Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as high boiling and low vapor pressure materials, using high energy radiation imparted by a suitable radiation source, such as a strobe or laser over a short time period. The radiation source causes the materials to vaporize. A system handling system is used in conjunction with a detector to detect the presence of the materials including explosives, explosive-related compounds, chemical warfare agents, drugs, toxic industrial compounds, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An aerosol collecting device adapted for attachment to a chemical vapor detection system is disclosed to include a chamber comprising an inlet with a collecting funnel attached thereto and open to ambient, an outlet, and a through cavity defined therebetween, wherein the outlet is adapted for fluid connection with an input port of the chemical vapor detection system; and a heating element for heating the chamber to a temperature above the boiling point of a target chemical agent of interest in the form of a droplet or aerosol, wherein the chemical agent in the form of a droplet or aerosol is converted into a vapor form as it passes through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber, and prior to entering the intake port of the chemical vapor detection system.

Abstract: The invention provides a low mass and size thermal focusing device for a gas phase analytical device. The device has two or more plates bonded together. The device also has at least one channel with an entrance and exit is formed within allowing ingress and egress of a gas stream. The device also has a temperature reduction module in thermal contact with at least one plate of the device. Thermal focusing devices with additional plates and/or channels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooled liquid sample dispensing system comprises a pair of pins for holding a droplet of liquid therebetween and a cooling element. Each pin includes a tip spaced predetermined distance from the other pin to define a sample acquisition region. The pins acquire and hold a droplet of the liquid sample in the sample acquisition region formed in the space between the tips and apply the droplet to a selected sample handing system. The cooling element, when activated, cools the droplet of liquid to reduce evaporation.

Abstract: A gas sample and conditioning device for sampling gas in a storage or transport device and conditioning the gas to avoid dew point dropout of the gas. A chamber for regulating the temperature and the pressure of the gas is provided with external A.C. or D.C. power using the leads of existing heat tracing cables to avoid the need for additional power sources to power the temperature and pressure regulating devices within the chamber.

Abstract: The sampler comprises a vessel assembly for taking, conducting, and storing a fluid sample to be stored at a predeterminable storage temperature as well as a cooling assembly, thermally coupled to the vessel assembly, for cooling the fluid sample. The cooling assembly has a first cooling volume, which encompasses the vessel assembly, and a second cooling volume, which jackets the vessel assembly. To cool the fluid sample, the internal temperature of the vessel assembly is lowered by means of the cooling assembly prior to and/or during the dispensing of the fluid sample, and the fluid is subsequently conducted or held in the vessel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method for concentrating and transferring volatile compounds contained in a sample on a detachable solid support (12) into a liquid for subsequent detection and/or analysis of the volatile compounds, are described. The apparatus comprises a holder (14) for the solid support (12), means (16) for transporting the holder (14) to a heating position on a heatable plate (18), an enclosed space-creating arrangement comprising the heatable plate (18) attached to a movable housing (30), the holder (14), the solid support (12), a funnel (20) on the solid support (12), and inside the funnel (20) a chilled member (22), means inside the housing (30) for heating the heatable plate (18) to evaporate the volatile compounds which then are condensed on the chilled member (22), means (24) for transporting the chilled member (22) from a cooler (26) to the inside of the funnel (20) and from there to a position (28) where condensed compounds are removed from the chilled member (22) into a liquid.

Abstract: A system for the collection and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on-line” analyzers, or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a sample probe assembly including a heat pipe configured for maintaining sample gas drawn through said sample probe at or near the source gas temperature and pressure. Accuracy of the analysis of source gas stream is enhanced and compositional changes of the gas phase are avoided by preventing the partial condensation of gas components or vaporization of entrained liquid.

Abstract: A portable system for the detection of chemical particles such as explosive residue utilizes a metal fiber substrate that may either be swiped over a subject or placed in a holder in a collection module which can shoot a jet of gas at the subject to dislodge residue, and then draw the air containing the residue into the substrate. The holder is then placed in a detection module, which resistively heats the substrate to evolve the particles, and provides a gas flow to move the particles to a miniature detector in the module.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: The invention provides a low mass and size thermal focusing device for a gas phase analytical device. The device has two or more plates bonded together. The device also has at least one channel with an entrance and exit is formed within allowing ingress and egress of a gas stream. The device also has a temperature reduction module in thermal contact with at least one plate of the device. Thermal focusing devices with additional plates and/or channels are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating ions from an aerosol and transferring the ions into a mass analyzer. In the apparatus and method, an aerosol beam is generated, the aerosol beam is directed to a spatial volume outside the mass analyzer, particles in the aerosol beam are ionized to produce the ions, and the ions are collected into the mass analyzer. As such the apparatus includes respectively an aerosol beam generator, an ion source generator, and an ion collector.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for preparing material samples includes a rotatable drum support assembly, a drum rotatably contacting the drum support assembly, a fan, and a powered drive mechanism. The drum includes a hollow main section and first and second hollow end sections attached to the main section. The first hollow end section includes a first end wall tapering to a first outer aperture. The second hollow end section includes a second end wall tapering to a second outer aperture. The fan is mounted approximate to the first outer aperture for establishing forced air flow through the drum toward the second outer aperture. The drive mechanism rotatably communicates with the drum support assembly for rotating the drum. The apparatus is useful for preparing samples such as paving materials for test such as the determination of specific gravity and absorption.

Abstract: An improved chromatograph valve is provided which may be placed in close proximity to a chromatograph in order to avoid temperature variations in the space therebetween. The valve may include a multiple sample slot rotor movable in a single direction to reduce wear upon the rotor and valve body. The rotor sample slots as well as the pairs of sample and carrier gas ports upon the valve body may be diametrically opposed to allow a superior temperature gradient to be created across the valve, the gradient allowing a sample material to enter the valve in a single phase and exit the valve sufficiently volatilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-controlled injector for a chemical analysis unit, in particular a gas chromatograph, comprising an injector tube, which can be received by a receiving tube, having a cooling system, which surrounds the receiving tube, through which coolant can flow, which has coolant connections and which is designed as a metallic tube coil, and a resistance heating system for the injector tube, in which injector the receiving tube consists of a material of good thermal conductivity, is electrically insulating towards the outside, and the tube coil rests on the receiving tube, has an electrical resistance which is sufficient to rapidly heat the injector tube and can be acted on by current via electrical connection pieces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as high boiling and low vapor pressure materials, using high energy radiation imparted by a suitable radiation source, such as a strobe or laser over a short time period. The radiation source causes the materials to vaporize. A system handling system is used in conjunction with a detector to detect the presence of the materials including explosives, explosive-related compounds, chemical warfare agents, drugs, toxic industrial compounds, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.

Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste gas measuring device comprising a gas sampling device, a gas analysis device and at least one gas guiding member through which the waste gas can be guided along a gas path from the gas sampling device to the gas analysis device.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for preparing material samples includes a rotatable drum support assembly, a drum rotatably contacting the drum support assembly, a fan, and a powered drive mechanism. The drum includes a hollow main section and first and second hollow end sections attached to the main section. The first hollow end section includes a first end wall tapering to a first outer aperture. The second hollow end section includes a second end wall tapering to a second outer aperture. The fan is mounted approximate to the first outer aperture for establishing forced air flow through the drum toward the second outer aperture. The drive mechanism rotatably communicates with the drum support assembly for rotating the drum. The apparatus is useful for preparing samples such as paving materials for test such as the determination of specific gravity and absorption.

Abstract: A method of collecting volatile constituents, capable of surely collecting volatile constituents contained in a solid such as leaf tobacco. In particular, a sample vessel 10 for containing a sample of a solid containing volatile constituents, a gas feeding device 16 for filling the sample vessel with inert gas, a thermostatic chamber 12 for containing the sample vessel and keeping the sample contained in the sample vessel at a predetermined temperature, and a canister 20 designed to be depressurized in advance and selectively connected to the sample vessel are provided. The sample vessel containing the sample S is filled with inert gas, and the sample S is kept at a predetermined temperature. Thereafter, the canister depressurized in advance is connected to the sample vessel, and constituents evaporating and escaping from the sample are collected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-controlled injector for a chemical analysis unit, in particular a gas chromatograph, comprising an injector tube, which can be received by a receiving tube, having a cooling system, which surrounds the receiving tube, through which coolant can flow, which has coolant connections and which is designed as a metallic tube coil, and a resistance heating system for the injector tube, in which injector the receiving tube consists of a material of good thermal conductivity, is electrically insulating towards the outside, and the tube coil rests on the receiving tube, has an electrical resistance which is sufficient to rapidly heat the injector tube and can be acted on by current via electrical connection pieces.

Abstract: In an arrangement for producing a directional and cooled gas jet in an ion source with a gas inlet or a UV/fluorescence detection cell including a gas inlet, wherein a capillary extends with one end into the interior of the ion source which is evacuated, the one end is provided with a nozzle for discharging a gas sample into the ion source while being subjected to adiabatic cooling and the width of the nozzle opening is at most 40% of the inner diameter of the capillary and the capillary is heatable for preventing condensation of gas sample components in the nozzle.

Abstract: A sample handling system includes a sample probe that is adapted to intermix a solvent with a sample obtained from a process to dissolve undesirable components within a sample. A separator is provided in the sample handling system that receives the solvent/sample mixture and separates the sample from the solvent and undesirable solutes. The so separated sample is then provided to a suitable analyzer for analysis.

Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for use in analyzing particulate matter in exhaust gas. The sampler includes a transfer tube assembly including a probe at least partially defining a sample exhaust gas passageway. The transfer tube assembly has a first end portion with an opening for receiving exhaust gas and extends to a second end portion. A mixer receives the second end portion and includes a dilution gas passageway for carrying a dilution gas. The dilution gas passageway is in communication with the sample exhaust gas passageway for introducing the dilution gas to the exhaust gas. A tunnel is connected to the mixer and includes a gas mixing passageway extending a length for homogeneously mixing the gases together. The gas mixing passageway tapers toward the second end portion to ensure that the particulate matter mixes with the gases along the length of the gas mixing passageway without collecting in a recirculating flow area.

Abstract: A temperature-adjusted sampler for liquids, gases or other fluids including a hollow needle in steel or another metal on which a heating is deposited so as to be electrically insulated, characterized in that the hollow needle is coated with an electrically insulating layer which has deposited thereon in complete intimate contact a thin, electrically conducting heating layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a particulate matter continuous emission monitoring system includes: a feed unit that supplies particulate matter of a known mass flow rate; an eductor unit connected with the feed unit that receives particulate matter therefrom; a fluidizing unit connected to the eductor that supplies gas to the eductor unit, wherein the particulate matter and gas are combined into a fluidized mixture; and a probe connected to the eductor configured to extend within an industrial stack and deliver the fluidized mixture therein. Such an apparatus can provide accurate data regarding particulate matter concentration that can be compared with readings on the PM CEMS and enable a calibration curve to be generated. A tracer gas injection unit and analyzer may also be included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling chemicals prevents exposure of laboratory personnel to the chemicals being tested and to volatile solvents or chemicals that may be mixed with the tested chemicals. The apparatus includes a sampling line connected to the source of the chemicals, a cooling means for reducing the temperature of the chemicals, and a sample holder for containing the sampled chemicals. In the method, the chemicals are removed from their source, cooled, and contained in the presence of a shortstop chemical, i.e. a chemical designed to terminate any chemical reaction that may be taking place when the chemicals are sampled. The apparatus also captures and contains any volatile solvents or chemicals that may be mixed with the chemicals being tested.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling device is provided. An exhaust gas sampling tube for sampling part of the exhaust gas is connected to an exhaust tube in which the exhaust from a source of the exhaust gas flows, and a downstream side of the exhaust gas sampling tube is connected to a dilution tunnel. The device further includes a temperature control mechanism. A temperature of the exhaust gas sampling tube is controlled with the temperature control mechanism based on a temperature of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust tube.

Abstract: This invention collects and analyzes condensable gases using a cryogenic cooling device connected to a charcoal cold trap assembly. More particularly, it uses a removable cryogenic cooling device instead of liquid nitrogen to trap condensable gases. The invention has four major components: (1) a removable cryogenic cooling device (2) a vacuum canister, (3) a cold trap canister filled with activated charcoal, and (4) a cover assembly with welded inlet/outlet tubes and an o-ring seal between the cover assembly and the vacuum canister.

Abstract: An improved method for simulating an oxidative aging of an asphalt sample comprises accumulating a number of samples from the asphalt load under test. The samples are initially heated by convection and microwave units to a common temperature. Subsequently, the samples are incrementally, as heated in a “ramp” control heating, from 27° C. to 147° C. over a 60-minute period. Subsequently, the samples are microwave heated for three successive 60-minute periods and one 30-minute period under a pressure of 440 psi. Upon pressure release, a subsequent short convection heating and subsequent degassing, a resulting aged residue is presented which is equivalent to residue provided by known conventional tests but at a reduced time period.

Abstract: A sample probe 18 for a gas sampling system obtains a highly accurate hydrocarbon gas sample from a pipeline, particularly when ambient conditions are below the hydrocarbon dew point. A compartment 20 houses a heater 44 and a pump 30, with the pump being mounted on an upper body 50 of probe 18 by suitable nuts 56, 58. A lower probe section 48 having coarse threads 76 is mounted within pipeline 10 and has a diameter D1 of at least greater than 80% of the diameter D of internally threaded opening 14 of pipeline 10. Probe 18 has large diameter upper body 50 externally threaded for mounting compartment 20 thereon. Probe 18 is preferably formed of an anodized aluminum material having a high thermal conductivity in excess of 80 BTU/Ft Hr/Ft2/° F.

Abstract: An on-line moisture analyzer and method of analyzing the moisture content of an ore concentrate. A sample conveyor moves a sample of the concentrate to be analyzed to an aluminum pan that receives and holds the sample of the concentrate. A horizontal linear slide having a pneumatic vertical lift mounted to rotary arm is detachably connected to the aluminum pan by gripping fingers that detachably engage the pan. A scale is accessible by the conveyance member for weighing the sample. An oven also accessible by the conveyance member has a door that has a complimentary shape relative to a cross section of the sample container and conveyance member is used for heating the sample. A programmable logic controller controls the conveyance member and the oven door. A data processing unit receives data from the scale and determines a moisture content based on the data.

Abstract: A method of controlling a temperature of a semiconductor device during testing is used with a system including a heater and a heat sink and a temperature control system. The semiconductor device is thermally coupled to the heater, which is thermally coupled to a heat sink. The heat sink defines a chamber, and the chamber is adapted to have a liquid flowing through the chamber. The temperature control system is coupled to the heater and the heat sink. In the method, the temperature of the semiconductor device is moved to approximately a first set point temperature. The temperature of the semiconductor device is moved to approximately a second set point temperature, from approximately the first set point temperature, by changing a temperature of the heater and maintaining the liquid flowing into the chamber at a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling apparatus for analyzing the contents in exhaust gas. The sampling apparatus intakes air from an air intake conduit and mixes the air with exhaust gas taken from an exhaust gas supply conduit. The mixed gas can be sampled in different sampling conduits based upon the type of exhaust gas being examined. The apparatus includes heaters for heating various conduits to prevent condensation from forming within the conduits.

Abstract: A method of measuring a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in recirculated air of an engine, is disclosed. The method includes installing a conductive sample tube into an engine's pre-combustion/air-mixing chamber, and installing a carbon dioxide sensor, remote from the chamber, to measure relative concentrations of carbon dioxide. The method may also be used to measure nitrogen oxide exhaust gas levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing, from gases such as soil gas, target analytes. Target analytes may include emanations from explosive materials or from residues of explosive materials. The apparatus employs principles of sorption common to solid phase microextraction, and is best used in conjunction with analysis means such as a gas chromatograph. To sorb target analytes, the apparatus functions using various sorptive structures to capture target analyte. Depending upon the embodiment, those structures may include a capillary tube including an interior surface on which sorptive material (similar to that on the surface of a SPME fiber) is supported (along with means for moving gases through the capillary tube so that the gases come into close proximity to the sorptive material).

Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling apparatus for analyzing the contents in exhaust gas. The sampling apparatus intakes air from an air intake conduit and mixes the air with exhaust gas taken from an exhaust gas supply conduit. The mixed gas can be sampled in different sampling conduits based upon the type of exhaust gas being examined. The apparatus includes heaters for heating various conduits to prevent condensation from forming within the conduits.

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: An oil sampling system for an electrical power device in which the oil flows through the sampling device in a closed loop with the oil containing apparatus of the electrical power device. Oil is taken in from an active region near the top of the oil containing apparatus and returned to a lower region thereof. This assures that the oil sample is representative of the oil in the system. For the case of a power transformer, the oil flow is by cooling with gravity assistance. For the case of a pumped system, such as a load tap changer, the oil flow is forced. The sampling procedure begins with connecting the sampling device in the closed loop. Oil is then passed through the sampling device until bubble free. The sampling device is then removed for analysis. The procedure does not need a flush operation or a flush container.

Abstract: A flow rate detector mechanism using variable Venturi therein, comprising: a variable flow rate generator, comprising: a core 11; and a variable Venturi 12; wherein a throat (flow passage) cross-sectional area defined between the core and the venturi is able to be changed by shifting relative positions of the core and the venturi in a direction of axes thereof, and further comprising a flow rate calculation processing portion 30 for calculating a flow rate based on the relative positions in the direction of the axes thereof and for outputting the calculated flow rate, thereby continuously changing the constant flow rate, without occurrence of any disturbance therein.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling device is provided. An exhaust gas sampling tube for sampling part of the exhaust gas is connected to an exhaust tube in which the exhaust from a source of the exhaust gas flows, and a downstream side of the exhaust gas sampling tube is connected to a dilution tunnel. The device further includes a temperature control mechanism. A temperature of the exhaust gas sampling tube is controlled with the temperature control mechanism based on a temperature of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust tube.

Abstract: A film-type vaporizer in a vaporization enclosure, for example the upper column of a double air-distillation column, is associated with a measurement and analysis box where a polished surface and a spillway reconstruct the flow of liquid in the vaporizer in order to check for the absence of the deposition of impurities in the liquid that is to be evaporated. If deposition occurs, the impurities involved are quantified and analyzed and appropriate action taken on the settings of the machine.

Abstract: A storage box 100, on the bottom surface of which are attached casters 101, has a heater 102 positioned on the bottom surface thereof and left-hand side and the right-hand side interior spaces being divided by a partition plate 103, wherein nine (9) sampling bags 104 . . . in total can be received within a wide space at the right-hand side thereof. On one side of the storage box 100 is provided a connector unit 110. This connector unit 110 is constructed with an elevating block 112 hooking on guide rails provided in a direction of up and down, and the elevating block 112 is biased upward with a gas spring 113. In guide holders 112b of the elevating block 112 are provided guides 115 . . . in the same number as the number of the sampling bags 104, and into each guide 115 is inserted a flexible conduit 116 made from stainless steel, in a such manner that it can be drawn out therefrom.

Abstract: A storage box 100, on the bottom surface of which are attached casters 101, has a heater 102 positioned on the bottom surface thereof and left-hand side and the right-hand side interior spaces being divided by a partition plate 103, wherein nine (9) sampling bags 104 . . . in total can be received within a wide space at the right-hand side thereof. On one side of the storage box 100 is provided a connector unit 110. This connector unit 110 is constructed with an elevating block 112 hooking on guide rails provided in a direction of up and down, and the elevating block 112 is biased upward with a gas spring 113. In guide holders 112b of the elevating block 112 are provided guides 115 . . . in the same number as the number of the sampling bags 104, and into each guide 115 is inserted a flexible conduit 116 made from stainless steel, in a such manner that it can be drawn out therefrom.

Abstract: A collecting apparatus for automatically collecting a sample during a particular time interval is disclosed. The collecting apparatus includes a power supply for providing an electric power to operate the collecting apparatus and a plurality of sampling units. Each sampling unit includes a timing device for counting down and generating a first starting signal at a specific time for collecting the sample, a valve for allowing the sample to enter the sampling unit, a valve controller electrically connected to the timing device for generating a timing signal to open/close the valve after receiving the first starting signal, and a collector connected with the valve for collecting the sample through the valve. The collector includes a tube connecting to the valve, a reservoir connected to one end of the tube for containing the sample, and a flow controller connected to the other end of the tube for controlling the flow rate of the sample entering the reservoir.

Abstract: A sample introduction probe for introducing a gas sample to a mass spectrometer, having an inner pipe for conducting the sample to be analyzed, and an outer pipe installed outside of the inner pipe. An opening is installed at one end of the inner pipe for enabling entry of the sample into the inner pipe. A pump is installed on a side of the one end of the inner pipe, and a probe tip heater is provided for heating the one end of the inner pipe, a heater for heating the inner pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for sampling gas in operative association with a combustion appliance, such as a furnace. The combustion appliance includes a first conduit through which combustion air is supplied to the appliance and a second conduit through which gas heated by the appliance is discharged from the appliance. The sampling apparatus includes a third conduit communicating between the first and second conduits and a gas sensor operable to sense a selected gas in the heated gas present in the third conduit. Operation of the appliance creates a pressure difference between the first and second conduits to draw a sample of heated gas from the second conduit into the third conduit, so that no mechanical device, such as a pump, is needed to transport the sample of heated gas to the gas sensor. A temperature sensor is provided for sensing temperature of the gas in the third conduit to verify gas flow in the third conduit.

Abstract: A sample testing system has a chamber sealing, apparatus adapted to receive a chamber containing a fluid sample material and to seal portions of a chamber into segments. A reagent injector cartridge actuator is adapted to receive a reagent injector cartridge having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, and to move a reagent injector cartridge to inject a quantity of reagent into a segment of a chamber. In certain preferred embodiments, a flow control device induces a flow of sample in a segment. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to a condition of the mixture.