U.S. patent application number 11/696671 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for chromatography system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Analogix, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nicholas DeMarco.
Application Number | 20070181505 11/696671 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35756373 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070181505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeMarco; Nicholas |
August 9, 2007 |
CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A chromatography system and method for analyzing a sample of
interest. The chromatography system can include a housing, a
cartridge holder coupled to the housing and formed to hold a
chromatography cartridge containing a stationary phase, a
collection vessel stand holder coupled to the housing and formed to
hold a collection vessel stand, and a pump coupled to the housing.
A fluid path can be coupled to the housing and can connect the pump
to the cartridge holder to direct a mobile phase from the pump to
the cartridge holder and can further connect the cartridge holder
to the collection vessel stand holder to direct the mobile phase
from the cartridge holder to the collection vessel stand holder.
The chromatography system can further include a detector positioned
along the fluid path between the cartridge holder and the
collection vessel stand holder, and a controller integrally coupled
to the housing.
Inventors: |
DeMarco; Nicholas; (Twin
Lakes, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Analogix, Inc.
171 Industrial Drive
Burlington
WI
53105
|
Family ID: |
35756373 |
Appl. No.: |
11/696671 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11084741 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
|
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11696671 |
Apr 4, 2007 |
|
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60547613 |
Feb 25, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/656 ;
436/161; 436/178 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 30/6091 20130101;
G01N 30/88 20130101; Y10T 436/255 20150115; G01N 2030/8804
20130101; G01N 30/6047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/656 ;
436/161; 436/178 |
International
Class: |
B01D 15/08 20060101
B01D015/08 |
Claims
1. A method for analyzing a sample of interest using
chromatography, the sample including fractions, the method
comprising: providing a controller; providing a fluid path through
which a mobile phase comprising the sample moves during
chromatography; moving the mobile phase through the fluid path in a
chromatography run according to chromatography run parameters;
sending a signal to the controller at any time during the
chromatography run to pause the chromatography run; and editing the
chromatography run parameters.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: separating the
fractions of the sample, detecting the fractions of the sample, and
selectively collecting fractions of the sample.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising resuming the
chromatography run after editing the chromatography run
parameters.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein editing the chromatography run
parameters includes editing at least one of: the flow rate of the
mobile phase, any manually-entered information, a fraction
collection mode, a fraction collection threshold, a fraction
collection slope sensitivity, a solvent gradient of the mobile
phase, and combinations thereof.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein sending a signal to the
controller to pause the chromatography run includes activating a
feature in a graphical user interface.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein sending a signal to the
controller to pause the chromatography run includes sending a
signal to a pump to pause movement of the mobile phase in the fluid
path.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating the
fractions of the sample by moving a mobile phase comprising the
sample through a chromatography cartridge comprising a stationary
phase.
8. A method for analyzing a sample of interest using
chromatography, the method comprising: selecting a parameter for a
chromatography run of the sample; commencing the chromatography run
according to the selected parameter; transporting the sample
through a fluid path in a chromatography system to perform the
chromatography run; pausing the chromatography run; modifying the
selected parameter of the chromatography run; and recommencing the
chromatography run according to the modified parameter.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the parameter is selected using a
graphical user interface in communication with the chromatography
system.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising, separating the
sample into a plurality of fractions, detecting the fractions, and
determining a composition of at least one fraction.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein separating the sample includes
moving the sample through a chromatography cartridge comprising a
stationary phase.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising at least partially
filling a vessel with a portion of the sample.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein modifying the selected parameter
of the chromatography run includes modifying at least one of a flow
rate of the sample, any manually-entered information, a fraction
collection mode, a fraction collection threshold, a fraction
collection slope sensitivity, a solvent gradient of the mobile
phase, and combinations thereof.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein pausing the chromatography run
includes instructing a pump in the chromatography system to pause
movement of the sample in the fluid path.
15. A method for analyzing a sample of interest using
chromatography, the method comprising: accessing a chromatography
system to select a plurality of parameters of a chromatography run
via a graphical user interface; commencing the chromatography run
for the sample of interest; pausing the chromatography run via the
graphical user interface; modifying at least one of the selected
parameters of the chromatography run; recommencing the
chromatography run according to the at least one modified
parameter; separating the sample into a plurality of fractions; and
collecting at least one of the fractions in a vessel.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein separating the sample into a
plurality of fractions includes moving the sample through a
chromatography cartridge.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein modifying at least one of the
selected parameters of the chromatography run includes modifying at
least one of a flow rate of the sample, any manually-entered
information, a fraction collection mode, a fraction collection
threshold, a fraction collection slope sensitivity, a solvent
gradient of the mobile phase, and combinations thereof.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein pausing the chromatography run
includes instructing a pump in the chromatography system to pause
movement of the sample through a fluid path in the chromatography
system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/084,741, filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/547,613, filed on
Feb. 25, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a chromatography
system and method, and particularly, to a liquid chromatography
system and method, and more particularly, to a flash chromatography
system. Chromatography is used to analyze the constituents, or
fractions, of a sample of interest, and, in some cases, to collect
each of the fractions of the sample of interest separately for
further analysis or use. Chromatography generally relates to any of
a variety of techniques used to separate complex mixtures based on
the differential affinities of the fractions of the sample for a
mobile phase with which the sample flows, and a stationary phase
through which the sample passes.
[0003] Generally, liquid chromatography includes a stationary phase
that includes a finely powdered solid adsorbent packed into a
chromatography cartridge or column, and the mobile phase includes
one or more eluting solvents that are moved through the cartridge
by a pump. The sample to be analyzed by liquid chromatography is
injected into the cartridge and monitored by a detector. The
detector provides identification and/or differentiation of the
fractions as the fractions elute from the cartridge. In general,
flash chromatography includes a cartridge (in some cases, a
disposable cartridge) filled with the stationary phase (e.g.,
silica gel), and the sample to be separated is placed on top of the
stationary phase. The cartridge is filled with an isocratic or
gradient solvent which, with the help of pressure, enables the
sample to run through the cartridge and become separated.
Generally, liquid chromatography, and particularly, flash
chromatography can be used for a variety of applications,
including, but not limited to, drug discovery, sample clean-up, and
natural product purification, among others.
SUMMARY
[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a
chromatography system for analyzing a sample of interest, and the
sample including fractions. The chromatography system can include a
housing; a cartridge holder coupled to the housing and formed to
hold a chromatography cartridge containing a stationary phase; a
collection vessel stand holder coupled to the housing and formed to
hold a collection vessel stand; a fraction collector coupled to the
housing, the fraction collector selectively dispensing fractions to
the collection vessel stand holder; a pump coupled to the housing;
a fluid path coupled to the housing and connecting the pump to the
cartridge holder to direct a mobile phase from the pump to the
cartridge holder and connecting the cartridge holder to the
collection vessel stand holder to direct the mobile phase from the
cartridge holder to the collection vessel stand holder; a detector
positioned along the fluid path between the cartridge holder and
the collection vessel stand holder; and a controller integrally
coupled to the housing, the controller controlling the pump and
receiving data from the detector.
[0005] Other features and aspects of the invention will become
apparent by consideration of the detailed description, accompanying
drawings, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chromatography
system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the
chromatography system of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a left rear perspective view of the chromatography
system of FIGS. 1-2.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the chromatography
system of FIGS. 1-3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the chromatography
system of FIGS. 1-4.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of the chromatography system of FIGS.
1-5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump assembly according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 8-20 illustrate various screen shots of a graphical
user interface according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a touchpad according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, terms such as
"front," "rear," "top," "bottom," and the like are only used to
describe elements as they relate to one another, but are in no way
meant to recite specific orientations of the apparatus, to indicate
or imply necessary or required orientations of the apparatus, or to
specify how the invention described herein will be used, mounted,
displayed, or positioned in use.
[0016] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a chromatography system 100 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. The chromatography
system 100 can be used to detect and separate a sample 101 into its
constituents, or fractions. The chromatography system 100 includes
a housing 102; a controller 104 with chromatography programming
software having a graphical user interface 106; a user interface
108 to allow a user to control various aspects of the system 100; a
pump assembly 110 including a pump 114 for moving a mobile phase
comprising one or more solvents 115 through a fluid path 112 in the
chromatography system 100, and, in some embodiments, a mixing valve
113 for mixing the one or more solvents 115; a sample injector 116;
a cartridge holder 118 for holding a chromatography cartridge 120
into which the sample 101 will be injected and through which the
sample 101 will pass to be separated; a detector 122 for detecting
the fractions of the sample 101; and a fraction collector 124 for
ejecting fractions of the sample 101, or the entire sample 101,
from the chromatography system 100 into one or more collection
vessels 126. In some embodiments, the collection vessels 126 are
positioned in one or more collection vessel stands 128. The
collection vessels 126 can include a variety of containers,
including, without limitation, at least one of test tubes 126, as
shown in FIGS. 1-6, arranged in one or more test tube racksl28,
micro plates, micro vials, scintillation vials, etc.
[0017] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "fluid
path" 112 refers collectively to those areas in the chromatography
system 100 through which fluid passes. The "fluid path" 112 can
include an entire path followed by fluid through the chromatography
system 100 or can refer to a portion of that path.
[0018] As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms
"upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of fluid
movement in the chromatography system 100. That is, the term
"upstream" is used to describe any location, element or process
that occurs prior to the point or area being referred to relative
to the direction of fluid movement in the chromatography system
100, whereas the term "downstream" is used to describe any
location, element or process that occurs subsequent to the point or
area of reference with respect to fluid movement in the
chromatography system 100.
[0019] In general, the sample 101 can be loaded directly into an
inlet 119 of the cartridge 120, or the sample 101 can be loaded
into the sample injector 116 to be dissolved (e.g., in a stronger
solvent to reduce sample viscosity), and then injected into the
inlet 119 of the cartridge 120. After the sample 101 has been added
to the cartridge 120, the sample 101 interacts with the mobile
phase of the system 100 and a stationary phase 121 contained within
the cartridge 120. The mobile phase and the sample 101 are moved by
the pump 114 through the cartridge 120 at a particular flow rate,
or programmed sequence of flow rates. Based on the varying
affinities of the fractions of the sample 101 for the solvents 115
and the stationary phase 121, the fractions of the sample 101 will
pass through the stationary phase 121 at different flow rates, and
thus, elute from an outlet 123 of the cartridge 120 at different
times. Each fraction will then flow from the cartridge 120 to the
detector 122 positioned downstream from the cartridge 120 in the
fluid path 112, and to the fraction collector 124 to be expelled
into one or more test tubes 126.
[0020] The housing 102 of the illustrated embodiment is formed of
several portions that each house and/or support the various
components of the system 100. In some embodiments, the portions of
the housing 102 are integrally formed, and the housing 102 is a
unitary body. In some embodiments, the portions of the housing 102
are each formed of different parts. For example, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the housing 102 is formed of separate
parts that are coupled together in a stacked configuration to
position the various components of the system 100 in a
substantially vertical arrangement. The vertical arrangement of the
system 100 creates a relatively compact system 100 that requires a
relatively minimal amount of surface area or workspace on a desk,
table or lab bench. In addition, the housing 102 allows the
components of the system 100 to be positioned in relatively close
proximity to one another and to be coupled together to form an
integrated chromatography system 100. The integrated chromatography
system 100 includes substantially all of the necessary components
and devices to perform chromatography, and thus allows for facile
installation, set-up and use. In addition, the integrated
chromatography system 100 is sized and configured such that
substantially the entire chromatography system 100 can be
positioned on a lab bench, inside a chemical hood, and the like.
The housing 102, or portions thereof, can also be used to protect
or conceal (e.g., for aesthetic purposes) various portions of the
chromatography system 100. For example, in some embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 7, the pump assembly 110 is positioned in a base
portion 127 of the housing 102, and is concealed from view by a
front plate 129, as shown in FIGS. 1-6.
[0021] The housing 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is shown by way of
example only, and it should be understood that other housing
configurations and designs can be used to form a relatively compact
and integrated chromatography system 100. In addition, it should be
understood that the housing 102 can instead be formed of a unitary
body. Furthermore, the organization and arrangement of the
components of the chromatography system 100 is shown by way of
example only, and a variety of other arrangements of the components
of the chromatography system 100 can be used to form the integrated
chromatography system 100, without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0022] The controller 104 is internal to the chromatography system
100, and is integral with the chromatography system 100 to
eliminate the need for an independent, external personal computer.
The controller 104 controls various aspects of the chromatography
process. In some embodiments, the controller 104 of the
chromatography system 100 is microprocessor-based and is adapted to
allow the user to interact with and manipulate the components of
the chromatography system 100 to perform a chromatography analysis
of the sample 101 of interest. For example, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the controller 104 includes computer
control hardware with an embedded Intel.RTM. Strong ARM 206 MHz
RISC processor and a MICROSOFT.RTM. Windows CETm-based operating
system, such as INTELLIPEAK.TM. chromatography programming
software, available from Analogix, Inc., Burlington, Wis. In other
embodiments, the controller 104 can be any programmable or
non-programmable electronic system, and need not necessarily be
microprocessor-based. The controller 104 can include any
combination of hardware and/or software components. By way of
example only, the controller 104 can include any number of discrete
logic elements coupled together to perform the same function as
described above. Still other types of electronic controllers
capable of performing this function are possible, would be readily
recognized by those skilled in the art, and fall within the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0023] In some embodiments, as shown in the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1-6, the controller 104 includes standard personal
computer hardware and software. For example, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the controller 104 includes
MICROSOFT.RTM. Windows.RTM. CE desktop software. The controller 104
can be connected to one or more external controllers (e.g.,
personal computers) directly or via a network (e.g., a local area
network (LAN) or the internet) for data transfer. For example, the
controller 104 can be connected to the internet wirelessly or via
an Ethernet connection for data transfer.
[0024] The controller 104 can also include a variety of standard
input jacks, including a universal serial bus (USB), which can
allow a variety of external devices to be connected to the
controller 104. For example, memory storage devices can be
connected to the controller 104 via a USB connection for file
transfer. The controller 104 can include a variety of standard
programs (e.g., MICROSOFT.RTM. EXCEL.TM. spreadsheet program) for
data storage and analysis, word processing, and the like. The
controller 104 can further include a variety of drive devices for
file storage and transfer, including, without limitation, at least
one of a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-R
drive, a DVD-R drive, a CD-RW drive, a zip drive, and the like. In
some embodiments, the controller 104 can include a compact flash
memory drive device. In such embodiments, a user can store his/her
settings, preferences, and/or chromatography data and results on a
flash memory card to allow the user to essentially be "identified"
by the controller 104, and for the chromatography system to be
customized to each user.
[0025] The controller 104 can include chromatography software
having a graphical user interface 106 to allow a user to interact
with the controller 104 to manipulate and control the
chromatography system 100. The graphical user interface allows a
user to control a variety of aspects of a chromatography run,
including without limitation, changing parameters of a
chromatography run, determining a mode of reporting chromatography
results, determining a layout or format of reporting a chromatogram
or other chromatography results, and analyzing chromatography
results. The details of the chromatography software and the
graphical user interface 106 will be described in greater detail
below.
[0026] The controller 104 can be connected to the user interface
108. The user interface 108 can include a variety of devices,
including, without limitation, one or more of the following: a
keyboard 130, a mouse (not shown), a joystick (not shown), a
touchpad 132 with a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 134, and a
monitor 136 for displaying the graphical user interface 106 and
having a touch screen 138 (operated by a stylus 140 or a user's
fingertip), and the like. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1,
the keyboard 130 can be positioned on a keyboard tray 142 that can
be coupled to and movable with respect to the housing 102. The
keyboard tray 142 can be positioned within a recess of the housing
102 to allow the keyboard 142 to be stowed away when not in use,
thereby contributing to the compact configuration of the integrated
chromatography system 100.
[0027] The cartridge holder 118 is coupled to a side of the housing
102 to position the cartridge 120 in an easily accessible position,
and to position the cartridge 120 in a substantially vertical
orientation. In some embodiments, the cartridge holder 118 is
formed by a portion of the housing 102, or is integrally formed
with one or more portions of the housing 102. In some embodiments,
such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the cartridge
holder 118 includes a cartridge holder housing 117 positioned to
conceal at least a portion of tubing used to fluidly couple one or
more of the pump assembly 110, the sample injector 116, the
cartridge 120, and the detector 122.
[0028] A variety of cartridge holders 118 formed of varying
materials and having a variety of shapes can be used to hold the
cartridge 120. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge
holder 118 can include a UNIMOUNT.TM. cartridge bracket, available
from Analogix, Inc., Burlington, Wis.
[0029] A variety of cartridges 120 can be used with the
chromatography system 100. Accordingly, the cartridge holder 118 is
adjustable or replaceable to accommodate a wide array of cartridge
styles, materials and sizes. In some embodiments, reusable,
non-disposable cartridges are used. For example, in some
embodiments, the cartridge 120 is formed of glass or metal. In some
embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the
cartridge 120 is disposable and formed of a plastic. In some
embodiments, the cartridge includes a machine readable
identification tag 133, including, but not limited to, a barcode or
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The machine readable
identification tag 133 can include information relating to one or
more of the following: the size (e.g., length, inner diameter,
outer diameter, etc.) of the cartridge 120, mass of the stationary
phase 121 inside the cartridge 120, and the type of stationary
phase 121 used (e.g., silica, silica-based stationary phases,
alumina-based stationary phases, etc., each of which can include
irregularly-shaped particles or spherically-shaped particles).
[0030] The machine readable identification tag 133 can be added to
the exterior of the cartridge 120 (e.g., an adhesive sticker, code
written in ink), or the machine readable identification tag 133 can
be integrally formed with the cartridge 120 (e.g., written on the
outer surface of the cartridge 120 with laser writing). In some
embodiments, the chromatography system 100 can be equipped with a
reader (e.g., an optical scanner or a RF receiver) to read the
machine readable identification tag 133 on the cartridge 120. In
some embodiments, reading the machine readable identification tag
133 of a cartridge 120 of interest automatically inputs the
necessary data regarding characteristics of the cartridge 120 into
the chromatography software, allowing the user to skip having to
enter cartridge information during programming or select the
cartridge 120 to be used from a list. As a result, the machine
readable identification tag 133 can reduce user error and speed up
the chromatography programming operation.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the machine readable
identification tag 133 is positioned on a lower, front portion of
the cartridge 120, but it should be understood that the machine
readable identification tag 133 can be positioned anywhere on the
cartridge 120. In some embodiments, the machine readable
identification tag 133 is positioned on the cartridge 120 at a
location that will be adjacent or in close proximity to the reader
on the chromatography system 100 when the cartridge 120 is
positioned for the chromatography process, to allow the machine
readable identification tag 133 to be read substantially
simultaneously with positioning the cartridge 120 for a
chromatography run.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 7, the pump assembly 110 is
positioned in a forward section of the base portion 127 of the
housing 102. The pump assembly 110 includes the pump 114, which
moves fluid (e.g., the mobile phase and the sample 101) in the
fluid path 112 of the chromatography system 100. The pump 114 is
controlled by the controller 104 to pump the fluid in the
chromatography system 100 at a given flow rate. In embodiments
employing more than one solvent 115, the pump assembly 110 also
includes a mixing valve 113 for mixing the solvents 115. The one or
more solvents 115 can include, without limitation, at least one of
methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate,
tetrahydrofuran, acetone, dichloromethane, chloroform, diethyl
ether, toluene, hexane, heptane, iso-octane, and combinations
thereof. The solvents 115 can be stored and fluidly coupled to the
pump assembly 110 in a variety of ways. By way of example only, the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 includes containers 125 for
storing the solvents 115. The containers 125 are positioned on a
tray, or platform, 131 coupled to an upper portion of the monitor
136. Standard tubing and fittings known to those of ordinary skill
in the art can be used to fluidly couple the containers 125 to the
pump assembly 110.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, a first solvent 115a enters the base
portion 127 of the housing 102 via a first aperture 144a and
travels to a first inlet 146a of the mixing valve 113 via tubing
148a. A second solvent 115b enters the base portion 127 of the
housing 102 via a second aperture 144b and travels to a second
inlet 146b of the mixing valve 113 via tubing 148b. The mixing
valve 113 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is a dual
gradient mixing valve and includes a first valve 150a and a second
valve 150b that control the amount of the first solvent 115a and
the second solvent 115b, respectively, in the mobile phase. The
valves 150a, 150b shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7
include magnetically-controlled solenoid valves, but it should be
understood that a variety of valves can be used to control the
amount of the solvents 115 present in the mobile phase, including,
without limitation, a pinch valve, a rotary selector valve, and the
like.
[0034] The opening of each valve 150a, 150b can be electronically
controlled, and therefore can occur substantially instantaneously.
The closing of each valve 150a , 150b, however, can be at least
partially dependent on the resistance provided by the solvent 115a,
115b, respectively, based on the flow rate, temperature and
viscosity of the solvent 115a, 115b. By employing two valves 150a,
150b, when the first valve 150a, for example, is in an open
position, the first valve 150a allows the first solvent 115a to
enter the mixing valve 113 to be added to the mobile phase of the
chromatography system 100. When the mixing valve 113 receives a
signal from the controller 104 to add the second solvent 115b to
the mobile phase, the second valve 150b will be signaled to move to
an open position, and the second solvent 115b will begin being
added to the mobile phase. At the same time, the first valve 150a
can be signaled to move to a closed position. The closing of the
first valve 150a may be at least partially dependent upon the flow
rate, temperature and viscosity of the first solvent 115a, but any
delay in closing of the first valve 150a will be substantially
overridden by the substantially instantaneous opening of the second
valve 150b, and any delay that may occur in closing the first valve
150a should not significantly affect the desired concentration of
the mobile phase. The illustrated embodiment includes two solvents
115a, 115b, but it should be understood that the mixing valve 113
would function similarly for embodiments employing more than two
solvents 115.
[0035] After the first solvent 115a and the second solvent 115b
have been mixed in the mixing valve 113 to form the mobile phase of
the chromatography system 100, the mobile phase exits the mixing
valve 113 via an outlet 152 and travels to a connector 154 via
tubing 156. The connector 154 shown in FIG. 7 is a Y connector 154
and allows the mobile phase to be directed to a first pump head
158a and a second pump head 158b via a first inlet tube 160a and a
second inlet tube 160b, respectively. Each pump head 158a, 158b
includes a positive displacement pump. The first pump head 158a and
the second pump head 158b are adapted to operate 180 degrees out of
phase, such that the first pump head 158a and the second pump head
158b alternate to create a steady flow profile with reduced
pulsation and accurate gradient formation in the mobile phase of
the chromatography system 100. The first pump head 158a and the
second pump head 158b can be easily and quickly replaced, and
function together in the pump 114 to produce precise dynamic
gradient formation in the mobile phase. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7, the pump 114 includes a binary gradient
positive displacement pump, and specifically, an INTELLIFLOW.TM.
low pulsation pump, available from Analogix, Inc., Burlington, Wis.
A variety of other pumps or pump heads can be operated in the
manner described above to produce a steady flow profile in the
mobile phase with reduced pulsation, including, without limitation,
a piston pump (e.g., a piston pump available from Fluid Metering,
Inc., Syosset, NY, or a piston pump available from Diener Precision
Pumps), a multiple piston pump (e.g., a SERIES DELTA.RTM. multiple
piston pump, available from Micropump, Vancouver, Wash.), etc.
[0036] The mobile phase flows out an outlet 162 of the pump 114 to
a pressure transducer 164 via outlet tubing 166, before exiting the
base portion 127 of the housing 102 via a third aperture 168 in the
base portion 127 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 5). The pressure transducer
164 monitors the pressure in the mobile phase to determine if the
fluid pressure produced by the pump 114 is above or below a desired
fluid pressure. The pump 114 can then be paused or otherwise
adjusted based on feedback received from the pressure transducer
164. For example, the pressure transducer 164 can send information
to the controller 104 regarding the fluid pressure. The controller
104 can include a program to automatically pause or otherwise
adjust the pump 114 based on the fluid pressure, including, without
limitation, when the fluid pressure exceeds a preset threshold or a
fixed safety threshold. When the controller 104 pauses the pump 114
in response to the fluid pressure sensed by the pressure transducer
164, the pump 114 can remain paused until a user inactivates the
pause. For example, a `Resume` button can appear in the graphical
user interface 106, either in an existing window or in a new
window, or a `Resume` button on the user interface 108 can be
pressed.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge holder housing 117
includes a cartridge holder inlet 180 positioned on the back of the
cartridge holder housing 117 that is fluidly coupled (e.g., via
tubing 181) to the third aperture 168 in the base portion 127 of
the housing 102. The cartridge holder inlet 180, in turn, is
fluidly coupled to the inlet 119 of the cartridge 120, for example,
by tubing positioned within the cartridge holder housing 117. The
cartridge holder housing 117 further includes a cartridge holder
outlet 182, which is fluidly coupled to the outlet 123 of the
cartridge 120, for example, by tubing positioned within the
cartridge holder housing 117. The cartridge holder outlet 182 is,
in turn, fluidly coupled to the detector 122, as described below.
The cartridge holder 118 is shown by way of example only, but it
should be understood that the cartridge holder 118 can include a
variety of other cartridge mounting means to couple the cartridge
120 to the chromatography system 100. For example, in some
embodiments, the cartridge holder 118 does not include a cartridge
holder housing 117, and the fluid path 112 is not concealed from
the user by any such housing.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, the detector 122 includes a
flow cell 170 coupled to a rear portion 172 of the housing 102 with
a C-clamp 173. While other means for coupling the flow cell 170 to
the chromatography system 100 are possible, the location and
coupling means of the flow cell 170 of the illustrated embodiment
allow for facile maintenance and replacement. However, other
fasteners known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used
in lieu of the C-clamp 173 without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0039] The rear portion 172 of the housing 102 houses power supply
components and components of the controller 104. The detector 122
is positioned downstream of the chromatography cartridge 120 in the
fluid path 112. Accordingly, fractions of the sample 101 are moved
by the pump 114 from the outlet 123 of the cartridge 120 to an
inlet 174 of the flow cell 170. As shown in FIG. 2, in the
illustrated embodiment, the fractions of the sample 101 are moved
by the pump 114 from the outlet 123 to the cartridge holder outlet
182 to the inlet 174 of the flow cell 170.
[0040] At the detector 122, the fluid path 112 is exposed to
electromagnetic radiation, and the amount of radiation absorbed by
each of the fractions passing through the detector 122 is recorded
and used to distinguish the fractions from one another. The
fractions of the sample 101 exit the detector 122 via an outlet 176
of the flow cell 170, and continue downstream to the fraction
collector 124. The detector 122 includes a transmitter that
transmits the radiation to the fluid path 112, and a receiver that
receives the radiation that was not absorbed by the fraction of the
sample 101 passing through the detector 122 (i.e., transmitted
through the sample 101). The receiver sends data to the controller
104 regarding the amount of radiation transmitted through each
fraction. The amount of radiation absorbed by each fraction of the
sample 101 is calculated, and the absorbance of each fraction is
then displayed, usually in graphical form, on the graphical user
interface 106. The displayed absorbance data can then be
manipulated and analyzed using the chromatography software and
graphical user interface 106, as described below.
[0041] A variety of detectors 122 can be used to identify and
distinguish the fractions, including, without limitation, a UV
detector (e.g., an INTELLIUV.TM. detector, available from Analogix,
Inc., Burlington, Wis.), an X-ray detector, an infrared detector, a
visible light detector, a refractive index detector (e.g., a
refractive index detector available from LabAlliance), a photodiode
array (PDA) UV detector, an evaporative light scattering detector
(ELSD) (e.g., an ELSD available from Alltech Associates), and the
like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the detector 122
includes a fixed UV detector that emits UV radiation having a fixed
wavelength. For example, in some embodiments, the detector 122
emits UV radiation having a fixed wavelength of about 254 nm. In
some embodiments, the detector 122 includes a variable UV detector
that emits a UV radiation having a range of wavelengths. For
example, in some embodiments, the detector 122 emits UV radiation
having a wavelength ranging from about 200 nm to about 300 nm.
[0042] After the fractions of the sample 101 have been detected by
the detector 122, peak detecting software identifies and
distinguishes the different peaks, and determines a boundary
between each "peak" or "non-peak" material in the sample 101. As
used herein, the term "fraction" is used to refer to "peak"
material, or portions of the sample 101 that a user may wish to
detect and/or collect. In some embodiments, the peak detecting
software is a peak detecting module within the controller 104. In
some embodiments, the peak detecting software communicates with
fraction collecting software. The fraction collecting software
controls the fraction collector 124, which expels the fractions
into one or more collection vessels 126, depending on the algorithm
used to distinguish peaks in the peak detecting software, and on
user-prescribed settings.
[0043] The peak detecting software tells the fraction collecting
software whether fluid in the fluid path 112 is "peak" material or
"non-peak" material, and whether it should be collected or not. In
some embodiments, the peak detecting software functions
independently and simply identifies and distinguishes "peak"
material from "non-peak" material, and maybe outputs this
information to another instrument or other software, but does not
control fraction collection. However, in the illustrated
embodiment, the peak detecting software communicates with fraction
collecting software, and thus, the terms "peak detecting software"
and "fraction collecting software" will be used interchangeably
herein.
[0044] In some embodiments, dual, or multiple, wavelengths can be
used in the detector 122 to detect fractions in the sample 101. In
some embodiments, dual, or multiple, types of detection (e.g., one
UV and one ELSD, etc.) can be used to detect fractions. For
example, if two wavelengths (e.g., "colors") of UV detection light
are used, two chromatograms will be created and displayed, showing
how the fractions of the sample 101 respond to the radiation source
in the detector 122. The peak detecting software can then use both
chromatograms to distinguish "peak" material from "non-peak"
material. A variety of algorithms can be used to accomplish this.
For example, in some embodiments, the data points in one
chromatogram may be weighted more heavily than data points in
another chromatogram. In some embodiments, the peak detecting
software may detect a new peak whenever a peak-triggering event
occurs in any of the chromatograms. The peak detecting software can
then output this information to the fraction collecting software to
signal to the fraction collector 124 when to collect a fraction and
when to send it to waste. If more than one type of detector 122 is
used, the delay volume between detectors 122 would need to be taken
into account to synchronize the chromatograms, so that data points
relating to the same fraction in the sample 101 can be correlated.
The delay volume between subsequent detectors can be entered into
or calculated given the size (e.g., length and cross-sectional
diameter or area) of tubing connecting an outlet of a first
detector 122 and an inlet of a second detector 122, and so on.
[0045] As best shown in FIG. 1, the fraction collector 124 includes
an arm 192 movable along a track 194 in an x-direction, the arm 192
having a length in a y-direction, substantially perpendicular to
the x-direction. The fraction collector 124 further includes a
carriage 196 coupled to the arm 192 and movable along the length of
the arm 192 in the y-direction. The carriage 196 includes a
downwardly-directed nozzle 198 from which the one or more fractions
of the sample 101 can be expelled into one or more collection
vessels 126. The arm 192 and carriage 196 allow the nozzle 198 to
be positioned in an x-y plane above the collection vessels 126. The
carriage 196 can further include z-positioning means for moving the
nozzle 198 in a z-direction, orthogonal to the x-y plane, toward
and away from the collection vessels 126. Other types of carriages
or gantry systems having movement in one or more of the
x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction can be used to
position the nozzle 198 over a desired collection vessel 126 for
expulsion of one or more fractions of the sample 101, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the fraction collector 124
includes a divert valve 184 that includes an inlet 186 that is
fluidly coupled to the outlet 176 of the flow cell 170 of the
detector 122. Depending on the collection mode of the fraction
collecting software, which will be described below, the fraction
collecting software determines whether the fraction of the sample
101 is sent to a first outlet 188 of the divert valve 184, which is
fluidly coupled to waste, or a second outlet 190 of the divert
valve 184, which is fluidly coupled to the nozzle 198. As a result,
fractions that are not to be collected will be directed to the
first outlet 188 of the divert valve 184 to waste, and fractions
that are to be collected will be directed to the second outlet 190
of the divert valve 184 and dispensed out of the nozzle 198 of the
fraction collector 124 and into a collection vessel 126.
[0047] In some embodiments, a user may wish to perform thin layer
chromatography (TLC) with the contents of a collection vessel 126
by extracting a sample from a collection vessel 126 of interest and
spotting the sample onto a TLC plate. In some embodiments, this is
performed manually. In some embodiments, the fraction collector 124
can be programmed to automatically spot a TLC plate with each new
fraction from the sample 101 that is about to be added to a new
collection vessel 126 (or at the very end of a collection).
Alternatively, the user can instruct the fraction collector 124,
when desired, to spot a TLC plate with a desired fraction. In such
embodiments, the carriage 196 of the fraction collector 124 can
include mobility in the X-Y plane independent of the arm 192 to
move away from the arm 192 to a TLC plate. In addition, the
carriage 196 can include mobility in the z-direction to move toward
and away from a TLC plate.
[0048] In some embodiments, the user can select to perform TLC with
at least a portion of the contents of each collection vessel 126
after a chromatography run has completed. In some embodiments, the
user can select to perform TLC with at least a portion of one
collection vessel 126 corresponding to each detected fraction
(i.e., some fractions can require more than one collection vessel
126), such as the first collection vessel 126 of a particular
fraction, a middle collection vessel 126 of a particular fraction,
the last collection vessel 126 of a particular fraction, the first
and last collection vessels 126 of a particular fraction, etc. In
some embodiments, the user can select to perform TLC with at least
a portion of the collection vessel 126 corresponding to a fraction
having the highest detected concentration (i.e., highest absorbance
units measured by the detector 122). In some embodiments, the user
can select to perform TLC with at least a portion of the collection
vessel 126 corresponding to a fraction having the highest or lowest
slope of absorbance detected by the detector 122 (i.e., the
greatest increase or decrease in detected concentration).
[0049] As mentioned above, the fractions of the sample 101 can be
collected in one or more collection vessels 126 positioned in one
or more collection vessel stands 128. In some embodiments, as shown
in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the collection vessel stand(s) 128 includes a
machine readable identification tag 199, including, but not limited
to, a barcode, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a
magnetically activated identification tag (e.g., as available from
Omron Corporation), an electrically conductive identification tag
(e.g., an IBUTTON.RTM. B series electrically conductive
identification tag, available from Dallas Semiconductor), etc. The
machine readable identification tag 199 can include a variety of
information, including, but not limited to: the size of the
collection vessel stand 128; the size of collection vessels 126
stored in the collection vessel stand 128; the number of collection
vessels 126 the collection vessel stand 128 can hold; data relating
to the contents of the collection vessels 126 in the collection
vessel stand 128; data identification such that a chromatogram
relating to the contents of the collection vessel stand 128 can be
accessed by reading the machine readable identification tag 199;
and a globally unique identifier (GUID) to definitively identify
the collection vessel stand 128 from all others. A GUID allows the
chromatography system 100 and any other instrument that may use or
analyze the fractions of the sample 101 to be able refer to a
common database, so that one instrument can add information to the
collection vessel stand 128 identified via the GUID, and another
can access the information, and vice versa.
[0050] The machine readable identification tag 199 can be added to
the collection vessel stand 128 (e.g., an adhesive sticker, code
written in ink, a physical tag coupled to the collection vessel
stand 128 by a variety of fasteners, including, without limitation,
one or more of a screw, nail, bolt, snap-fitting, press-fitting,
and the like), or the machine readable identification tag 199 can
be integrally formed with the collection vessel stand 128 (e.g.,
written on the outer surface of the cartridge 120 with laser
writing). In some embodiments, the chromatography system 100 can be
equipped with a reader (e.g., an optical scanner, a RF receiver, a
magnetic reader, an electrical conduction reader, etc.) to read the
machine readable identification tag 199. In some embodiments, the
machine readable identification tag 199 can be read manually by a
user, and the appropriate number or other identifier can be entered
(e.g., by typing, speaking, or selecting from a list).
[0051] The position of the machine readable identification tag 199
is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 by way of example only, but it should
be understood that the machine readable identification tag 199 can
be positioned anywhere on the collection vessel stand 128. In some
embodiments, the machine readable identification tag 199 is
positioned on the collection vessel stand 128 at a location that
will be adjacent or in close proximity to the reader on the
chromatography system 100 when the collection vessel stand 128 is
positioned in the recess 202 of the housing 102, to allow the
machine readable identification tag 199 to be read substantially
simultaneously with positioning the collection vessel stand 128 for
a chromatography run.
[0052] In some embodiments, reading or entering the machine
readable identification tag 199 of a collection vessel stand 128 of
interest automatically inputs the necessary data regarding
characteristics of the collection vessel stand 128 into the
chromatography software, allowing the user to skip having to enter
collection vessel stand 128 information during programming or
select the collection vessel stand 128 to be used from a list. As a
result, the machine readable identification tag 199 can reduce user
error and speed up the chromatography programming operation.
Furthermore, because the chromatography programming software will
have information about the collection vessel stand 128 being used,
the controller 104 can pause the pump 114 when the collection
vessel stand 128 no longer includes an empty collection vessel 126
available for the fraction collector 124. When the controller 104
pauses the pump 114, the pump 114 can remain paused until a user
inactivates the pause. For example, a `Resume` button can appear in
the graphical user interface 106, either in an existing window or
in a new window, or a `Resume` button on the user interface 108 can
be pressed.
[0053] In some embodiments, the collection vessel stand 128 is
reusable and non-disposable, and is formed of a material such as
metal. In some embodiments, the collection vessel stand 128 is
disposable and formed of a material such as plastic. In some
embodiments, the collection vessel stand 128 is pre-filled with
collection vessels 126 to eliminate the time-consuming process of
filling the collection vessel stand 128. For example, in some
embodiments, the collection vessel stand 128 can include a
plurality of integrally-formed collection vessels 126 (e.g., a
molded tray, a thermoformed tray, etc.) to eliminate having to fill
the collection vessel stand 128 with collection vessels 126, or
have the collection vessel stand 128 pre-filled with collection
vessels 126. In some embodiments, a plurality of collection vessels
126 can be integrally formed and have dimensions compatible with
the collection vessel stand 128 to allow a plurality of collection
vessels 126 to be loaded into a collection vessel stand 128 at
once. For example, a strip of collection vessels 126 having a
length compatible with a length of the collection vessel stand 128
can be used to fill one row in the collection vessel stand 128 at a
time.
[0054] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the type of
collection vessel 126 used is a test tube, and accordingly, the
type of collection vessel stand 128 used is a test tube rack. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the housing 102 includes a
recess 202 defined between an upper portion of the controller 104
and a lower portion of the monitor 136. The recess 202 defines a
collection vessel stand holder 135 and is dimensioned to receive
one or more collection vessel stands 128, shown in FIGS. 1-6 as
test tube racks.
[0055] In some embodiments, the chromatography system 100 includes
one test tube rack 128, which can be positioned in the recess 202.
After the fractions of the sample 101 have been expelled into one
or more test tubes 126 in the test tube rack 128, the test tube
rack 128 can be removed and replaced with a new test tube rack 128
that includes empty test tubes 126 ready to be filled by additional
fractions from the sample 101, or fractions from a new sample.
However, the chromatography process may have to be paused to allow
for removal and/or replacement of the test tube rack 128.
[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the
chromatography system 100 includes two test tube racks 128a, 128b
that are positioned on top of the controller 104 in the recess 202.
The two test tube racks 128a, 128b are identical and essentially
have the appearance of one split test tube rack 128. For
simplicity, the split test tube rack 128 will be described as two
test tube racks 128a, 128b herein. Each test tube rack 128a, 128b
includes a handle 204a, 204b to allow a user to grasp the test tube
rack 128a, 128b during placement or removal of the test tube rack
128a, 128b from the recess 202. Each of the two test tube racks
128a, 128b includes a flat edge 206a, 206b. Each flat edge 206a,
206b can be placed in abutting relationship with the other flat
edge 206b, 206a of the adjacent test tube rack 128b, 128a,
respectively. Employing two test tube racks 128a, 128b allows a
user to remove or replace one test tube rack 128a, 128b while the
other test tube rack 128b, 128a, respectively, is being filled by
the fraction collector 124. The process of replacing the test tube
rack 128a, 128b that is currently not in use can be repeated
indefinitely without interrupting the chromatography process to
collect a large number of fractions. The LCD screen 134 on the
touchpad 132 can display information relating to whether the test
tube racks 128a, 128b are full or empty, and when they can be
replaced. Alternatively, this information can be displayed on the
monitor 136.
[0057] FIGS. 8-20 illustrate a variety of screen shots of the
graphical user interface 106 of the chromatography software of the
chromatography system 100, which will now be described in detail.
The chromatography software can include a variety of software,
including, for example, the INTELLIPEAK.TM. chromatography
programming software described above. As shown in FIGS. 8-20, the
graphical user interface 106 of the chromatography software
includes a wizard program 220 that guides a user through the
process of creating a chromatography run for the sample 101 of
interest. The wizard program 220 includes a main window 221 that
includes four screens: a `General` screen 222 (see FIG. 8), a
`Detection` screen 224 (see FIG. 14), a `Pump` screen 226 (see FIG.
16), and a `Chromatogram` screen 228 (see FIG. 17). The four
screens 222, 224, 226, 228 are separated in a tabular format in the
main window 221, and each screen 222, 224, 226, 228 can be accessed
by selecting the corresponding tab at the top of the main window
221. It should be noted that the wizard program 220 can include as
few as one screen and as many screens as desired to accomplish a
variety of tasks, such as those described in greater detail
below.
[0058] The main window 221 includes a static region 227 to allow a
portion of the window 221 to be visible on each screen 222, 224,
226, 228. The static region 227 can include one or more of the
following: a `Sample ID` field 229 to record (e.g., using the
keyboard 130) a name or number to identify the sample 101; a method
file title field 231 to display the method being used and/or
created; a `Run` button 230, which can be selected to begin a
chromatography run in the chromatography system 100; and a lamp
button 233 (e.g., identified by a light bulb icon, as shown in the
illustrated embodiment), which illustrates when the radiation
source (e.g., a UV lamp) is powered on in the detector 122.
[0059] The `Sample ID` field 229 includes a sample identity wizard
button 208. Selecting the sample identity wizard button 208 opens a
`Sample ID Settings` window 210, as shown in FIG. 8B. The `Sample
ID Settings` window 210 includes an `Enable Auto Sequencing`
checkbox 212, a `Prefix` field 214, a `Starting` field 216, an `OK`
button 218 which can be selected when the user is satisfied with
the sample identity settings, and a `Cancel` button 219 if the user
does not wish to change or enter any data in the `Sample ID
Settings` window 210. When the `OK` button 218 is selected, the
user will be returned to the `General` screen 222. FIG. 8B
illustrates one embodiment of auto sequencing sample identities. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, the auto-sequencing feature
includes a fixed portion of a sample ID and a variable or
auto-incrementing portion of the sample ID. The user can enter a
fixed portion of a sample identity in the `Prefix` field 214, and
can use the `Starting` field 216 to specify a number from which to
begin counting or incrementing to create a sequence of related
runs.
[0060] After powering up, the chromatography software generally
defaults to the `General` screen 222 of the wizard program 220.
FIG. 8 illustrates the `General` screen 222 according to one
embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the `General`
screen 222 includes a `New` button 232. Selecting the `New` button
232 creates a new method file and clears all data to reset the
functions of the chromatography system 100. In some embodiments,
after selecting the `New` button 232, a dialog box will appear to
ask the user, "Do you want to clear your current method settings?"
and will include a `No` button and a `Yes` button. Selecting the
`Yes` button will require the user to either enter a new method or
load an existing method file.
[0061] The `General` screen 222 further includes a `Load` button
234, which can be selected to find and select a saved method file
(e.g., a *.mth file) from a Windows CE.TM.-based browsing window.
The `Load` button 234 includes a load drop-down menu button 236.
Selecting the load drop-down menu button 236 activates a list of a
variety of loading menu options, including, without limitation, at
least one of `Load Method,` which, if selected, loads an existing
method from memory within the controller 104, a removable memory
storage device (e.g., a Compact Flash card, a floppy disk, a
compact disk (CD), etc.) or another computer that is connected to
the controller 104 via a hard-wired or wireless connection; `Load
Last Run,` which, if selected, loads the last method run on the
chromatography system 100; and `Load Results File,` which, if
selected, displays a list of automatically saved results files
(e.g., a *.alx file).
[0062] The `General` screen 222 further includes a `Save` button
238, which can be selected to archive method data to memory (e.g.,
as a *.mth file) using a Windows CE.TM.-based browsing window. The
`Save` button 238 includes a save drop-down menu button 240.
Selecting the save drop-down menu button 240 activates a list of a
variety of saving menu options, including, without limitation, at
least one of `Save Method,` which, if selected, performs the same
command as selecting the Save button 238; and `Save Results,`
which, if selected, opens a browser window to, allowing a user to
save the current chromatography run as a result. In some
embodiments, the chromatography software automatically saves
chromatography runs that last greater than three minutes when the
run is completed.
[0063] The `General` screen 222 further includes a `Description`
field 242, which includes a text field 244. A user can annotate the
chromatography run by adding text to the text field 244. In some
embodiments, the text in the text field 244 will automatically be
saved with the method when the method is saved.
[0064] The `General` screen 222 further includes a `Cartridge Type`
field 246, which allows a user to choose the type of chromatography
cartridge 120 to be used in the chromatography run. The
chromatography cartridge 120 can be chosen based on the size/amount
of the sample 101 of interest and a retention factor (R.sub.F)
value. The `Cartridge Type` field 246 includes a cartridge
drop-down menu button 248, which, when selected, provides a list of
a variety of cartridges 120 available to the user. By selecting a
`System Options . . . ` button 270, described below, the user can
navigate to the location of a cartridge configurable text file to
allow the user to build and modify the drop-down menu list for
his/her needs. The cartridges 120 can be listed by product name,
product number, model name, model number, size of the cartridge 120
(e.g., length, inner diameter, outer diameter, etc.), mass of the
stationary phase 121 in the cartridge 120, and combinations
thereof.
[0065] The configurable text file can be in a table format, and can
include a variety of fields, including, without limitation, at
least one of ID number, cartridge volume (CV), equilibration time
(e.g., in seconds), equilibration flow volume (e.g., in mL), purify
flow volume (e.g., in mL), minimum flow volume (e.g., in mL),
maximum flow volume (e.g., in mL), minimum sample size (e.g., in
mg), maximum sample size (e.g., in mg), purge time (e.g., in
seconds), maximum pressure able to withstand (e.g., in psi), inside
diameter, outside diameter, length, suggested flow rate (or minimum
and maximum suggested flow rates), cross-sectional area, display
description (i.e., how the cartridge will be identified in the
drop-down menu), comments, product family name, product name, etc.
Other computations can be performed using data from one or more of
these fields. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8,
after a cartridge 120 is selected from the list (e.g., RS-40, as
shown in FIG. 8), a suggested flow rate and sample size for the
cartridge 120 selected will appear in the `Cartridge Type` field
246 (e.g., 25-50 mL/min. and 30-1700 mg, as shown in FIG. 8), based
on the data listed in the corresponding fields for the cartridge
selected.
[0066] The `General` screen 222 further includes a `Solvents` field
250, which allows selection and identification of the solvents 115
to be used. The `Solvents` field 250 includes a first solvent field
252, named `A` in FIG. 8, and a second solvent field 254, named `B`
in FIG. 8. Each of the first and second solvent fields 252, 254
includes a solvent drop-down menu button 256, which, when selected,
provides a list of available solvents that a user can select. In
embodiments employing more than two solvents 115, the Solvents
field 250 includes a solvent field for every solvent 115 to be
used. In some embodiments, the user can choose a solvent from the
list, or the user can enter a new solvent name in at least one of
the first solvent field 252 and the second solvent field 254 using
the keyboard 130. In some embodiments, a newly entered solvent name
can be stored when the method is saved. In some embodiments, a
newly entered solvent name can be saved when a run is initiated for
longer than a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 3 minutes). The
`Solvents` field 250 further includes a `Prime Pumps . . . ` button
258. The `Prime Pumps . . . ` button 258, when selected, opens a
`Prime Pumps` window 260, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 9, the `Prime Pumps` window 260
includes a `Flow Rate` field 262 and a `Volume` field 264 with
incrementing buttons 266. A user can set a flow rate and volume for
each solvent 115 to be used by using the keyboard 130 to type in
the `Flow Rate` field 262 and the `Volume` field 264, or by using
the incrementing buttons 266 to increase or decrease the values
displayed. A user can instead select a `Use Default Values` button
267 to select system default settings, which can be stored in a
configurable text file. The configurable text file can be accessed
by selecting the `System Options . . . ` button 270. Alternatively,
in some embodiments (not shown), one of the screens 222, 224, 226,
228 (e.g., the `General` screen 222) can include a button that
directs the user to a `Cartridge Editor` screen, which will allow
the user to edit the configurable text file using some type of
word-processing program (e.g., MICROSOFT.RTM. Windows NOTEPAD.TM.
word processing application). A user can also select one or more
priming buttons 268 to prime the first pump head 158a (i.e., by
selecting the `Prime Pump A` button 268a), the second pump head
158b (i.e., by selecting the `Prime Pump B` button 268b), or both
(i.e., by selecting the `Prime Pumps A & B` button 268c). When
the flow rates and volumes for the solvents 115 have been set, and
the desired pump heads 158a, 158b primed, the user can select a
`Done` button 269 to return to the `General` screen 222.
[0068] With continued reference to FIG. 8, the `General` screen 222
further includes the `System Options . . . ` button 270. When the
`System Options . . . ` button 270 is selected, a `System Options`
window 272 is opened, as shown in FIGS. 10-13B. The `System
Options` window 272 allows a user to select a variety of settings
and defaults in the chromatography system. With reference to FIGS.
10-13B, the `Systems Options` window 272 includes five screens that
are separated in a tabular format: a `System` screen 274, a
`Solvents` screen 276, a `System Info` screen 278, a `Control
Panel` screen 280, and a `Calibration` screen 281. Each screen 274,
276, 278, 280, 281 includes a `Save & Close` button 282.
Selecting the `Save & Close` button 282 will save the
selections chosen and return to the `General` screen 222.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the `System` screen 274 includes a
`Units` field 430, which allows the selection of pressure units in
the system (e.g., psi, as shown in FIG. 10), and includes a `Demo`
checkbox 432. Checking the `Demo` checkbox 432 creates a
chromatogram based on data points stored in a file, and does not
actually run the pump assembly 110 or the detector 122, but will
operate the fraction collector 124, and allows a user to
demonstrate how the chromatography system 100 works, without
actually running a sample 101.
[0070] The `System` screen 274 further includes an `Options` field
434, where a variety of checkboxes 436 can be selected or
deselected depending on user preferences. For example, the user can
select a `Use rack specified in the Method` checkbox to store which
collection vessel stand 128 the user wishes to use with the method
file (*.mth) created, so that each time that method file is loaded,
the collection vessel stand 128 settings are already in place. In
addition, a `Show current time indicator` checkbox allows a user to
select whether a vertical line will be shown in a chromatogram that
clearly shows the point in time corresponding with each data point
in the chromatogram.
[0071] The `System` screen 274 further includes a `Delay Volume`
field 438, which allows for selection of a tubing size (e.g.,
cross-sectional diameter or area) and a length between the outlet
176 of the flow cell 170 of the detector 122 and the inlet 186 of
the divert valve 184 of the fraction collector 124. The
cross-sectional area and length of tubing positioned between the
inlet 176 and the outlet 186 can allow for calculation of a delay
volume, which is explained in greater detail below.
[0072] The `System` screen 274 can further include a `UV Lamp`
field 440, which includes an `Auto Shutoff (min)` text field 442,
which allows a user to enter or select an amount of time the
detector lamp (UV or otherwise) will remain powered on before it
automatically is powered off by the controller 104. The `UV Lamp`
field 440 further includes an `Auto-zero runs` checkbox 444, which
can be selected to signify that the detector should be zeroed
before each chromatography run.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, the `Solvents` screen 276 includes a
list of solvent names (and their relative strengths (e.g.,
polarity) shown in parentheses after the solvent name). Selecting
the `Solvents` screen 276 in the `System Options` window 272
provides access to this list of solvents, which may be edited in
the `Solvents` screen 276, or which may be edited in a configurable
text file that the `Solvents` screen 276 accesses. Editing the list
of solvent names changes what is displayed in the drop-down menus
256 in the `General` screen 222. The list of solvent names and/or
the configurable text file can be in a table format, and in
addition to a list of solvent names, can also include solvent
properties, including, without limitation, at least one of density,
boiling point, melting point, molecular weight, water solubility,
chemical formula, vapor pressure, vapor density, etc.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, the `System Info` screen 278 displays a
variety of information about the chromatography system 100,
including the version of the chromatography system 100 and/or
software being used, copyright information, which version of
firmware for the pump 114 is being used, and the remaining hours of
operation for the radiation source in the detector 122. It should
be understood that the `System Info` screen 278 can be used to
display a variety of other parameters of the chromatography system
100.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, the `Control Panel` screen 280 includes
a variety of Windows control panel icons, which, when selected
(e.g., by double-clicking on the icon), allow access to a variety
of Windows features. For example, selecting a `Windows Explorer`
icon 446 allows the user to access a Window desktop. By way of
further example, selecting a `Stylus` icon 448 opens a calibration
window for calibrating the touch screen 138. Other standard Windows
control panel function icons can be added to the `Control Panel`
screen 280 without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 13B, the `Calibration` screen 281 includes
a `Rack Offset` field 450 and a `Pump` field 452. The `Rack Offset`
field 450 allows a user to adjust the position of the fraction
collector 124 relative to collection vessels 126 positioned in a
collection vessel stand 128 (i.e., perform x-y calibration of the
fraction collector 124), by changing the left-right position of the
fraction collector 124 and the back-front position of the fraction
collector 124 to prevent loss of any portion of the sample 101, and
to ensure that any fraction dispensed from the second outlet 190 of
the divert valve 184 of the fraction collector 124 is adequately
collected in a collection vessel 126. Such a calibration may be
necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, if the collection
vessels 126 and/or the collection vessel stand 128 used are
slightly outside of their manufacturing tolerances, or include
slight defects, the x-y calibration of the fraction collector 124
may be necessary.
[0077] The `Pump` field shows a volume per resolution value for the
pump 114 connected to the chromatography system 100. In some
embodiments, the user can enter or select this value. The user can
then select a `Calibrate` button 454, which sends information to
firmware in the pump 114 to tell the pump 114 its volume per
revolution. In some embodiments, firmware from the pump 114 tells
the controller 104 what its volume per revolution is, and this
value is displayed.
[0078] FIG. 14 illustrates the `Detection` screen 224 according to
one embodiment of the invention. The `Detection` screen 224
includes a `Collection Mode` field 300, a `Threshold (AU)` field
302, a `Slope Selectivity` field 304, a `Sample Savers` field 306,
and a `Rack Settings` field 308.
[0079] The `Collection Mode` field 300 includes four fraction
collection mode options, one of which can be selected by a user: a
`Collect All` mode 310, a `Slope` mode 312, a `Threshold` mode 314,
and a `Threshold & Slope` mode 316. In some embodiments, a
`Threshold or Slope` mode 315, as shown in FIG. 14B, can be
selected. The `Collect All` mode 310 allows all of the fractions of
the sample 101 to be collected without being separated, so that the
sample 101 is analyzed by the chromatography process and expelled
to the collection vessels 126 afterward.
[0080] The `Slope` mode 312 uses the slope of a curve on a
chromatogram 318 (described below) of the fractions to determine
when to separate the fractions. For example, if the slope of the
curve decreases below a certain value, it may signal a break, or a
boundary, between adjacent fractions, so the fraction collecting
software will separate the fraction after the slope decreases below
the predetermined amount. The controller 104 and/or the fraction
collecting software can then signal the fraction collector 124 to
stop dispensing the fraction to a collection vessel 126 and begin
dispensing to waste. By way of further example, if the slope of the
curve increases again above a certain value, it may signal the
beginning of a new fraction, and the controller 104 and/or fraction
collecting software can signal the fraction collector 124 to stop
pumping and switch the divert valve 184 to a "Drain" or "Waste"
position (i.e., corresponding with the first outlet 188), and move
to a new collection vessel 126. The divert valve 184 can then be
switched back to a "Collect" position (i.e., corresponding with the
second outlet 190) when the carriage 196 is positioned over a new
collection vessel 126, and the pumping can be resumed.
[0081] In some embodiments, the `Slope` mode 312 monitors the
incoming signal from the detector 122 as discrete data points. The
slope (in AU/min) is calculated between adjacent points. The slope
at each new incoming discrete data point is compared to a
collection of previous data points (e.g., a rolling average, etc.)
to determine if the slope at the new data point passes a comparison
test (e.g., if the slope at the new incoming data point exceeds
that of the previous six points by a certain amount, etc.). In some
embodiments, a plurality of tests can be performed for each new
data point, and the tests can be weighted to calculate a total
score for the new data point. The total score can be compared to
some threshold value to determine if the new data point is part of
a continuing peak, if the new data point is going out of a peak, or
if the new data point is part of a new peak, etc.
[0082] In some embodiments, the `Slope` mode 312 computes the slope
between a first new data point and a prior data point, and stores
this as `Slope 1,` for example. The `Slope` mode 312 then computes
the slope between a second new data point and the first new data
point, and stores this as `Slope 2.` Slope 2 and Slope 1 are then
compared to determine if the new data point is part of a continuing
peak, going out of a peak, or part of a new peak, etc.
[0083] The `Slope Selectivity` field 304 can be used to adjust how
the fraction collecting software will select peaks or ignore peaks.
The `Slope Selectivity` field 304 includes a sliding indicator 317
that can be moved between `More` and `Less` selective positions on
an axis 319. Moving the sliding indicator 317 along the axis 319 to
different steps along the axis 319 chooses a different set of
parameters for various tests that are performed for peak selection
based on slope. Accordingly, if a user wishes to collect more
fractions (i.e., be "less selective"), he/she can slide the sliding
indicator 317 using the stylus 140 or a fingertip to a lower
position on the axis 319 to collect more fractions, even those
having subtle peaks on the chromatogram. Accordingly, the fraction
collecting software will signal the fraction collector 124 to send
more fractions of the sample 101 to the collection vessels 126, and
fewer to waste. On the other hand, if a user wishes to collect
fewer fractions (i.e., be "more selective"), he/she can slide the
sliding indicator 317 to a higher position on the axis 319 to
collect only the fractions having well-defined peaks on the
chromatogram. Accordingly, the fraction collecting software will
signal the fraction collector 124 to send fewer fractions of the
sample 101 to the collection vessels 126, and more to waste. A peak
display 321 illustrates an example of a peak corresponding to each
position along the axis 319.
[0084] In some embodiments, the `Slope Selectivity` field 304 is
replaced with a `Slope Sensitivity` field 304b, as shown in FIG.
14B, and the sliding indicator 317b is movable along the axis 319b,
which is defined in units of absorbance units (AU)/min. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14B, the axis 319b runs from a lower
position of 0.005 AU/min. to an upper position of 1.000 AU/min., in
increments of 0.005 AU/min.
[0085] The `Threshold` mode 314 uses a baseline threshold value to
determine if a fraction is worth collecting or should be dispensed
to waste. For example, if a portion of the curve of the
chromatogram representing the sample 101 is below a threshold value
(in absorbance units (AU)), the controller 104 and/or the fraction
collecting software will direct the fraction collector 124 to
dispense the fraction of the sample 101 corresponding to that
portion of the curve to waste. By way of further example, if a
portion of the curve of the chromatogram is above a threshold value
of absorbance units, the controller 104 and/or the fraction
collecting software will direct the fraction collector 124 to
dispense the fractions to the collection vessels 126 until the
curve goes below the threshold value again. Thus, any fraction of
the sample 101 corresponding to a portion of the chromatogram that
is above a predetermined threshold of absorbance units will be
collected. However, the fractions will be collected together, and
will not be separated. The threshold value, in absorbance units
(AU), can be specified in the `Threshold (AU)` field 302. A user
can use the keyboard 130 to type a value into a threshold text
field 318, or a user can use incrementing buttons 320 to increase
or decrease the value displayed in the text field 318. In some
embodiments, the threshold value defaults to 0.100 AU.
[0086] The `Threshold & Slope` mode 316 includes a combination
of the `Slope` mode 312 and the `Threshold` mode 314. The
`Threshold & Slope` mode 316 will only collect fractions that
correspond to portions of the chromatogram that are above a
predetermined threshold value, and the fraction collector 124 will
separate the fractions and dispense each fraction into a new
collection vessel 126. The fraction collecting software will
separate the fractions based on the slope of the chromatogram, as
described above.
[0087] The `Threshold or Slope` mode 315 determines that fractions
will be collected if the parameters for the `Threshold` collection
mode are met or if the parameters for the `Slope` collection mode
are met.
[0088] The `Sample Savers` field 316 includes three checkboxes: a
`Collect Waste in Tubes` checkbox 322, a `Collect delay volume at
front of peak` checkbox 324, and an `Auto-extend run during peak
detection` checkbox 326. By checking the `Collect Waste in Tubes`
checkbox 322, the user specifies that all "non-peak" portions of
the sample 101 (i.e., portions of the sample 101 that are not
detected by the detector 122 as absorbing any radiation) will be
collected, and not sent a waste container. In some embodiments,
collection vessels 126 can be identified as containing "waste" or
"non-peak" material, and the fraction collector 124 can be
controlled to move to those collection vessels 126. For example, in
some embodiments, collection vessels 126 for collecting "non-peak"
material can be designated with black circles.
[0089] By checking the `Collect delay volume at front of peak`
checkbox 324, the user decides to collect a portion of a fraction
corresponding to when the detector 122 first noticed an increase in
absorbance in radiation. In many cases, the most pure (i.e., most
desirable) portion of a fraction of the sample 101 corresponds to a
point in time where the detector 122 first notices an increase in
absorbance of radiation, which corresponds to a front of a peak on
a chromatogram 370 (described below in greater detail). Because a
slope calculation needs more than one data point to determine the
slope of the absorbance detected by the detector 122, the slope can
be calculated by comparing a new absorbance data point with a prior
data point. If the `Collect delay volume at front of peak` checkbox
324 is checked, and a sufficiently increasing slope (based on the
settings of the fraction collecting software) has been found, the
fraction collecting software determines where the slope was first
increasing by checking previous slope calculations, and controls
the fraction collector 124 to collect a fraction beginning from
that point. Specifically, the "delay volume" refers to the volume
of fluid in the fluid path 112 between the outlet 176 of the flow
cell 170 of the detector 122 to the inlet 186 of the divert valve
184 on the fraction collector 124. The delay volume can be
calculated by knowing the length of tubing (or similar) used to
connect the outlet 176 to the inlet 186, and the cross-sectional
area of that tubing. In some embodiments, the chromatography system
100 is defaulted to send the delay volume at the front of a peak
that identifies a fraction to waste and continue collecting a
volume of fluid equal to the delay volume when collecting the
fraction at the back of the peak to ensure that the entire fraction
is collected. By checking the `Collect delay volume at front of
peak` checkbox 324, this default is overridden, and the delay
volume is not sent to waste.
[0090] By checking the `Auto-extend run during peak detection`
checkbox 326, the user is telling the chromatography system 100
that if the fraction collecting software has determined that the
fraction collector 124 should be collecting a fraction when the run
time for the chromatography run expires, the run should continue,
and the fraction collector 124 should continue dispensing the
fraction to a collection vessel 126 until the fraction collecting
software determines that the entire fraction has been collected,
based on whichever collection mode is being used.
[0091] The `Rack Settings` field 308 includes a `Current Rack:`
field 328, which displays the collection vessel stand 128 that is
currently positioned in the recess 202 of the housing 102 for
collecting fractions of the sample 101. The `Rack Settings` field
308 further includes a `Change . . . ` button 330. Selecting the
`Change . . . ` button opens a `Rack Settings` window 332, as shown
in FIG. 15.
[0092] FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of the `Rack Settings`
window 332, which includes a spreadsheet 334 of collection vessel
stand 128 information and specifications and from which a user can
highlight a collection vessel stand 128 of choice. A rack display
336 illustrates the rack that is currently highlighted in the
spreadsheet 334. The user can add rows to the spreadsheet, edit the
spreadsheet or delete rows from the spreadsheet to suit his/her
needs. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the collection vessel
stand 128 selection can be completed in a manner similar to the
manner in which the cartridge 120 and the solvents 115 are
selected, including a drop-down menu list that can be modified by
accessing a configurable text file. For example, in such
embodiments, a collection vessel stand configurable text file can
be accessed by selecting the `System Options . . . ` button 270 on
the `General` screen 222. Regardless of whether the collection
vessel stand options are listed in a spreadsheet or a configurable
text file (which can be in a table format), the list can include a
variety of data relating to the collection vessel stands 128,
including, without limitation, at least one of the following: an ID
no.; number of rows (i.e., if the collection vessel stand 128 is
configured as a grid); number of columns; maximum number of
collection vessels 126 that can be held; position or distance data
relating to the relative positions of the collection vessels 126 in
the rack and/or the position of the collection vessel stand 128 in
relation to the recess 202 of the housing 102 or the fraction
collector 124; cap volume (e.g., in mL); display description (i.e.,
the name given to the rack, which may be used in a drop-down menu,
for example); and travel type (e.g., a "0" in a `travel type` field
may refer to a serpentine travel path, meaning the fraction
collector 124 would increment through the collection vessel stand
128 by going down, over, up, over, down, and so on; a "1" may refer
to a travel path where the fraction collector 124 increments
through the collection vessel stand 128 by going down one column,
down the next column, and so on; etc.).
[0093] The `Rack Settings` window 332 further includes a `mL/Tube`
field 338, which allows the user to select a desired size of
collection vessel 126, and a `Start Tube` field 340, which allows
the user to select whether the fraction collector 124 should begin
dispensing fractions in the collection vessel 126 positioned in the
first position of the collection vessel stand 128, or if the
fraction collector 124 should begin dispensing fractions in the
first empty collection vessel 126.
[0094] The `Rack Settings` window 332 further includes a `Near End
of Rack Alert` field 342, which allows a user to program the
chromatography software to alert him/her when the fraction
collector 124 is a certain number of collection vessels 126 from
the end of what is available in the collection vessel stand 128.
The user can specify the number of collection vessels 126 prior to
the end of the collection vessel stand 128 he/she would like to be
alerted. The alert can include any combination of a variety of
audible and visible alerts. Visible alerts can be displayed on one
or more of the LCD screen 134 on the touchpad 132, or the monitor
136.
[0095] The `Rack Settings` window 332 further includes a `Close`
button 344, which can be selected when the user accepts or has
completed the information in the `Rack Settings` window 332.
Selecting the `Close` button 344 will return to the `Detection`
screen 224.
[0096] FIG. 16 illustrates the `Pump` screen 226 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The `Pump` screen 226 includes
an `Equilibration` field 346; a solvent gradient display chart 348;
a solvent gradient spreadsheet 350 including an `Insert` button 352
for inserting a row into the spreadsheet 350 and a `Delete` button
354 for deleting a row in the spreadsheet 350; a `Purification`
field 356, and a required solvent volume field 358.
[0097] The `Equilibration` field 346 includes a `Time` text field
360 and a `Flow Rate` text field 362, which allow a user to enter a
time and flow rate, respectively, for equilibration of the
chromatography system 100. An equilibration of the cartridge 120
will begin when a chromatography run is begun. Equilibrating the
cartridge 120 and the chromatography system 100 is well-known in
the art and therefore will not be discussed in greater detail
below.
[0098] The solvent gradient spreadsheet 350 allows a user to define
a solvent gradient 364 for a chromatography run. By filling out a
row in the solvent gradient spreadsheet 350, the user enters a
point in time in the chromatography run, an action at that point in
time, and a percent of one solvent 115 at that point in time. By
entering several rows, a user can define the relative amounts of
the solvents 115 at given points in time throughout a
chromatography run to define the solvent gradient 364, which is
displayed in the solvent gradient display chart 348. For example,
as shown in FIG. 16, solvent B is present at 10% for the first
three minutes of the run, then increases linearly to 60% at the
fifteen-minute mark of the run, and then increases linearly to 70%
at the seventeen-minute mark of the run.
[0099] The required solvent volume field 358 automatically updates
based on the solvent gradient 364 that is generated to tell the
user how much of each solvent 115 will be required to complete the
chromatography run. The required solvent volume field 358 also
includes a cartridge volume (or `column volume`; `CV`) flow rate
field 366. As is well-known in the art, CV is the amount of mobile
phase that fits in a packed cartridge 120. Accordingly, CV flow
rate is a flow rate (e.g., CV/min.) based on the flow rate of the
pump 114 (e.g., in mL/min), and the CV value associated with the
selected cartridge 120 (e.g., data automatically entered after
selection of the cartridge 120 that can be stored in the cartridges
configurable text file). Some users may wish to work in CV rate,
rather than pump flow rate. The CV flow rate field 366 tells how
much time (e.g., in minutes) it will take for the mobile phase to
pass through one cartridge 120, based on the CV flow rate.
[0100] FIG. 17 illustrates the `Chromatogram` screen 228 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. The `Chromatogram`
screen 228 displays a chromatogram 370 for a chromatography run as
it is generated during the run, and after the run is completed. The
`Chromatogram` screen 228 includes status bar 372 that displays the
values for various parameters at a given point in time. Some of the
values displayed in the status bar 372 can be selected to be
displayed in the status bar 372 or not by selecting or deselecting
corresponding checkboxes. The values that can be displayed in the
status bar 372 include absorbance units, time, flow rate, pressure,
% second solvent 115b, a number corresponding to which fraction of
the sample 101 is being charted in the chromatogram.
[0101] The status bar 372 further includes a `Threshold` indicator
377, a `Slope` indicator 379, and a `Collecting` indicator 381.
Each indicator 377, 379, 381 has three states: Green: triggered,
Red: not triggered, and Gray: inactive. If the collection mode
chose includes both of the threshold mode and the slope mode, both
corresponding indicators 377, 379 will be active. The `Slope`
indicator 379 is triggered and turns green when the chromatogram
370 begins to rise quickly enough, based on the `Slope Selectivity`
parameters selected in the `Detection` screen 224. When the
fraction collecting software has determined that the peak has
passed, the `Slope` indicator 379 is no longer triggered and turns
to red. Similarly, the `Threshold` indicator 377 turns green when
the chromatogram 370 reaches or exceeds the threshold absorbance
unit that was set in the `Threshold (AU)` field 302 in the
`Detection` screen 224. Whenever the chromatogram falls below this
threshold value, the `Threshold` indicator 377 turns red. The
`Collecting` indicator 381 turns green when the fraction passing
through the detector 122 will be collected, as determined by the
fraction collecting software. The actual collection is delayed
until the fraction reaches the divert valve 184 of the fraction
collector 124. The `Collecting` indicator 381 will turn green some
time before the divert valve 184 switches to the second outlet
190.
[0102] The `Chromatogram` screen 228 further includes a graphic
rack display 374 of the collection vessel stands 128 being used.
The graphic rack display 374 is dynamic and color-coded such that
the fraction of the sample 101 in each collection vessel 126 in the
collection vessel stand 128 can be matched up with a
similarly-colored color band 375 displayed in a lower portion of
the chromatogram 370 to visually determine which fraction is in
which collection vessel 126. Such `fraction mapping` allows facile
retrieval of a particular fraction of interest for storage or
further analysis. Color-coding fraction mapping can be accomplished
using a variety of software tools to match up the collection
vessels 126 with the corresponding portions of the chromatogram
370. For example, FRACTRAC.TM. fraction mapping software (available
from Analogix, Inc., Burlington, Wis.) can be used for this
purpose. Other types of matching or coding can be used in addition
to color-coding without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention, including, without limitation, patterns,
shading, etc.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 17, a fraction can take up more than one
collection vessel 126. In such embodiments, the user may wish to
consolidate all of the collection vessels 126 pertaining to one
fraction into one container. In some embodiments, the
chromatography system 100 allows for automatic consolidation of
fractions. This could be set to be performed automatically after
the completion of a run, or a user could instruct the
chromatography system 100 (e.g., via the graphical user interface
106) to consolidate the fractions. For example, after a run, the
user can instruct the chromatography system 100 to take all of the
collection vessels 126 pertaining to a first fraction and
consolidate them into one larger vessel. By way of further example,
perhaps the user is not interested in keeping a second fraction, so
he/she can instruct that the contents of all of the collection
vessels 126 pertaining to the second fraction be sent to waste, and
so on. Finally, the user can dispose of all of the used and empty
collection vessels 126 (or, in some embodiments, the chromatography
system may wash the collection vessels 126 for reuse).
Consolidation of the fractions by the chromatography system 100 can
save the user from having to perform all of the liquid handling
steps manually, which can be tedious and time-consuming.
[0104] The `Chromatogram` screen 228 further includes display
manipulation buttons 376. In some embodiments, the display
manipulation buttons 376 include toggle buttons 378 to control
whether the status bar 372, chromatogram 370 and/or graphic rack
display 376 are displayed. The display manipulation buttons 376
further include a chromatogram size adjustment button 380 that can
increase or decrease the amount of the `Chromatogram` screen 228
that is taken up by the chromatogram 370. The display manipulation
buttons 376 further include absorbance unit zoom buttons 382 for
zooming in and out on the y-axis of the chromatogram 370, and time
zoom buttons 384 for zooming in and out on the x-axis of the
chromatogram 370.
[0105] As described above, the static region 227 of the main window
221 is accessible from any of the four screens 222, 224, 226, 228
and includes the `Run` button 230. As shown in FIG. 18, the first
time the `Run` button 230 is selected, a `Run Summary` window 290
will open to display a summary of the method about to be run on the
chromatography system 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.
14, the summary includes the title of the method file, the
cartridge type, the collection vessel stand 128 chosen, the
fraction collection mode chosen, and the solvents 115 chosen. The
`Run Summary` window 290 can further include a `Continue` button
292 to begin the chromatography run (or to begin equilibrating the
chromatography cartridge 120), an `Abort` button 294 to abort the
chromatography run, and a `Do not show the Run Summary again`
checkbox 296. If the `Do not show the Run Summary again` checkbox
296 is checked, a chromatography run can be started by simply
selecting the `Run` button 230, and the `Run Summary` window 290
will not open prior to beginning the chromatography process.
[0106] If the `Continue` button 292 is selected in the `Run
Summary` window 290, an `Equilibrating Cartridge` window 386 will
open, as shown in FIG. 19, and the chromatography system 100 will
begin equilibrating the chromatography cartridge 120. The
`Equilibrating Cartridge` window 386 includes a time progression
bar 388 and a `Time Remaining` text field 390 to visually display
the progress of equilibration. The `Equilibrating Cartridge` window
386 further includes a `Skip` button 392, which, when selected,
allows the chromatography run to begin without completing
equilibration, and a `Pause` button 394, which, when selected,
allows at least one of the equilibration and the chromatography run
to be paused. After the `Pause` button 394 is selected, a `Resume`
button (such as the `Resume` button 404 shown in FIG. 20, described
below) and an `Abort` button (such as the `Abort` button 406 shown
in FIG. 20, described below) will appear, and the user can then
select whether he/she wishes to continue running the chromatography
process, or whether he/she wishes to abort the run.
[0107] When the `Continue` button 292 of the `Run Summary` window
290, or simply when the `Run` button 230 is selected (e.g., when
the `Do not show the Run Summary again` checkbox 296 has been
checked in the `Run Summary` window 290), the `Run` button 230
changes to a `Pause` button 295, as shown in FIG. 19. The `Pause`
button 295 can be selected at any time throughout the
chromatography process to pause the run. By pausing the run using
the `Pause` button 295, the user can edit any of the method file
and run settings "on-the-fly" before resuming the chromatography
run. Such "on-the-fly" editing provides flexibility in the
chromatography process and eliminates errors and wasted
chromatography runs by allowing the run to be paused and edited
before an error occurs. The `Pause` button 295 in the graphical
user interface 106 is only one way to implement "on-the-fly"
editing. The chromatography run can be paused using a variety of
other means, including, without limitation, a `Pause` button on the
touchpad 132, etc.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 20, an `Inject Sample` window 396 will open
when either the `Skip` button 392 is selected, or the cartridge 120
is finished equilibrating. The `Inject Sample` window 396 includes
an `SI Module Injection` instructions field 398 and a `Syringe
Injection` instructions field 400, which each include instructions
for injecting the sample 101 using the sample injector 116.
Alternatively, as described above, the sample 101 can be loaded
directly into the inlet 119 of the cartridge 120.
[0109] The `Inject Sample` window 396 further includes an
`Auto-zero UV detector at start of run` checkbox 402. If the
`Auto-zero UV detector at start of run` checkbox 402 is checked,
the detector 122, whether it is a UV detector or another type of
detector 122, will be zeroed (i.e., the baseline absorbance reading
will be zeroed) before proceeding with the chromatography run. The
`Inject Sample` window 396 further includes a `Resume` button 404
to continue with the chromatography run, and an `Abort` button 406
to abort the chromatography run.
[0110] FIG. 21 illustrates the touchpad 132 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The touchpad 132 includes the
LCD screen 134, a numeric keypad 408, a power indicator 410,
`Collect Now` controls 412, a `Zero Base` button 414, a gradient
hold button 416, a tube advance button 418, and a `Drain` button
420.
[0111] The numeric keypad 408 can be used to enter numeric data
into any of the text fields in the wizard program 220, enter
numeric data in or select items from menus in the LCD screen 134 on
the touchpad 132, or enter numeric data in any other word
processing or spreadsheet program associated with the controller
104. The numeric keypad 408 includes buttons enumerated from 0 to 9
and, a `CLEAR` button for clearing out a field, and a `BKSP` button
for deleting the last character entered. The power indicator 410
indicates when the fraction collector 124 is powered on.
[0112] The `Collect Now` controls 412 include a Collect Now `Start`
button 422 and a Collect Now `End` button 424. The `Collect Now`
function allows a user to override peak detecting software and the
absorbance data measured by the detector 122 to collect a fraction
that appears desirable or interesting based on the chromatogram,
but which normally would be sent to waste, based on the settings
and the collection mode of the fraction collecting software.
Pressing the Collect Now `Start` button 422 causes the controller
104 to send a signal to the fraction collector 124, and
particularly, to the divert valve 184 to send all of the fractions
of the sample 101 (in some embodiments, after the delay volume has
passed through the divert valve 184) out the second outlet 190 to
the collection vessels 126 to be collected, no matter what data has
been acquired from the detector 122. Pressing the Collect Now `End`
button 424 resumes the separation of the fractions of the sample
101 based on the settings and the collection mode of the fraction
collecting software. The `Collect Now` controls 412 can be used to
make sure that the sample 101 does not go to waste, and can be used
to override the fraction collecting software at the last minute, if
it is determined that a mistake was made in programming the
settings of the fraction collecting software. In some embodiments,
the `Collect Now` controls 412 include simply one toggle button
that can be pressed once to activate the `Collect Now` function,
and can be pressed a second time to disable the `Collect Now`
function.
[0113] The `Zero Base` button 414 allows a user to manually zero
the absorbance unit baseline in the detector 122. In some
embodiments, fractions from a previous sample may have been present
in the flow cell 170 of the detector 122 when the detector 122 was
zeroed using the wizard program 220 (i.e., by checking the
`Auto-zero UV detector at start of run` checkbox 402, as shown in
FIG. 20 and described above), causing inaccurate absorbance unit
measurements. In other embodiments, the `Auto-zero UV detector at
start of run` checkbox 402 may not have been checked, and the
detector 122 may not have been zeroed between runs. Accordingly,
the user can press the `Zero Base` button 414 on the touchpad 132
to zero the detector 122 after priming or flushing the fluid path
112. In still other embodiments, adding a solvent 115 that, even
slightly, absorbs radiation in the detector 122 during the
chromatography run may artificially increase the absorbance value.
The `Zero Base` button can be pressed to compensate for this.
[0114] The gradient hold button 416 can be used to override the
solvent gradient 364 that was generated using the `Pump` screen 226
of the wizard program 220. In some cases, the user may see a peak
on the chromatogram 370 of a fraction that is being collected at a
given solvent concentration, and the user may wish to override the
solvent gradient 364 that was originally generated to continue
collection of that peak. In that case, the user may press the
gradient hold button 416 to maintain a desired solvent
concentration. When the user presses the gradient hold button 416 a
second time, the solvent concentration will resume following the
originally generated solvent gradient 364. For example, with
respect to the solvent gradient 364 shown in FIG. 16, if the user
determined at the 8-minute mark to hold the solvent concentration
at about 30% of the second solvent 115b (% B in FIG. 16), he/she
would push the gradient hold button 416 at the 8-minute mark, and
the solvent gradient would follow a new curve, namely, a modified
solvent gradient 364b. According to the modified solvent gradient
364b shown in FIG. 16, the user pressed the gradient hold button
416 again at the twelve-minute mark. After the gradient hold button
416 is pressed a second time, the solvent concentration resumes
following the generated solvent gradient 364 by increasing from 30%
B to 50% B within 3 minutes, instead of 7 minutes (i.e., has a
greater slope between the 12-minute mark and the 15-minute mark to
"catch up" to the originally generated solvent gradient 364). As a
result, the gradient hold button 416 can function as a manual
override of the originally generated solvent gradient 364.
[0115] The tube advance button 418 can be pressed to advance the
fraction collector 124, and particularly, the carriage 196 of the
fraction collector 124 to the next collection vessel 126. This can
be used for a variety of purposes. In some embodiments, the tube
advance button 418 can be used as a safety measure if the user
observes that a collection vessel 126 may be about to overflow, for
example, if the collection vessel 126 was not completely empty when
it began to be filled. In some embodiments, the tube advance button
418 can be pressed when the user observes what appears to be a new
peak in the chromatogram 370, but which is not being detected as a
new peak by the fraction collecting software, based on the
collection mode and parameters that have been set. In such
embodiments, the user can press the tube advance button 418 to
begin collecting the new peak in a new collection vessel 126 to,
essentially, manually separate the fractions of the sample 101.
[0116] The drain button 420 can be pressed to tell the fraction
collector 124, and particularly, the divert valve 184 of the
fraction collector 124 to send all fractions of the sample 101 out
the first outlet 188 to waste. When the drain button 420 is
pressed, the fraction collecting software is overridden, and no
fractions are collected until the drain button 420 is pressed a
second time. The drain button 420 can be pressed a second time to
resume collecting fractions according to the settings in the
fraction collecting software.
[0117] The LCD screen 134 on the touchpad 132 can be used to
display current settings in the chromatography process relating to
programming a run, priming the chromatography system 100, and/or
running the chromatography system 100.
[0118] In operation, a user would power on the chromatography
system 100 and would open the chromatography programming software,
and particularly, the wizard program 220. The wizard program 220
would default to the `General` screen 222, and the user would have
the option of creating a new method file or loading an existing
method file, as described above. The user can then select the type
of cartridge 120 and solvents 115 to be used for the chromatography
run, and enter any notes into the text field 244 of the
`Description` field 242. The user can change various system
options, as described above, by selecting the `System Options . . .
` button 270, and the user can prime one or both of the pump heads
158a, 158b and enter or select the flow rate and volume of the
solvents 115 by selecting the `Prime Pumps . . . ` button 258. The
user can enter a sample identification into the `Sample ID` field
229, or the user can enable auto-sequencing by selecting the sample
ID wizard button 208, as described above with respect to FIG.
8B.
[0119] The user can then advance to the `Detection` screen 224 by
clicking on the `Detection` tab at the top of the main window 221
of the wizard program 200. The `Detection` screen 224 includes
default settings, and many users will not make adjustments to the
`Detection` screen 224, except to modify the `Rack Settings` field
308. However, any of the other fields in the `Detection` screen 224
can be modified, as described above.
[0120] The user can then advance to the `Pump` screen 226 by
clicking on the `Pump` tab at the top of the main window 221. The
user can generate a solvent gradient 364 by adding rows to the
solvent gradient spreadsheet 350, based on the sample 101 of
interest. The user can then modify the `Equilibration` parameters
in the `Equilibration` field 346 or the `Purification` flow rate in
the `Purification` field 356, as described above. The user can also
make note of the required amount of solvents 115, based on the
display in the required solvent volume field 358.
[0121] The user can then advance to the `Chromatogram` screen 228
by clicking on the `Chromatogram` screen 228 to run and monitor the
chromatography run. The `Chromatogram` screen 228 can also be used
to view previous results. If the user wishes to begin a
chromatography run, he/she can select the `Run` button 230 located
in the static region 227 of the main window 221. As mentioned
above, unless the `Run Summary` window option has been turned off,
after the user has selected the `Run` button 230, the `Run Summary`
window 290 will open and allow the user to review the run summary
and abort beginning the run by selecting the `Abort` button 294, if
desired, or continue the chromatography process by selecting the
`Continue` button 292. If the `Continue` button 292 is selected,
the chromatography system 100 will begin equilibrating the
cartridge 120, as shown in FIG. 19 and described above, which can
be skipped or paused by selecting the `Skip` button 392 or the
`Pause` button 394, respectively. In addition, the `Run` button 230
has now changed to the `Pause` button 395, and the `Pause` button
395 can be used to pause and restart the run or pause and abort the
run.
[0122] After the cartridge 120 has been equilibrated, or after
equilibration has been skipped, the `Inject Sample` window 396 will
open, and user can introduce the sample 101 into the chromatography
system 100 in two ways, as described above. After the sample 101
has been injected, the user can select the `Resume` button 404 to
resume the chromatography run, or the `Abort` button 406 abort the
chromatography run. If the user selects the `Resume` button 404,
the pump assembly 110 will move the solvents 115 from the
containers 125 to the mixing valve 113 to be mixed according to the
solvent gradient 364 specified to form the mobile phase of the
chromatography system 100, and pumped by the pump 114 through the
fluid path 112 and to the cartridge 120. The sample 101 will be
moved through the cartridge 120 with the mobile phase of the
chromatography system 100, passed the stationary phase 121. The
sample 101 will be separated into fractions based on the relative
affinities of the fractions in the sample 101 for the mobile phase
and the stationary phase 121. The fractions will then be directed
from the outlet 123 of the cartridge 120 to the inlet 174 of the
flow cell 170 of the detector 122, where the fractions of the
sample 101 will be identified and distinguish.
[0123] Based on the reading from the detector 122, a chromatogram
370 displaying the absorbance of radiation of each fraction will be
created in the `Chromatogram` screen 228 of the wizard program 220
of the graphical user interface 106. Based on the parameters and
collection mode chosen of the fraction collecting software, the
fraction collecting software will determine when one fraction ends
and a new fraction begins. As fractions pass through the flow cell
170, and out the outlet 176 of the flow cell 170, the fractions are
directed to the divert valve 184 of the fraction collector 124, and
either sent to waste via the first outlet 188, or sent out of the
nozzle 198 to a collection vessel via the second outlet 190,
depending on the signals received from the controller 104, based on
the fraction collecting software.
[0124] When a new fraction is detected, the arm and/or the carriage
196 of the fraction collector 124 will index to a new collection
vessel 126 to collect the newly identified fraction in a new
collection vessel 126. The fraction collector 124 will also index
to a new collection vessel 126 when one collection vessel 126 is
almost fall, based on the data stored in the chromatography
programming software regarding the type of collection vessel 126
and collection vessel stand 128 being used. As shown in FIG. 17,
the graphic rack display 374 in the `Chromatogram` screen 288 will
show the relationship (i.e., fraction mapping) between the contents
of the collection vessels 126 and the peaks of the chromatogram
370.
[0125] Various features and aspects of the invention are set forth
in the following claims.
* * * * *