Abstract: An ion funnel fabricated from at least three faces that are each formed from a printed circuit board is described. In one aspect the faces are arranged edge to edge and there is provided a set of guard rails proximal to the edges to bias ions away from the edges. In another aspect slots are provided within the circuit board to facilitate an escape of gases from within the funnel.

Abstract: Bubble plasma ionisation probe for analysing liquids by mass spectrometry. A means of a detecting analytes dissolved in a liquid by mass spectrometry is described. Gas flows from a source through a first conduit 105 and thereafter through a coaxial second conduit 103 that also serves as the inlet to the mass spectrometer 102. The coaxial arrangement of conduits is submerged in the liquid to be analysed 301. Using a feedback loop, the gas pressure is adjusted and controlled such that an attached bubble 302 forms at the open end of the first conduit 105. A plasma 305 is provided in the bubble. The plasma is preferably generated by a dielectric barrier discharge between a collar electrode 107 and mass spectrometer inlet 103. Analytes dissolved in the liquid are both desorbed form the gas-liquid interface and ionised by the action of the plasma. Ions formed in this way become entrained in the gas flow and are consequently transferred to the mass spectrometer, where they are analysed.

Abstract: Bubble plasma ionisation probe for analysing liquids by mass spectrometry. A means of a detecting analytes dissolved in a liquid by mass spectrometry is described. Gas flows from a source through a first conduit 105 and thereafter through a coaxial second conduit 103 that also serves as the inlet to the mass spectrometer 102. The coaxial arrangement of conduits is submerged in the liquid to be analysed 301. Using a feedback loop, the gas pressure is adjusted and controlled such that an attached bubble 302 forms at the open end of the first conduit 105. A plasma 305 is provided in the bubble. The plasma is preferably generated by a dielectric barrier discharge between a collar electrode 107 and mass spectrometer inlet 103. Analytes dissolved in the liquid are both desorbed form the gas-liquid interface and ionised by the action of the plasma. Ions formed in this way become entrained in the gas flow and are consequently transferred to the mass spectrometer, where they are analysed.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for use in generating an information system, wherein an object-oriented model of the information system is provided, the model defining classes of information objects require to be supported by the information system in terms of their attributes, operations that maybe performed on the object, and an intended relationship (if any) between two or more of the objects. Built-in or predefined descriptions of the operations which maybe performed on the objects are provided in terms of conditions that should hold initially, data that might be affected, and the desired results. An operation referenced in a class definition is then automatically expanded by adding a respective built-in or predefined description thereto within the object-oriented model of the information system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for exhausting air from the interior of the occupant compartment of a movable vehicle to protect occupants from undesirable or contaminated air originating within or outside the vehicle. The method incorporates an exhaust system to remove air from the rear of the vehicle while maintaining air flow through the vehicle, preventing air back streaming, and sustaining a relative negative air pressure inside the occupant compartment. The invention prevents the breathing of air contaminated by people or animals being transported in vehicles and can protect occupants from diseases, odors, bio-hazards, and other undesirable or contaminated air in an enclosed compartment.