Capillary electrophoresis technique

Claim 2

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a cabinet; an enclosure mounted to the cabinet; said enclosure being openable to permit manual opertion of the apparatus; a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; power supply means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; said power supply means including a power supply within said cabinet; flow cell means located within a detector means including a detector and a detection volume; said detection volume being less than 100 nanoliters; said flow cell means including means for holding the capillary tube within the detector means; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split-flow means being within said enclosure and at least a portion of said flow cell means being within said cabinet; means for permitting said capillary tube to pass from said enclosure through said flow cell and; opening means having internal walls defining an opening into said enclosure for enabling sample to be injected into said split flow means without opening said enclosure, whereby the interior of the enclosure is not exposed during sample injection.

Claim 3

Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the opening means is adapted to cooperate with a syringe for injecting sample.

Claim 4

Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the enclosure includes switch means for inactivating the power supply upon opening the enclosure.

Claim 5

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; a detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; and electromigration sample introduction means in said injection block.

Claim 6

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; a detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; and electromigration sample introduction means in said injection block.

Claim 7

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; a detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting sample into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 8

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; a detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting sample into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 9

Apparatus according to claim 5 further including: a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 10

Apparatus according to claim 6 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes mean for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 11

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means and injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 12

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means and injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 13

Apparatus according to claim 8 further including: a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 14

Apparatus according to claim 9 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 15

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; a detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means and injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; an inlet moving mechanism; said capillary tube mounted on said inlet moving mechanism adjustable to move the capillary tube from the said capillary tube outlet means to the said means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential; an electromigration voltage connector leading to a supply of electromigration sample introduction voltage and mounted on the said inlet moving mechanism; an electromigration electrode communicating with the said common junction with the injection block; said electromigration electrode having an electrode contact outside of the injection block; and said electromigration voltage connector in electrical contact with the said electrode contact when the said inlet moving mechanism positions the capillary tube in the said capillary inlet tube means.

Claim 16

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; a detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means and injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; an inlet moving mechanism; said capillary tube mounted on said inlet moving mechanism adjustable to move the capillary tube from the said capillary tube outlet means to the said means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential; an electromigration voltage connector leading to a supply of electromigration sample introduction voltage and mounted on the said inlet moving mechanism; an electromigration electrode communicating with the said common junction with the injection block; said electromigration electrode having an electrode contact outside of the injection block; and said electromigration voltage connector in electrical contact with the said electrode contact when the said inlet moving mechanism positions the capillary tube in the said capillary inlet tube means.

Claim 17

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 18

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 19

Apparatus according to claim 12 further including: a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 20

Apparatus according to claim 13 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 21

Apparatus in accordance with claim 14 in which said split flow means further includes a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; and said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means.

Claim 22

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; and a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 23

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said capillary tube having a diameter no greater than 700 micrometers; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating high voltage isolating means; and a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 24

Apparatus according to claim 16 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 25

Apparatus in accordance with claim 17 in which said split flow means further includes a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; and said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means.

Claim 26

Apparatus according to claim 18 in which said electrophoresis tube purse means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 27

Apparatus in accordance with claim 19 in which said split flow means further includes a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; and said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means.

Claim 30

A method according to claim 21 further including the steps of inserting said capillary tube into a purge means having a purge block means with a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means being adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; but containing walls with no openings to the flow of fluid; injecting fluid in said purge means wherein it flow directly to said capillary tube means to purge said tube.

Claim 31

A method according to claim 21 further including the steps of inserting said capillary tube into a purge means having a purge block means with a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means being adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; but containing walls with no openings to the flow of fluid; injecting fluid in said purge means wherein it flows directly to said capillary tube means to purge said tube.

Claim 36

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 37

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 38

Apparatus according to claim 26 further including: a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 39

Apparatus according to claim 27 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 40

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 41

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; and injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 42

Apparatus according to claim 29 further including: a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 43

Apparatus according to claim 30 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 44

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; and including injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 45

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; and including injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed.

Claim 46

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed; and a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 47

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including a means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; injection block purge means, said injection block purge means including a second purge conduit means and means for closing said capillary tube inlet means whereby purge fluid may flow into said purge conduit means while said conduit means and electrophoresis tube means are sealed; and a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 48

Apparatus according to claim 33 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 49

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; and said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 50

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrical potential across said capillary tube; flow cell means for detecting bands; split-flow means for injecting samples into said tube; said split flow means incorporating fluid switching means and high voltage switching means; injection block means; said injection block means having a first inlet means to receive a predetermined amount of sample; said injection block means further including means for dividing the sample applied to the inlet in a precise ratio with one conduit means receiving a predetermined proportion of sample not supplied to said capillary tube and a capillary tube recepticle for applying a predetermined amount of sample to said capillary tube; said split flow means further including a common junction between said first inlet means, conduit means and capillary recepticle; said capillary recepticle including inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube; and said inlet means for receiving a portion of a capillary tube communicating with said common junction means, whereby a portion of the sample applied to said common junction means enters said capillary tube means and another portion is transmitted through said conduit means; and a capillary tube purge means; said capillary tube purge means including purge block means having a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid; said second inlet means and first opening being joined and containing continuous walls with no outlet openings to the flow of fluid whereby fluid injected in said purge means is applied directly to said capillary column means to purge said column.

Claim 51

Apparatus according to claim 35 in which said electrophoresis tube purge means includes means for supplying electrophoretic medium to said capillary tube.

Claim 54

A method according to claim 37 further including the steps of: inserting said capillary tube into a purge means having a purge block means with a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means being adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid but containing walls with no openings to the flow of fluid; and injecting fluid in said purge means wherein it flows directly to said capillary tube means to purge said tube.

Claim 57

A method according to claim 39 further including the steps of: inserting said capillary tube into a purge means having a purge block means with a first opening sized to sealingly receive a portion of a capillary tube and second inlet means being adapted to receive a means for injecting a purge liquid but containing walls with no openings to the flow of fluid; injecting fluid in said purge means wherein it flows directly to said capillary tube means to purge said tube.

Claim 58

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said syringe port being sized to tightly receive a syringe needle; means for applying an electric potential to said junction; and a flush opening communicating with said junction.

Claim 59

Apparatus for detecting bands in a capillary tube having a predetermined direction of motion in a separation medium within the capillary tube comprising: a capillary tube adapted to contain a separating medium; means for applying an electrophoresis separation electrical potential across said capillary tube; detector means incorporating a detection volume not larger than 100 nanoliters; said detector means including means for removably holding the capillary tube within the detector; said syringe port being sized to tightly receive a syringe needle; means for applying an electric potential to said junction; and a flush opening communicating with said junction.