Abstract: A time-of-flight mass analyzer having improved mass resolution without mandating a corresponding increase in instrument size is disclosed. The analyzer includes an ionizer that generates the ions that are to be analyzed. These ions are introduced to an ion flight path, at least a portion of which is aligned with a linear axis. The portion of the ion path that is aligned with the linear axis includes a region having a substantially static electric field with non-linear equipotential field lines that circumvent the linear axis. Ions either enter the substantially static electric field with a velocity component that is directed along the linear axis or have such a velocity component imparted to them once they have been trapped in the substantially static electric field. As a result of the combined effects of the linear velocity component and the non-linear field, the ions make multiple circumnavigating trips about the linear axis as they concurrently travel in the direction of the linear axis.

Abstract: A method for filtering ions having a selected mass-to-charge ratio is set forth. In accordance with the method, one or more ions are injected into ion inlets of first and second ion selection chambers in a generally concurrent manner. The first and second ion selection chambers each have a corresponding ion outlet. The first ion selection chamber has a first plurality of electrodes disposed between the respective ion inlet and ion outlet and the said second ion selection chamber has a second plurality of electrodes disposed between its respective ion inlet and ion outlet. One or more RF signals are applied to the first and second plurality of electrodes to generate a rotating electric field respectively in each of the first and second ion selection chambers. Ions exiting the ion outlets of the first and second ion selection chambers, for example, to generate a mass spectrum for the injected ions.

Abstract: An improved mass spectrometer is set forth. The mass spectrometer comprises an ion injector that is configured to provide a plurality of ions for analysis and an ion selection unit that is adapted to receive the plurality of ions from the ion injector and provide only those ions having a selected mass-to-charge ratio for detection/analysis. The ion selection unit includes an outer electrode and a plurality of inner electrodes. The plurality of ions provided by the ion injector are accepted into the interstitial region between the outer electrode and the plurality of inner electrodes. A power supply system is connected to the electrodes of the ion selection chamber. The power supply system is adapted to provide an oscillating voltage to at least one of the plurality of inner electrodes to facilitate separation of ions of the selected mass-to-charge ratio from ions of non-selected mass-to-charge ratios.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer capable of parallel processing one or more analytes is set forth. The mass analyzer comprises a mass filter unit having a plurality of ion selection chambers disposed in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of ion selection chambers respectively includes an ion inlet lying in an inlet plane and an ion outlet lying in an outlet plane. The mass analyzer further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed in the ion selection chambers and at least one RF signal generator connected to the plurality of electrodes to produce a non-rotating, oscillating electric field in each ion selection chambers. A plurality of ion injectors are each coupled to inject an ion beam into the ion inlet of a respective ion selection chambers. The ions meeting predetermined m/Q requirements pass through the ion selection chambers to contact corresponding detection surfaces of an ion detector array.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer is set forth. In accordance with one embodiment, the mass analyzer employs a unique mass filter design that comprises an ion selection chamber in which ions are selected for detection based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/Q) by subjecting them to a non-rotating, oscillating electric field that, ignoring any fringing effects, oscillates principally in a single coordinate plane (i.e., the y-z plane). The ions may be injected into the ion selection chamber at a significant angle with respect to the inlet of the chamber and in the single coordinate plane to raise the m/Q resolution to the desired level. In accordance with a further embodiment of the mass analyzer, an ion detection surface is arranged at the outlet of the ion selection chamber so that ions falling within a predetermined exit angle range are detected to the general exclusion of ions having other exit angles.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer capable of parallel processing one or more analytes is set fourth. The mass analyzer comprises a mass filter unit having a plurality of ion selection chambers disposed in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of ion selection chambers respectively includes an ion inlet lying in an inlet plane and an ion outlet lying in an outlet plane. The mass analyzer further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed in the ion selection chambers and at least one RF signal generator connected to the plurality of electrodes to produce a non-rotating, oscillating electric field in each ion selection chambers. A plurality of ion injectors are each coupled to inject an ion beam into the ion inlet of a respective ion selection chambers. The ions meeting predetermined m/Q requirements pass through the ion selection chambers to contact corresponding detection surfaces of an ion detector array.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer is set forth. In accordance with one embodiment, the mass analyzer employs a unique mass filter design that comprises an ion selection chamber in which ions are selected for detection based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/Q) by subjecting them to a non-rotating, oscillating electric field that, ignoring any fringing effects, oscillates principally in a single coordinate plane (i.e., the y-z plane). The ions may be injected into the ion selection chamber at a significant angle with respect to the inlet of the chamber and in the single coordinate plane to raise the m/Q resolution to the desired level. In accordance with a further embodiment of the mass analyzer, an ion detection surface is arranged at the outlet of the ion selection chamber so that ions falling within a predetermined exit angle range are detected to the general exclusion of ions having other exit angles.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer capable of parallel processing one or more analytes is set forth. The mass analyzer comprises a mass filter unit having a plurality of ion selection chambers disposed in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of ion selection chambers respectively includes an ion inlet lying in an inlet plane and an ion outlet lying in an outlet plane. The mass analyzer further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed in the ion selection chambers and at least one RF signal generator connected to the plurality of electrodes to produce a non-rotating, oscillating electric field in each ion selection chambers. A plurality of ion injectors are each coupled to inject an ion beam into the ion inlet of a respective ion selection chambers. The ions meeting predetermined m/Q requirements pass through the ion selection chambers to contact corresponding detection surfaces of an ion detector array.

Abstract: A modified Edman degradation process is used to obtain compositional tags for proteins. The Edman degradation chemistry is separated from amino acid analysis, circumventing the serial requirement of the conventional Edman process. Multiple cycles of coupling and cleavage are performed prior to extraction and compositional analysis of amino acids. The amino acid composition information is used to search a database of known protein or DNA sequences to identify the sample protein.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article for sequencing polypeptides and proteins ("macromolecules") utilizes a sequencing packet comprised of a plurality of substrates having two different derivatization chemistries within a forarninous container. The sequencing packet is disposed within a reaction chamber in a cartridge assembly having an inlet and outlet. An unknown target macromolecule, and preferably a control macromolecule are bonded to the substrates. The macromolecule and control are then simultaneously sequenced. The control serves to monitor the efficacy of the sequencing process.

Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a DNA or protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.

Abstract: A chemically inert diaphragm valve is provided in which the diaphragm is attached to the plunger of a solenoid by a threaded insert. The diaphragm material, which is preferably a relatively flexible, chemically inert material such as Kalrez or Chem-Raz, is molded around one end of a machined piece with the other end of the piece being threaded. The threaded end may be received by the tapped end of a solenoid plunger. The piece contained within the diaphragm material acts to stabilize cold-flow at the valve site as well as perform the valving function.

Abstract: A method is provided for sequencing peptides and proteins in which the coupling and cleavage reagents are supplied through a valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel. The outlet channel communicates with a reaction chamber in which the sample is placed. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. Reactants are thereby supplied without significant cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.

Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. Access of reactants to the delivery channels is controlled by diaphragm valves, preferably equipped with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a DNA or protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.

Abstract: A valve block assembly with internal delivery channels and a common outlet channel is provided. The assembly has two delivery valve surfaces with access to the common channel. The common channel comprises easily cleaned linear sections running alternately from one surface to the other, and connecting surface grooves at the valve sites. Diaphragm valves with relief grooves to accommodate deformation of the diaphragm are provided. The V-like cross-section of the connecting grooves of the common channel and the conical shape of the nearby outlet of a delivery channel assure that the valve may be opened by only a small actuating force. Reservoirs feeding the delivery channels have an inert atmosphere controlled by pressurizing and venting channels in the valve block. Exposure of plastic tubing to oxygen is kept to a minimum. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in a protein sequencer to supply reactants without cross-contamination or oxidative decomposition.