automatic sampler for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Thomas Wachinger
  • Publication number: 20200116675
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Hermann HOCHGRAEBER
  • Publication number: 20200116679
    Abstract: A plug unit for connecting capillary tubes includes a plug housing that has an axial borehole, a plug capillary tube that projects through the axial borehole, and a sealing element that surrounds the plug capillary tube. The front end of the plug capillary tube is sealed by an elastic and/or plastic deformation of the sealing element against the capillary tube receptacle opening of a bushing unit. A hollow cylindrical pressure piece is provided that surrounds the sealing element in an axial region facing away from the end surface of the plug capillary tube, and the pressure piece has a rearward end side that faces away from the end surface of the plug capillary tube and that can be loaded by the plug housing with an axial pressure force when the plug unit and bushing unit are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Hermann HOCHGRAEBER, Adolf SATZINGER, Daniel BUERGER, Andreas UNGER
  • Patent number: 10444205
    Abstract: A plug unit for connecting capillary tubes includes a plug housing that has an axial borehole, a plug capillary tube that projects through the axial borehole, and a sealing element that surrounds the plug capillary tube. The front end of the plug capillary tube is sealed by an elastic and/or plastic deformation of the sealing element against the capillary tube receptacle opening of a bushing unit. A hollow cylindrical pressure piece is provided that surrounds the sealing element in an axial region facing away from the end surface of the plug capillary tube, and the pressure piece has a rearward end side that faces away from the end surface of the plug capillary tube and that can be loaded by the plug housing with an axial pressure force when the plug unit and bushing unit are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Adolf Satzinger, Daniel Buerger, Andreas Unger
  • Patent number: 10386342
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GMBH
    Inventor: Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Publication number: 20190113484
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Hermann HOCHGRAEBER
  • Patent number: 10234433
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sampler for providing a sample for high-performance liquid chromatography, in which a volume of liquid to be taken up into a cylinder can be aspirated by means of a first drive and can be compressed to a high pressure level by means of a second drive independent of the first drive or can be decompressed from this level in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventors: Adolf Satzinger, Hermann Hochgraeber, Thomas Armin Alexander Eichorn
  • Publication number: 20180306759
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Hermann HOCHGRAEBER
  • Publication number: 20180272250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting a gradient delay volume GDV of a liquid chromatography system for a chromatography run in liquid chromatography, in particular a high-performance liquid chromatography system, in which a desired value GDVtarget of a gradient delay volume of the liquid chromatography system is ascertained or predefined and, if the value GDVtarget deviates from a specific fixed value GDVactual of a liquid chromatography system, this value GDVtarget is set in a range 0??GDV=GDVtarget?GDVactual?Vmax of a volume of a volume adjustment device 5. Furthermore, the invention relates to an automatic sampler for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Hermann HOCHGRAEBER, Thomas WACHINGER