Abstract: Automatically controllable loading apparatus for a mass spectrometer or like equipment comprises a rotatable disc for holding a plurality of sample carriers for successive movement into a transfer position. A push rod transfers successive sample carriers from the transfer position to a loading position. Guide means guide the push rod during its transfer movement. The guide means include a shut-off valve adjacent the loading position. Sealing means define in a fixed position between the valve and the transfer position at least one vacuum chamber adapted to be exhausted for the purpose of equalizing the pressure at opposite sides of said valve.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for depositing an Nb.sub.3 Sn layer on a niobium surface for high frequency applications comprising developing a tin vapor atmosphere which also contains a highly volatile tin compound in the gaseous state, and holding the portions of the surface which are to be provided with the Nb.sub.3 Sn layer at a temperature of between 900.degree. and 1500.degree. C for a predetermined period of time to form the Nb.sub.3 Sn layer permitting niobium surfaces of any shape to be provided with Nb.sub.3 Sn layers of high uniformity and quality.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a superconductive Nb.sub.3 Sn layer on a niobium surface for high frequency applications in which the niobium surface to be provided with an Nb.sub.3 Sn layer is first anodically oxidized, the niobium oxide layer produced in this manner then exposed to a tin vapor atmosphere in such a way that a tin layer is formed on the niobium oxide layer, and finally, the niobium surface is heated to a temperature of between 930.degree. and about 1400.degree. C for forming the Nb.sub.3 Sn layer.