Liquid Chromatography Patents (Class 422/70)
  • Patent number: 6607921
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for screening compound libraries using frontal chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry to identify and rank those members of the library that bind to a target receptor. Methods are also disclosed which permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any member of the library has an affinity for the target receptor as measured by a pre-selected indicator compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Ole Hindsgaul, David C. Schriemer
  • Patent number: 6608178
    Abstract: Antibody specific for a 5-HTOL compound. A glucuronide with 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) characterized in that it comprises the structure of the &bgr;-glucuronide between the 5-hydroxy group of 5-HTOL and D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. An immunoassay and a diagnostic method utilizing the ummunoassay wherein a 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) compound is determined by the use of an antibody specific for a 5-HTOL compound is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Alco Dia A.B.
    Inventors: Ragnhild Brandt, Olof Beck, Anders Helander, Rose-Marie Jonsson, Eric Unger, Stefan Borg, Eva Akerblom
  • Publication number: 20030150806
    Abstract: Pressure-driven microfluidic separation devices, such as may be used for performing high performance liquid chromatography, are provided. Multiple separation columns may be defined in a single device and packed with stationary phase material retained by porous frits. One or more splitters may be provided to distribute slurry and/or mobile phase among multiple separation columns. In one embodiment, separation devices are substantially planar and fabricated with multiple device layers. Systems and methods employing slurry for packing separation devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Hobbs, Matthew M. Gregori, Christoph D. Karp, Jeffrey A. Koehler, Paren P. Patel, Joseph F. Covington
  • Publication number: 20030152493
    Abstract: An HPLC injection valve is mounted to a probe drive system close to the probe axis to minimize probe movements required for sample injections into a mobile phase column. The probe is directly connected by a short conduit to the injection valve, eliminating the need to dispense aspirated samples from the probe into a remote injection port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Paul M. Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 6602717
    Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating halide ions such as chloride ions from aqueous solutions having a hollow cylindrical sample holding chamber (2), the front end of which has an orifice (3) and in the vicinity of which is disposed a filter plate (4) that extends over the cross section of the sample holding chamber (2) and is liquid-permeable and essentially impermeable for solids and is inserted in a fixed manner into the hollow cylinder; a plunger (6) which can move to and fro in the sample holding chamber (2) and has a plunger stem (7) attached thereto engages in the open rear end (5) of the sample holding chamber, and, in the sample holding chamber (2) between the filter plate (4) and the plunger (6) is disposed a freely movable bed (7) of an adsorbent reacting with halide ions and forming a sparingly soluble compound, which bed fills a part of the sample holding chamber (2). The adsorbent is preferably charged with silver nitrate as compound reactive with halide ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Macherey-Nagel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Edmund Radmacher, Markus John, Dirk Reinhardt, Klaus Möller
  • Patent number: 6602719
    Abstract: A disposable, dry chemistry analytical system is disclosed which is broadly useful for the detection of a variety of analytes present in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and cerebral spinal fluid. The invention discloses the use of the reaction interface that forms between two liquids converging from opposite directions within a bibulous material. The discovery comprises a significant improvement over prior art disposable, analytical reagent systems in that the detectable reactant zone is distinct and separate from the unreacted reagents allowing for the use of reaction indicators exhibiting only minor changes as well as extremely high concentrations of reactants. In addition, staged, multiple reagents can be incorporated. Whole blood can be used as a sample without the need for separate cell separating materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6596544
    Abstract: This invention provides novel assays that are prognostic and/or diagnostic for atherosclerosis or risk of atherosclerosis. It was discovered that high density lipoprotein (HDL) or components thereof can prevent the oxidation of lipids (e.g. lipids present in LDLs) and can also repair (reduce) already oxidized lipids and thereby reduce the inflammatory response associated with and characteristic of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover it was a discovery of this invention that individuals vary in the ability of their HDL to afford such protection. Thus an assay of HDL protective and/or repair activity provides a highly effective assay for risk of atherosclerosis and its associated pathologies and such assays are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Alan M. Fogelman, Mohamad Navab, Susan Hama
  • Patent number: 6596144
    Abstract: A separation column for use in a separation process such as chromatography, electrochromatography and electrophoresis is described. The separation column includes multiple collocated monolith support structures and interconnected channels defined by the support structures. The monolith support structures and interconnected channels are created on a substrate using an isotropic etching. The separation column also includes a cover plate disposed on the etched surface of the substrate, creating an enclosed separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Fred E. Regnier, Bing He
  • Publication number: 20030129761
    Abstract: In conducting liquid chromatographic analysis of a saccharide mixture containing monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, elution is conducted by using two kinds or more of mobile phases to separate the saccharide mixture into individual constituent saccharides followed by conversion thereof into corresponding derivatives by reaction with reagents and detection of the derivatives as contained in a detector cell. The method of the invention is characterized in that the detector cell is cleaned by washing with a cleaning solvent after completion of the detection of each of the saccharide derivatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kakita, Hiroshi Kamishima
  • Patent number: 6585937
    Abstract: A sample pre-separation and concentration system for detecting low levels of analytes in highly complex mixtures includes a plurality of trapping columns having a high selectivity for classes of compounds of interest, upstream of a standard separation column. The system may be used, for example, to measure urinary 8 hydroxy 2′ deoxyguanoisine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Esa, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Matson
  • Patent number: 6584832
    Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed, where the polymer sample, solvent, liquid chromatograph column and/or mobile phase eluant is heated to temperatures of at least 75 degrees Celsius during the sample injection or elution process. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20030113936
    Abstract: In a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer, chromatogram data is obtained by carrying out alternately a mass scanning in a positive ion detection mode and a mass scanning in a negative ion detection mode, obtaining the chromatogram data in every positive and negative polarities through summing up the mass spectrum data obtained at the respective mass scannings, and adding the data of both polarities. Since the chromatograms in both polarities are averaged, even if there is a level difference therebetween, a chromatogram in a normal form can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshitake Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6579723
    Abstract: A method for purifying factor VIII/vWF complex or free vWF by immunoaffinity chromatography in a form suitable for use as a medicament. Factor VIII/vWF complex or free vWF is recovered from an immunoaffinity adsorbent by using an eluting agent containing a zwitterionic species. The presence of the zwitterionic species allows for the use of mild conditions throughout the preparation, facilitating retention of molecular integrity, activity, and incorporation of the recovered proteins into pharmaceutical preparations without the need for additional stabilizers or preservatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Artur Mitterer, Christian Fiedler, Bernhard Fischer, Friedrich Dorner, Johann Eibl
  • Patent number: 6579719
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: T. William Hutchens, Tai-Tung Yip
  • Publication number: 20030096422
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the solvent extraction of analytes from a sample are provided. A solvent system is used to extract analytes under elevated temperatures and constant regulated pressures under dynamic conditions. The extracted analytes may then be further analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Eng Shi Ong, Soo On Woo, Yuk Lin Yong, Siti Norasikin Binte Apandi
  • Patent number: 6565752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new separation method and a device therefor, especially to a device and method for chromatographic chemical analysis. In the method according to the invention, the driving of the mobile phase fluid in, through and out the separation channel, said channel being defined by at least two channel elements, is mainly caused by a relative movement of at least one channel element compared to at least one of the other channel elements preferably the movement of the mobile phase fluid and the sample to be separated through the separation channel is sustained by relief elements, such as one or more protrusions, recesses, holes or irregular porous-like structures, which are arranged on at least one of the channel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventors: Gino Baron, Gert Desmet
  • Publication number: 20030089663
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing a polymer sample and in preferred embodiments, libraries of polymer samples, in a comprehensive, directly-coupled multi-dimensional liquid chromatography system are disclosed. The first and second dimensions are preferably high-performance liquid chromatography dimensions, such as for example, a first dimension adapted for determining composition (e.g. adapted for mobile-phase gradient elution chromatography, including reverse phase chromatography, adsorption chromatography and the like), and a second dimension adapted for determining molecular weight or particle size (e.g., adapted for size exclusion chromatography, including gel permeation chromatography).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Son Hoai Nguyen, Eric D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6562627
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining a dissociation constant for each one of at least a portion of a set of compounds. The methods include contacting a solution of the set of compounds with a membrane mimetic surface exhibiting a non-specific compound-dependent affinity for at least the portion of the compounds. A parameter dependent on the non-specific affinity of the surface for each one of at least the portion of the set of compounds in the test solution is measured and used to calculate the dissociation constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: BDC Pharma LLC
    Inventors: Charles Pidgeon, Jianming Yin, Nadege Rooke, Ling Han Morgan
  • Patent number: 6562628
    Abstract: A combination electrolytic suppressor and separate eluent generator and method. The suppressor includes a chromatography effluent flow channel, an ion receiving flow channel, and a first suppressor ion exchange barrier therebetween permeable to electrolyte ions but not liquid flow. The effluent from the chromatography effluent compartment flows through the detector, the ion receiving channel, and to an eluent generator. The generator includes a first generator electrode in a first generator electrode chamber, an electrolyte ion reservoir, a first charged generator barrier separating the first eluent generator electrode chamber from the electrolyte ion reservoir, preventing liquid flow but permitting transport of said electrolyte ions, and a second generator electrode on the opposite side of the first generator barrier from the first generator electrode. Fluid flows from the ion receiving flow channel past the second generator electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Liu, Nebojsa Avdalovic, Hamish Small
  • Patent number: 6562232
    Abstract: Fractionating apparatus having a plurality of sample elution system (S1-S8) in which a nozzle (N) movable in the direction of the row of fractionation vessels (4, 4, ---) arranged in a matrix is disposes to each of the sample elution system (S1-S8) and kept standing-by just above an empty fractionation vessel (4), a valve (30) is operated when elution of sample ingredients is detected by photosensor (PD1-PD8) to drop the sample ingredients to the fractionation vessel (4, 4, ---) and the nozzle is moved after dropping the sample ingredient by a required amount, and in which the nozzle (N) and the valve (30) can be operated individually on every sample elution systems at different timings respectively such that the eluate can be dropped at different timing on every sample elution systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Moritex Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Myogadani
  • Patent number: 6558551
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Alltech Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jr., Raaidah Saari-Nordhaus, Carl W. Sims, Yuri E. Gerner
  • Patent number: 6554986
    Abstract: An improved rotary confocal fluorescence scanner capable of detecting analytes separated on over a 1,000 capillaries simultaneously. This system uses a confocal microscope objective and mirror assembly that rotates inside a vertical ring of capillaries to provide rapid and efficient excitation and detection of fluorescently labeled fragments separated within a cylindrical capillary array. Use of automated procedures to load and run all capillaries permits one to read more than 350,000 base pairs of raw sequence data per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Mathies, James R. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20030077204
    Abstract: An improved structure has a first channel and a-second channel that extend in specified directions, a third channel open in a wall of said first channel and a fourth channel that is open to a wall of said second channel such that it couples an end of said third channel to said second channel, that has a property of being less wettable (or insensitive to capillary attraction) and that is narrower than the other three channels; a liquid introduced into said first channel is drawn into said third channel and thereafter said liquid that remains in said first channel is removed to meter and sample a volume of globule equal to the capacity of said third channel. If the second channel is already filled with a liquid, the structure is modified to further include a fifth channel that is open to a wall of said fourth channel, that is narrower than or equal in thickness to said fourth channel and that is made of a wall having a property of being less wettable (or insensitive to capillary attraction).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Minoru Seki, Masumi Yamada, Hisashi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 6551842
    Abstract: A disposable, dry chemistry analytical system is disclosed which is broadly useful for the detection of a variety of analytes present in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and cerebral spinal fluid. The invention discloses the use of the reaction interface that forms between two liquids converging from opposite directions within a bibulous material. The discovery comprises a significant improvement over prior art disposable, analytical reagent systems in that the detectable reactant zone is visually distinct and separate from the unreacted reagents allowing for the use of reaction indicators exhibiting only minor changes as well as extremely high concentrations of reactants. In addition, staged, multiple reagents can be incorporated. Whole blood can be used as a sample without the need for separate cell separating materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6544799
    Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Tekmar Company
    Inventors: Edmund T. Lewis, Thomas B. Green, Harry W. Schmidt, Larry J. DaPrato, Greg J. Herman, Michael A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6545144
    Abstract: A method for the isolation of nucleic acids from a liquid sample, which contains nucleic acids, using a filtering device, which has pores, through which the sample is allowed to flow in the course of the isolation, the nucleic acids, and contained in the sample, being retained selectively in or at the pores, wherein the sample is mixed with a concentration of the precipitating agent for nucleic acids, which is sufficient to condense the nucleic acids and the sample is then allowed to flow through the filtering device, the pores of the filtering device used having inner wall regions with variable surface structures, which are constructed differently depending on the medium passed through the pores and by which the permeability of the pores can be adjusted between a state, in which the condensed nucleic acid molecules are retained, and a state, in which the dissolved nucleic acid molecules can pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kolzau, Wilhelm Plüster, Mathias Ulbricht
  • Publication number: 20030064008
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a microcolumn capable of separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain. The microcolumn is capable of such rapid separation by employing small column volumes that can tolerate medium to high flow rates. The invention also relates to a method of loading a microcolumn capable of separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: David S. Hage, William A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6541272
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and analyzing a component of a fluid sample that is considered to be a contaminant, and particularly, that is or may be an organic material. The invention is predicated on the introduction of the sample fluid in a pulsed manner via a first carrier fluid into a feed chamber. A membrane is located between the feed chamber and an exit chamber, and in fluid registry therewith. When the sample enters the feed chamber, the component to be separated and analyzed can permeate the membrane, and thus passes through the membrane to the exit chamber, and then enters a second carrier fluid which carries it to a detector for analysis. The detector may be a gas chromatograph (GC), mass spectrometer (MS) or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Somenath Mitra
  • Patent number: 6541273
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed which are useful for detecting the presence of various pesticides, including aryl pyrazoles such as fipronil. Pesticide residues are extracted from a variety of samples, including soil and/or water samples using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. The samples are then concentrated, and transferred to an solid phase extraction cartridge. The SPE cartridge includes activated charcoal, silica gel, magnesium-silica gel and an amino-functional silica sorbent, or suitable equivalents thereof. After cleanup, the eluate containing the analyte of interest can be concentrated to a standard sample size and the amount of pesticide residues quantitated. In a preferred embodiment, the column chromatography materials are assembled in a solid phase extraction cartridge with frits between the chromatography materials. This facilitates the use of the cartridge in standard automated analytical equipment, for example, robotic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Aventis CropScience, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert S. Plaisance
  • Patent number: 6537820
    Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species present in iron-saccharidic complexes including sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function, based on separation of the iron-saccharidic complex from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilization. Separation of the iron-saccharidic complex permits its analytical quantification; further concentration or purification as a new and useful product; preparation of redesigned formulations for new and useful pharmaceuticals; and/or lyophilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cromaceutical Advanced Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Beck, Robert A. Mateer
  • Patent number: 6531060
    Abstract: A capillary column comprising a capillary of which the inner diameter is less than 1000 &mgr;m and a continuous porous silica gel which uniformly fills the capillary, said silica gel containing both continuous through pores having diameters ranging from 0.5-5 &mgr;m and mesopores having diameters ranging from 2-50 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft
    Inventors: Kazuki Nakanishi, Naohiro Soga, Hiroyoshi Minakuchi
  • Publication number: 20030042188
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the purification of bio-molecules, especially nucleic acids, comprising a column body with inlet and outlet opening and at least one membrane disposed therein, preferably a silica membrane. Bio-molecules such as isolated nucleic acids are recovered with less dilution and requiring less concentration of the recovery solution by employing a membrane that is 1% to 57% less than the internal diameter of the purification column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Christoph Ritt, Jie Kang
  • Patent number: 6526812
    Abstract: Self-washing injection apparatus [101] for liquid chromatography injection valves utilizes an interior chamber [105] with a penetrable seal [109] at the top end of the chamber and a needle sleeve seal [113] at the bottom end of the interior chamber. A wash port [145] in the body [103] of the apparatus connects one or more sources of wash fluid to the interior chamber between the penetrable seal and the sleeve seal. The apparatus provides a simple and effective means to aspirate or pump wash fluids from one or more wash fluid reservoirs through the apparatus, the injection port of the injection valve, and associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Leap Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Martin, Thomas Tobien
  • Patent number: 6528018
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling flowing liquids for analytical purposes such as for introduction of liquid samples in atomic spectroscopy and carrying out a continuous flow digestion process at high temperture and pressure. The appaartus comprises a high-pressure pump for conveying a liquid from a reservoir into a tube having an elongate cavity connected to the high-pressure pump outlet. A heating device is arranged so as to heat the liquid in the cavity to a predetermined temperature and a restrictor is arranged downstream of the cavity at the opposite end of the tube. The restrictor is dimensioned relative to the conveying capacity of the high-pressure pump so that liquid in the cavity is maintained at a pressure which is higher than the saturated vapor pressure of the liquid at the predetermined temperture such that no vapor forms within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Harald Berndt
  • Publication number: 20030038068
    Abstract: A capillary column comprising monodispersed particles. The capillary is formed using a suitable substrate, wherein two plates are bonded together. At least one of the plates comprises a channel where particle beads are housed. Particle bead positions are of defined and equivalent diameter are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the housing structure. These positions are used to position packing material used to occupy the column. The particle beads themselves are of equivalent diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Myers
  • Publication number: 20030026731
    Abstract: A package for holding and disguising a chromatographic test of food and drink is formed in the shape of a drinking straw or stirrer. The package encloses test strips which are sensitive to particular drugs and produce a color change upon contact with the drug. The package has a view port or slit to observe the condition of the test strip upon contact with food and drink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Cordani Peter
  • Publication number: 20030021730
    Abstract: The invention relates capillaries which are filled with or which can be filled with particulate sorbents. Said capillaries are sealed with a frit on at least one end. The frit is made of a monolithic inorganic or organic material which is directly polymerized into the capillary or which is introduced into the first capillary in the form of a second capillary filled with monolithic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Egbert Mller, Dieter Lubda, Karl-Heinz Derwenskus, Hans-Dieter Harders
  • Patent number: 6511814
    Abstract: A disposable, dry chemistry analytical system is disclosed which is broadly useful for the detection of a variety of analytes present in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and cerebral spinal fluid. The invention discloses the use of the reaction interface that forms between two liquids converging from opposite directions within a bibulous material. The discovery comprises a significant improvement over prior art disposable, analytical reagent systems in that the detectable reactant zone is visually distinct and separate from the unreacted reagents allowing for the use of reaction indicators exhibiting only minor changes as well as extremely high concentrations of reactants. In addition, staged, multiple reagents can be incorporated. Whole blood can be used as a sample without the need for separate cell separating materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Idexx Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6511850
    Abstract: A self-adjusting, free-flowing pneumatic nebulizer interface is described for coupling fluid phase separation apparatus such as capillary electrophoresis apparatus or fluid-phase analyte delivery apparatus such as flow-injection analysis apparatus to gas phase, post-separation detection apparatus such as mass spectrometers, chemiluminescence detectors, or other similar gas phase detection apparatus. The interface combines the analytes with only the needed amount of sheath fluid to produce a combined flow whose magnitude automatically matches the self-aspiration rate of the pneumatic nebulizer interface, and which is combined with a gas flow to produce an aerosol. The resulting aerosol can then be either deposited directly on a surface, forwarded directly to a detection system or forwarded first to a conversion apparatus such as an oxidizer and the oxidized sample components are then forwarded to a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Gyula Vigh, Alex D. Sokolowski
  • Publication number: 20030017609
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microdevice for separating the components of a fluid sample. A cover plate is arranged over the first surface of a substrate, and, in combination with a microchannel formed in the first surface, defines a separation conduit for separating the components of the fluid sample. A sample inlet port in fluid communication with the conduit allows a fluid sample introduced from a sample source to be conveyed in a defined sample flow path such that the sample fluid travels, in order, through the sample inlet port, the separation conduit and a sample outlet port. The microdevice also includes an integrated introducing means for controllably introducing a volume of the fluid sample from a sample source into the sample inlet port and through the separation conduit. A method for separating the components of a fluid sample using the microdevice is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Hongfeng Yin, Kevin Killeen
  • Publication number: 20030017611
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting, quantifying, and/or identifying trace quantities of an anion in the presence of an excess of another anion. One apparatus comprises a sample loop having a first end adapted to be connected to a sample-injection device and a second end adapted to be connected to an inlet of a first separator. An outlet of the first separator has connections to a first waste port and to an inlet of a first anion suppressor. An outlet of the first anion suppressor is connected to a first end of a concentrator and alternatively to waste, the concentrator connected at a second end to a second waste port and alternatively to a pump. The first end of the concentrator is alternatively connected to a second separator inlet, and the second separator is connected at an outlet thereof to an inlet of a second anion suppressor; and an outlet of the second anion suppressor is connected to a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lynn E. Vanatta
  • Patent number: 6508985
    Abstract: An electrolyitic suppressor including (a) a suppressor bed of ion exchange resin, (b) an electrode chamber adjacent the suppressor, (c) a first electrode in the electrode chamber, (d) a barrier separating the suppressor bed from the first electrode chamber preventing significant liquid flow but permitting transport of ions only of the same charge as the suppressor bed resin, (e) a second electrode in electrical communication with the resin bed, and (f) a recycle conduit between the suppressor outlet port and said electrode chamber. The second electrode may be in contact with the ion exchange resin in the suppressor or located in second electrode chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Hamish Small, Yan Liu, John M. Riviello, Nebojsa Avdalovic, Kannan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 6508938
    Abstract: A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ontogen Corporation
    Inventors: Romaine Maiefski, Don Wendell, William C. Ripka, Jonathan D. Krakover
  • Patent number: 6503389
    Abstract: An operation portion reads an analyzing time and an analyzing flow rate from a storing portion for a next analysis to calculate a liquid delivery quantity per analysis for the next analysis, and transmits the liquid delivery quantity per analysis to a comparison portion. The comparison portion compares a pump capacity and the liquid delivery quantity per analysis, and when the comparison portion determines that the pump capacity is larger than the liquid delivery quantity per analysis, a control portion allows a mobile phase in the next analysis to be delivered by only one cycle discharging operation in a low flow rate mode. Thus, in a micro-liquid chromatography, influence of a pulsating flow can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Toshikazu Ito
  • Patent number: 6500629
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and materials for accurately assessing the presence or absence of analytes of interest in samples, particularly in physiological samples. The subject invention involves utilizing a ligand binding domain (LBD) of a receptor to selectively capture the analyte target specific for that LBD. In one embodiment, the receptor is a protein or polypeptide. The ligand binding domain is allowed to react with a sample and the presence or amount of ligand (i.e., target analyte) bound by the LBD is determined. Suitable analytes include soluble analytes such as hormones, enzymes, lipoproteins, bacterial or viral antigens, immunoglobulines, lymphokines, cytokines, drugs, soluble cancer antigens, and the like. The methods of the present invention can be performed in both liquid-phase and solid-phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Equitech Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Cleaver, Mike L. Green
  • Publication number: 20020197727
    Abstract: Apparatus for chromatographically separating ionic species in an aqueous electrolyte-containing eluent to form an effluent, suppressing the effluent, detecting the suppressed effluent and passing the detected effluent to a regenerant reservoir, thereby displacing the regenerant to flow to the suppressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Kannan Srinivasan, Christopher A. Pohl
  • Patent number: 6498040
    Abstract: A high-performance liquid chromatography apparatus and a process for conversion of mobile phase, enabling a trace amount of sample for NMR analysis to be efficiently separated and prepared, includes steps of separating a target ingredient from the sample by the high-performance liquid chromatography, trapping the target ingredient in a trapping column using a different mobile phase, replacing water by deuterium oxide and eluting this target ingredient from the trapping column using deuterated solvent other than deuterium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yumi Yokoyama, Naoya Kishi, Masayuki Tanaka, Naoki Asakawa
  • Patent number: 6497842
    Abstract: In a chromatographic quantitative assay device and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, there are provided a non-moistenable reaction layer carrier support 1, a sample addition portion 2 for adding a liquid sample, a marker reagent holding portion 3 for holding a marker reagent, a antibody fixing portion 5 where specific protein is fixed on the region of a reaction layer 4, and a absorption portion 6 for absorbing the liquid sample. These portions are formed above the carrier support 1, and the reaction layer carrier support 1 is covered by close adhesion with the liquid-impermeable sheet member 7 except the portion for adding a liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mie Takahashi, Masataka Nadaoka, Hirotaka Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6495371
    Abstract: For anion analysis, the method includes: (a) flowing an aqueous liquid sample stream containing anions to be detected and cation hydroxide through a separator bed, (b) flowing the aqueous effluent from the separator bed through a flow-through suppressor, (c) flowing the effluent liquid from the suppressor past a detector, (d) recycling said liquid effluent from the detector through a cathode chamber proximate to the suppressor bed and separated by a first barrier, and (e) applying an electrical potential between the cathode and the anode. Water is electrolyzed at the anode to cause cations on the cation exchange resin to electromigrate toward the barrier and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode while water in the cathode chamber is electrolyzed to generate hydroxide ions which combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide in the cathode chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Hamish Small, Yan Liu, John M. Riviello, Nebojsa Avdalovic, Kannan Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20020187073
    Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrospray-liquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Moon, Timothy J. Davis, Gregory J. Galvin, Gary A. Schultz, Thomas N. Corso