Integral fitting and filter of an analytical chemical instrument

An integral fitting and filter assembly for connecting a first mating fitting in fluid flow communication with a second mating fitting of an analytical chemical instrument, comprising:

• a body having a proximal fitting end and a distal fitting end, and defining a central passage extending from the proximal fitting end to the distal fitting end, the proximal and distal fitting ends of the body being connectable to first and second mating fittings, respectively;
• a tubular sleeve received within the central passage of the body and freely slidable along the length of the central passage for automatic longitudinal positioning of the sleeve during mating of the integral fitting and filter, with a distal end of the sleeve being positionable to project an adjustable extent beyond the distal fitting end of the body, such that when the proximal and distal fitting ends of the body are connected to the first and second mating fittings, respectively, the distal end of the sleeve abuts a stop surface in the second mating fitting and the first mating fitting contacts a proximal end of the sleeve, providing zero dead-volume connection of the sleeve to the first and second mating fittings;
• and
• filter media packed within the interior of the tubular sleeve, so that fluid passing between the first mating fitting and the second mating fitting flows through the filter media.

An integral fitting and filter for use with an analytical chemical instrument comprising:

• a body having a first integral fitting piece connectable to a second integral fitting piece, the first and second pieces cooperatively defining a central passage extending from the first fitting piece to the second fitting piece;
• a tubular sleeve received within the central passage of the body and freely slidable along the length of the central passage for automatic longitudinal positioning of the sleeve during mating of the integral fitting and filter;
• selective chemical-absorbent packing material packed within the interior of the tubular sleeve;
• and
• first and second porous plugs secured within each end of the tubular sleeve to retain the packing material within the interior of the tubular sleeve.