Abstract: A robotic system for handling components during chromatographic analysis of a sample includes a holder for positioning a sample within a separation pathway, the holder including a first opening having an internally tapered shape and a second opening having an externally tapered shape. An interior of the holder, between the first and second openings, defines the separation pathway. A hollow rigid member has an externally tapered shape, and a receiving portion has an internally tapered shape. The holder is positioned between the hollow rigid member and the receiving portion, wherein the externally tapered hollow rigid member engages the internally tapered first opening and the internally tapered receiving portion receives the externally tapered second opening to provide a sealed separation pathway extending from the hollow rigid member to the receiving portion.

Abstract: A MALDI mass spectrometer directs a laser shot onto a MALDI sample to generate a sample spectrum which is analyzed to determine if the sample spectrum meets a predetermined criteria. If so, subsequent laser shots are directed to predetermined locations on the MALDI sample. In essence, if the analysis of a previous laser shot indicates that a “sweet spot” of the MALDI sample has be located, subsequent laser shots may be directed to areas proximate to the previous shot thereby allowing the sweet spot to be thoroughly sampled. A method of operating a MALDI mass spectrometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.

Abstract: An MALDI mass spectrometer for the composition analysis of large batch sizes of samples includes a mass spectrometer having an ionization chamber and a sample chamber coupled to the ionization chamber. A transport cart is positioned in the sample chamber with a sample cassette removably coupled thereto. A method of operating a MALDI mass spectrometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A MALDI mass spectrometer has a laser steering assembly operable to steer or otherwise direct movement of a laser focus over the MALDI sample being tested. Such a laser steering assembly may include a mirror array having a pair of independently controlled mirrors. The first of such a pair of mirrors is operable to move the laser focus along the X-axis of the MALDI sample, whereas the second of such a pair of mirrors is operable to move the laser focus along the Y-axis of the MALDI sample. A method of operating a MALDI mass spectrometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An MALDI mass spectrometer for the composition analysis of large batch sizes of samples includes a mass spectrometer having an ionization chamber and a sample chamber coupled to the ionization chamber. A transport cart is positioned in the sample chamber with a sample cassette removably coupled thereto. A method of operating a MALDI mass spectrometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A MALDI mass spectrometer directs a laser shot onto a MALDI sample to generate a sample spectrum which is analyzed to determine if the sample spectrum meets a predetermined criteria. If so, subsequent laser shots are directed to predetermined locations on the MALDI sample. In essence, if the analysis of a previous laser shot indicates that a “sweet spot” of the MALDI sample has be located, subsequent laser shots may be directed to areas proximate to the previous shot thereby allowing the sweet spot to be thoroughly sampled. A method of operating a MALDI mass spectrometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.