Abstract: A chemical sampling system includes a direct analysis in real time (DART) device and an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) device positioned proximate the DART device. Another chemical sampling system includes the APPI device positioned proximate to a thermal desorption device.

Abstract: A sequential, time-integrated collector having an electronic controller that actuates either of two electrically-actuated valves, each connected to a water reservoir. At a preset time interval (e.g., every 30 minutes), time-integrated water samples are transferred into sample vials in a multi-sample carousel. Evaporation that could change the isotopic composition of a precipitation sample is minimized by sealing the opening of each sample vial by pressing each vial against a flat, low-friction surface, such as a Teflon® sheet, from the time each sample vial is filled until it is removed from the collector.

Abstract: A discrete volume vacuum sampling device is provided with a vacuum tube, a sample tube, and a sample container. The container defines a discrete volume of product to be sampled from a product bed within a processing machine. The sampler tube extends between the container and the machine containing the product to be sampled. When a vacuum is applied through the vacuum tube, a door on the container is pulled shut, thereby increasing air velocity in the sampler tube, so as to draw product from the bed upwardly through the sampler tube and into the container. When the container is full, the vacuum is stopped, such that the weight of the product in the container pushes the door open for discharge of the discrete volume of product sample, while product remaining within the sampler tube is discharged back into the bed of material within the machine.

Abstract: The powder sampling device comprises, next to a vertical channel (1) a drawer that is also vertical which may be lowered so that a groove (5) passes into a sampling mouth (12). A flap (15) may be extended to direct the powder towards the groove (5) temporarily and fill it, without the drawer (4) or the flap (15) disrupting the flow in normal circumstances nor causing any residue of powder likely to alter the measurements. In particular, the flap (15), the groove (5) and the corbelled section (2) have faces (6, 8) that are heavily angled on which the powder can only slide.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for mixing a liquid within a disposable aspirating probe tip so that most of the liquid is forced to move past a transition zone between two different inside diameters to cause rotational mixing. The apparatus and method can be used to provide agglutination of blood, which in turn can be used for blood typing. The probe tip can comprise a single integral piece, or two separate portions. The transition zone can comprise a sharp demarcation between inside diameters, or a smooth one.