Abstract: A deposition apparatus comprises: an infeed chamber; a preheat chamber; a deposition chamber; and optionally at least one of a cooldown chamber and an outlet chamber. At least a first of the preheat chamber and the cooldown chamber contains a buffer system for buffering workpieces respectively passing to or from the deposition chamber.

Abstract: A vial autosampler includes a vial cup adapted to contain a vial with a stir member inside. The vial autosampler includes a vial mixing system for agitating the contents of the vial. The mixing system has an actuator, such as a motor, and a mixing hub that is coupled to the actuator. The mixing hub includes at least one magnetic field source disposed to rotate a magnetic field about the vial cup.

Abstract: A three stage needle for use with a sampling station of an autosampler to facilitate gas and liquid extractions and injections. The needle includes a bottom stage, a middle stage, and a top stage. Each of the stages of the needle includes at least one aperture used to extract gas or liquid from a specimen or perform an injection. In addition, each of the stages can be placed in fluidic communication with the sampling station to facilitate the desired extraction or injection.

Abstract: A system for concentrating a volatile organic compound (VOC) sample uses in one embodiment a bypass line and a valve coupled thereto to regulate an amount of carrier gas flowing through a carrier gas line. A flow splitter fluidly couples the bypass line to the carrier gas line, and connects to the output of a cryofocuser. The valve opens at the onset of transferring the VOC sample from a concentrator trap such as a sorbent trap to the cryofocuser, thereby resulting in an increased amount of carrier gas flow between the concentrator trap and the cryofocuser for more efficient desorbing of the concentrator trap. The valve is closed when the focused VOC sample is flushed out of the cryofocuser for delivery to a gas chromatograph, preferably delivering the entire VOC sample to the GC.

Abstract: A system for analyzing samples using purge and trap concentration is provided. The system includes a plurality of purge and trap concentration units, each adapted to receive a sample and provide a focused analytic sample slug to an analyzer. An analyzer is coupled to each of the plurality of concentrators and receives the focused analytic slugs therefrom. The concentrators are operated in phases from one another.

Abstract: A vial autosampler includes a sampling module with a sampling needle. The module is adapted to bring the sampling needle and a vial together such that the sampling needle pierces a septum on the vial. The autosampler also includes a sealing boot disposed about the sampling needle. The sealing boot engages the vial septum when the vial is fully engaged with the sample needle.

Abstract: A sampling station for use with an autosampler is adapted to perform both gas and liquid extractions and automated injections. The sampling station includes a first flow path, a needle, an internal standards system, and an exit port. The needle is adapted to introduce a sample of a specimen to a first flow path. The internal standards system is used to introduce a known quantity of standard into the first flow path to combine with the sample. The sample can be provided to an analytical instrument through the exit port, which is in line with the first flow path.

Abstract: A three stage needle for use with a sampling station of an autosampler to facilitate gas and liquid extractions and injections The needle includes a bottom stage, a middle stage, and a top stage Each of the stages of the needle includes at least one aperture used to extract gas or liquid from a specimen or perform an injection. In addition, each of the stages can be placed in fluidic communication with the sampling station to facilitate the desired extraction or injection.

Abstract: A vial autosampler includes a gripper mechanism having an actuator, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are coupled to the actuator. At least one of the first and second jaws includes a magnet disposed therein. Upon energization of the actuator, the first and second jaws are urged in a first direction which energization opposes the magnetic urging of the magnets.

Abstract: A vial autosampler includes a vial cup adapted to contain a vial with a stir member inside. The vial autosampler includes a vial mixing system for agitating the contents of the vial. The mixing system has an actuator, such as a motor, and a mixing hub that is coupled to the actuator. The mixing hub includes at least one magnetic field source disposed to rotate a magnetic field about the vial cup.