Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system includes one or more collection units configured to collect a sample from an aerosol cloud and a detection unit configured to analyze a composition the sample from the aerosol cloud. In certain embodiments, the one or more collection units can include a plurality of collection units. In embodiments, the collection unit can include a collection medium configured to collect aerosol particles from the aerosol cloud and condense or trap the aerosol particles on or in the collection medium.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process.

Abstract: An ion pump includes an evacuateable envelope having a chamber. A first and a second cathode are disposed within the chamber and spaced apart from one another. An anode is spaced apart from and between the first and second cathodes. The anode has an anode body with a textured surface that defines capture regions for fixing material sputtered from the first and second cathodes and controlling size of sputter depositions shed from the anode.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process.

Abstract: A delivery nozzle for aerosol and solvent includes a nozzle body defining an aerosol passage and a solvent passage therethrough. The aerosol and solvent passages each extend from an inlet end of the nozzle body to an outlet end thereof. The nozzle body can include a solid, unitary structure with the aerosol and solvent passages both defined through the solid, unitary structure. The inlet end of the nozzle body can include a mounting flange configured to mount the nozzle body in a device for delivering aerosol through the aerosol passage and for delivering solvent through the solvent passage. The solvent passage can define a smaller cross-sectional flow area than that of the aerosol passage.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process. In various embodiments, one or more wire internal to the anode structure and having a time-varying electric potential may alter the trajectory of the ions leaving the anode tube, as may the shape of the anode near the ends of the anode tube.

Abstract: A monolithic electrode includes a first portion devoid of apertures and a second portion surrounded by the first portion, the second portion having a web defining a plurality of apertures. A method for forming an electrode includes forming a first electrode portion devoid of apertures and forming a second electrode portion having a web defining a plurality of apertures. The web of the second electrode portion connects to the first electrode portion.

Abstract: A delivery nozzle for aerosol and solvent includes a nozzle body defining an aerosol passage and a solvent passage therethrough. The aerosol and solvent passages each extend from an inlet end of the nozzle body to an outlet end thereof. The nozzle body can include a solid, unitary structure with the aerosol and solvent passages both defined through the solid, unitary structure. The inlet end of the nozzle body can include a mounting flange configured to mount the nozzle body in a device for delivering aerosol through the aerosol passage and for delivering solvent through the solvent passage. The solvent passage can define a smaller cross-sectional flow area than that of the aerosol passage.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process. In various embodiments, one or more wire internal to the anode structure and having a time-varying electric potential may alter the trajectory of the ions leaving the anode tube, as may the shape of the anode near the ends of the anode tube.

Abstract: Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process.

Abstract: A monolithic electrode includes a first portion devoid of apertures and a second portion surrounded by the first portion, the second portion having a web defining a plurality of apertures. A method for forming an electrode includes forming a first electrode portion devoid of apertures and forming a second electrode portion having a web defining a plurality of apertures. The web of the second electrode portion connects to the first electrode portion.

Abstract: An ion pump includes an evacuateable envelope having a chamber. A first and a second cathode are disposed within the chamber and spaced apart from one another. An anode is spaced apart from and between the first and second cathodes. The anode has an anode body with a textured surface that defines capture regions for fixing material sputtered from the first and second cathodes and controlling size of sputter depositions shed from the anode.

Abstract: A method of electronic requisition processing includes storing company-specific requisition rules and an electronic catalog on a central computer system located at a first site. The central computer system is linked to a number of companies by means of an external communications line, such as a telephone system-and-modem arrangement. A requester at one of the companies may identify one or more items to be ordered. In response to the requisition, the company with which the requestor is associated is determined, and the appropriate requisition rules for that company are implemented. If more than one item is identified, a requisition folder is formed in software to contain a number of requisitions. Also contained in the requisition folder are any required attachments, with each attachment being designated as being "internal" or "external" and as "confidential" or "non-confidential.