Abstract: A pump (18) draws liquefied carbon-dioxide from a reservoir (4 or 6) and delivers it via a controllable heater (20) and a filling valve (14) to a cylinder (26) to be filled to any required density. This receiver cylinder (26) is controllably warmed by a heater (32) while sensors (22,24) are provided to indicate the pressure and temperature of its contents. For each required density a table of figures is provided relating pressures (above saturation pressure) to temperature, for that density. A temperature (which must be clear above the lowest temperature at which the receiver will be liquid-full at the required density but which need not exceed the critical temperature) is selected, and the heaters (20 and 32) are controlled so that the receiver cylinder and its contents will converge at or near that temperature as filling is completed. During the final phase of filling the indicated temperature will rise slowly and the pressure (from the time the receiver is liquid-full) will rise relatively fast.

Abstract: A pump (18) draws liquefied carbon-dioxide from a reservoir (4 or 6) and delivers it via a controllable heater (20) and a filling valve (14) to a cylinder (26) to be filled to any required density. This receiver cylinder (26) is controllably warmed by a heater (32) while sensors (22,24) are provided to indicate the pressure and temperature of its contents.For each required density a table of figures is provided relating pressures (above saturation pressure) to temperature, for that density.A temperature (which must be clear above the lowest temperature at which the receiver will be liquid-fill at the required density but which need not exceed the critical temperature) is selected, and the heaters (20 and 32) are controlled so that the receiver cylinder and its contents will converge at or near that temperature as filling is completed.During the final phase of filling the indicated temperature will rise slowly and the pressure (from the time the receiver is liquid-full) will rise relatively fast.

Abstract: Magazine for introducing samples into the inlet system of a mass spectrometer. The magazine (22) comprises a flat plate having upper and lower surfaces which are generally horizontal during use. A zig-zag groove (32) is formed in the lower surface engageable by a reciprocable pin (34) to advance the magazine (22) by increments relative to an aperture (12) of the inlet system (10) of the mass spectrometer and recesses (24) are formed in the upper surface of the magazine for receiving tubes (16) containing samples for analysis. The recesses (24) extend transversely to the direction of movement of the magazine (22) and are arranged at a regular pitch equal to that of the groove (32) in the lower surface.

Abstract: The introduction of a sample into a mass spectrometer providing in one aspect a method which comprises placing the sample in a tube (16) open at only one end, placing around the tube (16) an O-ring (30), placing the sample tube (16) with its open end adjacent an aperture (12) of the inlet system of the mass spectrometer and compressing the O-ring (3) about the tube whereby to seal sample tube (16) against the aperture (12), the sample tube upon evacuation by the inlet system of the mass spectrometer forming part of the vacuum retaining wall. The invention also relates to a sample tube surrounded by an O-ring and preferably containing a boat for receiving the sample.

Abstract: A feed system for picking a sample tube off a magazine and introducing the sample tube into the inlet system of a mass spectrometer. The feed system comprises a pick-up tube (52) designed at its forward end to fit over a sample tube (16) resting on the magazine (22) and grip the sample tube (16). A carriage (40) supports the pick-up tube in a horizontal attitude and is driven towards and away from the inlet system (10) of the mass spectrometer by means of a motor driven pinion (46) engaging a rack (44) on the upper surface of the carriage (40). A cam track (50) raises the pick-up tube (52) after a sample tube (16) has been gripped to the level of the aperture (12) of the inlet system (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas under pressure into liquid held in a bottle 5, primarily for injecting carbon dioxide gas into beverages in order to make "fizzy" drinks in the home or other small establishments, comprises a base member 1 including a platform 4 to support the bottle. A housing member 2 is pivoted to the base member about a generally horizontal axis 3 spaced horizontally from the platform so that when the apparatus is opened the bottle can be placed upon, or removed from, the platform. When the apparatus is closed, a dip tube 9 penetrates through the open top of the bottle to permit the injection of gas from a cylinder housed within the base member under the control of a lever 11.