Abstract: A mass spectrometer having an array of parallel and/or tandem ion traps. The ion traps are preferably formed by providing a body of conductive material with a plurality of holes forming ring electrodes and electrodes on opposite faces of said body, opposite the ends of said ring electrodes, to define with the ring electrodes a plurality of parallel ion traps.

Abstract: A method of separating species in a mixture of molecules, particles or atoms and collecting the separated species is described. The method comprises the steps of converting by ionization the species in the mixture to gas phase ions, separating the gas phase ions according to their mass charge ratio and/or mobility and collecting the separated ions. The system includes ionizing means such as electrospray to form the gas phase ions. The gas phase ions are separated by filtering, or in time or in space and soft-landed for collection such as on a surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical handpiece having a switch end cap detachably and rotatably connected to the handpiece body. A surgical instrument is inserted within the handpiece body so that a portion thereof extends beyond the handpiece body and is actuated to perform a surgical operation. The switch end cap includes a switch mechanism having one or more switch button members for selectively signaling the level of power to be delivered to the handpiece from a power source. According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism within the switch end cap is electrically connected to the handpiece body in such a manner that permits the switch end cap to be freely rotated about the handpiece body, while still maintaining the electrical connection therebetween. This is accomplished by having conductive finger members and complementary conductive members provide the electrical connection between the switch end cap and the handpiece body.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer having an array of parallel and/or tandem ion traps. The ion traps are preferably formed by providing a body of conductive material with a plurality of holes forming ring electrodes and electrodes on opposite faces of said body, opposite the ends of said ring electrodes, to define with the ring electrodes a plurality of parallel ion traps.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion trap mass spectrometer of the type having an ion trapping volume defined by spaced end caps and a ring electrode. The ion trap includes a small sensing electrode which senses characteristic motion of ions trapped in said trapping volume and provides an image current. Ions are excited into characteristic motion by application of an excitation pulse to the trapped ions. The invention also relates to a method of operating such an ion trap.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler having clamping and firing triggers pivotally mounted to the frame of the instrument for pivotal rotation toward a hand grip is disclosed. The clamping trigger is positioned between the firing trigger and the hand grip. Each of the triggers are pivotally mounted to pivot pins spaced from each other within the body portion of the frame. Pivotal rotation of the first trigger is independent of pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the clamping trigger is pivotally rotated toward the hand grip, the clamping and firing transmission assemblies move distally in tandem. Before the first trigger is pivoted, the firing transmission assembly blocks pivotal rotation of the second trigger. When the first trigger is pivoted, the initial distal movement of the firing transmission assembly enables the firing trigger to be in a position to pivotally rotate, and therefore cause the firing of staples.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechanism controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.

Abstract: Described are preferred processes and apparatuses for treating samples so as to form conditioned samples for analysis, such as by a mass spectrometer. The apparatuses and processes of the invention include the use of both a membrane separator and a jet separator. This combination of separation techniques results in dramatic and unexpected increases in detection limits.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a water conditioner dispensing apparatus is disclosed for use with a toilet having a bowl, a bowl supply pipe, and a filler tube which emits a jet of bowl makeup water into the bowl supply pipe to refill the bowl after flushing. The apparatus has a conditioner container with a reservoir for holding liquid conditioner. A wick extends from the container reservoir for placement in a jet of bowl makeup water so that liquid conditioner is dispensed through the bowl supply pipe into the toilet bowl to selectively treat only the bowl water and not the flush water stored in the tank.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechansim controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer including at least one mass analyzer into which an ion beam to be analyzed is projected having a collision surface means in-line with the ion beam to form surface collision products which are directed into the in-line mass analyzer.

Abstract: A device for introducing a sample into a mass spectrometer which generally comprises a probe which is connected to the mass spectrometer and a semipermeable capillary tube connected at the end of the probe. The probe includes conduit passageways for permitting bidirectional fluid flow through the probe, and the capillary tube is connected to the end of the probe so as to permit the flow of a fluid containing the sample to be analyzed through the probe and the capillary tube. This fluid flow through the capillary tube will enable at least a portion of the sample to be transferred into the mass spectrometer via diffusion through the capillary tube.