Abstract: An ion sampling apparatus for use in a mass spectrometry system. The ion sampling apparatus includes a target support for receiving a sample, an irradiation source for emitting energetic radiation or particles toward the target support, and a conduit having a curved end and a longitudinal axis, the curved end having an inlet with a central axis, the conduit being adjacent to the target support. The longitudinal axis of the conduit and the central axis of the inlet intersect to define an angle that is between about 20 degrees and about 210 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating analyte ions from a sample. An ion generating device is provided having a chamber with an outlet and a surface having a material and means for applying a high velocity gas flow through the chamber toward the outlet such that charged particles are produced by physical interaction between the high velocity gas and the material. The charged particles then induce the generation of primary ions by interaction with molecules of the high velocity gas. The primary ions are emitted from the outlet of the ion generating device toward a sample-bearing surface and analyte ions are generated by impact of the primary ions on the analyte sample on the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an analytical system having a separating system and a liquid chromatography chip. The liquid chromatography chip has an emitter that includes a material that prevents charge buildup on the emitter surface. Methods of using the analytical system, chip and emitter are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for introducing calibrant ions into a conduit, ion source and/or mass spectrometry system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometry system. The invention provides an ion source for providing radiative heating to an ionization region. The ion source includes a nanospray ionization device for producing ions and a conduit adjacent to the ionization device for receiving ions from the ionization device. The conduit includes a conductive material for providing indirect radiative heating to the ionization region. Direct radiative heating may also be provided using a heater in the conduit. The ion source may be used separately or in conjunction with the mass spectrometry system. When used in conjunction with a mass spectrometry system a detector may also be employed down stream from the device. A method for desolvating an analyte using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography chip may include an analytical column. After an analyte has traveled through an analytical column defined by the chromatography chip, the analyte is routed, either directly or indirectly, to a port defined by the chromatogrpahy chip, instead of to a spray tip on-board the chromatography chip. The port may be in fluid communication with a tube or conduit that may, in turn, be coupled to another device. Such an arrangement provides for flexible interface of the chromatography chip to another device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing ions. The apparatus may be used separately as an ion source or in combination with a mass spectrometry system. The ion source of the present invention provides an ionization device for producing ions, a substrate for capturing, storing and releasing ions produced by the ionization device, a conductive material in contact with the substrate for receiving an electrical pulse, and a voltage source electrically connected to the conductive material for applying an electrical pulse to the conductive material and substrate to release the ions captured by the substrate. Also disclosed is a method for storing and releasing ions using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The invention provides a mass spectrometer system for non-pneumatic ion production, including a non-pneumatic nanospray ionization source. The nanospray ionization source has a first non-pneumatic ion spray emitter for producing ions; a conduit adjacent to the ion spray emitter, the conduit having an aperture designed for receiving ions from the ion spray emitter; a first electrode for directing the ions from the ion spray emitter toward the aperture of the capillary; and a conduit electrode for directing ions into the conduit; and detector down stream from the capillary for detecting ions produced by the non-pneumatic nanospray ionization source.

Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a manifold having a plurality of nozzles, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the manifold and a counter electrode having a potential different between the counter electrode and the nozzles to enable liquid to be ejected from the nozzles in droplets and to enable ions to be ejected from the droplets.

Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a manifold having a plurality of nozzles, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the manifold and a counter electrode having a potential different between the counter electrode and the nozzles to enable liquid to be ejected from the nozzles in droplets and to enable ions to be ejected from the droplets.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrospray apparatus with an auxiliary electrode, and a method of using.

Abstract: A traction device in which the user himself applies the traction force. A harness runs under the user's body to the dorsal and lumbar region thereof. A strap is attached to the harness and is used to apply traction thereto, the opposite ends of the strap being attached to the ends of a traction bar. The traction bar has attachment means at its center and to the left and right of center, a line or cable being selectively attached to one of these attachment means. This line fits through a suitable fitting and is attached to a force indicator device which is within the user's view. A line runs from the indicator device to a force input drive member adapted to be engaged by the user's feet or hands. In using the device, the user applies the desired amount of force to the force input drive member, as indicated on the indicator device, this force being delivered to a selected portion of the user's back through a suitable applicator member.