Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Jared M Bushey

William H Wilson

Robert C Henderson

Paul C Dryden

Thomas E Price

Jonathan Michael Frentzel

Methods and systems for sensing headspace vial presence are described herein. In one embodiment, a system can include a sample probe, a fluid source in fluid communication with the sample probe, one or more of a pressure sensor and a flow sensor in fluid communication with the sample probe, and a processor configured to: (a) receive a first set of signals from the one or more of the pressure and flow sensors, execute an ejection procedure to remove a sample vial from the sample probe, receive a second set of signals from the one or more of the pressure sensor and the flow sensor during step (b), (d) detect whether the ejection procedure is successful from the first set of signals and the second set of signals, and (e) in response to the detecting, initiate one or more actions selected from the group consisting of: a remediation and an alert.

Methods and systems for sensing headspace vial presence

The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample. The disclosed systems and methods are employed during sampling and/or analysis of the gas sample. One exemplary method for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample includes establishing fluid communication between a sample loop of a head space sampling device and the head space of the vial. A sample gas pressure is established within the head space of the vial. The sample loop is connected in fluid communication with a lower pressure environment through a ventilation pathway. A ventilation valve within the ventilation pathway is used to vent gas from the vial through the sample loop to the lower pressure environment at a predetermined rate. Devices and systems for depressurizing a vial containing a gas sample at a predetermined rate are also disclosed.

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Santa Clara, CA, United States of America

Jared M Bushey