Abstract: A cryogenic trap apparatus for cooling is disclosed as well as heating of a capillary column in order to analyze the volatile components of any volatile or semi-volatile compound passing through the capillary column. The cryogenic trap is restricted to treatment of one inch or less in length of the capillary column in order to achieve miniaturization of the design. A cylindrically shaped main cryogenic chamber with a volume of less than 0.5 cubic inches is adapted to receive the capillary column extending axially therethrough and includes a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet as well as a heating apparatus for achieving rapid cooling and thereafter rapid heating of the components in the capillary column for trapping and segregating individual components thereof for chromatographic analysis.

Abstract: An injection assembly for short path thermal desorption apparatus used in a gas chromatography-detector unit (GC-DET) for systems, methods and techniques such as a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. The short path thermal desorption apparatus has a housing defining an upper compartment, and a desorption compartment. The injection assembly is disposed exterior of the housing and is actuated from a disengaged position to an engaged position with the gas chromatography unit by a suitable gas powered cylinder assembly mounted in the upper compartment and includes a desorption tube for collecting and storing the sample compound to be analyzed, means for passing a carrier gas therethrough to desorb the sample component when the desorption unit is heated, and a needle injector for passing the desorbed sample component to the GC-DET system for identification and quantification of the sample component.

Abstract: A short path thermal desorption apparatus for use in a gas chromatoagraphy-detector unit (GC-DET) such as a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system has a housing defining an upper compartment, and a desorption compartment. An upper front panel on the housing has an elongated longitudinally disposed opening which provides communication between the upper compartment and the exterior of the housing. An injection assembly is disposed at the exterior of the housing adjacent the upper front panel and is actuated from a disengaged position to an engaged position with the gas chromatography unit by a suitable gas powered cylinder mounted in the upper compartment.