Abstract: Described is a multi-channel fluidic device that includes a diffusion-bonded body having a device surface and a plurality of fluid channels. Each fluid channel includes a channel segment defined in a plane that is parallel to the device surface and parallel to each of the planes of the other channel segments. The plane of each channel segment is at a depth below the device surface that is different from the depth below the device surface for the other planes. Each channel segment may have a volume equal to the volume of each of the other channel segments. One of the fluid channels may include a plurality of channel segments serially connected to each other and each defined in a plane that is different from the planes of the other channel segments.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may deploy a valve that introduces a sample of a calibrant coaxially with flow exiting a source of a mobile phase flow, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column, on a path to an ion source for the mass spectrometer (MS). The valve may be positioned remotely on a branch that has a junction with the path leading form the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source. Alternatively, the valve may be positioned in line on the flow path from the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source of the MS. A novel five port valve design may be employed. With this valve design, a first position of the valve allows a sample loop for the calibrant to be filled. In a second position, the calibrant is added coaxially to the flow from the source of the mobile phase to the MS. In a third position of the valve, diversion of or infusion to a post-source flow is enabled.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a rail extending along the length and configured to receive a first fluidic assembly, and a carriage movably attachable to the rail such that the carriage moves along the rail, the carriage configured to receive a second fluidic assembly, the carriage including an actuator and a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism is configured to selectively prevent and allow movement of the carriage relative to the rail. The stop mechanism is configured to be independently operable from the actuator assembly, and the actuator is configured: to move a chromatography column received by the clamp assembly relative to the rail to create a first fluid tight seal between the chromatography column and the first fluidic assembly, and move the second fluidic assembly relative to the carriage body to create a second fluid tight seal between the second fluidic assembly and the chromatography column.

Abstract: A sprayer assembly for an ion source is disclosed. The sprayer includes a capillary having an outlet, a sheath for the capillary, and an elastic member. The sheath can move relative to the capillary between a first position in which the sheath covers the outlet of the capillary and a second position in which the outlet of the capillary is exposed. When the sheath moves from the first position to or towards the second position, the elastic member provides a restoring force that acts to restore the position of the sheath to or towards the first position.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a rail extending along the length and configured to receive a first fluidic assembly, and a carriage movably attachable to the rail such that the carriage moves along the rail, the carriage configured to receive a second fluidic assembly, the carriage including an actuator and a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism is configured to selectively prevent and allow movement of the carriage relative to the rail. The stop mechanism is configured to be independently operable from the actuator assembly, and the actuator is configured: to move a chromatography column received by the clamp assembly relative to the rail to create a first fluid tight seal between the chromatography column and the first fluidic assembly, and move the second fluidic assembly relative to the carriage body to create a second fluid tight seal between the second fluidic assembly and the chromatography column.

Abstract: A sprayer assembly for an ion source is disclosed. The sprayer includes a capillary having an outlet, a sheath for the capillary, and an elastic member. The sheath can move relative to the capillary between a first position in which the sheath covers the outlet of the capillary and a second position in which the outlet of the capillary is exposed. When the sheath moves from the first position to or towards the second position, the elastic member provides a restoring force that acts to restore the position of the sheath to or towards the first position.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may deploy a valve that introduces a sample of a calibrant coaxially with flow exiting a source of a mobile phase flow, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column, on a path to an ion source for the mass spectrometer (MS). The valve may be positioned remotely on a branch that has a junction with the path leading form the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source. Alternatively, the valve may be positioned in line on the flow path from the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source of the MS. A novel five port valve design may be employed. With this valve design, a first position of the valve allows a sample loop for the calibrant to be filled. In a second position, the calibrant is added coaxially to the flow from the source of the mobile phase to the MS. In a third position of the valve, diversion of or infusion to a post-source flow is enabled.

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: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A flow cell for a liquid chromatography detector comprises a substrate formed of a glass material; a fluidic channel extending through the substrate; and at least one gas filled region formed in the substrate along at least a portion of a length of the fluidic channel. A portion of the glass material separates the fluidic channel and the gas filled region. An interface between the gas filled region and the portion of the glass material separating the fluidic channel and the gas filled region enables total internal reflection of light propagating along the fluidic channel.

Abstract: Described is a dual mode sample manager for a liquid chromatography system. The dual mode sample manager includes a sample needle, a sample loop, a metering pump, a needle seat and first and second valves. Each valve is configurable in two valve states to enable two modes of operation. In one mode, sample acquired and stored in the sample needle is injected into a chromatography system flow and, in the other mode, sample acquired through the sample needle and stored in the sample loop is injected into the chromatography system flow. The automated switching of the sample manager between the two modes of operation avoids the need for maintaining two separate liquid chromatography systems or manual reconfiguration of a chromatography system for users desiring the capability of both modes of operation.

Abstract: The technology generally relates to tailoring a back pressure regulator in a chromatographic system to reduce unswept volume within the back pressure regulator to achieve better sample detection and a reduction in chromatographic band distortion effects.

Abstract: A rotary valve that includes a stator, a rotor and a plurality of sample channels. The stator includes a stator surface having an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of selectable ports. The rotor includes a rotor surface having a first rotor channel and a second rotor channel. The rotor is configurable in a plurality of rotor positions, each of which couples the inlet port to one of the selectable ports through the first rotor channel and couples the outlet port to another one of the selectable ports through the second rotor channel. The two selectable ports are coupled to each other through one of the sample channels. The rotor has a bypass state defined by a rotor position, or angular range of rotor positions, at which the inlet port is coupled to the outlet port through the second rotor channel.

Abstract: Described is a rotary valve that includes a stator, a rotor and a plurality of sample channels. The stator includes a stator surface having an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of selectable ports. The rotor includes a rotor surface having a first rotor channel and a second rotor channel. The rotor is configurable in a plurality of rotor positions, each of which couples the inlet port to one of the selectable ports through the first rotor channel and couples the outlet port to another one of the selectable ports through the second rotor channel. The two selectable ports are coupled to each other through one of the sample channels. The rotor has a bypass state defined by a rotor position, or angular range of rotor positions, at which the inlet port is coupled to the outlet port through the second rotor channel.

Abstract: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Described is a thermogravimetric analyzer system. The system includes an evaporator having first and second fluidic channels and a thermally controlled heater assembly. The first fluidic channel has a first channel inlet in fluidic communication with a gas supply module, a first channel outlet and an end portion extending from the first channel outlet. The second fluidic channel has a second channel inlet in fluidic communication with a source of liquid and a second channel outlet disposed on the first fluidic channel at a merge location between the first channel inlet and the first channel outlet. The end portion of the first fluidic channel includes a bend to redirect a flow within the first fluidic channel and improve a mixing of the gas and liquid received by the first and second fluidic channels, respectively.

Abstract: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments integrate a tee or valve into an outlet end fitting of a liquid chromatography column. The tee or valve is suitable for providing additional fluidic flow paths to ports of the end fitting and eliminates the need for post-column fluidic conduits connecting to tees or valves to insert fluidic inputs or divert flow to outputs. This integration decreases the distance that eluent from the liquid chromatography column has to travel to reach a detector relative to systems that use external tees or valves while providing tee/valve functionality and reducing the fluidic volume post-column. As a result, the exemplary embodiments help decrease sample dispersion.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide chromatography column positioning assemblies that can ensure that the distance between face seals or other sealing surfaces/mechanisms at the respective ends of a liquid chromatography column is a desired distance (i.e., the length of the liquid chromatography column). The exemplary embodiments can adjust the separation between the face seals to accommodate different length liquid chromatography columns. For example, a chromatography column positioning assembly of an exemplary embodiment can set the distance between face seals to accommodate a 25 mm column, a 50 mm column or a 100 mm column.

Abstract: Described is a fluidic manifold that includes a block formed of multiple layers each bonded to at least one adjacent layer at a layer interface. Bonding may be achieved using a diffusion bonding process. The block includes one or more attachment surfaces and at least two fluidic channels. Each fluidic channel is at least partially disposed at one of the layer interfaces and has a first end at one of the attachment surfaces. Each attachment surface includes an attachment feature at the first end of one of the fluidic channels to enable a fluidic coupling of the two fluidic channels through a fluidic component. Attachment features include, for example, a compression fitting coupling body adapted to receive a conventional seal, such as a ferrule and compression screw, and a fitting body that permits a face seal or gasket seal between the fluidic component and the block.