Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for separating separable components contained in a liquid sample, comprising the steps of (a) adsorbing said separable components of said sample onto a movable chromatographic column comprising at least one dense-packed adsorbent bed, said column having an inlet end and on outlet end; (b) placing said inlet end of said column into a container defining an elongated passage adapted to accept said column in a formfitting manner, said passage containing a predetermined amount of an eluant; and (c) moving said column in said passage through said eluant, whereby said eluant is forced under an intrinsic pressure developed in said passage through said adsorbent bed to elute at least one of said separable components from said column at said outlet end.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for separating separable components contained in a liquid sample, comprising the steps of (a) adsorbing said separable components of said sample onto a movable chromatographic column comprising at least one dense-packed adsorbent bed, said column having an inlet end and on outlet end; (b) placing said inlet end of said column into a container defining an elongated passage adapted to accept said column in a formfitting manner, said passage containing a predetermined amount of an eluant; and (c) moving said column in said passage through said eluant, whereby said eluant is forced under an intrinsic pressure developed in said passage through said adsorbent bed to elute at least one of said separable components from said column at said outlet end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said column comprises a plurality of serially connected adsorbent beds.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said adsorbent bed is comprised of at least a first adsorbent material and a second adsorbent material which is different from said first adsorbent material, said first and second adsorbent materials being separate from each other in said adsorbent bed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said eluant is introduced into said passage prior to step (b).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said adsorbent bed is comprised of dense-packed silica gel particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said eluant is more polar than said adsorbent bed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein column comprises a capillary-like channel in which said adsorbent bed is disposed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said column comprises an adsorbent gel bed, said method further comprising before step (a) the step of equilibrating said gel bed with a solution having a predetermined ionic concentration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said adsorbent bed is composed of an ion exchanger.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 9, wherein said adsorbent bed comprises a liquid anion-exchanger and a support material impregnated with said liquid anion-exchanger.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
86 words
A device for separating separable components contained in a liquid sample, comprising (1) a movable chromatographic column comprising at least one dense-packed adsorbent bed, said column having an inlet end and an outlet end; (2) a container defining an elongated passage adapted to accept said column; (3) sealing means for sealing one end of said passage; and (4) moving means, adapted to fit said passage in a formfitting manner, for moving said column through said passage so as to develop an intrinsic pressure in said passage.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
86 words
A device for separating separable components contained in a liquid sample, comprising (1) a movable chromatographic column comprising at least one dense-packed adsorbent bed, said column having an inlet end and an outlet end; (2) a container defining an elongated passage adapted to accept said column; (3) sealing means for sealing one end of said passage; and (4) moving means, adapted to fit said passage in a formfitting manner, for moving said column through said passage so as to develop an intrinsic pressure in said passage.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said moving means comprises a piston which is adapted to fit snugly into said passage, said piston comprising at least one longitudinal channel wherein said adsorbent bed is disposed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said moving means further comprises a sealing element provided on the outer surface of said piston such that said sealing element slideably contacts said passage when said piston is inserted into said passage.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said sealing element is comprised of an inert material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said sealing element comprises a rubber O-ring disposed in an orifice bore provided in said piston.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said piston comprises a plurality of separate, serially connected longitudinal channels, an adsorbent bed being disposed in each channel of said plurality of longitudinal channels.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein a first barrier and a second barrier are provided, respectively, at each end of said adsorbent column in said longitudinal channel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 17, wherein each of said first and second barriers comprises at least one of a semipermeable membrane and a filter element.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said piston further comprises a conduit located at said outlet end of said column, said conduit being connected to said longitudinal channel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said piston further comprises a stopper provided at one end of said piston.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 20, wherein said conduit passes through said stopper.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 11, further comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid, said reservoir being connected to said container.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said piston further comprises entrapping means for entrapping a predetermined volume of gas in a gas pocket.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 23, wherein said entrapping means comprises at least one groove on said piston, said groove being selected from the group consisting of a horizontal groove, a vertical groove, and a spiral groove.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said sealing means comprises a valve.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said column further comprises a cartridge in which said adsorbent bed is disposed, said cartridge being formfittingly adapted to said passage.