Abstract: The present invention comprises the next generation of narrow bore HPLC Column Hardware. The inventors have developed and designed narrow bore column hardware that provides the ultimate configuration to obtain optimum peak shape, improved sensitivity and reduced backpressure. The improvements of the present invention comprise a new HPLC column hardware design that can be utilized to improve chromatographic performance as follows: reduced backpressure, reduced band broadening, and increased plate count.

Abstract: Provided is an improved sports shaft that includes longitudinal channels running within the interior portion of the substantially hollow shaft. The channels, and more specifically, the channel walls that define the channels, provide additional strength to the sports shaft. The improved sports shaft is better suited to withstand impact forces over a longer period of time than a typical hollow shaft. The improved sports shaft also is also better suited to withstand the variety of non-impact forces that act upon a sports shaft during the course of play. A key advantage of the improved sports shaft is the dramatic increase in strength without the addition of unnecessary weight.

Abstract: A sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick utilizes aerodynamic features in order to achieve an exposed truss like structure which permits airflow through the internal sections of the shaft which creates greater shaft acceleration and velocity. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick. The sports stick also provides a system wherein weight can be regulated in multiple regions throughout by utilizing removable or fixed weighted elements or by sizing of cutaways strategically designed to be placed in a certain area of the stick, depending on player handling preference.

Abstract: A sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick utilizes aerodynamic features in order to achieve an exposed truss like structure which permits airflow through the internal sections of the shaft which creates greater shaft acceleration and velocity. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal self-adjusting high pressure liquid connector for use with high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns requiring liquid-tight and leak free seals between fittings and unions. The present apparatus provides a liquid-tight seal between the end of a HPLC end fitting and a end cap thereby eliminating any potential dead volume in the area of the connection. The apparatus comprises a body, a fixed ferrule, a replaceable ferrule, a stem disposed in the body and a biasing spring slidingly mounted on a capillary tube of that extends through the connector. The spring biases the capillary tube of the connector into the HPLC end fitting, self-adjusting and maintaining a pressure sufficient to ensure a liquid-tight seal notwithstanding the depth of the HPLC tube stop or ferrule stop of the mating HPLC column.