Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B19/00—Machines or pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B17/00
  • F04B19/006—Micropumps
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
  • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
  • G01N35/1095—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices for supplying the samples to flow-through analysers
  • G01N35/1097—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices for supplying the samples to flow-through analysers characterised by the valves
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
  • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
  • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
  • G01N30/16—Injection
  • G01N30/20—Injection using a sampling valve
  • G01N2030/204—Linearly moving valves, e.g. sliding valves
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
  • Y10T137/0318—Processes
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
  • Y10T137/8593—Systems

Definitions

• the present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the present invention relates to the discovery of methods for moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the disclosed methods provide a number of advantages over known methods of moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the disclosed methods of the present invention may be utilized to remove a very small sample volume, or aliquot, of fluid from a much larger volume of fluid, such as the flow of a stream through a channel.
• the disclosed methods of the present invention may also be utilized to remove a very small sample volume, or aliquot, of fluid from a much larger volume of fluid, such as the flow of a stream through a channel, and transfer the sample to another volume of fluid or container.
• the present invention is directed to methods of moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the method of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises the steps of providing a first fluid, providing a second fluid, using a shuttle valve to remove an aliquot from the first fluid to the second fluid while maintaining a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve of the second fluid.
• the first fluid comprises a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve which remains open when the aliquot is removed from the first fluid.
• both the first fluid and the second fluid comprise continuous paths through the shuttle valve which remain open as the aliquot sample is removed from the first fluid.
• a method of moving an aliquot sample of fluid includes the steps of providing a first fluid; using a shuttle valve to remove an aliquot sample from the first fluid without substantially affecting flow properties of the first fluid through the shuttle valve. At least a portion of flow of the first fluid through the shuttle valve may be substantially laminar, due to at least a portion of the first fluid flow path being substantially straight through the valve. In a further exemplary embodiment, the pressure of the first fluid through the shuttle valve remains substantially constant and/or it does not substantially increase. In an alternative embodiment, the aliquot sample is transferred from a first fluid to a second fluid. The second fluid may comprise a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve.
• the method of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises the steps of providing a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that at least a portion of each channel is parallel to and intersects with a first surface of the static body, providing a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and dynamic body being contiguous with each other and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, flowing a first fluid through one of said channels, flowing a second fluid through another of said channels, aligning the aliquot dimple in the first position, allowing a sample portion of the first fluid to flow into the aliquot dimple, and moving the aliquot dimple to the second position, whereby the sample portion is transferred to the second fluid.
• the present invention is also directed to an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid.
• the apparatus for moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises hardware operatively adapted to remove a very small sample volume, or aliquot, of fluid from a much larger volume of fluid, for example, such as the flow of a stream through a channel.
• the disclosed apparatus of the present invention may also be utilized to remove a very small sample volume, or aliquot, of fluid from a much larger volume of fluid, for example, such as the flow of a stream through a channel, and transfer the sample to another volume of fluid or container.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a first fluid, a second fluid, and a shuttle valve capable of removing an aliquot from the first fluid to the second fluid while maintaining a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve of the second fluid.
• the apparatus is capable of removing the aliquot from the first fluid while maintaining a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve of the first fluid.
• the apparatus is capable of removing the aliquot from the first fluid while maintaining continuous flow paths of both the first fluid and the second fluid.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, and a shuttle valve capable of removing an aliquot of fluid from the first channel to the second channel without substantially affecting the flow properties of fluid in the first channel through the valve.
• At least a portion of the first channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• the pressure of fluid in the first channel through the shuttle valve does not substantially increase.
• at least a portion of the first channel may be substantially parallel to the aliquot dimple, which provides laminar flow of fluid in the first channel through the valve.
• at least a portion of the second channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that a portion of each channel intersects with a first surface of the static body, a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and the first surface of the dynamic body being contiguous with each other, and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, wherein at least a portion of the first channel is substantially parallel to the first surface of the static body.
• At least a portion of the first channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• the pressure of fluid in the first channel through the shuttle valve does not substantially increase.
• at least a portion of the first channel may be substantially parallel to the aliquot dimple.
• the flow of fluid in lhe first channel through the valve is laminar.
• at least a portion of the second channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• the pressure of fluid in the second channel through the shuttle valve does not substantially increase.
• the second channel may be substantially parallel to the aliquot dimple.
• the flow of fluid in the second channel through the valve may be laminar.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that a portion of each channel intersects with a first surface of the static body, a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and the first surface of the dynamic body being contiguous with each other, and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is substantially parallel to the first surface of the static body.
• the apparatus of the present invention may be configured such that the static body includes an aliquot dimple and the dynamic body includes at least two channels therethrough. Moreover, the apparatus of the present invention may include at least one body that is dynamic, such as for example, two or more dynamic bodies with no static body. [0013]
• FIG. 1 depicts the operation of an exemplary shuttle valve suitable for use in the present invention
• FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary shuttle valve suitable for use in the present invention
• FIGS. 3A-3C depict exemplary static bodies of the shuttle valve suitable for use in the present invention
• FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary dynamic body of the shuttle valve suitable for use in the present invention
• FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary dynamic body of the shuttle valve suitable for use in the present invention
• FIG. 6A-6B depicts a cross-sectional view of the operation of an exemplary shuttle valve suitable for use in the present invention
• FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary shuttle valve as part of a sample analyzer suitable for use in a chromatography system
• FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary shuttle valve as a sample injection valve suitable for use in a chromatography system.
• a solvent includes a plurality of such solvents and reference to “solvent” includes reference to one or more solvents and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.
• the term “shuttle valve” means a control valve that regulates the supply of fluid from one or more source(s) to another location.
• the shuttle valve may utilize rotary or linear motion to move a sample from on fluid to another and may be configured such that at least one body or part is dynamic.
• the term “fluid” means a gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid.
• the term “laminar flow” means smooth, orderly movement of a fluid, in which there is no turbulence, and any given subcurrent moves more or less in parallel with any other nearby subcurrent.
• the term “substantially” means within a reasonable amount, but includes amounts which vary from about 0% to about 50% of the absolute value, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 30%, from about 0% to about 20% or from about 0% to about 10%.
• the present invention is directed to methods of moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the present invention is further directed to apparatus capable of moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the present invention is even further directed to computer software suitable for use in an apparatus or apparatus component that is capable of moving aliquot samples of fluid, wherein the computer software enables the apparatus to perform one or more method steps as described herein.
• the computer software enables the apparatus to perform one or more method steps as described herein.
• the present invention is directed to methods of moving aliquot samples of fluid.
• the methods of moving aliquot samples of fluid may contain a number of process steps, some of which are described below.
• the shuttle valve according to the present invention actively controls the transfer of aliquot sample of fluid from one vessel or stream to another.
• the phrase "actively controls” refers to the ability of a given shuttle valve to control fluid transfer from one vessel or stream to another even though there may be changes in fluid flow rate of the streams through the shuttle valve.
• the shuttle valves used in the present invention control removal of aliquot samples of fluid from one steam to the other regardless of possible fluctuations in fluid flow within the sample stream such as, for example, flow restrictions, total flow rate, temperature, and/or solvent composition.
• the step of actively controlling transfer of aliquot samples of fluid from one stream or vessel to another may comprise, for example, sending an activation signal to a shuttle valve of the present invention to (i) activate the shuttle valve, (ii) deactivate the shuttle valve, (iii) change one or more flow and/or pressure settings of the shuttle valve, or (iv) any combination of (i) to (iii).
• Suitable flow and pressure settings include, but are not limited to, (i) a valve position, (ii) shuttle valve pressure, (iii) air pressure to a valve, or (iv) any combinations of (i) to (iii).
• the ⁇ activation signal is " in the form " of, for example, an electrical signal, a pneumatic signal, a digital signal, or a wireless signal.
• the method of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises the steps of providing a first fluid, providing a second fluid, using a shuttle valve to remove an aliquot from the first fluid to the second fluid while maintaining a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve of the second fluid.
• the first fluid comprises a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve which remains open when the aliquot is removed from the first fluid.
• both the first fluid and the second fluid comprise continuous paths through the shuttle valve which remain open as the aliquot sample is removed from the first fluid.
• a method of moving an aliquot sample of fluid includes the steps of providing a first fluid; using a shuttle valve to remove an aliquot sample from the first fluid without substantially affecting flow properties of the first fluid through the shuttle valve. At least a portion of flow of the first fluid through the shuttle valve may be substantially laminar, due to at least a portion of the first fluid flow path being substantially straight through the valve. In a further exemplary embodiment, the pressure of the first fluid through the shuttle valve remains substantially constant and/or it does not substantially increase. In an alternative embodiment, the aliquot sample is transferred from a first fluid to a second fluid. The second fluid may comprise a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve.
• the method of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises the steps of providing a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that at least a portion of each channel is parallel to and intersects with a first surface of the static body, providing a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and dynamic body being contiguous with each other and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, flowing a first fluid through one of said channels, flowing a second fluid through another of said channels, aligning the aliquot dimple in the first position, allowing a sample portion of the first fluid to flow into the aliquot dimple, and moving the aliquot dimple to the second position, whereby the sample portion is transferred to the second fluid.
• FIGS. 1-2 depict an exemplary shuttle valve of the present invention and how it operates by removal of an aliquot sample of fluid from one fluid stream to another:
• shuttle valve 100 comprises an inlet 111 of a first stream, which provides fluid flow from a sample stream or vessel to shuttle valve 100; channel 117 connecting inlet 111 to an outlet 114 of the first stream; an incoming sample aliquot volume 118 in dimple 116 of dynamic body 119; outlet 114 provides fluid flow from shuttle valve 100 to the sample stream or vessel, or a different stream or vessel; inlet 115, which provides fluid flow of a second stream through shuttle valve 100; outgoing sample aliquot volume 118 in dimple 116; channel 120 connecting inlet 115 to outlet 113, which provides fluid flow through the shuttle valve 100 to a another stream or vessel.
• shuttle valve 100 As fluid flows through shuttle valve 100 from to inlet 111 to outlet 114 via channel 117, incoming sample aliquot volume 118 in dimple 116 is filled with a specific volume of fluid referred to herein as sample aliquot 118 (shown as the shaded area in FIG. 1). At a desired time, shuttle valve 100 transfers sample aliquot 118 within dimple 116 taken from channel 117 to channel 120 by rotating the dimple
• the shuttle valve of the present invention relates to the fluidics design of the channels through the valve.
• the flow through channels 117 and 120 is continuous. This is accomplished by locating channels 117 and 120 in static body 122 such that no matter what position the dynamic body 119 is in, the flow through shuttle valve 100 is continuous (as shown in FIG. 2).
• the channel 117 and channel 120 may be substantially planar and/or linear, which reduces turbulence and further minimizes pressure increase through the valve.
• at least a portion of the channel 117 and channel 120 may be substantially planar and/or linear, which reduces turbulence and further minimizes pressure increase through the valve.
• 117 and channel 120 may be substantially parallel to dimple 116, which further limits turbulent flow and any increase in pressure in the valve.
• the term "substantially increase the pressure" through the shuttle valve would include those configurations that do not increase pressure within the valve of more than 50 psi, preferably not more than 30 psi, more preferably not more than 20 psi, and even more preferably not more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 psi.
• Dimple 116 is located in the dynamic body 119 and is in fluid communication with the face of the dynamic body that is contiguous with the static body 122, whereby when the dynamic body 119 is in a first position, the dimple 116 will be in fluid communication with channel 117, and when moved to a second position, the dimple 116 will be in fluid communication with channel 120.
• the dimple 116 may be of any shape but is depicted as a concave semi sphere, and it may be or any size.
• the dimple may be extremely small in size (e.g., less than 2000 n L, preferably less than about 500 nl_, more preferably less than about 100 nl_, and even more preferably less than about 1 nl_, but may include any size from 1 nl_ to 2000 nl_, which allows for rapid sampling.
• small dimple 116 size allows for a very short dimple rotation path 121 , which significantly reduces wear on the surfaces of the dynamic body 119 and the static body 122 and results in a shuttle valve 100 having extended service life before maintenance is required (e.g., more than 10 million cycles are possible before service).
• Shuttle valve 100 may be programmed to remove a sample aliquot
• the sampling frequency is at least 1 sample aliquot every 10 seconds (or at least 1 sample aliquot every 5 seconds, or at least 1 sample aliquot every 3 seconds, or at least 1 sample aliquot every 2 seconds, or 1 sample aliquot every 0.5 seconds, or at least 1 sample aliquot every 0.1 seconds).
• This shuttle valve is further described in conjunction with a chromatography system in copending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/005,590, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
• the present invention is also directed to an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid.
• the apparatus for moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises hardware operatively adapted to remove a very small sample volume, or aliquot, of fluid from a much larger volume of fluid, such as the flow of a stream through a channel.
• the disclosed apparatus of the present invention may also be utilized to remove a very small sample volume, or aliquot, of fluid from a much larger volume of fluid, such as the flow of a stream through a channel, and transfer the sample to another volume of fluid or container.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a first fluid, a second fluid, and a shuttle valve capable of removing an aliquot from the first fluid to the second fluid while maintaining a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve of the second fluid.
• the apparatus is capable of removing the aliquot from the first fluid while maintaining a continuous flow path through the shuttle valve of the first fluid.
• the apparatus is capable of removing the aliquot from the first fluid while maintaining continuous flow paths of both the first fluid and the second fluid.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, and a shuttle valve capable of removing an aliquot of fluid from the first channel to the second channel without substantially affecting the flow properties of fluid in the first channel through the valve.
• At least a portion of the first channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• the pressure of fluid in the first channel through the shuttle valve does not substantially increase.
• at least a portion of the first channel may be substantially parallel to the aliquot dimple, which provides laminar flow of fluid in the first channel through the valve.
• at least a portion of the second channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that a portion of each channel intersects with a first surface of the static body, a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and the first surface of the dynamic body being contiguous with each other, and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, wherein at least a portion of the first channel is substantially parallel to the first surface of the static body.
• At least a portion of the first channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• the pressure of fluid in the first channel through the shuttle valve does not substantially increase.
• at least a portion of the first channel may be substantially parallel to the aliquot dimple.
• the flow of fluid in the first channel through the valve is laminar.
• at least a portion of the second channel through the valve may be substantially straight.
• the pressure of fluid in the second channel through the shuttle valve does not substantially increase.
• the second channel may be substantially parallel to the aliquot dimple.
• the flow of fluid in the second channel through the valve may be laminar.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that a portion of each channel intersects with a first surface of the static body, a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and the first surface of the dynamic body being contiguous with each other, and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, wherein at least a portion of the second channel is substantially parallel to the first surface of the static body.
• an apparatus capable of moving an aliquot sample of fluid comprises a static body having at least two channels therethrough such that a portion of each channel intersects with a first surface of the static body, a dynamic body having an aliquot dimple that intersects with a first surface of the dynamic body, the first surface of the static body and the first surface of the dynamic body being contiguous with each other, and the channels and the aliquot dimple located such that the aliquot dimple may be in fluid communication with one channel in a first position and in fluid communication with another channel in a second position, wherein the shuttle valve longevity is at least about 1 million cycles, 2 million, 3 million, 4 million, 5 million, 6 million, 7 million, 8 million, 9 million, 10 million or more cycles before servicing is required.
• FIGS. 1-2 depict elements of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.
• the configuration of the channels in the shuttle valve provides continuous flow through the valve, reduces substantial pressure increase in the streams flowing through the valve, and/or provides laminar flow through the valve.
• FIGS. 3A-3C depict exemplary channel configurations of the valve according to the present invention. At least a portion of the channels in the valve are substantially parallel to a first surface of the static body.
• FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a shuttle valve 100 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• the static body 122 includes at least two channels 117 and 120 that are parallel to a first surface 102, which are contiguous with the entire width of static body first surface 102.
• the channels 117 and 120 are parallel and contiguous with at least a portion of the first surface 102 of the static body 122 (see FIG. 3B).
• the channels 117 and 120 are parallel to the surface and extend in a circumferential direction (see FIG. 3C).
• the portion of the channels 117 and 120 that are contiguous with the first surface 102 of the static body 122 may vary in size and shape, but is typically larger than the size of the dimple 116 in the dynamic body 119.
• the portions of the channels 117 and 120 that are contiguous with the first surface 102 of the static body 122 may be rectangular, circular, elliptical, and may be in a variety of locations on the face of the static body, but typically are located such that they will intersect with the dimple 116 when rotated from one channel 117 to the other 120.
• the dimple 116 of the dynamic body 119 may be configured such that may be easily rotated from channel 117 to channel 120.
• the dimple 116 may be of any shape, e.g., rectangular, circular, elliptical, square, etc., that allows for rapid fluid or mass transfer but is depicted as a concave semi sphere, and it may be any size (see FIG. 4).
• the dimple 116 may be extremely small in size (e.g., less than 2000 nL, preferably less than about 500 nL, more preferably less than about 100 nl_, and even more preferably less than about 1 nL, but may include any size from 1 nL to 2000 nL, which allows for rapid sampling.
• small dimple 116 size allows for a very short dimple rotation path 121 , which significantly reduces wear on the surfaces of the dynamic body 119 and the static body 122 and results in a shuttle valve 100 having extended service life before maintenance is required (e.g., more than 10 million cycles are possible before service).
• the dimple 116 is located on a first surface 104 of the dynamic body 119 such that it readily intersects with the channels 117 and 120.
• the shuttle valve of the present invention may comprise more than two channels and/or more than one dimple, which may enable multiple transfers of aliquot samples at the same time or in rapid succession and/or multiple samples being transferred to and from multiple channels at the same time or sequentially.
• the dynamic body 119 may include multiple dimples 116 along the same circumference such that the dynamic body only 119 rotates in one direction (FIG. 5).
• the shuttle valve of the present invention may be in configurations other than those that rotate around an axis.
• the shuttle valve may be designed such that linear motion is utilized to move the aliquot sample of fluid.
• FIG. 6A-B depicts a cross-sectional view of a linear motion shuttle valve 151 where the dynamic body 119 moves in a linear motion over static body 122 such that in one position (shown in FIG. 6A), dimple 118 is aligned with channel 117 and in another position (shown in 6B), dimple 118 is aligned with channel 120. In this manner, sample aliquot is transferred from channel 117 to channel 120.
• the shuttle valve 100 is constructed such that the dynamic body 119 and static body 122 produce the least amount of wear on these parts.
• the dimple 116 and channels 117 and 120 are-designed to minimize the number of ports, grooves or channels, and the surface area with which these openings occupy, this allows increased longevity of the shuttle valve 100 (e.g., at least about 1 million cycles, preferably at least about 2 million cycles, more preferably at least about 5 million cycles, and even more preferably at least about 10 million cycles).
• the shuttle valve 100 is constructed of materials that increase the longevity of the valve.
• the static body 122 and dynamic body 119 are constructed of materials that are easily machined but provide suitable sealing, low torque, and resistance to wear between the static body 122 and dynamic body 119.
• such materials include organic materials including polymeric materials such as polyethylene (e.g., high molecular weight polyethylenes), polyethers (e.g., polyetheretherketones), fluoropolymers (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), polypropylenes, polyamides, polyimides, etc., and blends thereof; and inorganic materials such as ceramics, metals, etc.
• the materials may include mixtures or composites of these materials, or may be coated with such materials.
• the dynamic body 119 is constructed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and the static body 122 is constructed of natural polyetheretherketone.
• FIG. 7 demonstrates how a shuttle valve operates within a given liquid chromatography system. As shown in FIG.
• shuttle valve 100 comprises chromatography column inlet 111 , which provides fluid flow from a chromatography column (e.g., column 11) to shuttle valve 100; an incoming sample aliquot volume 118 in dimple 116; fraction collector outlet 114, which provides fluid flow from shuttle valve 100 to a fraction collection (e.g., fraction collection 14); gas or liquid inlet 115, which provides gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, etc.) or liquid (e.g., an alcohol) flow using pump 140 through a portion of shuttle valve 100; outgoing sample aliquot volume 118; and detector outlet 113, which provides fluid flow from shuttle valve 100 to a detector (e.g., detector 131 , such as a ELSD).
• a detector e.g., detector 131 , such as a ELSD
• shuttle valve 100 As fluid flows through shuttle valve 100 from chromatography cartridge to inlet 111 to fraction collector outlet 114 via channel 117, dimple 116 is filled with a specific volume of incoming sample aliquot volume 118 (shown as the shaded area in FIG. 7).
• shuttle valve 100 transfers incoming sample aliquot volume 118 in dimple 116 via dimple rotation path 121 to channel 120 as shown in FIG. 7.
• gas or liquid flowing from inlet 115 through channel 120 transports sample aliquot 118 to detector 131 (e.g., an ELSD) via detector outlet 113.
• detector 131 e.g., an ELSD
• the shuttle valve may be utilized to transfer a single aliquot from a first fluid to a second fluid.
• the first fluid may be introduced into the sample dimple and one single motion to place the sample aliquot into the second fluid could then be completed.
• the shuttle valve of the present invention may be utilized to inject samples for separation into chromatography systems or columns. This sample introduction is allowed to proceed through the column or system completely before another is injected. This injection mode embodiment would typically be used in more traditional HPLC applications where a single sample aliquot (one dimple volume) is fully analyzed before another sample volume is injected into the system.
• FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such a design where shuttle valve 151 is utilized to inject an aliquot from sample fluid 111 to fluid 113 and then to chromatography column 11.
• the shuttle valve of the present invention may be utilized as a dosing device.
• a dosing device may be used in many manufacturing processes including industries such as pharmaceuticals, food flavoring, chemical dosing, recreational water (pool and spa) chemical introduction, and agricultural distribution of fertilizers.
• dosing apparatus may include two flow paths, each flowing at their own flow rates. Chemical A is introduced into the main flow path at a particular rate. With another valve of the present invention, a second chemical B could be introduced into the second flow path at a discrete rate. With multiple valves, complex chemical additions could be added to flowing streams and the streams dispensed into multiple containers of product.
• a dosing apparatus may include a shuttle valve of the present invention to produce routine mixtures of chemicals at any component concentration.
• the shuttle valve of the present invention may be utilized whereby disposable containers of the dosing chemical may be temporarily attached to the valve and replaced at specified intervals.
• pumping equipment may not be required, thereby saving on the cost of additional hardware. This may be advantageous in various markets such as the agricultural business and also for home use as chemicals could be distributed in certain applications using low power consumption (e.g., solar power).
• R RL + k(Ru -R L ), where k is a variable ranging from 1% to 100% with a 1% increment, e.g., k is 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%. ... 50%, 51%, 52%. ... 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%.
• any numerical range represented by any two values of R, as calculated above is also specifically disclosed.

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• 2009
  • 2009-12-04 CN CN2009801561585A patent/CN102307665A/zh active Pending
  • 2009-12-04 SG SG2011040359A patent/SG171929A1/en unknown
  • 2009-12-04 US US13/132,619 patent/US9133833B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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