Abstract: An automated system is configured to wash and dry mats. The system includes a number of modules, including a loading module, vibration module, washing module, vacuum module, and a discharge module. The disclosed system provides an opportunity for manual inspection of the mats, too. Because the mats that are fed into the system are jostled or shaken before they are washed, reduced amounts of chemicals, water, water pressure, drying energy, etc. are needed to clean the mats. The system may also optionally include a automatic rolling and sorting apparatus, which rolls a mat and sorts it according to weight, size, etc. after it is discharged from the discharge module. A method of cleaning mats is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel support stand used for support of an advertising sign thereon. The support stand being made from a “stick framework” arranged to resemble a human form with the framework being removably, adjustably interconnected together. The framework includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. Each being removably adjustably attached together by a flexible device and the flexible device flexes when subjected to air turbulence caused by wind resulting in movement of the framework.

Abstract: A tandem mass spectrometer includes a linear time-of-flight mass analyzer and curved field reflectron mass analyzer. The curved-field reflectron mass analyzer is disposed at an end of the linear time-of-flight mass analyzer such that ions having a plurality of ion masses formed in the linear time-of-flight analyzer such that ions having a plurality of ion masses formed in the linear time-of-flight analyzer enter the curved-field reflectron mass analyzer. The tandem mass spectrometer also includes a mass selection gate disposed between the time-of-flight mass analyzer and the curved-field reflectron mass analyzer. The mass selection gate selects an ion mass from the plurality of ion masses. Furthermore, the tandem mass spectrometer also includes a dissociating component located in a path of the ions formed in the linear time-of-flight analyzer. The dissociating component causes dissociation of the ions into a plurality of ion fragments.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer which has an iron source, an evacuated tube proximate the ion source and adapted to receive ions from the ion source, and a detector disposed at an end of the evacuated tube opposite an end proximate the ion source. The ion source is constructed to generate an electric field that changes non-linearly as a function of position along a path from the ion source to the detector. The ion source is constructed to generate an electric field that changes as a function of time, the electric field being provided to accelerate ions from the ion source to the detector.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided herein and is configured to have two ionization sources, in which a first ionization source, such as MALDI, ESI and the like, which is capable of providing in addition to ions a set of normally intractable desorbed neutrals that are ionized by a second EI source coupled with the first source.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a third electrode arranged between the first and second electrodes. The third electrode reserves a space for ions to travel between the first and second electrodes. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer further includes a sample probe disposed proximate the first electrode and adapted to hold a sample, and a detector disposed proximate the second electrode. The first electrode is adapted to be connected to a voltage source to cause a difference in voltage between the first and second electrodes to provide an electric field therebetween that changes non-linearly along an ion path between the sample probe and the detector for accelerating ions to be detected.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer (50) which includes an ionizing source (62), a sample holder (60) arranged in a beam path of the ionizing source (62), an ion detector (54) disposed to receive ions extracted from a sample (61) when held by the sample holder (60) and irradiated by the ionizing source (62). The mass spectrometer (50) also includes an extraction electrode (56) arranged proximate the sample holder (60), and a drift tube (58) arranged between the extraction electrode (56) and the ion detector (54). In the mass spectrometer (50), the extraction electrode (56) and the drift tube (58) are movable together relative to the sample holder (60), which is held at a fixed position.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer including an ion source, a detector, a first end cap electrode arranged proximate to the ion source, a second end cap electrode arranged proximate the detector, and a ring electrode arranged between the first and the second end cap electrodes. The ring electrode can be either connected to a radio-frequency voltage source or to a constant voltage source. When the ring electrode is connected to the radio-frequency voltage the first end cap, the second end cap and the ring electrode form an ion trap and the mass spectrometer operates as an ion trap mass spectrometer. When the ring electrode is connected to a constant voltage the mass spectrometer operates as a time-of-flight mass spectrometer.