Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
In an isotachophoretic column for separating ions in a test sample to be analyzed, comprising first and second spaced, electrolyte-receiving chambers each having an electrode associated therewith, an elongated capillary, first means for selectively interconnecting the first electrode chamber to one end of the capillary, second means for selectively interconnecting the second electrode chamber to the other end of the capillary, means for injecting a test sample to be analyzed into the capillary, means for applying a voltage across the electrodes of the first and second electrode chambers to establish a flow of ions of the test sample through the capillary, and means for detecting the ionic components in such flow, the improvement wherein the column includes a first unitary insulating body, in which the first and second electrode chambers and the first and second interconnecting means are defined by spaced portions of the first body, and wherein the capillary has first and second planar, parallel boundary walls, the first boundary wall of the capillary being defined by a first region of the first body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
In an isotachophoretic column for separating ions in a test sample to be analyzed, comprising first and second spaced, electrolyte-receiving chambers each having an electrode associated therewith, an elongated capillary, first means for selectively interconnecting the first electrode chamber to one end of the capillary, second means for selectively interconnecting the second electrode chamber to the other end of the capillary, means for injecting a test sample to be analyzed into the capillary, means for applying a voltage across the electrodes of the first and second electrode chambers to establish a flow of ions of the test sample through the capillary, and means for detecting the ionic components in such flow, the improvement wherein the column includes a first unitary insulating body, in which the first and second electrode chambers and the first and second interconnecting means are defined by spaced portions of the first body, and wherein the capillary has first and second planar, parallel boundary walls, the first boundary wall of the capillary being defined by a first region of the first body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A column as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second insulating body having a planar surface cooperable with the first region of the first body to form the second boundary wall of the capillary.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A column as defined in claim 1, in which the second boundary wall of the capillary is defined by a second region of the first body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A column as defined in claim 1, in which the detecting means comprises means extending through the first body and communicating electrically with the interior of the capillary intermediate its ends.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A column as defined in claim 1, in which the first interconnecting means comprises means defining a damping chamber in the interior of the first body intermediate the first electrode chamber and the one end of the capillary.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A column as defined in claim 1, in which the injecting means comprises means defining a passage extending within the first body between the second interconnecting means and an exterior surface of the first body.