Detail Of Fluid Handling Means (e.g., Valve, Control, Etc.) Patents (Class 73/61.56)
  • Patent number: 11940424
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gradient proportioning valve for liquid chromatography that includes a plurality of inlet ports configured to receive a plurality of fluids, a manifold connected to each of the plurality of inlet ports configured to mix the plurality of fluids in a controlled manner to provide a fluid composition, the manifold including a plurality of conduits internal to the manifold, each of the plurality of conduits receiving fluid through a respective one of the plurality of inlet ports, an actuation mechanism having a piston located within a bored structure surrounding the piston, the actuation mechanism configured to open and close at least one of the plurality of conduits in a controlled manner where the piston and the bored structure have a tight tolerance configured to create a fluid tight seal, and a common outlet port configured to receive the fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Raymond, Christopher Walden, Sean Anderson
  • Patent number: 11709085
    Abstract: Described is a method for determining a dwell volume of a liquid chromatography system and a liquid chromatography system that can determined the system dwell volume. The method includes mixing a flow of a first solvent with a flow of a second solvent to form a solvent mixture. The flows of the first and second solvents are decreased and increased, respectively, to generate a gradient composition. A system pressure of the liquid chromatography system is measured to determine a pressure trace defined as the measured system pressure as a function of time. The dwell volume of the system is determined from a time delay determined between the gradient composition at the mixing location and the pressure trace. The method can be performed with a liquid chromatography system having a chromatographic column or a flow restrictor used in place of the chromatographic column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jason F. Hill, Martin Gilar, Abhijit Tarafder, Christopher DesJardins
  • Patent number: 11698065
    Abstract: A pump arrangement for powering a pump in providing a controlled volume of water to a drip nozzle in a drip-feed humidifier. The pump arrangement includes: a pump having a solenoid; a processing unit; and a power supply electrically connected to the solenoid via a switch which is controlled by the processing unit. The power supply is structured to supply power to the solenoid via the switch. The processing unit is programmed to modulate the power provided to the solenoid via the switch such that the power is supplied to the solenoid according to a mirror image power profile for each actuation of the solenoid for retracting the armature. The mirror image power profile includes: an initial portion which decreases at a third overall rate, an intermediate portion which decreases at a second overall rate different than the third overall rate, and a final portion which increases at a first overall rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Michael B. Knepper
  • Patent number: 11255829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography system and a method therefor. The chromatography system comprising an inlet port (102) for receiving a sample, an outlet port (106) for delivering the sample, a detector (201), a column (104), and a valve (202) in fluid communication with the inlet port, the outlet port, the detector, and the column. The valve (202) comprises a first position (304) wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the outlet port via a first fluid path comprising the detector and the column, wherein the detector is arranged upstream the column. The valve comprises a second position (404) wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the outlet port via a second fluid path comprising the detector and the column, wherein the detector is arranged downstream the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CYTIVA SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Helena Skoglar, Bjorn Olovsson
  • Patent number: 11204338
    Abstract: A liquid phase analysis device includes a first fluid supply system for driving a first fluid or a sample to be detected, a second fluid supply system for driving a second fluid, an injection valve connected to the second fluid supply system and the first fluid supply system, a chromatographic column connected to the injection valve, and a detector connected to the chromatographic column, wherein the chromatographic column is used for isolating components in the sample to be detected; the detector is used for detecting the components, isolated by the chromatographic column, in the sample to be detected; the injection valve is used for switching a flow path so as to communicate flow paths of the first fluid supply system and second fluid supply system with a flow path of the chromatographic column. The liquid phase analysis device simplifies the complexity of a system, thereby reducing the costs of implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiangbo Li, Jin Teng
  • Patent number: 11067182
    Abstract: Valve assemblies are described that provide segmented shuttle of liquid into sample vessels and automatic mixing via bubbles in the segmented liquid. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to receive a pressurized gas, a first fluid, and a second fluid. The valve assembly also includes a second valve member coupled adjacent to the first valve member. The second valve member comprises a plurality of channels configured to interface with the first valve member. In a first configuration, the first fluid is loaded into an external loop. In the second configuration, the second fluid is eluted from the column into a vial in a segmented stream via bubbles of pressurized gas. Bubbles of gas automatically mix the eluted sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Saetveit, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11035355
    Abstract: A tube pump system is provided, which includes a pair of roller units which are rotated around the axis line from a contact position to a separate position in a state where the pair of roller units compress the tube, a pair of drive units which rotate the pair of roller units respectively, and a control unit which controls each of the pair of drive units, wherein the control unit controls each of the pair of drive units such that, when one of the pair of roller units passes the separate position, an angular velocity of the other of the pair of roller units toward the separate position is gradually decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Imai, Kazuki Hirai
  • Patent number: 10677766
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a first dimension system and a second dimension system, wherein outflow from the first dimension system is separated at a flow splitter under controlled conditions. The flow splitter separates the first dimension outflow into first and second split outlet flows, with one of the split outlet flows being metered to a designated flow rate with a flow metering device disposed downstream from the flow splitter. The flow metering device selectively closes or opens an outlet flow path to define a volumetric flow rate along that outlet flow path, so that the other split outlet flow is correspondingly controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventor: Carl Sims
  • Patent number: 10641746
    Abstract: An injector, for injecting a fluidic sample into a flow path between a fluid drive and a sample separation unit, includes a sample accommodation volume, a sample drive, and a fluidic valve switchable to selectively couple the volume with the flow path or decouple the volume from the flow path. In an injection switching state, the fluid drive, the separation unit and the sample drive are coupled by the valve so that fluid driven by the sample drive and flowing from the volume to the separation unit and further fluid driven by the fluid drive and flowing from the fluid drive to the separation unit are combined at a fluidic connection upstream of the separation unit. A control unit controls a pressure of the fluid and/or the further fluid during injecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Thielsch, Thomas Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10520477
    Abstract: Valve with multi-piece stator assembly for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems. A separate and removable stator plate is provided with a mounting device to provide a multi-piece stator assembly. The mounting device is adapted on one side to engage and contact the stator plate, and on the other side includes a plurality of ports for fluidic connections which are in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate. By making the stator face a separate component, the overall costs of the valve can be reduced, different materials can be used for the mounting device and the stator, and the valve can be used for ultra-high pressure applications, including in liquid chromatography and other analytical instrument systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Quan Liu, Jon Nichols, Jeremy Hayes, Carl Sims, Mark Tschann
  • Patent number: 10384151
    Abstract: Valve with two-piece stator assembly for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems. A separate and removable stator plate is provided with a mounting device to provide a two-piece stator assembly. The mounting device is adapted on one side to engage and contact the stator plate, and on the other side includes a plurality of ports for fluidic connections which are in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate. By making the stator face a separate component, the overall costs of the valve can be reduced, different materials can be used for the mounting device and the stator, and the valve can be used for ultra-high pressure applications, including in liquid chromatography and other analytical instrument systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Quan Liu, Jeremy Hayes
  • Patent number: 10201767
    Abstract: A chromatography system comprising at least two chromatography columns, where a feed recirculation of outflow from a primary load column to the inlet of a secondary load column is combined such that the feed recirculation outflow from all columns that will be used as primary load columns in the system will pass through one and the same feed recirculation flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Olovsson
  • Patent number: 10024826
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a chromatography system includes a microfluidic substrate having a fluidic channel configured as an analytical chromatographic column and a fluidic port on one side of the microfluidic substrate. The fluidic port opens at a head end of the analytical chromatographic column. A dried blood spot (DBS) collection device holds one or more dried biological samples. The DBS collection device is directly coupled to the microfluidic substrate whereby one of the biological samples is placed into fluidic communication with the fluidic channel of the microfluidic substrate and an extraction of that biological sample flows toward the head end of the analytical chromatographic column. A diluent source fluidically coupled to the fluidic port supplies a solvent to the head end of the analytical column to dilute the extracted biological sample before the biological sample flows into the analytical chromatographic column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James P. Murphy, Michael J. Tomany, Joseph D. Michienzi, Paul Rainville, Robert S. Plumb, Geoff C. Gerhardt, Moon Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 9983177
    Abstract: An autosampler according to an embodiment includes a sampling channel including a movable needle at a tip, and a switching valve, including a plurality of ports, for switching the connection state between the ports by switching the position of a rotor by rotating the rotor. The rotor of the switching valve includes an injecting position in which a delivery port and a sampling port are communicated and an injection port and an analysis port are communicated, a purging position in which the delivery port and the sampling port are communicated and the injection port and a drain port are communicated, and a loading position in which the delivery port and the analysis port are communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takaaki Fujita
  • Patent number: 9759694
    Abstract: An analysis method is achieved in which pressure variation resulting from sample injection or passage switching by an autosampler does not exert an influence on the control of a liquid transfer pump. The liquid chromatograph analysis method comprises the steps of: transferring two or more types of eluents while changing a mixing ratio between the eluents; adjusting an amount of the transferred liquid within a predetermined time in a passage for the eluent transferred; injecting a sample in the passage; supplying to a separation column the eluent into which the sample is injected; separating a target component in the sample; and detecting the target component thus separated. In this method, control is exercised so as to synchronize a liquid transfer cycle of the eluent with the sample injecting operation and to implement the sample injecting operation at a timing rather than the pressure obtaining time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoaki Tanoue, Masato Fukuda, Daisuke Akieda
  • Patent number: 9752691
    Abstract: Valve assemblies are described that provide segmented shuttle of liquid into sample vessels and automatic mixing via bubbles in the segmented liquid. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to receive a pressurized gas, a first fluid, and a second fluid. The valve assembly also includes a second valve member coupled adjacent to the first valve member. The second valve member comprises a plurality of channels configured to interface with the first valve member. In a first configuration, the first fluid is loaded into an external loop. In the second configuration, the second fluid is eluted from the column into a vial in a segmented stream via bubbles of pressurized gas. Bubbles of gas automatically mix the eluted sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Saetveit, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 9435775
    Abstract: A fluid switching valve includes a first valve element (e.g., a stator) that has a plurality of first fluid-conveying features (e.g., ports), and a second valve element (e.g., a rotor) that has one or more second fluid-conveying features (e.g., fluid conduits in the form of grooves). The second valve element is movable, relative to the first valve element, between a plurality of discrete positions such that, in each of the discrete positions, at least one of the one or more second fluid-conveying features overlaps with multiple ones of the first fluid conveying features to provide for fluid communication therebetween. At least one of the first valve element and the second valve element includes a recess. The recess serves to reduce wear between the first valve element and the second valve element. The recess is arranged such that it does not overlap with any of the first fluid-conveying features or any of the second fluid-conveying features when the rotor is in any of the discrete positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Moeller, Theodore D. Ciolkosz
  • Patent number: 9417219
    Abstract: A sample separation device for separating a sample comprises a first fluid supply path for supplying a first fluid, a second fluid supply path for supplying a second fluid, a sample separation unit adapted for separating the sample, a sensor configured for determining a value of a parameter related to the fluid, and a valve configured for selectively coupling both of the first and second fluid supply paths to the sensor and to the sample separation unit, or coupling one of the first and second fluid supply paths to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Choikhet
  • Patent number: 9335309
    Abstract: A sample separation apparatus includes a fluidic valve including a first inlet fluidically coupled to one of a first fluid drive and a second fluid drive, and a second inlet fluidically coupled to the other of the first fluid drive and the second fluid drive. The fluidic valve includes at least two different sets of storage paths, wherein each set of storage paths comprises a first storage path. The first storage path of a first set of said at least two sets of storage paths has a first volume, and the first storage path of a second set of said at least two sets of storage paths has a second volume different from the first volume. The fluidic valve is configured for selectively switching one set of the least two sets of storage paths to the first inlet and the second inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Konstantin Choikhet
  • Patent number: 9027391
    Abstract: Chromatography assembly for multi-dimensional chromatography, includes a first separating column (12; 112) for separating a sample into components; a second separating column (13; 114) having different separating characteristics for further separating the components separated in the first separating column (12; 112); a collecting volume (20; 120, 121) for collecting the components from the first separating column (12; 112) before entering the second separating column (14; 114); a switching assembly (22, 24; 122, 124) for switching from a first state (FIG. 1; FIG. 3), where the components leaving the first separating column (12; 112) are collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) to a second state (FIG. 2; FIG. 4) where the components collected in the collecting volume (20; 120, 121) are transferred to the second separating column (14; 114); and a detector (18; 118) for detecting sample components leaving the second separating column (14; 114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Joint Analytical Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Radtke
  • Patent number: 9003868
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yumiko Ono, Kimihiko Ishii, Eri Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8985144
    Abstract: A plurality of suctioning flow paths for suctioning mobile phases meet each other at a meeting portion. The meeting portion is connected to an inlet flow path communicating with an inlet of a reciprocating pump. The suctioning flow paths are respectively provided with solenoid valves for opening and closing the respective flow paths. The suctioning flow paths are respectively provided with orifices between the solenoid valves and the meeting portion. The orifices are sections of the respective suctioning flow paths having smaller diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Aso, Fujio Inoue
  • Patent number: 8960231
    Abstract: A multi-mode injection valve includes a stator having an outer stator face and an inner stator face; a plurality of fluid ports in the outer stator face; a plurality of fluid orifices in the inner stator face, the fluid orifices disposed in fluid communication with the fluid ports, respectively; a rotor having a rotor surface engaging the inner stator face of the stator; a plurality of rotor grooves in the rotor surface of the rotor, each of the rotor grooves adapted for fluid communication with a pair of the fluid orifices depending upon a rotational or angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator; and an actuator unit engaging the rotor, the actuator unit adapted to rotate the rotor relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Neil Robert Picha, Bruce D. Black
  • Publication number: 20150047422
    Abstract: A supercritical fluid chromatography system is provided with an injection valve subsystem for introducing a sample into a flow of mobile phase fluid. The injection valve subsystem includes an auxiliary valve and an inject valve. The operations of the auxiliary and inject valves are coordinated in such a manner as to reduce sample carry-over and system pressure perturbations occurring during sample injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: WatersTechnologies Corporation
    Inventors: Emily J. Berg, Joshua A. Shreve, James E. Usowicz, Douglas P. Wittmer, Aaron Lebeau
  • Publication number: 20150040648
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography device includes an adsorption portion that adsorbs one or more analysis components in a specimen, an analysis device that analyzes an analysis component eluted by an eluent, a main feeding device that feeds a first eluent to the adsorption portion, the first eluent eluting an analysis component, a feeding channel in fluid communication with the main feeding device and the adsorption portion, a first retention channel that retains a second eluent, the second eluent differing from the first eluent, an auxiliary feeding device that feeds the second eluent to the first retention channel, and a first switching device that switches the feeding channel to either a first channel or a second channel, the first channel allowing the first eluent to flow from the main feeding device to the adsorption portion, and the second channel allowing the second eluent to flow from the first retention channel to the adsorption portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Takeshi Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8944102
    Abstract: Valve assemblies are described that provide bursts of gas between fluids to furnish separation between the fluids. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to connect to an external loop, an output, and a vent, and ports configured to receive a first fluid, a second fluid, and a pressurized gas. The valve assembly further includes a second valve member coupled adjacent the first valve member having channels configured to connect the external loop to the second fluid for charging the external loop with the second fluid, and to connect the external loop to the output for supplying the second fluid from the external loop to the output. The second valve member also has one or more channels for receiving a burst of the pressurized gas via a port of the first valve member and supplying the pressurized gas to the output and/or to the external loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Nathan Saetveit
  • Patent number: 8941504
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining if a fluid level in a transmission is satisfactory. The transmission includes a controller and is coupled to a powered vehicle. The method includes measuring a grade of the surface upon which the vehicle is positioned with an inclinometer and measuring the fluid level in the transmission with a fluid sensor. The method also includes communicating the measured grade and measured fluid level to the controller and determining a fluid level threshold based on the measured grade. The measured fluid level and fluid level threshold are compared and a determination is made if the measured fluid level is satisfactory based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Avery T. Sheets
  • Patent number: 8931356
    Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Michienzi, James P. Murphy, Dennis DellaRovere
  • Publication number: 20150008171
    Abstract: The invention provides a high-performance liquid chromatography system, said system is controlled in temperature by running a fluid in sleeves that surround the different parts of the system. All parts in contact with the fluid are made in fluoropolymer, carbon-filled fluoropolymer, or carbon-fiber fluoropolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Nicolas Dauphas, Francois L.H. Tissot, Reika Yokochi, Thomas J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 8925375
    Abstract: A multiple loop sample introduction system comprises a valve assembly including a sample collection valve and a sample introduction valve. First and second sample loops are in fluid communication with the sample collection valve and the sample introduction valve to receive aliquots of liquid samples to be introduced into a nebulizer. The valve assembly is operable to port a first aliquot into the first sample loop, while porting a second aliquot received in the second sample loop for introduction into the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Publication number: 20140377878
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack for holding sample vials comprising: (i) a solid base; (ii) an upwardly extending wall around the perimeter of said base; (iii) a plurality of means for supporting a plurality of vials, each means for supporting one vial; and (iv) a means for draining liquid from said rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ross Oliver Beecroft, Victoria Louise Goff, Sarah Jane Karim, Nicholas Brian Milne
  • Patent number: 8911512
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining properties of hydrocarbonaceous samples including a component prepared from: 1) the thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass, or 2) the pyrolytic conversion of biomass with subsequent upgrading. The determination of the property(ies) is by use of a near-infrared spectra based correlation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Gonzalez, Leslie May, Vicente Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8906692
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for separation analysis of mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) by post-column fluorescence detection method. The apparatus is based on chromatography, and includes a column with a solid phase having affinity for phosphate, a flow path for the eluate, a heater installed on the flow path for M6P and a basic amino acid to react by heating the eluate in the flow path, and a fluorescence detector installed downstream of the heater for continuously irradiating the eluate with excitation light and measuring the intensity of the emission, and may include in the flow path a supply channel for addition of a basic amino acid between the column and the heater. The method is characterized in that it uses the apparatus and a second mobile phase consisting of a second buffer containing phosphate of predetermined concentration and adjusted to a predetermined pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20140352411
    Abstract: A nebulizer for a charged aerosol detection (CAD) system is disclosed. The nebulizer is provided with a spray emitter for generating a spray of droplets within a central region of a spray chamber. The central region is separated from an upper region by a horizontally projecting rib, which defines a passageway between the central and upper regions. The major direction of droplet travel within the upper region is substantially reversed with respect to the major direction of droplet travel within the central region. Larger droplets are unable to negotiate the turn from the central to upper regions and impinge on a rear surface of the spray chamber. Removal of larger droplets has the advantageous effect of enabling the detector to sense a smaller range of particle sizes, which establishes a relatively steady electrical current at the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: DIONEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Daniel YIM, Paul H. GAMACHE, Ryan S. McCARTHY
  • Patent number: 8900877
    Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Luminex Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Jia Chang Yu, Jesus Ching, Phillip You Fai Lee, David Hsiang Hu
  • Publication number: 20140345372
    Abstract: A system (e.g., a chromatography system) includes a rotor, a microfluidic device, a rotor driver, a clamping mechanism, and control electronics. The rotor defines a plurality of first fluid-conveying features. The micro fluidic device defines one or more channels and a plurality of second fluid-conveying features, in fluid communication with the one or more channels. The rotor driver is coupled to the rotor and is configured to rotate the rotor, relative to the microfluidic device, between a first position and a second position such that, in each of the positions, at least one of the first fluid-conveying features cooperates with at least one of the one or more channels to provide for fluid communication therebetween. The clamping mechanism is operable to provide a sealing force to establish a fluid-tight seal between the rotor and the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Keith Fadgen, Joseph D. Michienzi, Bernard Bunner
  • Patent number: 8889423
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a binding ability of protein to a compound, comprising the steps of (a) fractionating a first group of isotope-labeled proteins into plural fractions using a carrier having the compound immobilized thereon; (b) fractionating a second group of proteins into one or plural fractions using a carrier having the compound immobilized thereon; (c) adding an amount of at least one fraction obtained in step (b) to each of the fractions obtained in step (a); (d) analyzing the fractions obtained in step (c) with mass spectrometry; and (e) based on the mass spectrometry information, obtaining, regarding each fraction, an intensity ratio between a peak derived from a protein in the fraction obtained in step (a) and a peak derived from a protein in the fraction obtained in step (b), and comparing degrees of the binding ability of the plural kinds of proteins to the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Eisai R & D Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiya Oda, Hiroyuki Katayama
  • Publication number: 20140318224
    Abstract: A high-pressure constant flow rate pump transfers a solvent from a low-pressure side liquid transfer system even if a difference between mixing ratios is large when solvents are mixed during high-pressure gradient liquid transfer. A pressure detection value from a second pressure sensor and a pressure detection value from a fourth pressure sensor are compared with each other. If the pressure detection value PA1 of the second pressure sensor is equal to or greater than the pressure detection value PA2 of the fourth pressure sensor, a second check valve comes into an opened state and operation is ended. If PA1 is less PA2, leakage determination is implemented. If it is determined that no leakage occurs, the type of the solvent is identified. A compression distance of a second plunger which is determined for each solvent and stored in a memory is added and the first plunger is driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yugo ONODA, Daisuke AKIEDA, Hiroyuki WADA, Toyoaki TANOUE, Mitsuhiko UEDA, Takashi YAGI
  • Publication number: 20140306105
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a liquid chromatography system including: a first solvent manager configured to dispense various ratios of a first solvent and a second solvent; a first column in fluid communication with the first solvent manager; a mixer in fluid communication with the first column; a first valve in fluid communication with the mixer; a second column having a first end in fluid communication with a first port of the first valve and a second end in fluid communication with a second port of the first valve; a second solvent manager adapted and configured to dispense various ratios of a third solvent and a fourth solvent; and a second valve in fluid communication with the second solvent manager, the first valve, and the mixer. The first valve and the second valve are adapted and configured for actuation between and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Netto, Mark Ritchie
  • Publication number: 20140305195
    Abstract: A chromatography system comprising a mixing circuit or a mixing chamber, a bubble trap, a concentration detector and one or more pumps, characterized in that the bubble trap has a permanent opening at its highest point is described herein. Furthermore, a chromatography system is described, characterized in that it contains two concentration detectors the first of which is located in the mixing circuit or the mixing chamber and the second is located downstream of the main pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Blaschyk, Darko Dvekar, Christian Schmalz
  • Publication number: 20140260974
    Abstract: A capillary microextractor of volatiles (CMV) allows the sampling of diagnostic volatiles that can be an explosive, explosive taggant, drug, poison, decomposition products thereof, a mixture of chemicals comprising an odor signature determined from detector dog trials, or volatile organic compounds indicative of a disease or other medical condition. The CMV has a thermally stable housing with orifices to allow the contact of a gas that contains one or more diagnostic volatiles with an absorbent that extracts and concentrates the diagnostic volatiles. After sampling, the CMV with the absorbed diagnostic volatiles can be placed in an ionized gas beam and introduced into a mass spectrometer or placed in a thermal desorption unit (TDU), where, upon heating, the diagnostic volatiles are released to an inlet port of an analytical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventors: JOSE ALMIRALL, WEN FAN
  • Publication number: 20140260564
    Abstract: A connector with a biocompatible fluid passageway and method for manufacturing thereof is described. The biocompatible connector may be used in an analytical instrument (AI) system as a union, an adapter, a tee, a cross, a manifold, a valve, or for other fittings or components. The connector has a reinforcement insert and a biocompatible molding covering portions of the reinforcement insert. The reinforcement insert has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions have threaded sections and each have a plurality of non-threaded sections. For a given portion, the junction of the non-threaded sections forms a lip by which to prevent the molded material from flowing into the threaded sections. In certain embodiments, an interior web is used in the reinforcement insert to provide additional structural support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Beemer
  • Publication number: 20140260565
    Abstract: A recess into which a protrusion of a plunger seal is to be fitted is provided at a part of a pump head where a plunger is to be inserted into a pump chamber. The plunger seal seals the pump chamber by an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion coming into close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the recess and a surface of a flange on the side of the protrusion coming into close contact with a circumferential edge surface of the recess of the pump head due to the protrusion being fitted into the recess and being pressed by a backup ring toward the pump chamber. The inner circumferential surface of the recess of the pump head and the circumferential edge surface of the recess are covered by a film of an acid-resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Shinya Imamura, Yoshiaki Maeda
  • Publication number: 20140238113
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of measuring stable hemoglobin A1c using liquid chromatography in a short time with good reproducibility. The present invention is a method for measuring stable hemoglobin A1c using liquid chromatography, installing on a flow path of a liquid chromatograph a filter whose surface is treated with a solution containing 1 to 50% by weight of a silicone oil or a solution containing 1 to 50% by weight of a silicone resin, and setting a pressure value generated in a measurement system of the liquid chromatograph to 9.8×103 Pa or more and 19.6×105 Pa or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Oishi
  • Patent number: 8794053
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device configured to provide three-way switching or switching between three or more inputs or outputs. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to one or more switching valves to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Tipler
  • Patent number: 8758609
    Abstract: A fitting coupler is provided configured for coupling a planar fluid conduit and a fluidic device. The fluidic device comprises a cavity, a device conduit, and a mouth where the device conduit opens into the cavity. A contact pressure element is configured for sealingly pressing the planar fluid conduit to the mouth, so that a conduit opening of the planar fluid conduit opens into the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies
    Inventor: Thomas Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 8752418
    Abstract: A fraction collector comprising a liquid holding means (31) wherein it further comprises a fluid front control arrangement (43) arranged for locating the fluid front at a dispensing nozzle (5) and to control the liquid holding means (31) to keep the fluid front at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventor: Hakan Frojdh
  • Publication number: 20140157878
    Abstract: A liquid chromatograph control system for controlling an operation of a liquid chromatograph which uses a mobile phase composed of a mixture of solvents and which has the function of performing a gradient analysis while temporally changing the mixture ratio of the solvents. The system initially requests a user to set a basic gradient profile (Step S12), and subsequently, to set the number of steps to change the mixture ratio of the mobile phase at the beginning and/or at the end of the gradient process as well as the amount of change in the mixture ratio per step (Step S13). After that, based on the possible combinations of the mixture ratios of the mobile phase at the beginning and at the end of the gradient process computed from the contents of information entered in the previous steps, a plurality of gradient profiles corresponding to those combinations are created (Step S14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohashi, Tadayuki Yamaguchi, Hidetoshi Terada
  • Patent number: 8739610
    Abstract: A sample injection port 10 for injecting a sample into a chromatograph or other devices is composed of a body 13 made of an inelastic material, a first seal member 14 made of an elastic material and attached to one end of the body part 13, and a second seal member 15 made of an elastic material and attached to the other end of the body part 13. A first through hole formed in the first seal member 14 , a second through hole formed in the second seal member 15 and a third through hole formed in the body part 13 are coaxially connected to form an introduction hole for sample injection. With this construction, a sample injection port which has a small inner diameter, is easy to manufacture, and yet capable of achieving a high pressure resistance can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Yasunaga, Masami Tomita, Yoshiaki Maeda
  • Patent number: RE45691
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fast, nondestructive measurement method for determining the contents of solid, liquid and/or suspended flowing organic compounds. The arrangement according to the invention comprises a sample vessel, a pump, and a measurement cell which form a unit together with a spectroscopic measurement head. The measurement cell is connected to the pump, which can be regulated to vary the flow rate, and to the sample vessel by a pipe, and the spectroscopic measurement head and the regulatable pump have electrical connections to a controlling and evaluating unit. Due to its compact construction, the solution which makes use of the principle of transflection is also particularly suited to mobile use, for example, to determine the components of liquid manure while the latter is being dispensed. In principle, the solution can be transferred to any applications with suspensions or pumpable, homogeneous and inhomogeneous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignees: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Christian-Albrechs-Universitaet Zu Kiel
    Inventors: Michael Rode, Helga Andree, Diane F Malley