Abstract: An interferometer wherein an incident beam from a radiation source hits a beam splitter at a first oblique angle of incidence and is split into a first, reflected partial beam, and a second, transmitted partial beam, that subsequently travel along separate arms of the interferometer. The first and second partial beams are respectively intercepted, reflected, and re-split to form returning beam portions and reflected and transmitted exit beam portions. A second terminal mirror and a folding mirror, which intercepts the second partial beam at a second oblique angle of incidence, are associated with the second interferometer arm and positioned orthogonal to the reference plane and on opposite sides of the exit path, so that a section of the second partial beam from the folding mirror to the terminal mirror and back to the folding mirror crosses the exit beam twice.

Abstract: Systems and methods for precisely mounting components by means of pins secured within pin receiving holes by an adhesive. Prior to curing of the adhesive, the use of the pins and holes will generally permit an adjustment of the position/orientation of at least one component, as well as the alignment of one component to another, while the pins reside in the pin receiving holes. Systems and methods of the invention allow for highly precise alignment of components that is stable over a range of temperatures and through temperature changes, while negating any effects of adhesive shrinkage, and without imparting any axial pre-load or other distortions to the components.

Abstract: An adapter for releasably securing a probe to a reaction vessel. Embodiments of the adapter include a cover plate for mating with a reaction vessel, a body portion extending from the cover plate, and a probe gripping portion secured to the body portion. A collet and at least one anvil resides within the body portion/probe gripping portion assembly. The collet has at least one split conical end that may be divided into a plurality of flexible gripping fingers, the conical end of the collet adapted to mate with the at least one anvil. An o-ring is preferably located in the body portion and surrounds a probe when the probe is passed through the adapter. Pressure from the reaction vessel exerts an axial force on the o-ring which, in turn, exerts a like force on the anvil, thereby causing the gripping fingers of the collet to exert a gripping force on the probe.

Abstract: An sampling device for capturing a material sample and a method of using said device to process said material sample in situ within the device. Embodiments of the invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof for capturing and trapping a sample of material. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.

Abstract: A system and method for releasably coupling an extendable element to an actuator. Such a system may include an actuator housing with a specially adapted integral connecting end having a cavity therein. An extendable element may extend into the cavity through an opening in the connecting end of the housing and be coupled to a motive element of the actuator by a rotatable collar that resides in the cavity. A cover plate forms a part of the actuator housing connecting end. The cover plate compliments the integral portion of the connecting end and, in conjunction therewith, encloses the collar and the coupled portion of the extendable element. A substantially hollow end cap is passed over the extendable element and releasably attached to the actuator housing to enclose the distal connecting end thereof. In some embodiments, the coupled extendable element may reciprocate within an outer tube that is also releasably attached to the actuator housing.

Abstract: An adapter for releasably securing a probe to a reaction vessel. Embodiments of the adapter include a cover plate for mating with a reaction vessel, a body portion extending from the cover plate, and a probe gripping portion secured to the body portion. A collet and at least one anvil resides within the body portion/probe gripping portion assembly. The collet has at least one split conical end that may be divided into a plurality of flexible gripping fingers, the conical end of the collet adapted to mate with the at least one anvil. An o-ring is preferably located in the body portion and surrounds a probe when the probe is passed through the adapter. Pressure from the reaction vessel exerts an axial force on the o-ring which, in turn, exerts a like force on the anvil, thereby causing the gripping fingers of the collet to exert a gripping force on the probe.

Abstract: An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.

Abstract: An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element with a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.

Abstract: A system and method for releasably coupling an extendable element to an actuator. Such a system may include an actuator housing with a specially adapted integral connecting end having a cavity therein. An extendable element may extend into the cavity through an opening in the connecting end of the housing and be coupled to a motive element of the actuator by a rotatable collar that resides in the cavity. A cover plate forms a part of the actuator housing connecting end. The cover plate compliments the integral portion of the connecting end and, in conjunction therewith, encloses the collar and the coupled portion of the extendable element. A substantially hollow end cap is passed over the extendable element and releasably attached to the actuator housing to enclose the distal connecting end thereof. In some embodiments, the coupled extendable element may reciprocate within an outer tube that is also releasably attached to the actuator housing.

Abstract: An extendable sample capture element for use in a sampling device designed to extract samples, such as reaction/reactant samples, from vessels such as reactor vessels. A sample capture element of the present invention includes one or more concave sample pockets that may be of various shape and volume. A sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. When multiple pockets are present, at least one pocket may function as a mixing pocket. Ports in the sample pocket(s) may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through or along the sample capture element to allow for quenching, dilution and discharge of a captured material sample, such as discharge to an analyzer or another downstream location.

Abstract: An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.

Abstract: An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element with a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.