Including Sampling, Sample Handling, Or Sample Preparation Patents (Class 73/61.55)
  • Publication number: 20090166525
    Abstract: A method of chemical separation includes dispensing a sample from a sample pumping system, pumping a solvent from a solvent gradient pumping system to elute the dispensed sample through a separation column, identifying an analyte of interest in the eluting sample, and pumping a solvent from the sample pumping system for peak parking of the analyte in the separation column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Chris Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090145204
    Abstract: A method for ingredient analysis includes the steps of: providing a database, which stores a plurality of standard ingredient data; analyzing a sample to obtain a plurality of inspection data via a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method; and respectively comparing the inspection data with the corresponding standard ingredient data to analyze all ingredients contained in the sample simultaneously. The method may be applied to a device for ingredient analysis. Thus, by cooperating the database with the HPLC method, all ingredients contained in the sample can be analyzed via at least one analysis procedure so that the procedures for ingredient analysis are simpler and quicker and the accuracy of the analysis result can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Chia-Tsung HUANG, Wei-Chuang LIN, Hsiao-Ping CHANG
  • Publication number: 20090145205
    Abstract: The invention relates to an autosampler for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a high-pressure injection valve (1, 2) that has a considerably improved service life in comparison to the prior art, particularly in operation at very high pressures. This objective is achieved according to the invention by adapting the geometry of the valve components in such a manner and establishing the connections of the high-pressure injection valve in such a manner that the switching processes do not take place in a direction that reduces the service life. The grooves (81, 83, 85; 61, 63, 65; 21, 23, 25) in rotor (2) and/or the port opening cross sections (131, 151) in stator (1) and the rotational direction are selected such that fluid flows from grooves (81, 83, 85; 61, 63, 65; 21, 23, 25) under high pressure in the direction of narrow, substantially pressure-free ports (11, 12, 13, 16) are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Gervin Ruegenberg
  • Publication number: 20090139310
    Abstract: A vented filter is placed at the HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) loop entry port of an HPLC injector valve. The vented filter prevents the push gas used to deliver the crude radiolabeled product from over-pushing the liquid to waste. Push gas is vented off when the entire crude liquid product has passed through the vented filter and been loaded onto the HPLC loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Johanna Santiago, Thomas Lee Collier, Steven Zigler
  • Patent number: 7540184
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of easily identifying a coloring material composition. The method performs a chromatography step of loading a subject sample containing the coloring material composition to a chromatography apparatus that holds a separating base material containing a cellulosic material and a metallic oxide material, and of performing a chromatography using a mobile phase of a liquid in the analysis of the coloring material composition. According to such a chromatography apparatus, coloring materials contained in the coloring material composition can be favorably and easily separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Satomi Yoshioka, Shigeki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20090126466
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples using multi-dimensional chromatography are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Gilar, Uwe D. Neue
  • Publication number: 20090126467
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for washing the injector in a liquid chromatography equipment, comprising a sealed passage for the injection needle and, upstream, a mobile valve for alternatively connecting said passage with the outside for introduction of the needle, or with at least one source of washing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO ELECTRON S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giacinto Zilioli, Paolo Magni, Stefano Pelagatti
  • Publication number: 20090124709
    Abstract: The invention concerns methods of validating the purity of n-Dodecyl beta-D-maltoside (DDM), a membrane permeation enhancer used in nasal and oral drug delivery methods, using HPLC and Mass Spectrometry techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas L. Cole, Jing J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7526947
    Abstract: A function of automatically performing a pretreatment process on a sample is provided in an auto sampler of a total volume injection method that can realize high measurement accuracy even when an amount of the sample is small. A multi-port valve and a multi-position valve are connected to each other, and a plurality of kinds of cleaning solutions and also a mobile phase are connected to the multi-port valve. By providing a certain volume in a tube connected to a measuring pump for suctioning the sample, the pump can suction a sufficient amount of the cleaning solution or a diluent solution at one suction operation. Consequently, an apparatus according to the invention can deal with the pretreatment such as cleaning and dilution, without repeating the same suction/discharge operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tatsumi, Morimasa Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090095896
    Abstract: Provided is a method comprising introducing a sample comprising a plurality of oligonucleotides into an ion pair high performance liquid chromatography column having a buffered mobile phase and allowing at least a portion of the oligonucleotides to separate; allowing the oligonucleotides to elute from the column; and introducing the oligonucleotides into a mass spectrometer and quantifying at least a portion of the oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry. In the method, at least a portion of the oligonucleotides are co-eluting oligonucleotides that differ in mass by no more than 20%; and the buffered mobile phase causes at least 50 mole percent of co-eluting oligonucleotides to have the same charge when they enter the mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: IsIs Pharmaceuticales , Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Kurata, Daniel Capaldi, Zhiwei Wang, Nhuy Luu, Hans-Joachim Gaus, Claus Andre Frank Rental
  • Publication number: 20090090173
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy in analysis repeatability of a liquid chromatography apparatus that feeds different eluent by use of a plurality of pumps and achieves the mixture of eluent. Each of the pumps includes means for notifying an automatic sampler and a higher-level control unit that the specified timing of a liquid feeding cycle is reached. A pump whose liquid feeding cycle is the slowest transmits own information so that analysis is synchronized with a liquid feeding cycle. Moreover, a cycle position of a liquid feeding cycle at the end of analysis is expected, and the analysis time is automatically adjusted so that the wait time until the start of the next analysis becomes the shortest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Masato Fukuda, Hiroyuki Wada, Masahito Ito, Hironori Kaji, Kosaku Toyosaki
  • Publication number: 20090078031
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample introducing apparatus which is designed such that the analytical flow path runs from the needle to the separation column without the flow path switching means placed at the downstream side of the needle. This design reduces dead volume, which in turn reduces the diffusion of the sample injected into the analytical flow path. Moreover, the absence of the flow path switching means at the downstream side of the needle to inject a sample into the analytical flow path eliminates connection of the pipe with the flow path switching means. This prevents the sample from remaining in the connecting part, thereby reducing sample carry-over and improving the accuracy of analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Yumiko ONO, Kimihiko Ishii, Eri Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7507586
    Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation with multiple secondary retention times. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The secondary retention time period at which the modulator cycles is variable among multiple secondary retention time periods to prevent loss of resolution with less complex and/or low boiling point compounds and to prevent loss of data with more complex and/or higher boiling point compounds. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Huamin Cai
  • Patent number: 7500386
    Abstract: A sample injection apparatus and a liquid chromatography apparatus including the sample injection apparatus are provided. The sample injection apparatus includes a sampling vessel into which a sample is supplied, a sampling needle for aspirating and ejecting the sample, a cleaning part into which a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least the sampling needle is supplied, a sample injection part for injecting the sample ejected from the sampling needle into a moving liquid, and a needle transfer part for transferring the sampling needle among the sampling vessel, the cleaning part and the sample injection part, wherein the cleaning part includes an ultrasonic vibrator for generating an ultrasonic wave in the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Togashi, Osamu Shirota, Aya Ohkubo
  • Publication number: 20090044607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drawing a liquid volume, in particular for drawing a sample for analysis by means of a liquid chromatography device, wherein the liquid comprising the liquid volume to be withdrawn is provided in a container 7, 75 that is closed off by means of a closure 72, 71; 76, 761, which consists at least in a partial area of a flexible material that can be penetrated by means of sampling needle, wherein for the withdrawal of a defined liquid volume, sampling needle 6 is punched through the partial area consisting of flexible material, until the suction opening of the sampling needle is immersed sufficiently in the liquid, and wherein a defined liquid volume is withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Michael Hene
  • Patent number: 7484404
    Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mustang Sampling LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Walter F. Grehold
  • Publication number: 20090000358
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analysing a fluid, comprising applying the fluid to a pre-separation module and subjecting the fluid to a chromatographic pre-separation, taking a sample from said zone; and subjecting said sample to an analytical separation. The invention further relates to an apparatus for analysing a fluid, suitable for carrying out a method according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPASTNATUURWETEN
    Inventor: Hendrik Kerkdijk
  • Publication number: 20080314129
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry system includes a chromatographic column through which an effluent passes, wherein the effluent comprises a plurality of analytes that correspond to a plurality of chromatographic peaks and an eluent; a post-column splitter having at least two output ports through which the effluent of the column is split to at least a first portion and a second portion; a mass spectrometer configured to receive the first portion from a first of the output ports for analysis; and a tube connected to a second of the output ports configured to prevent substantial evaporation of the eluent in the second portion until undergoing mass spectrometry. The second portion has a plurality of separated analytes corresponding to at least two chromatographic peaks. A method of using the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Advion BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Schultz, Reinaldo Rodrigo Queiros De Almeida, Mark Haydn Allen
  • Publication number: 20080285028
    Abstract: The present invention compensates a fluctuation of a light-emitting intensity of a light source. First splitting portions (12, 13) in the present invention are used to split lights emitted from the light source, and an excitation light with a specific wavelength (?Ex) is incident to a sample element 15. Second splitting portions (16, 17) are used to split the lights from the sample element portion, and a fluorescence detecting portion 18 is used to measure the fluorescence intensity (IEm). A reference light detecting portion 19 detects a specific wavelength (?R) of the lights without being selected by the first splitting portion, and then the light intensities detected by the reference light detecting portion are outputted and stored in a spectrum data storage portion 21. The intensity (IEx) of the excitation light is calculated according to the wavelength of the excitation light, the wavelength of the reference light, and the intensity of the reference light in the spectrum data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahide Gunji
  • Publication number: 20080272292
    Abstract: LC/MS data generated by an LC/MS system is analyzed to determine groupings of ions associated with originating molecules. Ions arc grouped initially according to retention time, for example, using retention time or chromatographic peaks in mass chromatograms. After initial groupings are determined based on retention time, ion peak shapes are compared to determine whether ions should be excluded. Ions having peak shapes not matching other ions, or alternatively a reference peak shape, are excluded from the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Scott J. Geromanos, Jeffrey Cruz Silva, Guo-Zhong Li, Marc Victor Gorenstein
  • Publication number: 20080257019
    Abstract: Method for analyzing one or more pesticidal compounds present in amounts of less than or equal to 5 mg/kg of a sample, comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the sample; b) optional dilution of the sample prepared; c) direct analysis of the optionally diluted sample by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: BAYER CROPSCIENCE SA
    Inventors: Dominique Rosati, Catherine Venet
  • Publication number: 20080236256
    Abstract: A system and method for sample preparation and/or sample enrichment are provided. The system comprises the following components: a first switch element with a switch element input and at least two mutually exclusive switch element outputs and a second corresponding switch element with at least two mutually exclusive switch element inputs and a switch element output, the first and second switch elements being connected to control means for opening and closing the switch element inputs and switch element outputs; a first distributor element with at least three ports and a second distributor element with at least three ports; as well as a first separation column and a second separation column, the components being in such fluidic communication with each other that by means of different positions of the switch elements it is possible to configure at least two different fluidic paths in the system, wherein said different positions are achievable through the control means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Brand, Falk-Thilo Ferse
  • Publication number: 20080229810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding samples to a separating device and for collecting sample fractions generated by means of the separating device, especially for high-performance liquid chromatography, with a first switch valve unit (201), which has at least eight ports (port numbers 1 to 8) and two switch positions, wherein, in a first switch position (1-2), exactly two adjacent ports are interconnected and wherein, in a second switch position (8-1), exactly those adjacent ports that are not interconnected in the first switch position are interconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Remco Swart, Guillaume Tremintin
  • Publication number: 20080229809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample injection device, a sample injection method, and a liquid chromatograph that control the flow of a mobile phase using a switching valve. The sample injection device includes a port connected to a separation column, a pump for supplying a mobile phase, first and second sample injection needles, a syringe, and a valve configured to selectively connect the first sample injection needle to the pump or the syringe and to connect the second sample injection needle to the pump. When the first sample injection needle is attached to the port, the first sample injection needle is connected to the pump through operation of the valve. When the second sample injection needle is attached to the port, the first sample injection needle is connected to the syringe and the second sample injection needle is connected to the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Aya Hirayama, Osamu Shirota
  • Publication number: 20080216562
    Abstract: Provided are darifenacin hydrobromide free of oxidized darifenacin, and processes for the preparation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Valeriano Merli, Augusto Canavesi, Paola Daverio, Alessandra Vailati
  • Publication number: 20080179184
    Abstract: Methods of chemical analysis are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include introducing a sample into a chromatograph. The sample may include a multiple analytes having diverse sizes and chemical properties. The analytes may be present in solution with a salt. The salt may have a concentration that is higher than that of each of the analytes. The analytes and the salt may be separated with the chromatograph. The separated analytes may be introduced into an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). The amounts of each of the analytes in the sample may be determined with the ELSD. Other methods, including methods of analyzing plating solutions and adjusting the plating solutions based on the analysis are also disclosed, as are systems to perform such analysis and systems to adjust the concentrations of plating solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Hok-Kin Choi, Yongmei Wu, Vani Thirumala
  • Patent number: 7402283
    Abstract: An acid or base is generated in an aqueous solution by the steps of: (a) providing a source of first ions adjacent an aqueous liquid in a first acid or base generation zone, separated by a first barrier (e.g., anion exchange membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow and transporting ions only of the same charge as said first ions, (b) providing a source of second ions of opposite charge adjacent an aqueous liquid in a second acid or base generation zone, separated by a second barrier transporting ions only of the same charge as the second ions, and (c) transporting ions across the first barrier by applying an electrical potential through said first and second zones to generate an acid-containing aqueous solution in one of said first or second zones and a base-containing aqueous solution in the other one which may be combined to form a salt. Also, electrolytic apparatus for performing the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Liu, Nebojsa Avdalovic
  • Publication number: 20080156080
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for performing off-line multi-dimensional separation and analysis of a heterogeneous biomolecular sample. The method includes separating the heterogeneous biomolecular sample into a plurality of fractions using an, at least partially, capillary isotachophoresis mechanism. The plurality of fractions are then transferred to a liquid chromatography apparatus where they are each separated into a plurality of sub-fractions. The sub-fractions are then analyzed to determine their constituent molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Calibrant Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Balgley
  • Patent number: 7390390
    Abstract: A capillary array electrophoretic device capable of securing a sample plate array and a buffer container three dimensionally on a tray of an autosampler. A tray (700) is provided with a guide groove (701) and a stopper (702) corresponding to guides (715, 716) of sample plate assemblies (710, 711) including a microtiter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhei Yamamoto, Hiromi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20080141762
    Abstract: A sample injection apparatus and a liquid chromatography apparatus including the sample injection apparatus are provided. The sample injection apparatus includes a sampling vessel into which a sample is supplied, a sampling needle for aspirating and ejecting the sample, a cleaning part into which a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least the sampling needle is supplied, a sample injection part for injecting the sample ejected from the sampling needle into a moving liquid, and a needle transfer part for transferring the sampling needle among the sampling vessel, the cleaning part and the sample injection part, wherein the cleaning part includes an ultrasonic vibrator for generating an ultrasonic wave in the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Togashi, Osamu Shirota, Aya Ohkubo
  • Publication number: 20080102443
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a column cartridge that enables the obtainment of a plurality of analysis objects from a single sample easily. The column cartridge comprises: a first liquid sample receiving part having an opening for receiving a liquid sample; a carrier for isolating a target substance from the liquid sample; a carrier holding part for holding the carrier; and a flow path part comprising a flow path through which the liquid sample is able to pass after passing through the carrier held by the carrier holding part, and being configured to be fitted into an opening of a second liquid sample receiving part of another column cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masakazu FUKUDA, Hiroaki TOBIMATSU
  • Patent number: 7337654
    Abstract: In a method of forming a needle for an auto-sampler successively collecting liquid samples from plural sample containers, a parent material forming the needle is coated with a coating material having a chemical activity small than that of the needle. Then, the coated parent material is polished so that the surface has an average roughness of 10 to 20 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Tomita, Yoshiaki Maeda
  • Patent number: 7231819
    Abstract: There is described an analyzing device having two separation units to separate molecular species to detect molecular species in wellbore fluids with both separation units operating under forced flow conditions to provide for an active separation of subterranean wellbore effluent into its components for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Gareth John Jones, Li Jiang, Andreas Manz, Ratna Tantra
  • Patent number: 7213615
    Abstract: The rotating valve for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has a stator with connections for the solvent reservoirs, pumps, chromatography columns etc. and a disc-shaped rotor with connecting grooves on the front face for selectively connecting different connections to one another. Said grooves are evenly distributed on two concentrical circles. The connecting grooves on the front face of the rotor are configured in the form of circular segments and are arranged in such a way that fife connections are simultaneously connected to one another in defined positions of the rotor in each circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: CS Analytics AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Emil Cueni, Heiner Scherrer, Werner Döbelin
  • Patent number: 7157056
    Abstract: A sample introduction device is provided that is particularly useful in the critical care environment for the anaerobic withdrawal of small volumes of arterial blood from a sample collection syringe and introduction thereof into a sample chamber of a sensor for analysis. The sample introduction device includes a Luer fitting adapted to mate an outlet of the container in a concentric orientation with an input aperture of the sample chamber. A tubular probe is adapted for concentric placement with both the outlet and inlet aperture, with a first end thereof extending into the syringe and a second end adapted for attachment to an air supply. The probe has a predetermined diameter sufficient to provide an annular clearance between the probe and each of the outlet and inlet aperture. A predetermined volume of air is injected through the probe into the container to displace a predetermined volume of sample therefrom, through the annular clearance into the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7153692
    Abstract: The present invention exploits the discovery that amounts of uracil and thymine metabolites, especially ?-aminoisobutyric acid, in various bodily fluids, especially urine, are correlated with the occurrence of epilepsy when compared to matched control subjects. Analytical and diagnostic protocols, including a novel high performance liquid chromatography system, for use in the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Queens University at Kingston
    Inventors: Allyson J. Campbell, Donald F. Weaver, Angela P. Lyon, John R. Carran
  • Patent number: 7144443
    Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer tube and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner tubes extending within the outer tube and at least partially through a chamber defined within the outer tube. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer tube and the inner tubes to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer tube and the inner tubes, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus is sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Systec, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Thomas Thielen
  • Patent number: 7117723
    Abstract: A proximity sensor for measuring a distance between a probe and a sample plate is provided a sideway of the probe. The sample plate is mounted on a stage and moved vertically and horizontally. The stage is connected to a control unit for controlling the movement of the stage. The control unit makes a feedback control for the stage so that the measured value of the proximity sensor may be set to a preset value. When dropping a liquid droplet from the probe, the sample plate is moved upwards to shorten the distance between the probe and the sample plate and contact the liquid droplet with the sample plate, whereby the solution is fractionated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Iwata
  • Patent number: 7089785
    Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method to assay sacrificial material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sacrificial material may be analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Chemical markers that correlate with material contaminants in the sacrificial material may be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hok-Kin Choi, Robert P. Meagley
  • Patent number: 7091044
    Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Huamin Cai, Stanley Stearns
  • Patent number: 7028537
    Abstract: A hyphenated technique based on the combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrochemical (coulometric) oxidation (EC) and electrospray ionization (ESI)- or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-mass spectrometry (MS), allows access of selected groups of low and medium polarity analytes to ESI- or APCI-mass spectrometry after HPLC by electrochemical treatment of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ESA Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Karst, Georg Diehl, Heiko Hayen
  • Patent number: 6989129
    Abstract: A system for automatically performing liquid chromatography analysis of low volume liquid chemical samples at nanosecond flow rates using an analysis column that integrates a pre-concentration trapping column and a chromatography separation column terminating at an electrospray nozzle of an online mass spectrometer. The analysis column consists of a capillary having an inside diameter of between 75 and 125 microns packed throughout with a porous bed of micron particles. A branch outlet positioned 10 to 16 centimeters upstream from the nozzle divides the analysis column into an upstream pre-concentration trap and a downstream separation column. An autosampler delivers low volume liquid samples to the upstream inlet via a two-position valve. Feed connections couple the autosampler to upstream inlet when the valve is open to inject a liquid sample into the pre-concentration trap at a maximum loading flow rate in the range from 0.5 to 50 microliters/minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Licklider, Steven P. Gygi, Junmin Peng
  • Patent number: 6976383
    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. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
  • Patent number: 6949132
    Abstract: An elongated flow-through vacuum degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer tube and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner tubes extending coaxially within the outer tube. The degassing apparatus further includes a vacuum source adaptor extending from a side wall of the outer tube and co-extensively with a vacuum source coupling aperture in the outer tube so as to create a sealed axial vacuum chamber between the outer tube and the inner tubes. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer tube and the inner tubes to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer tube and the inner tubes, and to provide for connection devices for operably coupling the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective components in a chromatographic system. The degassing apparatus is sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Systel, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Thielen, Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 6918309
    Abstract: A method and system to deposit rapidly, accurately and efficiently liquid droplets onto a sample plate. A liquid from which the droplet is formed contains sample molecules, matrix molecules or a mixture of both sample and matrix molecules. A sample plate is positioned with respect to a position below a portion of the liquid, such as a droplet. A power supply forms an electric field between the sample plate and the liquid, which pulls the droplet to a target location on the sample plate. A plurality of capillary columns is provided for simultaneous or successive multiple depositions via application of one or more high voltage pulses between the liquid sample array and a sample plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Ansgar Brock, Christopher M. Shaw, Robert C. Downs
  • Patent number: 6880576
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices with multiple fluid process regions for subjecting similar samples to different process conditions in parallel are provided. One or more common fluid inputs may be provided to minimize the number of external fluid supply components. Solid materials such as chromatographic separation media or catalyst media is preferably provided in each fluid process region. Solid materials may be supplied to the devices in the form of slurry, with particles retained by porous elements or frits. Different fluid process regions may having different effective lengths, different solid material types or amounts, or may receive different ratios of common fluids supplied to the device. The flow resistances of dissimilar fluid process regions may be balanced passively with the addition of impedance elements in series with each fluid process region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Eugene Dantsker
  • Patent number: 6874354
    Abstract: The sample injection valve for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) devices comprises a stator with inlets for the sample and the mobile phase, outlets leading to the chromatography column and to a waste collector, as well as connections for both ends of a sample loop. Its rotor has the customary connection channels. An additional washing liquid inlet (7) opens into the connecting channel (9) that, in one valve position, connects the sample inlet (1) to the outlet (2) leading to the waste collector. This enables the sample inlet and the pipette or syringe located therein to be rinsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: CTC Analytics AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Cueni, Heinrich Scherrer
  • Patent number: 6860137
    Abstract: In obtaining an accurate mixing ratio of a liquid mixture, an actual mixing ratio of at least two different liquids mixed together is obtained, wherein the two kinds of liquids have a predetermined mixing ratio and are mixed by setting switching valves for the liquids. A mixing ratio error is calculated as a difference between the actual mixing ratio and the predetermined mixing ratio, and is stored. A switching timing of the switch valves is corrected based on the stored mixing ratio error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Takaei Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 6851299
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus of a component contained in test water according to the invention can prevent a test water feed nozzle from clogging up and smoothly feed air into a combustion furnace, and further, can accurately measure in a short time carbon dioxide gas obtained from the complete combustion of an inorganic substance contained in test water. In a test water dropping unit 20 of the measuring apparatus 10, a test water dropping nozzle 21 for dropping test water into a combustion furnace 30 is provided at a top of the combustion furnace 30, and a protective pipe 23 in which this test water dropping nozzle 21 is accommodated is disposed outside the test water dropping nozzle 21. The bottom end 23a of the protective pipe 23 is extended downward from the test water dropping nozzle 21 and is formed at an acute angle, and the tip 21a of the test water dropping nozzle 21 is disposed in abutment with the inner circumferential surface 24 of the protective pipe 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Seishin Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenkichi Yano
  • Patent number: 6808933
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for enhancing the confidence index in detecting the presence and/or amount of an analyte suspected of being in a sample. In the method, a combination of at least two predetermined derivatives of the analyte is subjected to chromatographic separation. Then, the retention times of the derivatives as a result of the chromatographic separation are determined. The retention times are related to the presence of the analyte in the sample. Detecting a response from each of the derivatives enhances confirmation that the compound detected is the analyte in question further. The number and intensities of the responses is related to the presence and/or amount of the analyte in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry F. Prest