Abstract: The invention relates to an automated method for carrying out reactions with high spatial resolution on libraries of different materials and for analysis of the products obtained using a simple robot system and an analyzer, for example a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An arrangement for passive gas sampling of a breathing gas in a breathing system allows sampling during both inspiration and expiration. The arrangement has a tube-piece having a first connector for receiving an inspiratory gas flow, a second connector for delivering an expiratory gas flow and a third connector for delivering the inspiratory gas flow and receiving the expiratory gas flow, a first port arranged between the second connector and the third connector and connected to a measurement chamber, a second port arranged between the first connector and the third connector and connected to the measurement chamber and a third port arranged between the first connector and the second connector and connected to the measurement chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust gas measurement system is provided that includes a probe to find a sample exhaust gas passageway for collecting exhaust gas. A stainless steel canister is fluidly connected to the probe for storing the exhaust gas. A pump fluidly interconnects the probe and the canister for transferring the exhaust gas from the probe to the canister. A pressure mass flow controller fluidly interconnects the probe and the canister and produces an exhaust gas flow measurement corresponding to the flow of the exhaust gas from the probe to the canister. A temperature sensor senses a temperature of the exhaust gas proximate to the pressure mass flow controller. The temperature sensor corrects the exhaust gas flow measurement based upon the temperature sensed. A pressure sensor senses a pressure of the exhaust gas proximate to the pressure mass flow controller. The temperature sensor corrects the exhaust gas flow measurement based upon the pressure sensed.

Abstract: A system for collecting a representative, non-contaminated sample includes a sample intake positioned in a chosen location within a body of liquid. A first conduit section transfers a sample, which has been withdrawn from the body of liquid, from the sample intake to the pump. A second conduit section transfers the sample from the pump to a receptacle for collecting the sample. The second conduit section is connected to the receptacle by means providing for an air and watertight seal for the receptacle, which is coupled with means providing for the escape of air from the receptacle during collection of the sample therein. The means providing for an air and watertight seal for the receptacle is a specially designed transfer cap.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for exploration and sampling of placers which is capable of being disassembled for transport into areas not accessible to traditional sampling methods. The sampling unit operates on a principle of power augering and water jetting a sampling pipe to bedrock while concurrently recovering ¾? minus materials, including particles and nuggets of valuable minerals and gemstones, through a concentric center pipe, such recovery powered by a ring jet venturi and supplemented by a sample hole plug to increase the water pressure in the sampling hole.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting a representative sample of water, oil and sediment from a container. The apparatus is a container closure having a tube extending therethrough, such that fluids can be extracted from any closed container through the tube when closed by the closure. The tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is open to the flow of fluids and the second end is closed. Several radial inlet ports are position at spaced intervals along the tube between the closure and the second end of the tube. Fluids from the container enter the tube at several levels through different ones of the inlet ports, thereby providing a more representative sample.

Abstract: A fugitive emission collection device for acquiring an atmosphere sample around a seal is provided. The emission collection device has a rigid member that forms a low impedance cavity shaped to overlay a seal. The emission collection device has a conduit with an inlet in fluid communications with the low impedance cavity and an outlet that can be connected to a chemical sensing system to analyze the atmosphere sample for emissions leaking from the seal.

Abstract: A method for determining the in-situ effective mobility of hydrocarbons in a formation layer, in which a formation test tool, having a fluid analyzer, induces sample fluid to flow from the formation, the sample being analyzed and discarded where it includes fluid from the invaded zone, so as to perform the pressure test on uncontaminated formation fluid.

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: An arrangement for passive gas sampling of a breathing gas in a breathing system allows sampling during both inspiration and expiration. The arrangement has a tube-piece having a first connector for receiving an inspiratory gas flow, a second connector for delivering an expiratory gas flow and a third connector for delivering the inspiratory gas flow and receiving the expiratory gas flow, a first port arranged between the second connector and the third connector and connected to a measurement chamber, a second port arranged between the first connector and the third connector and connected to the measurement chamber and a third port arranged between the first connector and the second connector and connected to the measurement chamber.

Abstract: The device and methods relate to a sampling device for obtaining samples of analytes in a difficult-to-reach sampling location, such as below ground or underwater, and transporting the sample to an accessible delivery or collection site. The sampling device comprises a semipermeable membrane-based sampling chamber, which can be positioned under the ground or water surface where analytes of interest can permeate into the chamber through the semipermeable membrane. Transfer channels, which communicate with the sampling chamber, is used to transport the sample to the surface for analysis without removing the chamber from the sampling location.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sampling system for use in connection with the sampling of an internal combustion engine exhaust gas streams has a plurality of diluters arranged in a serial array along an axial extent. A source of engine exhaust gas is fluidically connected to the plurality of serially arranged diluters so as to supply an engine exhaust gas stream into each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters in a serial manner. A source of dilution air fluidically is connected to each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters so as to supply dilution air into each one of the plurality of serially arranged diluters.

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 method of preparing a liquid sample is provided. The method involves steps of: providing a pressurizable vessel that contains a liquid sample in a container, and a sample tube extending from beneath the surface of the liquid sample to a point outside of the vessel; introducing a purge gas into the vessel through a purge-gas inlet conduit, and simultaneously removing the gas atmosphere in the vessel through a purge-gas outlet conduit, thereby displacing the atmosphere in the pressurizable vessel; and pressurizing the vessel with the purge gas to transfer a portion of the liquid sample from the container through the sample tube. Also provided are apparatuses for preparing a liquid sample, as well as methods and apparatuses for performing an analytical measurement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolator pad assemblies used in formation testing equipment. The pad comprises a primarily metallic pad member and a retractable resilient sealing member. The resilient sealing member is maintained in a retracted, protected position until extended to seal against the wellbore. When extended the metallic pad pushes into the mudcake until a raised ring of material on the surface of the pad contacts the formation. Once the pad is in place, the resilient sealing member, which is molded to an extending metal sleeve, is extended and contacts the mudcake to form a primary seal. With the primary and secondary seals energized, a fluid sample can be collected from the formation without contamination from wellbore fluids.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A method for controlling the dilution air supply to a partial flow dilution tunnel in a gas sampling system is provided. The gas sampling system is capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines under transient conditions and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel, master and slave mass flow controllers and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is characterized by a sampler for obtaining samples of a dry product from a vessel. The sampler has a bore with a forward opening in communication with the product in the vessel. A plunger of the sampler has an annular recess intermediate its ends, and is manually extended forward in the bore to project the recess through the bore forward opening and into the vessel to receive a product sample in the recess. The plunger is then manually retracted rearward from the vessel to convey the product sample in its recess to a sample collection point in the sampler bore. When the plunger recess is at the sample collection point, a length of open bore exists between the front of the plunger and the bore forward opening. So that product from the vessel does not enter the bore opening and accumulate in and block the bore in front of the plunger, after collection of the sample, the plunger is manually extended forward to a parked position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolator pad assemblies used in formation testing equipment. The pad comprises a primarily metallic pad member and a retractable resilient sealing member. The resilient sealing member is maintained in a retracted, protected position until extended to seal against the wellbore. When extended the metallic pad pushes into the mudcake until a raised ring of material on the surface of the pad contacts the formation. Once the pad is in place, the resilient sealing member, which is molded to an extending metal sleeve, is extended and contacts the mudcake to form a primary seal. With the primary and secondary seals energized, a fluid sample can be collected from the formation without contamination from wellbore fluids.

Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining mass flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the mass flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.

Abstract: A process of sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles comprising the steps of disposing a receptacle in fluid communication with the elucidate from the comestibles, transporting the elucidate in the receptacle, dispensing the sample of elucidate from the receptacle, and analyzing the sample. A device for sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles includes a fluid flow conduit having two ends where the first end is designed to communicate with the elucidate and the second end is disposed in fluid communication with the sampling means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas sampling apparatus adapted for use in a hand-held gas sensing device having at least one gas sensor, the apparatus comprising: a gas inlet; a gas conductor for conducting gas from the gas inlet to the sensor or sensors; a gas outlet; a gas conductor for conducting gas from the sensor or sensors to the gas outlet; and a vacuum containment enclosing an inner region having a pressure below atmospheric pressure and adapted for connection to the gas outlet so that a flow of gas is developed from the gas inlet to the vacuum containment.

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: There is disclosed a gas sampling apparatus (10) adapted for use in a hand-held gas sensing device (12) having at least one gas sensor (14), the apparatus comprising: a gas inlet (16); a gas conductor (18) for conducting gas from the gas inlet to the sensor or sensors; a gas outlet (20), a gas conductor (22) for conducting gas from the sensor or sensors to the gas outlet; and a vacuum containment (24) enclosing an inner region having a pressure below atmospheric pressure and adapted for connection to the gas outlet so that a flow of gas is developed from the gas inlet to the vacuum containment.

Abstract: A sample bag for collecting a mixture of gasses for analysis is made of a modified polymer consisting essentially of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and at most about 2.0 percent perfluoropropylvinylether (PPVE).

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.

Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining mass flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the mass flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid sampling device and method using a chamber in which a vacuum is created to draw a liquid sample through a sample intake tube assembly into a sample receptacle placed in the chamber. The vacuum is created by a vacuum pump attached to an entry port in the chamber. The sample intake tube assembly is inserted through a second entry port in the chamber. One end of the sample intake tube assembly is placed in the open sample receptacle located in the chamber, while the other end is placed in the sample site. The independence of the sample intake tube assembly and the vacuum pump stem promotes sample purity. The sample intake tube assembly has a flexible collar which is inserted into and creates a seal with the entry port of the chamber.

Abstract: A sampling device comprising an elongate tube and an identification device. The identification device comprises a transponder which is removably attached to the tube by means of a clip. The identification device may thus be removed from the tube prior to analysis and/or replaced between successive sampling operations.

Abstract: The device is characterized in that it comprises: one ring-shaped sensor (1) body comprising a main part (3) delimiting a sensor chamber (5) extended by a threaded part (6) as well as a skirt (4) around the sensing chamber (5) and defining a support surface (8) to be fixed on the wall (10) of the can or bag to be checked, a tubular connecting screw (2) coupled with continuous analyzing means and designed to cooperate with the sensor (1) body, and sensing means capable of cutting or perforating the wall (10) of the can or bag to be checked so as to allow the gases, if any emitted in this can or bag, to enter the internal conduit (11) of the connecting screw (2) to be sensed by the continuous analyzing means.

Abstract: A tool and method for its use in taking a sample of liquid from a tank. The tool is used to open the valve of the tank and cause a sample of the liquid in the tank to flow by gravity into a container below the tank without allowing the liquid to contact the person taking the sample. The tool is especially suited for taking samples of the fuel of a helicopter or other aircraft. The tool includes a head having an axially extending wrench socket that fits over the valve and has a transverse inner base wall to limit movement of the socket over the valve. The head has a fluid passageway extending therethrough with an upper inlet communicating with the socket and a lower outlet opening through the lower end portion. When the valve is opened by the tool, the liquid flows out of the tank, through the valve and into the passageway, through which it is channeled to the container.

Abstract: A sturdy tubular “sub” apparatus for collecting geological samples (Geological Sample-Sub or GSS) that may be entrained within a conventional drill string apparatus for conducting a drill-stem-test. The apparatus may be manufactured from conventional drill-collar stock and may be provided threads at each end of a standardized thread size so that it may be readily exchanged with or attached to other subs comprising the drill string apparatus. The drill string apparatus with the incorporated GSS may be lowered in a closed and empty state into a drilled hole whereupon it is packed off and the apparatus may be opened. A slit-like opening in the GSS permits entry of rock samples into the tubular apparatus, whereas baffles located within the apparatus near both ends prevent the escape of the samples as fluid in the hole rushes through the open drill string assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multipurpose groundwater sampler device are shown and described, each having a sample tube part of which forms a sample chamber, a top portion having a handle, a novel inlet portion, a sediment trap, novel valve means and a means to join the assembly together. The novel inlet portion is of a size and shape that facilitates rapid filling of the sample chamber and facilitates the collection of layers of fluid which can be measured in the sample chamber to directly represent the in situ thickness of a stratified layer. The novel valve means also facilitates fast filling and incorporates a sediment trap, which keeps sediments from interfering with the valve workings. The multipurpose groundwater sampler device of the present invention is adapted to be provided with an extension tube of the same inside opening as the sample chamber to extend the wide inlet a greater distance from the valve means for collecting thick layers of stratified liquids at their in situ thickness.

Abstract: A sample tube of a sampling valve is moved up and down by a cylinder. When the sample tube is moved downward, a sample inlet opposes a stored sample, and the sample can be extracted. When the sample tube is moved upward, the sample inlet opposes a cleaning liquid path. Thus, cleaning liquid is fed into the cleaning liquid path from a cleaning liquid supply port of a cleaning pipe. The cleaning liquid flows within the sample tube from the sample inlet, and flows out from a sample discharge port. Thus, an entire interior of the sample tube can be cleaned. In a sample extracting device using the sampling valve, a state in which no air or impurities are mixed in the sample can always be maintained, such that stable extraction can be carried out.