Abstract: Process for the detection of a product in the discharge of a catalytic material of a plurality of catalytic materials which are exposed to a reaction gas, whereby an adsorbent selective for the product to be determined is disposed in the discharge of each catalytic material, which changes at least one of its properties through the contact with the product to be determined and the change in the property of the adsorbent is then ascertained. The process serves in particular to determine the selectivity and activity of catalytic materials.

Abstract: A device for carrying out solid phase microextraction is a fiber contained in a syringe. When it is desired to analyze a sample in a bottle having a septum, the needle is inserted through the septum and the plunger is depressed so that the fiber will extend into the sample. After one or two minutes, the plunger is moved to the withdrawn position so that the fiber will return to the needle and the syringe is withdrawn from the sample bottle. The syringe is then inserted through a septum in a gas injection port of a gas chromatograph. The plunger is again depressed so that the fiber will extend into the gas chromatograph and an analysis of the components on the fiber is carried out. Then, the plunger is moved to the withdrawn position and the syringe is withdrawn from the injection port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-throughput determination of phase change points of combinatorial libraries of metal alloys uses an infrared camera to monitor temperature-dependent changes in emissivity/reflectivity of the alloys. An infrared focal plane array monitors the emissivity/reflectivity changes over time, and the intensity of each heated member over time is correlated with temperature to detect the phase change points of the members.

Abstract: The measurement of the particle size distribution of an aerosol is of crucial importance in pharmaceutical development. A prerequisite for this is a valid method, e.g. the cascade impactor method described in the pharmacopoeias. It requires measurement of the active substance concentration in order to determine the particle size distribution. The invention provides a process which makes it possible to measure the size of aerosol droplets containing pharmaceutical substances which are unstable in the event of changes in the pH.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for rapidly screening chemicals for their ability to sublime. The apparatus consists of a heated well plate, where the chemicals are deposited, and a cooled finger plate, holding fingers that penetrate each well. The two plates touch at only the perimeter in order to facilitate a vacuum seal and to reduce any thermal transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining ammoniacal species concentration in a gas sample. In one embodiment, trace concentration of ammonia in an air sample is determined by monitoring emission intensity from an excited radical species (NH*), which is produced in a reaction between ammonia and fluorine. The observed emission intensity is compared with calibration data obtained from previously analyzed gas samples containing ammonia. The method and apparatus can also be adapted to detect ammoniacal species concentration in other NH-containing gas samples.

Abstract: A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein a plug flow reactor is used to make combinatorial libraries of materials. Examples of plug flow reactors include stirred tube reactors, extruders, and static mixers.

Abstract: Described is apparatus and a process for collecting for subsequent analysis a volatile composition such as a perfume composition located on the surface and/or in the interstices of a planar pliable porous substrate such as a towel section. A planar surface of the substrate which contains the volatile composition is initially juxtaposed adjacent a solid wall (e.g., glass frit) porous to a nonreactive carrier gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and fully and tightly covers the porous section of the wall. The carrier gas is passed through the porous section of the wall and then through the pliable porous substrate section which is adjacent to the wall; after which the carrier gas contains each component of the volatile composition. The composition-carrier gas mixture is then passed through a trapping substance (e.g., TENAX® a polyphenylene oxide) which entraps the molecules of each component of the volatile composition. The thus-collected volatile composition may be subsequently analyzed (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaporizer tube for vaporizing liquid samples in capillary gas chromatography. The vaporizer tube is open throughout its whole length. It has throats which are shaped to provide, in their region, a heavy increase of the flow velocity of the carrier gas, which flows substantially unrestrictedly through the vaporizer tube. This increase of the flow velocity causes, in accordance with Bernoulli's law, reduction in pressure. Due to this pressure reduction, the easily volatile solvent is predominantly volatilized. This vaporized solvent is carried along by the carrier gas flow. The solvent can then be removed through an outlet of the sample inlet chamber. The sample proper is vaporized in the larger diameter, low velocity zones between the throats by heating the vaporizer tube and are fed to the capillary column, after the solvent has been volatilized. Thus the vaporizer tube with a plurality of throats acts like a multi-plate column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an aqueous or gaseous environment for the presence of at least one chemical is provided in order to determine the toxicity of the chemical and optionally, the quantity and identity of the chemical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple method for optical detection of the epoxide and/or aldehyde concentration in the waste gases of chemical reactions, particularly propene oxide and/or acrolein, for example, in the catalyzed partial oxidation of propene. The concentration of the epoxide/aldehyde may be estimated quantitatively by visual means by comparison with a standard or evaluated by digitalization of the image obtained on the detection plate. The detection medium employed in this method is a substrate to which an acid salt has been applied and, optionally, heat treated.

Abstract: An upstream side catalyst and a downstream side catalyst are disposed in an exhaust passage. A first oxygen sensor is disposed between these two catalysts and a second oxygen sensor is disposed downstream of the downstream side catalyst. The air-fuel ratio is forcibly oscillated and the oxygen storage capacity of the upstream side catalyst is detected. Deterioration of the upstream side catalyst is then detected based on whether this oxygen storage capacity is larger than a predetermined value. The forced oscillation of the air-fuel ratio is performed only when the oxygen storage state of the downstream side catalyst is appropriate.

Abstract: The invention provides a mass spectrometric method for analyzing a sample in a solution, including the steps of directing a flow of a solution containing sample compounds to be analyzed towards a supersonic nozzle having an input end and an output end; vaporizing the solution and sample prior to its expansion from the output end of said supersonic nozzle; allowing expansion of the vaporized sample and solution from said supersonic nozzle into a vacuum system, forming a supersonic molecular beam with vibrationally cold sample molecules; ionizing the vaporized sample compounds with electrons while contained as vibrationally cold molecules in said supersonic molecular beam; mass analyzing the ions formed from said sample compounds; detecting said ions formed from said sample compounds after mass analysis, and processing the data obtained from the resulting mass spectral information, for identifying and/or quantifying the chemical content of said sample.

Abstract: A sample inlet liner includes a novel matrix that serves to retain an injected sample. The preferred inert matrix is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that serves to retain an injected sample and is provided in lieu of a conventional packing material. The contemplated inert matrix may be selected from a range of configurations of PTFE so as to provide a supporting material capable of retaining an ample quantity of injected sample in the sample inlet liner. The contemplated matrix nonetheless provides a tortuous path for the retained quantity of injected sample so as to facilitate known injection techniques such as split/splitless injection and large volume injections.

Abstract: A method of controlling the hydrocarbon content of a possible explosive mixture of air/hydrocarbon vapor circulating from an intake point into an installation fitted with a vapor intake system comprising a vapor intake circuit incorporating a suction pump enabling vapor to be circulated at a vapor flow rate QV. A device is connected to the vapor intake circuit to determine the hydrocarbon content of the aspirated vapor comprising a combination of a flow meter on the one hand and a sensor for measuring relative pressure by reference to atmospheric pressure PA on the other. The hydrocarbon content of the vapor circulating in the vapor intake circuit is determined by taking account of the density and the viscosity of this vapor, which is derived on the basis of a characteristic linked to the loss in air pressure previously stored in memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting trace anions in solutions at a parts per billion (ppb) concentration level or less using existing anion detection technology, by employing a novel sample preparation method conducted prior to injection into a detection unit. The method includes the steps of: adding a precipitant to at least a portion of the solution; evaporating the solution, whereby a trace anion-rich solution is formed; and detecting the level of the trace anions in the trace anion-rich solution to at least a ppb concentration level. As such, any existing detection unit designed for measuring anions, known to those skilled in the art, can be used without modification. This results in a cost and time effective method of detecting trace anions in solution at a ppb concentration level. The invention also provides a system for effectuating the novel method of the present invention.

Abstract: Described is apparatus and a process for collection for subsequent analysis a volatile composition such as a perfume composition located on the surface and/or in the interstices of a planar pliable porous substrate such as a towel section. A planar surface of the substrate which contains the volatile composition is initially juxtaposed adjacent a solid wall (e.g., glass frit) porous to a nonreactive carrier gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and fully and tightly covers the porous section of the wall. The carrier gas is passed through the porous section of the wall and then through the pliable porous substrate section which is adjacent to the wall; after which the carrier gas contains each component of the volatile composition. The composition-carrier gas mixture is then passed through a trapping substance (e.g., TENAX®) which entraps the molecules of each component of the volatile composition. The thus-collected volatile composition may subsequently be analyzed (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapidly analyzing groups of reactions are disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting a fluid sample from one of the reaction mixtures with a sorbent, trapping at least one component of the fluid sample on the sorbent, and detecting the at least one component of the fluid sample trapped on the sorbent. The contacting step, the trapping step, and the detecting step are carried out at least once for each of the reaction mixtures in rapid serial or parallel fashion. The present invention is useful for screening combinatorial libraries, especially libraries of catalysts made through parallel synthesis, but the disclosed methods and devices can be used to analyze a broad spectrum of chemical transformations.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a first electrode 3 and a second electrode 4 provided in contact with a proton conduction layer 2; a gas diffusion controlling portion 6 provided between a measurement gas atmosphere and the first electrode 3; and a support element (1a, 1b) for supporting the proton conduction layer 6, the first electrode 3, the second electrode 4, and the gas diffusion controlling portion 6. Hydrogen contained in a measurement gas introduced via the gas diffusion controlling portion 6 is dissociated, decomposed, or reacted by applying a voltage between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4 to thereby generate protons. Hydrogen concentration is obtained on the basis of a limiting current generated as a result of the generated protons being pumped out via the proton conduction layer 2 from the first electrode 3 side of the proton conduction layer to the second electrode 4 side of the proton conduction layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple thermal desorption gas introduction interface for sample introduction of volatile analytes into an atomic spectroscopic detector. An injector is connected to the atomic spectroscopic detector via a first port. The injector further comprises a sealed second port for inserting the volatile analyte bound to an extraction phase. A heating block surrounding the injector heats the injector to a predetermined temperature and keeps it substantially at the predetermined temperature. A carrier gas flow of inert gas is provided into the injector through a third port of the injector located in proximity to the second port. An auxiliary gas flow of inert gas is provided via forth port located between the third port and the atomic spectroscopic detector. The volatile analyte bound to an extraction phase is inserted into the injector, wherein the extraction phase is inserted through the seal of the second port for sealed exposure within the injector.

Abstract: A method of determining the reaction efficiency of a CVD process reactor by which a reactive gas combination entering the reactor deposits a solid reaction product as a thin film onto a substrate. The composition of the reactive gas combination is measured by an acoustic cell which is disposed downstream from the outlet port of the reactor to determine the reactor's efficiency. Determination of the reactor's efficiency allows the growth rate of the thin film to be determined as well as associated rates of the products which have been exhausted from the reactor.

Abstract: The invention describes a new device for the measurement of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The device is based on a simple construction and can be manufactured in a cost effective way. The pH dependency of the redox potential of organic substances is used to determine an electrical characteristic that depends on the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The device for the potentiometric determination of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide consists of a housing with an opening for the entrance for gases, a gas permeable membrane, an electrolyte, at least one redox and one reference electrode with electrode contacts that transmit the electrode potential outwards through the housing. The gas permeable membrane has an electronically conductive layer that works as a redox electrode for a pH dependent redox system.

Abstract: Detection of an evolving or diffusing gaseous substance emanating from an irradiated or thermolyzed layer of polymeric composition in semiconductor processing or similar processes is disclosed. The evolving or diffusing gaseous substance is detected by spatially disposing from the irradiated or thermolyzed layer a detector layer that includes a compound having leaving groups that are sensitive to the gaseous substance being detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately determining weight loss of a sample during heating in a furnace. The method includes the steps of placing a sample in a heated furnace, heating the sample while measurements of sample weight are made, determining rate function from the sample weight measurements, producing a weight loss correction factor using the rate function and using the weight loss correction factor to obtain a corrected weight loss for the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for collecting a sample gaseous mercury, to differentiate between different gaseous mercury components. A quartz denuder module is provided having a coated extended surface for adsorbing reactive gaseous mercury. After collection of a sample, the coating it is heated to desorb the mercury as elemental gaseous mercury, which can then be detected and measured in conventional analyzer. During the sampling phase, as reactive gaseous mercury is removed from the sample flow in the denuder, the sample can then be passed to the analyzer for detection of elemental gaseous mercury. Where particulate mercury may be present, a filter trap can be provided downstream from the denuder. Separate steps can be provided for heating and pyrolysis of particulate mercury, for separate measurement in the analyzer. The pump module can be configured to a past the gas sample through scrubbers, to generate zero air as a flushing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a trace substance capable of automatic analysis of a trace substance in a short time with high accuracy is provided. This apparatus comprises (a) samplers for making samples each containing a desired substance at different sampling points, (b) concentrators for concentrating the substance contained in the samples to thereby produce concentrated samples, (c) a quantitative analyzer for analyzing quantitatively the substance contained in the concentrated samples, and (d) a controller for controlling the samplers, the concentrators and the analyzer to cause automatically operations of the samplers, the concentrators, and the analyzer repeatedly at specific intervals of time. Each of the concentrators receives alternatively the samples from at least two of the samplers. The analyzer receives alternatively the concentrated samples from the concentrators.

Abstract: A system for monitoring potentially hazardous atmospheres in work areas includes as part of a central console unit, a central, single or multi-gas fixed or mobile gas monitor fitted with a master radio transmitter unit adapted for communication with a plurality of mobile slave radio-pager units.

Abstract: A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: A method for generating and isolating a high free energy form of a compound or a mixture of compounds comprises the steps of placing a sample in a capillary tube, solidifying the sample in the capillary tube, and isolating a high free energy form of the sample. A method for searching for a high free energy form of a sample comprises the steps of placing the compound or mixture in a capillary tube, generating a solid in the capillary tube, and determining whether a high free energy form of the sample was generated. The sample may be a compound or mixture.

Abstract: The sampling system of the invention includes a column comprising a first separator associated with a first collector so as to extract particles whose diameter is larger than a first diameter, and a second separator associated with a second collector which eliminates the finest particles and concentrates the other particles in the gas flow sucked up by the suction pipe of an analysis device.

Abstract: Use of 13C glucose in an analytical assay to monitor glucose metabolism by measurement of labeled exhaled CO2 is provided. A breath test and kit for performing the breath test are described for the diagnosis of diabetic indications and monitoring of glycemic control. The breath test utilizes the measurement of expired 13C-labeled CO2 following the ingestion of a 13C-enriched glucose source.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chemiluminescent gas analyzer (1) for determining a concentration of a gaseous component (G1) in a sample gas mixture (2). The analyzer comprises a measuring chamber (3) having a reflective inner surface (27) and a transparent window (22). A substantial height portion of the reflective inner surface is composed of at least one convergent surface section tapering towards a bottom (35) of said chamber. The input conduits (23, 24) have at least one orifice within a bottom end region (45) of said chamber, said bottom end region being within the height portion for said convergent surface section(s). Further, there is an outlet (18) for removing said gases and possible chemical compounds from the chamber. The pressure (P) within the measuring chamber is at least 0.2 bar. A radiation sensitive detector (7) is directed to said window and said chamber for receiving radiation (E) emitted as a consequence of a reaction between the gaseous component and the gaseous reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates a chemiluminescent gas analyzer for determining a concentration of a gaseous component (G1) in a sample gas mixture (2). The analyzer comprises a measuring chamber (3), an ozonizer (4) with ozone generating means (44) for producing ozone-containing gas (G2), input conduits (24, 23) for delivering the ozone-containing gas and said gas mixture into the chamber and an outlet (18). A detector (7) receives radiation (E) emitted as a consequence of a reaction between the gaseous component and the ozone-containing gas. Said analyzer further comprises a flow delay device (41) in or upstream the input conduit for said ozone-containing gas and downstream from the ozone generating means (44) of the ozonizer. The flow delay device has a delay volume (VD) causing a predetermined delay time (T) for the flow of the ozone-containing gas from said ozonizer to said measuring chamber (3).

Abstract: A silicon nitride cuvette window for a microsampling device and method of construction are provided. The sample to be analyzed is drawn into the cuvette of the microsampling device. The silicon nitride window permits optical measurements to be made on analytes contained within the cuvette.

Abstract: An alcohol sensor having gas-sensitive layers made of polymers or inorganic oxides wherein a signal is read out by means of work function change which is produced in the form of a field-effect transistor.

Abstract: A method for the chemical analysis of molecules bound and bonded to solid surfaces is presented. The method includes the steps desorbing absorbate molecules or structurally significant fragments of these molecules by selective cleavage of a bond in an absorbate/substrate system using resonant excitation processes and detection of the absorbate species or its characteristic fragments using mass spectrometry techniques.

Abstract: A sensor main unit 1 is axially split into three sub-segments. A light-emitting element 2 is attached to one end portion, and a light-receiving element 3 is attached to the other end portion. A respiratory flow path 4 is formed so as to penetrate through the center portion. The sensor main unit 1 is attached to a position on the face below the nostrils, and respiratory gas from the nostrils is guided into the respiratory flow path 4 and is caused to cross over the optical axis connected the light-emitting element 2 and the light-receiving element 3, thereby measuring a carbon dioxide gas in the respiratory gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis of a bituminous paving mix is provided, comprising an oven having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls defining a combustion chamber, a sample support within the combustion chamber, an infrared heater mounted within the oven and arranged for emitting infrared radiation towards the sample holder so as to heat a sample of paving mix by means of radiation heat transfer, an air inlet positioned for emitting air into the combustion chamber, and an outlet positioned to provide for the circulation of air and combustion gases through the combustion chamber. The apparatus may further include a blower located on the downstream side of the outlet for inducing flow into the combustion chamber by the inlet and out of the combustion chamber by the outlet. A variable speed blower controller may be used to vary the blower speed during paralysis of the paving mix.

Abstract: A headspace sampling system monitors materials in wastewater. The headspace sampling system comprises a sample receptacle that can contain a wastewater sample; a sparger chamber vapor column; a sample receptacle cover assembly that connects the sparger chamber vapor column to the sample receptacle; a sparger tube; at least one sensing device; and at least one analytic device. The sparger tube and the sample receptacle define a headspace. The sparger chamber vapor column is in communication with the sample receptacle and is closed by a sparger chamber vapor column cover at a second end that is opposed to the sample receptacle. The sparger tube extends into the sample receptacle and the wastewater sample in the sample receptacle. The sparger tube is connected to a source of inert gas at a first end opposed to the sample receptacle and comprises a dispersion device at an end opposed to the first end. The sensing device is disposed in the headspace sampling system in the headspace.

Abstract: In order to quickly and economically evaluate cleanliness of a metal with high representativity when quantities, compositions, etc., of non-metallic inclusion particles existing in a metal and resulting in product defects are evaluated by a sample collected during the production process of the metal, the present invention provides an evaluation method involving the steps of levitation-melting a metal piece for a predetermined time by cold crucible levitation-melting means, discharging non-metallic inclusion particles contained in the metal piece to the surface of a molten metal, and directly analyzing a curved and non-smooth sample surface after solidification by dissolving the surface and extracting and filtering the inclusions to measure or analyze the quantities of elements constituting the non-metallic inclusion particles and to determine quantity of the non-metallic inclusions.

Abstract: A sampling system for detecting an analyte, comprising a diaphragm pump, a buffer chamber, a sensor head and intake port. The pump includes a chamber for receiving fluids via first and second ports. A buffer chamber is located at the second port for holding a quantity of air, and a sensor head is adapted to identify the presence of a desired analyte and produce a signal in response to the quantity identified. Preferably the diaphragm pump has a volume of gas per stroke capacity slightly larger than the volume of the sensor head such that the pump chamber has a greater volume than the buffer chamber and the buffer chamber has about the same volume as the sensor head. A sensor intake port intakes a sample potentially containing the analyte for contact with the sensor head upon operation of the diaphragm pump and out of the sensor head by jet-action caused by rapid movement of the diaphragm pump. A filter may be used for filtering air drawn through the pump chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to the method and apparatus for measuring volatile compounds in an aqueous solution. The apparatus is a chamber with sides and two ends, where the first end is closed. The chamber contains a solution volume of the aqueous solution and a gas that is trapped within the first end of the chamber above the solution volume. The gas defines a head space within the chamber above the solution volume. The chamber may also be a cup with the second end. open and facing down and submerged in the aqueous solution so that the gas defines the head space within the cup above the solution volume. The cup can also be entirely submerged in the aqueous solution. The second end of the. chamber may be closed such that the chamber can be used while resting on a flat surface such as a bench. The improvement is a sparger for mixing the gas with the solution volume. The sparger can be a rotating element such as a propeller on a shaft or a cavitating impeller.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapidly analyzing groups of reactions are disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting a fluid sample from one of the reaction mixtures with a sorbent, trapping at least one component of the fluid sample on the sorbent, and detecting the at least one component of the fluid sample trapped on the sorbent. The contacting step, the trapping step, and the detecting step are carried out at least once for each of the reaction mixtures in rapid serial or parallel fashion. The present invention is useful for screening combinatorial libraries, especially libraries of catalysts made through parallel synthesis, but the disclosed methods and devices can be used to analyze a broad spectrum of chemical transformations.

Abstract: A headspace sampling apparatus collects headspace vapor from a container holding a vapor phase and a non-vapor phase of a substance which is to be analyzed. The apparatus includes a dual needle apparatus (55). The dual needle apparatus is extended through a septum into a headspace portion (57) of a vial (58) holding the substance for analysis. A purge gas is supplied to a first fluid passage (54) in the dual needle. The purge gas sweeps the material in the headspace and passes the sample through a send fluid passage (56) in the needle. The extracted sample is selectively directed through a six port valve (76). In a first condition of the valve the sample is directed to a trap (80) for collection therein. After sample collection the condition of the six port valve is changed. Material is desorbed from the trap and directed through the valve into an analytical instrument (82).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for atomic absorption spectroscopy of an analyte which is contained in a sample to be analyzed and which is converted into free atoms in an absorption volume of an atomizer, said method comprising the steps of (a) position- and time-dependent measuring of the atomic absorption over the cross-section of the absorption volume and (b) simultaneous determination of surface temperatures of the atomizer.

Abstract: The invention refers to sample support plates for the mass spectrometric analysis of large molecules using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). The invention consists of making the surface of the sample support plate extremely hydrophobic, whereby a favorable structure of MALDI matrix crystals for effective ionization is generated when drying the sample droplets to sample spots. Using tiny, hydrophilic anchor areas for the sample droplets in this hydrophobic environment, the pipetting process is made much easier and the sample spots can be precisely located on the sample support plates. As the sample droplets are pipetted on, they are drawn to the hydrophilic anchors even if they are applied slightly imprecisely and they form, after drying, a precisely located, monolithic crystal conglomerate, which possesses favorable characteristics for the MALDI process.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing a low-concentration standard reference gas. The stabilizing method includes the steps of treating an inner wall surface of a container with high-purity water for causing the inner wall surface to adsorb the high-purity water, and charging the container with the standard reference gas.

Abstract: A headspace instrument (10, 70) operates to equilibrate a vapor phase of a headspace sample in a sample loop (40, 74). The sample is equilibrated by flow through the headspace between variable volume chambers (28, 50, 86, 90). The volume of the variable volume chambers are changed in coordinated relation so that a constant total volume is always maintained. An aliquot of the equilibrated sample in the sample loop is delivered to an analytical instrument. The headspace instrument enables delivering a vapor sample from a headspace under conditions which do not disturb the thermodynamic equilibrium between the vapor phase and the non-vapor phase of the sample and avoids having the sampling process impact the results of the analysis. Alternative forms of the headspace instrument enable the conduct of concentration dependent processes and absorption and desorption experiments.

Abstract: A fully automated modular analytical system integrates instrumentation to permit analysis of biopolymer samples. The samples include, but are not limited to, all biopolymers, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, peptides and carbohydrates. The system integrates analytical methods of detection and analysis, e.g., mass spectrometry, radiolabeling, mass tags, chemical tags, fluorescence chemiluminescence, and the like, with robotic technology and automated chemical reaction systems to provide a high-throughput, accurate Automated Process Line (APL).