Abstract: Apparatus for making a fluid flow connection includes a pair of complementary components having respective first and second flow passages, and respective formations engageable to join the components by press-fitting them together so that the passages are in fluid flow communication and the junction between them is sealed against leakage up to a pre-determined pressure of the fluid flow. The respective formations comprise, on one hand, a spike (30) including at least a portion (32) of the first flow passage opening at a tip (31) of the spike and a first guide surface (29) about the spike, and, on the other hand, a body (41) with a passageway (42) that, when the components are press-fitted together, sealingly receives the spike, and a second guide surface (47) about the passageway that slidingly engages the first guide surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fluid flow connection includes a pair of complementary components having respective first and second flow passages, and respective formations engageable to join the components by press-fitting them together so that the passages are in fluid flow communication and the junction between them is sealed against leakage up to a pre-determined pressure of the fluid flow. The respective formations comprise, on one hand, a spike (30) including at least a portion (32) of the first flow passage opening at a tip (31) of the spike and a first guide surface (29) about the spike, and, on the other hand, a body (41) with a passageway (42) that, when the components are press-fitted together, sealingly receives the spike, and a second guide surface (47) about the passageway that slidingly engages the first guide surface.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for facilitating treatment of a fluid containing a sample for analysis, includes: a body having spaced ends and defining a fluid flow passage arrangement that extends between the ends. The fluid flow passage arrangement includes two flow paths that are configured in parallel, merge within the body at least once, and respectively contain a one-way check valve and a medium selected to treat or modify sample-containing fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fluid flow connection includes a pair of complementary components having respective first and second flow passages, and respective formations engageable to join the components by press-fitting them together so that the passages are in fluid flow communication and the junction between them is sealed against leakage up to a pre-determined pressure of the fluid flow. The respective formations comprise, on one hand, a spike (30) including at least a portion (32) of the first flow passage opening at a tip (31) of the spike and a first guide surface (29) about the spike, and, on the other hand, a body (41) with a pas sageway (42) that, when the components are press-fitted together, sealingly receives the spike, and a second guide surface (47) about the passageway that slidingly engages the first guide surface.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for facilitating treatment of a fluid containing a sample for analysis, includes: a body having spaced ends and defining a fluid flow passage arrangement that extends between the ends. The fluid flow passage arrangement includes two flow paths that are configured in parallel, merge within the body at least once, and respectively contain a one-way check valve and a medium selected to treat or modify sample-containing fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparation of samples for analysis comprising includes structure (21) for interchangeably locating first racks of sample receptacles that contain samples to be prepared for analysis and second racks include racks of different configuration racks for of sample receptacles which second that are respectively transferable to different analysis instruments, and for receiving and positioning a plurality of reagent vessels at known respective positions. An assembly of devices (50,60) is actuable to transfer samples from sample receptacles of the first rack to sample receptacles of the second rack, while carrying out a sample preparation operation selected from a plurality of pre-programmed sample preparation operations, wherein the apparatus is configured to identify which of said the second racks of different configuration is located at said the structure, and to adapt said the transfer and said the selected sample preparation operation to suit the identified rack.

Abstract: A ferrule arrangement for use in sealing connections to gas chromatography columns includes a generally tubular metal ferrule with an axial bore to receive a fracturable column with a protective coating. The ferrule has a forward part that tapers to a tip region of the ferrule. A generally tubular former has a socket portion to receive the ferrule and further has an internal conical surface that, after such receipt, engages the forward part of the ferrule. A portion is provided on either or both of said ferrule and the former by which the ferrule and former may be directly or indirectly relatively moved together by application of finger force.

Abstract: A ferrule arrangement for use in sealing connections to gas chromatography columns includes a generally tubular metal ferrule with an axial bore to receive a fracturable column with a protective coating. The ferrule has a forward part that tapers to a tip region of the ferrule. A generally tubular former has a socket portion to receive the ferrule and further has an internal conical surface that, after such receipt, engages the forward part of the ferrule. A portion is provided on either or both of said ferrule and the former by which the ferrule and former may be directly or indirectly relatively moved together by application of finger force.

Abstract: A ferrule arrangement for use in sealing connections to gas chromatography columns includes a generally tubular metal ferrule with an axial bore to receive a fracturable column with a protective coating. The ferrule has a forward part that tapers to a tip region of the ferrule. A generally tubular former has a socket portion to receive the ferrule and further has an internal conical surface that, after such receipt, engages the forward part of the ferrule. A portion is provided on either or both of said ferrule and the former by which the ferrule and former may be directly or indirectly relatively moved together by application of finger force.