Abstract: Improved gas sample preprocessing is provided for scanning optical spectroscopic analysis instruments by tailoring characteristic gas handling times to the scan time Ts of the analysis instrument. In particular, for sample preconcentration, the desorption duration Td of the sample preconcentrator should be ?2Ts. For gas chromatography, the elution duration Te of relevant eluted species should be ?2Ts. This advantageously avoids having significant changes in the gas sample within the analysis instrument as a scan is being performed.

Abstract: Improved gas sample preprocessing is provided for scanning optical spectroscopic analysis instruments by tailoring characteristic gas handling times to the scan time Ts of the analysis instrument. In particular, for sample preconcentration, the desorption duration Td of the sample preconcentrator should be ?2Ts. For gas chromatography, the elution duration Te of relevant eluted species should be ?2Ts. This advantageously avoids having significant changes in the gas sample within the analysis instrument as a scan is being performed.

Abstract: A system and method for making proceeds of a transaction available to a user before the transaction is completed is provided. The system may be part of an on-line system or traditional merchant configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. In example embodiments, a request from a first entity to conduct a transaction involving a first value is received. Funds of the transaction are caused to be released prior to the transaction clearing a financial institution. Based on the transaction being rejected by the financial institution, at least a portion of the first value is charged against a credit source.

Abstract: A system and method for making funds of a transaction available to a user before a funding entry clears is provided. The system may be part of an on-line system configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. In example embodiments, a transaction request from a user is received. A risk score indicating a perceived risk involved with releasing funds before the funding entry clears is computed. Funds of the transaction are caused to be released prior to the funding entry clearing a financial institution based on the risk score exceeding a transfer threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for making funds of a transaction available to a user before a funding entry clears is provided. The system may be part of an on-line system configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. In example embodiments, a transaction request from a user is received. A risk score indicating a perceived risk involved with releasing funds before the funding entry clears is computed. Funds of the transaction are caused to be released prior to the funding entry clearing a financial institution based on the risk score exceeding a transfer threshold.