Abstract: The introduction of a sample into a mass spectrometer providing in one aspect a method which comprises placing the sample in a tube (16) open at only one end, placing around the tube (16) an O-ring (30), placing the sample tube (16) with its open end adjacent an aperture (12) of the inlet system of the mass spectrometer and compressing the O-ring (3) about the tube whereby to seal sample tube (16) against the aperture (12), the sample tube upon evacuation by the inlet system of the mass spectrometer forming part of the vacuum retaining wall. The invention also relates to a sample tube surrounded by an O-ring and preferably containing a boat for receiving the sample.

Abstract: Magazine for introducing samples into the inlet system of a mass spectrometer. The magazine (22) comprises a flat plate having upper and lower surfaces which are generally horizontal during use. A zig-zag groove (32) is formed in the lower surface engageable by a reciprocable pin (34) to advance the magazine (22) by increments relative to an aperture (12) of the inlet system (10) of the mass spectrometer and recesses (24) are formed in the upper surface of the magazine for receiving tubes (16) containing samples for analysis. The recesses (24) extend transversely to the direction of movement of the magazine (22) and are arranged at a regular pitch equal to that of the groove (32) in the lower surface.

Abstract: A feed system for picking a sample tube off a magazine and introducing the sample tube into the inlet system of a mass spectrometer. The feed system comprises a pick-up tube (52) designed at its forward end to fit over a sample tube (16) resting on the magazine (22) and grip the sample tube (16). A carriage (40) supports the pick-up tube in a horizontal attitude and is driven towards and away from the inlet system (10) of the mass spectrometer by means of a motor driven pinion (46) engaging a rack (44) on the upper surface of the carriage (40). A cam track (50) raises the pick-up tube (52) after a sample tube (16) has been gripped to the level of the aperture (12) of the inlet system (10).

Abstract: A storage battery grid consisting of a frame having a lug on the upper edge thereof and spaced from a corner of the frame, a set of wires parallel to one another connecting the side edges of the frame, and a set of radial arms diverging away from the upper edge to connect that upper edge to each of the other three edges of the frame.

Abstract: A sensitive portable detector for nickel carbonyl is provided which relies on chemiluminescence produced in the presence of ozone and carbon monoxide by pulse-modulating the carbon monoxide feed to the reactor chamber and detecting the resulting modulation of the output signal. The instrument is thus made insensitive to any NO which may be present in the gas sample.

Abstract: A cell for electrowinning metal from a sulfate electrolyte includes insoluble anodes and cathodes, each anode being housed in an anolyte compartment defined by a flaccid sheath of porous membrane and means within each sheath for separating the sheath from the surfaces of the anode contained therein.

Abstract: A granulate consisting of smooth irregularly shaped granules is produced by preparing a molten bath of nickel and/or cobalt containing amounts of carbon and silicon which are correlated so that:8.03 C-4.42 C.sup.2 +7.23 Si>3.6pouring the molten alloy at a temperature 50.degree.-100.degree. C. above its liquidus temperature onto the surface of a pool of water which is agitated and maintained at 30.degree.-60.degree. C.