Abstract: A connectorized capillary and in-line flow cell system which greatly expedites the construction of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and other separation instrumentation. A capillary is mounted within a cavity formed in a body, and a mechanical fastener is positioned about the body. The inner diameter of the fastener is less than the outer diameter of the body, so that the connector may be firmly coupled to any system component having a corresponding portion adapted to accept the fastener. The connectorized capillaries thus permit permanent or semi-permanent attachment to various in-line flow cell devices such as detectors, valves, buffer reservoirs and the like. For example, an in-line conductivity detector is assembled by connecting a conductivity meter to the opposing ends of the flow cell body. Annular sensing surfaces can also be provided within the cell.

Abstract: A connectorized capillary and in-line flow cell system which greatly expedites the construction of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and other separation instrumentation. A capillary is mounted within a cavity formed in a body, and a mechanical fastener is positioned about the body. The inner diameter of the fastener is less than the outer diameter of the body, so that the connector may be firmly coupled to any system component having a corresponding portion adapted to accept the fastener. The connectorized capillaries thus permit permanent or semi-permanent attachment to various in-line flow cell devices such as detectors, valves, buffer reservoirs and the like. For example, an in-line conductivity detector is assembled by connecting a conductivity meter to the opposing ends of the flow cell body. Annular sensing surfaces can also be provided within the cell.

Abstract: An off-column conductivity detector for ion electrophoresis measurements is formed from a first connector having a body carrying the discharge end of a separation capillary and a second connector having a body carrying a measuring electrode. The geometry of the detector, and the relative positioning of the capillary and the measuring electrode within the connectors, result in an active measuring cell of precise and minute dimensions that provides measurements of high resolution and high sensitivity rapidly and reliably, despite the provision for rapid disassembly and reassembly by the end user for purposes of cleaning, electrode substitution, and the like.

Abstract: An optical alignment system using at least one CCD array for positioning an instrument in a chosen relationship to an object is disclosed. Means for "electronically" aligning the optical components and providing a macro view of the object on a CRT without additional illumination are also disclosed. Alignment may be achieved manually, if the operator observes the position of symbols on a CRT that move in response to movement of the instrument by the operator using a joystick, or automatically using information provided by the array.