Abstract: A biocompatible column for use in high pressure liquid chromatography applications includes a biocompatible, polymeric inner tube which is located within a metallic outer tube. The polymeric inner tube has end fittings and the inner polymeric tube and such end fittings and comprise a unitary piece. Alternatively, the outside ends of the outer tube may be threaded so that appropriate polymeric end fittings can be removably attached to each end of the column. A liquid chromatography system in which the column of the present invention is used is also shown and described.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in tying a boat to a cleat or rail. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a line having a loop and a pair of spreaders which are independently, slidably mounted thereon. Each spreader has a connection recess to receive an end portion of one of a pair of spaced-apart spreader arms. The spreader arms are attached to one end of an elongated shaft and the other end of the shaft is for grasping by the user. The spreaders hold the loop in an open position for easy placement around the cleat and when the handle is pulled by the user in a direction away from the cleat with a predetermined separation force, with the loop in place around the cleat, the spreaders separate from the spreader arms and the loop is free to assume a closed position around the cleat for tying the boat to the cleat. In an alternative embodiment, the line has a pair of spliced end portions, each of which is fixedly attached to one of the spreaders.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in tying a boat to a cleat. The apparatus includes a line having a loop and a pair of spreaders which are independently, slidably mounted thereon. Each spreader has a connection recess to receive an end portion of one of a pair of spaced-apart spreader arms. The spreader arms are attached to one end of an elongated shaft and the other end of the shaft is for grasping by the user. The spreaders hold the loop in an open position for easy placement around the cleat and when the handle is pulled by the user in a direction away from the cleat with a predetermined separation force, with the loop in place around the cleat, the spreaders separate from the spreader arms and the loop is free to assume a closed position around the cleat for tying the boat to the cleat.

Abstract: A check valve with a disposable filter is provided for regulating the flow of a mobilizing liquid in a pump of a liquid chromatograph. The valve assembly includes two seated ball valve subassemblies securely housed in a casing to define a liquid flow path therethrough. A portion of one valve subassembly extends beyond the valve casing and is received by a valve end cap. The valve end cap has an aperture which is aligned with the flow path defined by the valve subassemblies. The apertured end of the end cap has a tapered perimeter for receiving a correspondingly tapered end seal. The end seal has an apertured end wall with a filter received in the aperture and is adapted to be removably mounted on the tapered edge of the end cap, thereby removably mounting the filter to the valve assembly and requiring only the force of the user's fingers to attach and remove the filter.