Abstract: A procedure and a system for the evaluation of the quality and/or efficiency of a cable or a cable segment by a current measurement is disclosed. This is achieved by supplying between the core and the screen of a cable a voltage with alternating polarity and rectangular shape. The periodic duration' of this voltage is selected in a way so as to permit the current measurement of the charge current shortly before a polarity reversal, providing a current value equal to the leakage current.

Abstract: Novel HCV peptide antigens are described representing partial sequences of the C-100-3 and env/core with C-regions. These peptide antigens are suitable for the determination of HCV antibodies as immunogens for the production of antibodies against HCV and as vaccines for the production of vaccines against HCV.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for typing antibodies in a sample liquid by means of type-specific antigens and in particular a method for typing antibodies to the hepatitis C virus and peptide antigens suitable for this.

Abstract: New HCV peptide antigens are described. These peptide antigens are suitable for the determination of HCV antibodies as immunogens for the preparation of antibodies to HCV and as immunogens for the preparation of vaccines to HCV.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an inductive coupled plasma source whose flame is near ground potential, an interface, a flight tube, and an analyzer that includes magnetic and electric sectors, and an ion detector, which detector is operated at high voltage for ion acceleration. The magnetic sector includes a magnet and pole pieces that are insulated electrically relative to the flight tube. The pressure within the interface preferably does not exceed 10.sup.-3 mbar. By varying the magnetic field and the acceleration potential, identification of a specified mass over defined time intervals is carried out. The disclosed mass spectrometer provides improved coupling between the plasma ion source and a double-focussing analyzer, while advantageously providing a low voltage regime for the plasma source.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a mass spectrometer with a location-resolving detector. In this case, when an ion impinges on the detector, the instantaneous parameters of the analyzer are read and compared with a calibration table, and the instantaneous mass value (to be expected) is determined therefrom in the center of the detector. The location signal of the detector indicates the impingement location of the recorded event and is converted, via a second calibration table, into the deviation of the actual mass from the mean mass. The exact (actual) mass value is calculated from both values. This value is recorded in a memory of a computer.

Abstract: A lens arrangement (30) for the focusing of a beam of electrically charged particles (24) in the beam path of imaging systems, more particularly in mass spectrometers (10), is indicated, the lens arrangement (30) being connected to an electrical voltage supply. The lens arrangement (30) is situated at the location or in the vicinity of the intermediate image (29) produced by the imaging system, and consists of a plurality of plates (32 to 35) disposed in succession, with aligned transmission apertures (38 to 41), the plates being connected to adjustable electrical voltages.

Abstract: In a hybrid mass spectrometer, a high-energy collision chamber (8) is arranged in a field-free region (12) which, in the direction of travel of the ions, is located after the first stage (1 to 6). A lens arrangement (9) serves for decelerating daughter ions of different energies to a fixed energy, and preferably at the same time also for shaping the ion beam. Preferably, the hybrid mass spectrometer is of BEQQ configuration.