Abstract: Solenoid valve (10) has a valve chamber (18) within valve body (12). Inlet and outlet tubes (22) and (24) extend through plate (14) into the chamber (18). Movable core (32) in chamber (18) extends into solenoid coil (30). Distal end (38) of core (32) has a silicone rubber plug (40). Other than when solenoid (30) is energized, compressed spring (48) biases core (32) downward so that surface (44) of the plug (40) is in sealing engagement with ends (26) and (28) of the tubes (22) and (24). Any leak at ends (26) and (28) increases pressure in the chamber (18), resulting in increased sealing force of the plug (40) against the other end (26) or (28). Flow direction through the valve (20) is easily reversed by changing connections to the tubes (22) and (24).

Abstract: New chromatographic materials have been developed to serve as the stationary phase of columns used in the separation of atmospheric gases. These materials consist of a crosslinked porous polymer matrix, e.g., a divinylbenzene polymer, into which has been embedded an inorganic complexed ion such as N,N'-ethylene-bis(acetylacetoniminato)-cobalt (II). Organic nitrogenous bases, such as pyridine, may be incorporated into the chelate polymer complexes to increase their chromatographic utility. With such materials, the process of gas chromatography is greatly simplified, especially in terms of time and quantity of material needed for a gas separation.