Abstract: An ion chromatography housing for easy insertion and removal of a plurality of component cartridges is disclosed. Various components of the IC system are provided in the separate component cartridges. The IC housing includes a capillary separation column and may be connected to conventional-scale components of an IC system. A plurality of IC housings may be provided in a compartment with one or more separation columns. The columns may be capillary columns or conventional-scale columns. A method of using the ion chromatography system is also disclosed. The IC system may be utilized to perform two-dimensional ion chromatographic separation.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting analytical instrument tubing includes a blade for cutting a tube and a clamp assembly configured to securely hold at least a portion of the tube. The clamp assembly is movable between a first position to hold the tube in a first cutting location relative to the blade and a second position to hold the tube in a second cutting position relative to the blade. A tube advancement mechanism is operably connected to the clamp assembly.

Abstract: An ion chromatography housing for easy insertion and removal of a plurality of component cartridges is disclosed. Various components of the IC system are provided in the separate component cartridges. The IC housing includes a capillary separation column and may be connected to conventional-scale components of an IC system. A plurality of IC housings may be provided in a compartment with one or more separation columns. The columns may be capillary columns or conventional-scale columns. A method of using the ion chromatography system is also disclosed. The IC system may be utilized to perform two-dimensional ion chromatographic separation.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, the valve body also having a valve chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, a pair of seals each being located on opposing ends of the valve chamber; and a reciprocating piston extending into the valve chamber and movable between a closed position extending through the pair of seals and an open position extending only through one of the pair of seals, wherein the inlet port is fluidly connected with the outlet port when the piston is in the open position. A method of using the valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, the valve body also having a valve chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, a pair of seals each being located on opposing ends of the valve chamber; and a reciprocating piston extending into the valve chamber and movable between a closed position extending through the pair of seals and an open position extending only through one of the pair of seals, wherein the inlet port is fluidly connected with the outlet port when the piston is in the open position. A method of using the valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing system is described for sequentially bending a plurality of planar spring elements extending from a regularly perforated bar or fret, then adjusting the resiliency of each element to provide a precise load when deflected to a particular position, and finally shearing only those elements meeting the desired deflection load criteria from the fret. A microprocessor obtains necessary processing data while controlling the several stations at which the spring elements are measured, formed (bent), thermally adjusted and sheared from the fret. A walking beam transport system also controlled by the microprocesser incremently transports the frets of spring elements between and through each station. An oven can be incorporated into the walking beam transport system between the forming and thermal adjust stations for stress relieving the spring elements before adjustment.