Abstract: A mass spectrometer and associated methods analyze an ion beam by accumulating ions for a sequence of time periods, and driving the accumulated ions in pulses. Differing quantities of ions can be accumulated in the sequential pulses according to a pseudo-random sequence, and the slower ions are overtaken by the faster ions of a subsequent pulse. A mass spectrum may be reconstructed from an overlapping ion detector signal using an inverse of a weighted simplex matrix or inverse Hadamard transform techniques.

Abstract: An improved mass spectrometer makes use of flexible circuit-board technology for directing charged particles through an interface from an ionization source to an analyzer of a mass spectrometer. A heated focusing structure may reduce or eliminate the use alternative desolvation techniques, such as use of heated capillaries and/or drying gas, to desolvate ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for restricting the ability to input information into an input/output device mounted within a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an output of an input/output device is movable between first and second positions. When the output is in the second position, the input of the device is preferably enabled, allowing an occupant of the vehicle to enter information into the device. When the output is not in the second position, however, the input of the device is preferably disabled such that information cannot be entered into the device. The device preferably determines the position of the output relative to a driver and/or passenger seat of the vehicle to determine whether disablement of the input is appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for restricting the ability to input information into an input/output device mounted within a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an output of an input/output device is movable between first and second positions. When the output is in the second position, the input of the device is preferably enabled, allowing an occupant of the vehicle to enter information into the device. When the output is not in the second position, however, the input of the device is preferably disabled such that information cannot be entered into the device. The device preferably determines the position of the output relative to a driver and/or passenger seat of the vehicle to determine whether disablement of the input is appropriate.

Abstract: A variable training resistance device for an in-line skate. The skate includes a boot and a plurality of wheels disposed on a chassis. A resistance assembly, including a cam and bearing assembly or a rack and pinion assembly, is disposed between two of the wheels on the chassis. The cam and bearing assembly includes a plurality of cam carrier blocks disposed along either side of the chassis, wherein one of the cam carrier blocks has a first cam axle fixedly disposed thereon. A cam lever having a second cam axle is rotatably mounted on the chassis, and a plurality of cams are rotatably disposed on the first and second cam axles. Bearings are rotatably disposed between the cams and can be adjusted vertically to contact and provide resistance to the wheels of the in-line skate. The resistance assembly also includes a microadjust assembly to vary the position of the bearings with respect to the wheels of the skate.

Abstract: A variable training resistance device for an in-line skate. The skate includes a boot and a plurality of wheels disposed on a chassis. A resistance assembly, including a cam and bearing assembly or a rack and pinion assembly, is disposed between two of the wheels on the chassis. The cam and bearing assembly includes a plurality of cam carrier blocks disposed along either side of the chassis, wherein one of the cam carrier blocks has a first cam axle fixedly disposed thereon. A cam lever having a second cam axle is rotatably mounted on the chassis, and a plurality of cams are rotatably disposed on the first and second cam axles. Bearings are rotatably disposed between the cams and can be adjusted vertically to contact and provide resistance to the wheels of the in-line skate. The resistance assembly also includes a microadjust assembly to vary the position of the bearings with respect to the wheels of the skate.

Abstract: A connector for mounting and electrically connecting a chip carrier unit in an electrical circuit has a plurality of electrical contacts secured in openings in the bottom of an electrically insulating body to permit cantilever spring deflection of the contacts in accommodating a chip carrier unit within the connector between the contacts. The contacts comprise wire members of round cross section each having an opposite end bent to be slidable along a narrow line of engagement with an inclined ramp surface on an adjacent side wall of the connector body. Each contact has a bowed portion intermediate the contact ends which is bowed away from the adjacent ramp surface to slidably engage terminals on the chip carrier unit as the unit is inserted into the connector.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording and play back of radar video employs a conventional TV video recorder. A multiplexer accepts radar timing signals, synchro data definitive of azimuth, a 60 Hz. reference as well as radar video and formats the signals for recording. A demultiplexer accepts video signals formatted as above, from the conventional video recorder and reformats the signals to drive a conventional PPI display. The video recorder is unmodified so conventional TV video can also be recorded or played back, interspersed, if desired, with the radar video.