Abstract: Method and systems for managing clear-down are provided. The method can include generating a clear-down trigger associated with an ion mobility spectrometer and operating the ion mobility spectrometer in fast clear-down mode in response to the clear-down trigger. Methods and systems can further provide that where the ion mobility spectrometer operates in fast-switching mode, the ion mobility spectrometer alternating a plurality of times between operation according to a positive ion mode and operation according to a negative ion mode, and further operating according to the positive ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the negative ion mode, and operating according to the negative ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the positive ion mode.

Abstract: Method and systems for managing clear-down are provided. The method can include generating a clear-down trigger associated with an ion mobility spectrometer and operating the ion mobility spectrometer in fast clear-down mode in response to the clear-down trigger. Methods and systems can further provide that where the ion mobility spectrometer operates in fast-switching mode, the ion mobility spectrometer alternating a plurality of times between operation according to a positive ion mode and operation according to a negative ion mode, and further operating according to the positive ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the negative ion mode, and operating according to the negative ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the positive ion mode.

Abstract: Method and systems for managing clear-down are provided. The method can include generating a clear-down trigger associated with an ion mobility spectrometer and operating the ion mobility spectrometer in fast clear-down mode in response to the clear-down trigger. Methods and systems can further provide that where the ion mobility spectrometer operates in fast-switching mode, the ion mobility spectrometer alternating a plurality of times between operation according to a positive ion mode and operation according to a negative ion mode, and further operating according to the positive ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the negative ion mode, and operating according to the negative ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the positive ion mode.

Abstract: Method and systems for managing clear-down are provided. The method can include generating a clear-down trigger associated with an ion mobility spectrometer and operating the ion mobility spectrometer in fast clear-down mode in response to the clear-down trigger. Methods and systems can further provide that where the ion mobility spectrometer operates in fast-switching mode, the ion mobility spectrometer alternating a plurality of times between operation according to a positive ion mode and operation according to a negative ion mode, and further operating according to the positive ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the negative ion mode, and operating according to the negative ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the positive ion mode.

Abstract: Method and systems for managing clear-down are provided. The method can include generating a clear-down trigger associated with an ion mobility spectrometer and operating the ion mobility spectrometer in fast clear-down mode in response to the clear-down trigger. Methods and systems can further provide that where the ion mobility spectrometer operates in fast-switching mode, the ion mobility spectrometer alternating a plurality of times between operation according to a positive ion mode and operation according to a negative ion mode, and further operating according to the positive ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the negative ion mode, and operating according to the negative ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the positive ion mode.

Abstract: Method and systems for managing clear-down are provided. The method can include generating a clear-down trigger associated with an ion mobility spectrometer and operating the ion mobility spectrometer in fast clear-down mode in response to the clear-down trigger. Methods and systems can further provide that where the ion mobility spectrometer operates in fast-switching mode, the ion mobility spectrometer alternating a plurality of times between operation according to a positive ion mode and operation according to a negative ion mode, and further operating according to the positive ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the negative ion mode, and operating according to the negative ion mode for less than about 1 second before switching to the operation according to the positive ion mode.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing and analyzing a sample containing an analyte using an ion mobility spectrometer are described. The system includes a temperature module for adjusting the temperature of the sample according to temperature instructions received, and a split ratio module for adjusting the split ratio according to split ratio instructions received. An ion mobility analyzer determines an ion mobility of the analyte. The ion mobility analyzer collects a plasmagram of the analyte to identify and quantitate the analyte.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing the cleanliness of a device by performing a test is described. The system includes an ion mobility spectrometer to measure target signal strengths, and to measure n2?1 test signal strengths of a device sample. The system also includes a statistics module to obtain a value of a statistical confidence-level parameter that is associated with a particular confidence level, and a pass range module to obtain a pass range of signal strengths from the value of the statistical confidence-level parameter and the n1 target signal strengths. The system also includes an averaging module to obtain an average test signal strength from the n2 test signal strengths, and a results module to determine that the device passes the test, indicating that the device is significantly clean to within the particular confidence level, if the average test signal strength lies in the pass range.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing the cleanliness of a device by performing a test is described. The system includes an ion mobility spectrometer to measure target signal strengths, and to measure n2≧1 test signal strengths of a device sample. The system also includes a statistics module to obtain a value of a statistical confidence-level parameter that is associated with a particular confidence level, and a pass range module to obtain a pass range of signal strengths from the value of the statistical confidence-level parameter and the n1 target signal strengths. The system also includes an averaging module to obtain an average test signal strength from the n2 test signal strengths, and a results module to determine that the device passes the test, indicating that the device is significantly clean to within the particular confidence level, if the average test signal strength lies in the pass range.

Abstract: An improved slide-fit nut is provided for rapid push-on mounting to a substantially seated position on a threaded bolt or the like. The slide-fit nut includes a plurality of threaded nut segments carried within a nut housing and adapted for radial expansion to accommodate push-on mounting onto a threaded bolt. A cap plate on the nut housing includes cam members for retaining the nut segments in threaded engagement with the bolt upon rotation of the nut in a tightening direction. When the nut is rotated in an opposite direction, the cam members displace the nut segments in a radially outward direction relative to the bolt, resulting in substantial disengagement of the nut segments to permit rapid pull-off removal of the nut from the bolt.

Abstract: A distributed processor control system for use with a microimage recording apparatus includes a system control unit, a machine control unit and an operator control unit. The system control unit includes a microprocessor that provides supervisory or master control for the overall distributed control system. The machine control unit includes at least one microprocessor for controlling the operations of a plurality of electromechanical components within the microimage recording apparatus in response to commands and parameters provided by the system control unit and for providing status and error information and requests to the system control unit. The operator control unit includes a microprocessor for controlling the display of operational status and error indications and messages for viewing by an operator and for receiving manual operator entries for enabling normal operation of and diagnostics for the microimage recording apparatus.