Column analyzer system
AssigneeHelena Laboratories Corporation
InventorsJames R. M. Sanford, Patrick M. Frank, Joseph H. Gollas, William C. Jennings
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography, and method for its use, includes an array of chromatograph columns and multi-cell cuvettes associated with each column. Chromatographic separation takes place under a constant, low fluid pressure. A pressure system distributes air to each column during chromatographic separation but prevents leakage of air if the column array is partially empty. The multi-cell cuvette collects and separates the eluates associated with a single column. The system provides for automatic removal of caps from the bottoms of the chromatograph columns and provides for automatic optical density reading.
Claims19
A system for separating fluid solutions by chromatography of a plurality of columns, each column including first and second ends, comprising:
- means for positioning a plurality of chromatographic columns at a first station, said first station including a plurality of column locations;
- means for positioning a plurality of cuvettes at a second station, said second station having a predetermined spatial orientation relative to said first station;
- said second station having a plurality of cuvette locations;
- one cuvette location at said second station associated with a column location at said first station;
- each cuvette having a plurality of discrete cells, the cells of a cuvette for separately collecting at least two eluted fluids associated with a single chromatographic column;
- pressure means providing fluid at a constant low pressure to the first end of each of said columns such that fluids introduced into the first end of each column are eluted through the column into at least two cells of the cuvette associated with the column;
- means for optically reading a cuvette;
- and
- means for advancing each cuvette cell sequentially relative to said optical reading means.
In a system for separating liquid solutions by chromatography of a plurality of columns, each column including first and second ends, and a cap at said second end, the improvement comprising:
- each column location further including a bearing surface;
- means for positioning a plurality of chromatographic columns at a first station, said first station including a plurality of column locations;
- and
- means for removing said cap from said column second end, said cap removing means being biased by said bearing surface for removing said cap.
A method for separating fluid solutions by chromatography of a plurality of columns, each column including first and second ends, comprising:
- positioning a plurality of chromatographic columns at a first station, said first station including a plurality of column locations;
- positioning a plurality of cuvettes at a second station, said second station having a predetermined spatial orientation relative to said first station;
- said second station having a plurality of cuvette locations;
- one cuvette at said second station associated with a column at said first station;
- each cuvette including a plurality of cells;
- and
- providing fluid at a constant low pressure to the first end of each of said columns for sequentially eluting fluids through the column into at least two cells of the cuvette associated with said column.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.