Collapsible apparatus for compressing packing material in liquid chromatography columns and methods of use

Abstract

Longitudinally collapsible apparatus for compacting packing material within a tubular liquid chromatography column. The apparatus includes a first support member, a second support member and a movable support member. The movable support member is releasably connectable to the second support member for support thereby. When released from the second support member, the movable member is adapted to ride on guide members extending between the first and second support members. A compression mechanism is supported on the movable support member to mote therewith to a longitudinally collapsed position for the apparatus. The compression mechanism comprises a reversible drive for an axially movable rod carrying a movable piston. With the movable support member secured to the second support member, the piston of the compression mechanism is movable in an end of the tubular column when the column is supported on the first support member. Movement of the movable piston within the column axially compresses a column packing material as the piston is driven towards an opposite end of the column. The piston also is releasably connectable to the tubular column to raise and lower the column when the apparatus extends in a vertical direction and is it is desired to insert an end piston into or remove the end piston from the opposite end of the column or when it is desired to change an adapter ring on the first support member to receive a column of a different diameter for packing by the apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.