Abstract: A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating a sample by chromatography includes diffusion bonded metallic sheets joined together to create a hermetically sealed interface between each adjacent metallic sheet without the introduction of a secondary material. Enclosed within the diffusion bonded sheets is a separation channel accessible by at least one of an inlet or an outlet. The separation channel is packed with micrometer-sized particles serving as a stationary phase in a chromatographic separation. Wetted surfaces of the separation channel include a coating of an organic material at least one monolayer thick.

Abstract: Flow through pressure sensors for use in fluid chromatography systems include a planar device formed from diffusion bonding of a plurality of metallic sheets and at least one sensing element. The planar device has a top surface, a bottom surface and a flow through channel. A diaphragm formed from a portion of one of the top or bottom surfaces is located adjacent to a sensing region of the flow through channel and is attached to the sensing element. The diaphragm is sized to deflect a distance in response to fluid pressure in the sensing region, which has an internal volume of less than about 25 microliters. The diaphragm and attached sensing element form a pressure sensor that measures strain or deflection of the diaphragm to calculate a pressure within the sensing region.

Abstract: Flow through pressure sensors for use in fluid chromatography systems include a planar device formed from diffusion bonding of a plurality of metallic sheets and at least one sensing element. The planar device has a top surface, a bottom surface and a flow through channel. A diaphragm formed from a portion of one of the top or bottom surfaces is located adjacent to a sensing region of the flow through channel and is attached to the sensing element. The diaphragm is sized to deflect a distance in response to fluid pressure in the sensing region, which has an internal volume of less than about 25 microliters. The diaphragm and attached sensing element form a pressure sensor that measures strain or deflection of the diaphragm to calculate a pressure within the sensing region.

Abstract: Described is a dispensing needle for a fraction collector. The dispensing needle includes a conduit having a fluid channel to conduct a chromatographic flow, an interior wall that defines the fluid channel, an exterior surface and an endface through which the chromatographic flow is dispensed. The dispensing needle also includes a coating of a hydrocarbon material or a fluorocarbon material that is bonded to the endface. The coating is also bonded to at least a portion of the exterior surface that is adjacent to the endface and at least a portion of the interior wall that is adjacent to the endface. The coating operates to reduce a droplet volume of a liquid dispensed from the endface that may remain at the tip of the dispensing needle. Consequently, the concentration variation in a collected fraction due to a missing droplet or extra droplet is reduced.

Abstract: A device for performing chromatographic separations and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis has trapping means for holding a separated sample and to form a held separated sample and placing said held separated sample in said nuclear magnetic resonance assembly. One preferred trapping means forms a held separated sample and a passed separated sample. The passed separated sample is discharged from the device. Preferred trapping means comprise a trapping column or a separated sample loop.

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: The invention is a method of bonding a first fluid conduit (14) to one or more other fluid conduits (12) or elements such as an electrode (92) or heating element. The method comprises positioning a first fluid conduit (14) substantially in contact with the other fluid conduits or elements (12) wherein a bond region (16) is created. The bond region is wetted with a liquefied thermoplastic polymer (34) which is then subsequently cooled forming a substantially fluid tight bond between the first fluid conduit (14) and the other fluid conduits or elements (14).

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 check valve includes a valve seat and a compliant member that moves to seal the check valve by contacting the valve seat. A method for priming a chromatography solvent pump includes providing the check valve in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump, drawing fluid into the pump from a fluid source, and expelling the fluid from the pump through the valve, thus wetting the check valve. Another method for priming a chromatography solvent pump includes providing the check valve in fluid communication with an inlet of the pump, drawing fluid through the valve into the pump, and expelling the fluid from the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for chromatographic interfacing includes an interfacing unit, a sample acquisition unit, and a sample trapping unit. The interfacing unit includes (i) a chromatographic inflow valve adapted to receive a chromatographic sample separation flow, (ii) a chromatographic outflow valve adapted to allow discharge of the sample separation flow, (iii) a loop expulsion inflow valve adapted to receive an expulsion fluid flow, and (iv) a loop expulsion outflow valve in fluid communication with the loop expulsion inflow valve and adapted to allow discharge of a fluid. The sample acquisition unit includes (i) an inflow selector in selectable fluid communication with the chromatographic inflow valve or the loop expulsion inlet valve, (ii) an outflow selector in fluid communication with the loop expulsion outflow valve, and (iii) one or more collection loops, each loop being independently selectable to establish fluid communication between the inflow selector valve and the outflow selector valve.

Abstract: The invention comprises a terminal and a method for making such a terminal for placing one or more fluidic conduits in communication. The invention comprises a conduit for transporting fluid having a proximal and a distal end and a substantially cylindrical housing with an axial bore and a proximal face, the proximal end of the conduit being housed within the axial bore with their axes parallel, and the bore being back-filled with a thermoplastic polymer, most preferably PEEK, liquefied and cooled providing for the conduit to breach the sealing face and the thermoplastic to bond the conduit and housing.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection.

Abstract: Flow through pressure sensors for use in fluid chromatography systems include a planar device formed from diffusion bonding of a plurality of metallic sheets and at least one sensing element. The planar device has a top surface, a bottom surface and a flow through channel. A diaphragm formed from a portion of one of the top or bottom surfaces is located adjacent to a sensing region of the flow through channel and is attached to the sensing element. The diaphragm is sized to deflect a distance in response to fluid pressure in the sensing region, which has an internal volume of less than about 25 microliters. The diaphragm and attached sensing element form a pressure sensor that measures strain or deflection of the diaphragm to calculate a pressure within the sensing region.

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 microfluidic device for separating a sample by chromatography includes diffusion bonded metallic sheets joined together to create a hermetically sealed interface between each adjacent metallic sheet without the introduction of a secondary material. Enclosed within the diffusion bonded sheets is a separation channel accessible by at least one of an inlet or an outlet. The separation channel is packed with micrometer-sized particles serving as a stationary phase in a chromatographic separation. Wetted surfaces of the separation channel include a coating of an organic material at least one monolayer thick.

Abstract: A valve including a linear positioning component operatively connected to a valve body and an actuating element.

Abstract: A device for performing chromatographic separations and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis has trapping means for holding a separated sample and to form a held separated sample and placing said held separated sample in said nuclear magnetic resonance assembly. One preferred trapping means forms a held separated sample and a passed separated sample. The passed separated sample is discharged from the device. Preferred trapping means comprise a trapping column or a separated sample loop.

Abstract: A chromatography apparatus includes a sample-delivery patterned substrate and a tube-based separation column directly connected to an outlet port of the patterned substrate. The patterned substrate includes an injector valve connected to the outlet port.