Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.

Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.

Abstract: An improved in intake manifold for a carbureted, vee type of internal combustion engine is comprised of at least two members, a fuel-oxidizer flow member and an isolator member. The flow member is removably connected to the isolator member. The isolator member is connected at a bottom surface to a vee valley of the internal combustion engine formed between opposing banks of cylinders. In a preferred embodiment, the flow member is sealingly split along a longitudinal axis of the engine. The isolation member isolates the flow member from the environment existing in the vee valley while sealing the vee valley. Engine coolant passages and a distributor shaft opening are provided within the isolator. Changing the flow member is accomplished without disturbing the vee valley sealing, the distributor setting, nor the engine cooling conduits.

Abstract: A carburetor spacer is provided with an isolation member to isolate the flow of atomized fuel from a carburetor to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine comprising first and second hollow members fitting one inside the other and an elastomeric member interposed between said fitted hollow members. The elastomeric member also serving to thermally insulate the flow of fuel-oxidizer from heat produced by the engine. Thus, the isolation member helps prevent the fuel from reverting to a liquid state before being introduced into the cylinders of the engine and by reducing the heat input to the fuel-oxidizer mixture, less expansion of the mixture occurs before being introduced into the engine's cylinders. Less expansion results in more of the mixture of the fuel-oxidizer can be input to the cylinders resulting in a greater power output by the engine.

Abstract: An improved in intake manifold for a carbureted, vee type of internal combustion engine is comprised of at least two members, a fuel-oxidizer flow member and an isolator member. The flow member is removably connected to the isolator member. The isolator member is connected at a bottom surface to a vee valley of the internal combustion engine formed between opposing banks of cylinders. In a preferred embodiment, the flow member is sealingly split along a longitudinal axis of the engine. The isolation member isolates the flow member from the environment existing in the vee valley while sealing the vee valley. Engine coolant passages and a distributor shaft opening are provided within the isolator. Changing the flow member is accomplished without disturbing the vee valley sealing, the distributor setting, nor the engine cooling conduits.

Abstract: A carburetor spacer is provided with isolation means to isolate the flow of atomized fuel from a carburetor to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine comprising first and second hollow members fitting one inside the other and an elastomeric member interposed between said fitted hollow members. The elastomeric member also serving to thermally insulate the flow of fuel-oxidizer from heat produced by the engine. Thus, the isolation means helps prevent the fuel from reverting to a liquid state before being introduced into the cylinders of the engine and by reducing the heat input to the fuel-oxidizer mixture, less expansion of the mixture occurs before being introduced into the engine's cylinders. Less expansion means more of the mixture of the fuel-oxidizer can be input to the cylinders resulting in a greater power output by the engine.

Abstract: An igniter assembly for a pulsed flame photometric detector having a filament comprising a resistive heating wire between about 0.08 millimeter and about 0.40 millimeter in diameter wound into a coil having an inner diameter between about 0.40 millimeter and about 3.2 millimeters. The filament has an applied protective coating of an alloy of gold and palladium. The filament is detachably connected to a cable and connector assembly that connects the filament to a source of power in the pulsed flame photometric detector.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning a pulsed-flame photometric detector including providing a carrier gas within a predetermined gas flow range to the pulsed-flame photometric detector, providing at least one combustible fuel to the pulsed-flame photometric detector, applying voltage to an igniter coil associated with the pulsed-flame photometric detector, verifying that the pulsed-flame photometric detector is pulsing above a lower predetermined frequency and above a higher predetermined frequency, adjusting the gas flow of the at least one combustible fuel to the pulsed-flame photometric detector so that at least one cycle of ignition, propagation and then termination is present, heating a container to a predetermined temperature, allowing the at least one carrier gas to flow within the container, housing a tuning compound, and monitoring a width of a sulfur emission resulting from the combustion of the tuning compound to evaluate the width of sulfur emission signal all through a controller.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning a pulsed-flame photometric detector including providing a carrier gas within a predetermined gas flow range to the pulsed-flame photometric detector, providing at least one combustible fuel to the pulsed-flame photometric detector, applying voltage to an igniter coil associated with the pulsed-flame photometric detector, verifying that the pulsed-flame photometric detector is pulsing above a lower predetermined frequency and above a higher predetermined frequency, adjusting the gas flow of the at least one combustible fuel to the pulsed-flame photometric detector so that at least one cycle of ignition, propagation and then termination is present, heating a container to a predetermined temperature, allowing the at least one carrier gas to flow within the container, housing a tuning compound, and monitoring a width of a sulfur emission resulting from the combustion of the tuning compound to evaluate the width of sulfur emission signal all through a controller.

Abstract: An igniter assembly for a pulsed flame photometric detector having a filament comprising a resistive heating wire between about 0.08 millimeter and about 0.40 millimeter in diameter wound into a coil having an inner diameter between about 0.40 millimeter and about 3.2 millimeters. The filament has an applied protective coating of an alloy of gold and palladium. The filament is detachably connected to a cable and connector assembly that connects the filament to a source of power in the pulsed flame photometric detector.

Abstract: A testing apparatus connects to an inflatable restraint and simulates the inflation curve of a pyrotechnic device used in a vehicle. A manifold connects the inflatable restraint to a pair of parallel accumulators for communicating a gas to the inflatable restraint. The accumulators store gas at a high pressure. A valve is connected and interposed between each of the accumulators and the manifold for releasing the flow of the gas out of the accumulators. An adjustable orifice is connected and interposed between each of the valves and the manifold for regulating the flow of the gas out of the accumulators. A flow shut off device is connected to the manifold and is interposed between the accumulators and the inflatable restraint and is adapted for stopping the flow of gas from the first and second accumulator to the inflatable restraint.