Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer which has an iron source, an evacuated tube proximate the ion source and adapted to receive ions from the ion source, and a detector disposed at an end of the evacuated tube opposite an end proximate the ion source. The ion source is constructed to generate an electric field that changes non-linearly as a function of position along a path from the ion source to the detector. The ion source is constructed to generate an electric field that changes as a function of time, the electric field being provided to accelerate ions from the ion source to the detector.

Abstract: A hydrophilic pliable wound dressing consisting of bio-polymers creates a new approach to wound dressing by providing a self-assembling hydrophilic gel type moisture permeable barrier applicable to a wide range of wound sizes and depths. Biodegradability and water solubility enable rapid and safe disposal, obviating a significant problem that occurs with conventional type dressings. The initial sheet form of the dressing provides an ideal carrier for delivery of nutrients, debriders, antibiotics, analgesics and physiological regulators.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulating biological materials, comprising:

Abstract: A method and preferred apparatus (10) to cut a preform material which is biodegradable and preferably dispersible in water, to produce a shaped article, is described. The cut is produced without producing harmful fumes or leaving a harmful residue and preferably without charring at the cut. Preferably, only small amounts of carbon dioxide and water are produced at the cut. Shaped articles which are in sheet or block form or which are for 2-D or 3-D shaped article formation can be produced.

Abstract: An integrating transient recorder for time array detection of ions within an ion source extraction. The arrival times of all ions having various mass-to-charge ratios are calculated and integrating or peak detecting circuitry is activated just prior to the calculated time of arrival of each ion, and then only for a time duration in accordance with a predetermined data collection time window sufficient to enable each ion mass value to be completely measured. An analog-to-digital converter converts the area or peak analog signal for each ion into a corresponding digital signal and outputs the digital signals to a plurality of FIFO buffers. The FIFO buffers are read out for each successive transient by a digital signal processor and summed over a predetermined number of sequential transients in a mass locked registry creating a file of ion intensities versus mass-to-charge ratio of all ions detected.

Abstract: A process and apparatus employing the time compression of chromatography in mass spectrometry with array detection in which the time compressed informatioin is deconvoluted by mathematical analysis for recovery of analytical information made inaccessible in the time compression and thereby resulting in a decrease in analysis time and improved component identification without loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: An improved non-destructive sonic testing apparatus is disclosed which is specially adapted for use in assessing the integrity of wooden utility poles. In one embodiment, the sonic testing apparatus of the present invention operates to perform a Fourier analysis on a signal which has been transmitted through a pole to be tested. Two or more criteria selected from the group of mode, mean, median and range are then determined for the resulting waveform and compared in order to provide a visual display representative of the condition of the pole being tested. In another embodiment of the present invention a software peak seeking algorithm is utilized to provide an envelope waveform from which successive half lives are determined. The relative time duration for successive half lives are compared to provide an indication of the amount of decay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the battery and the related circuitry of an internal combustion automobile every time the vehicle is started. The test is automatic and the results are available for visual interpretation at the discretion of the operator. The cranking motor furnishes the load for the battery and an electronic apparatus automatically measures the condition of the battery every time the engine is started. The battery tester compares the unloaded voltage of the battery with the voltage under load. If the difference is larger than a preset value, or if the voltage drops below a fixed level, an indicator on the dashboard of the vehicle shows that the battery is low in charge, or it is in a faulty condition, or because of faulty conductors its power is not being delivered to the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positive selection of viable cells based upon differing chemical or physical properties or dynamic processes using a focussed radiant energy beam, such as a laser beam (11) to kill unwanted cells is described. The apparatus includes a microscope (14) with a photomultiplier (27) which is used to selectively detect light from certain cells produced by an attenuated laser beam irradiating the cells for identifying the cells to be killed or saved. Based upon identification, selected cells to be killed are exposed to the unattenuated laser beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for position selection of viable cells based upon differing chemical or physical properties or dynamic processes using a focussed radiant energy beam, such as a laser beam (11) to kill unwanted cells or to isolate wanted cells is described. The apparatus includes microscope means (14) and cell detection means (27) for identifying the cells to be killed or saved and attenuator means (12) for modifying the beam to prevent destruction of cells to be saved.

Abstract: A system for high speed acquisition and storage of data from transient electrical signal waveforms sampled in time at a multiplicity of points, and where it is desired to collect and store data in real time in a mass storage unit, but where the data rate is in excess of the apparent rate at which data can be transferred to mass storage. The overall system employs two levels of data reduction, the first being digital integration (summation) and the second being data processing. In the digital summation section memory read and write cycles overlap for higher speed. In one embodiment, a charge-coupled device is employed as an input element to reduce the data rate prior to subsequent digital processing. The system is capable of recording all the intensities of all transients continuously without loss of data significance.

Abstract: Time of flight mass spectrometry techniques are simultaneously combined with path-bending spatial dispersion in magnetic- or electric-sector mass spectrometers to improve the mass resolution or, with an ion fragmentation region, to rapidly obtain multidimensional mass spectral data previously only obtainable by tandem mass spectrometry. The instrumentation generates data defining relationships between parent ions and daughter ions produced by fragmentation, metastable or induced, data to differentiate stable from metastable ions, and data to improve mass resolution. The subject time-resolved mass spectrometers can be combined with chromatography apparatus to obtain multidimensional MS/MS-type data during the relatively short duration of a single chromatographic peak.