Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments are disclosed for monitoring fast processes with large dynamic range using a multi-threshold TDC data acquisition method or a threshold ADC data acquisition method. Embodiments using a combination of both methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the laser desorption of biological molecular ions from surfaces by creating a surface localized MALDI particle matrix by ion implantation of low energy ionized clusters (gold, aluminum, etc.) or chemically derivatized clusters into the near surface region of the sample. MALDI analysis of the intact biomolecules on the surface or within a narrow subsurface region defined by the implantation range of the ions can then be performed by laser desorption into a mass spectrometer or, in a preferred embodiment, into a combined ion mobility orthogonal time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexed data acquisition for gas-phase ion mobility coupled with mass spectrometry is described. Ion packets are injected into an ion mobility drift chamber at a rate faster than the ion mobility separation arrival time distribution. The convoluted arrival time distributions thus generated are deconvoluted by a mass spectrometer and post-processing algorithms.

Abstract: A multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method are disclosed. The multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and method may be realized in primarily two versions, the first being referred to as the single linkage arm version, and the second being referred to as the dual linkage arm version. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus in accordance with the single linkage arm version may be realized as having a first pivot point for rotating an intermediary support member about a first substantially vertical axis, a second pivot point for rotating an electrically or hydraulically powered up/down extension arm about a second substantially vertical axis, and a seat support member for supporting a seat for accommodating at least one person.

Abstract: A device (10) for treatment of obesity of a patient comprises an annular element (12) having a relatively large outer boundary and a relatively small inner boundary, and an elongated flexible tube (14) extending from the relatively small inner boundary of the annular element to a distal end. The relatively large outer boundary is adapted to be attached to an inner wall of a stomach (100) of a patient, such that the annular element divides the stomach (100) into two chambers, an esophagus-end chamber close to an esophagus of the patient, and a pylorus-end chamber close to a pylorus of the patient. The invention also provides a method for treatment of obesity of a patient which includes inserting an annular element having a relatively large outer boundary and a relatively small inner boundary into a stomach of the patient, and attaching the relatively large outer boundary of the annular element to an inner circumference of the stomach of the patient.

Abstract: A technique for controlling vehicle functions is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as an apparatus for controlling vehicle functions. Such an apparatus may comprise a support member configured to attach to a steering wheel of a vehicle, a switch assembly fixedly attached to the support member for electrically controlling functions of the vehicle, and a prosthetic steering device rotatably attached to the support member for manually controlling steering of the vehicle. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, such an apparatus may comprise a support member configured to attach to a steering wheel of a vehicle, and a prosthetic device rotatably attached to the support member for manually controlling steering of the vehicle, wherein the prosthetic device has a switch assembly for electrically controlling functions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastic cloth structure comprising fibers of synthetic, organic, relatively elastomeric polymer and fibers of a synthetic, organic, elongatable, but relatively nonelastic polymer. The relatively elastomeric fibers and the elongatable but relatively nonelastic fibers are forwarded for well dispersed random lay down of an unbonded web with random fiber crossings on a porous forming surface. Some of the fiber crossings are then bonded to provide a coherent bonded cloth web and the web is stretched to elongate some of the fibers in at least one direction. The web is then released so that retraction by the relatively elastomeric fibers provides looping and bunching of the elongated relatively nonelastic fibers to thereby provide a low modulus of elasticity in the direction in which the web was worked.

Abstract: A fused loop of an elongated material, such as a surgical suture, and apparatus for making the loop. Portions of one or more segments to be joined together are fused in a welding process to form a welded joint. The shear area of the fused portion of the joint determines the strength of the joint and is thus preferably relatively large. Various configurations for the welding apparatus facilitate the creation of relatively large fused portions of the joint by maximizing contact between at least one of the welding members of the apparatus and at least one of the segments to be joined.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: Improved ion focusing for an ion mobility drift cell allows for improved throughput for subsequent detection such as mass detection. Improved focusing is realized by the use of alternating regions of high and low electric fields in the ion mobility drift cell.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the laser desorption of biological molecular ions from surfaces by creating a surface localized MALDI particle matrix by ion implantation of low energy ionized clusters (gold, aluminum, etc.) or chemically derivatized clusters into the near surface region of the sample. MALDI analysis of the intact biomolecules on the surface or within a narrow subsurface region defined by the implantation range of the ions can then be performed by laser desorption into a mass spectrometer or, in a preferred embodiment, into a combined ion mobility orthogonal time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments are disclosed for monitoring fast processes with large dynamic range using a multi-threshold TDC data acquisition method or a threshold ADC data acquisition method. Embodiments using a combination of both methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing various telecommunications-based services to end users in subdivisions for residential and business uses and office buildings. The telecommunications services are conveyed from an access point to end users by infrastructure owned by a local infrastructure provider. These services may be provided by various service providers or other entities selected by the end users.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: An electrical power generator for outputting on-site electrical power comprises an engine; an alternator operatively coupled to the engine; a controller, operatively coupled to the engine and alternator for controlling at least one operational parameter relating to the engine or alternator, and a modem operatively coupled to the controller for receiving data from a remote source, the received data then being processed by the controller to control the operation parameter.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.