Abstract: A system for testing multiple samples for the presence of lead includes a plurality of vessels, a plurality of plungers, a housing for removably storing the plurality of vessels, and a retainer for holding the plurality of plungers so that each of the plungers may be inserted into a respective vessel simultaneously. In order to use the system of the present invention, a sample is placed within each of the plurality of vessels and a reagent, such as nitric acid, is added to each sample. Each sample is then heated in a separate heating device and a filtering means, such as a cotton ball, is inserted into each vessel. Each plunger then pushes its respective cotton ball into its respective vessel simultaneously so that each liquid sample is located adjacent the top of each vessel. The plungers are removed and the housing is then placed into an analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the recognition that some materials contain a magnetically susceptible or magnetic component. That is, they exhibit ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, diamagnetic or magnetic properties. According to the invention, it is possible to determine the presence of a magnetically susceptible or magnetic component in a sample of a material by obtaining a sample of the material, positioning the sample at a predetermined distance from a magnet and then measuring the magnetic force on the sample by the magnet. The force is measured using a force transducer. To obtain the magnetic force per unit gravitational force, the gravitational force on the sample is measured out of the presence of the magnet and the measured magnetic force is then divided by the gravitational force exerted on the sample. A sample thickness adjustment is necessary if comparing samples of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A specimen holder for an electron microscope comprises an elongated member with an upper surface and a lower surface. The elongated member further has an opening formed therethrough. Secured to the upper surface of the elongated member around the opening is a carbon tape. An adhesive is present on the exposed surfaces of the carbon tape in order to facilitate the securement of the tape onto the specimen holder and to secure a plurality of specimen grids to the upper surface of the specimen holder and across the opening formed therethrough.