Abstract: The automatic serial testing of the heats of transformation of material samples is accomplished. The samples are enclosed in capsules which are placed into sample carriers on a turntable. A transfer mechanism transfers the capsules from the turntable to a controllably heatable test sample receiver and, after the measurement, back to the turntable. The entire arrangement is located in a housing filled with nitrogen. The sample carriers with the capsules can be inserted into this housing and onto the turntable through an air lock.

Abstract: A pocket instrument for sampling breath air in situ, includes a microprocessor-controlled directional control valve with needles at an outlet to which needle the sample vessels are attached. The directional control valve is arranged to be connected through another outlet to the atmosphere and to a collecting chamber respectively, which collecting chamber is provided with a feeding device for accommodating and delivering the breath air.

Abstract: In a method for introducing a sample into a graphite tube in flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy a lamella- or crucible-like sample carrier is introduced into the graphite tube from the end face in axial direction. Drying and ashing of the sample is effected outside the graphite tube. The sample carrier may be heated indirectly by radiation or directly by electric current being passed therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid activated pump that is particularly well suited for use in analytic machines of the type that need to accurately meter quantities of sample solutions. The pump, which includes a pump piston driven by a power piston, is powered either hydraulically or pneumatically. Also included in the pump is a displacement adjustment piston, which is either hydraulically or pneumatically controlled, and which, through a suitable shaft-type linkage, can adjust the length of the power piston's stroke, and thus permit either a large or small displacement of the pump piston. The fact that the pump piston's displacement can be changed means that the pump of the present invention can more efficiently meter solutions into various desired ratios, and can reduce the chance of cross-contamination of sample solutions by dispensing a large amount of rinsing solution after dispensing a relatively small amount of sample solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the measurement of the atomic absorption of gaseous samples including a reaction vessel and conduits for supplying liquid sample, carrier gas and a reagent to the vessel. A discharge conduit is coupled between the reaction vessel and the measuring cell of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The reaction vessel has a drain conduit and a relief valve in the drain conduit. Control means are provided for controlling the flow of liquid sample, carrier gas, reagent and gaseous sample through the corresponding conduits in accordance with the predetermined program for making consecutive measurements. A pressure sensor is provided for sensing pressure in the reaction vessel above a specified pressure indicative of incomplete draining of the vessel and below a specified pressure indicative of substantially complete draining of the vessel.

Abstract: The fluid flow switching apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber, a bore in communication with the chamber, fluid inlet and outlet ports respectively in communication with the chamber and bore, and a valve body movable within the chamber and carrying a sealing means for sealing about the bore. The valve body carries a pin which projects laterally into a cam track formed in the housing and which serves to releasably lock the valve body in a position enabling flow between the inlet and outlet ports through the chamber and bore and in a valve closed position preventing flow between the inlet and outlet ports. The valve body is movable manually between the valve open and closed positions by consecutive depressions of a push key connected to the valve body.