Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Plant

Kenneth R. Plant 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: 10591095
    Abstract: A fluidic coupling includes a compression screw having an axial bore, a threaded portion configured to engage a threaded bore of a coupling body, and a drive surface, a tube extending through the axial bore of the compression screw, the tube including a body and a fluidic channel extending through the body to a sealing end, the body including a pocket formed at the sealing end having a depth, a collet secured to an outer surface of the tube and having a first end configured to receive the drive surface of the compression screw, and a polymer seal having a channel to pass a fluid, the polymer seal including a flange portion and an insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark W. Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Publication number: 20190178426
    Abstract: A fluidic coupling includes a compression screw having an axial bore, a threaded portion configured to engage a threaded bore of a coupling body, and a drive surface, a tube extending through the axial bore of the compression screw, the tube including a body and a fluidic channel extending through the body to a sealing end, the body including a pocket formed at the sealing end having a depth, a collet secured to an outer surface of the tube and having a first end configured to receive the drive surface of the compression screw, and a polymer seal having a channel to pass a fluid, the polymer seal including a flange portion and an insertion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark W. Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Patent number: 10260662
    Abstract: Described is a fitting for coupling fluidic paths which facilitates secure and low leak rate fluid flow through a fluidic path junction such as a junction in a liquid chromatography system or other chemical analysis instrument. Fluid containing various mixtures of chemical samples can pass through the junction at high pressure with little or no trapped residue remaining in a volume at the connection. According to various embodiments, a face seal is achieved between two separate fluidic path features. In some embodiments, the sealing of the fluidic paths is aided by the use of a compliant polymer seal. The seal facilitates intimate contact between adjacent surfaces and significantly limits or prevents the entry of fluid under high pressure into an unswept volume. Thus the risk of carryover and its adverse effect on measurements is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark W. Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Patent number: 9441996
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to phase detection in multi-phase fluids where two fluid phases can be present in the fluid. Phase detection apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining the phase(s) (e.g., supercritical, liquid, and/or gas) of a fluid in a multi-phase fluid system, such as carbon dioxide based separation and chromatography system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Hill, Joshua A. Shreve, Robert Dumas, Sylvain Cormier, Edwin Denecke, Kenneth R. Plant, Kurt D. Joudrey
  • Publication number: 20160223108
    Abstract: Described is a fitting for coupling fluidic paths which facilitates secure and low leak rate fluid flow through a fluidic path junction such as a junction in a liquid chromatography system or other chemical analysis instrument. Fluid containing various mixtures of chemical samples can pass through the junction at high pressure with little or no trapped residue remaining in a volume at the connection. According to various embodiments, a face seal is achieved between two separate fluidic path features. In some embodiments, the sealing of the fluidic paths is aided by the use of a compliant polymer seal. The seal facilitates intimate contact between adjacent surfaces and significantly limits or prevents the entry of fluid under high pressure into an unswept volume. Thus the risk of carryover and its adverse effect on measurements is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark W. Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Patent number: 9334989
    Abstract: Described is a fitting for coupling fluidic paths which facilitates secure and low leak rate fluid flow through a fluidic path junction such as a junction in a liquid chromatography system or other chemical analysis instrument. Fluid containing various mixtures of chemical samples can pass through the junction at high pressure with little or no trapped residue remaining in a volume at the connection. According to various embodiments, a face seal is achieved between two separate fluidic path features. In some embodiments, the sealing of the fluidic paths is aided by the use of a compliant polymer seal. The seal facilitates intimate contact between adjacent surfaces and significantly limits or prevents the entry of fluid under high pressure into an unswept volume. Thus the risk of carryover and its adverse effect on measurements is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Patent number: 9213021
    Abstract: A connector is used to connect a conduit to a threaded orifice of a fluidic component, such as a component of an apparatus for chromatography. The connector includes a flexible fitting, a deformable fitting, and a compression fitting. The flexible fitting fixes the position of the conduit with respect to the threaded orifice. The deformable fitting provides a fluid-tight seal between the fluidic conduit and the threaded orifice. The compression fitting includes an external-thread portion for attachment to the orifice, to urge the flexible fitting toward an outer surface of the fluidic conduit, and to urge the deformable fitting toward both the outer surface and the orifice, a cam portion in mechanical communication with the flexible fitting via a through-hole in the external thread portion, and a graspable portion in rotatable communication with the cam portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Plant, John C. Conidi
  • Patent number: 9028780
    Abstract: Described is a compound sample needle for a liquid chromatography system. In one embodiment, the compound sample needle includes a rigid needle having a coupling end with a face and a counterbore. The compound sample needle also includes a flexible tubing having an outer surface and a coupling end disposed in the counterbore of the rigid needle. The coupling end of the flexible tubing has a face adjacent to a base of the counterbore. The coupling ends of the rigid needle and flexible tubing are secured to each other by a weld formed along a circumference of the outer surface and the face of the rigid needle. A rigid sleeve protects the welded joint. The compound sample needle is suitable for injection into the high pressure mobile phase of ultra performance liquid chromatography systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John Auclair, James E. Usowicz, Tony A. Lin, Marc Lemelin, Robert A. Jencks, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Publication number: 20150101419
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to phase detection in multi-phase fluids where two fluid phases can be present in the fluid. Phase detection apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining the phase(s) (e.g., supercritical, liquid, and/or gas) of a fluid in a multi-phase fluid system, such as carbon dioxide based separation and chromatography system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Hill, Joshua A. Shreve, Robert Dumas, Sylvain Cormier, Edwin Denecke, Kenneth R. Plant, Kurt D. Joudrey
  • Publication number: 20140110933
    Abstract: Described is a fitting for coupling fluidic paths which facilitates secure and low leak rate fluid flow through a fluidic path junction such as a junction in a liquid chromatography system or other chemical analysis instrument. Fluid containing various mixtures of chemical samples can pass through the junction at high pressure with little or no trapped residue remaining in a volume at the connection. According to various embodiments, a face seal is achieved between two separate fluidic path features. In some embodiments, the sealing of the fluidic paths is aided by the use of a compliant polymer seal. The seal facilitates intimate contact between adjacent surfaces and significantly limits or prevents the entry of fluid under high pressure into an unswept volume. Thus the risk of carryover and its adverse effect on measurements is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Publication number: 20140000722
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying fluid comprising a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a passage for fluid and an outer wall has at least one first receiving section for receiving an inner wall from the second tube. The second tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a chamber for receiving the first tube and has at least one second receiving section for receiving the outer wall of the first tube wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube are drawn down such that the first receiving section and the second receiving section of the first tube and the second tube are in close proximity to each other and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Water Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Plant
  • Patent number: 8616244
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying fluid comprising a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a passage for fluid and an outer wall has at least one first receiving section for receiving an inner wail from the second tube. The second tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a chamber for receiving the first tube and has at least one second receiving section for receiving the outer wall of the first tube wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube are drawn down such that the first receiving section and the second receiving section of the first tube and the second tube are in close proximity to each other and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Plant
  • Publication number: 20120328486
    Abstract: Described is a compound sample needle for a liquid chromatography system. In one embodiment, the compound sample needle includes a rigid needle having a coupling end with a face and a counterbore. The compound sample needle also includes a flexible tubing having an outer surface and a coupling end disposed in the counterbore of the rigid needle. The coupling end of the flexible tubing has a face adjacent to a base of the counterbore. The coupling ends of the rigid needle and flexible tubing are secured to each other by a weld formed along a circumference of the outer surface and the face of the rigid needle. A rigid sleeve protects the welded joint. The compound sample needle is suitable for injection into the high pressure mobile phase of ultra performance liquid chromatography systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Auclair, James E. Usowicz, Tony A. Lin, Marc Lemelin, Robert A. Jencks, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Publication number: 20120205304
    Abstract: A connector is used to connect a conduit to a threaded orifice of a fluidic component, such as a component of an apparatus for chromatography. The connector includes a flexible fitting, a deformable fitting, and a compression fitting. The flexible fitting fixes the position of the conduit with respect to the threaded orifice. The deformable fitting provides a fluid-tight seal between the fluidic conduit and the threaded orifice. The compression fitting includes an external-thread portion for attachment to the orifice, to urge the flexible fitting toward an outer surface of the fluidic conduit, and to urge the deformable fitting toward both the outer surface and the orifice, a cam portion in mechanical communication with the flexible fitting via a through-hole in the external thread portion, and a graspable portion in rotatable communication with the cam portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Plant, John C. Conidi
  • Patent number: 7909367
    Abstract: The present invention is a capillary interconnection fitting and method of clamping a capillary in the fitting that separates a forward ferrule that holds the capillary from a secondary clamping device. The fitting comprises a sealing ferrule, a compression screw and a clamping device. The ferrule is fitted in a compression screw that mates to a fluidic component. The clamping device is decoupled from the ferrule and coupled to the compression screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Plant, Sylvain Cormier, Geoff C. Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20100065141
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying fluid comprising a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a passage for fluid and an outer wall has at least one first receiving section for receiving an inner wail from the second tube. The second tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a chamber for receiving the first tube and has at least one second receiving section for receiving the outer wall of the first tube wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube are drawn down such that the first receiving section and the second receiving section of the first tube and the second tube are in close proximity to each other and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Plant
  • Patent number: 6484569
    Abstract: A thermal exchanger for a liquid chromatography system is provided. The tube-in-tube thermal exchanger comprises a first and a second sections of tubing, a first connector and a second connector. The first section of tubing carries sample solution from the packed chromatography column. The second tubing carries the sample solution from the detector out of the system, i.e., in an opposite direction to the direction of the first section of tubing. Both the first section of tubing and the second section of tubing connect to the first connector, which combines the two sections of tubing into a thermal exchange tubing. The thermal exchange tubing comprises the first section of tubing placed inside the second section of tubing such that waste fluid from the second tubing can optimally exchange thermal energy with fluid from the chromatography column. The thermal exchange tubing is configured into a plurality of coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Waters Investments Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Plant, Robert J. Dumas