Abstract: The invention relates to the ionization of analyte molecules on a solid surface close to atmospheric pressure as an ion source for mass spectrometers. The invention uses a spray mist from an electrospray apparatus to ionize the analyte molecules, for example a spray mist created by spraying pure water, which generates predominantly multiply charged ions of the analyte molecules which are particularly suitable for fragmentation.

Abstract: Metadata that relates logical block addresses of data used by a file system with the physical block addresses at which the data is stored is maintained in nodes that are arranged into a hierarchical volume map tree that extends from a root node to a plurality of leaf nodes. A copy of the volume map tree root node is maintained in a data structure called a delta that represents the data in the covolume and the modifications to that volume map tree copy represent all additions, changes or deletions made to the volume. A copy of the data, or a new covolume, can be made by creating a new delta containing a new copy of the volume map tree root node as it existed at the time the new covolume was created. The deltas are arranged into a tree structure that represents the data in a covolume and whether the data is unchanged from a previous covolume or changed in that covolume. The delta tree structure can be used to determine whether a delta is not shared so that its covolume can be deleted.

Abstract: The invention relates to ion storage devices for a molecular detector which determines the presence and quantity of a predetermined ion species out of a large number of stored ions. The invention consists in installing two or more ion storage devices in such a way that filling of one ion storage device and detection of predetermined ion species from an other ion storage device can be carried synchronously. In particular, ion filling and ion sampling can occur through the same opening.

Abstract: A scanning line detector according to the present invention uses a detector with a linear arrangement of detection elements that is moved along a range of diffracted x-ray directions to collect data across a multidimensional detection area. The scanning line detector allows for the simulation of a two-dimensional detector system without the need for a two-dimensional detector. The detector may follow a desired path to simulate a desired shape, such as a cylinder. A slit may be included to limit the detector line width, and a scatter shield may be used to minimize noise from air-scattered x-rays. The detector may also use a specially designed monochromator for conditioning the diffracted x-rays. The detector may be rotatable about an axis parallel to a direction along which x-rays are diffracted, allowing it to be used in different orientations.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe circuit is used with a sample coil tuned to a primary frequency f1. The circuit is arranged to have a plurality of points of electric field minima at the f1 frequency. One or more additional frequencies may be coupled to the circuit at these points, without interaction with f1. The probe circuit also uses an impedance coupled between two of the minima points that affects the frequency response at the additional frequency or frequencies, without affecting the frequency response at f1. The impedance may be made adjustable to allow tuning of the relative frequency resonances.

Abstract: The invention relates to two-dimensional quadrupole systems along whose axis an axial DC field is superimposed. The invention involves coating the hyperbolic or cylindrical surfaces of quadrupole systems with thin insulating layers and metal films thereupon and generating axial potential gradients or saddle ramps using appropriate electrical supply of DC potentials and superimposed RF voltages to the metal films. Systems of this type can be used in a plurality of ways, ranging from mass filters with high transmission to fragmentation cells with extremely low ion losses.

Abstract: A flow-through sample container, or flow cell, according to the present invention resides with the channel of magnetic resonance probe without being fixed thereto. The flow cell is removable from the spectrometer while leaving the probe in place, allowing easy cleaning of the probe channel and replacement of the flow cell. An insertion tool that houses the flow cell may be used to safely introduce it to the probe. Input and output capillaries serve as fluid pathways for fluid samples entering and leaving the flow cell, respectively. These capillaries may be connected to the flow cell with a manually operable connector, allowing easy disconnection of the flow cell from the input and output conduit. The capillaries enter through different ends of the spectrometer bore, so that the fluid samples flow enter one end of the spectrometer and exit through the other.

Abstract: A limited-use browser and related security system control access to content stored on a server computer linked to a network. The security system secures the content on the server and only permits it to be downloaded to a client computer running the limited-user browser or a general purpose browser executing an add-in security module providing the same functions as the limited-user browser. The limited-use browser or module secures the downloaded content on the client computer and displays it in a “view-only” mode. While the secured content is being displayed, menu selections, key combination, or pointing device commands initiated on the client computer that would modify the content or create a copy on another medium are either disabled as a default or monitored to determine if the action is permitted.