Abstract: A system and methods are described for generating reagent ions and product ions for use in a mass spectrometry system. Applications for the system and method are also disclosed for detecting volatile organic compounds in trace concentrations. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source ionizes particles of a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber, such as a drift chamber, to interact with a fluid sample. An electric field directs the reagent ions and facilitates an interaction with the fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions then exit the chamber under the influence of an electric field for detection by a mass spectrometer module. The system includes various control modules for setting values of system parameters and analysis modules for detection of mass and peak intensity values for ion species during spectrometry and faults within the system.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for generating reagent ions and product ions for use in a mass spectrometry system. Applications for the system and method are also disclosed for detecting volatile organic compounds in trace concentrations. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source ionizes particles of a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber, such as a drift chamber, to interact with a fluid sample. An electric field directs the reagent ions and facilitates an interaction with the fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions then exit the chamber under the influence of an electric field for detection by a mass spectrometer module. The system includes various control modules for setting values of system parameters and analysis modules for detection of mass and peak intensity values for ion species during spectrometry and faults within the system.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for generating reagent ions and product ions for use in a mass spectrometry system. Applications for the system and method are also disclosed for detecting volatile organic compounds in trace concentrations. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source ionizes particles of a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber, such as a drift chamber, to interact with a fluid sample. An electric field directs the reagent ions and facilitates an interaction with the fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions then exit the chamber under the influence of an electric field for detection by a mass spectrometer module. The system includes various control modules for setting values of system parameters and analysis modules for detection of mass and peak intensity values for ion species during spectrometry and faults within the system.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for generating reagent ions and product ions for use in a quadruple mass spectrometry system. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source ionizes particles of a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber, such as a drift chamber, to interact with a fluid sample. An electric field directs the reagent ions and facilitates an interaction with the fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions then exit the chamber under the influence of an electric field for detection by a quadruple mass spectrometer module. The system includes various control modules for setting values of system parameters and analysis modules for detection of mass values for ion species during spectrometry and faults within the system.

Abstract: A system, components thereof, and methods are described for time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source is used to ionize a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber and interact with a fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions are directed to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer module for detection and determination of a mass value for the ions. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer module can include an optical system and an ion beam adjuster for focusing, interrupting, or altering a flow of reagent and product ions according to a specified pattern. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer module can include signal processing techniques to collect and analyze an acquired signal, for example, using statistical signal processing, such as maximum likelihood signal processing.

Abstract: A beverage container having multiple openings for enhancing the enjoyment of a beverage is disclosed. The container has openings for drinking or emptying a beverage or liquid, in addition to openings designed for experiencing the aroma of a contained beverage. A modified pull-tab is present for manipulating the drink and aroma openings without bending or otherwise deforming. The container can take the form of a one-use container or a refillable, travel-type container having a removable cover.

Abstract: A system, components thereof, and methods are described for time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source is used to ionize a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber and interact with a fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions are directed to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer module for detection and determination of a mass value for the ions. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer module can include an optical system and an ion beam adjuster for focusing, interrupting, or altering a flow of reagent and product ions according to a specified pattern. The time-of-flight mass spectrometer module can include signal processing techniques to collect and analyze an acquired signal, for example, using statistical signal processing, such as maximum likelihood signal processing.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for generating reagent ions and product ions for use in a quadrupole mass spectrometry system. A microwave or high-frequency RF energy source ionizes particles of a reagent vapor to form reagent ions. The reagent ions enter a chamber, such as a drift chamber, to interact with a fluid sample. An electric field directs the reagent ions and facilitates an interaction with the fluid sample to form product ions. The reagent ions and product ions then exit the chamber under the influence of an electric field for detection by a quadrupole mass spectrometer module. The system includes various control modules for setting values of system parameters and analysis modules for detection of mass values for ion species during spectrometry and faults within the system.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable medical device and information container is disclosed. The container includes ergonomic features that enable ease of handling and unloading of the contents of the container. Specifically, a configurable section serves as an ergonomic gripping section and a containment section. The container also includes tamper-proof strips that are visible indications of prior opening or tampering with the container. Furthermore, vent holes are implemented to release sterilization gas residues to limit the sterilization gas content of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining video signals with key signals whilst maintaining the integrity of the video signal and minimizing the effect of alias components. An analyser detects whether there are any high frequency components which would otherwise cause alias components. If such high frequency components are present, then low-pass filtering occurs. If such high frequency components are not present, then no unnecessary filtering occurs so as to maintain the absolute integrity of the video signal.

Abstract: A smoking-pipe, usable as a replacement for a normal gearshift knob in an automobile includes a main body having a cavity, inside which a removable ventilated cartridge used to contain tobacco or other smokable material fits slidingly. A flexible smoke-tube conducts smoke from the base of the cavity to the user's mouth, and a magnetically retained cover conceals the cavity, creating the outward appearance of a custom-made shift control knob. An O-ring and a gasket hold the cartridge in the cavity, prevent noise producing vibration of the cartridge against the walls of the cavity, and provide an air seal around the cartridge to enhance air circulation through the smoking matter.