Patent Publication Number: US-2021190243-A1

Title: Collet, devices, and methods for installation of fluidic conduits to fluidic components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application, Appl. No. 62/953,043, filed Dec. 23, 2019, the content of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to fluidic fittings, particularly the installation of fluidic conduits such as tubes, including capillary tubes or other types of conduits to a fluidic fitting or other type of fluidic component. As one example, the invention may be applied to chromatographic instrumentation in which a column is installed to a fluidic fitting associated with a sample inlet, a detector, etc. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Chromatography (e.g., gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC)) involves the use of chromatographic columns. A chromatographic column is configured to subject a sample flowing through the column to chromatographic separation. That is, as the sample flows through the column, different chemical compounds of the sample from each other, and elute from the outlet of the column as “bands”. The separated bands (chemical compounds) then flow to an appropriate detector, which detects and quantitatively measures the bands. The electrical output signal from the detector is then processed to generate a chromatogram, in which the bands appear as “peaks” (measured signal intensity) over time. The sample is conducted through the column while being carried by (or dissolved in) a gas mobile phase (in the case of GC) or liquid mobile phase (in the case of LC). The mobile phase is a solvent or a mixture of two or more solvents. The column contains a stationary phase formulated to interact with the sample. The different affinities the different chemical compounds have for the stationary phase, or the different relative affinities each chemical compound has for the mobile phase on the one hand and the stationary phases on the other hand, forms the basis for the chromatographic separation. As such, the column plays a critical role in the successful operation of the chromatographic instrument in analyzing the sample. Such columns are typically fused silica or metal tubes and are capillary-sized, typically having inside diameters on the order of micrometers (μm). 
     A column is installed in a chromatography instrument by connecting (fluidly coupling) one end of the column to a sample inlet (e.g., a “GC inlet” in the case of GC) and the other end to a detector configured to detect the separated chemical compounds. The connection between the column and a sample inlet or detector is typically made by compressing and deforming a ferrule to form fluidic seals between the ferrule and a column nut, and between the ferrule and the column. 
     Widely known difficulties attend the conventional installation of a column, which involves utilizing known fluidic coupling devices (in particular, column nuts). To realize optimal and acceptable performance, there are several common requirements for the installation of a column end. One requirement is that the column end needs to be squarely and cleanly cut. Another requirement is that the column end needs to extend out from the tip of the ferrule by a certain distance, referred to herein as a “designated axial distance” or “designated column end distance,” so that the column end will be positioned in the correct location in the fluidic component to which the column is to be installed. There are many different types of fluidic components, particularly sample inlets and detectors, to which the column may need to be connected. Examples of sample inlets include a split/splitless inlet, a purged-packed inlet, a Multimode Inlet (MMI) device (available from Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., USA), etc. Examples of detectors include a flame ionization detector (FID), a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), an electron capture detector (ECD), a flame thermionic detector (FTD), a flame photometric detector (FPD), a mass spectrometer (MS) (e.g., MSD instruments available from Agilent Technologies, Inc.), an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), etc. Each type of sample inlet or detector requires a specific (value of the) designated axial distance (e.g., 1.5 millimeters (mm), 5 mm, 13 mm, etc.) to achieve the best analytical results. Moreover, there are several types of ferrule materials, such as pure graphite, metal, a Vespel® polymer, and Vespel® polymer-graphite composites. There are also several types of column nuts, such as the standard type of column nut (of which there are many variations), a self-tightening column nut, a Capillary Flow Technology (CFT) device (available from Agilent Technologies, Inc.), etc. 
     All of the foregoing variations make column installation very complicated. For instance, it can be difficult to rotate the column nut and maintain the above-noted designated axial distance at the same time, all the while fighting gravity and the stresses in the column that are pulling on the column. If pure graphite or metal ferrules are utilized, they can be pre-swaged onto the column and thereby often stay in position during the installation process. The column may then be properly trimmed to achieve the correct designated axial distance for the particular fluidic component. However, the pre-swaging process is very delicate, requiring a trained technician and nonetheless prone to error. Moreover, a ferrule made of a Vespel® polymer or a Vespel® polymer-graphite composite cannot be pre-swaged at all, because this type of ferrule material would spring back to its original dimensions and thus not grasp the column. This would cause sliding and repositioning of the ferrule on the column, which may or may not be discovered by the user. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is an ongoing need for new and/or improved devices or apparatuses, and methods for installing tubes, including columns, as part of making a leak-free fluidic coupling. 
     SUMMARY 
     To address the foregoing problems, in whole or in part, and/or other problems that may have been observed by persons skilled in the art, the present disclosure provides methods, processes, systems, apparatus, instruments, and/or devices, as described by way of example in implementations set forth below. 
     According to one example, a collet for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling includes a cap and a conduit grasper. The cap comprises: a cap comprising an outer lateral cap surface and a collet engagement component configured to engage a fluidic coupling device; a conduit grasper comprising an outer grasper surface; a collet bore extending through the cap and the conduit grasper along a collet axis; and a collet slot extending along the collet axis, and extending radially from the collet bore to the outer lateral cap surface and to the outer grasper surface, wherein the conduit grasper has a toroidal shape about the collet axis, and is composed of a flexible material such that the conduit grasper is compressible in response to a force applied to the outer grasper surface. 
     According to another example, a collet for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling includes: a cap; and a conduit grasper. The cap comprises: a first cap end surface; a second cap end surface spaced from the first cap end surface along a collet axis; a cap bore extending along the collet axis from the first cap end surface to the second cap end surface, the cap bore comprising a threaded cap section; an outer lateral cap surface extending from the first cap end surface to the second cap end surface and surrounding the cap bore; and a cap slot extending along the collet axis from the first cap end surface to the second cap end surface, and extending radially relative to the collet axis from the cap bore to the outer lateral cap surface. The conduit grasper comprises: a first grasper end surface; a second grasper end surface axially opposing the first grasper end surface; a grasper bore extending from the first grasper end surface to the second grasper end surface; an outer grasper surface extending from the first grasper end surface to the second grasper end surface and surrounding the grasper bore; and a grasper slot extending axially from the first grasper end surface to the second grasper end surface, and extending radially from the grasper bore to the outer grasper surface. The conduit grasper is configured to be disposed in (e.g., integral with, or inserted into) the cap bore such that the grasper bore is aligned with the cap bore on the collet axis. The conduit grasper is composed of a flexible material such that the grasper bore is compressible in response to a force applied to the outer grasper surface. 
     According to another example, a fluidic coupling device for installing a conduit includes: a conical cavity configured to receive an outer grasper surface of a collet according to any of the examples disclosed herein; a conduit nut body comprising a first axial nut end and a second axial nut end spaced from the first axial nut end along a device axis; a nut bore extending through the conduit nut body from the first axial nut end to the second axial nut end; and a first nut engagement component disposed at the first axial nut end, and configured to engage a fluidic component configured to receive the conduit. 
     According to another example, a fluidic coupling assembly includes: a fluidic coupling device according to any of the examples disclosed herein; and a conduit extending through the collet bore and into the nut bore, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conical cavity, and the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     According to another example, a fluidic coupling device includes: a conduit nut body elongated along a device axis, and comprising a first axial nut end and a second axial nut end spaced from the first axial nut end along the device axis; a nut bore extending through the conduit nut body from the first axial nut end to the second axial nut end, the nut bore comprising a conical nut section disposed at the second axial nut end, wherein the conical nut section is configured to contact an outer grasper surface of a collet according to any of the examples disclosed herein; a first nut engagement component disposed at the first axial nut end, and configured to engage an engagement component of a fluidic component configured to receive a conduit; and a second nut engagement component disposed at the second axial nut end, and configured to engage a collet engagement component of the collet. 
     According to another example, a fluidic coupling assembly includes: a fluidic coupling device according to any of the examples disclosed herein; and a conduit extending through the collet bore and into the nut bore, wherein an outer grasper surface of the conduit grasper is in contact with the conical nut section, and the conduit grasper is in contact with the conduit in the collet bore. 
     According to another example, a fluidic coupling device includes: a conduit nut body elongated along a device axis, and comprising a first axial nut end and a second axial nut end spaced from the first axial nut end along the device axis; a nut bore extending through the conduit nut body from the first axial nut end to the second axial nut end; a first nut engagement component disposed at the first axial nut end, and configured to engage an engagement component of a fluidic component configured to receive a conduit; a second nut engagement component disposed at the second axial nut end; and an adapter comprising an adapter bore, a first adapter engagement component configured to engage the second nut engagement component, and a second adapter engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component, wherein the adapter bore comprises a conical adapter section configured to contact the outer grasper surface. 
     According to another example, a fluidic coupling assembly includes: a fluidic coupling device according to any of the examples disclosed herein; and a conduit extending through the collet bore and the adapter bore, and into the nut bore, wherein an outer grasper surface of the conduit grasper is compressed against the conical adapter section, and the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     According to another example, a method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device includes: providing a collet according to any of the examples disclosed herein, the collet comprising a cap, a conduit grasper, and a collet bore; removably engaging the cap with the fluidic coupling device, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the fluidic coupling device; passing the conduit through the collet bore and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device; and after the engaging and the passing, securing an axial position of the conduit by axially translating the cap in a first direction relative to the fluidic coupling device to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the fluidic coupling device, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     According to another example, a method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device includes: providing a collet according to any of the examples disclosed herein, the collet comprising a cap, a conduit grasper, and a collet bore; providing an adapter comprising an adapter bore; removably engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device; removably engaging the cap with the adapter, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the adapter; passing the conduit through the collet bore and the adapter bore, and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device; and after the engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device, after the engaging the cap with the adapter, and after the passing, securing an axial position of the conduit by axially translating the cap in a first direction relative to the adapter to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the adapter, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     In an example of any of the methods disclosed herein, the method includes making a fluid coupling assembly. Here, the passing comprises passing the conduit through the device bore such that an end section of the conduit protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device, the end section terminating at a conduit end. The method further includes: after the securing, inserting the conduit end into a component bore of a fluidic component, and coupling the fluidic coupling device to the fluidic component. 
     In an example of any of the methods disclosed herein, the method further includes, after the securing, removing the cap. 
     In an example of any of the methods disclosed herein, the cap is removed by: axially translating the cap in a second direction opposite to the first direction to disengage the collet engagement component from the engagement component of the fluidic coupling device; and moving the cap away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through the cap slot. 
     According to another example, a kit for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling includes: a fluidic coupling device according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and configured to be coupled to a fluidic component configured to receive a conduit; and a collet according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and configured to be coupled to the fluidic coupling device. 
     According to another example, a kit for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling includes: a fluidic coupling device according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and configured to be coupled to a fluidic component configured to receive a conduit; an adapter according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and configured to be coupled to the fluidic coupling device; and a collet according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and configured to be coupled to the adapter. 
     According to another example, a chromatograph apparatus or system includes: a conduit comprising a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet; a fluidic component according to any of the examples disclosed herein; and a fluidic coupling device according to any of the examples disclosed herein, wherein the fluidic coupling device couples at least one of the conduit inlet or the conduit outlet to the fluidic component. In an example, the chromatograph apparatus or system includes at least a first fluidic coupling device coupled to the conduit inlet and a second fluidic coupling device coupled to the conduit outlet. In an example, the fluidic coupling device(s) may be coupled or assembled according to any of the methods disclosed herein. 
     In any of the examples disclosed herein, the toroidal shape of the conduit grasper may have one of the following configurations: a cylinder (e.g., a straight cylinder); a cylinder, wherein the outer grasper surface comprises a conical grasper section, and the conduit grasper is compressible in response to a force applied to the conical grasper section; and a torus (e.g., like an o-ring). 
     Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an example of a gas chromatograph (GC) system or apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic perspective view of an example of a column nut as may be utilized as, or as part of, a fluidic coupling device. 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the column nut illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic elevation view of an example of a fluidic coupling assembly to which the presently disclosed subject matter may be applied. 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the fluidic coupling assembly illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic top perspective view of an example of a collet (or collet assembly) according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 4A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is a schematic top plan view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 4A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 4A , taken along line  4 D- 4 D in  FIG. 4C , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic top perspective view of an example of a collet according to another example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 5A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic perspective view of an example of a conduit nut as may be utilized as, or as part of, a fluidic coupling device according to another example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conduit nut illustrated in  FIG. 6A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a fluidic coupling assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic top perspective view of an example of a collet according to another example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 8A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8C  is a schematic top plan view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 8A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the collet illustrated in  FIG. 8A , taken along line  8 D- 8 D in  FIG. 8C , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic top perspective view of an example of an adapter according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 9A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9C  is a schematic top plan view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 9A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 9A , taken along line  9 D- 9 D in  FIG. 9C , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic perspective view of an example of a fluidic coupling assembly according to another example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the fluidic coupling assembly illustrated in  FIG. 10A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic top perspective view of an example of an adapter according to another example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 11A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11C  is a schematic top plan view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 11A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 11A , taken along line  11 D- 11 D in  FIG. 11C , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  is a schematic perspective view of an example of a fluidic coupling assembly according to another example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the fluidic coupling assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12A , according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, or additionally in a fluidic component, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, or additionally in a fluidic component, according to another example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a non-exclusive example of an operating environment to which the presently disclosed subject matter may be applied. Specifically,  FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an example of a gas chromatograph (GC) system or apparatus  100 , also referred to simply as a gas chromatograph or GC, according to a representative example. Gas chromatography and instrumentation utilized in the implementation of gas chromatography are generally understood by persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the GC  100  and certain components thereof are described only briefly herein as needed for facilitating an understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. The GC  100  is but one non-exclusive example of a system or apparatus in which the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented. 
     The GC  100  may generally include a GC inlet (or GC inlet device)  104 , a GC column  108 , a heating device (or column heater)  112 , and a detector  116 . The GC  100  may also include a sample introduction device (e.g., sample injector)  120  and a carrier gas source (or carrier gas supply device)  124 . The GC  100  may further include a system controller or computing device (e.g., hardware, firmware, software, user input and output interface devices, etc., not shown) for controlling various components of the GC  100  (e.g., for controlling operating parameters such as fluid pressure, flow rate, temperature programming, etc.; timing of operations such as sample injection, etc.), as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. The GC  100  may further include a power source (not shown) to provide electrical power to one or more power-consuming components of the GC  100  such as the system controller, the heating device  112 , etc. 
     The sample introduction device  120  may be any device configured for introducing by, for example, injecting a sample into the GC inlet  104 . The carrier gas source  124  supplies a flow of an inert carrier gas or gases (e.g., helium, nitrogen, argon, and/or hydrogen) to the GC inlet  104  via a carrier gas line at a regulated flow rate and/or pressure. The carrier gas serves as a chemically inert mobile phase that facilitates transport of the sample through the GC column  108 , as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. The carrier gas source  124  can also supply gas that does not flow through the column  108 , such as split vent flow in a split/splitless inlet, septum purge flow, etc., as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. 
     The GC inlet  104  is configured to introduce the sample to be analyzed into the carrier gas flow. The GC inlet  104  includes ports communicating with the sample introduction device  120 , the carrier gas source  124 , and the head of the column  108 . Examples of the GC inlet  104  include, but are not limited to, a split/splitless inlet, a purged-packed inlet, a Multimode Inlet (MMI), etc. 
     The detector  116  may be any detector suitable for detecting the separated chemical compounds bands (i.e. analytes of a sample introduced into the inlet of the column  108 ) as they elute as “bands” or “peaks” from the outlet of the column  108 . Examples of such a detector include, but are not limited to, a flame ionization detector (FID), thermal conductivity detector (TCD), electron capture detector (ECD), flame thermionic detector (FTD), flame photometric detector (FPD), etc. In some examples, the detector  116  is, or is part of, an analytical instrument such as, for example, a mass spectrometer (MS), an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), etc. Thus in some examples the GC system  100  may be a hyphenated system such as a GC-MS or GC-IMS system. The detector  116  may also be schematically representative of a data acquisition system, display/readout device, and other components associated with generating chromatograms and spectra as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. 
     The GC  100  may include a housing  128  that encloses the column  108  (and possibly all or part of the GC inlet  104  and/or heating device  112 ). The housing  128  may include one or more doors enabling access to the column  108  and other components and features located in the interior of the housing  128 . In some examples, the housing  128  is or includes a temperature-programmable GC oven, and the heating device  112  is configured for heating the interior of the GC oven through which the column  108  extends. In other examples, the heating device  112  may directly heat the column  108 . A predetermined temperature profile may be implemented, for example, for balancing parameters such as elution time and measurement resolution. 
     The column  108  typically is a small-bore tube (e.g., with an inside diameter on the order of tens or hundreds of micrometers (μm)) composed of a glass (e.g., fused silica) or metal. The column  108  has a column length from one column end serving as a column inlet  132  to the other column end serving as a column outlet  136 . Typical column lengths range from 5 m to 100 m while typical column inside diameters range from 50 μm to 530 μm. The column  108  may have an outer coating of polyimide or another material to strengthen and protect the column  108 . The column may include an inner coating or coatings to deactivate the column  108 . The column  108  may include a stationary phase appropriate for GC that typically lines or coats the inside surface of the column  108 . The stationary phase may be, for example, a layer of liquid or polymer having a formulation effective for chromatographic separation and supported on an inert substrate, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. As illustrated, the column  108  may be coiled into a single-loop or multi-loop configuration to accommodate a desired length between the column inlet  132  and the column outlet  136  while minimizing the size of the housing  128 . The column  108  may be supported in a fixed position in the housing  128  between the GC inlet  104  and the detector  116 , by employing suitable mounting components (not shown) that typically engage the coiled portion of the column  108 . In some examples, the column  108  shown in  FIG. 1  may schematically represent two or more distinct columns, arranged in series and/or in parallel via appropriate fluidic couplings (unions, tee connections, etc.). The GC system  100  may in some examples be configured for multi-dimensional GC sample runs as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. 
     A general example of operating the GC system  100  to analyze a sample is as follows. The carrier gas source  124  is operated to establish a flow of carrier gas under desired (predetermined) flow conditions (pressure, flow rate, etc.) through the GC inlet  104 , the column  108 , and the detector  116 , referred to as column flow. The period of time starting with sample injection, followed by the flow of the sample through the column  108  and the arrival of the separated bands at the detector  116  (i.e. the elution of the analytes of interest from the column  108 ), may be referred to as the sample run time. The column flow (or pressure) may be held constant or ramped throughout the sample run time. The heating device  112  is operated to heat the column  108  to a predetermined initial column temperature. During the sample run time, the heating device  112  is operated to maintain the column temperature at a predetermined or set point value, or to vary the column temperature according to a predetermined temperature profile or program, as prescribed by the particular method (chromatography run) being implemented. The sample introduction device  120  is operated to inject a sample into the carrier gas stream flowing through the GC inlet  104  to produce a mixture of the sample and the carrier gas. The internal gas pressure at the head of the column  108  drives the sample/carrier gas mixture through the column  108 , during which time the different analytes of the sample interact with the stationary phase in the column  108  with different degrees of affinity. This results in the different analytes becoming separated from each other along the length of the column  108 , which ultimately results in the different analytes eluting from the column outlet  136 , and thereafter reaching the detector  116 , at different times (i.e., in sequence—e.g., first analyte A, then analyte B, then analyte C, etc.), with analyte molecules of the same type (i.e., the same chemical compound) eluting together as a “band” or “peak.” The detector  116  detects the different analytes as they arrive at the detector  116 , operating on a detection/measurement principle that depends on the type of detector being employed (FID, MS, etc.). The detector  116  outputs electrical signals (analyte detection/measurement signals) to the system controller, which conditions and processes the signals as needed to produce a chromatogram, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. 
     The ends of the column  108  (column inlet  132  and column outlet  136 ) are fluidly connected to the GC inlet  104  and detector  116 , respectively, by fluid-tight fluidic coupling assemblies  140  and  144 . Examples of making fluidic couplings at the column ends according to the present disclosure are described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A to 14 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic perspective view of a known example of a column nut  200  as may be utilized as, or as part of, a fluidic coupling device configured to install a column (e.g., the column  108  described above) in a GC inlet, detector, or other fluidic fitting.  FIG. 2B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the column nut  200 . The column nut  200  generally includes a (typically cylindrical) column nut body  204  elongated along a longitudinal device axis L. The column nut body  204  includes a first axial nut end  208 , a second axial nut end  212  spaced from (axially opposite to) the first axial nut end  208  along the device axis L, and outer lateral nut surface  216  extending from the first axial nut end  208  to the second axial nut end  212 . A nut bore  220  extends through the column nut body  204  from the first axial nut end  208  to the second axial nut end  212 . The nut bore  220  is sized to allow the column  108  to be passed therethrough. A nut engagement component  224  is disposed at the first axial nut end  208 , and is configured to engage a fluidic component configured to receive the column  108  and in which the column  108  is to be installed. Typically and as illustrated, the nut engagement component  224  is an externally threaded nut section disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral nut surface  216 , and which is configured to engage an internally threaded section of the fluidic component to which the column nut  200  is to be coupled. 
     The column nut  200  further includes an external nut engagement component  228  configured to facilitate rotation of the column nut body  204  by a user, which may involve the use of a tool such as a wrench. Typically and as illustrated, the external nut engagement component  228  is a cylindrical section of polygonal (e.g., hexagonal, etc.) perimeter disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral nut surface  216 . That is, the perimeter is defined by a number of adjoining flat surfaces (“flats”) such as wrench flats. Alternatively or additionally, the external nut engagement component  228  may include one or more gripping members (e.g., radially outward extending wings, ribs, handles, or the like, or knurling, flats, etc.) configured to facilitate rotation of the column nut body  204  by the user, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,119,638, titled FLUIDIC COUPLING DEVICES, ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATED METHODS, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     The column nut  200  further includes a nut end surface  232  located at or near the first axial nut end  208 , which typically annularly surrounds an end of the nut bore  220 . The nut end surface  232  is utilized to contact (abut) an end (typically the flat end) of a ferrule slid onto the column  108 , such that axial translation of the column nut  200  imparts an axial force on the ferrule, as described further below. 
     The column nut  200  as described above and illustrated  FIGS. 2A and 2B , when considered alone, may be representative of commercially available column nuts. However, the column nut  200  may be according to examples of the present disclosure. For example, the nut engagement component  224  may be an internally threaded nut section defining at least part of the nut bore  220 , and configured to engage an externally threaded section of the fluidic component. Alternatively or additionally, the column nut  200  may include another (second) nut engagement component configured to engage a collet as disclosed herein. For example, the second nut engagement component may be external and configured to engage an internal engagement component of the collet, as described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A to 7 . In another example, the second nut engagement component may be internal and configured to engage an external engagement component of the collet, as described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 8A to 8D . The column nut  200  may be further or differently modified as disclosed herein. 
     It will be understood that the column nut  200  as illustrated may represent a simplified example of a column nut. Some examples of the column nut  200  may include additional components and/or features configured to enhance performance, such as a movable piston, one or more springs, one or more internal ferrules and/or compression rings, etc. Examples of the column nut  200  include, but are not limited to, the standard type of column nut and its many variations (of which the illustrated column nut  200  is an example), a self-tightening column nut, a Capillary Flow Technology (CFT) device, etc. Some specific examples of a column nut configured to exhibit a self-tightening attribute, and to which the presently disclosed subject matter may be applied in the manner described herein, are described in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 10,119,638. 
       FIG. 3A  is a schematic elevation view of an example of a fluidic coupling assembly  300  to which the presently disclosed subject matter may be applied.  FIG. 3B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the fluidic coupling assembly  300 . The fluid coupling assembly  200  may be made at either end of the column  108 , or two such fluid coupling assemblies  200  may be made at the respective ends of the column  108 . Accordingly, the fluid coupling assembly  200  may, for example, correspond to the fluid coupling assembly  140  and/or the fluid coupling assembly  144  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the present context, the fluidic coupling assembly  300  generally may be considered as including the column  108 , the column nut  200 , a ferrule  336 , and a fluidic component  340 . For illustrative purposes, the components of the fluidic coupling assembly  300  are considered to be generally arranged along a longitudinal device axis L of the fluidic coupling assembly  300 . As used herein, terms such as “axial” and “axially” relate to the device axis L (or a collet axis C described below), unless specified otherwise. 
     Generally, the fluidic component  340  is any component configured to receive the column  108  such that, after the column  108  is coupled to the fluidic component  340 , a fluid flow path is defined from the lumen of the column  108  to an interior fluidic portion (e.g., conduit, channel, chamber, another chromatographic column, etc.) of the fluidic component  340 , or to an interior fluidic portion of a device of which the fluidic component  340  is a part or to which the fluidic component  340  is attached. As non-exclusive examples, the fluidic component  340  may be, or be a part of (e.g., as a tube fitting), a GC inlet (e.g., the GC inlet  104  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) or a detector (e.g., the detector  116  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in particular, the inlet of such detector). For example, depending on the example or application, an end of the column  108  may fluidly communicate with a liner or chamber of a GC inlet, or with a flow cell, sample probe, or ion source of a detector, etc. One or more inside surfaces or walls of the fluidic component  340  define a component bore  344  that receives the column  108  during assembly of the fluidic coupling assembly  300 . A part of the inside surface or wall defining (or communicating with) the component bore  344  is an inside tapered (e.g., conical) surface  348  that interfaces with the ferrule  336  in a manner described below. Another part of the inside surface or wall defining (or communicating with) the component bore  344  is a fluidic component engagement section  352 , which is an internally threaded section, and which interfaces (threadedly engages) with the column nut  200  during assembly. 
     The ferrule  336  has a ferrule body extending axially from a (typically flat) ferrule rear surface  356  to a ferrule tip  360 . At least a portion of the ferrule body that terminates at the ferrule tip  360  is tapered (e.g., conical), while the remaining portion of the ferrule body is typically cylindrical. Accordingly, at least a portion of the outside surface of the ferrule  336  is an outside tapered (e.g., conical) surface  364 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the angle of the outside tapered surface  364  is typically different (smaller relative to the device axis L) than the angle of the inside tapered surface  348  of the fluidic component  340 . The ferrule  336  further has a central ferrule bore  368 , which extends axially through the ferrule body from the ferrule rear surface  356  to the ferrule tip  360 . The ferrule  336  is composed of a material that is sufficiently deformable to allow the ferrule  336  to deform and be compressed against the inside tapered surface  348  and the outside surface of the column  108 , in response to an application of an appropriate force. Examples of ferrule materials include pure graphite, polyimide, a composite or mixture of graphite and polyimide, and various metals. 
     A general example of making the fluid coupling assembly  300 —i.e., installing the column  108  into the fluidic component  340 —in the typical, conventional manner, is as follows. The column  108  is passed through the central nut bore  220  of the column nut  200  to extend beyond the column nut  200 , such that one column end  372  of the column  108  (the column end that is to be fluidly coupled to the fluidic component  340  or its associated device) is located at some distance from the corresponding end (the top end, from the perspective of  FIG. 3B ) of the column nut  200 . The ferrule  336  is then installed on the column  108  from the column end  372 , such that the ferrule rear surface  356  abuts the nut end surface  232  of the column nut  200 , and the column  108  passes through the ferrule bore  368  to extend beyond the ferrule tip  360 . At some point in the assembly process, the column end  372  is (preferably) squarely and cleanly cut by an appropriate technique. 
     After the foregoing steps have been taken, the pre-assembly constituting the column  108 , the column nut  200 , and the ferrule  336 , is axially aligned with the component engagement section  352  of the fluidic component  340 , so that the column  108  (column end  372  first) and ferrule  336  are able to be inserted into the component bore  344  of the fluidic component  340  (and possibly fully through and beyond the component bore  344  as in the illustrated example, depending on the configuration of the fluidic component  340  or its associated device). The nut engagement component  224  of the column nut  232  is then threaded into the component engagement section  352  of the fluidic component  340 . The column nut  200  is then rotated (relative to the fluidic component  340 , which typically remains stationary), thereby causing the column nut  200  and ferrule  336  to be axially translated together into the component bore  344 . In particular, rotation of the column nut  200  causes the outside tapered surface  364  of the ferrule  336  to be axially translated toward, and eventually into contact with, the inside tapered surface  348  of the component bore  344 . 
     At this point, before the ferrule  336  (specifically the inside wall of the ferrule  336  defining the ferrule bore  368 ) is urged into gripping contact with the column  108  via further rotation of the column nut  200 , the column  108  may be axially translated back and/or forth to attempt to locate the column end  372  ideally at a certain designated (or specified, predetermined, desired, etc.) axial distance D from the ferrule tip  360 . This distance D depends on the type (e.g., a specific commercially available make and model) of the fluidic component  340  or its associated device (e.g., a specific commercially available make and model of a GC inlet, detector, fluidic fitting, fluidic union, etc.). After the designated axial distance D is reached, the column nut  200  is further rotated, whereby the axially translating ferrule  336  contacts the inside tapered surface  348  of the fluidic component  340  with a contact force sufficient to deform and compress the ferrule  336 . Due to the tapered geometry of the ferrule  336 , the corresponding reactive force imparted by the inside tapered surface  348  of the fluidic component  340  has a force component normal to the outside tapered surface  364  of the ferrule  336 , and a force component normal (radial) to the device axis L directed against the outside surface of the column  108 . Consequently, the rotation of the column nut  200  (and resulting axial translation of the column nut  200  and ferrule  336 ) creates a ferrule-to-fluidic component sealing interface  380  (between the ferrule&#39;s outside tapered surface  364  and the fluidic component&#39;s inside tapered surface  348 ) and a ferrule-to-column sealing interface  384  (between the wall of the ferrule bore  368  and the column  108 ), thereby securely fixing the position of the column  108  in the fluidic component  340 , and establishing a fluid-tight fluidic coupling. 
     The fluidic coupling assembly  300  as described above and illustrated  FIGS. 3A and 3B , when considered alone, may be representative of a known fluidic coupling assembly. However, one or more components of the fluidic coupling assembly  300  may be modified or replaced with different components, and/or other components may be added, in accordance with examples disclosed herein. 
     As noted in the Background section above, difficulties attend the conventional installation of a column  108  utilizing known examples of the column nut  200 . One particular challenge arising during column installation is presented by the requirement to achieve the above-noted designated axial distance D. As noted above, there are many types of fluidic components  340  (e.g., many types of GC inlets, detectors, fittings, unions, etc.) to which a column  108  may need to be installed, depending on the instrumentation employed by the user. The various types require different specific axial distances D to achieve the best analytical results. As also noted above, there are several types of ferrule materials and several types of column nuts  200 . With all of these variations, and due to the conventional design of the components utilized for column installation, traditionally it has been difficult to obtain and maintain a prescribed value for the designated axial distance D during and up to the completion of the column installation. In particular, it has been difficult to prevent the column  108  and/or ferrule  336  from sliding and repositioning during column installation. 
     As noted above, according to the present disclosure, the fluidic coupling of a fluidic conduit (such as the column  108  described herein) to a fluidic coupling device (such as a column nut  200  or other devices), and further to a fluidic component as described herein, may be improved, as described by examples below with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 14 . In the context of the present disclosure, the term “conduit” or “fluidic conduit” generally denotes any type of conduit (e.g., tube, tubing, capillary, pipe, etc.) utilized for fluidly connecting two or more fluidic components (e.g., devices, subsystems of an instrument or system, etc.), and for which installation to a fluid-tight coupling or fitting is desired. In particular, the fluidic conduit may need to be installed with a desired length of protrusion beyond a ferrule or other fluidic component (e.g., the “designated axial distance D” referred to herein), especially in tight confines where it can be difficult to manage the proper making or maintaining of a leak-free fluidic connection. The conduit may be constructed from, for example, metal, glass, fused silica, or various plastic. The conduit may or may not additionally have one or more coatings serving a particular function or purpose such as a layer protecting the conduit, a layer providing biocompatibility or bio-inertness (e.g., to prevent contamination of the fluid transported through the conduit, such as metal ions, etc.). Accordingly, a chromatographic column (such as for GC, LC, or other analytical technique) is but one non-exclusive example of a fluidic conduit. Unless noted differently or the context dictates otherwise, the terms “conduit” are “column” are interchangeable. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, examples of a collet are provided to address the problems noted herein. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, examples of a fluid coupling device, which may include examples of a column nut (or, more generally, a conduit nut) or additionally a removable column (or conduit) nut adapter (or adapter tool), are provided to address the foregoing problems. 
       FIGS. 4A to 4D  illustrate an example of a collet (or collet assembly)  400  according to an example. Specifically,  FIG. 4A  is a schematic top perspective view of the collet  400 .  FIG. 4B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the collet  400 .  FIG. 4C  is a schematic top plan view of the collet  400 .  FIG. 4D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the collet  400 , taken along line  4 D- 4 D in  FIG. 4C . The collet  400  is configured for use in installing a column in a fluidic coupling. Thus, the collet  400  may be utilized to make a fluid coupling assembly as described herein. For illustrative purposes, the components of the collet  400  are considered to be generally arranged along a longitudinal collet axis C of the collet  400 , as shown in  FIG. 4D . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , the collet  400  generally includes a cap  402 , a flexible conduit grasper  406 , a collet bore  410 , and a collet slot  414 . The conduit grasper  406  is composed of a flexible material effective to render the conduit grasper  406  compressible in response to an appropriate force applied to the conduit grasper  406 , as described further below. The collet bore  410  ( FIG. 4B ) extends through the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  along the collet axis C ( FIG. 4D ). As shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4D , the lowermost section of the collet bore  410  optionally may be cone-shaped to facilitate guiding and inserting the column into the collet bore  410  at the bottom side of the collet  400  (cap  402 ). The collet slot  414  extends along the collet axis C, and extends radially from the collet bore  410  to an outer lateral cap surface  418  and to an outer (lateral) grasper surface  422  ( FIG. 4C ). Generally, the collet bore  410  should be large enough (in diameter) to allow a column to freely pass therethrough. The collet slot  414  should be large enough (in arcuate or circumferential width about the collet axis C) to allow a column to pass therethrough in the radial direction to allow removal of the cap  402 , or both the cap  402  and conduit grasper  406 , from the column as described below. 
     The cap  402  generally includes a cap body  426  surrounding the collet axis C. The cap body  426  includes a first cap (axial) end surface  430  ( FIG. 4A ), a second cap (axial) end surface  434  ( FIG. 4B ) spaced from (axially opposing) the first cap end surface  430  along the collet axis C, and the outer lateral cap surface  418 . The outer lateral cap surface  418  extends axially from the first cap end surface  430  to the second cap end surface  434 . In a typical (but not exclusive) example, and as illustrated, the first cap end surface  430  and second cap end surface  434  are flat and orthogonal to the collet axis C, and the outer lateral cap surface  418  is cylindrical and parallel to the collet axis C. The cap  402  also includes a cap bore  438  surrounded by the outer lateral cap surface  418 , and extending axially from the first cap end surface  430  to the second cap end surface  434 . The cap  402  also includes a cap slot  442  extending axially from the first cap end surface  430  to the second cap end surface  434 , and extending radially from the cap bore  438  to the outer lateral cap surface  418 . Stated differently, the cap slot  442  extends radially inward into open communication with the cap bore  438  and thus adjoins the cap bore  438 . The diameter of the second cap bore  454  may be the same (or substantially the same) as the width of the cap slot  442  (as illustrated) or may be different. The cap bore  438  defines at least a portion of the collet bore  410 , and the cap slot  442  defines at least a portion of the collet slot  414 . 
     The collet  400  (the cap  402  in the illustrated example) further includes a collet engagement component  446  configured to engage a fluidic coupling device, as described below. Generally, the collet engagement component  446  surrounds the collet axis C. In the illustrated example, the collet engagement component  446  is an internal feature surrounded by the outer lateral cap surface  418 . In the illustrated example, the collet engagement component  446  is a cylindrical section of circular cross-section defining at least part of the collet bore  410 . That is, the collet engagement component  446  may be a smooth wall without a thread. In such an example, the collet engagement component  446  is configured to engage an outer cylindrical surface of a fluidic coupling device by press-fitting (e.g., a slight interference fit), which may involve pushing the cap  402  or both pushing and rotating the cap  402  relative to the fluidic coupling device. 
     In another example, the collet engagement component  446  may be a cylindrical section of circular perimeter disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral cap surface  418 . Here also, the collet engagement component  446  may be a smooth wall without a thread. In such an example, the collet engagement component  446  is configured to engage an inner cylindrical surface of a fluidic coupling device by press-fitting (e.g., a slight interference fit), which again may involve pushing the cap  402  or both pushing and rotating the cap  402  relative to the fluidic coupling device. 
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic top perspective view of an example of a collet  500  according to another example.  FIG. 5B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the collet  500 . In this example, the collet engagement component is an internally threaded cap section  546  defining at least part of the collet bore  410 , and configured to engage an external thread of a fluidic coupling device. In another example, the collet engagement component  446  may be an externally threaded cap section disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral cap surface  418 , and configured to engage an internal thread of a fluidic coupling device. 
     In an example and as illustrated in  FIGS. 4D and 5B , the cap bore  438  includes a first cap bore (section)  450  and a second cap bore (section)  454 . The first cap bore  450 , which may also be referred to as a cap cavity, extends along the collet axis C from the first cap end surface  430  toward the second cap end surface  434 , and has a first bore diameter. The second cap bore  454  extends along the collet axis C from the first cap bore  450  to the second cap end surface  434 , and has a second bore diameter. In the illustrated example, the first bore diameter is greater than the second bore diameter. By this configuration, an annular internal shoulder  458  is defined between (or at the interface of) the first cap bore  450  and the second cap bore  454 . Also, the larger, first cap bore  450  is sized to receive the conduit grasper  406 , and the shoulder  458  is utilized to support the conduit grasper  406 . That is, in the present example, the conduit grasper  406  is configured to contact the shoulder  458  when the conduit grasper  406  is inserted into the second cap bore  454 . Also in this example, the collet engagement component  446  defines at least part of the first cap bore  450 . Thus, the first bore diameter should be sized to engage a fluidic coupling device, and the second bore diameter should be large enough at least to allow a column to freely pass therethrough, as described below. Generally, the first and second bore diameters are on the order or scale of millimeters (mm), i.e., from about 0.2 mm to about 99.5 mm. Typically, the first and second bore diameters are in a range of from about 0.2 mm to about 50 mm, again with the first bore diameter being greater than the second bore diameter to accommodate the conduit grasper  406 . As one non-limiting example, the first bore diameter may be in a range of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, while the second bore diameter may be a range of from about 0.3 mm to about 15 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
     As illustrated, the cap  402  may generally have the shape (geometry) of a hollow cylinder. However, no particular limitation is placed on the shape of the cap  402 . Generally, the cap  402  should be shaped to facilitate manipulation (e.g., grasping and rotation) by the user. If desired, the cap  402  may include features (e.g., radially outward extending wings, ribs, handles, or the like, or knurling, flats, etc.) to facilitate handling by the user. Also, no particular limitation is placed on the size of the cap  402 . Generally, the cap  402  should be sized to receive the conduit grasper  406  as well as a column, and to engage a fluidic coupling device as described below. Also, no particular limitation is placed on the material (composition) of the cap  402 . Generally, the cap  402  may be constructed from various metals, plastics, ceramics, or flexible or deformable materials. Accordingly, depending on the example, the cap  402  may be fabricated from a rigid material (i.e., a material that is not appreciably flexible or deformable in response to forces typically applied to the collet  400  or  500  during column installation), or a flexible material. As an example of the latter, the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  may be composed of the same flexible material. 
     The conduit grasper  406  generally includes a grasper body  462  surrounding the collet axis C. As shown in  FIG. 4D , the grasper body  462  may include a first grasper (axial) end surface  466 , a second grasper (axial) end surface  470  spaced from (axially opposing) the first grasper end surface  466  along the collet axis C, and an outer (lateral) grasper surface  422 . The outer grasper surface  422  extends axially from the first grasper end surface  466  to the second grasper end surface  470 . Generally, the grasper body  462  has a hollow or toroidal (or ring) shape about the collet axis C—that is, the grasper body  462  may be or include a toroid. Accordingly, when viewed in the cross-sectional, elevational plane of  FIG. 4D , the cross-section of the grasper body  462  in this plane is swept about the collet axis C, and thereby also defines an axial grasper bore  478  on the collet axis C. In one non-exclusive example and as illustrated, the first grasper end surface  466  and the second grasper end surface  470  are flat and orthogonal to the collet axis C. The outer grasper surface  422  includes a conical (or frustoconical, or tapered) grasper section  474 , while the rest of the outer grasper surface  422  may be cylindrical and parallel to the collet axis C. The conical grasper section  474  may terminate at the first grasper end surface  466 . In the present example, the conduit grasper  406  is configured as a column grasper, and thus alternatively may be referred to herein as such. 
     In other examples, the toroidal shape of the conduit grasper  406  may have other configurations. In one example, the toroid may be a cylinder, such as a straight cylinder where the outer grasper surface  422  does not include the illustrated conical grasper section  474 . In such an example, the cross-section of the grasper body  462  in the elevational plane of  FIG. 4D  may have a polygonal shape such as square, rectangular, etc. The cylinder may be appreciably elongated along the collet axis C, or may be short and thus have a washer-like shape. 
     In another example, the toroid may be a torus, for example like an o-ring. In such an example, the cross-section of the grasper body  462  in the elevational plane of  FIG. 4D  may have a round shape such as a circle, ellipsis, etc. In such an example, the first grasper end surface  466 , the second grasper end surface  470 , and the outer (lateral) grasper surface  422  smoothly transition into each other without intervening edges along the curved outer grasper surface. 
     The conduit grasper  406  also includes a grasper bore  478  surrounded by the outer grasper surface  422 , and extending axially from the first grasper end surface  466  to the second grasper end surface  470 . By this configuration, the grasper bore  478  is compressible (i.e., the diameter of the grasper bore  478  is reduced) in response to an appropriate force applied to the outside grasper surface  422  (particularly the conical grasper section  474  in the illustrated example), thereby enabling the conduit grasper  406  to exert a grasping (or gripping) force on and around the outside surface of a conduit or column extending through the grasper bore  478 . 
     The conduit grasper  406  also includes a grasper slot  482  extending axially from the first grasper end surface  466  to the second grasper end surface  470 , and extending radially from the grasper bore  478  to the outer grasper surface  422 . Stated differently, the grasper slot  482  extends radially inward into open communication with the grasper bore  478  and thus adjoins the grasper bore  478 . The grasper slot  482  facilitates compression of the grasper bore  478 , as well as allowing removal of the conduit grasper  406  from a column. The grasper bore  478  defines at least a portion of the collet bore  410 , and the grasper slot  482  defines at least a portion of the collet slot  414 . 
     No particular limitation is placed on the size of the conduit grasper  406 . Generally, the nominal or initial diameter of the grasper bore  478  (i.e., when the grasper bore  478  is in an uncompressed state) should be large enough to allow a column or other type of conduit to pass through the grasper bore  478  and be freely axially translated in the grasper bore  478 . In an example, the diameter of the grasper bore  478  may be the same (or substantially the same) as the cap bore  438  (or second cap bore  454 ). The diameter of the grasper bore  478  may be the same (or substantially the same) as the width of the grasper slot  482  (as illustrated) or may be different. 
     As noted above, the conduit grasper  406  is composed of a flexible (or deformable) material. Examples of the conduit grasper material include, but are not limited to, various rubbers such as a silicone rubber, vulcanized rubber, polyurethane, etc.; and various plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and other polymers in the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, and polyimide (polyimide-based polymers). Some examples of a polyimide are the family of Vespel® polymers manufactured by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Wilmington, Del., USA. A Vespel® polymer may be composed of unfilled polyimide, or may be a compound of polyimide and one or more filler materials such as graphite, PTFE, and/or molybdenum disulfide. In an example, the flexible material of the conduit grasper  406  generally is one exhibiting high mechanical strength, for example, a mechanical strength sufficiently high to withstand, without being damaged or failing, the axial force imparted by the cap  402  and the reactive force(s) imparted by a fluidic coupling device during conduit installation, as described below. 
     It will be noted, however, that the forces encountered by the conduit grasper  406  are significantly less than the forces encountered by the components of a fluid-sealing compression fitting, such as a ferrule or compression ring. In particular, the flexible material enables the grasper bore  478  to be compressible (i.e., reducible in diameter) in response to small force applied to the conical grasper section  474  (as compared to a ferrule or the like), which is performed by manual manipulation of the collet  400  or  500  (particularly the cap  402 ). Moreover, the grasper slot  482  also promotes the compressibility of the grasper bore  478  as noted above, thereby lessening the amount of force needed to compress the conduit grasper  406 . Unlike a ferrule or similar component, the conduit grasper  406  does not need to create a fluid-tight sealing interface with a column or other type of conduit. Instead, the conduit grasper  406  needs only to create a gripping interface that temporarily holds the conduit in place, after which the conduit grasper  406  can be easily and readily removed from the conduit, as described below. Moreover, the conduit grasper  406  is elastically deformable such that it can be easily removed from a conduit and reused in other conduit installation jobs, whereas a ferrule or the like is plastically deformable (and may bite into the outer surface of the conduit) and not able to be reused. Because the conduit grasper  406  can be removed and reused, its flexible material does not need to be rated to withstand high operating temperatures, whereas ferrule or the like is required to have a high-temperature rating to ensure the ferrule does not fail during operation and cause fluid leakage or pressure loss. Accordingly, the conduit grasper  406  as disclosed herein is significantly different from a ferrule or the like in terms of structure, function, and typically also material composition. 
       FIGS. 4A to 4D  illustrate the collet  400 , and  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate the collet  500 , in their assembled forms. In the illustrated example, the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  are (at least initially) separate components. To assemble the collet  400  or  500 , the conduit grasper  406  is inserted into the cap  402 , specifically the first cap bore  450  (cap cavity), such that the grasper bore  478  is aligned with the cap bore  438  (both the first cap bore  450  and the second cap bore  454 ) on the collet axis C. In an example, the conduit grasper  406  is attached to the cap  402  such as by an adhesive (e.g., an appropriate glue, resin, or the like), or with the use of other devices or means for attachment or capture of the conduit grasper  406 . The adhesive may be applied before inserting the conduit grasper  406  into the cap  402  as needed. For example, a thin layer of adhesive may be applied to the shoulder  458  of the cap  402  (and/or to the second grasper end surface  470 ), and the conduit grasper  406  may be then inserted into the first cap bore  450  in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4D . In this orientation, as shown in  FIG. 4D , the second grasper end surface  470  contacts the adhesive-coated shoulder  458  and the conical grasper section  474  faces away from the shoulder  458 . After the adhesive cures or sets, any residual adhesive may be removed from exposed surfaces of the collet  400  or  500 . In an example and as best shown in  FIG. 4C , the conduit grasper  406  is inserted into the cap  402  such that the grasper slot  482  is aligned with the cap slot  442 . Such orientation enables both the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  to be removed together (i.e., the entire collet  400  or  500  to be removed) from the conduit after conduit installation, as described below. 
     In another example, the conduit grasper  406  may be loosely disposed in the cap  402 , without adhesion or other attachment, if the alignment between the grasper slot  482  and the cap slot  442  can be maintained during conduit installation. In another example, the collet  400  or  500  may have a unitary construction, i.e., the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  are integral as a single unit, for example, similar to the example shown in  FIGS. 8A to 8D . In this case, the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  may be composed of the same flexible material. 
       FIG. 6A  is a schematic perspective view of an example of a conduit nut (e.g., column nut)  600  as may be utilized as, or as part of, a fluidic coupling device according to another example of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conduit nut  600 . 
     The conduit nut  600  generally includes a (typically cylindrical) conduit nut body  604  elongated along a longitudinal device axis L. The conduit nut body  604  includes a first axial nut end  608 , a second axial nut end  612  spaced from (axially opposite to) the first axial nut end  608  along the device axis L, and outer lateral nut surface  616  extending from the first axial nut end  608  to the second axial nut end  612 . A nut bore  620  extends through the conduit nut body  604  from the first axial nut end  608  to the second axial nut end  612 . The nut bore  620  is sized to allow a conduit to be passed therethrough. A first nut engagement component  624  is disposed at (or near) the first axial nut end  608  and is configured to engage a fluidic component configured to receive the conduit and in which the conduit is to be installed. Typically and as illustrated, the first nut engagement component  624  is an externally threaded nut section disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral nut surface  616 , and which is configured to engage an internally threaded section of the fluidic component to which the conduit nut  600  is to be coupled. In another example, the first nut engagement component  624  may be an internally threaded nut section defining at least part of the nut bore  620 , which is configured to engage an externally threaded section of the fluidic component. 
     The conduit nut  600  further includes an external nut engagement component  628  disposed on or defining at least a part of the outer lateral nut surface  616 . The external nut engagement component  628  is configured to facilitate rotation of the conduit nut  600  by a user about the device axis L, which may involve the use of a tool such as a wrench. Typically and as illustrated, the external nut engagement component  628  is a cylindrical section of polygonal (e.g., hexagonal, etc.) perimeter disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral nut surface  616 . That is, the perimeter is defined by a number of adjoining flat surfaces such as wrench flats. Alternatively or additionally, the external nut engagement component  628  may include one or more gripping members (e.g., radially outward extending wings, ribs, handles, or the like, or knurling, flats, etc.) configured to facilitate rotation of the conduit nut body  204  by the user, such as described in above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 10,119,638. The conduit nut  600  also includes a nut end surface  632  located at or near the first axial nut end  608 , which typically annularly surrounds an end of the nut bore  620 . The nut end surface  632  is utilized to contact (abut) an end (typically the flat end) of a ferrule, such that axial translation of the conduit nut  600  imparts an axial force on the ferrule, as described herein. 
     The nut bore  620  includes an internal conical (tapered) nut section  688  at the second axial nut end  612 . The nut bore  620  is configured to interface with the conduit grasper  406  ( FIGS. 4A to 4D ), specifically the conical grasper section  474  thereof, in a manner described below. Alternatively, the conical nut section  688  may be considered as being a conical cavity or receptacle communicating with the nut bore  620 . 
     The conduit nut  600  further includes a second nut engagement component  692  disposed at (or near) the second axial nut end  612 . The second nut engagement component  692  is configured to engage the collet engagement component  446  or  546  ( FIGS. 4A to 5B ). In the illustrated example, the second nut engagement component  692  is an externally threaded nut section disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral nut surface  616  of the conduit nut  600 . In this example, the second nut engagement component  692  is configured to engage the internally threaded cap section  546  of the collet  500  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ). In another example, the second nut engagement component  692  may be an internally threaded nut section defining at least part of the nut bore  620  (for example, similar to the second adapter engagement component  1146  shown in  FIG. 12B ), and configured to engage an external thread of the collet engagement component  446 . 
     In another example, the second nut engagement component  692  may be a cylindrical section of a circular perimeter without a thread, disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral nut surface  616 . In such an example, the second nut engagement component  692  is configured to engage an internal, non-threaded cylindrical section of a circular cross-section of the collet engagement component  446  ( FIGS. 4A to 4D ). In another example, the second nut engagement component  692  may be a cylindrical section of a circular cross-section defining at least part of the nut bore  620 , and configured to engage an external, non-threaded cylindrical section of a circular cross-section of the collet engagement component  446 . 
     It will be understood that the conduit nut  600  as illustrated may include additional components and/or features configured to enhance performance, such as a movable piston, one or more springs, one or more internal ferrules and/or compression rings, etc. As examples, the conduit nut  600  may be a modification to a the standard type of column nut, a self-tightening column nut (see, e.g., above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 10,119,638), a Capillary Flow Technology (CFT) device, etc. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a fluidic coupling assembly  700  according to an example of the present disclosure. The fluid coupling assembly  700  may be made at either end of a conduit, or two such fluid coupling assemblies  700  may be made at the respective ends of the conduit. In some examples, the conduit may be, for example, a GC column, and thus may correspond to the column  108  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the fluid coupling assembly  700  may, for example, correspond to the fluid coupling assembly  140  and/or the fluid coupling assembly  144  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes, the components of the fluidic coupling assembly  700  are considered to be generally arranged along a longitudinal device axis L of the fluidic coupling assembly  700 . 
     In one example, the fluid coupling assembly  700  generally may be considered as including the column  108  or other type of conduit, a fluidic component  340 , and a fluidic coupling device  703  utilized to securely install the column  108  into the fluidic component  340 . In another example, the fluid coupling assembly  700  generally may be considered as including the column  108  and the fluidic coupling device  703  without necessarily also including the fluidic component  340 —for example, when the fluidic coupling device  703  is not (yet) coupled to the fluidic component  340 . In addition, depending on the example or stage of use or assembly, the fluidic coupling device  703  or the fluidic coupling assembly  700  may be considered as also including all or part of the collet  500  (or  400 ) or other collets disclosed herein—e.g., the conduit grasper  406  or both the conduit grasper  406  and the cap  402  ( FIGS. 4A to 5B ). 
     The fluidic component  340  may be the same as or similar to the corresponding general example of the fluidic component  340  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Accordingly, the same reference numerals are utilized in  FIG. 7  to designate features corresponding to like features in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     Generally, the fluidic coupling device  703  is any device configured to couple the column  108  or other type of conduit to the fluidic component  340  in a fluid-sealed (leak-free) manner, and further which is configured to interface with (i.e., is compatible for use with) the collet  500  (or  400 ) or other collet disclosed herein. The fluidic coupling device  703  may include the column nut  600  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A and 6B , and further may include the ferrule  336  described above in conjunction with  FIG. 3B . In addition, the fluidic coupling device  703  includes a conical cavity configured to receive at least the conical grasper section  474  of the collet  500 . In the present example, the conical nut section  688  of the column nut  600  includes, or corresponds to, the conical cavity. The angle of the conical grasper section  474  of the collet  500  may be different (e.g., smaller, relative to the device axis L) than the angle of the conical nut section  688  of the nut bore  620 . 
     A general example of a method for installing a conduit in the fluidic coupling device  703  is as follows. In this example, the column  108  is utilized as the conduit in the fluidic coupling device  703  is as follows. First, the collet  500  is positioned such that the conduit grasper  406  is positioned between the cap  402  and the fluidic coupling device  703 , and the collet  500  is aligned with the fluidic coupling device  703 , i.e., the collet axis C is coincident with the device axis L. The cap  402  is removably engaged with the fluidic coupling device  703 . By this initial engagement, the collet  500  is only loosely attached to the fluidic coupling device  703 . At this stage, the conduit grasper  406  may or may not be in contact with the nut bore  620  (more specifically, the internal conical nut section  688  in the illustrated example), but in either case, the conduit grasper  406  is not (appreciably) compressed. Accordingly, the grasper bore  478  is not (appreciably) compressed (i.e., is fully or almost fully open at its nominal inside diameter), and the grasper slot  442  ( FIGS. 4A to 4C ) is not (appreciably) compressed (i.e., is fully or almost fully open at its nominal arcuate width). 
     Before or after engaging the collet  500  with the fluidic coupling device  703 , the column  108  is passed through the collet bore  410  and into the device bore (the nut bore  620 ) of the fluidic coupling device  703 . As illustrated, the column  108  may be passed through the nut bore  620  to extend beyond the fluidic coupling device  703 , such that one column end  372  of the column  108  (the column end that was inserted into the fluidic coupling device  703 ) is located at some distance from the corresponding end (the top end, from the perspective of  FIG. 4A ) of the fluidic coupling device  703 , or specifically from the ferrule tip  360  in the illustrated example. 
     The axial position of the column  108  is then secured by axially translating the collet  500  (by manipulating the cap  402 ) in a first direction relative to the fluidic coupling device  703 , to thereby axially translate the conduit grasper  406  into contact (or further contact) with the fluidic coupling device  703 . In particular, axially translating the conduit grasper  406  causes the conduit grasper  406  to be compressed against the conical cavity, which in the present example is part of the nut bore  620 . More specifically, the conduit grasper  406  is compressed against the conical nut section  688  of the column nut  600 . Consequently, the conduit grasper  406  is compressed against the column  108  in the collet bore  410  (at least in the grasper bore  478 ). In other words, the rotation and corresponding axial translation of the collet  500  creates a conduit grasper-to-fluidic coupling device interface  705  and a conduit grasper-to-conduit gripping interface  709 . 
     At this stage, the position of the column  108  is fixed relative to the fluidic coupling device  703 , and the column  108  may then be installed into a selected fluidic component  340 . At some point in the assembly process, before installing the column  108  in the fluidic component  340 , the column end  372  is (preferably) squarely and cleanly cut by an appropriate technique. 
     As described above, if the collet  500  is threaded as illustrated, engaging the collet  500  with the fluidic coupling device  703  and axially translating the collet  500  in the first direction entails rotating the collet  500  via the mated threads of the collet  500  and the fluidic coupling device  703 —i.e., threading or screwing the collet  500  onto or into the fluidic coupling device  703 . If the collet  500  is not threaded (as shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4D ), engaging the collet  500  with the fluidic coupling device  703  and axially translating the collet  500  in the first direction entails pushing the collet  500 , or both pushing and rotating (twisting) the collet  500 , onto or into the fluidic coupling device  703  in the manner of a press-fitting, as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A to 4D . 
     After securing the column  108  in the fluidic coupling device  703 , the collet  500  (or at least the cap  402 ) is removed by axially translating the collet  500  in a second direction opposite to the first direction to disengage the collet  500  from the fluidic coupling device  703 . If the collet  500  is threaded, disengaging the collet  500  from the fluidic coupling device  703  entails rotating the collet  500  in the opposite direction via the mated threads of the collet  500  and the fluidic coupling device  703 —i.e., unthreading or unscrewing the collet  500  from the fluidic coupling device  703 . If the collet  500  is not threaded, disengaging the collet  500  from the fluidic coupling device  703  entails pulling the collet  500 , or both pulling and rotating (twisting) the collet  500 , away from the fluidic coupling device  703 . In all such examples, after disengaging the collet  500 , the collet  500  can then be moved away from the column  108  via the collet slot  414  ( FIGS. 4A to 4C ). That is, the collet slot  414  allows the collet  500  to be moved around the column  108  generally in a radially outward direction relative to the column  108 , or equivalently, the collet slot  414  allows the column  108  to pass through the collet slot  414  when moving the collet  500  away from the column  108  in the radial direction. 
     In a typical example, the cap  402  is attached to or integral with the conduit grasper  406  as described above. In these cases, the entire collet  500  (both the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406 ) is removed by axially translating the collet  500  in the second direction to disengage the collet  500  from the fluidic coupling device  703 . The entire collet  500  can then be moved away from the column  108  via the entire collet slot  414  (both the cap slot  442  and the grasper slot  482 , shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4C ). 
     In another example, if the conduit grasper  406  was loosely inserted into the cap  402  without being adhered or otherwise attached to the cap  402 , the cap  402  and the conduit grasper  406  may be removed separately from the fluidic coupling device  703 . In another example, the cap  402  may be removed and the conduit grasper  406  may be left in place, remaining compressed or wedged between the fluidic coupling device  703  and the column  108 , including during subsequent use of the column in its operating environment. In this latter case, the flexible material of conduit grasper  406  would need to exhibit sufficiently high-temperature stability to be capable of withstanding, without being damaged or failing, the high temperatures encountered in the operating environment, such as the GC  100  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In the GC  100 , the conduit grasper  406  if left on the column  108  may encounter temperatures up to, for example, 450° C. Moreover, the conduit grasper  406  if left on the column  108  should not adversely affect the temperature gradients inside the GC  100 . 
     The collet  500  (or  400 ) enables or significantly enhances (depending on the ferrule material) the ability to reach and maintain the (specific value of the) above-described designated axial distance D during and up to the completion of the conduit installation process. Thus, in an example of the method, the column  108  is passed through the entire device bore (the nut bore  620 , and also the ferrule bore  368  in the present example) of the fluidic coupling device  703  such that an end section of the column  108  protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device  703 . The end section terminates at the column end  372 , which is the end that was first inserted through the collet  500  and the fluidic coupling device  703 . The designated axial distance D is the distance of the column end  372  from the fluidic coupling device  703  (or more specifically, from the ferrule tip  360  in the present example). Subsequently, the column  108  is axially translated (i.e., the axial position of the column  108  is adjusted, e.g., by pushing and/or pulling the column  108  back and/or forth) until the designated axial distance D is obtained. The collet  500  (or  400 ) is then utilized to secure the column  108  as described herein. The securing of the column  108  is effective to maintain the designated axial distance D. The securing of the column  108  in effect “locks in” the column  108  at the designated axial distance D, such that the designated axial distance D will not change during the remainder of the conduit installation process. 
     In an example, the axial translation of the collet  500  in the first direction is performed in at least two steps: a first translating step and a separate, second translating step. The first translating step involves translating the collet  500  by a first amount that urges the conduit grasper  406  into light contact with the column  108  at the grasper bore  478 , such that the conduit grasper  406  lightly holds the column  108  while allowing the column  108  to be axially translated through the grasper bore  478  by pulling and/or pushing the column  108 . The subsequent second translating step involves translating the cap  402  by a second amount that compresses the conduit grasper  406  against the column  108  (to a greater degree than resulted from the first translating step), such that axial translation of the column  108  is now prevented. That is, the second translating step fully secures the column  108  in the fluidic coupling device  703 . 
     In the illustrated example, the first translating step corresponds to a first rotating step and the second translating step corresponds to a second rotating step. The first rotating step entails rotating the collet  500  by a first amount that translates the collet  500  by a short distance (the term “short” being relative to the second rotating step), thereby lightly compressing the conduit grasper  406  against the column  108  at the grasper bore  478 . Consequently, the grasper bore  478  is lightly compressed—i.e., the inside diameter of the grasper bore  478  is reduced by a small amount (the term “small amount” being relative to the second rotating step)—whereby the conduit grasper  406  lightly holds the column  108 . The column  108  is “lightly” held in the sense that its axial position will remain fixed unless the column  108  is actually pushed or pulled by the user. Depending on the example or configuration (e.g., the thread pitch, the dimensions and angles of the conduit grasper  406  and the receiving end of the fluidic coupling device  703  (the conical nut section  470  in the illustrated example), etc.), rotating the collet  500  by the first amount may entail rotating the cap  402  through a partial turn and/or one or more full turns. 
     The second rotating step entails rotating the collet  500  by a second amount that is sufficient (or effective) to further compress the conduit grasper  406  against the column  108 , such that axial translation of the column  108  is now prevented. The second rotating step entails turning the collet  500  further, and thus axially translating the conduit grasper  406  further (i.e., by a longer overall second distance in comparison to the above-described short first distance), than was done in the first rotating step. Consequently, the conduit grasper  406  now imparts a greater compressive force to the column  108 , with the inside diameter of the grasper bore  478  being reduced by a greater amount, whereby the conduit grasper  406  firmly holds the column  108  in position. In other words, the second rotating step forms a tighter conduit grasper-to-conduit gripping interface  709  in comparison to the first rotating step. As in the case of the first rotating step, rotating the collet  500  by the second amount may entail rotating the collet  500  through a partial turn and/or one or more full turns. 
     The separate first and second translating steps are particularly useful for obtaining and maintaining the designated axial distance D. Thus, in an example of the method, the column  108  is passed through the entire device bore (nut bore  620 ) and beyond the fluidic coupling device  703  as described above. Then the first step of axially translating the cap  402  is performed. After the first translating step and before the second translating step, the column  108  is axially translated (adjusted by the user) until the designated axial distance D is obtained as described above. The second step of axially translating the collet  500  is then performed to maintain the designated axial distance D, in effect by locking in the column  108  at the designated axial distance D. 
     In an example, after securing the column  108  in the fluidic coupling device  703 , such as by performing the second translating step just described, although the column  108  is no longer axially translatable, it may still be rotatable relative to the conduit grasper  406  (rotatable in the grasper bore  478 ) in response to a sufficient force or torque applied by the user. For example, the nature of the gripping contact between the column  108  and the conduit grasper  406  may be such that the gripping interface exhibits greater axial friction is than rotational friction, which may be due to the differing materials of the column  108  and the conduit grasper  406 . Hence, rotation of the column nut  600  to couple it to the fluidic component  340  will not also rotate the column  108 . This is useful when the column  108  has a coiled section, as is typical of GC columns and as shown in  FIG. 1 , because rotation of the column nut  600  will not twist the coiled section or cause the coiled section to impact another surface, which could damage the coiled section and thereby render the column  108  unusable, particularly in the case of a glass column  108 . 
     A general example of making the fluid coupling assembly  700 —i.e., installing a conduit in the fluidic coupling device  703  and further into the fluidic component  340  to achieve a complete fluidic coupling—is as follows. Again, the column  108  will be utilized in this example. First, the column  108  is secured to the fluidic coupling device  703  with the column end section that terminates at the column end  372  protruding beyond the fluidic coupling device  703  (and by a designated axial distance D if needed), as described above. Then, the combination (or assembly) of the column  108  and fluidic coupling device  703  is aligned with the component bore  344  of the fluidic component  340  on the device axis L. In particular, the first nut engagement component  624  of the fluidic coupling device  703  is aligned with the engagement section  352  of the fluidic component  340 . The column  108  is then inserted (column end  372  first) into the component bore  344  (and possibly fully through and beyond the component bore  344  as in the illustrated example, depending on the configuration of the fluidic component  340  or its associated device), and the fluidic coupling device  703  is coupled to the fluidic component  340 . This coupling is done in a manner that secures the column  108  in the fluidic component  340  in a fluid-sealed manner, thereby establishing a fluid flow path from the lumen of the column  108  to the component bore  344  and/or any other pertinent fluid conduit of an associated device (e.g., a sample inlet, detector, fluidic fitting, fluidic union, etc.) to which the fluidic component  340  is attached (or of which the fluidic component  340  is a part). 
     In the illustrated example, the coupling of the fluidic coupling device  703  to the fluidic component  340  is done by engaging the threaded section of the first nut engagement component  624  of the fluidic coupling device  703  with the threaded section of the engagement section  352  of the fluidic component  340 . The column nut  600  is then rotated (typically by manipulating the external nut engagement component  628  of the column nut  600 , as described above) relative to the fluidic component  340  (which typically remains stationary) until a secure coupling is achieved. Further, in the illustrated example, this coupling involves the use of at least one ferrule  336 . Hence, rotation and accompanying axial translation of the column nut  600  also axially translates the ferrule  336  until a ferrule-to-fluidic component sealing interface  380  and a ferrule-to-conduit sealing interface  384  are formed, as described above. 
     At this point, the conduit installation is complete, although as a further step, the cap  402  or entire collet  500  may be removed for reuse in the manner as described above. 
       FIGS. 8A to 8D  illustrate an example of a collet (or collet assembly)  800  according to another example. Specifically,  FIG. 8A  is a schematic top perspective view of the collet  800 .  FIG. 8B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the collet  800 .  FIG. 8C  is a schematic top plan view of the collet  800 .  FIG. 8D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the collet  800 , taken along line  8 D- 8 D in  FIG. 8C . The collet  800  may be provided as an alternative to the collets  400  and  500  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 5B , and a corresponding fluidic coupling device (e.g., the column nut  600  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) may be modified (or provided with a column nut adapter as described below) accordingly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , the collet  800  generally includes a cap (section)  802 , a conduit grasper (section)  806 , a collet bore  810 , and a collet slot  814 . The conduit grasper  806 , or both the conduit grasper  806  and the cap  802 , are composed of a flexible material as described herein. The collet bore  810  extends through the cap  802  and the conduit grasper  806  along the collet axis C ( FIG. 8D ). The collet slot  814  extends along the collet axis C, and extends radially from the collet bore  810  to an outer lateral cap surface  818  and to an outer grasper surface  822 . 
     The cap  802  generally includes a cap body  826  surrounding the collet axis C ( FIG. 8D ). The cap body  826  includes a cap (axial) end surface  834  ( FIG. 8B ) and the outer lateral cap surface  818 . The cap  802  also includes a cap bore  838  surrounded by the outer lateral cap surface  818  and extending axially through the cap body  826  along the collet axis C. The cap  802  also includes a cap slot  842  extending axially through the cap body  826  along the collet axis C, and extending radially from the cap bore  838  to the outer lateral cap surface  818 . The cap bore  838  defines at least a portion of the collet bore  810 , and the cap slot  842  defines at least a portion of the collet slot  814 . 
     The collet  800  further includes an intermediate body or section  896  axially disposed between the cap  802  and the conduit grasper  806 . As illustrated, the intermediate section  896  may have a smaller outside diameter than the cap  802 . The collet  800  further includes a collet engagement component  846  configured to engage a fluidic coupling device, as described herein. In the illustrated example, the collet engagement component  846  is disposed on or defines at least a part of the outside surface of the intermediate section  896 . In the illustrated example, the collet engagement component  846  is an externally threaded section configured to mate with an internal thread of a fluidic coupling device (or a conduit nut adapter as described below). In another example, the collet engagement component  846  may be a non-threaded cylindrical section of circular perimeter disposed on or defining at least part of the outside surface of the intermediate section  896 . In such an example, the collet engagement component  846  is configured to engage an inner cylindrical surface of a fluidic coupling device by press-fitting as described herein. Depending on the example, the intermediate section  896  may be considered as being a part of the cap  802  (e.g., an axially elongated extension of the cap body  826 , including the cap bore  838  and cap slot  842 ) or as a component distinct from the cap  802 . The larger-diameter portion of the cap  802  is configured to be handled/manipulated by a user as described herein. 
     The conduit grasper  806  generally includes a grasper body  862  surrounding the collet axis C ( FIG. 4D ). The grasper body  862  includes a grasper (axial) end surface  866  and the outer grasper surface  822 . The outer grasper surface  822  includes a conical (or frustoconical, or tapered) grasper section  874 , while the rest of the outer grasper surface  822  may be cylindrical and parallel to the collet axis C. The conical grasper section  874  may terminate at the grasper end surface  866  as illustrated. The conduit grasper  806  also includes a grasper bore  878  surrounded by the outer grasper surface  822  and extending axially through the grasper body  862  along the collet axis C. The grasper bore  878  is compressible (i.e., the diameter of the grasper bore  878  is reduced) in response to an appropriate force applied to the conical grasper section  874 , thereby enabling the conduit grasper  806  to grasp (or grip) a conduit extending through the grasper bore  878  as described herein. The conduit grasper  806  also includes a grasper slot  882  extending axially through the grasper body  862  along the collet axis C, and extending radially from the grasper bore  878  to the outer grasper surface  822 . The grasper slot  882  functions as described elsewhere herein. The grasper bore  878  defines at least a portion of the collet bore  810 , and the grasper slot  882  defines at least a portion of the collet slot  814 . The cap bore  838  extends from the cap end surface  834  to the grasper bore  878 , and the grasper bore  878  extends from the cap bore  838  to the grasper end surface  866 . 
     In the illustrated example, the collet  800  has a unitary (single-piece) construction, i.e., the cap  802  and the conduit grasper  806  are integral as a single unit. In this case, the cap  802  and the conduit grasper  806  may be composed of the same flexible material. Moreover, a greater part of the collet bore  810  (beyond just the grasper bore  878 ) may be compressed against, and thereby hold, a conduit extending through the collet bore  810 . In other examples, two or more of the components of the collet  800  (e.g., the cap  802 , conduit grasper  806 , and/or intermediate section  896 ) may be (at least initially) separate components that are attached together as an assembly as described herein. 
     The collet  800  in other aspects (e.g., dimensions, other structural features, functions, advantages) may be the same as or similar to the collet  400  or  500  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 4A to 4D or 5A and 5B . 
     All examples of the collet described and illustrated herein generally include a first collet end surface and a second collet end surface spaced from (axially opposing) the first collet end surface along the collet axis C, and the collet bore and the collet slot extend from the first collet end surface to the second collet end surface. In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 5B , the conduit grasper  406  is disposed in (or configured to be inserted into) at least a part of the cap bore  438  (specifically the first cap bore  450  in the present example). In such an example, the first cap end surface  430  corresponds to the first collet end surface, the second cap end surface  434  corresponds to the second collet end surface, and the conduit grasper  406  is disposed between the first cap end surface  430  and the second cap end surface  434 . By comparison, in the example illustrated in  FIGS. 8A to 8D , the conduit grasper  806  is disposed on, or extends axially from, the cap  802 , specifically on or from the intermediate section  896  in the present example. In such an example, the grasper end surface  866  corresponds to the first collet end surface, and the axially opposite cap end surface  834  corresponds to the second collet end surface. 
       FIGS. 9A to 9D  illustrate an example of a conduit nut adapter (or tool)  900  according to an example. Specifically,  FIG. 9A  is a schematic top perspective view of the adapter  900 .  FIG. 9B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the adapter  900 .  FIG. 9C  is a schematic top plan view of the adapter  900 .  FIG. 9D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the adapter  900 , taken along line  9 D- 9 D in  FIG. 9C . The adapter  900  is configured to be utilized with a column nut having an external nut engagement component as described herein, such as the column nut  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and with a collet as described herein, such as the collet  400  or  500  illustrated in  FIG. 4A to 4D or 5A to 5B , respectively. For reference purposes, the adapter  900  is considered to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis L, as shown in  FIG. 9D . In the present example, the conduit nut adapter  900  is a column nut adapter. 
     The adapter  900  generally includes an adapter body  926 . The adapter body  926  includes an outer lateral adapter surface  918  extending in parallel with the between two axially opposing adapter end surfaces (orthogonal to the device axis L). As illustrated, the adapter body  926  may include one or more gripping members  911  (e.g., radially outward extending wings, ribs, handles, or the like, or knurling, flats, etc.) configured to facilitate rotation of the adapter body  926  by a user. In a typical example, the adapter body  926  is composed of a rigid material (i.e., a material that will not appreciably deform under normal use) such as a rigid metal or rigid plastic. The adapter  900  also includes an adapter bore  910  extending axially through the adapter body  926  along the device axis L. The adapter  900  also includes an adapter slot  914  extending axially through the adapter body  926  along the device axis L, and extending radially from the adapter bore  910  to the outer lateral adapter surface  918 . 
     The adapter  900  further includes a first adapter engagement component  928  configured to engage a conduit nut, e.g., the external nut engagement component  228  of the column nut  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . In the illustrated example, the first adapter engagement component  928  includes a cylindrical section of polygonal cross-section defining at least part of the adapter bore  910 . By this configuration, the first adapter engagement component  928  can engage the polygonal perimeter of the external nut engagement component  228 , after which rotation of the adapter  900  by the user causes rotation of the column nut  200 . The number of flats (or “points” adjoining adjacent flats) of the first adapter engagement component  928  need not be the same as the number of flats (or “points”) of the external nut engagement component  228 , so long as efficient coupling and rotation can be achieved. 
     The adapter body  926  further includes a cylindrical section  996  disposed on the device axis L. As illustrated, the cylindrical section  996  includes a part of the adapter slot  914 . The adapter  900  further includes a second adapter engagement component  946  configured to engage the collet engagement component  446 . In the illustrated example, the second adapter engagement component  946  is disposed on or defines at least a part of the outer lateral adapter surface  918 , specifically at least a part of the outside surface of the cylindrical section  996 . In the illustrated example, the second adapter engagement component  946  is an externally threaded adapter section configured to mate with an internally threaded section (internally threaded cap section  546 ) of the collet  500  shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In another example, the second adapter engagement component  946  may be a non-threaded cylindrical section of circular perimeter disposed on or defining at least part of the outside surface of the cylindrical section  996 . In such an example, the second adapter engagement component  946  is configured to engage a non-threaded inner cylindrical surface of the collet engagement component  446  ( FIGS. 4A to 4D ) by press-fitting as described herein. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 9D , the adapter bore  910  includes a conical adapter section (or conical cavity)  988  inside the cylindrical section  996  and configured to contact the conical grasper section  474  of the collet  400  or  500 . By engaging the collet  400  or  500  with the adapter  900  and axially translating the collet  400  or  500  in the direction of the adapter  900 , the conical grasper section  474  is compressed against the conical adapter section  988  and the grasper bore  478  is compressed against a conduit extending therethrough), as described herein. As described above, depending on the example, this may be accomplished by engaging an internal thread of the collet  500  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ) with an external thread of the adapter  900  and rotating (screwing) the collet  500  relative to the adapter  900 . In another example in which the collet  400  is not threaded, this may be accomplished by pushing the collet  400  ( FIGS. 4A to 4D ) onto the adapter  900  (specifically, onto the cylindrical section  996  in the present example), or both pushing the collet  400  and rotating (twisting) the collet  400  relative to the adapter  900 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an example of a fluidic coupling assembly  1000  according to another example of the present disclosure. Specifically,  FIG. 10A  is a schematic perspective view of the fluidic coupling assembly  1000 , and  FIG. 10B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the fluidic coupling assembly  1000 . The fluid coupling assembly  1000  may be made at either end of a conduit, or two such fluid coupling assemblies  1000  may be made at the respective ends of the conduit. In some examples, the conduit may be, for example, a GC column, and thus may correspond to the column  108  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the fluid coupling assembly  1000  may, for example, correspond to the fluid coupling assembly  140  and/or the fluid coupling assembly  144  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes, the components of the fluidic coupling assembly  1000  are considered to be generally arranged along a longitudinal device axis L ( FIG. 10B ) of the fluidic coupling assembly  1000 . 
     In one example, the fluid coupling assembly  1000  generally may be considered as including the column  108  (or other type of conduit) and the fluidic component  340  as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 7 , and a fluidic coupling device  1003  configured to securely install the column  108  into the fluidic component  340 . In another example, the fluid coupling assembly  1000  generally may be considered as including the column  108  and the fluidic coupling device  1003  without necessarily also including the fluidic component  340 —for example, when the fluidic coupling device  1003  is not (yet) coupled to the fluidic component  340 . In addition, depending on the example or stage of use or assembly, the fluidic coupling device  1003  or the fluidic coupling assembly  1000  may be considered as also including all or part of the collet  500  (or  400 ) as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A to 5B , or other collet disclosed herein—e.g., the conduit grasper  406  or both the conduit grasper  406  and the cap  402  ( FIG. 10B ). 
     The fluidic component  340  ( FIG. 7 ) may be the same as or similar to the corresponding general example of the fluidic component  340  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     In the present example, the fluidic coupling device  1003  may include a conduit nut such as the conduit nut  200  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and further may include the ferrule  336  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The fluidic coupling device  1003  may also be considered as including a removable conduit nut adapter such as the adapter  900  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 9A to 9D . Alternatively, the adapter  900  may be considered as being a component separate from the fluidic coupling device  1003 . In addition, the fluidic coupling device  1003  includes a conical cavity configured to receive at least the conical grasper section  474  of the collet  500 . In the present example, the conical adapter section  988  of the adapter  900  includes, or corresponds to, the conical cavity. The angle of the conical grasper section  474  of the collet  500  may be different (e.g., smaller, relative to the device axis L) than the angle of the conical adapter section  988  of the adapter  900 . The threaded collet  500  or the non-threaded collet  400  may be utilized in this example. 
     A general example of a method for installing a conduit such as the column  108  ( FIG. 7 ) in the fluidic coupling device  1003  is as follows. First, the collet  500  is positioned such that the conduit grasper  406  is positioned between the cap  402  and the fluidic coupling device  1003  (specifically the adapter  900  in the illustrated example), and the collet  500  is aligned with the fluidic coupling device  1003  (the adapter  900 ), i.e., the collet axis C is coincident with the device axis L. The collet  500  is removably engaged with the adapter  900 . Specifically, the collet engagement component  546  is engaged with the second adapter engagement component  946 . By this initial engagement, the collet  500  is only loosely attached to the adapter  900 . At this stage, the conduit grasper  406  may or may not be in contact with the adapter bore  910  (more specifically, the internal conical adapter section  988  in the illustrated example), but in either case, the conduit grasper  406  is not (appreciably) compressed. Accordingly, the grasper bore  478  is not (appreciably) compressed (i.e., is fully or almost fully open at its nominal inside diameter), and the grasper slot  442  ( FIGS. 4A to 4C ) is not (appreciably) compressed (i.e., is fully or almost fully open at its nominal arcuate width). 
     Before or after engaging the collet  500  with the adapter  900 , the adapter  900  is removably engaged with the column nut  200 . Specifically, the column nut  200  may be dropped into the adapter bore  910  such that the external nut engagement component  228  engages the first adapter engagement component  928 . For clarity,  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrated the column nut  200  as being disengaged from (or before being engaged with) the adapter  900 . 
     Before or after engaging the collet  500  with the adapter  900 , and before or after engaging the column nut  200  with the adapter  900 , the column  108  ( FIG. 7 ) is passed through the collet bore  410  and the adapter bore  910 , and into the device bore (the nut bore  220 ) of the fluidic coupling device  1003 . As described above, the column  108  may be passed through the nut bore  220  to extend beyond the fluidic coupling device  1003 , in preparation for installing the column  108  in the fluidic component  340 , and to obtain a designated axial distance D if needed, as described herein. 
     The axial position of the column  108  is then secured by axially translating the collet  500  in a first direction relative to the adapter  900 , to thereby axially translate the conduit grasper  406  into contact (or further contact) with the adapter  900 . In particular, axially translating the conduit grasper  406  causes the conduit grasper  406  to be compressed against the conical cavity, which in the present example is part of the adapter bore  910 . More specifically, the conduit grasper  406  is compressed against the conical adapter section  988  of the adapter  900 . Consequently, the conduit grasper  406  is compressed against the column  108  in the collet bore  410 . In other words, the rotation and corresponding axial translation of the cap  402  creates a conduit grasper-to-fluidic coupling device interface and a conduit grasper-to-conduit gripping interface, similar to the gripping interfaces  705  and  709  described above and depicted in  FIG. 7 . To axially translate the collet  500 , the collet  500  may be screwed into the adapter bore  910  as illustrated, or the collet  400  may be press-fitted into the adapter bore  910  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A to 4D  and  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , after coupling the collet  500  to the adapter  900 , the collet  500  may be oriented such that the collet slot  414  is axially aligned with the adapter slot  914 . 
     At this stage, the position of the column  108  is fixed relative to the adapter  900 , and the column  108  may then be installed into a selected fluidic component  340 . At some point in the assembly process, before installing the column  108  in the fluidic component  340 , the column end  372  ( FIG. 7 ) is (preferably) squarely and cleanly cut by an appropriate technique. 
     As described herein, the collet  500  (as well as other collets described herein) enables or significantly enhances the ability to reach and maintain the (specific value of the) above-described designated axial distance D during and up to the completion of the conduit installation process. Thus, in an example of the method, before fully securing the column  108  in the adapter  900 , the column  108  is passed through the entire device bore (the nut bore  620 , and also the ferrule bore  368  as shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the fluidic coupling device  1003  such that an end section of the column  108  protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device  1003 . The axial position of the column  108  is then adjusted until the designated axial distance D is obtained. The collet  500  is then fully secured to lock in the axial position of the column  108  at the designated axial distance D, such that the designated axial distance D will not change during the remainder of the conduit installation process. 
     In an example, the axial translation of the collet  500  in the first direction is performed in at least two steps: a first translating step and a separate, second translating step as described herein. The first translating step involves translating the collet  500  by a first amount that urges the conduit grasper  406  into contact with the column  108  at the collet bore  410 , such that the conduit grasper  406  lightly holds the column  108  while allowing the column  108  to be axially translated through the collet bore  410  by pulling and/or pushing the column  108 . The subsequent second translating step involves translating the collet  500  by a second amount that compresses the conduit grasper  406  against the column  108  (to a greater degree than resulted from the first translating step), such that axial translation of the column  108  is now prevented. That is, the second translating step fully secures the column  108  in the adapter  900 . 
     As described herein, the separate first and second translating steps are particularly useful for obtaining and maintaining the designated axial distance D. Thus, in an example of the method, after the first translating step and before the second translating step, the column  108  is axially translated (its axial position is adjusted) until the designated axial distance D is obtained. The second step of axially translating the collet  500  is then performed to lock in the column  108  at the designated axial distance D. 
     As described herein, in an example, after securing the column  108  in the adapter  900 , such as by performing the second translating step just described, although the column  108  is no longer axially translatable, it may still be rotatable relative to the conduit grasper  406  (rotatable in the collet bore  410 ) in response to a sufficient force or torque applied by the user. 
     A general example of making the fluid coupling assembly  1000 —i.e., installing a conduit such as the column  108  in the fluidic coupling device  1003  and further into the fluidic component  340  to achieve a complete fluidic coupling—is as follows. First, the adapter  900  is coupled to the fluidic coupling device  1003  (the column nut  200  in the present example), and the column  108  is secured to the adapter  900 , such that the column  108  passes through and protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device  1003  (and by a designated axial distance D if needed), as described above. Then, the combination (or assembly) of the column  108  and fluidic coupling device  1003  (including the column nut  200  and adapter  900  in the present example) is aligned with the component bore  344  of the fluidic component  340  on the device axis L ( FIG. 7 ). In particular, the first nut engagement component  224  of the fluidic coupling device  1003  is aligned with the engagement section  352  ( FIG. 7 ) of the fluidic component  340 . The column  108  is then inserted (column end  372  first) into the component bore  344  and the fluidic coupling device  1003  is coupled to the fluidic component  340 , thereby securing the column  108  in the fluidic component  340  and establishing a fluid-sealed flow path, as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 7 . Typically, a ferrule  336  is compressed between the column nut  200  and the component bore  344  to achieve a leak-free fluidic coupling (namely, a ferrule-to-fluidic component sealing interface  380  and a ferrule-to-conduit sealing interface  384 ), as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 7 . 
     In the present example, the coupling of the fluidic coupling device  1003  to the fluidic component  340  is done by engaging the threaded section of the first nut engagement component  224  of the fluidic coupling device  1003  with the threaded section of the engagement section  352  ( FIG. 7 ) of the fluidic component  340 . The user then rotates the adapter  900  to thereby rotate the column nut  200  relative to the fluidic component  340  (which typically remains stationary) until a secure coupling is achieved. 
     At this point, the conduit installation is complete, although as a further step, the adapter  900  and the collet  500  may be removed for reuse. 
     In an example, the removal entails moving the collet  500  to reduce (loosen) the gripping force imparted by the collet  500  on the column  108 , consequently enabling the adapter  900  and the collet  500  to axially translate relative to the column  108  (e.g., slide along the column  108 ). This may be done by axially translating the collet  500  in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The adapter  900  is then disengaged from the column nut  200 . The adapter  900  and the collet  500  are then moved (together) away from the column nut  200  (e.g., slid down the column  108 ). With the adapter slot  914  and the collet slot  414  aligned with each other, the adapter  900  and the collet  500  are then moved away from the column  108  via the adapter slot  914  and collet slot  414 —i.e., the column  108  passes through the adapter slot  914  and collet slot  414 . 
     In another example, the collet  500  may be removed (disengaged) from the adapter  900 . This may be done before removing the adapter  900  from the fluidic coupling device  1003 , or after removing the adapter  900  from the fluidic coupling device  1003 . In the latter case, the collet slot  414  should be aligned with the adapter slot  914  so that the adapter  900  and the collet  500  are removed from the column  108  together, after which the collet  500  can be removed from the adapter  900 . 
       FIGS. 11A to 11D  illustrate an example of a conduit nut adapter (or tool)  1100  according to another example. Specifically,  FIG. 11A  is a schematic top perspective view of the adapter  1100 .  FIG. 11B  is a schematic bottom perspective view of the adapter  1100 .  FIG. 11C  is a schematic top plan view of the adapter  1100 .  FIG. 11D  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the adapter  1100 , taken along line  11 D- 11 D in  FIG. 11C . The adapter  1100  is configured to be utilized with a conduit nut having a polygonal external nut engagement component as described herein, such as the column nut  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and with a collet as described herein, such as the collet  800  illustrated in  FIGS. 8A to 8D . For reference purposes, the adapter  1100  is considered to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis L, as shown in  FIG. 11D . 
     The adapter  1100  generally includes an adapter body  1126 . The adapter body  1126  includes an outer lateral adapter surface  1118  extending in parallel with the between two axially opposing adapter end surfaces (orthogonal to the device axis L). The adapter body  1126  may include one or more gripping members  1111  for manipulation by a user as described above. In a typical example, the adapter body  1126  is composed of a rigid material as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 9A to 9D . The adapter  1100  also includes an adapter bore  1110  extending axially through the adapter body  1126  along the device axis L. The adapter  1100  also includes an adapter slot  1114  extending axially through the adapter body  1126  along the device axis L, and extending radially from the adapter bore  1110  to the outer lateral adapter surface  1118 . 
     The adapter  1100  further includes a first adapter engagement component  1128  configured to engage a conduit nut, e.g., the external nut engagement component  228  of the column nut  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . In the illustrated example, the first adapter engagement component  1128  includes a cylindrical section of polygonal cross-section defining at least part of the adapter bore  1110 . By this configuration, the first adapter engagement component  1128  can engage the polygonal perimeter of the external nut engagement component  228 , after which rotation of the adapter  1100  by the user causes rotation of the column nut  200 , as described herein in conjunction with  FIGS. 9A to 9D . 
     The adapter body  1126  further includes a cylindrical section  1196  disposed on the device axis L. As illustrated, the cylindrical section  1196  includes a part of the adapter slot  1114 . The adapter  1100  further includes a second adapter engagement component  1146  configured to engage the collet engagement component  846 . In the illustrated example, the second adapter engagement component  1146  is disposed on or defines at least a part of the adapter bore  1110 , specifically a part of the adapter bore  1110  inside the cylindrical section  1196 . In the illustrated example, the second adapter engagement component  1146  is an internally threaded adapter section configured to mate with an externally threaded section of the collet engagement component  846 . In another example, the second adapter engagement component  1146  may be a non-threaded cylindrical section of circular cross-section defining at least a part of the adapter bore  1110 . In such an example, the second adapter engagement component  1146  is configured to engage a non-threaded outer cylindrical surface of the collet engagement component  846  ( FIGS. 8A to 8D ) by press-fitting as described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11D , the adapter bore  1110  includes a conical adapter section (or conical cavity)  1188  inside the cylindrical section  1196  and configured to contact the conical grasper section  874  of the collet  800 . By engaging the collet  800  with the adapter  1100  and axially translating the collet  800  in the direction of the adapter  1100 , the conical grasper section  874  is compressed against the conical adapter section  1188  and the grasper bore  878  is compressed against a conduit extending therethrough, as described herein. As described above, depending on the example, this may be accomplished by engaging an external thread of the collet  800  with an internal thread of the adapter  1100  and rotating (screwing) the collet  800  relative to the adapter  1100 . In another example in which the collet  800  is not threaded, this may be accomplished by pushing the collet  800  into the adapter  900  (specifically, into the cylindrical section  1196  in the present example), or both pushing the collet  800  and rotating (twisting) the collet  800  relative to the adapter  1100 . 
     The adapter  1100  in other aspects (e.g., dimensions, other structural features, functions, advantages) may be the same as or similar to the adapter  900  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 9A to 9D . 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate an example of a fluidic coupling assembly  1200  according to another example of the present disclosure. Specifically,  FIG. 12A  is a schematic perspective view of the fluidic coupling assembly  1200 , and  FIG. 12B  is a schematic cross-sectional elevation view of the fluidic coupling assembly  1200 . The fluid coupling assembly  1200  may be made at either end of a conduit, or two such fluid coupling assemblies  1200  may be made at the respective ends of the conduit. The conduit may correspond to the column  108  described herein. 
     In one example, the fluid coupling assembly  1200  generally may be considered as including the column  108  and the fluidic component  340  as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 7 , and a fluidic coupling device  1203  configured to securely install the column  108  into the fluidic component  340 . In another example, the fluid coupling assembly  1200  generally may be considered as including the column  108  and the fluidic coupling device  1203  without necessarily also including the fluidic component  340 —for example, when the fluidic coupling device  1203  is not (yet) coupled to the fluidic component  340 . In addition, depending on the example or stage of use or assembly, the fluidic coupling device  1203  or the fluidic coupling assembly  1200  may be considered as also including all or part of the collet  800  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 8A to 8D , or other collet disclosed herein—e.g., the conduit grasper  806  or both the conduit grasper  806  and the cap  802  ( FIG. 12B ). 
     In the present example, the fluidic coupling device  1203  may include a column nut such as the column nut  200  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and further may include the ferrule  336  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The fluidic coupling device  1203  may also be considered as including a removable column nut adapter such as the adapter  1100  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 11A to 11D . Alternatively, the adapter  1100  may be considered as being a component separate from the fluidic coupling device  1203 . In addition, the fluidic coupling device  1203  includes a conical cavity configured to receive at least the conical grasper section  874  of the collet  800 . In the present example, the conical adapter section  1188  of the adapter  900  includes, or corresponds to, the conical cavity. The angle of the conical grasper section  874  of the collet  800  may be different (e.g., smaller, relative to the device axis L) than the angle of the conical adapter section  1188  of the adapter  1100 . 
     The assembly of the fluidic coupling device  1203  and the fluid coupling assembly  1200 , with the adapter  1100  positioned between the collet  800  and (the column nut  200  of) the fluidic coupling device  1203 , and the method for installing the column  108  in the fluidic coupling device  1203  and also into the fluidic component  340 , generally may be similar to the example described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . One difference relates to the coupling of the collet  800  to the adapter  1100 . The present example, the collet  800  is axially translated into and out from the internal second adapter engagement component  1146 . By comparison, in the example of  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the collet  500  (or  400 ) is axially translated onto and away from the external second adapter engagement component  946 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flow diagram  1300  illustrating an example of a method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, or additionally in a fluidic component, according to an example of the present disclosure. First, a collet that includes a cap, a conduit grasper, and a collet bore, as described herein, is provided. The collet (or at least the cap) is removably engaged with the fluidic coupling device such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the fluidic coupling device (step  1302 ). Before or after the engaging, the conduit is passed through the collet bore and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device (step  1304 ). After the engaging and the passing, an axial position of the conduit is secured by axially translating the collet (or at least the cap) in a first direction relative to the fluidic coupling device to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the fluidic coupling device, and thereby compress the conduit grasper against the conduit in the collet bore (step  1306 ). In an example, after the securing, the conduit may be installed in the fluidic component by inserting a conduit end of the conduit into a component bore of the fluidic component, and coupling the fluidic coupling device to the fluidic component (step  1308 ). In an example, after the securing, the collet (or at least the cap) may be removed by axially translating the collet (or at least the cap) in a second direction opposite to the first direction to disengage the collet (or at least the cap) from the fluidic coupling device, moving the cap away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through the collet slot (step  1310 ). 
     In an example, the flow diagram  1300  may also schematically represent the hardware components utilized to carry out the method steps  1302 - 1310 —for example, the collet, conduit, fluidic coupling device, and fluidic component, all as described herein. 
       FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, or additionally in a fluidic component, according to another example of the present disclosure. First, a collet that includes a cap, a conduit grasper, and a collet bore, as described herein, is provided. An adapter that includes an adapter bore and an adapter slot, as described herein is also provided. The adapter is removably engaged with the fluidic coupling device (such as a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device) (step  1402 ). Before or after the foregoing engaging step, the collet is removably engaged with the adapter, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the adapter (step  1404 ). Before, between, or after the foregoing engaging steps, the conduit is passed through the collet bore and the adapter bore, and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device (step  1406 ). After the engaging and passing steps, an axial position of the conduit is secured by axially translating the collet in a first direction relative to the adapter to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the adapter, and thereby compress the conduit grasper against the conduit in the collet bore (step  1408 ). In an example, after the securing, the conduit may be installed in the fluidic component by inserting a conduit end of the conduit into a component bore of the fluidic component, and coupling the fluidic coupling device to the fluidic component (step  1410 ). In an example, after the securing, the collet and the adapter may be removed by axially translating the collet in a second direction opposite to the first direction to reduce a gripping force imparted by the collet on the conduit, disengaging the adapter from the fluidic coupling device (e.g., conduit nut) and, with the collet slot aligned with the adapter slot, moving the collet and the adapter away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through the collet slot and the adapter slot (step  1412 ). 
     In an example, the flow diagram  1400  may also schematically represent the hardware components utilized to carry out the method steps  1402 - 1412 —for example, the collet, conduit, fluidic coupling device, adapter, and fluidic component, all as described herein. 
     From the foregoing, it is evident that the examples described herein—particularly examples of the collet and the fluidic coupling device and the methods utilizing them—make conduit installation much easier as compared to conventional methods employing conventional fluidic coupling components. As one example, the examples described herein eliminate the need for performing delicate pre-swaging of graphite and metal ferrules. More generally, and the examples described herein are compatible with any type of ferrule and any of the standard or common types of fluidic components (e.g., GC inlets, detectors, other fittings, etc.) into which conduits need to be installed. As one example, the examples described herein provide the ability to easily attain and maintain the designated axial distance D described above throughout the conduit installation process. 
     While the description herein is directed primarily to the installation of chromatographic columns (for either GC or LC), the subject matter generally may be applied to the installation of any (particularly capillary-sized) fluidic conduit to a fluidic fitting. 
     In another example of the present disclosure, a fluidic coupling device as disclosed herein may be configured as a fluidic union. As appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a fluidic union is configured to interconnect the flow paths of two conduits in a fluid-tight manner. Generally, such a fluidic union includes an internal passage (or chamber, conduit, etc.) and two axially opposite union fittings that communicate with the internal passage on opposite sides thereof. The two conduits are fluidly coupled to the respective union fittings, resulting in a single flow path running from one conduit, through the internal passage, and to the other conduit. The conduits may be the same or different in terms of type, material, and/or size (e.g., inside diameter). As examples, one conduit may be a chromatographic column while the other conduit is a non-chromatographic tube; one conduit may be composed of fused silica while the other conduit is composed of metal; one conduit may have an inside diameter that is larger or smaller than that of the other conduit; etc. A fluidic coupling device as disclosed herein may be modified to provide a fluidic union. As one non-exclusive example, one or two column nuts and associated ferrules may be provided to realize one or both of the union fittings. Accordingly, one or two of the collets as disclosed herein may be utilized in such examples. For instance, the collet(s) may be advantageous for the conduit end(s) in the internal passage of the fluidic union. 
     Examples 
     In addition to the examples described above, other examples provided in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter include, but are not limited to, the following: 
     1. A collet for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling, the collet comprising: 
     a cap comprising an outer lateral cap surface and a collet engagement component configured to engage a fluidic coupling device; 
     a conduit grasper comprising an outer grasper surface; 
     a collet bore extending through the cap and the conduit grasper along a collet axis; and 
     a collet slot extending along the collet axis, and extending radially from the collet bore to the outer lateral cap surface and to the outer grasper surface, 
     wherein the conduit grasper has a toroidal shape about the collet axis, and is composed of a flexible material such that the conduit grasper is compressible in response to a force applied to the outer grasper surface. 
     2. The collet of embodiment 1, wherein the toroidal shape of the conduit grasper comprises a configuration according to at least one of: 
     a cylinder; 
     a cylinder, wherein the outer grasper surface comprises a conical grasper section, and the conduit grasper is compressible in response to a force applied to the conical grasper section; and 
     a torus. 
     3. The collet of example 1 or 2, wherein the collet engagement component comprises at least one of: 
     a cylindrical section of circular cross-section, the cylindrical section defining at least part of the collet bore; 
     an internally threaded cap section defining at least part of the collet bore; 
     a cylindrical section of circular perimeter, the cylindrical section disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral cap surface; and 
     an externally threaded cap section disposed on or defining at least part of the outer lateral cap surface. 
     4. The collet of any of the preceding examples, wherein: 
     the cap comprises a cap bore surrounded by the outer lateral cap surface, and a cap slot extending radially from the cap bore to the outer lateral cap surface; 
     the conduit grasper comprises a grasper bore surrounded by the outer grasper surface, and a grasper slot extending radially from the grasper bore to the outer grasper surface; 
     the collet bore comprises at least a portion of the cap bore and the grasper bore; and 
     the collet slot comprises the cap slot and the grasper slot, 
     wherein the grasper bore is compressible in response to the force applied to the outer grasper surface. 
     5. The collet of example 4, wherein the conduit grasper is configured to be inserted into the cap bore such that the grasper bore is aligned with the cap bore on the collet axis. 
     6. The collet of example 5, wherein the cap comprises a shoulder disposed in the cap bore, and the conduit grasper is configured to contact the shoulder when the conduit grasper is inserted into the cap bore. 
     7. The collet of example 6, wherein the cap bore comprises a first cap bore having a first bore diameter and a second cap bore having a second bore diameter, the first bore diameter is greater than the second bore diameter, and the shoulder is defined between the first cap bore and the second cap bore. 
     8. The collet of example 7, wherein the collet engagement component comprises at least one of: 
     a cylindrical section of circular cross-section, the cylindrical section defining at least part of the first cap bore; and 
     an internally threaded cap section defining at least part of the first cap bore. 
     9. The collet of any of examples 4-8, wherein the grasper slot is aligned with the cap slot. 
     10. The collet of any of examples 4-9, wherein: 
     the cap comprises a first cap end surface and a second cap end surface spaced from the first cap end surface along the collet axis; and 
     the outer lateral cap surface, the cap bore, and the cap slot extend from the first cap end surface to the second cap end surface. 
     11. The collet of example 10, wherein: 
     the cap bore comprises a first cap bore and a second cap bore; 
     the first cap bore extends along the collet axis from the first cap end surface toward the second cap end surface, and has a first bore diameter; 
     the second cap bore extends along the collet axis from the first cap bore to the second cap end surface, and has a second bore diameter; 
     the first bore diameter is greater than the second bore diameter, wherein a shoulder is defined between the first cap bore and the second cap bore; 
     the conduit grasper is configured to be disposed in the first cap bore such that the grasper bore is aligned with the cap bore on the collet axis; and 
     the conduit grasper is configured to contact the shoulder. 
     12. The collet of any of examples 4-11, wherein: 
     the conduit grasper comprises a first grasper end surface and a second grasper end surface axially opposing the first grasper end surface; and 
     the outer lateral grasper surface, the grasper bore, and the grasper slot extend from the first grasper end surface to the second grasper end surface. 
     13. The collet of example 12, wherein the toroidal shape of the conduit grasper comprises a conical grasper section, and the conical grasper section terminates at the first grasper end surface. 
     14. The collet of example 12 or 13, wherein the toroidal shape of the conduit grasper comprises a conical grasper section, and the cap comprises a shoulder disposed in the cap bore, and the second grasper end surface is configured to contact the shoulder such that the conical grasper section faces away from the shoulder. 
     15. The collet of any of the preceding examples, wherein the cap and the conduit grasper are separate components. 
     16. The collet of example 15, wherein the conduit grasper is attached to the cap. 
     17. The collet of any of the preceding examples, wherein the flexible material comprises at least one of: a rubber; a silicone rubber; a vulcanized rubber; polyurethane; polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); a polyaryletherketone (PAEK); polyether ether ketone (PEEK); and a polyimide-based polymer. 
     18. The collet of any of examples 1-14 or 17, wherein the cap and the conduit grasper are integral as a single unit, such that the cap is composed of the flexible material. 
     19. The collet of any of the preceding examples, comprising a first collet end surface, and a second collet end surface spaced from the first collet end surface along the collet axis, wherein the collet bore and the collet slot extend from the first collet end surface to the second collet end surface. 
     20. The collet of example 19, wherein: 
     the cap comprises a cap bore surrounded by the outer lateral cap surface and defining at least a part of the collet bore, a first cap end surface corresponding to the first collet end surface, and a second cap end surface corresponding to the second collet end surface; and 
     the conduit grasper is disposed in the cap bore or configured to be inserted into the cap bore. 
     21. The collet of example 19, wherein: 
     the conduit grasper comprises a grasper end surface, and is disposed on from the cap such that the grasper end surface corresponds to the first collet end surface; and 
     the cap comprises a cap end surface corresponding to the second collet end surface. 
     22. A fluidic coupling device for installing a conduit, comprising: 
     a conical cavity configured to receive the conduit grasper of the collet of any of the preceding examples; 
     a conduit nut body comprising a first axial nut end and a second axial nut end spaced from the first axial nut end along a device axis; 
     a nut bore extending through the conduit nut body from the first axial nut end to the second axial nut end; and 
     a first nut engagement component disposed at the first axial nut end, and configured to engage a fluidic component configured to receive the conduit. 
     23. The fluidic coupling device of example 22, wherein: 
     the nut bore comprises a conical nut section disposed at the second axial nut end, the conical nut section configured to contact the outer grasper surface; 
     the conical nut section comprises the conical cavity; and 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises a second nut engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component. 
     24. The fluidic coupling device of example 23, comprising the collet, wherein the conduit grasper is in contact with the conical nut section. 
     25. The fluidic coupling device of example 23 or 24, comprising the collet, wherein the collet engagement component is removably engaged with the second nut engagement component. 
     26. The fluidic coupling device of example 22, comprising: 
     an external nut engagement component configured to facilitate rotation of the column nut; and 
     an adapter comprising an adapter bore, a first adapter engagement component configured to engage the external nut engagement component, and a second adapter engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component, 
     wherein the adapter bore comprises a conical adapter section configured to contact the outer grasper surface, and the conical adapter section comprises the conical cavity. 
     27. The fluidic coupling device of example 26, comprising the collet, wherein the conduit grasper is in contact with the conical adapter section. 
     28. The fluidic coupling device of example 26 or 27, comprising the collet, wherein the collet engagement component is removably engaged with the second adapter engagement component. 
     29. The fluidic coupling device of any of examples 26-28, wherein the external nut engagement component comprises a cylindrical section of polygonal perimeter disposed on or defining at least part of an outer lateral nut surface of the column nut, and the first adapter engagement component comprises a cylindrical section of polygonal cross-section defining at least part of the adapter bore. 
     30. The fluidic coupling device of any of examples 26-29, wherein the second adapter engagement component comprises at least one of: 
     a cylindrical section of circular cross-section, the cylindrical section defining at least part of the adapter bore; 
     an internally threaded adapter section defining at least part of the adapter bore; 
     a cylindrical section of circular perimeter, the cylindrical section disposed on or defining at least part of an outer lateral adapter surface of the adapter; and 
     an externally threaded adapter section disposed on or defining at least part of an outer lateral adapter surface of the adapter. 
     31. The fluidic coupling device of any of examples 26-30, wherein the adapter comprises an outer lateral adapter surface, and an adapter slot extending along the device axis and extending radially from the adapter bore to the outer lateral adapter surface. 
     32. The fluidic coupling device of example 31, wherein the adapter and the cap are engaged such that the adapter slot is aligned with the collet slot. 
     33. The fluidic coupling device of any of examples 22-32, wherein the first nut engagement component comprises at least one of: 
     an internally threaded nut section defining at least part of the nut bore; and 
     an externally threaded nut section disposed on or defining at least part of an outer lateral nut surface of the column nut. 
     34. The fluidic coupling device of any of examples 22-25 or 33, comprising a second nut engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component, the second nut engagement component comprising at least one of: 
     a cylindrical section of circular cross-section, the cylindrical section defining at least part of the nut bore; 
     an internally threaded nut section defining at least part of the nut bore; 
     a cylindrical section of circular perimeter, the cylindrical section disposed on or defining at least part of an outer lateral nut surface of the column nut; and 
     an externally threaded nut section disposed on or defining at least part of an outer lateral nut surface of the column nut. 
     35. A fluidic coupling assembly, comprising: 
     the fluidic coupling device of any of examples 22-34; and 
     a column extending through the collet bore and into the nut bore, 
     wherein the outer grasper surface is in contact with the conical cavity, and the conduit grasper is in contact with the column in the collet bore. 
     36. The fluidic coupling assembly of example 35, comprising the collet, wherein: 
     the nut bore comprises a conical nut section disposed at the second axial nut end; 
     the conical nut section comprises the conical cavity; and 
     the conduit grasper is in contact with the conical nut section. 
     37. The fluidic coupling assembly of example 35 or 36, comprising a second nut engagement component, and a configuration according to at least one of: 
     the cap is removably engaged with the second nut engagement component, and the cap is removable from the column via the collet slot; and 
     the cap is removably engaged with the second nut engagement component, and the conduit grasper and the cap are removable from the conduit via the collet slot. 
     38. The fluidic coupling assembly of example 35 or 36, comprising the collet, wherein: 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises an external nut engagement component configured to facilitate rotation of the conduit nut body; and an adapter comprising an adapter bore, a first adapter engagement component configured to engage the external nut engagement component, and a second adapter engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component; 
     the adapter bore comprises a conical adapter section configured to contact the conduit grasper, and the conical adapter section comprises the conical cavity; 
     the conduit extends from the collet bore, through the adapter bore, and into the nut bore; and 
     the conduit grasper is in contact with the conical adapter section, and the conduit grasper is in contact with the conduit in the collet bore. 
     39. The fluidic coupling assembly of example 38, comprising a configuration according to at least one of: 
     the adapter comprises an outer lateral adapter surface, and an adapter slot extending along the device axis and extending radially from the adapter bore to the outer lateral adapter surface, the adapter is removably engaged with the external nut engagement component, and the adapter is removable from the conduit via the adapter slot; 
     the cap is removably engaged with the second adapter engagement component, and the cap is removable from the conduit via the collet slot; 
     the conduit grasper is in contact with the conical adapter section, the cap is removably engaged with the second adapter engagement component, and the conduit grasper and the cap are removable from the conduit via the collet slot; and 
     a combination of two or more of the foregoing. 
     40. The fluidic coupling assembly of any of examples 35-39, wherein the conduit comprises a stationary phase effective for chromatography. 
     41. The fluidic coupling assembly any of examples 35-40, comprising a ferrule disposed at the first axial nut end, wherein the ferrule comprises a ferrule bore and the conduit extends from the nut bore into the ferrule bore. 
     42. The fluidic coupling assembly of any of examples 35-41, comprising the fluidic component, the fluidic component comprising a component bore, wherein the fluidic component is engaged with the first nut engagement component, and the conduit extends from the nut bore into the component bore. 
     43. The fluidic coupling assembly of example 42, comprising a ferrule, the ferrule comprising an outside tapered surface and a ferrule bore, wherein: 
     the conduit extends from the nut bore, through the ferrule bore, and into the component bore; 
     the fluidic component comprises an inside tapered surface; and 
     the ferrule is in contact with the first axial nut end and the inside tapered surface, and is in contact with the conduit in the ferrule bore. 
     44. The fluidic coupling assembly of example 42 or 43, wherein the fluidic component comprises at least one of: a fluidic fitting; a gas chromatograph (GC) inlet; a detector inlet; and a fluidic union. 
     45. A method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, the method comprising: 
     providing the collet of any of examples 1-21; 
     removably engaging the collet with the fluidic coupling device, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the fluidic coupling device; 
     passing the conduit through the collet bore and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device; and 
     after the engaging and the passing, securing an axial position of the conduit by axially translating the collet in a first direction relative to the fluidic coupling device to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the fluidic coupling device, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     46. The method of example 45, wherein the fluidic coupling device comprises a conical cavity, and the securing compresses the conduit grasper against the conical cavity. 
     47. The method of example 46, wherein the conical cavity comprises a configuration according to at least one of: 
     the device bore comprises the conical cavity; and 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises an adapter engaged with a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device, the adapter comprises an adapter bore, and the adapter bore comprises the conical cavity. 
     48. The method of any of examples 45-47, comprising, after the securing, removing at least the cap of the collet by a step or steps according to at least one of: 
     axially translating the cap in a second direction opposite to the first direction to disengage the cap from the fluidic coupling device, and moving the cap away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through the collet slot; and 
     axially translating the collet in a second direction opposite to the first direction to disengage the collet from the fluidic coupling device, and moving the collet away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through the collet slot. 
     49. The method of example 48, wherein the fluidic coupling device comprises an adapter engaged with a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device, the removably engaging comprises removably engaging the collet with the adapter, and the removing at least the cap comprises a step or steps according to at least one of: 
     disengaging the cap from the adapter; 
     moving the collet to reduce a gripping force imparted by the collet on the conduit, and disengaging the adapter from the conduit nut; 
     moving the collet to reduce a gripping force imparted by the collet on the conduit, disengaging the adapter from the conduit nut, and moving the adapter away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through an adapter slot of the adapter; and 
     removing the collet and the adapter together by moving the collet to reduce a gripping force imparted by the collet on the conduit, disengaging the adapter from the conduit nut with the collet slot aligned with an adapter slot of the adapter, and moving the collet and the adapter away from the conduit such that the conduit passes through the collet slot and the adapter slot. 
     50. The method of any of examples 45-48, wherein the fluidic coupling device comprises an adapter, the adapter comprising an adapter bore, and the method further comprises: 
     removably engaging the adapter with a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device, wherein: 
     the removably engaging the collet with the fluidic coupling device comprises removably engaging the collet with the adapter, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the adapter; 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit from the collet bore through the adapter bore, and into the device bore; 
     the securing is performed after the engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device, after the engaging the collet with the adapter, and after the passing; and 
     the securing comprises axially translating the collet in the first direction relative to the adapter to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the adapter. 
     51. The method of any of examples 45-50, wherein: 
     the axially translating in the first direction is performed in at least a first translating step and a separate second translating step; 
     the first translating step comprises translating the collet by a first amount that urges the conduit grasper into contact with the conduit at the grasper bore, such that the conduit grasper holds the conduit while allowing the conduit to be axially translated through the grasper bore by pulling or pushing the conduit; and 
     the second translating step comprises further translating the collet by a second amount that compresses the conduit grasper against the conduit, such that axial translation of the conduit is prevented. 
     52. The method of example 51, wherein: 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit through the device bore such that an end section of the conduit protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device, the end section terminating at a conduit end; and 
     the method further comprises, after the first translating step and before the second translating step, axially translating the conduit until a designated axial distance of the conduit end from the fluidic coupling device is obtained, 
     wherein the second translating step secures the conduit to maintain the designated axial distance. 
     53. The method of example 51 or 52, wherein, after the second translating step, the conduit is rotatable relative to the conduit grasper without being axially translatable. 
     54. The method of any of examples 45-53, wherein: 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit through the device bore such that an end section of the conduit protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device, the end section terminating at a conduit end; and 
     the method further comprises, before the securing, axially translating the conduit until a designated axial distance of the conduit end from the fluidic coupling device is obtained, 
     wherein the securing secures the conduit to maintain the designated axial distance. 
     55. The method of example 54, wherein: 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises a ferrule, the ferrule comprising a ferrule bore; 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit from the device bore through the ferrule bore, such that the end section protrudes beyond the ferrule; and 
     the designated axial distance is defined between the ferrule and the conduit end. 
     56. The method of example 55, wherein: 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises a ferrule, the ferrule comprising a ferrule bore; and 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit from the device bore through the ferrule bore, such that an end section of the conduit protrudes beyond the ferrule. 
     57. The method of any of examples 45-56, wherein: 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit through the device bore such that an end section of the conduit protrudes beyond the fluidic coupling device, the end section terminating at a conduit end; and 
     the method further comprises, after the securing, inserting the conduit end into a component bore of a fluidic component, and coupling the fluidic coupling device to the fluidic component. 
     58. The method of example 57, wherein: 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises a ferrule, the ferrule comprising a ferrule bore; 
     the passing comprises passing the conduit from the device bore through the ferrule bore, such that the end section protrudes beyond the ferrule; and 
     the coupling comprises compressing the ferrule against an internal tapered section of the fluidic component defining at least a portion of the component bore, and compressing the ferrule against the conduit at the ferrule bore. 
     59. The method of any of examples 45-48, wherein the axially translating comprises a step or steps according to at least one of: 
     pushing the collet into the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet into the fluidic coupling device, and rotating the cap relative to the fluidic coupling device; 
     threading the collet into the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet onto the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet onto the fluidic coupling device, and rotating the cap relative to the fluidic coupling device; 
     threading the collet onto the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet into an adapter of the fluidic coupling device, the adapter configured to engage a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet into an adapter of the fluidic coupling device, and rotating the cap relative to the adapter, the adapter configured to engage a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device; 
     threading the collet into an adapter of the fluidic coupling device, the adapter configured to engage a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet onto an adapter of the fluidic coupling device, the adapter configured to engage a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device; 
     pushing the collet onto an adapter of the fluidic coupling device, and rotating the cap relative to the adapter, the adapter configured to engage a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device; and 
     threading the collet onto an adapter of the fluidic coupling device, the adapter configured to engage a conduit nut of the fluidic coupling device. 
     60. The method of any of examples 45-59, wherein the axially translating comprises axially translating the conduit grasper into contact with a conical cavity of the fluidic coupling device. 
     61. A method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, the method comprising: 
     providing a collet comprising a cap, a conduit grasper, and a collet bore; 
     removably engaging the collet with the fluidic coupling device, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and a fluidic coupling device; 
     passing the conduit through the collet bore and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device; and 
     after the engaging and the passing, securing an axial position of the conduit by axially translating the collet in a first direction relative to the fluidic coupling device to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the fluidic coupling device, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     62. A method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, the method comprising: 
     providing the collet of any of examples 1-21; 
     providing an adapter comprising an adapter bore; 
     removably engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device; 
     removably engaging the collet with the adapter, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the adapter; 
     passing the conduit through the collet bore and the adapter bore, and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device; and 
     after the engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device, after the engaging the collet with the adapter, and after the passing, securing an axial position of the conduit by axially translating the collet in a first direction relative to the adapter to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the adapter, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     63. The method of example 62, wherein: 
     the adapter comprises a first adapter engagement component and a second adapter engagement component; 
     the removably engaging the adapter comprises removably engaging the first adapter engagement component with the fluidic coupling device; and 
     the removably engaging the collet comprises removably engaging the collet with the second adapter engagement component. 
     64. A method for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling device, the method comprising: 
     providing a collet comprising a cap, a conduit grasper, and a collet bore; 
     providing an adapter comprising an adapter bore; 
     removably engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device; 
     removably engaging the collet with the adapter, such that the conduit grasper is between the cap and the adapter; 
     passing the conduit through the collet bore and the adapter bore, and into a device bore of the fluidic coupling device; and 
     after the engaging the adapter with the fluidic coupling device, after the engaging the collet with the adapter, and after the passing, securing an axial position of the conduit by axially translating the collet in a first direction relative to the adapter to axially translate the conduit grasper into contact with the adapter, wherein the conduit grasper is compressed against the conduit in the collet bore. 
     65. The method of example 64, wherein: 
     the adapter comprises a first adapter engagement component and a second adapter engagement component; 
     the removably engaging the adapter comprises removably engaging the first adapter engagement component with the fluidic coupling device; and 
     the removably engaging the collet comprises removably engaging the collet with the second adapter engagement component. 
     66. The method of any of examples 45-65, comprising one or more features of any of examples 1-44. 
     67. A kit for installing a conduit in a fluidic coupling, the kit comprising: 
     the collet of any of examples 1-21; and 
     a fluidic coupling device comprising:
         a conical cavity configured to receive the conduit grasper of the collet;   a conduit nut body comprising a first axial nut end and a second axial nut end spaced from the first axial nut end along a device axis;   a nut bore extending through the conduit nut body from the first axial nut end to the second axial nut end; and   a first nut engagement component disposed at the first axial nut end, and configured to engage a fluidic component configured to receive the conduit,   wherein the collet bore and the nut bore are configured to receive the conduit, and the collet is configured to be coupled to the fluidic coupling device.       

     68. The kit of example 67, wherein: 
     the nut bore comprises a conical nut section disposed at the second axial nut end, the conical nut section configured to contact the conduit grasper; 
     the conical nut section comprises the conical cavity; and 
     the fluidic coupling device comprises a second nut engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component. 
     69. The kit of example 67, wherein the fluidic coupling device comprises an external nut engagement component configured to facilitate rotation of the conduit nut, and the kit further comprises: 
     an adapter comprising an adapter bore, a first adapter engagement component configured to engage the external nut engagement component, and a second adapter engagement component configured to engage the collet engagement component, 
     wherein the adapter bore comprises a conical adapter section configured to contact the conduit grasper, and the conical adapter section comprises the conical cavity. 
     70. The kit of any of examples 67-69, comprising one or more features of any of examples 1-65. 
     71. A chromatograph apparatus or system comprising: 
     a conduit comprising a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet; 
     a fluidic component configured to receive the conduit; and 
     the fluidic coupling device of any of examples 22-65, wherein the fluidic coupling device couples at least one of the conduit inlet or the conduit outlet to the fluidic component. 
     72. The chromatograph apparatus or system of example 71, wherein the fluidic coupling device comprises a first fluidic coupling device coupled to the conduit inlet and a second fluidic coupling device coupled to the conduit outlet. 
     It will be understood that terms such as “communicate” and “in . . . communication with” (for example, a first component “communicates with” or “is in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to communicate with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components. 
     It will be understood that various aspects or details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.