Upchurch Scientific, Inc.

Other

Hans G Schick

Michael L Bailey

Thomas C Dykas

Paul E Upchurch

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

Methods and apparatus for micro-fluidic analytical chemistry

A multi-port valve useful in chromatography or other analytical chemistry processes utilizes a ferrule and clamp assembly to connect a number of tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of the clamping assembly, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other. At the same time, the clamps allow for easier connection and disconnection of the tubes or capillaries from the valve body. An operator can twist a screw to tighten the clamp and create a sealed connection without the need for special tools.

Valve for use with capillary tubing

A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Selection valve with ferrule cluster

A biocompatible column for use in high pressure liquid chromatography applications includes a biocompatible, polymeric inner tube which is located within a metallic outer tube. The polymeric inner tube has end fittings and the inner polymeric tube and such end fittings and comprise a unitary piece. Alternatively, the outside ends of the outer tube may be threaded so that appropriate polymeric end fittings can be removably attached to each end of the column. A liquid chromatography system in which the column of the present invention is used is also shown and described.

Column for liquid chromatography

A biocompatible column for use in liquid chromatography applications includes a biocompatible, polymeric inner tube which is located within a metallic outer tube. The column has biocompatible end fittings which extend beyond the ends of the outer tube. The ends of the outer tube are tapered to extend radially inward towards the longitudinal axis of the column to secure the end fittings and the inner tube in place relative to the outer tube. Alternatively, one or more biocompatible frits are included in seats in the end fittings. A passageway through the inner tube is packed with any one of a number of various packing materials. The present invention may comprise either a guard column or an analytical or preparative column. A liquid chromatography system in which the column of the present invention is used is also described.

An improved liquid filtering assembly used in applications such as filtering solvents for use in a liquid chromatography system. The filter assembly uses a filter cup having a large surface area which can be quickly removed and changed. The filter assembly also allows for the liquid to be drawn close to the bottom of the liquid reservoir. The filter assembly includes a coupling nut into which the tubing is secured on one side and an expansion member is secured on the other side. A seal ring is located around a portion of the expansion member. The expansion member urges the seal ring against the interior surface of the filter cup to secure the filter cup to the filter assembly. When the filter cup becomes clogged, the expansion member can be loosened to allow an operator to remove the clogged filter cup, replace it with a new filter cup, and then tighten the expansion member. Thus, the filter assembly can be reused simply by replacing the filter cup.

Inlet filter and method of using same

An assembly allowing the quick and easy connection or replacement of a column in a LC system. The assembly includes a cooperating male twist lock member and a female twist lock member. When rotated relative to one another, the male member and female member are removably attached. When attached, the assembly provides a leak-free seal at one end of a guard column, with the other end of the guard column attached to a LC system through tubing which is secured to a holder in which the guard column is positioned. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly is biocompatible and presents only chemically inert surfaces to the flow of the mobile phase and sample.

Connection assembly for liquid chromatography columns

A multiport selection valve which is biocompatible and can be used at pressures of up to 2000 psi is described. A housing made of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone has a plurality of selection ports and a common port. Located within the housing and the end at which the ports are located is a rotor seal. Located within and adjacent to the rotor seal is a rotor tip. The rotor tip has a passageway therethrough to allow fluid communication between the desired selection port and the common port. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing rotor seal and the rotor tip are made of synthetic polymers which are biocompatible. The valve also includes a rotor to which a knob is attached, thus allowing an operator to select a particular selection port. In an alternative embodiment, the valve of the present invention can be attached to a bulkhead and an actuator, thereby allowing automatic operations in accordance with programmed instructions.

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Anacortes, WA, United States of America

Hans G Schick