Abstract: A sample probe for sorptive sampling comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis defined along its length and a radial axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A sorbent element formed of a sorbent material is secured to the body. The elongate body has an outer surface and a recess located along the length of the body that extends radially into the outer surface. The sorbent element is at least partially received within the recess of the body which mechanically locks the sorbent element to the body to prevent relative longitudinal movement of the sorbent element relative to the body.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for mass spectrometry comprises an electron impact ionizer including an electron emitter and an ionization target zone. The target zone is arranged to be populated with matter to be ionized for analysis. An electron extracting element is aligned with an electron pathway defined between the electron emitter and the ionization target zone. The electron extracting element is configured to accelerate electrons away from the emitter along the electron pathway between the emitter and the extracting element and to decelerate the electrons along the electron pathway between the extracting element and the ionization target zone to enable soft ionization while avoiding the effects of Coulombic repulsion at the electron source.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus (1) for mass spectrometry comprises an electron impact ioniser including an electron emitter (22) and an ionisation target zone (18). The target zone (18) is arranged to be populated with matter to be ionised for analysis. An electron extracting element (36) is aligned with an electron pathway (34) defined between the electron emitter (22) and the ionisation target zone (18). The electron extracting element (36) is configured to accelerate electrons away from the emitter (22) along the electron pathway (34) between the emitter (22) and the extracting element (36) and to decelerate the electrons along the electron pathway (34) between the extracting element (36) and the ionisation target zone (18) to enable soft ionisation while avoiding the effects of coulombic repulsion at the electron source (22).

Abstract: A probe assembly for use in the extraction of analytes from a sample, which probe includes an elongate cylinder portion which is arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and having thereon one or more vanes extending away from the cylinder portion.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for automatically carrying out a plurality of analytical steps, which apparatus includes: a releasing device for releasing a sample from a sampling tube; device for analyzing a first portion of the released sample; a collecting device for collecting a second portion of the released sample; a device for re-released the collected said second portion of the sample; and a device for analyzing the re-released portion of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the emissions, content or permeability of samples of materials, comprises at least two sample chambers (5a,5b), each in communication with a receiver (9a,9b) for a sorbent trap (10a,10b), a gas inlet conduit (2) having at least two gas delivery conduits (3a,3b), arranged to deliver gas to respective sample chambers, and at least two gas-flow impedance devices (4a,4b), arranged to control the flow of gas through respective sample chambers and through respective sorbent traps. The gas-flow impedance devices preferably comprise a body of porous material and serve to ensure that the rate of flow of gas is substantially the same through each and every sample chamber, regardless of whether a given sample chamber is in use, with a sorbent trap in place or not, or if different sorbent traps are in use for the different sample chambers.

Abstract: A probe assembly for use in the extraction of analytes from a sample, which probe includes an elongate cylinder portion which is arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and having thereon one or more veins extending away from the cylinder portion.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for automatically carrying out a plurality of analytical steps, which apparatus includes: a releasing device for releasing a sample from a sampling tube; device for analysing a first portion of the released sample; a collecting device for collecting a second portion of the released sample; a device for re-released the collected said second portion of the sample; and a device for analysing the re-released portion of the sample.

Abstract: A sampling device containing an adsorbing material and fitted with a cap formed with an elongate passage through which gases may pass into and out of the device. When fitted to the device, the elongate passage in the cap effectively seals the device, requiring a flow of gas to be driven through the device to obtain a sample therefrom.

Abstract: A sampling device comprising an elongate tube and an identification device. The identification device comprises a transponder which is removably attached to the tube by means of a clip. The identification device may thus be removed from the tube prior to analysis and/or replaced between successive sampling operations.