Abstract: An ion source is disclosed comprising a nebuliser and a target. The nebuliser is arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream of analyte droplets which are caused to impact upon the target and to ionise analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions. The target is vibrated by a piezo-electric vibration device to reduce the size of resultant secondary droplets.

Abstract: A system for applying a target track material to an x-ray tube target includes a controller configured to direct a beam of energy toward an x-ray tube target, and direct a solid stock material toward the beam of energy to cause the solid stock material to melt and deposit as a melted material on the x-ray tube target.

Abstract: A method is described, for treating a superalloy substrate which includes at least one cavity containing adherent metal oxide material on its surface. A short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed against the cavity surface for a period of time sufficient to remove substantially all of the adherent metal oxide material. The laser beam is characterized by a peak power density in the range of about 10 megawatts/cm2 to about 10 gigawatts/cm2. In another embodiment, a high-power, short-pulsed, high repetition rate laser beam is directed to a region on the substrate which includes the cavity, under laser operational conditions which are capable of cutting into the superalloy material; so that a boundary region is formed within the substrate, which encloses the cavity. The cavity can be a crack in a turbine blade, and the crack can be repaired after treatment, by welding, or by another suitable technique.

Abstract: A method of forming a build in a powder bed includes emitting a plurality of laser beams from selected fibers of a diode laser fiber array onto the powder bed, the selected fibers of the array corresponding to a pattern of a layer of the build; and simultaneously melting powder in the powder bed corresponding to the pattern of the layer of the build.

Abstract: A slider bar extender to removably connect one or more slider bars to a processing machine or tool is disclosed. In illustrated embodiments, the extender is coupled to a holder structure through a tongue and groove connection. In illustrated embodiments, the tongue is formed on the holder structure and the groove is formed on the extender. In illustrated embodiments, the extender includes a plurality of reduced thickness strips. The reduced thickness strips are orientated lengthwise to control or transfer bending to one or more bars connected to a proximal edge surface of the extender.

Abstract: An assembly includes a carrier device having proximal and distal ends. The carrier device includes a workpiece platform along the proximal end. The workpiece platform supports one or more slider bars. The carrier device attaches to a lapping machine. An adaptive component, including at least one spring, has a first portion that couples to the carrier device and a second portion that couples to a grinding-slicing machine.

Abstract: A reconfigurable automated system is provided. The system comprises a backbone including a plurality of docking ports, at least one module including a connector for releasably coupling the module to the backbone, and a motion unit, connected to the backbone, for providing an object to the module when the module is coupled to the backbone. The module connector and one of the docking ports form a connection interface, including a mechanical alignment device and an electrical connection, when the module is operationally coupled to the backbone.

Abstract: One or more slider bars are attached to at least one component of a multi-component carrier device. The multi-component carrier device is attached to a lapping arm of a lapping machine and the one or more slider bars attached to the carrier device are lapped. The at least one component of the multi-component carrier device is attached to a grinding/cutting machine. At least one of a grinding operation or a cutting operation is performed on the one or more slider bars.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brush seal assembly comprising, bending a first plate member to a helical shape, bending a second plate member to a helical shape, securing the first plate member to a drum, winding a wire material around the drum and the first plate member, securing the second plate member to the drum, attaching the second plate member and the first plate member to the wire, and cutting the wire to define a bristle length.

Abstract: Multilayer polyimide-fluoropolymer insulation structures exhibiting excellent copper heat seal strength and superior internal adhesion strength comprise a layer of polyimide having first and second major surfaces and at least a first fluoropolymer layer wherein the first fluoropolymer layer comprises fluoropolymer, metal oxide and ammonium salt. Protected wire or cable using the multilayer insulation structures, are also described.

Abstract: A sampling cone of a mass spectrometer is disclosed having a metallic boride coating such as titanium diboride.

Abstract: A system for applying a target track material to an x-ray tube target includes a controller configured to direct a beam of energy toward an x-ray tube target, and direct a solid stock material toward the beam of energy to cause the solid stock material to melt and deposit as a melted material on the x-ray tube target.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an Electron Impact (“EI”) or a Chemical Ionization (“CI”) ion source, and the ion source includes a first coating or surface. The first coating or surface is formed of a metallic carbide, a metallic boride, a ceramic or DLC, or an ion-implanted transition metal.

Abstract: A system for applying a target track material to an x-ray tube target includes a controller configured to direct a beam of energy toward an x-ray tube target, and direct a solid stock material toward the beam of energy to cause the solid stock material to melt and deposit as a melted material on the x-ray tube target.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an Electron Impact (“EI”) or a Chemical Ionisation (“CI”) ion source, and the ion source includes a first coating or surface. The first coating or surface is formed of a metallic carbide, a metallic boride, a ceramic or DLC, or an ion-implanted transition metal.

Abstract: A sampling cone of a mass spectrometer is disclosed having a metallic boride coating such as titanium diboride.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an Electron Impact (“EI”) or a Chemical Ionisation (“CI”) ion source, and the ion source includes a first coating or surface. The first coating or surface is formed of a metallic carbide, a metallic boride, a ceramic or DLC, or an ion-implanted transition metal.