Abstract: A slurry chamber is fastened to and held in coaxial alignment with a chromatography column by a V-band. One end of the column has an end cap and frit. A slurry of fluid and chromatographic media is placed in the column and chamber. A piston is forced through the chamber and into the column by a hydraulic ram to expel the fluid and form a media bed in the column. The slurry chamber is removed, and a split end cap is fastened to the column. A threaded recess in the split end cap receives a split, threaded collet. The collet is tightened until it pushes against the piston with the same force as the ram, at which point the ram is released and the column removed for use.

Abstract: Under one aspect of the present invention, a liquefied gas pump assembly is coupleable to a source of liquefied gas. A cooling assembly is positioned generally adjacent to a pump module. The cooling assembly has a converging pump-head-receiving aperture, a fluid inlet line and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the source of liquefied gas and in fluid communication with the pump-head-receiving aperture. A pump head assembly is removably retained in the pump-head-receiving aperture so that a portion of the cooling assembly is between the pump head assembly and the pump module. The pump head assembly has a converging shape and being sized to engage the cooling assembly in a wedged configuration when the pump assembly is in an installed position in the cooling assembly. The pump head assembly has a fluid inlet pathway abutting in sealable engagement with the fluid inlet line of the cooling assembly.

Abstract: A multiple-channel spectrometer assembly for analyzing a plurality of sample flows. The assembly includes a plurality of spectrometer channels, each fluidly connectable to a respective one of the sample flows. Each channel has a sample inlet and a sample outlet. A spectrometer module is optically coupled a light outlet portion of the light source. The spectrometer module has an optical inlet to receive light from the light source. A flow cell assembly is positioned between the light source and the spectrometer module, and the flow cell assembly has a flow passageway in fluid communication with the sample inlet and sample outlet. The flow passageway is configured to receive a sample flows therethrough so the light from the light source passes through the sample flow prior to being received by the spectrometer module for analysis of the light absorption profile of the sample.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing ions from chemical species analyzing chemical species. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first ion source assembly that produces a first sample flow and a second ion source assembly that produces a second sample flow. The first and second ion source assemblies operate substantially at atmospheric pressure, and the second ion source assembly is different from the first ion source assembly. The apparatus also includes a separation member positioned at least partially between the first and second ion source assemblies, the separation member being shaped and sized to reduce interference between the first sample flow and the second ion source assembly and between the second sample flow and the first ion source assembly. In one embodiment, the first ion source assembly can include an electrospray ion source assembly and the second ion source assembly can include an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source assembly.

Abstract: Under one aspect of the present invention, a liquefied gas pump assembly is coupleable to a source of liquefied gas. A cooling assembly is positioned generally adjacent to a pump module. The cooling assembly has a converging pump-head-receiving aperture, a fluid inlet line and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the source of liquefied gas and in fluid communication with the pump-head-receiving aperture. A pump head assembly is removably retained in the pump-head-receiving aperture so that a portion of the cooling assembly is between the pump head assembly and the pump module. The pump head assembly has a converging shape and being sized to engage the cooling assembly in a wedged configuration when the pump assembly is in an installed position in the cooling assembly. The pump head assembly has a fluid inlet pathway abutting in sealable engagement with the fluid inlet line of the cooling assembly.

Abstract: A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.

Abstract: A high throughput liquid chromotagraphy column assembly for separating a large sample with a selected mass weight and fluid volume. The assembly includes a loading column with a loading chamber with a first inner diameter and a first length. The loading chamber contains a packing material on to which sample is loaded and spatially distributed. The length of the loading chamber's volume is sufficient to fully load the sample therein but the length of the loading chamber is insufficient to achieve the selected chromotagraphic separation. A separation column is in fluid communication with the loading column. The separation column has a separation chamber with a diameter smaller than the loading column's inner diameter and a length greater than the loading column's length. In one embodiment, the loading column has a diameter two or more times greater than the separation chamber's diameter, and the loading column has a length one-half or less than the length of the separation chamber.

Abstract: A wash station assembly and method for washing selected samples in a sample containing assembly. The wash station assembly includes a wash station having a frame and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the frame. The fluid dispensing assembly has a selector valve that is connectable to a plurality of fluid lines and is adjustable to allow only one of the fluids to pass through the selector valve at a time. An array of syringes is coupled to the selector valve and positioned to receive the fluid passing through the selector valve. Each syringe includes a check valve that prevents backflow of fluid or air into the syringe through the pipetting needles. A distribution manifold is connected to the selector valve and receives the fluid passing through the selector valve. The manifold has a plurality of distribution channels coupled to the syringes, to direct the fluid into the syringes. Each distribution channel has a manifold valve therein that prevents backflow of fluid into the manifold from the syringes.

Abstract: A wash station assembly and method for washing selected samples in a sample containing assembly. The wash station assembly includes a wash station having a frame and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the frame. The fluid dispensing assembly has a selector valve that is connectable to a plurality of fluid lines and is adjustable to allow only one of the fluids to pass through the selector valve at a time. An array of syringes is coupled to the selector valve and positioned to receive the fluid passing through the selector valve. Each syringe includes a check valve that prevents backflow of fluid or air into the syringe through the pipetting needles. A distribution manifold is connected to the selector valve and receives the fluid passing through the selector valve. The manifold has a plurality of distribution channels coupled to the syringes, to direct the fluid into the syringes. Each distribution channel has a manifold valve therein that prevents backflow of fluid into the manifold from the syringes.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly usable in, as an example, a multiple channel high throughput purification system. The pressure regulator assembly includes an inlet line and an outlet line connectable to a fluid channel. A regulator body has a regulator inlet connected to the inlet line and a regulator outlet connected to the outlet line. The regulator body has a chamber therein in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and outlet. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and has a nozzle outlet adjacent to the chamber. A stem is axially aligned with the nozzle outlet and has a regulating surface adjacent to the nozzle outlet to restrict the fluid flow through the chamber to the regulator outlet. A mounting rod is attached to a mounting portion on the stem. The mounting rod and stem are axially moveable in the regulator body relative to the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A microsampling device useable in a multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. One aspect of the invention provides a microsampling device for use in the high throughput fluid system. The microsampling device includes a body with a sample flow inlet, a sample flow outlet, and a sample passageway there between. The sample flow inlet and outlet are positionable for fluid communication with the sample flow path of the fluid system. The body has a carrier flow inlet and a carrier flow outlet positioned before fluid communication with the carrier fluid flow path of the high throughput fluid system. The carrier flow inlet and carrier flow outlet are axially misaligned. A stem is movably disposed in the body and in fluid communication with the sample passageway. The stem is moveable between first and second positions.

Abstract: A fraction collection assembly having a frame and a dispensing head movably connected to the frame for movement about three axes. The dispensing head has a dispensing tube that receives and dispenses the sample portion. The dispensing head is movable between a dispensing position, a rinse position, and a pickup position. A receiving container with a receiving well is positioned to receive the sample portion of the selected sample dispensed from the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the dispensing position. The receiving well has a 1-to-1 corresponding position to the well from which the sample is originally taken from the supplying container. The rinse station is connected to the frame and positioned to removably receive the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the rinse position.

Abstract: A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.

Abstract: A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.

Abstract: A wash station assembly and method for washing selected samples in a sample containing assembly. The wash station assembly includes a wash station having a frame and a fluid dispensing assembly connected to the frame. The fluid dispensing assembly has a selector valve that is connectable to a plurality of fluid lines and is adjustable to allow only one of the fluids to pass through the selector valve at a time. An array of syringes is coupled to the selector valve and positioned to receive the fluid passing through the selector valve. Each syringe includes a check valve that prevents backflow of fluid or air into the syringe through the pipetting needles. A distribution manifold is connected to the selector valve and receives the fluid passing through the selector valve. The manifold has a plurality of distribution channels coupled to the syringes, to direct the fluid into the syringes. Each distribution channel has a manifold valve therein that prevents backflow of fluid into the manifold from the syringes.