Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus (10) includes processing circuitry (22) coupled to a data set device (20) and a storage device (24) to acquire one data set from an analysis component (14) according to one analysis parameter set and to prepare another analysis parameter set using another previously acquired data set.

Abstract: Analytical instruments configured to perform atmospheric pressure ionization are provided that are less than 50 kgs in total weight and/or less than 1 m3 in total volume. Mass analysis instruments are provided that can include an interface vacuum structure operatively coupled between an ionization source and a vacuum region housing a detector. Mass analysis instruments are also provided that can include an ionization source coupled to an analysis region via an interface vacuum structure, with at least two independent vacuum components.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: In one implementation, an analysis device operational method includes providing a plurality of levels of programming abstraction corresponding to programming of an analysis device configured to analyze a sample, receiving input data corresponding to one of the levels of programming abstraction, processing the input data to generate analysis control data, and implementing an operation with respect to analysis of the sample using the analysis control data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for collecting and storing chemical samples and transferring those samples to analytical devices for analysis. In one implementation the device includes an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals. In another implementation, the device includes an analytical device having an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals with a sampling device. In another implementation, the device includes a sampling device having an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals with an analytical device.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: Gas chromatography apparatuses are provided that can include a housing configured to substantially envelop the column within the compartment. Analytical instruments are provided that can include at least one chromatography column compartment having a volume of the less than 100 mL. Analytical methods are provided that can include increasing the temperature of a chromatography column at a rate of about 60° C./minute using less than about 40 W. Methods are also provided that include providing at least one gas chromatography column compartment configured to substantially envelop a gas chromatography column and performing analysis with the one compartment in the first operable position and/or transitioning portions to the second operable position to allow access to the one compartment.

Abstract: Sample introduction components of analytical instruments are provided that can include a membrane inlet component in fluid communication with both a mass analyzer component and a sample inlet. The components can also include a valve in fluid communication with the sample inlet and a sampling component. Components can include a sample loop assembly in fluid communication with valve, and a preconcentration assembly in fluid communication with the valve. Sample analysis methods are provided that can include providing sample to a membrane in fluid communication with a mass analyzer to acquire sample parameter data, and providing the sample to a sampling assembly upon acquisition of predefined sample parameter data. Methods can also include providing sample to a first sampling assembly in fluid communication with a detection component to acquire sample parameter data, providing the sample to a second sampling assembly upon acquisition of predefined sample parameter data.

Abstract: Person-portable mass analysis instrumentation configured to perform multidimensional mass analysis is provided. Mass analysis instrumentation can include a housing encompassing components of the instrumentation with the housing of the instrumentation defining a space having a volume of equal to or less than about 100,000 cm3. Instrument assemblies are also provided that can include a housing coupled to an instrument component isolation assembly, wherein the component isolation assembly is isolated from an environment exterior to the housing. Exemplary instrument assemblies can include at least first and second components configured to provide analysis with a housing of the instrument at least partially encompassing the first and second components and the first component being rigidly affixed to the housing. An isolation assembly can also be provided that is rigidly affixed to the second component with the isolation assembly being isolated from received inputs of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable sampler for collecting an atmospheric sample. In one implementation, the portable sampler includes a portable housing with an interior portion; a sample inlet communicating between an area outside the housing and the interior portion of the housing; a sample cartridge in fluid communication with the sample inlet and adapted to store the atmospheric sample, the sample cartridge being removably secured within the housing; a pump disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the pump being arranged to draw the atmospheric sample from the area outside the housing into the sample cartridge through the sample inlet; and a carrier gas inlet communicating between the area outside the housing and the sample cartridge, the carrier gas inlet being configured to couple with a carrier gas source for sweeping the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge into an analyzer while the sample cartridge is secured within the housing.

Abstract: Sample analysis apparatuses are disclosed that can include processing circuitry configured to acquire one data set from an analysis component configured according to one analysis parameter set, and prepare another analysis parameter set using another previously acquired data set. Sample analysis methods are also disclosed that can include acquiring first and second data sets from an analysis component and using the process and control component to process the first data set to prepare a second analysis component parameter set. Sample analysis instruments are disclosed that can include processing circuitry coupled to a storage device with the storage device including analysis component parameter sets associated with data parameter values with individual ones of the analysis component parameter sets being associated with individual ones of the data parameter values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for collecting and storing an atmospheric sample for eventual analysis, where the atmospheric sample includes a mixture of at least a matrix and an analyte. In one implementation, the system includes a housing; a sample cartridge removably attached to the housing, and a pump integrated with the housing and in fluid communication with the sample cartridge, the pump being configured to draw the atmospheric sample through the sample cartridge and to subsequently evacuate the matrix from the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge includes a low thermal mass cylinder with a first end and a second end; an inlet port with a gas-tight inlet valve at the first end of the cylinder, an outlet port with a gas-tight outlet valve at the second end of the cylinder, and a sorbent material disposed within the cylinder and adapted to trap the analyte from the atmospheric sample.

Abstract: In one implementation, processes for designing mass separators from a series of mass separator electric field data and processes for designing an ion trap from a range of data pairs and a mass analyzer scale are provided. Methods for producing mass separators including ion traps having Z0/r0 ratios from about 0.84 to about 1.2 are also provided. Mass spectrometers are also provided that can include mass separators in tandem with one being an ion trap having a Z0/r0 ratio between 0.84 and 1.2. The present invention also provides methods for analyzing samples using mass separators having first and second sets of components defining a volume with a ratio of a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the first component to a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the second component being between 0.84 and 1.2.

Abstract: Ion detection methods are provided that can include applying a first voltage between a power source and a dynode, and contacting the dynode with first ions to create a first charged species. After applying the first voltage, a second voltage can be applied between the power source and the dynode, and the dynode can be contacted with second ions to create a second charged species. Mass spectrometry instrument circuitry is also provided that can include a power source coupled to a dynode via at least one switch with the switch being operatively configured in one position to apply a first voltage between the dynode and the power source, and, in another position, configured to apply a second voltage between the dynode and the power source. Mass spectrometry analysis methods are also provided that can include detecting sorted ions using a dynode configured according to an ion detection parameter with the ion detection parameter including first and second dynode values associated with first and second time values.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas chromatograph assembly. In one implementation, the assembly includes a sample injector and a guard column assembly. The guard column assembly includes a guard column connected to and downstream of the sample injector; a jacket with low thermal mass surrounding the guard column; a temperature controlled heater connected to the jacket to control the temperature of the jacket and thereby the temperature of the guard column; and an insulating housing surrounding the jacket. An analytical column is connected to and downstream of the guard column.

Abstract: Analysis methods are provided that include generating a sample data set using a sample, the sample data set comprising first and second data sets, wherein each of the first and second data sets comprises at least one of an analytical parameter and a sample characteristic acquired using the analytical parameter; and using the first and the second data sets, identifying the sample. Instruments including an ionization source configured to apply different ionization energies to a sample to provide different sample characteristics, and processing circuitry configured to process the different sample characteristics to identify the sample are provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mass spectrometer assembly includes a base configured to define at least a portion of a vacuum chamber volume; a mass separator component within the vacuum chamber volume; a lid coupled to the mass separator component and configured to be removably operably coupled with respect to the base; and wherein the lid is configured to be positioned in a first operable position to form a hermetical seal with the base and provide the mass separator component within the vacuum chamber volume and a second operable position wherein at least a portion of the lid is spaced from the base and the mass separator component is at least partially removed from within the vacuum chamber volume.

Abstract: Instrument assemblies including a support coupled to an active substrate are provided with the support being configured to be coupled to an interior portion of an ionization chamber. Instruments are also provided that can include a chamber being configured to contact at least a portion of a sample with an ionization species. The instruments can also include an active substrate within the chamber. Analysis methods are provided that can include providing a sample to a chamber and selectively retaining at least a portion of the first analyte of the sample within the chamber without retaining at least a portion of the second analyte within the chamber. Analysis methods can also include providing a sample to a chamber housing an active substrate, contacting at least a portion of the sample with the substrate, and ionizing the portion of the sample.

Abstract: In one implementation, processes for designing mass separators from a series of mass separator electric field data and processes for designing an ion trap from a range of data pairs and a mass analyzer scale are provided. Methods for producing mass separators including ion traps having Z0/r0 ratios from about 0.84 to about 1.2 are also provided. Mass spectrometers are al provided that can include mass separators in tandem with one being an ion trap having a Zo/ro ratio between 0.84 and 1.2. The present invention also provides methods for analyzing samples using mass separators having first and second sets of components defining a volume with a ratio of a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the first component to a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the second component being between 0.84 and 1.2.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to instrument assemblies that can include a sample introduction port coupled to a chamber configured to receive the sample from the sample introduction port and provide analysis of the sample with a valve between the sample introduction port and the chamber. The instrument assemblies can include a septum housing assembly coupled to an analysis chamber interface with the interface including a valve and a cam rotatably mounted to the septum housing assembly and/or coupled to the valve. Analysis methods are also provided that can include introducing a sample to an instrument through both a sample introduction port and a valve coupled to the sample introduction port, and, after introducing the sample, closing the valve to seal the sample introduction port from a remainder of the instrument, with the remainder of the instrument being configured to analyze the sample after the introducing through the sample introduction port.