Folded passage gas chromatography column
AssigneeDefiant Technologies, Inc.
InventorsDouglas R. Adkins, Patrick Lewis
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide columns for use in gas chromatography and methods of making and using such columns. The present invention provides a folded passage column: a fluid passage formed by joining a first channel in a first surface through a slot to a second channel in a second surface. In some embodiments, a folded passage column repeats that building block, joining a plurality of channels in a first surface with a plurality of channels in a second surface such that the channels link to form a continuous passage.
Claims32
A fluid passage apparatus comprising a body having a folded passage column therein.
A fluid passage apparatus, having first and second ports for communication of fluid with a channel, comprising one or more elements defining a first surface and a second surface, wherein:
- a) the first surface has a first plurality of channels disposed therein, wherein each channel begins at a first end and extends to a second end;
- b) the second surface has a second plurality of channels disposed therein, wherein each channel begins at a first end and extends to a second end;
- c) wherein the ends of the channels in the first plurality of channels are in fluid communication with the ends of the channels in the second plurality of channels such that the channels form a single continuous passage.
A method of making a fluid passage apparatus, comprising:
- a) forming in a first channel plate a plurality of channel openings therethrough;
- b) forming in a second channel plate a plurality of channel openings therethrough;
- c) forming in a slot plate a plurality of slot openings therethrough;
- d) mounting the slot plate between the first and second channel plates such that the slot plate sealingly engages the first channel plate and the second channel plate;
- e) mounting a first end cap with the first channel plate such that the first end cap sealingly engages the first channel plate;
- f) mounting a second end cap with the second channel plate such that the second end cap sealingly engages the second channel plate;
- g) wherein the channels and slots are disposed such that they combine to form a single continuous path.
A fluid passage apparatus as in claim 23, wherein the cooling element comprises a thermoelectric cooler such as a peltier cooler.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.