Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for propelling fluids that feature at least one first pump assembly having a primary pump, an accumulator pump, drive means, valve means and control means. The valve means moves between the first position and the second position as the accumulator pump and primary pump alternate between a loading movement and a pump movement. The control means is in signal communication with the accumulator pump, the primary pump and the valve means. The control means issues signal command to the accumulator pump to assume the loading movement and the pump movement and the primary pump to assume the loading movement and pump movement in coordination with the movement of the valve means such that fluids are propelled from the first outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for killing and removing ticks from the skin of mammals which includes an aerosol canister. An environmentally safe refrigerant HFO-1234yf is carried within the aerosol canister. A mechanism is for dispensing the environmentally safe refrigerant from the aerosol canister directly onto a tick to immobilize and kill the tick. Another mechanism is for safely removing the dead tick from the skin of a mammal.

Abstract: Described are techniques for fabricating one or more parts of a valve used in a liquid chromatography system. At least one of a rotor and a stator are provided. The rotor is included in the valve and has a first surface facing a stator. The stator is included in the valve and has a second surface facing the rotor. A pattern is formed in at least one of the first surface and the second surface. Forming the pattern includes compressing the at least one surface by applying pressure thereto causing displacement of material to form at least one groove.

Abstract: In various embodiments a fluid control device suitable for high pressure analytical instruments includes a housing having an interior surface with an end wall. The interior surface defines a chamber. A valve assembly disposed in the chamber controls the flow of fluid through the chamber. An end cap is disposed in the housing opposite the end wall to enclose the chamber. The end wall and end cap each have an opening to pass a fluid to the chamber or to remove a fluid from the chamber. The housing and end cap each has an abutment surface to receive the other abutment surface. At least one of the abutment surfaces has a plastic seal coating. A means of compression, such as a compression housing and compression sleeve, is included to engage the end cap to deform the plastic seal coating between the abutment surfaces and thereby seal the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent composition gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate and precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<1 ?L/min) HPLC flow rates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent compositions gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate anti precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<?L/min) HPLC flow rates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for propelling fluids that feature at least one first pump assembly having a primary pump, an accumulator pump, drive means, valve means and control means. The valve means moves between the first position and the second position as the accumulator pump and primary pump alternate between a loading movement and a pump movement. The control means is in signal communication with the accumulator pump, the primary pump and the valve means. The control means issues signal command to the accumulator pump to assume the loading movement and the pump movement and the primary pump to assume the loading movement and pump movement in coordination with the movement of the valve means such that fluids are propelled from the first outlet.

Abstract: A valve including a linear positioning component operatively connected to a valve body and an actuating element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to method and devices for measuring the pressure of a pump chamber in which no internal opening or connections are needed. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for pumping fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one housing having a transducer surface. The transducer surface has a thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface has a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure. A strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface producing; at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent compositions gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate anti precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<?L/min) HPLC flow rates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for holding fluids at high pressures. One embodiment of the present invention features a fluid containing conveying device for receiving and discharging fluids. The device comprises a housing having a chamber for containing a fluid. The housing has a first gasket receiving surface for receiving a gasket. A gasket formed of a deformable material and having a first abutment surface and second abutment surface. The first abutment surface received on the first gasket receiving surface and the second abutment surface for receiving a chamber closing piece. The chamber closing piece having a second gasket receiving surface, the chamber closing piece for closing the chamber. At least one of the first gasket receiving surface of the housing and the second gasket receiving surface of the chamber closing piece having a retaining grove, having at least one edge.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for holding fluids at high pressures. One embodiment of the present invention features a device for receiving and discharging fluids. The device comprises a first housing having at least one side wall. The side wall has an interior surface defining at least one chamber and has at least one end cap abutment surface for receiving an end cap. The device has at least one end cap having at least one first housing abutment surface. The first housing abutment surface receives the end cap abutment surface positioning the end cap on the first housing for enclosing the chamber. At least one of the first housing abutment surface and the end cap abutment surface has first seal coating. The first seal coating comprises a deformable plastic adhering to the abutment surface. The device further comprises a fluid path means for receiving and removing fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for detecting defects, such as, leaks, component failure and adverse performance. One embodiment of the present apparatus for pumping fluid comprises a pumping chamber having an inlet and an outlet powered by a motor. The motor operates in pumping mode upon receiving a pumping signal. The apparatus further comprises at least one inlet valve in fluid communication with the inlet of the pumping chamber. And, the apparatus comprises a switchable valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the pumping chamber. The switchable valve has a closed position and an open position, and assumes the closed position upon receiving a close signal. A pressure measuring device is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber, between said inlet valve and switchable valve. The pressure measuring device determines a minimal pressure and first threshold pressure at a first time and a second threshold pressure at a second time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system. A first flow sensor is disposed in a first flow path between a first flow-divider and a fluidic tee. A second flow sensor is disposed in a second flow path between a second flow-divider and the fluidic tee. A first recycle flow restrictor is disposed in the first recycle flow path in fluid communication with the first flow-divider. A second recycle flow restrictor is disposed in the second The permeability of each recycle flow restrictor can be selected to produce a desired flow rate with each respective flow path. The output signals of the first and second flow sensors to control output of a pump within each flow path.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for detecting defects, such as, leaks, component failure and adverse performance. One embodiment of the present apparatus for pumping fluid comprises a pumping chamber having an inlet and an outlet powered by a motor. The motor operates in pumping mode upon receiving a pumping signal. The apparatus further comprises at least one inlet valve in fluid communication with the inlet of the pumping chamber. And, the apparatus comprises a switchable valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the pumping chamber. The switchable valve has a closed position and an open position, and assumes the closed position upon receiving a close signal. A pressure measuring device is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber, between said inlet valve and switchable valve. The pressure measuring device determines a minimal pressure and first threshold pressure at a first time and a second threshold pressure at a second time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system. A first flow sensor is disposed in a first flow path between a first flow-divider and a fluidic tee. A second flow sensor is disposed in a second flow path between a second flow-divider and the fluidic tee. A first recycle flow restrictor is disposed in the first recycle flow path in fluid communication with the first flow-divider. A second recycle flow restrictor is disposed in the second The permeability of each recycle flow restrictor can be selected to produce a desired flow rate with each respective flow path. The output signals of the first and second flow sensors to control output of a pump within each flow path.