Abstract: A heating and targeting laser beam and microscope apparatus optically senses, heats to generate a effluent fluid and chemically analyzes the thermal extract fluid or fluid pyrolyzates from a microscopic particle within a heterogeneous composite sample. A transparent duct-like chamber having a bottom opening is attached to a microscope. A contact surface of the sample is raised to abut against the bottom opening, which encloses the space around the particle and also brings the particle into the common focal plane of the microscope and the converging laser beam(s). This single step avoids the complex separate focusing and sealing steps required by present day techniques.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the separation and collection of hydrocarbons, including methane, from a gas emanating from an earth formation to determine the hydrocarbon potential of such earth formation. The apparatus includes a sequential network of cryogenic traps, adsorbent traps and furnaces to recover methane in one such cryogenic trap as a condensed carbon dioxide sample, in combination with (i) a valve antecedent to such network and (ii) a vacuum pump subsequent to such network to continuously provide a subatmospheric pressure throughout the network and prevent condensation of oxygen or atmospheric carbon dioxide in the cryogenic traps.

Abstract: This invention provides an illuminator adapted to be coupled to a microscope to provide radiation in the ultraviolet region which comprises: (a) a housing having an internal passage way, in optical communication with two windows defined by said housing, said housing being adapted to couple to a microscope body with said windows aligned with the optical axis of the microscope, (b) a mirror located within and extending substantially completely across said internal passageway and adapted to reflect ultraviolet radiation at a first wavelength and transmit radiation at a longer wavelength than said first wavelength, said mirror being centered about said optical axis of the microscope at an angle of about forty-five degrees, (c) a fiber optic cable having a first end coupled with said housing and a second end adapted to receive ultraviolet radiation, said fiber optic cable adapted to introduce ultraviolet radiation into said internal passageway for downward deflection by said mirror along said optical axis of the m

Abstract: The hydrocarbon potential of a source rock comprising hydrocarbons and insoluble organic materials capable of generating hydrocarbons upon pyrolysis or further maturation is analytically determined. In the instant invention, a particulate sample of the source rock is slurried with a solvent to extract the hydrocarbons therefrom and provide a first solution for analysis. The extracted sample is again slurried with a solvent and the resulting slurry is heated to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the insoluble organic material to liquid hydrocarbons. The liquid hydrocarbons dissolve in the solvent to provide a second solution for analysis. The first and second solutions are then analyzed independently for hydrocarbon content.

Abstract: The hydrocarbon potential of a source rock comprising hydrocarbons and insoluble organic materials capable of generating hydrocarbons upon pyrolysis or further maturation is analytically determined. In the instant invention, a particular sample of the source rock is slurried with a solvent to extract the hydrocarbons therefrom and provide a first solution for analysis. The extracted sample is again slurried with a solvent and the resulting slurry is heated to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the insoluble organic material to liquid hydrocarbons. The liquid hydrocarbons dissolve in the solvent to provide a second solution for analysis. The first and second solutions are then analyzed independently for hydrocarbon content.