Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing therethrough comprising: (1) a housing, said housing comprising: (a) an inlet housing member, and (b) an outlet housing member, said inlet housing member and said outlet housing member defining a radially, outwardly expanding stationary phase chamber; and (2) a stationary phase within said radially, outwardly expanding chamber, said stationary phase comprising: (a) a plurality of layers of a swellable fibrous matrix in sheet form having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, and (b) a spacer means between each layer of said swellable fibrous matrix having open areas and separating said layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase, wherein said stationary phase chambers and said stationary phase coact to provide substantially uniform radial distribution of sample across said stationary phase.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing therethrough comprising: (1) a housing, said housing comprising: (a) an inlet housing member, and (b) an outlet housing member, said inlet housing member and said outlet housing member defining a radially, outwardly expanding stationary phase chamber; and (2) a stationary phase within said radially, outwardly expanding chamber, said stationary phase comprising: (a) a plurality of layers of a swellable fibrous matrix in sheet form having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, and (b) a spacer means between each layer of said swellable fibrous matrix having open areas and separating said layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase, wherein said stationary phase chambers and said stationary phase coact to provide substantially uniform radial distribution of sample across said stationary phase.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The column of claim 1 wherein said sample distribution means comprises radial distribution grooves and concentric distribution channels, said grooves and channels being in communication with each other, and said sample collection means comprises radial collection grooves and concentric collection channels, said radial collection grooves and concentric collection channels in communication with each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The column of claim 1 wherein said inlet housing member comprises a sample inlet means and a sample distribution means, said sample inlet means in communication with said sample distribution means, and said outlet housing means comprises a sample collection means and a sample outlet means, said sample collection means in communication with said sample outlet means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The column of claim 3 wherein said sample distribution means comprises radial distribution grooves and concentric distribution channels, said grooves and channels being in communication with each other and the other, and said sample collection means comprises radial collection grooves and concentric collection channels, said radial collection grooves and concentric collection channels in communication with each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The column of claim 2, or 4 wherein the volume of said concentric distribution channels and/or said concentric collection channels increases from the interior to the periphery of said column.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The column of claims 2 or 4 wherein the volume of said radial distribution groves and/or said radial collection grooves increases from the interior to the periphery of said column.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The column of claims 1 or 3 wherein said inlet housing member further comprises a venting means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The column of claims 1 or 3 wherein said swellable fibrous matrix is hydrophilic swellable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The column of claims 1 or 3 wherein said swellable fibrous matrix swells to at least about 25% of its thickness.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
60 words
The column of claims 1 or 3 wherein said spacer means comprises: (a) a scrim layer for channeling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample; or (b) a mesh layer to provide a spacing between the layers to permit controlled expansion thereof and assist in distributing the sample; or (c) (a) in combination with (b).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The column of claim 1, wherein said spacer means comprises a mesh layer to provide spacing between said layers to permit controlled expansion thereof and assist in distribution of the sample.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The column of claim 11 wherein the peripheral edges of said stationary phase are heated to form a fluid tight, hermetic seal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The column of claim 12 wherein said stationary phase comprises thermoplastic polymer to facilitate formation of said seal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The column of claim 12 wherein said peripheral edges are sonically welded to form said seal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
123 words
A solid stationary phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing therethrough wherein the stationary phase comprises: (a) a plurality of layers of sheets of a swellable fibrous matrix having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, and (b) a spacer means between each layer of said swellable fibrous matrix having open areas and separating the layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase by substantially evenly dispersing the sample across the matrix, (c) wherein the peripheral edges of said plurality of layers of sheets of swellable fibrous matrix and said spacer means are formed into a fluid tight hermetic seal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
123 words
A solid stationary phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing therethrough wherein the stationary phase comprises: (a) a plurality of layers of sheets of a swellable fibrous matrix having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, and (b) a spacer means between each layer of said swellable fibrous matrix having open areas and separating the layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing through the stationary phase by substantially evenly dispersing the sample across the matrix, (c) wherein the peripheral edges of said plurality of layers of sheets of swellable fibrous matrix and said spacer means are formed into a fluid tight hermetic seal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stationay phase of claim 15 wherein the swellable matrix swells at least about 25% of its thickness.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The stationary phase of claim 15 wherein the swellable matrix is hydrophilic swellable.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
The stationary phase of claim 15 wherein said spacer means comprises: (a) a scrim layer for channeling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample; or (b) a mesh layer to provide a spacing between the layers to permit controlled expansion thereof and assist in distributing the sample; or (c) (a) in combination with (b).
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The stationary phase of claim 18 wherein the spacer means comprises said mesh layer (b).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The stationary phase of claim 15 wherein the peripheral edges of said plurality of layers of sheets of a swellable fibrous matrix and said spacer means are formed into a fluid-tight hermetic seal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The stationary phase of claim 15, wherein the stationary phase is an ion exchange phase.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The stationary phase of claim 15, wherein the stationary phase is an affinity stationary phase.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
192 words
A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing therethrough comprising: a cylindrical housing; at least one cylindrical solid stationary phase in said housing and coaxial with said housing, said phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, said stationary phase having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, said housing having a larger diameter than said stationary phase to form a first channel means adjacent said stationary phase outer surface for axially and circumferentially directing sample flow to or from said outer surface; said stationary phase inner surface surrounding a cylindrical core, said core including a second channel means adjacent said stationary phase inner surface for axially and circumferentially directing sample flow to or from said inner surface, each of said channel means in fluid communication with said respective stationary phase surface; a means for distributing the sample to one of said channel means for radially distributing the sample through the stationary phase to the other channel means; a means for collecting the sample after the sample has flowed through the stationary phase and said other of said channel means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
192 words
A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing therethrough comprising: a cylindrical housing; at least one cylindrical solid stationary phase in said housing and coaxial with said housing, said phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, said stationary phase having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, said housing having a larger diameter than said stationary phase to form a first channel means adjacent said stationary phase outer surface for axially and circumferentially directing sample flow to or from said outer surface; said stationary phase inner surface surrounding a cylindrical core, said core including a second channel means adjacent said stationary phase inner surface for axially and circumferentially directing sample flow to or from said inner surface, each of said channel means in fluid communication with said respective stationary phase surface; a means for distributing the sample to one of said channel means for radially distributing the sample through the stationary phase to the other channel means; a means for collecting the sample after the sample has flowed through the stationary phase and said other of said channel means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The column of claim 23, wherein the solid stationary phase surrounds a foraminous cylindrical core.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The column of claim 24, wherein the foraminous cylindrical core is in fluid communication with the means for collection.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The column of claim 24, wherein the stationary phase is enclosed in an outer cylindrical member having apertures therein.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
The column of claim 24, wherein the ends of the stationary phase are capped at one end by an end cap which has an opening therein which is in fluid communication with the cylindrical core and at the other end by a solid end cap.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
12 words
The column of claim 24, wherein the column is a disposable cartridge.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The column of claim 1 or 23, wherein said stationary phase is an ion exchange stationary phase.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The column of claim 1 or 23 wherein the stationary phase is an affinity stationary phase.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
165 words
A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing radially therethrough comprising: a housing; at least one solid stationary phase in said housing having a longitudinal axis, said phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation; a means for radially distributing the sample through the stationary phase; a means for collecting the sample after the sample has radially flowed through the stationary phase; wherein the stationary phase comprises: a. a swellable matrix having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, spirally wound around the longitudinal axis of the solid phase to form a plurality of layers around the axis; b. a spacer means between each layer of said swellable matrix having open areas and separating the layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing radially through the stationary phase by channeling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample axially and circumferentialy across the matrix.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
165 words
A chromatography column for effecting chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing radially therethrough comprising: a housing; at least one solid stationary phase in said housing having a longitudinal axis, said phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation; a means for radially distributing the sample through the stationary phase; a means for collecting the sample after the sample has radially flowed through the stationary phase; wherein the stationary phase comprises: a. a swellable matrix having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation, spirally wound around the longitudinal axis of the solid phase to form a plurality of layers around the axis; b. a spacer means between each layer of said swellable matrix having open areas and separating the layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of sample flowing radially through the stationary phase by channeling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample axially and circumferentialy across the matrix.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The column of claim 31, wherein the housing and stationary phase are cylindrical and coaxial and the housing has a diameter greater than the stationary phase.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The column of claim 31, wherein the swellable matrix swells at least about 35% of its thickness.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
The column of claim 31, wherein the swellable matrix is hydrophilic swellable.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The column of claim 31, wherein the matrix is spirally wound around a foraminous cylindrical core.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The column of claim 35, wherein the foraminous cylindrical core is in fluid communication with the means for collection.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The column of claim 35, wherein the stationary phase is enclosed in an outer cylindrical member having apertures therein.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
The column of claim 37, wherein the ends of the stationary phase are capped at one end by an end cap which has an opening therein which is fluid communications with the cylindrical core and at the other end by a solid end cap.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
65 words
The column of claim 31 or 38, wherein the spacer means comprises: a. a scrim layer for channling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample axially and circumferentially across the matrix; and b. a mesh layer to provide a spacing between the layers to permit controlled expansion thereof and assist in distributing the sample axially and circumferentially across the matrix.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The column of claim 39, wherein the scrim layer completely covers the exterior of the sold stationary phase.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The column of claim 31, or 38 wherein the solid stationary phase is a disposable cartridge.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
124 words
A solid stationary phase having a longitudinal axis, said phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing radially therethrough, wherein the stationary phase comprises: a. a swellable matrix having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separations, spirally wound around the longitudinal axis of the solid phase to form a plurality of layers around the axis; b. a spacer means between each layer of said swellable matrix having open areas and separating the layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of the sample flowing radially through the stationary phase by channeling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample axially and circumferentialy across the matrix.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
124 words
A solid stationary phase having a longitudinal axis, said phase having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separation of at least two components of a sample flowing radially therethrough, wherein the stationary phase comprises: a. a swellable matrix having chromatographic functionality and being effective for chromatographic separations, spirally wound around the longitudinal axis of the solid phase to form a plurality of layers around the axis; b. a spacer means between each layer of said swellable matrix having open areas and separating the layers for controlling swelling of the matrix and enhancing the distribution of the sample flowing radially through the stationary phase by channeling the sample flow through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample axially and circumferentialy across the matrix.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stationary phase of claim 42, wherein the swellable matrix swells at least about 25% its thickness.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
The stationary phase of claim 42, wherein the swellable matrix is hydrophilic swellable.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stationary phase of claim 42, wherein the matrix is spirally wound around a foraminous cylindrical core.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The stationary phase of claim 45, wherein the stationary phase is enclosed in an outer cylindrical member having apertures therein.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
46 words
The stationary phase of claim 46, wherein the ends of the stationary phase are capped at one end by an end cap which has an opening therein which is in fluid communication with the cylindrical core and at the other end by a solid end cap.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
66 words
The stationary phase of claim 42 or 47, wherein the spacer means comprises: a. a scrim layer for channeling the sample flowing through the matrix and substantially evenly dispersing the sample axially and circumferentially across the matrix; and b. a mesh layer to provide a spacing between the layers to permit controlled expansion thereof and assist in distributing the sample axially and circumferentially across the matrix.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
The stationary phase of claim 48, wherein the scrim layer completely covers the exterior surface of the solid stationary phase.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The stationary phase of claim 42 or 47 which is a disposable cartridge.