Abstract: A pressure based flow control system for an air monitor comprises a chromatograph coupled to a thermal desorption unit in a spatially fixed relationship, an automatic liquid sampler coupled to the chromatograph, a vacuum source, a variable flow module having a pneumatic control module and a mass flow controller, wherein the variable flow module controls whether an inlet associated with the thermal desorption unit receives a sample to be analyzed or a calibrant, and a controller for automatically controlling a pressure setting of the pneumatic control module.

Abstract: A capillary sampling array comprises a closely packed array of capillaries having any interstitial spaces therebetween filled with a material physically and mechanically compatible with the material from which the capillaries are formed and an outer jacketing material covering the closely packed array of capillaries.

Abstract: A method of simulating life of a rotor blade mounting feature mounted in a complementary rotor disc mounting feature comprises the steps of providing two specimen mounting features (37) each having portions defining pressure faces matching in profile respective faces of the rotor blade mounting feature; providing a fixture (38) having two opposed mounting features (39) each having portions defining pressure faces (78) matching in profile respective faces of the rotor disc mounting feature; mounting the specimen mounting features (37) in the fixture mounting features (39); applying a first load to the specimen mounting features (37); measuring a strain in a region (86) of the fixture (38) between the fixture mounting features (39); applying a second load to the fixture (38), the second load being substantially perpendicular to the first load; and controlling the second load in response to the measured strain. A high cycle load may simultaneously be applied to the specimen mounting features (37).