Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable housing and a plurality of separately operable microfluidic emitters disposed within the housing. Each microfluidic emitter h an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet for emitting a spray. Each microfluidic emitter is movable within the portable housing between a first position in which the outlet of that microfluidic emitter is fully retracted within the portable housing and a second position in which the outlet of that microfluidic emitter projects out of the portable housing. The portable housing with the multiple emitters is adapted to be detachably coupled to another housing portion. This housing portion includes a microfluidic substrate with a channel for transporting an eluent and an outlet aperture for emitting the eluent. The inlet of one of the emitters is detachably coupled to the outlet aperture of the microfluidic substrate.

Abstract: A chromatography system includes a separation column that separates a sample carried by a compressible mobile phase flow into analytes and a splitter in fluidic communication with the separation column to receive and divide the compressible mobile phase flow into first and second mobile phase streams in accordance with a split ratio. A thermally modulated variable restrictor is coupled between the splitter and a detector. The restrictor receives the first mobile phase stream from the splitter and has a temperature element in thermal communication with the first mobile phase stream to exchange heat therewith. A controller, in communication with the restrictor, dynamically adjusts a temperature setting of the temperature element of the restrictor to adjust the heat exchange between the thermally modulated variable restrictor and the first mobile phase stream in order to keep the split ratio constant throughout a chromatographic run.

Abstract: A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Thermally modulated variable restrictors used in chromatography systems enable independent control of system pressure and linear velocity of a compressible mobile phase passing through a chromatography column. A method for configuring a chromatography system with independent control of system pressure and mass flow rate of a compressible mobile phase includes determining a type of chromatography separation column to be used in the chromatography system, matching a thermally modulated variable restrictor to the type of chromatography separation column for use together during operation of the chromatography system, and bundling the chromatography column with its matching thermally modulated variable restrictor for distribution as a single package.

Abstract: Thermally modulated variable restrictors used in chromatography systems enable independent control of system pressure and linear velocity of a compressible mobile phase passing through a chromatographic column. The restrictors include a restrictor body having a fluidic channel with an inlet that receives the mobile phase from the column and an outlet through which the mobile phase leaves the fluidic channel. A restrictor tip, disposed adjacent the outlet of the fluidic channel, has an egress opening that is smaller than an internal diameter of the fluidic channel. A heating element, thermally coupled to a subsection of the fluidic channel between its inlet and outlet, heats the mobile phase passing through that subsection of the fluidic channel. The restriction produced by the restrictor tip in response to the heating of the mobile phase enables independent control of system pressure and linear velocity of the mobile phase within the column.

Abstract: A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Described is a rotary valve including a stator element and a rotor element. The stator element defines a first inlet passage, a second inlet passage, and a first outlet passage, respectively, having a first inlet port, second inlet port and first outlet port in a stator face. The rotor element has a rotor face in contact with the stator face and has a first channel and a second channel formed therein. The rotor element is rotatably movable about a rotational axis to at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first inlet port is fluidly coupled to the first outlet passage by the first channel and the second inlet port is fluidly coupled to the first outlet passage by the second channel. In the second position, the first inlet port is fluidly coupled to the first outlet passage by the first and second channels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to burner assemblies of flame-based detectors. These burner assemblies are configured to deliver decompressed mobile phase of supercritical fluid chromatography systems to the flame of a flame-based detector while providing for improved optimization of analyte response as well as enhanced flame stability during operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to flame based detection methods for compressed mobile phase chromatography. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the operation of a flame ionization detector for carbon dioxide based chromatography, such as supercritical fluid chromatography. The present disclosure includes a method of matching a chromatographic column with a flame ionization detector inner burner including providing a chromatographic column with an internal diameter, determining an optimal mobile phase flow rate for the chromatographic column, calculating an optimal inner diameter of the inner burner that combined with the internal diameter and flow rate of the column produces optimal detector performance, and providing a flame ionization detector inner burner having an inner diameter substantially equal to the calculated optimal inner diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a bioactive composite, the method comprising the steps of a) adding in a solid state a biocompatible polymer and a bioactive glass to an extruder to form an extrudable material; b) applying energy to the extrudable material to at least the melting temperature of the biocompatible polymer to melt mix the biocompatible polymer and bioactive glass; and c) extruding a bioactive composite.

Abstract: Techniques are described for performing mass spectrometry. A quadrupole, or more generally, an electrode-based device, performs mass filtering for selectively filtering ions. One or more components generate a first RF potential, a DC potential, and a supplemental RF potential applied to the quadrupole. The supplemental RF potential has a corresponding multiple notched waveform having a plurality of corresponding frequencies thereby allowing a plurality of ions to pass through the quadrupole at a same time. Each of the plurality of corresponding frequencies corresponds to a notch in the waveform allowing one of the plurality of ions of a different mass or m/z to pass through the quadrupole for processing by another component or device.

Abstract: The invention provides interfaces between analytical instruments, e.g., between chromatography systems and mass spectrometers. In an exemplary embodiment, an ion source is provided for connecting a carbon dioxide-based chromatograph device to a mass spectrometer. The ion source includes a first conduit for receiving eluent from the chromatography device, a heater for heating at least a portion of said first conduit, a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, an inlet for receiving eluent from said second conduit and introducing the eluent into an ion source region to form a plume of gas and/or liquid in the ion source region, and an ionization promoting inlet for injecting an ionization promoting fluid into the ion source region to interact with the plume to promote ionization of at least some of the plume.

Abstract: Methods of preparing bioactive composites are described. Also described are methods of molding such composites. Shaped bodies comprising bioactive composites are further described.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated conductor, includes forming an insulated conductor to modify a cross sectional shape thereof Heating at least a portion of the insulated conductor to a selected temperature range. Maintaining the selected temperature range for at least a selected period of time thereby annealing the conductor. Forming the insulated conductor into a plurality of gable shaped loops; and maintaining insulating properties of an insulation layer of the insulated conductor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the modulation of flame gas stoichiometry to a flame-based detector for use in chromatographic separations are presented. As the total mass flow rate of mobile phase entering the flame-based detector changes (e.g., as a result of density programming in the separation), the mass flow rate of combustion gases to the detector are altered in proportion to the amount of mobile phase entering the detector. As a result, flame stability and sensitivity of the detector can be maintained by the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxidizer, and related methods, for oxidizing polar modifiers in chromatographic mobile phases. The oxidizer enables the use of flame-based detection in chromatographic separations, such as carbon dioxide based chromatography, which employ polar modifiers, such as methanol. Upon exiting a chromatographic column, the mobile phase containing the polar modifier is flowed through an oxidizer that contains a catalyst to oxidize at least a portion of the polar modifier to a species that does not interfere with the function of the flame-based detector. The oxidizer allows for flame-based detection, such as flame ionization detection, in applications in which a polar modifier with a reduced form of carbon is used.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic flame ionization detector for use in small scale separations, such as, for example, microfluidic gas chromatography and microfluidic carbon dioxide based fluid chromatography. In some arrangements, the microfluidic counter-current flame ionization detector employs a non-parallel arrangement for the introduction of combustion gases into the combustion chamber. In other arrangements, the detector housing is configured to incorporate at least one of the detector electrodes within the housing using electrically isolating fittings.

Abstract: Methods of preparing bioactive composites are described. Also described are methods of molding such composites. Shaped bodies comprising bioactive composites are further described.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.