Abstract: A voltage supply system for supplying an RF voltage to an RF resonant load comprising an ion-optical component of a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The system comprises a Direct Digital Synthesiser (“DDS”) arranged and adapted to output an RF voltage. The voltage supply system is arranged and adapted: (i) to vary the frequency of the RF voltage output by the Direct Digital Synthesiser, (ii) to determine a first resonant frequency of the RF resonant load comprising the ion-optical component, and (iii) to determine whether or not the generation of an RF voltage at the first resonant frequency by the Direct Digital Synthesiser would also result in the generation of a spur frequency close to the first resonant frequency.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer or ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed comprising means for detecting a blockage in an inlet orifice arranged between an ion source and a vacuum chamber. The blockage is detected as a result of a reduction in pressure within the vacuum chamber. This change in pressure is detected indirectly by monitoring the amount of power that a vacuum pump is using, the amount of current that a vacuum pump is drawing, the temperature of a vacuum pump or a region in proximity to the vacuum pump, or the flow rate of gas out of a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A method of Electrospray ionisation is disclosed comprising passing a sample liquid through a liquid chromatography column, monitoring a liquid chromatography back pressure and varying a voltage applied to an Electrospray ionisation source electrode in dependence upon said monitored liquid chromatography back pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion source, a heater for heating a gas flow to the ion source, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the heater, and a control system. The control system is arranged and adapted to determine a flow rate of the gas flow by monitoring the power supplied to the heater and the temperature of the heater.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an atmospheric pressure interface comprising a gas cone having an inlet aperture, wherein the gas cone has a first longitudinal axis arranged along an x-axis and an Electrospray ion source comprising a first capillary tube having an outlet and having a second longitudinal axis and a second capillary tube which surrounds the first capillary tube. The mass spectrometer further comprises a desolvation gas supply tube and a first device arranged and adapted to supply an analyte liquid via the first capillary tube so that the liquid exits the outlet of the first capillary tube at a flow rate >200 ?L/min.

Abstract: A method of constructing an ion guide is disclosed comprising providing an elongated spine member and a plurality of plates. Each plate comprises an aperture therethrough for receiving the spine member and at least one electrode for use in guiding ions. The apertures of the plates are arranged around the spine member and the plates are arranged along the spine member. The plates are then locked in position on the spine member such that the plates are fixed axially with respect to the spine member and so that the electrodes of the plates are arranged so as to form an array of electrodes for use in guiding ions.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source probe assembly (10) includes an outer casing assembly (14) adapted for attachment to an atmospheric pressure ion source chamber of a mass spectrometer and a docking probe (12) for detachable connection to the outer casing. The arrangement is such that in its docked condition or position the probe extends through, and in sealing engagement with the outer casing. In this docked condition or position, a sample holder (28) carried by the docking probe (12) is presented within the ion chamber. When the docking probe is detached from the outer casing the casing can be sealed off relative to the ion source chamber.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source probe assembly (10) includes an outer casing assembly (14) adapted for attachment to an atmospheric pressure ion source chamber of a mass spectrometer and a docking probe (12) for detachable connection to the outer casing. The arrangement is such that in its docked condition or position the probe extends through, and in sealing engagement with the outer casing. In this docked condition or position, a sample holder (28) carried by the docking probe (12) is presented within the ion chamber. When the docking probe is detached from the outer casing the casing can be sealed off relative to the ion source chamber.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire fighting apparatus, including one or more sprinklers, the or each sprinkler in the use position being mounted in the region of a structure so that when fluid is forced under pressure through the or each sprinkler, a radiant heat barrier of fluid droplets is formed. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a sprinkler head suitable for use in forming a radiant heat barrier in the form of droplets of fire-fighting fluid in at least a single plane, the sprinkler head including at least one radial arm pivotally connected at its centre to a hub about which the or each radial arm pivots, the or each arm including one or more generally tangential extensions, the or each extension disposed at an outer end of, and in fluid communication with a respective radial arm, so that fire-fighting fluid may be sprayed from the sprinkler head to form the radiant heat barrier in at least the radial plane.

Abstract: A process, system and financial planning engine which determine at least one financial indicator for investments and savings to achieve a particular goal. In particular, financial information is obtained from an investor, and further information is also obtained. This further information is indicative of the investor's tolerance for a decline in the investments and/or the investor's tolerance for failure to achieve the particular goal. Then, the financial indicator is determined as a function of the financial information and the further information. Using these process, system and financial planning engine, it is possible to determine asset allocations, return assumptions and annual savings needed to fund the investor's goals. The annual savings can be determined using the determined return assumptions.