Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting gasses from the sample headspace of a sealed sample container are disclosed. The gasses in the sample headspace are withdrawn by inserting a probe into the sample headspace and permitting the gasses to flow into an external headspace. The probe is then disconnected from the sample to seal the external headspace and the external headspace is then connected to an analytical instrument such as a gas chromatograph to permit the sample gasses to be transferred out of the external headspace and into the instrument. The step of transferring the gasses is preferably accomplished by connecting a source of carrier gas to an inlet port of the external headspace and sweeping the sample gasses from the external headspace.

Abstract: A method for resolving severely overlapped chromatogram peaks using Jansson's iterative deconvolution method is disclosed. The method requires only a knowledge of the impulse response function of the chromatographic apparatus and maximum peak height. A high degree of resolution is achieved without significantly degrading the chromatogram signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: Sudden changes in arc current are slowed to mitigate the resulting noise. A sensor detects large decreases in current during initial stages of arc quench and actuate circuits to maintain ionization and current flow to avoid sharp final drop that causes loud noise impulse. Ionization can be maintained by supplying RF energy at appropriate frequency to the arc electrodes and/or by increasing the arc voltage. The sophisticated control algorithm is implemented utilizing an inexpensive microprocessor to exert proper control of arc sustaining parameters to mitigate arc quenching impulse noise.