Abstract: An improved method is provided for determining when a set of multivariate data (such as a chromatogram or a spectrum) is an outlier. The method involves using a procedure such as Principal Component Analysis to create a model describing a calibration set of spectra or chromatograms which is known to be normal, and to create residuals describing the portion of a particular spectrum or chromatogram which is not described by the model. The improvement comprises using an average residual spectrum calculated for the calibration set, rather than the origin of the model as a reference point for comparing a spectrum or chromatogram obtained from an unknown sample. The present invention also includes separating a complex set of data into various sub-parts such as sub-chromatograms or sub-spectra, so that outliers in any sub-part can be more readily detected.

Abstract: A method of drying articles is presented. The method generally comprises fluidizing solid media, contacting the article with the fluidized media for a sufficient amount of time to allow liquid to be transferred from the surface of the article to the solid media. Typically this involves forming a bed of solid material, fluidizing the bed then immersing the article to be dried in the fluidized bed. Using solid media to contact the wet parts, the water, and anything dissolved in it, is wicked away. The parts are dried in seconds with little residue and no heating. The solids used are typically porous and have very high surface area and can therefore be rapidly dried and reused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the heat of combustion of a material. The apparatus comprises a burner capable of producing a diffusional flame; a device for conveying a sample of the material to the burner, so that the sample is burned within the diffusional flame; and a mechanism for determining the height of the flame in the burner. The method of the invention comprises forming a diffusional flame; burning a sample of the material within the diffusional flame; determining the height of the diffusional flame which results as the sample is burned; and comparing the height determined when the sample was burned with heights determined when standards were burned, the standards having known values for their heats of combustion.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for determining whether systematic biases are present in an instrument. The method involves first obtaining a series of replicates produced by an instrument. Then, a Fourier Transform is performed on that data, thereby generating a secondary spectrum which indicates the frequency characteristics of the data. This secondary spectrum is then compared to secondary spectra obtained in a similar matter from a series of random number sets to determine whether variations observed are within an expected range as defined by the random number series.Another aspect of the invention is a method for determining an optimum frequency at which the instrument should be calibrated. This method comprises obtaining a set of multivariate data as before, and treating every xth data point as a calibration point and adjusting the values of the points following the calibration point accordingly. A Fourier Transform is then calculated as before.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the distribution according to size of particles which make up a noncontinuous phase dispersed within a matrix which is not completely soluble in an aqueous solution. The method involves dissolving the matrix containing the particles in an essentially nonaqueous liquid causing the particles to be suspended. The suspension is then eluted through a separating medium which sorts the particles according to size. A detector monitors the effluent from the separating medium and creates a record of the data. This record is then compared to data obtained from known standards in order to estimate the size distribution in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for using a detector designed for use with liquids to detect resolved analytes in an effluent stream from a gas chromatography instrument. The gaseous stream is entrained by a flowing liquid solvent, and at least a portion of the analytes are transferred from the gas phase to the liquid phase. The liquid solvent containing the analytes is then conveyed to a detector designed for liquid analysis. Thus, the present invention gives the analyst more options for detecting an analyte or a group of analytes, thereby providing greater flexibility in optimizing the sensitivity or selectivity of the analysis. Furthermore, the present invention allows gaseous effluents to be analyzed by detectors which more readily permit sample recovery than the detectors currently being used to analyze gaseous effluents.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the distribution according to size of particles which make up a noncontinuous phase dispersed within a matrix which is not completely soluble in an aqueous solution. The method involves dissolving the matrix containing the particles in an essentially nonaqueous liquid causing the particles to be suspended. The suspension is then eluted through a separating medium which sorts the particles according to size. A detector monitors the effluent from the separating medium and creates a record of the data. This record is then compared to data obtained from known standards in order to estimate the size distribution in the sample.