Patent Publication Number: US-2022228681-A1

Title: Finger-Tight Gas Chromatograph (GC) Column Connections

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/138,631, filed Jan. 18, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A fitting is needed to connect a gas chromatograph (GC) column to each of the injector and detector of a GC. It is desirable for the fitting to be a finger-tight fitting (i.e., tighten without using tools). 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some embodiments of the technology, a GC column connection device includes a housing including first and second opposite ends. The housing includes a housing bore extending therethrough between the first and second ends of the housing. A piston is in the housing bore and includes first and second opposite ends. A ferrule is at least partially in the housing bore at the second end of the piston (or is configured to be inserted to be at least partially in the housing bore at the second end of the piston). A biasing mechanism is in the housing bore at the first end of the piston. A retaining member is in the housing bore between the first end of the housing and the biasing mechanism with the retaining member spaced apart from the first end of the housing. The retaining member is configured to retain the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism urges the piston axially toward the second end of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the piston is in the second housing portion, the first housing portion includes a flange extending radially outwardly away from the second housing portion, and the first housing portion includes a sidewall extending from the flange to the first end of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the housing bore includes a first housing bore and a second housing bore in fluid communication with the first housing bore, the first housing bore is defined by the flange and the sidewall, the second housing bore is defined by the second housing portion, and the biasing mechanism and the retaining member are in the first housing bore. 
     In some embodiments, an annular groove is in an inner surface of the sidewall, and the retaining member is in the annular groove. 
     In some embodiments, the first housing bore includes tapered portion between the first end of the housing and the groove, the first housing bore includes a constant diameter portion between the flange and the groove, and the biasing mechanism is held in the constant diameter portion. The tapered portion of the first housing bore may decrease in diameter toward the groove such that, when the retaining member is inserted into the first housing bore, the retaining member is compressed by a ramped portion of the sidewall and then snaps into place in the groove thereby providing audible and/or tactile feedback. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism includes a plurality of conical spring washers. The sidewall may be a first sidewall, and the first housing portion may include a second sidewall extending from the flange to the first end of the housing, with the second sidewall spaced apart from and surrounding the first sidewall. In some embodiments, the first sidewall and/or the second sidewall is/are free of apertures, channels, or voids extending therethrough. The flange may include at least one aperture extending therethrough between the first and second sidewalls. The device may include a grip on the second sidewall configured for hand-tightening the device to a detector or injector of a GC system. An outer surface of the second sidewall may be knurled. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism is or consists of a single conical spring washer. The sidewall may be free of apertures, channels, or voids extending therethrough. The flange may include at least one aperture extending therethrough. The device may include a grip on the sidewall configured for hand-tightening the device to a detector or injector of a gas chromatograph. An outer surface of the sidewall may be knurled. 
     In some embodiments, the piston includes a primary body and a stop extending radially outwardly from the primary body with the stop at the flange. The piston may further include a projection extending from the stop toward the first end of the housing. The conical spring washer may surround the projection with the projection received in a bore of the conical spring washer. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second housing portions are monolithic. 
     In some embodiments, an outer surface of the second housing portion is threaded at the second end of the housing such that the device can threadingly engage a detector or injector of a GC. 
     In some embodiments, the device includes a GC column extending through respective bores of the retaining member, the biasing mechanism, the piston, and the ferrule. 
     In some embodiments, the ferrule includes a tapered outer surface, and compression of the tapered outer surface of the ferrule and a surface of a detector or injector of a GC compresses the ferrule against the GC column. 
     Some embodiments of the technology are directed to a GC column connection device including a housing including first and second opposite ends. The housing includes a housing bore extending therethrough between the first and second ends of the housing. The housing bore defines a longitudinal axis. A piston is in the housing bore and includes first and second opposite ends. A ferrule is in the housing bore at the second end of the piston. A biasing mechanism is in the housing bore at the first end of the piston. The biasing mechanism may include or consist of a conical spring washer. A retaining member is at the first end of the housing and configured to retain the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism urges the piston axially toward the second end of the housing. A plurality of fasteners each extend parallel to the longitudinal axis through the retaining member and into the housing. The fasteners do not engage the conical spring washer. 
     Some embodiments of the technology are directed to a method for connecting a GC column to a detector or injector of a GC. The method includes providing a GC column connection device including: a housing including first and second opposite ends, the housing including a housing bore extending therethrough between the first and second ends of the housing; a piston in the housing bore, the piston comprising first and second opposite ends; a ferrule at least partially in the housing bore at the second end of the piston; a biasing mechanism in the housing bore at the first end of the piston; and a retaining member in the housing bore between the first end of the housing and the biasing mechanism, the retaining member spaced apart from the first end of the housing, the retaining member configured to retain the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism urges the piston axially toward the second end of the housing. The method includes inserting a GC column through respective bores of the retaining member, the biasing mechanism, the piston, and the ferrule; threadingly engaging the second end of the housing with a detector or injector of a GC such that the GC column extends into an interior of the detector or injector; and rotating the housing relative to the detector or injector to form a fluidic seal between the ferrule and the piston and between the ferrule and a surface of the detector or injector. 
     In some embodiments, rotating the housing compresses the biasing mechanism between the retaining member and the piston, compresses the ferrule against the GC column, and compresses an outer surface of the ferrule against the surface of the detector or injector. 
     In some embodiments, the housing bore is at least partially defined by a sidewall at the first end of the housing, an annular groove is defined in the sidewall, and the sidewall includes a ramped portion between the first end of the housing and the annular groove. The method may further include assembling the GC column connection device including: receiving the piston in the housing bore; then receiving the biasing mechanism in the housing bore; then receiving the retaining member in the housing bore; then urging the retaining member in the housing bore toward the biasing mechanism; compressing the retaining member using the ramped portion of the sidewall in response to the urging; and then receiving the retaining member in the annular groove. 
     Further features, advantages and details of the present technology will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a GC column connection device according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 1  with a ferrule and a GC column not shown. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of at least a portion of a biasing mechanism of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a retaining member of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a ferrule of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic sectional view illustrating the GC column connection device of  FIG. 1  engaged with a detector or injector of a GC system. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a GC column connection device according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8  with a ferrule and a GC column not shown. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a biasing mechanism of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a retaining member of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a ferrule of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic sectional view illustrating the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8  engaged with a detector or injector of a GC system. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a GC column connection device according to some embodiments engaged with a detector or injector of a GC system. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the GC column connection device of  FIG. 8  with an alternative retaining member. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the retaining member of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Traditionally the connection of a GC column to each of the injector and detector of a GC requires one or more tools. This can make installing the column difficult and time consuming for a user. Additionally, the thermal cycling of the GC oven often deforms the connecting ferrule resulting in a leak. In accordance with embodiments of the technology, some or all of these problems can be addressed by providing a spring-force backing for the ferrule to maintain a seal after thermal cycling. 
     A GC column connection device  10  according to some embodiments is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . The connection device  10  includes a housing  12 , a piston  14 , a ferrule  16 , a biasing mechanism  18 , and a retaining member  20 . As described in more detail below, a GC column  22  may be received in the connection device  10 . 
     The connection device  10  is shown without the ferrule  16  and the GC column  22  in  FIG. 3 . Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the housing  12  includes a body  24 . The body  24  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the body  24  is formed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the body  24  is monolithic. 
     The housing  12  defines a longitudinal axis H-H. The housing  12  includes first and second opposite ends  26 ,  28 . The housing  12  includes a housing bore  30  extending between the first and second ends  26 ,  28 . The housing bore  30  defines a longitudinal axis HB-HB. The housing longitudinal axis H-H and the housing bore longitudinal axis HB-HB may be coaxial. 
     The piston  14  is in the housing bore  30 . The piston  14  includes first and second opposite ends  32 ,  34 . The piston  14  includes a piston bore  35  extending between the first and second ends  32 ,  34 . The piston  14  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the piston  14  is formed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the piston  14  is monolithic. 
     The biasing mechanism  18  is in the housing bore  30  at the first end  32  of the piston  14 . The biasing mechanism  18  may include at least one conical spring washer  36 . In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism  18  includes a plurality of conical spring washers  36  arranged in a stack (e.g., a coaxial stack). 
     The retaining member  20  is in the housing bore  30  between the first end  26  of the housing  12  and the biasing mechanism  18 . The retaining member  20  is spaced apart from the first end  26  of the housing  12 . The retaining member  20  is configured to retain the biasing mechanism  18  such that the biasing mechanism  18  urges the piston  14  axially (e.g., along the longitudinal axis H-H) toward the second end  28  of the housing  12 . 
     One of the conical spring washers  36  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The washer  36  includes first and second opposite sides  38 ,  40 . The washer  36  includes a washer bore  42 . The washer  36  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the washer  36  is formed of an austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloy such as Inconel. Such a material is capable of withstanding the thermal cycling of the GC oven without substantial change in shape or strength. 
     In some embodiments, the washer  36  has a diameter D 1  of between 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the washer  36  has a diameter D 1  of about 0.236 inches. 
     The retaining member  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The retaining member  20  includes a retaining member bore  44 . The retaining member  20  may include first and second spaced apart ends  46 ,  48  defining a gap  50  therebetween. As described in more detail below, the gap  50  may allow the retaining member  20  to be compressed when being installed in the housing  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the retaining member  20  has a diameter D 2  of between 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the retaining member  20  has a diameter D 2  of about 0.248 inches. In some embodiments, D 2  is larger than D 1 . For example, D 2  may be 1-10% larger than D 1 . In some cases, D 2  is about 5% larger than D 1 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the housing  12  includes a first housing portion  12 A and a second housing portion  12 B. The second housing portion  12 B is elongated along the longitudinal axis H-H. The second housing portion  12 B may have a length L 1  of between 0.4 inches and 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the second housing portion  12 B has a length L 1  of about 1.2 inches. The second housing portion  12 B may have a diameter D 3  of between 0.18 inches and 0.24 inches. In some embodiments, the second housing portion  12 B has a diameter D 3  of about 0.24 inches. In some embodiments, L 1  is larger than D 3 . For example, L 1  may be 200-600% larger than D 3 . In some cases, L 1  is about 400% larger than D 3 . 
     The first housing portion  12 A extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis H-H. The first housing portion  12 A may have a length L 2  of between 0.2 inches and 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the first housing portion  12 A has a length L 2  of about 0.24 inches. In some embodiments, L 1  is larger than L 2 . For example, L 1  may be 200-600% larger than L 2 . In some cases, L 1  is about 400% larger than L 2 . The first housing portion  12 A may have a diameter D 4  of between 0.3 inches and 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, the first housing portion  12 A has a diameter D 4  of about 0.78 inches. In some embodiments, D 4  is larger than D 3 . For example, D 4  may be 100-500% larger than D 3 . In some cases, D 4  is about 225% larger than D 3 . 
     In some embodiments, D 4  is larger than L 2 . For example, D 4  may be 100-500% larger than L 2 . In some cases, D 4  is about 225% larger than L 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the length of the housing (L 1 +L 2 ) is larger than D 1 . For example, the length of the housing may be 300-700% larger than D 1 . In some cases, the length of the housing is about 510% larger than D 1 . 
     The first housing portion  12 A includes a flange  52  extending outwardly away from the second housing portion  12 B. The flange  52  may be annular and/or circular. The first housing portion  12 A includes a sidewall  54  extending from the flange  52  to the first end  26  of the housing  12 . The sidewall  54  may be an annular sidewall. 
     The housing bore  30  includes a first housing bore  56  and a second housing bore  58  in communication with one another. The first housing bore  56  is defined by the flange  52  and the sidewall  54 . The second housing bore  58  is defined by the second housing portion  12 B. 
     The biasing mechanism  18  and the retaining member  20  are in the first housing bore  56 . The sidewall  54  includes an inner surface  60 . An annular groove  62  is defined in the inner surface  60  of the sidewall  54 . The retaining member  20  is held in the groove  62 . 
     The piston  14  includes a primary body  64  and a stop  66  extending radially outwardly from the primary body  64 . As described above, when the retaining member  20  is held in the groove  62 , the retaining member  20  retains the biasing mechanism  18  such that the biasing mechanism  18  urges the piston  14  axially toward the second end  28  of the housing  12 . The stop  66  may engage the flange  52  to restrain the piston  14  from further axial movement. 
     The inner surface  60  of the sidewall  54  may include a ramped or tapered portion  68  between the first end  26  of the housing  12  and the groove  62 . The first housing bore  56  may include a corresponding tapered portion  70  that narrows from the first end  26  of the housing  12  toward the groove  62 . The inner surface  60  of the sidewall  54  may include a constant diameter portion  72  between the flange  52  and the groove  60 . The first housing bore  56  may include a corresponding constant diameter portion  74 . 
     The ferrule  16  may be insertable at least partially in the housing bore  30  and, more specifically, at least partially in the second housing bore  58 , such that the ferrule engages the second end  34  of the piston  14 . 
     The ferrule  16  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The ferrule  16  includes first and second opposite ends  76 ,  78 . The ferrule  16  includes a ferrule bore  80  extending between the first and second ends  76 ,  78 . The ferrule includes a body  82 . The body  82  may include a constant diameter portion  84  and a frustoconical or tapered portion  86 . The constant diameter portion  84  includes an outer surface  88  and the tapered portion  86  includes an outer surface  90 . The second end  78  of the ferrule  16  includes an outer surface  91 . As described in more detail below, the outer surface  90  of the tapered portion  86  and/or the outer surface  91  of the second end  78  may engage a surface or surfaces of an injector or detector of a GC system to provide a seal for the GC column  22 . 
     The ferrule  16  may be or include graphite. In some embodiments, the ferrule  16  includes graphite and a polymer (e.g., Vespel). In some embodiments, the ferrule  16  is elastically deformable. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the connection device  10  may be assembled in the following manner. The piston  14  may be inserted in the housing bore  30 . The spring washer(s)  36  may be inserted into the housing bore  30  at the first end  32  of the piston  14 . The retaining member  20  may then be inserted into the groove  62 . In some embodiments, as the retaining member  20  is inserted into the housing bore  30 , the retaining member  20  is gradually compressed by the ramped portion  68  of the sidewall  54  until it snaps into the groove  62 . This helps ensure that the retaining member  20  is firmly held in the groove  62  to retain the spring washer(s)  36 . The ferrule  16  is then inserted at least partially into the housing bore  30  and the GC column  22  is then inserted through the ferrule bore  80 , the piston bore  35 , the washer bore(s)  42 , and the retaining member bore  44 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, the sidewall  54  is a first sidewall and the first housing portion  12 A includes a second sidewall  92  extending from the flange  52  to the first end  26  of the housing  12 . The second sidewall  92  may be spaced apart from and surround the first sidewall  54 . The second sidewall  92  may be an annular sidewall. 
     An annular gap G 1  is defined between the first sidewall  54  and the second sidewall  92 . The gap G 1  may help with heat management. At least one aperture  94  may be in the flange  52  between the first sidewall  54  and the second sidewall  92 . The at least one aperture  94  may also help with heat management. As illustrated, there may be a plurality of the apertures  94 . 
     As noted above, the second sidewall  92  is spaced apart from the first sidewall  54 . The second sidewall  92  therefore has a greater diameter than the first sidewall  54 . This allows a user to apply more torque when installing the device. In some embodiments, a grip or handle  96  is on the second sidewall  92 . The grip  96  may be knurled to further assist a user to install the device. 
     In some embodiments, the first sidewall  54  and/or the second sidewall  92  are free of apertures, channels, or voids extending therethrough. This is in contrast to some known connection devices wherein a cap or other member is used to retain the biasing mechanism or spring and fasteners are advanced through apertures in the body to retain the cap. 
     The housing  12  may include a threaded portion  98  at the second end  28  of the housing  12 . The threaded portion  98  may threadingly engage a detector or injector of a GC system. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the device  10  installed in a detector or injector  1002  of a GC system  1000 . The detector or injector  1002  includes a body  1004 . The body  1004  includes a bore  1006  and a threaded portion  1008 . In the illustrated embodiment, a user has hand-tightened the device  10  such that the threaded portion  98  of the device is threadingly engaged with the threaded portion  1008  of the detector or injector body  1004 . The detector or injector body  1004  may include a tapered inner surface  1010  and an inner end surface  1012 . 
     Rotation of the device  10  to the position shown in  FIG. 7  compresses the biasing mechanism  18 , which in turn axially translates the piston  14  against the ferrule  16 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , this urges the outer surface  90  of the tapered portion  86  of the ferrule  16  against the tapered inner surface  1010  of the detector or injector body  1004 . The outer surface  91  of the second end  78  of the ferrule  16  may also be urged against the inner end surface  1012  of the of the detector or injector body  1004 . The resulting compression causes the ferrule  16  to radially bear down on the GC column  22  to contribute to a fluidic seal. 
     A GC column connection device  100  according to some embodiments is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 . The connection device  10  includes a housing  112 , a piston  114 , a ferrule  116 , a biasing mechanism  118 , and a retaining member  120 . As described in more detail below, a GC column  122  may be received in the connection device  100 . 
     The connection device  100  is shown without the ferrule  116  and the GC column  122  in  FIG. 10 . Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the housing  112  includes a body  124 . The body  124  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the body  124  is formed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the body  124  is monolithic. 
     The housing  112  defines a longitudinal axis H-H. The housing  112  includes first and second opposite ends  126 ,  128 . The housing  112  includes a housing bore  130  extending between the first and second ends  126 ,  128 . The housing bore  130  defines a longitudinal axis HB-HB. The housing longitudinal axis H-H and the housing bore longitudinal axis HB-HB may be coaxial. 
     The piston  114  is in the housing bore  130 . The piston  114  includes first and second opposite ends  132 ,  134 . The piston  114  includes a piston bore  135  extending between the first and second ends  132 ,  134 . The piston  114  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the piston  114  is formed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the piston  114  is monolithic. 
     The biasing mechanism  118  is in the housing bore  30  at the first end  32  of the piston  14 . In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism  118  is a single conical spring washer  136 . 
     The retaining member  120  is in the housing bore  130  between the first end  126  of the housing  112  and the biasing mechanism  118 . The retaining member  120  is spaced apart from the first end  126  of the housing  112 . The retaining member  120  is configured to retain the biasing mechanism  118  such that the biasing mechanism  118  urges the piston  114  axially (e.g., along the longitudinal axis H-H) toward the second end  128  of the housing  112 . 
     The conical spring washer  136  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The washer  136  includes first and second opposite sides  138 ,  140 . The washer  136  includes a washer bore  142 . The washer  136  may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the washer  136  is formed of an austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloy such as Inconel available from American Ring. Such a material is capable of withstanding the thermal cycling of the GC oven without substantial change in shape or strength. 
     In some embodiments, the washer  136  has a diameter D 4  of between 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches. In some embodiments, the washer  136  has a diameter D 4  of about 0.630 inches. 
     The retaining member  120  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The retaining member  120  includes a retaining member bore  144 . The retaining member  120  may include first and second spaced apart ends  146 ,  148  defining a gap  150  therebetween. As described in more detail below, the gap  150  may allow the retaining member  120  to be compressed when being installed in the housing  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the retaining member  120  has a diameter D 5  of between 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches. In some embodiments, the retaining member  120  has a diameter D 5  of about 0.67 inches. In some embodiments, D 5  is larger than D 4 . For example, D 5  may be 1-10% larger than D 4 . In some cases, D 5  is about 6% larger than D 4 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8-10 , the housing  112  includes a first housing portion  112 A and a second housing portion  112 B. The second housing portion  112 B is elongated along the longitudinal axis H-H. The second housing portion  112 B may have a length L 3  of between 0.4 inches and 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the second housing portion  112 B has a length L 3  of about 1.2 inches. The second housing portion  112 B may have a diameter D 6  of between 0.18 inches and 0.24 inches. In some embodiments, the second housing portion  112 B has a diameter D 6  of about 0.24 inches. In some embodiments, L 3  is larger than D 6 . For example, L 3  may be 200-600% larger than D 6 . In some cases, L 3  is about 400% larger than D 6 . 
     The first housing portion  112 A extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis H-H. The first housing portion  112 A may have a length L 4  of between 0.2 inches and 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the first housing portion  112 A has a length L 4  of about 0.24 inches. In some embodiments, L 3  is larger than L 4 . For example, L 3  may be 200-600% larger than L 4 . In some cases, L 3  is about 400% larger than L 4 . The first housing portion  112 A may have a diameter D 7  of between 0.3 inches and 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, the first housing portion  112 A has a diameter D 7  of about 0.78 inches. In some embodiments, D 7  is larger than D 6 . For example, D 7  may be 100-500% larger than D 6 . In some cases, D 7  is about 225% larger than D 6 . 
     In some embodiments, D 7  is larger than L 4 . For example, D 7  may be 100-500% larger than L 4 . In some cases, D 7  is about 225% larger than L 4 . 
     In some embodiments, the length of the housing (L 3 +L 4 ) is larger than D 4 . For example, the length of the housing may be 100-500% larger than D 4 . In some cases, the length of the housing is about 130% larger than D 4 . 
     The first housing portion  112 A includes a flange  152  extending outwardly away from the second housing portion  112 B. The flange  152  may be annular and/or circular. The first housing portion  112 A includes a sidewall  154  extending from the flange  152  to the first end  126  of the housing  112 . The sidewall  154  may be an annular sidewall. 
     The housing bore  130  includes a first housing bore  156  and a second housing bore  158  in communication with one another. The first housing bore  156  is defined by the flange  152  and the sidewall  154 . The second housing bore  158  is defined by the second housing portion  112 B. 
     The biasing mechanism  118  and the retaining member  120  are in the first housing bore  156 . The sidewall  154  includes an inner surface  160 . An annular groove  162  is defined in the inner surface  160  of the sidewall  154 . The retaining member  120  is held in the groove  162 . 
     The piston  114  includes a primary body  164  and a stop  166  extending radially outwardly from the primary body  164 . As described above, when the retaining member  120  is held in the groove  162 , the retaining member  120  retains the biasing mechanism  118  such that the biasing mechanism  118  urges the piston  114  axially toward the second end  128  of the housing  112 . The stop  166  may engage the flange  152  to restrain the piston  114  from further axial movement. The piston  114  may include a projection  167  extending from the stop  166  toward the first end  126  of the housing. The washer  136  may surround the projection  167  and the projection  167  may be received in the bore  142  of the washer  136  ( FIG. 11 ), 
     The inner surface  160  of the sidewall  154  may include a ramped or tapered portion  168  between the first end  126  of the housing  112  and the groove  162 . The first housing bore  156  may include a corresponding tapered portion  170  that narrows from the first end  126  of the housing  112  toward the groove  162 . The inner surface  160  of the sidewall  154  may include a constant diameter portion  172  between the flange  152  and the groove  162 . The first housing bore  156  may include a corresponding constant diameter portion  174 . 
     In some embodiments, the inner surface  160  of the sidewall  154  may include a first constant diameter portion  200  between the first end  126  of the housing  112  and the ramped or tapered portion  168  of the sidewall  154 . The first housing bore  156  may include a corresponding first constant diameter portion  202 . The ramped or tapered portion  168  may be between the first constant diameter portion  202  and the groove  162 . The first housing bore  156  may include the corresponding tapered portion  170  that narrows from the first constant diameter portion  200  toward the groove  162 . The second constant diameter portion  172  may be between the groove  162  and the flange  152 . The first housing bore  156  may include the corresponding second constant diameter portion  174 . 
     The ferrule  116  may be insertable at least partially in the housing bore  130  and, more specifically, at least partially in the second housing bore  158 , such that the ferrule engages the second end  134  of the piston  114 . 
     The ferrule  116  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The ferrule  116  includes first and second opposite ends  176 ,  178 . The ferrule  116  includes a ferrule bore  180  extending between the first and second ends  176 ,  178 . The ferrule includes a body  182 . The body  182  may include a constant diameter portion  184  and a frustoconical or tapered portion  186 . The constant diameter portion  184  includes an outer surface  188  and the tapered portion  186  includes an outer surface  190 . The second end  178  of the ferrule  116  includes an outer surface  191 . As described in more detail below, the outer surface  190  of the tapered portion  186  and/or the outer surface  191  of the second end  178  may engage a surface or surfaces of an injector or detector of a GC system to provide a seal for the GC column  122 . 
     The ferrule  116  may be or include graphite. In some embodiments, the ferrule  116  includes graphite and a polymer (e.g., Vespel). The ferrule  116  may be elastically deformable. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8-10 , the connection device  100  may be assembled in the following manner. The piston  114  may be inserted in the housing bore  130 . The spring washer  136  may be inserted into the housing bore  130  at the first end  132  of the piston  114 . The retaining member  120  may then be inserted into the groove  162 . In some embodiments, as the retaining member  120  is inserted into the housing bore  130 , the retaining member  120  is gradually compressed by the ramped portion  168  of the sidewall  154  until it snaps into the groove  162 . This helps ensure that the retaining member  120  is firmly held in the groove  162  to retain the spring washer  136 . The ferrule  116  is then inserted at least partially into the housing bore  130  and the GC column  122  is then inserted through the ferrule bore  180 , the piston bore  135 , the washer bore  142 , and the retaining member bore  144 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , in some embodiments, at least one aperture  194  may be in the flange  152 . The at least one aperture  194  may help with heat management. As illustrated, there may be a plurality of the apertures  194 . 
     The relatively large diameter D 3  of the first housing portion  112 A allows a user to apply more torque when installing the device. In some embodiments, a grip or handle  196  is on the sidewall  154 . The grip  196  may be knurled to further assist a user install the device. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewall  54  is free of apertures, channels, or voids extending therethrough. This is in contrast to some known connection devices wherein a cap or other member is used to retain the biasing mechanism or spring and fasteners are advanced through apertures in the body to retain the cap. 
     The housing  112  may include a threaded portion  198  at the second end  128  of the housing  112 . The threaded portion  198  may threadingly engage a detector or injector of a GC system. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the device  100  installed in a detector or injector  1002  of a GC system  1000 . The detector or injector  1002  includes a body  1004 . The body  1004  includes a bore  1006  and a threaded portion  1008 . In the illustrated embodiment, a user has hand-tightened the device  100  such that the threaded portion  198  of the device is threadingly engaged with the threaded portion  1008  of the detector or injector body  1004 . The detector or injector body  1004  may include a tapered inner surface  1010  and an inner end surface  1012 . 
     Rotation of the device  100  to the position shown in  FIG. 14  compresses the biasing mechanism  118 , which in turn axially translates the piston  114  against the ferrule  116 . Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , this urges the outer surface  190  of the tapered portion  186  of the ferrule  116  against the tapered inner surface  1010  of the detector or injector body  1004 . The outer surface  191  of the second end  718  of the ferrule  116  may also be urged against the inner end surface  1012  of the of the detector or injector body  1004 . The resulting compression causes the ferrule  116  to radially bear down on the GC column  122  to contribute to a fluidic seal. 
     Traditionally the connection of a GC column to a detector or injector of a GC system requires one or more tools. It is desirable to have a tool-less finger-tight connector that has spring force backing the ferrule to maintain a seal after thermal cycling. 
     Some known finger-tight connection devices use additional components such as a cap to retain the spring in place. The cap is rotated on a housing to compress the spring. There are pins that are received through the housing and the cap to retain the cap in place. 
     The finger-tight connection devices  10 ,  100  are easier and more economical to assemble than known finger-tight connection devices. For example, the retaining member  20 ,  120  is positioned to compress the spring and requires no manipulation by the installer. The finger-tight connection devices  10 ,  100  are also easier to install than known finger-tight connection devices. For example, the installer rotates the entire device to obtain the fluidic seal and does not have to manipulate additional components such as caps and pins. 
     The finger-tight connection device  100  may provide further advantages. For example, the device  100  uses a single washer  136  with a larger diameter. The single, larger washer has a longer traveling distance and further eases assembly. 
     The connection device  100  according to another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The connection device  100  is as described above but includes a stronger, wider retaining member  120  and a deeper groove  162  ( FIG. 10 ). This may help prevent force in the washer  136  from pushing the retaining member  120  out of the groove  162 . 
     The retaining member  120  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 17 . The retaining member  120  includes a retaining member bore  144 . The retaining member  120  may include first and second spaced apart ends  146 ,  148  defining a gap  150  therebetween. The gap  150  may help the retaining member  120  to be compressed when being installed in the housing  112 . 
     The connection device  100  is shown in its assembled state in  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, to assemble the connection device  100 , the piston  124  is received in the housing  112  and then the washer  136  is received in the housing (e.g., surrounding the projection  167  of the piston  124 ). The retaining member  120  is then received in the housing  112 . A tool (e.g., a cylindrical ram) is then pressed into the opening at the first end  126  of the housing  112 . The tool urges the retaining member  120  through the first housing bore  156  of the housing  112  and the ramp  168  on the sidewall  154  of the housing  112  compresses the retaining member  120  until it is received in the groove  162  ( FIG. 10 ). There may be audible and/or tactile feedback (e.g., a click) when the retaining member  120  until it is received in the groove  162  and the assembly process is completed. This design eases assembly and reduces assembly cost and time compared to known connection devices. 
     A GC column connection device  300  according to some embodiments is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The device  300  includes a housing  312  including first and second opposite ends  326 ,  328 . The housing  312  includes a housing bore  330  extending between the first and second opposite ends  326 ,  328  of the housing  312 . The housing bore  330  defines a longitudinal axis HB-HB. A piston  314  is in the housing bore  330 . The piston  314  includes first and second opposite ends  332 ,  334 . A ferrule  316  is at least partially in the housing bore  330  at the second end  334  of the piston  314 . A biasing mechanism  318  is in the housing bore  330  at the first end  332  of the piston  314 . In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism  318  includes at least one conical spring washer. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism consists of a single conical spring washer. 
     A retaining member  320  is at the first end  326  of the housing  312  and is configured to retain the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism  318  urges the piston  314  axially toward the second end  328  of the housing  312 . A plurality of fasteners  402  such as screws or rivets each extend parallel to the longitudinal axis HB-HB through the retaining member  320  and into the housing  312 . The fasteners  402  do not engage the biasing mechanism  318 . 
     The device  300  may be installed in the detector or injector  1002  of a GC system  1000  in a similar manner as described above with regard to the devices  10 ,  100 . 
     The present technology has been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the technology are shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for clarity. This technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the technology to those skilled in the art. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present technology. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When the term “about” or “substantially equal to” is used in the specification the intended meaning is that the value is plus or minus 5% of the specified value. 
     It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present technology are explained in detail in the specification set forth herein. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present technology and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments of this technology have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of this technology. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this technology as defined in the claims. The technology is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.