Abstract: A carrier that is intended for retaining a subject of analysis and contains an electrically conductive material having a nonmetallic matrix. This analytical carrier containing an electrically conductive material is useful in situations where operations of the carrier, such as applying voltage thereto, are necessary to feed, retain or analyze the subject of analysis. The analytical carrier according to the present invention can be used as, for example, an alternate or a part of a metal sample plate for MALDI-TOFMS or other mass spectrometric analyses.

Abstract: Apparatus for fractionating components separated in liquid chromatography is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample applying section, a column section, a detector section, and a tubing line connecting the sections. The apparatus further includes a fractionation tube for fractionating eluent portions containing prospective components separated from the column, an air injector for injecting air into the fractionation tube, and a valve for a switching operation such that either of the eluent fed through a flow path or air fed through an air flow path from the air injector is led into the fractionation tube while the other is drained to the drain side.

Abstract: A method of fractionating components separated in liquid chromatography. The method comprises the steps of applying a sample to a column filled with a separation media while supplying an eluent to the column, causing eluent portions containing components in the sample to flow into a fractionation tube connected to the end of an eluent flow path, holding the eluent portions in the fractionation tube, and injecting air into a rear portion of the eluent portions in the fractionation tube.