Holder for capillary tube

Abstract

A holder for a capillary tube comprising: a housing having a passageway for receiving a capillary tube; and a clamping mechanism configurable between: an engaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to hold, in use, a capillary tube receivable in the passageway; and a disengaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to allow, in use, insertion / removal of a capillary tube in the passageway; and a release mechanism operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and movable between a first position in which the clamping mechanism is configured to be in said engaged state and a second position in which the clamping mechanism is configured to be in said disengaged state, wherein the release mechanism is configured to bias the clamping mechanism towards the engaged state, wherein the passageway in the housing comprises an end stop configured to abut, in use, an end of a capillary tube inserted in the passageway.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder for a capillary tube and a method of using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to atmospheric solids analysis probes (ASAP). Such probes and associated instruments for use with ASAP are provided by a number of manufacturers including Waters Corporation of Milford, Massachusetts, USA.

[0003] ASAPs are useful and relatively inexpensive tools for use in the direct analysis of volatile and semi-volatile, solid and liquid samples and can be used in the analysis of specialty chemicals, synthetic polymers, energy sources and foodstuffs.

[0004] The sample is introduced into an ion source housing (e.g. an API source) where the sample is volatilised using a heated gas (such as nitrogen) and then ionised using, for example, a corona discharge needle. The ionised sample can then be analysed in a mass spectrometer.

[0005] The sample is introduced into the source by loading the sample onto the tip of a capillary tube. The capillary tube can comprise a conventional glass capillary tube. The capillary tube can be a tube with an open end or a solid rod.

[0006] The capillary tube is delicate and susceptible to contamination. In order to ensure reliable and accurate analysis, the tip of the capillary tube must be inserted into the source in a repeatable manner.

[0007] In order to aid loading of the capillary tube into the source, it is known to provide a holder comprising a clamping mechanism for holding the proximal end of the capillary tube (opposite the tip at the distal end which carries the sample) in the capillary tube holder. This can provide a more robust method for the user to handle the capillary tube and can also aid in guiding the capillary tube into the source. The capillary tube holder and / or the source instrument can comprise a guide mechanism to ensure correct alignment of the capillary tube when loading the capillary tube into the source. SUMMARY

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide an improved holder for a capillary tube.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a holder for a capillary tube comprising:

[0010] a housing having a passage for receiving a capillary tube;

[0011] a clamping mechanism configurable between:

[0012] an engaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to hold, in use, a capillary tube receivable in the passage; and

[0013] a disengaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to allow insertion / removal of a capillary tube in the passageway in use; and

[0014] a trigger operatively associated with the clamping mechanism configured to change the clamping mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state by insertion of a capillary tube into the passageway.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the trigger is configured to change the clamping mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state by engagement of a capillary tube with the trigger.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the holder further comprises a release mechanism operatively associated with the clamping mechanism configured to change the clamping mechanism from the engaged state to the disengaged state upon user operation of the release mechanism.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the holder is configured to eject a capillary tube held in the passageway as the release mechanism changes the clamping mechanism to the disengaged state.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the release mechanism is movable between a first position in which the clamping mechanism is configured to be in the engaged state and a second position in which the clamping mechanism is configured to be in the disengaged state.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the release mechanism is biased toward the first position.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a carriage translatable received in the housing, the trigger comprises a plunger arranged in the carriage and configured to protrude from the carriage and to be received in the passageway when the carriage is in the second position and to be held in the carriage when the carriage is in the first position.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the plunger is biased to protrude from the carriage.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises:

[0023] a clamping arm pivotably mounted to the housing at a first end and pivotably mounted to the release mechanism at a second end; and

[0024] a clamping element mounted to the clamping arm between the first end and the second end.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the clamping element is pivotably mounted to the clamping arm.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the clamping element comprises a capillary tube engagement tooth at each of the first end and the second end of the clamping element.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the clamping element comprises a leaf spring.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the passage is at least partially defined by an aperture of the housing.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the holder further comprises a capillary tube, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured, in the engaged state, such that at least a portion of the capillary tube is substantially retained in the passage.

[0030] The present invention further provides a method of retaining a capillary tube in a holder, the holder comprising: a housing having a passage; a clamping mechanism configured in a disengaged state; and a trigger operatively associated with the clamping mechanism, the method comprising:

[0031] inserting the capillary tube into the passage;

[0032] using the trigger to change the clamping mechanism from the disengaged state to an engaged state to retain the capillary tube in the passage.

[0033] The present invention further provides a method of ejecting a capillary tube from a holder, the holder comprising: a housing having a passage for receiving the capillary tube; a clamping mechanism configured in an engaged state to retain the capillary tube received in the passage; and a trigger operatively associated with the clamping mechanism, the method comprising:

[0034] changing the clamping mechanism from the engaged state to a disengaged state to allow removal of the capillary tube from the passage.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises ejecting the capillary tube from the passage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] Figure 1 An exploded view of a holder for a capillary tube embodying the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 A holder of Figure 1 is shown with a portion of the housing removed;

[0039] Figure 3 A holder of Figure 2 is shown from a different angle;

[0040] Figure 4 An exploded view of a clamping mechanism and release mechanism assembly of a holder embodying the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 5 different perspectives; Figure 4 components of the

[0042] Figure 6 a)-d) illustrate the step of loading a capillary into a capillary holder embodying the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7a and Figure 7b illustrate the step of ejecting a capillary from a capillary holder in use.

[0044] Figure 8a and Figure 8b illustrate another holder for a capillary according to another arrangement disclosed herein;

[0045] Figure 9 illustrate another holder for a capillary according to another arrangement disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The accompanying drawings illustrate a holder 1 for a capillary embodying the present invention.

[0047] The holder 1 comprises a housing 2 having a passageway 4 for receiving a capillary 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 comprises two parts: a housing body 3a and a housing cover 3b. The passageway 4 can be defined within the housing body 3a. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the main components of the holder (the clamping mechanism 20, the trigger 50 and the release mechanism 40, described below) are arranged in the housing body 3a, although this is not essential. In one embodiment not shown, part of the passageway 4 can be defined by a channel in the housing body 3a, while another part of the passageway 4 can be defined by a corresponding channel in the housing cover 3b, such that when the housing cover 3b is assembled on the housing body 3a, the passageway 4 is formed by the two channels. The passageway 4 can be sized to receive capillaries in a range of diameters. In at least one embodiment, the diameter of the passageway 4 is still small enough to prevent a capillary in the passageway from being significantly misaligned, which would otherwise impede proper abutment of the capillary with the trigger.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figure 2 the passageway 4 is defined by a series of axially aligned guide apertures 5a, 5b, 5c in the housing body 3a.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 3a includes two locating pins 6 that are receivable in two corresponding locating apertures (not shown) on the housing cover 3b. Also, the housing body 3a includes two apertures 7 through which assembly screws 8 can be inserted and received in corresponding threaded apertures in the housing cover 3b (not shown) to hold the housing 2 together. The locating pins 6 ensure proper assembly and alignment of the housing body 3a and the housing cover 3b.

[0050] As described below, both the housing body 3a and the housing cover 3b include slots 9a, 9b that provide access to the release mechanism 40 when the housing 2 is assembled.

[0051] The housing 2 (in the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 3a) includes a port 10 on the front surface 15 of the holder 1 to receive the capillary tube 100 into the passageway 4.

[0052] The holder 1 further includes a clamping mechanism 20. As described below, the clamping mechanism 20 can be configured between an engaged state, in which the clamping mechanism 20 is configured to hold, in use, a capillary tube 100 receivable in the passageway 4 (see Fig. 1 a); and a disengaged state, in which the clamping mechanism 20 is configured to allow, in use, insertion and / or removal of a capillary tube 100 in the passageway 4 (see Fig. 1 b). Figure 2 Figure 6

[0053] The clamping mechanism 20 includes a clamping arm 21 and a clamping element 25. A first end 22a of the clamping arm 21 is pivotably mounted to the housing 2. The clamping element 25 is mounted to the clamping arm 21 between the first end 22a and a second end 22b of the clamping arm 21. The clamping element 25 can be pivotably mounted to the clamping arm 21. In at least one embodiment, the clamping element 25 includes a capillary tube engagement tooth 26 at each of a first end and a second end of the clamping element 25. Each tooth 26 can include a claw (or detent) sized to generally correspond to the outer profile of the capillary tube 100. In use, when the tooth 26 of the clamping element 25 engages the capillary tube 100, axial movement of the capillary tube 100 (along the passageway 4) can be substantially prevented. The tooth 26 of the clamping element 25 can urge the capillary tube 100 against the surface of the passageway 4, which can create sufficient friction to substantially prevent removal of the capillary tube 100.

[0054] The claw of each tooth 26 can be "v" shaped. In at least one embodiment, the tooth 26 is configured to substantially automatically center the capillary tube when the capillary tube is clamped. This can allow the holder to accommodate capillary tubes of various diameters and / or cross sections. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping element 25 includes a leaf spring. The arms 27 of the leaf spring extending from the middle of the leaf spring to each end of the leaf spring are resilient. In use, as the clamping arm 21 is rotated (clockwise, along​​Figure 2 As the leaf spring deforms, the force exerted by the teeth 26 onto the capillary 100 increases. This increase in force can cause the leaf spring to at least partially deform, which in turn increases the force exerted by the teeth 26 onto the capillary 100.

[0055] The leaf spring can be configured so that it flexes and absorbs the increase in reaction force change and thereby reduces the risk of damaging or breaking the capillary. The leaf spring can also be configured to accommodate variations in tolerances of the parts, compression spring force, and capillary diameter.

[0056] The leaf spring can be configured so as to ensure that it provides a suitable capillary clamping force while minimizing any plastic deformation upon repeated actuation.

[0057] Providing two teeth 26 spaced apart from each other can facilitate proper alignment of the capillary with respect to the passage 4.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 26 of the clamping element 25 are arranged so as to be receivable in the space formed between a series of guide apertures 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, if the clamping mechanism is in the engaged stage but there is no capillary in the passage, the teeth 26 can be used to prevent insertion of a capillary into the passage until the clamping mechanism is reset to the disengaged stage.

[0060] The holder 1 further comprises a release mechanism 40 operatively associated with the clamping mechanism 20. The release mechanism 40 is configured to change the clamping mechanism 20 from the engaged state to the disengaged state by user operation of the release mechanism 40.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the release mechanism 40 comprises a carriage 41 that is translatably received within the housing 2 and constrained to move between a first position (a) and a second position (b) in the housing 2. In the first position, a button portion 42 of the carriage 41 is substantially flush with the outside of the housing 2. In the first position, the clamping mechanism 20 is configured to be in the engaged state. In the second position of the carriage 41, the button portion 42 can be substantially flush with the bottoms of the slots 9a, 9b in both the housing body 3a and the housing cover 3b. In the second position of the release carriage 41, the clamping mechanism 20 is configured to be in the disengaged state. Figure 2 Figure 6 The release mechanism 40 further comprises a spring 43 configured to bias the carriage 41 toward the first position. In at least one embodiment, the release mechanism 40 and / or the housing 2 are configured so that at least one mechanical stop or other feature prevents the carriage 41 from being ejected through the slots 9a, 9b in the housing 2. At least one alignment feature can further be provided that ensures smooth linear translation of the carriage 41 within the housing 2.

[0062] The release mechanism 40 further comprises a spring 43 configured to bias the carriage 41 toward the first position. In at least one embodiment, the release mechanism 40 and / or the housing 2 are configured so that at least one mechanical stop or other feature prevents the carriage 41 from being ejected through the slots 9a, 9b in the housing 2. At least one alignment feature can further be provided that ensures smooth linear translation of the carriage 41 within the housing 2.

[0063] ​The second end 22b of the clamp arm 21 is pivotably mounted to the carriage 41 of the release mechanism 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot connection is a floating connection, comprising a pin 44 disposed in a slot 45. The pin 44 is provided at the second end 22b of the clamp arm 21 and is disposed in the slot 45 provided in the carriage 41. This is because the first end 22a of the clamp arm 21 is pivotably mounted to the housing 2, while the carriage 41 of the release mechanism 40 is constrained for linear motion. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the floating pivot connection is necessary to ensure smooth operation of the assembly. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements are possible. For example, at least one end of the clamp arm 21 can be telescoping, such that the second end 22b can be pivotably attached to the carriage 41 without the pin 44 and slot 45 arrangement. Alternatively, the carriage 41 can be mounted to allow arcuate motion.

[0064] It will be appreciated that as the carriage 41 translates relative to the housing 2, the clamp arm 21 will rotate. In doing so, the clamp element 25 moves towards or away from the capillary tube 100.

[0065] In its natural state, the spring 43 of the release mechanism 40 urges the carriage 41 into the first position, such that the clamp mechanism 20 is configured to be in the engaged state to hold the capillary tube 100 receivable in the passage 4. To change the clamp mechanism 20 to the disengaged state, the user must apply a force to the release mechanism 40, for example by engaging their finger or thumb with the button portion 42 and overcome the force provided by the spring 43. In doing so, the carriage 41 then translates towards the second position, causing the clamp mechanism 20 to change to the disengaged state.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 43 is associated with the carriage 41. It will be appreciated that the spring 43 can be associated with the clamp mechanism 20 in another manner, for example by being disposed between the housing 2 and the clamp arm 21. Alternatively, a torsion spring can be associated with the pivot connection of the first end 22a of the clamp arm 21 and the housing 2.

[0067] The holder 1 further comprises a trigger 50 operatively associated with the clamp mechanism 20, which is configured to change the clamp mechanism 20 from the disengaged state to the engaged state by inserting the capillary tube 100 into the passage 4.

[0068] In at least one embodiment, the trigger 50 is configured to change the clamp mechanism 20 from the disengaged state to the engaged state by engaging the capillary tube 100 with the trigger 50. In at least one embodiment, the trigger 50 operates by engaging the proximal end 101 of the capillary tube 100 with the trigger 50.

[0069] The trigger 50 includes a plunger 51 that is disposed in the carriage 41 and is biased by means of a plunger spring 52 to protrude from the front face 46 of the carriage 41. When a force greater than the biasing force of the plunger spring 52 is applied to the plunger 51, the plunger 51 can be depressed so as to be inside the carriage 41. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 51 includes a barrel 53 that can be received in a plunger aperture 54 in the carriage 41. As shown in Figure 4 the barrel 53 can be removed / adjusted from the rear of the carriage 41.

[0070] When the carriage 41 is in the first position, the plunger 51 is depressed in the carriage 41 so as not to protrude therefrom. As shown in Figure 6 a)-c) and Figure 7b When the carriage 41 is in the second position, the plunger 51 is urged by the plunger spring 52 to protrude from the carriage 41 and be received in the passageway 4. In at least one embodiment, the diameter of the plunger 51 is equal to or less than the diameter of the passageway 4. The diameter of the plunger 51 can be the same as or different from the diameter of the capillary 100.

[0071] When the carriage 41 is translated by the user from the first position to the second position (against the force of the spring 43), the plunger 51 is aligned with the passageway 4 and the plunger spring 52 urges the plunger 51 into the passageway 4. This serves to effectively hold the carriage 41 in the second position so that it will remain in the second position even when the user removes the force from the release mechanism 40. This is shown in Figure 6 a) of FIG. 17. The holder 1 is effectively ready to receive the capillary 100.

[0072] The user can now load the capillary 100 into the holder 1 by inserting the capillary 100 into the port 10 and passing the capillary 100 through the passageway 4 in the housing. See Figure 6 b) of FIG. 17. The port 10 can include a chamfer to help align the capillary during insertion.

[0073] As the capillary 100 travels through the passageway 4, one end of the capillary 100 (i.e., the proximal end 101 opposite the distal end 102 used to hold a sample) will engage the distal end of the plunger 51. See Figure 6 c) of FIG. 17. At this point, the user can apply additional force to the capillary 100 to overcome the spring force of the plunger spring 52. When they do so, the plunger 51 will begin to push into the carriage 41. When the plunger 51 is substantially fully pushed into the carriage 41, it no longer protrudes into the passageway 4 and thus no longer serves to lock the carriage 41 in the second position. At this point, the energy stored in the spring 43 of the release mechanism 40 causes the carriage 41 to travel to the first position, changing the clamping mechanism 20 to the engaged state. The capillary 100 is then substantially held in the passageway 4 with the clamping mechanism 20, see Figure 6 d) of FIG. 17.

[0074] The spring force of the plunger spring 52 can be optimized to minimize the force required to be applied by the user to insert the capillary tube, to reduce the chance of capillary tube breakage or damage. At the same time, the spring force can be high enough so that the spring force of the main spring 43 does not accidentally force the plunger down even without contact with the capillary tube.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1 1, the holder 1 can further comprise a bearing seat 1 1 mounted in the housing 2. The bearing seat 1 1 presents a bearing surface 12 opposite the front surface 46 of the carriage 41. The bearing seat 1 1 comprises a guide aperture 13 axially aligned with the guide apertures 5a, 5b, 5c of the housing body 3a to collectively define the passage 4. As shown in FIG. 1 1, the plunger 51 can be received in the bearing seat guide aperture 13 in use. Figure 2 Figure 7b As shown in FIG. 1 1, the plunger 51 can be received in the bearing seat guide aperture 13 in use.

[0076] The bearing seat 1 1 can be formed of a reduced friction and / or self-lubricating material, such as PEEK, Vespel, or acetal. As will be appreciated from the above description, as the carriage 41 translates between the first position and the second position, the plunger spring 52 continues to bias the plunger 51 outwardly. Thus, the tip of the plunger 51 is biased into engagement with the bearing surface 12 of the bearing seat 1 1. The provision of the bearing seat 1 1 serves to reduce the friction that would otherwise be experienced if the tip of the plunger 51 were to slide along the surface of the housing body 3a, which can be metal.

[0077] The plunger can at least partially comprise stainless steel. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger, or at least the tip thereof, can be constructed of a reduced friction material, such as nylon or polyacetal.

[0078] In at least one embodiment, the extent to which the plunger protrudes from the front surface 46 of the carriage 41 is configured so as to mitigate the effects of any tolerance stack-up variations and friction variations in the capillary tube holder without significantly increasing the capillary tube insertion force.

[0079] The bearing seat 1 1 can be removable and replaceable when significant wear occurs. The bearing seat 1 1 determines the extent of inward translation of the plunger 51 required before the carriage 41 is released to travel from the second position to the first position. Thus, the length of the portion of the capillary tube 100 received in the holder 1 can be equal to the distance from the bearing surface 12 of the bearing seat 1 1 to the front surface 15 of the housing 2.

[0080] ​One benefit of this arrangement is that the trigger 50 causes the clamping mechanism 20 to change to the engaged state when the proximal end 101 of the capillary 100 is at a predetermined position relative to the housing / passageway. Thus, for a plurality of capillaries, the relative positioning of the capillary in the holder is repeatable. Thus, for a given length of capillary 100, the length of the capillary 100 portion protruding from the holder will be repeatable. Thus, at least a portion of the housing 2 of the holder 1, for example the front face 15, can act as a reference point during subsequent insertion of the capillary 100 into an ion source instrument. If a particular portion of the holder 1 engages with a particular portion of the instrument, this serves to ensure that the distal tip 102 of the capillary will be positioned in an exact position relative to the instrument.

[0081] The length of the capillary protruding from the holder can be configured such that it is long enough to allow the user to dip the capillary into the sample / wipe the capillary with the sample. The length can be configured such that it is suitable to reach the bottom of most commercially available vials / sample bottles. The protruding length can be 70mm.

[0082] Another benefit of this arrangement is that at the point at which the plunger 51 is depressed into the carriage 41 and / or the spring 43 of the release arrangement 40 causes the carriage 41 to move from the second position to the first position, an audible "click" can be produced which serves to confirm to the user that the capillary 100 has been correctly installed and retained in the holder 1. This movement can also create a vibration in the housing 2 to provide the user with haptic feedback that the capillary 100 is correctly loaded. In effect, the arrangement can be substantially "foolproof" in that it only secures the capillary in the holder if it is correctly inserted.

[0083] Once the capillary 100 is installed into the holder 1 and retained by the holder 1, the assembly can be handled manually by the user as required.

[0084] To remove the capillary 100 from the holder 1, the user must actively engage the release mechanism 40. To do this, the user applies a force to the button portion 42 of the carriage 41, overcoming the force of the spring 43, in order to begin moving the carriage 41 from the first position to the second position (see Figure 7a ). As the carriage 41 reaches the second position, the plunger 51 is substantially aligned with the passageway 4. The energy in the plunger spring 52 is then released, causing the plunger 51 to protrude from the carriage 41 and into the passageway 4 (see Figure 7b ).

[0085] The holder can be used single-handedly. The holder can be substantially symmetrical about a plane, allowing for left and right handed use.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, the release of the energy stored in the plunger spring 52 for engaging the proximal end 101 of the capillary 100 is relatively fast. In at least one embodiment, the force stored in the plunger spring 52 causes the capillary 100 to be ejected from the passageway 4. In at least one embodiment, the energy stored in the plunger spring 52 is sufficient to cause the capillary 100 to be ejected completely from the holder 1. Conveniently, this allows the user to eject the capillary 100 from the holder 1 into a waste container without the user having to touch the capillary 100, which can carry harmful substances and / or be relatively hot.

[0087] In embodiments in which no ejection force is provided, removal of the capillary from the holder can be achieved by simply tilting the holder upwards and relying on gravity.

[0088] In the described embodiment, the trigger comprises a plunger arranged coaxially with the capillary. In another embodiment, the trigger can take other forms. The trigger can comprise a cam member which projects into the passageway and which comes into contact with the capillary as it passes through the passageway. Movement of the cam member can in turn activate the plunger or another trigger mechanism. Alternatively, a plunger can be provided which translates transversely to the direction of travel of the capillary.

[0089] Figure 8a and Figure 8b An alternative holder 200 for a capillary is shown, comprising: a housing 202 having a passageway 204 for receiving a capillary 100; and a clamping mechanism 220 which is configurable between: an engaged state in which the clamping mechanism 220 is configured to hold, in use, a capillary 100 receivable in the passageway 204; and a disengaged state in which the clamping mechanism 220 is configured to allow, in use, insertion / removal of a capillary 100 in / from the passageway 204; and a release mechanism 240 which is operatively associated with the clamping mechanism 220 and is movable between a first position in which the clamping mechanism 220 is configured to be in the engaged state and a second position in which the clamping mechanism 220 is configured to be in the disengaged state, wherein the release mechanism 240 is configured to bias the clamping mechanism 220 towards the engaged state, wherein the passageway 204 in the housing 202 comprises an end stop which is configured to abut, in use, an end of a capillary 100 inserted in the passageway.

[0090] It will be noted that, Figure 8a and Figure 8b the holder 200 shown in Figures 1 to 7a and Figure 7b is substantially similar to the holder 1 shown in

[0091] Figure 8a and Figure 8bThe retainer 200 includes a housing 202 having a passage 204 for receiving the capillary 100. Figures 1 to 7a and Figure 7b Like the retainer 1 shown, the housing 202 may include two parts, such as the body and the housing cover.

[0092] The retainer 200 includes a clamping mechanism 220, which has a clamping mechanism 220 with ... Figures 1 to 7a and Figure 7b The clamping mechanism 20 shown has essentially the same features. Therefore, the clamping mechanism 220 may include a clamping arm 221 and a clamping element 225.

[0093] The retainer 200 further includes a release mechanism 240. The release mechanism 240 is operatively associated with the clamping mechanism 220 and movable between a first position and a second position, in which the clamping mechanism 220 is configured in an engaged state (e.g., Figure 8b As shown in the diagram), in the second position, the clamping mechanism 220 is configured to be in a disengaged state (as shown in the diagram). Figure 8a (as shown in the image).

[0094] The release mechanism 240 further includes a spring 243 configured to bias the release mechanism 240 into a first position.

[0095] and Figures 1 to 7a and Figure 7b The release mechanism 40 shown is the same. Figure 8a and Figure 8b The release mechanism 240 of the retainer 200 includes a carriage 241. The carriage 241 and... Figures 1 to 7a and Figure 7b The carriage 41 shown is essentially the same, but does not further include the trigger arrangement.

[0096] The carriage 241 includes a generally flat front surface 246. Surface 246 serves as an end stop at the end of the passage 204. Surface 246 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the passage 204. (As will be...) Figure 8a and Figure 8b As seen in the diagram, surface 246 provides an end stop at the end of passage 204, regardless of the configuration of clamping mechanism 220. This conveniently provides a reference point defining the end of passage 204. Therefore, when a user inserts capillary 100 into passage 204, assuming capillary 100 has a known length, a predetermined length of capillary 100 will be received inside passage 204, and the predetermined length of capillary 100 will extend from retainer 200.

[0097] As the release mechanism 240 is configured to bias the clamping mechanism 220 towards the engaged state, in order to load the holder 200 with a capillary tube 100, the user must first exert a manual force on the button portion 242 to overcome the spring force of the spring 243. As shown in Figure 8a When the button portion 242 is fully depressed and the release mechanism is in the second position, the user can insert a capillary tube into the passage 204 until the end of the capillary tube 100 abuts the surface 246 of the carriage 241. At this point, the user can then remove or reduce the manual force exerted on the button portion 242. When the force from the spring 243 is greater than the manual force exerted by the user on the button portion 242 in the opposite direction, the carriage 241 translates towards the first position. When it does so, the clamping mechanism 220 engages with and holds the capillary tube 100 in the passage 204.

[0098] Figure 9 Another holder 300 according to an alternative arrangement is shown. The holder 300 comprises a housing 302 having a passage 304 for receiving a capillary tube 100. The passage 304 comprises a blind aperture such that a predetermined portion of the capillary tube 100 can be received in the passage 304 before it abuts the end of the passage 304.

[0099] The holder 300 further comprises a clamping mechanism 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping mechanism 320 comprises two annular recesses 324 adjacent the passage 304. Two O-rings 325 can be received in the recesses 324. The inner diameter of the O-rings 325 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the capillary tube 100 to be received therein.

[0100] As the capillary tube 100 is received into the passage 304, it passes through the inner diameter of the O-rings 325, which causes them to deform. The O-rings 325 are effectively trapped within the recesses 324 and so cannot be easily removed. As the capillary tube 100 is further inserted into the passage 304, it will pass through both O-rings 325 until the distal end of the capillary tube 100 abuts the end of the passage 304. The O-rings 325 serve to hold the capillary tube 100 in the passage 304, requiring a manual force above a predetermined level in order to remove the capillary tube 100 from the passage 304.

[0101] The holder 300 provides a convenient arrangement to hold a capillary tube 100 in the holder 300 such that a predetermined length of the capillary tube protrudes from the holder 300.

[0102] Although two O-rings 325 and recesses 324 are shown, other arrangements are of course possible. There can be one or three or more O-rings 325. Other means of clamping the capillary tube 100 in the passage 304 are envisaged.

[0103] Representative features are set forth in the following clauses, alone or in any combination with one or more features disclosed in the specification and / or drawings.

[0104] When used in the following description and claims, the terms "comprise" and "comprising", and variations thereof, mean including but not limited to.

[0105] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of one or more features, be utilised in the practice or realization of the present application.

[0106] While certain example embodiments of the application have been described, these have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description only. The scope of the appended claims should not be limited to only these embodiments. The claims should be interpreted in the broadest manner allowing for equivalents and alternative language to be used in connection with features recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A holder for a capillary tube, comprising: a housing having a passageway for receiving a capillary tube; and a clamping mechanism configurable between: an engaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to hold, in use, a capillary tube receivable in the passageway; and a disengaged state in which the clamping mechanism is configured to allow, in use, insertion / removal of a capillary tube in the passageway; and a release mechanism comprising a carriage translatable received in the housing and operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and movable between a first position in which the clamping mechanism is configured to be in the engaged state and a second position in which the clamping mechanism is configured to be in the disengaged state, wherein the release mechanism is configured to bias the clamping mechanism towards the engaged state, wherein the passageway in the housing comprises an end stop provided by a surface of the carriage configured to abut, in use, an end of a capillary tube inserted in the passageway. The carriage comprises a substantially planar front surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the passageway. The holder is configured to eject a capillary tube held in the passageway as the release mechanism changes the clamping mechanism to the disengaged state.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein, The release mechanism is biased towards the first position.

3. Retainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The clamping mechanism comprises:

4. The holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a clamping arm pivotably mounted to the housing at a first end and pivotably mounted to the release mechanism at a second end; and 5. The holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a clamping element mounted to the clamping arm between the first end and the second end. The clamping element is pivotably mounted to the clamping arm. The clamping element comprises a capillary tube engaging tooth at each of a first end and a second end of the clamping element.

6. The holder of claim 5, wherein, The clamping element comprises a leaf spring.

7. The retainer of claim 5, wherein, The passageway is at least partially defined by an aperture of the housing.

8. The retainer of claim 5, wherein, The holder further comprises a capillary tube, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to be in the engaged state such that at least a portion of the capillary tube is held substantially in the passageway.

9. The holder of claim 1 or 2, wherein, a housing having a passageway for receiving a capillary tube; 10. The holder of claim 1 or 2, wherein, a clamping mechanism configured to be in an engaged state to hold the capillary tube received in the passageway; 11. A method of decoupling a capillary from a holder, the holder comprising: and a release mechanism comprising a carriage translatable received in the housing and operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and configured to bias the clamping mechanism towards the engaged state, wherein the passageway in the housing comprises an end stop provided by a surface of the carriage configured to abut, in use, an end of a capillary tube inserted in the passageway, the method comprising: applying a force greater than a biasing force used to bias the clamping mechanism towards the engaged state to the release mechanism to change the clamping mechanism from the engaged state to a disengaged state to allow removal of the capillary tube from the passageway. The method comprises ejecting the capillary tube from the passageway. ​ 12. The method of claim 11, wherein, ​ 13. A method of retaining a capillary in a holder, the holder comprising a housing having a passageway, a clamping mechanism, and a release mechanism, the release mechanism comprising a carriage translatable received in the housing and operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and configured to bias the clamping mechanism toward an engaged state, the method comprising: applying a force to the release mechanism greater than a biasing force used to bias the clamping mechanism toward the engaged state to move the clamping mechanism toward a disengaged state; inserting a capillary into the passageway; removing the force used to move the clamping mechanism toward the disengaged state to retain the capillary in the passageway, wherein the passageway in the housing comprises an end stop provided by a surface of the carriage configured to abut an end of a capillary inserted in the passageway in use.

14. A method of retaining a capillary in a holder, the holder comprising a housing having a passageway, a clamping mechanism, and a release mechanism, the release mechanism comprising a carriage translatable received in the housing and operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and configured to bias the clamping mechanism toward an engaged state, the method comprising: applying a force to the release mechanism greater than a biasing force used to bias the clamping mechanism toward the engaged state to move the clamping mechanism toward a disengaged state; inserting a capillary into the passageway; removing the force used to move the clamping mechanism toward the disengaged state to retain the capillary in the passageway, wherein the passageway in the housing comprises an end stop provided by a surface of the carriage configured to abut an end of a capillary inserted in the passageway in use.

15. A method of retaining a capillary in a holder, the holder comprising a housing having a passageway, a clamping mechanism, and a release mechanism, the release mechanism comprising a carriage translatable received in the housing and operatively associated with the clamping mechanism and configured to bias the clamping mechanism toward an engaged state, the method comprising: applying a force to the release mechanism greater than a biasing force used to bias the clamping mechanism toward the engaged state to move the clamping mechanism toward a dis

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