Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: A carbon analyzer, is provided which includes a combustion chamber having a platinum on titania catalyst. The combustion chamber and catalyst are also provided. A method for analyzing carbon-containing specimens with such an analyzer is also provided as well as a method for oxidizing such specimens with a platinum on titania catalyst. A method of conditioning the catalyst is also provided.

Abstract: A device for rinsing sample processing components of an analytical instruments including an inlet coupleable to a fluid source, an outlet coupleable to sample processing components of an analytical instrument, and a fluid reservoir between the inlet and outlet. The device includes a heater coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid reservoir includes at least two reservoir chambers connected in series and separated by a restricted passageway.

Abstract: A sample transport device for use in analyzing samples by the headspace analysis technique. The device has a cylindrical platen with counterbored chambers for accepting sample vials. The platen is heated and caused to rotate from a first vial transport point to a sampling point and then back for ejection of the sample vial. Vertical movement of the sample vials is accomplished by use of elevator rods connected to level winding screws mounted below the cylindrical platen. The device has a mechanism for agitating the vials in the platen chambers during transport to the sampling point.

Abstract: A method of preparing a volatile sample from a material for gas chromatographic analysis includes the steps of: introducing a vial with the material containing the volatile sample and a headspace therein into a chamber of a platen adapted to transport the vial to a location for removal of at least a portion of the volatile sample for gas chromatographic analysis; heating the material containing the volatile sample while the vial is being transported to the location for removal; agitating the vial while in the chamber to enhance a transport rate of the volatile sample from the material to the headspace of the vial; and introducing a needle to the vial to withdraw at least a portion of the volatile sample from the headspace of the vial.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: An analytical instrument measures carbon content of a liquid sample. The instrument includes a sample inlet, a reagent inlet, a rinsing solution inlet, a reaction chamber, a waste outlet and a syringe pump. A multiple port valve has a plurality of ports which are coupled to the sample inlet, the reagent inlet, the rinse solution inlet, the reaction chamber and the waste outlet. The valve also includes a primary port coupled to the syringe pump and selectively fluidically couplable to each of the remaining ports.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: An air sampler includes a stand adapted to support sample enclosures at spaced-apart locations. A multiposition valve is mounted to the stand. The multiposition valve has a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port selectively fluidly coupled to any of the plurality of inlet ports. A plurality of inlet lines connects the sample enclosures to the inlet ports. A concentrator trap mounted on the stand and coupled to the outlet port concentrates selected constituents from one of the sample enclosures.

Abstract: An air sampler includes a stand for supporting a plurality of sample enclosures from which samples can be randomly and selectively obtained. In a first embodiment, a bracket adjustably fixed to the stand supports each of the sample enclosures. In a second embodiment, an inlet line fluidly couples each of the sample enclosures to a valve carried by the stand. The inlet line has a flexible portion adjacent the end coupleable to the sample enclosure to allow limited misalignment between the sample enclosure and the stand.

Abstract: A fluid handling analytical instrument includes a controlled device and a controller operably coupled to the controlled device to selectively control the controlled device with a control signal. A sensing device is operably coupled to the controller to sense the control signal and provide a signal indicative of a status of the control signal.

Abstract: A needle interface apparatus for maintaining a stable connection between a first instrument and a second instrument, such as an auto-sampler unit and a gas chromatograph. A needle interface apparatus is comprised of a modified septum nut on the second instrument which has a nipple, and a needle assembly having a sleeve positioned around the needle wherein the sleeve frictionally fits over the nipple of the modified septum nut. A support tube surrounds the needle assembly and connected transfer line from the first instrument to minimize flexing of the outlet tubing relative to the needle assembly.