Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.

Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.

Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.

Abstract: A leak-free, biocompatible connection assembly for lab-on-a-chip applications is provided. In one embodiment, a tube is located through a nut, through at least one ferrule of an inert material, and through a port. The port is attached to the “lab chip” so that the end of the tube is in fluid communication with a reservoir or channel in the chip. In another embodiment, a multiport manifold is used to connect a plurality of tubes to the lab chip.