Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible falling components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible falling components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.

Abstract: A fluid switching valve includes a first valve element (e.g., a stator) that has a plurality of first fluid-conveying features (e.g., ports), and a second valve element (e.g., a rotor) that has one or more second fluid-conveying features (e.g., fluid conduits in the form of grooves). The second valve element is movable, relative to the first valve element, between a plurality of discrete positions such that, in each of the discrete positions, at least one of the one or more second fluid-conveying features overlaps with multiple ones of the first fluid conveying features to provide for fluid communication therebetween. At least one of the first valve element and the second valve element includes a recess. The recess serves to reduce wear between the first valve element and the second valve element. The recess is arranged such that it does not overlap with any of the first fluid-conveying features or any of the second fluid-conveying features when the rotor is in any of the discrete positions.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing heat energy from air. The device includes a layer of a substantially hydrophobic coating on a heat exchange surface. The coating has a lower surface tension than water, to repel water and prevent the formation of water condensation on the surface. For example, the coating can be a fluoropolymer such as 1,1,2,3,3,3 hexafluoropropene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromatographic system and method which includes a passive pre-heater assembly. In the inventive system and method a fluid mixture is supplied from an injector to the pre-heater assembly and then to a chromatographic column having an active heating source. The pre-heater assembly includes a convoluted tube with first and second ends and a fluid passage extending centrally therebetween, first and second end fittings attached respectively to the first and second ends of the convoluted tube, and a thermally conductive film attached to an outer surface of the convoluted tube. The first end fitting is adapted for fluidly connecting the first end of the convoluted tube to the injector and the second end fitting is adapted for fluidly connecting the second end of the convoluted tube to the chromatographic column.

Abstract: A pin valve assembly and a method of controlling the flow of fluids comprising a pin block housing pin valves, a fluid plate with a fluid channel for fluidically communicating with the pin valves, and a fitting block housing fittings for fluidic communication with the fluid plate and for fluidic communication with fluidic components. The fluid flow through the channels of the fluid plate are controlled by the fluidic components and the pin valves.

Abstract: A valve includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor and the stator each have seal surfaces for contacting and sliding against one another during operation of the valve. Either or both of the rotor and the stator have a seal-surface coating formed by depositing an at least partially amorphous interlayer on a substrate and depositing a surface layer, including diamond-like carbon, on the interlayer. The surface layer requires no mechanical polishing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.

Abstract: A fluid switching valve includes a first valve element (e.g., a stator) that has a plurality of first fluid-conveying features (e.g., ports), and a second valve element (e.g., a rotor) that has one or more second fluid-conveying features (e.g., fluid conduits in the form of grooves). The second valve element is movable, relative to the first valve element, between a plurality of discrete positions such that, in each of the discrete positions, at least one of the one or more second fluid-conveying features overlaps with multiple ones of the first fluid conveying features to provide for fluid communication therebetween. At least one of the first valve element and the second valve element includes a recess. The recess serves to reduce wear between the first valve element and the second valve element. The recess is arranged such that it does not overlap with any of the first fluid-conveying features or any of the second fluid-conveying features when the rotor is in any of the discrete positions.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: An inspection device and method, the device comprising a thermoelectric module (3) with first and second conducting parts (31, 32) and a control unit (4) electrically connected to the thermoelectric module for selectively applying an electric potential to the thermoelectric module to create a temperature difference between the first and second conducting parts. The control unit comprises measuring means configured to measure transiently, in use, a voltage potential across the thermoelectric module. The control unit includes memory means for recording a measured voltage profile and further comprises comparing means (41) for comparing the measured profile with a predetermined voltage profile stored in the memory means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.

Abstract: In various embodiments a fluid control device suitable for high pressure analytical instruments includes a housing having an interior surface with an end wall. The interior surface defines a chamber. A valve assembly disposed in the chamber controls the flow of fluid through the chamber. An end cap is disposed in the housing opposite the end wall to enclose the chamber. The end wall and end cap each have an opening to pass a fluid to the chamber or to remove a fluid from the chamber. The housing and end cap each has an abutment surface to receive the other abutment surface. At least one of the abutment surfaces has a plastic seal coating. A means of compression, such as a compression housing and compression sleeve, is included to engage the end cap to deform the plastic seal coating between the abutment surfaces and thereby seal the chamber.