Described are an interface module for two-dimensional chromatography and a method of performing a chromatographic separation that may use the interface module. The interface module includes a valve module, a collection needle, a modifier module and a sample storage element. The valve module has a first port configured to receive an eluent from a first chromatography system, a second port configured to provide a fraction obtained from the eluent, a third port and a fourth port. The collection needle and the modifier module are in fluidic communication with the valve module at the third and fourth ports, respectively. The modifier module includes a source of a modifier solvent. The sample storage element is in fluidic communication with the valve module and is configured to receive a volume of the fraction for injection as a sample into a second chromatography system.

The invention provides for methods and apparatuses for testing liquid samples using small amounts of the liquid sample in a non-destructive fashion. The methods and apparatuses perform optical measurements of liquid samples, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a first container filled with the liquid sample to be analyzed; (b) flowing the liquid sample along a first flow direction through a flow path comprising an optical measuring device; (c) flowing the liquid sample along a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction through the flow path comprising the optical measuring device; (d) performing the optical measurement of the liquid sample in the second flow direction or in both the first and second flow directions; and (e) flowing the liquid sample through the flow path into a second container; wherein the first container and the second container may be the same or different containers; and wherein the liquid sample in the second container is substantially the same as the liquid sample in the first container.

The present invention relates to a novel analysis device and method for obtaining the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and isotopic carbon and oxygen concentration thereof, continuously from a liquid sample.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an inflatable bladder lid that configures with a cartridge configured for assay testing. The inflatable bladder provides substantially uniform pressure to the cartridge. The pressure is substantially distributed across the one or more regions of the cartridge to extend pressure over a wide cartridge surface. At least a portion of the bladder lid may comprise a flexible membrane material that inflates and stretches over at least a portion of the cartridge to conformally contact its first/top surface.

The disclosure relates to a system for liquid sample introduction into a chromatography system. The system includes a metering device for drawing up the liquid sample, a first multi-port valve in fluid communication with a first end of the metering device and the liquid sample, a second multi-port valve in fluid communication with a second end of the metering device and a chromatography column, and a pump in fluid communication with the second multi-port valve and a mobile phase. When the valves are in a first position the metering device draws up the liquid sample filling a portion of the metering device. When the valves are in a second position, a remaining portion of the metering device is filled with the mobile phase thereby mixing with and pressurizing the liquid sample. When the valves are in a third position, the mixed and pressurized sample flows to the chromatography column.

Systems for processing a fluid sample to facilitate analysis with a semiconductor detection chip are provided herein. Such systems can include a sample processing cartridge coupleable with a chip carrier device configured for transport of the processed fluid sample from the sample cartridge. The chip carrier device can include one or more fluid channels extending between fluid-tight couplings attachable to transfer ports of the sample processing cartridge. The chip carrier device can include multiple portions or adapters, including a fluid sample portion, a flowcell portion and a chip carrier. Also provided are methods of preparing and transporting a fluid sample from a sample cartridge into a chip carrier device for analysis with a semiconductor detection chip carried within the chip carrier device.

The present disclosure is directed to a dispensing system for providing a preset small volume of liquid ≤200 μl into a filling area of a microfluidic sample carrier comprising at least one flow channel, the system including, inter alia, at least one interface unit provided for each flow channel of the microfluidic sample carrier, with each interface unit comprising an injector with an injection channel, wherein the cross section of an outlet part of the injection channel is larger than a cross section of an inlet part of the injection channel and of the middle part of the injection channel. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a respective microfluidic sample carrier sealing system and to a respective method of dispensing sealing liquid into a microfluidic sample carrier.

A rotary dosing device for use in analytical instrumentation quickly transfers a sequence of precise molar quantities of gas from a primary stream into a secondary stream. The device has a rotating chamber with dosing ports that cycle through three states: fill, equilibrate, and transfer. The device cycles in an overlapping manner such that as one dose volume fills with gas from the primary stream, another equilibrates at a known pressure and temperature, and another transfers its contents to the secondary stream. The device initiates its operation so that the first transfer in a sequence is a properly filled and equilibrated dose from the primary stream. Rather than cycling a single dose volume through the three states multiple times, the overlapping operation of the rotary doser enables multiple precise molar quantities of gas to be transferred in one-third the time.

A microchip controlling system comprises a microchip which is configured by adhesion of an elastic sheet and a plate/sheet member, and on which a flow path is provided as an inadhesive section between the elastic sheet and the plate/sheet member; and a microchip controlling apparatus comprising a valve mechanism which is inflated or deflated so as to control the flow path to be opened or closed.

Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing and two or more fluid handling units arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section and an internal non fluidics section, and wherein the housing comprises a liquid handling panel with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components such that the external fluidics section is separated from the non fluidics section by the liquid handling panel.