Abstract: Some embodiments herein are directed to devices and methods for automatically starting a plasma utilizing a wand. In some embodiments, the wand may be used to start a plasma in a plasma torch such as, for example, a microwave plasma torch or an induction plasma torch, as discussed below. The wand may comprise an elongate, hollow wand member comprising a closed distal end, a proximal end, and one or more apertures extending from a hollow interior of the wand member to an exterior surface of the wand member; and an elongate wire member positioned within the hollow interior of the wand member and extending along at least a portion of a length of the wand member, wherein the wire member is configured to be placed in operable communication through the aperture with a power source, such that the power source can be activated to in turn start the plasma within the plasma torch.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing material feedstock into a plasma of a plasma torch includes a material feeding device having an input end and an output end. The output end of the material feeding device extends at least partially around the periphery of a plasma generated near the output end of the plasma torch. The material feeding device is oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis of the plasma torch.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing material feedstock into a plasma of a plasma torch includes a material feeding device having an input end and an output end. The output end of the material feeding device extends at least partially around the periphery of a plasma generated near the output end of the plasma torch. The material feeding device is oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis of the plasma torch.

Abstract: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A diaphragm pressure transducer includes a body having an outer surface and a diaphragm, a strain gauge including a resistive element located on the outer surface, a fluidic inlet, and a fluidic cavity enclosed by the body in fluidic communication with the fluidic inlet, the fluidic cavity having an upper surface. The diaphragm is located between the upper surface of the fluidic cavity and the outer surface of the body. The diaphragm includes a variable thickness across a region defined between the upper surface of the fluidic cavity and the outer surface located below the strain gauge.

Abstract: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing material feedstock into a plasma of a plasma torch includes a material feeding device having an input end and an output end. The output end of the material feeding device extends at least partially around the periphery of a plasma generated near the output end of the plasma torch. The material feeding device is oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis of the plasma torch.

Abstract: Some embodiments herein are directed to devices and methods for automatically starting a plasma utilizing a wand. In some embodiments, the wand may be used to start a plasma in a plasma torch such as, for example, a microwave plasma torch or an induction plasma torch, as discussed below. The wand may comprise an elongate, hollow wand member comprising a closed distal end, a proximal end, and one or more apertures extending from a hollow interior of the wand member to an exterior surface of the wand member; and an elongate wire member positioned within the hollow interior of the wand member and extending along at least a portion of a length of the wand member, wherein the wire member is configured to be placed in operable communication through the aperture with a power source, such that the power source can be activated to in turn start the plasma within the plasma torch.

Abstract: A diaphragm pressure transducer includes a body having an outer surface and a diaphragm, a strain gauge including a resistive element located on the outer surface, a fluidic inlet, and a fluidic cavity enclosed by the body in fluidic communication with the fluidic inlet, the fluidic cavity having an upper surface. The diaphragm is located between the upper surface of the fluidic cavity and the outer surface of the body. The diaphragm includes a variable thickness across a region defined between the upper surface of the fluidic cavity and the outer surface located below the strain gauge.

Abstract: A variable fluidic restrictor of a liquid chromatography system including a stator body, the stator body include a plurality of fluidic channels located within the stator body, wherein each fluidic channel of the plurality of fluidic channels includes a restrictor element, wherein a flow of a fluid through the variable fluidic restrictor is selectively restricted based on a position of an external element coupled to the stator body is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal pad for promoting heat transfer between a column heating module and a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography system includes is provided. The thermal pad includes a silicone layer, the silicone layer having a reinforcement stiffener for reduced stretching of the silicone layer, and a tacky surface on at least a first side of the silicone layer, and a heat resistant polyester resin film layer coupled to a second side of the silicone layer, wherein, in an operable configuration, the thermal pad covers a section of tubing carrying the mobile phase to effectuate a uniform heating of the mobile phase. Furthermore, a column stabilizer assembly and associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to pressure balanced solenoid control valve for high flow and/or high pressure control applications. An all-sealed integrally formed element functions as both the bellows and spring and is used as a replacement for the combination of both the individual bellows and spring found in existing pressure balanced control valves. The single bellows spring provides a spring force on the movable valve plug and separates opposite sides of the valve plug, wherein a gas passageway is provided between opposite sides of the valve plug so that gas provided at the inlet will flow to opposite sides of the valve plug so as to cancel any pressure forces provided on opposite sides of the valve plug by the pressure of the inlet gas.