Abstract: A multi-sensor mounting system and method includes a secondary pipe and an adapter. The secondary pipe comprises a fastening device configured to fix the secondary pipe to the process pipe, and a valve that is switchable between an open state and a closed state. The adapter detachably connects a sensor module to the secondary pipe. The valve allows a sensing probe of the sensor module being inserted into the process pipe in the open state, and to block a fluid flow in the secondary pipe in the closed state, for example, for times when the sensing probe is removed from the secondary pipe.

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: This invention describes an analytical system where a kinetic impact ionization source is combined with an RF-only ion guide to form a mass spectrometer system for analysis of the elemental and chemical composition of exoatmospheric particles. The kinetic impact ionization source may be used to transform a flux of particle debris into a beam of ions for analysis by a mass analyzer.

Abstract: This invention describes a multi-stage pre-concentrator device for use with a detector system. One pre-concentrator stage is detachable and may be used to collect sample remotely from the detection system. The detachable pre-concentrator stage mates with the detector system and can transfer its desorbed sample to another pre-concentrator stage which also incorporates the functions of a sample loop serving as an injection volume to the separation column of an analytical instrument. In one embodiment the fixed pre-concentrator stage serves as a sample loop that preferably integrates suitable valves with sorbent materials onto the same structure to minimise dead volume, maximise sensitivity, improving column loading efficiency, reducing duty cycles and minimising detection system response time.

Abstract: This invention describes an analytical system where a kinetic impact ionisation source is combined with an RF—only ion guide to form a mass spectrometer system for analysis of the elemental and chemical composition of exoatmospheric particles. The kinetic impact ionisation source may be used to transform a flux of particle debris into a beam of ions for analysis by a mass analyzer.

Abstract: This invention provides a pre-concentrator device including an electrostatically operated valve and an electrically heated desorber, the electrostatically operated valve comprising a movable flap or membrane carrying a chemically adsorbing coating, suspended by an elastic element above an orifice in an insulated substrate. The device is constructed by planer processing. The flap or membrane can be deflected towards the substrate to block the flow of gas through the orifice by applying a voltage between the substrate and the membrane. The coating provides an adsorbing surface for a volatile organic compound. The coating may be heated electrically, by applying an alternating voltage between the substrate and the flap, thermally desorbing any adsorbed chemical species. When combined with other similar valves in a stacked assembly, the device may be used in a chemical pre-concentrator with very low dead volume.

Abstract: This invention describes a multi-stage pre-concentrator device for use with a detector system. One pre-concentrator stage is detachable and may be used to collect sample remotely from the detection system. The detachable pre-concentrator stage mates with the detector system and can transfer its desorbed sample to another pre-concentrator stage which also incorporates the functions of a sample loop serving as an injection volume to the separation column of an analytical instrument. In one embodiment the fixed pre-concentrator stage serves as a sample loop that preferably integrates suitable valves with sorbent materials onto the same structure to minimise dead volume, maximise sensitivity, improving column loading efficiency, reducing duty cycles and minimising detection system response time.

Abstract: An integrated analytical device is described. The device includes a plurality of components which are initially mounted or provided on support submounts. The submounts are then packaged onto a microbench, with the alignment of the submounts relative to the microbench being determined by alignment features provided on the microbench.

Abstract: This invention describes the combination of an electrostatically operated valve and an electrically heated desorber, comprising a movable flap carrying a chemically adsorbing coating, suspended by an elastic element above an orifice in an insulated substrate. The device is constructed by planar processing. The flap can be deflected towards the substrate to block the flow of gas through the orifice by applying a voltage between the substrate and the flap. The coating provides an adsorbing surface for a volatile organic compound. The coating may be heated electrically, by applying an alternating voltage between the substrate and the flap, thermally desorbing any adsorbed chemical species. When combined with other similar valves in a stacked assembly, the device may be using in a chemical pre-concentrator with very low dead volume.

Abstract: An integrated analytical device is described. The device includes a plurality of components which are initially mounted or provided on support submounts. The submounts are then packaged onto a microbench, with the alignment of the submounts relative to the microbench being determined by alignment features provided on the microbench.

Abstract: A MEMS switching device including a first and second actuator and a switching member is described, the switching member being adapted to selectively provide a signal path between a first and second signal line. The selective provision of the signal path is effected by movement of a switching member from a first position to a second position, the movement of the switching member being effected by action of the first and second actuators thereon, such action resulting from a deformation of the actuators. In one embodiment of the invention, catch mechanisms link the switching member to the substrate in a first position, such that the switching member is maintained in this position when the actuation force is removed, and can be released by deformation of one actuator.

Abstract: A MEMS (microelectromechanical system) electrical switch device is provided for circuit protection applications. The device includes a mechanical latching mechanism by which the switch is held in the closed position, and a mechanism by which this latch is released when the load current passing through the device reaches or exceeds some desired magnitude. In addition, a mechanism is provided by which the switch may be reset to its closed position by applying an electrical control voltage to certain terminals of the device. A number of these devices, or arrays of these devices, can be fabricated by parallel processes on a single substrate, and photolithography can be employed to define the mechanical structures described above. Other embodiments include additional electrical isolation of the resetting mechanism, enhancement of the separation distance of the contact points of the switch in the open position, and prevention of arcing at the latch mechanism. A method of fabricating the device is provided.