Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of chemical analysis by full automation of a microsyringe pump autosampler apparatus. The microsampling feature of this invention makes it possible to analyze small sample volumes undiluted. The time for sample preparation is minimized by the use of the autosampler apparatus, which performs the tasks of aspirating, mixing, and dispensing sample mixtures, and washing the apparatus, in a single sequence of steps.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus comprising a switchable, 3-way valve device that delivers a constant flow rate stream of solution mixture to a chemical analysis instrument. The dilution valve is capable of mixing two input streams of solutions, at any dilution ratio from 0% to 100%, into a single output stream solution mixture. The dilution valve contains a switchable gate inside the 3-way T-junction, and the switching of this gate is controlled by pulsed width modulation of the power supply. This invention also relates to methods involved in the delivery of solution mixtures to chemical analysis instruments, including on-line calibration from a single standard solution, on-line dilution from a single sample solution, and on-line standard addition from a single standard solution and a single sample solution.

Abstract: A method of chemical analysis involving. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) in combination with flux assays to directly measure intracellular ion concentration to analyze ion channel activity.

Abstract: A method of chemical analysis involving Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) in combination with flux assays to directly measure intracellular ion concentration to analyze ion channel activity.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of chemical analysis by full automation of a microsyringe pump autosampler apparatus. The microsampling feature of this invention makes it possible to analyze small sample volumes undiluted. The time for sample preparation is minimized by the use of the autosampler apparatus, which performs the tasks of aspirating, mixing, and dispensing sample mixtures, and washing the apparatus, in a single sequence of steps.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus comprising a switchable, 3-way valve device that delivers a constant flow rate stream of solution mixture to a chemical analysis instrument. The dilution valve is capable of mixing two input streams of solutions, at any dilution ratio from 0% to 100%, into a single output stream solution mixture. The dilution valve contains a switchable gate inside the 3-way T-junction, and the switching of this gate is controlled by pulsed width modulation of the power supply.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma formed inside a graphite furnace as a source for atomic emission spectroscopy. A capacitively coupled plasma device includes an electrically conducting, hollow elongated tube and an electrically conducting rod located coaxially and substantially inside the elongated tube, an ionizable gas present inside the cylindrical tube, and a mechanism of applying a high-frequency electric potential between the tube and the rod.

Abstract: A novel atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled ratio frequency plasma discharge method and apparatus. The apparatus is suitable for atomic absorption and atomic emission analysis of discrete sample volumes (1-50 .mu.l). The plasma can be operated at very low Radio Frequency (RF) input powers (10-600 W) which allow for optimal conditions for atom resonance line absorption measurements. Sample vaporization for analysis in the plasma is done by an electrically heated tantalum strip vaporizer. The vaporization and dissociation-atomization steps are separately controlled. Analyte absorption takes place in the plasma discharge which is characterized by a long path length (10-50 cm) and low support gas flow rate (0.05 to 6 L/m) both of which provide for a relatively long residence time. The device exhibits linear calibration plots and provides sensitivities in the range of from 3.5-40 pg.

Abstract: A atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma high intensity spectral lamp. The lamp generates atom line and ion line spectra from a substance to be analyzed. The lamp comprises a hollow means adapted for containing and sustaining an atmospheric pressure capacitively generated plasma discharge, a first electrode connected to a radio frequency power supply, electrically insulated from the plasma and enclosing at least a portion of the hollow means, and a second electrode constructed of the substance to be analyzed, connected to a radio frequency power supply, the electrode penetrating into the plasma discharge and being capacitively arranged with the first electrode.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel plasma detector that is useful for the detection of compounds separated by gas chromatography. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel radio-frequency, atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma torch which can be used as an element specific, spectroscopic detector for gas chromatography. A method of detecting compounds separated by gas chromatography comprising passing the gas product of a gas chromatograph through a radio-frequency atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma and anaylzing the results.