Abstract: Analytical instruments configured to perform atmospheric pressure ionization are provided that are less than 50 kgs in total weight and/or less than 1 m3 in total volume. Mass analysis instruments are provided that can include an interface vacuum structure operatively coupled between an ionization source and a vacuum region housing a detector. Mass analysis instruments are also provided that can include an ionization source coupled to an analysis region via an interface vacuum structure, with at least two independent vacuum components.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: Person-portable mass analysis instrumentation configured to perform multidimensional mass analysis is provided. Mass analysis instrumentation can include a housing encompassing components of the instrumentation with the housing of the instrumentation defining a space having a volume of equal to or less than about 100,000 cm3. Instrument assemblies are also provided that can include a housing coupled to an instrument component isolation assembly, wherein the component isolation assembly is isolated from an environment exterior to the housing. Exemplary instrument assemblies can include at least first and second components configured to provide analysis with a housing of the instrument at least partially encompassing the first and second components and the first component being rigidly affixed to the housing. An isolation assembly can also be provided that is rigidly affixed to the second component with the isolation assembly being isolated from received inputs of the housing.

Abstract: In one implementation, processes for designing mass separators from a series of mass separator electric field data and processes for designing an ion trap from a range of data pairs and a mass analyzer scale are provided. Methods for producing mass separators including ion traps having Z0/r0 ratios from about 0.84 to about 1.2 are also provided. Mass spectrometers are al provided that can include mass separators in tandem with one being an ion trap having a Zo/ro ratio between 0.84 and 1.2. The present invention also provides methods for analyzing samples using mass separators having first and second sets of components defining a volume with a ratio of a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the first component to a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the second component being between 0.84 and 1.2.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to instrument assemblies that can include a sample introduction port coupled to a chamber configured to receive the sample from the sample introduction port and provide analysis of the sample with a valve between the sample introduction port and the chamber. The instrument assemblies can include a septum housing assembly coupled to an analysis chamber interface with the interface including a valve and a cam rotatably mounted to the septum housing assembly and/or coupled to the valve. Analysis methods are also provided that can include introducing a sample to an instrument through both a sample introduction port and a valve coupled to the sample introduction port, and, after introducing the sample, closing the valve to seal the sample introduction port from a remainder of the instrument, with the remainder of the instrument being configured to analyze the sample after the introducing through the sample introduction port.