Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly 12 is mounted to a vehicle base member 24 such as a riser or a vehicle floor. Weight sensor assemblies 32 for measuring weight on the vehicle seat are mounted to a seat structural component. The weight sensor assemblies 32 each include plate 44 having a bendable center body portion 46 for supporting a strain gage 48. The strain gage 48 measures bending in the center body portion 46 caused by normal weight force applications on the vehicle seat 12. A secondary resilient beam member 34 is mounted between each weight sensor 32 and the vehicle base member 24. The beam member 34 and the weight sensors 32 deflect to prevent failure of the weight sensors 32 in response to an overload force applied in an opposite direction to the direction of a normal weight force application. The beam member 34 prevents permanent deformation of the plate 44 and strain gage failure by allowing the weight sensor 32 to deflect upwardly away from the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A seat load measuring system for use in a vehicle occupant protection device for a vehicle seat has a zero point adjusting capability. The seat load measuring system comprises four weight sensor assemblies; a hub assembly for collecting the weight sensor outputs and providing an output determined by the weight sensor outputs; and means for communicating a user's desire for a zero point adjustment to each weight sensor assembly. Each weight sensor assembly includes a zero point adjusting section, which receives an output from the communication means for executing a zero point adjusting operation. If a zero point of a weight sensor assembly is not within a predetermined range, the zero point adjusting section may providing an alert. A zero point adjusting command may be entered by a command input device and passed to the zero point adjusting section. Alternatively, the zero point adjustment may be initiated through a momentary switch provided in the hub assembly.

Abstract: A platform scale cover is reinforced with one or more scale mats formed of a fiber filled polyester thermoset plastic material (FFP). The mats can be securely and rigidly fixed to scale covers using conventional mechanical fasteners. The FFP can be molded with textures, colors and grain patterns which closely simulate natural materials such as marble, granite and other stone and brick type materials. Sturdy mountings can be molded on the mats to facilitate mounting the mat to a scale platform.

Abstract: It consists of a body (1) having a sliding key (2) that may activate some side actuators (7, 8), and a central actuator (9), which act over the upper base of the cones (13) of a membrane (14) triggering a determined part of a circuit (15). For this purpose, there are at least two fixed guides (5, 6) between the key (2) and the actuators (7, 8, 9) to guide the sliding of a runner (3) rigidly joined to the key (2) that serves to activate the actuators (7, 8, 9). The runner (3) includes a sliding strip (17) having pivots (18) housed in some crossed slots (19, 20) formed in the fixed guides (5, 6), permitting the guided displacements of the key (2) with the runner (3) in two perpendicular directions to activate the mentioned actuators (7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A communication/control device according to the invention may include a housing, a discrete switch and a membrane switch. The discrete switch and the membrane switch may be enclosed in the housing. The discrete switch may be in communication with a life-safety device. The membrane switch may be in communication with an environment device. In a method according to the invention, a housing is provided that has therein a discrete switch in communication with a life-safety device and a membrane switch in communication with an environment device. One of the switches may then be actuated to communicate information.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising a casing, and at least one fixed contact and a elongate resiliently deformable movable contact member in the casing, said contact member having opposite first and second sides. The switch includes a switching member supported in sliding contact on the first side of and with intermediate parts of the contact member to cause the contact member to pivot against its resilience for making and breaking electrical connection with the fixed contacts. The contact member includes a fixed end at which it is cantilevered for pivotal movement and a trifurcated free end for contact with the fixed contacts. Resilient means is provided acting resiliently upon the second side of the contact member to maintain the sliding contact of the contact member with the switching member.

Abstract: A switch lockout and rocker switch includes a switch cover, a rocker plate, a base, and a lockout slide. The rocker plate has opposite first and second ends, and is pivotally mounted to the cover. The rocker plate is thus pivotable about a pivot axis between oppositely tilted first and second tilted positions. The slide is selectively translatable relative to the base, being slidably mounted on the base for translation of the slide in a slide direction perpendicular to the pivot axis so as to slide relative to the rocker plate between a first lockout position and second lockout position.

Abstract: The number of LIMMS devices in an assembly is increased by stacking multiple layers of LIMMS devices on top of one another, and interconnecting those device layers at an array of solder pads using solder balls. Each device layer uses vias to bring the needed conductors to the array of solder pads. All signals for the entire multi-layer assembly can be routed through the bottom LIMMS device layer to pass, through another array of solder pads onto a “mother substrate” of ceramic or other material that carries the multi-layer assembly. Alternatively, signals may enter or leave the upper LIMMS device layer by way of a flexible printed circuit harness. Vias may pass, either directly or by “dog legs” on interior surfaces, completely through the bottom LIMMS device layer, and through other device layers as needed.

Abstract: Fluid-based switches and methods for producing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for producing a switch comprises depositing a first alignment pad on a first substrate, depositing a second alignment pad on a second substrate, depositing solder on at least one of the alignment pads, depositing a switching fluid on the first substrate, and mating the first substrate to the second substrate by aligning the alignment pads and heating the solder, the substrates defining therebetween a cavity holding the switching fluid, the cavity being sized to allow movement of the switching fluid between first and second states.

Abstract: A pusher assembly for use in a contact block assembly is disclosed. The pusher assembly comprises a pusher (105); a window (214) extending through the pusher; a first movable contact (106) positioned within the window; and a second movable contact (107) positioned adjacent to said first movable contact within the window. A method of assembling a pusher assembly having a movable contact is also disclosed. The method comprises steps of inserting a first movable contact within a pusher; inserting a second movable contact with the pusher; and retaining the first movable contact and the second movable contact within the pusher by a spring.

Abstract: A base button 4 wuth a button depressing surface and a shaft portion, and a shaft supporting portion for slidably supporting the shaft portion of the button base 4 are provided. A switch base installable on a print wiring board, a contact rubber providing a conductive portion at a position facing the print wiring board , and a light emitting portion provided on the print wiring board are also included. The shaft portion is lowered by depressing the button depressing surface of the button base 4 and the conductive portion of the contact rubber is lowered until the conductive portion contacts an electrical contact on the print wiring board. Thus, an electrical contact function is exerted and the light emitting portion emits light, when the conducts portion comes into contact with the electrical contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard switch structure that allows the height of a keyboard switch to be sufficiently minimized so as to be suitable for notebook personal computers or other portable devices. The present invention also provides a keyboard switch assembly that allows the keytop attached to the keyboard switch to be removed and replaced in a simple manner without destroying or damaging the keyboard switch. The keyboard switch is configured in a pantograph structure having cross arms that intersect each other to form an X-like structure. The upper portion of the pantograph structure is movably attached to a coupling plate on the underside of the keytop and the lower portion of the structure is movably attached to a base plate so as provide the keytop with movement in the vertical direction. The keyboard switch has two frame members that each have two cross arms that are parallel and fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: A lock pin (9) is mounted on an operating member (4), with its proximal end portion (9a) fitted therein. A distal end portion (9b) of this lock pin can slide in a cam groove so as to releasably hold the operating member in two positions. A holding spring (10) is mounted on the operating member, and urges the lock pin toward a bottom surface of the cam groove. A pin engagement portion (15), which engages the lock pin to prevent the dropping of the lock pin in a condition before the operating member is mounted, is formed on the operating member. An engagement cancellation portion, which disengages the lock pin from the pin engagement portion in a mounted condition of the operating member, is formed on a switch base.

Abstract: A gas insulated switchgear capable of performing maintenance and inspection of a breaker without shutting down a bus line includes a first case containing a breaker and having a bushing for leading a load and a second case containing a plurality of disconnectors and having a plurality of bushings for leading a plurality of bus lines to be connected to the disconnectors. The first case and the second case are connected to each other through a gas partition spacer.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker includes a plurality of switching mechanism units having movable contacts and stationary contacts for connecting/breaking an electrical circuit between an electric source and an electric load, respectively, and disposed in a lengthwise direction; an actuator unit including at least one rotary shaft for providing the movable contacts with dynamic power so as to move to positions contacting the stationary contacts or positions separating from the stationary contacts; a supporting frame for fixing and supporting the switching mechanism units and the actuator unit; and a transfer link unit for transferring rotating movement of the rotary shaft to a plurality of vertical movements, whereby the vacuum circuit breaker can be easily installed in a power distributing cabinet and the power of the actuator unit can be evenly transmitted to the plurality of switching mechanism units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a contact plate (2) a lamp cap to the supply conductor wire (4) which is passed through an aperture (2a) in the contact plate (2). With the aid of a wire (5) which serves as filler, the supply conductor wire (4) and the contact plate (2) are soldered together, by generating an arc between the additional wire (5) and the supply conductor wire (4) or the contact plate (2). The solidified molten material of the additional wire (5) closes off the aperture (2a) and produces a reliable soldered join between the supply conductor wire (4) and the contact plate (2). The polarity of the electric voltage used to generate the arc is advantageously such that the additional wire (5) acts as an anode and the contact plate (2) or the supply conductor wire (4) acts as a cathode. The soldering process according to the invention advantageously takes place under an inert-gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel incinerator an electromechanism for thermally destroying and sterilizing scalpels: a cabinet having a door through which a scalpel blade is inserted and supported by supports above several metal plates. Closing the door withdraws the supports, after which the blade contacts the plates. Closing the door closes a switch, connecting the plates to a power supply, electrifying the blade. Pressure plates on the door urge the blade against the plates. Sterilized scrap of the blade falls between the plates and into a receptacle in a drawer beneath the plates.

Abstract: A method and a device are for controlling multiple machining processes in a die-sink erosion machine with several identical or different electrodes (R1, R2, R3, R4), whereby the machining sequence of the machining processes and the electrode used for each machining process are determined by providing the following criteria: a) predefining priorities of workpieces to be machined, of a group of machining procedures, of individual machining jobs (ARB), of work cycles (AZ) and/or work steps (AS) of a machining job; and/or (b) predefining the life span or wear limit of the electrodes used for the individual machining jobs, work cycles or work steps. The overall machining on the die-sink erosion machine is performed with consideration of the determined machining sequence.

Abstract: A device for electrical discharge machining at least one rectilinear cooling air passage having a flared opening in the wall of a hollow turbine vane. The device includes at least one forming electrode attached to a first electrode holder and includes a first face provided with a groove for guiding a rectilinear electrode configured to drill the rectilinear part of the air passage, a median portion with a constant section, and a pointed end portion with a section that decreases between the median portion and the point of the forming electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interconnection between two overlapping end sections of metallic strips (10, 20) in which a quick and economical interconnetion should be produced. To this end, the invention provides that several annular welds (30) are provided in the overlapping area (15) which are situated at a distance from the face ends of both strips (10, 20).

Abstract: A torch head having a base section, a tip section and three or more radial rods connected between the base section and the tip section. The radial rods form a generally circular inner chamber which inner chamber includes an electrode. One or more of the radial rods has an inner passageway to convey one or more shielding gasses and/or one or more cooling fluids from the base section to the tip section of the torch head. The cooling fluid cools at least a portion of the torch head. The shielding gas is directed about the electrode and onto the weld metal to improve the quality of the weld bead. One or more of the radial rods function as support structures to enhance the strength and the rigidity of the torch head. The tip section of the torch head is designed to direct the one or more shielding gas in a desired profile about the electrode and onto the weld metal. The tip section includes an electrical contact that form an electrical connection with the electrode as the electrode passes through the tip section.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber, such as a semiconductor wafer plasma processing chamber, is heated by use of a ceramic igniter array consisting of a plurality of ceramic igniters positioned in a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the laser processing of workpieces with shortened processing time. Two laser units that can be simultaneously operated are directed towards each other. Workpieces, for example printed circuit boards, are moved between the two laser units such that the two sides of the workpieces are simultaneously processed. As a result the processing time is considerably shortened.

Abstract: Various laser shock processing systems are provided to establish selective compressive residual stress distribution profiles within a workpiece. An asymmetrical stress profile may be formed through the thickness of a thin section of a gas turbine engine airfoil. One system is configured to simultaneously irradiate a workpiece with a set of laser beams to form a corresponding set of adjacent non-overlapping laser shock peened surfaces, enabling the shockwaves to encounter one another. Another system irradiates opposite sides of the workpiece at different times to form opposing laser shock peened surfaces, enabling the shockwaves to meet at a location apart from the mid-plane. Another system simultaneously irradiates opposite sides of the workpiece using laser beams having different pulse lengths to form opposing laser shock peened surfaces. Another system simultaneously irradiates opposite sides of the workpiece to form a set of laterally offset laser shock peened surfaces.

Abstract: A laser-based cleaning system for cleaning generator and turbine parts. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for cleaning blades of a turbine rotor assembly, comprising: a laser positioned remotely from the turbine rotor assembly for generating a laser signal; a laser workhead that receives the laser signal via an optical fiber, wherein the laser workhead is positionable proximate a blade in the turbine rotor assembly and can deliver a laser beam onto a surface of the blade to cause a cleaning of the blade; and a vacuum system for vacuuming debris created by the cleaning.

Abstract: A laser annealing apparatus for fabricating a thin film semiconductor device integratedly formed with thin film transistors each of which includes a semiconducting thin film formed on the surface of an insulating substrate spread in longitudinal and lateral directions and then crystallized. A band-shaped pulsed laser beam irradiates the insulating substrate along the longitudinal direction. The laser beam is simultaneously moved in the lateral direction with a specific movement pitch while partially overlapping regions irradiated with the laser beam. The movement pitch of the laser beam is set at a value equal to an arrangement pitch of the thin film transistors or at a value larger by a factor of an integer than the arrangement pitch. The insulating substrate is previously positioned such that the boundaries of the partially overlapped irradiated regions are not overlapped on a channel region of any of the thin film transistors.

Abstract: Method for connecting a first object to a second object along a common contact surface, wherein the first object comprises at the location of the contact surface a portion for a connecting means to be applied, which portion is accessible along an edge zone of or via at least one opening in the second object, by means of thermal spraying of particles of a material suitable as connecting means onto the first object along the edge zone of respectively via the at least one opening in the second object in a quantity such that in solidified state the deposited material particles form a connection between the first and the second object, in addition to a convector element manufactured according to this method.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for protecting a building eave from build-up of ice and snow: The heating arrangement includes an elongated, heat conductive strip adapted for installation along a building eave and an elongated heating element extending within the strip. The strip is formed to be attached to the building eave, and includes an elongated attachment flange which is secured by a plurality of fasteners. Depending on heating requirements, two or more of the elongated heating elements, spaced from one another, can be employed, and a further heating element can be installed within any rain gutter extending along the building eave.

Abstract: A ceramic sheathed-element glow plug includes a ceramic glow element made of an electrically conductive layer and an electrically insulating layer, in which the conductive layer is made of supply layers and a heating layer. The higher specific electrical resistance of the heating layer allows the temperature of the heating layer and of the combustion chamber to be determined, and the electrical contact between a connecting element and the glow element is established by a contacting element that is composed of a pellet made of an electrically conductive powder.

Abstract: A heating device infrared radiation lamps 24, 26 designed to perform rapid thermal processing of the substrate 12 inside a reaction chamber 14 with a transparent window 34. The infrared lamps 24, 26 are arranged in two superposed stages A, B extending on a single side of the substrate 12, the lamps 24 of the lower stage A being arranged perpendicularly with respect to the lamps 26 of the upper stage B. Adjusting the supply power by of lamps for greater heating on the edges than in the center of the substrate 12. A reflector 36 in the form of a distribution grid 38 is designed to reflect the infrared radiation to control the power ratios between the different heating zones. This results in uniform heating of the substrate 12 regardless of the geometry and dimensions thereof.

Abstract: A heat treatment system for controlling the temperature in a processing vessel. The system includes a cylindrical processing vessel; a supporting table, raised by a support from the bottom portion of the processing vessel, for mounting thereon an object to be processed; and a processing object heating part provided in the supporting table, for heating the object to be processed. In addition a thermoelectric conversion element capable of selectively heating or cooling is provided in the bottom portion of the processing vessel, a resistive heater is provided in the side wall of the processing vessel, and a temperature control part for controlling the operations of the thermoelectric conversion element and the resistive heater is provided. Thus, it is not only possible to appropriately control the temperature in the processing vessel, but it is also possible to reduce space and energy, by combining the resistive heater with a thermoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: This utility model provides an electric fryer that is composed of shell, fryer proper, electrothermal components, temperature control components and control box, its electrothermal components, temperature control components and fryer proper are fixed together, the control box can be separated from the fryer proper and the shell. The temperature probe with thermal resistor encapsulated inside and the safety probe with fuse encapsulated inside are tightly held and fixed to the bottom of the fryer proper, its outlets are plugged with the control box when the fryer is in use. When washing, the fryer proper, the shell and the control box can be separated from one another, therefore, the fryer proper and the shell can be bathed in water for washing. This electric fryer is suitable for household use, for it is easy and safe to use, and can be washed thoroughly.

Abstract: A system for determining the status of a food item using time-temperature data. The system includes a method comprising, sensing a number of temperatures associated with a food item, comparing data related to the sensed temperatures with predetermined temperature data, determining the status of the food item based on the comparison, and causing a predetermined action based on the status of the food item. The method may further involve inputting user information corresponding to the food item, which may include type of food, or the desired level of doneness. The system also includes an apparatus for determining the status of a food item. This apparatus may include a sensor for sensing a plurality of temperatures, a means for determining the status of the food item based on the plurality of temperatures, and an indicator for indicating the status of the food item. The determining means may include a microprocessor. The apparatus may further, include a control sensor.

Abstract: A low-power microwave oven for use in a vehicle has top entry to the heating chamber (120), is powered from the vehicle's cigarette lighter or accessory socket, and has the controls and display (60) and the cooling vents (80 and 110) also on the top surface of the oven. The oven is arranged to be secured to the seat by tits seat belt in such a manner that the oven will operate while so secured. There is also a spill container (141) in the heating chamber. Materials may be used that make the oven cabinet transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A device and method for inputting recipe data in a microwave oven is provided by which when a user adds a new recipe menu to the microwave oven, the user can input a recipe name suitable for the added recipe menu. The user inputs data for a new recipe in order to perform a new cooking in the microwave oven, and the data, including a cooking period of time and cooking power set by the user, are stored in a recipe storage unit of the device. Further, when the user inputs a new recipe name for the recipe data by inputting characters or alphabets into a display screen, the recipe name is stored in a recipe name storage unit of the device so that the user can conveniently perform the same cooking operation again in the future.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking chamber having an opening and a door which selectively opens and closes the opening of the cooking chamber. The door includes a frame which is constructed to form a circumferential edge of the door and be brought into contact with a rim of the opening, and a front plate which is projected forward from both sides of the frame. The door is formed by joining a first piece including the frame with a second piece including the front plate.

Abstract: A magnetron for use in, for example, microwave ovens, includes a positive polar cylinder, a plurality of vanes, and large-diameter and small-diameter strip rings. The vanes constitute a positive polar section, along with the positive polar cylinder. The large-diameter and small-diameter strip rings are disposed on an upper portion and a lower portion of the vanes, respectively, to alternatively and electrically connect the vanes to one another. The inside and outside diameters of the large-diameter strip ring are in a range of 17.1 mm to 18.01 mm and 18.6 mm to 19.6 mm, respectively. The inside and outside diameters of the small-diameter strip ring are in a range of 13.4 mm to 14.4 mm and 14.9 mm to 15.9 mm, respectively. The height of the large-diameter and small-diameter strip rings is in a range of 1.50 mm to 1.60 mm. The distance between the large-diameter strip ring and the small-diameter strip ring is maintained in an error range of 2.20 mm.

Abstract: When a displacement of an armature of an electromagnetically driven valve fails to reach a predetermined threshold value even after an elapse of a predetermined time from switching opening/closing of the valve, it is determined that step-out has occurred or step-out is about to occur and then the valve opening/closing control is changed. The valve opening/closing control is changed, for example, by interrupting application of current to the valve for attracting the armature released from the other valve.

Abstract: A photodetector array includes a plurality of photodetectors, preferably photodiodes, coupled to a respective plurality of addressable interface circuits. At each pixel, a switching circuit configures neighboring ones of the photodetectors into pixels by summing multiple photodetector signals into an aggregated pixel output signal. The switching circuit is electronically switchable to aggregate said photodetector signals according to at least two different selectable pixellization schemes with differing resolution.

Abstract: A camera module including a light-transmissible board having an infrared rays cutting function on one surface of which a wiring pattern is formed, an image pickup element having a photodetecting portion which is flip-chip-mounted on the same surface of the light-transmissible board while the photodetecting portion is opposite to an area where there is no wiring-pattern, and a lens unit which is mounted on the other surface of the light-transmissible board so as to be located above the photodetecting portion of the image pickup element.

Abstract: A light-responsive controlling device for automatically controlling a headlamp and/or a sunshade curtain is disclosed. The control device includes a photo-sensor mounted on a vehicle for generating a sensing signal in response to the intensity of an environmental light, a discriminating circuit electrically connected to the photo-sensor for optionally generating a triggering signal according to a comparing result of the sensing signal with a reference signal, a hold circuit electrically connected to the discriminating circuit for outputting a confirming signal in response to the triggering signal uninterrupted for a predetermined period, and a drive circuit electrically connected to the hold circuit and a headlamp or a sunshade curtain of the vehicle for providing a drive current in response to the confirming signal for the headlamp to emit a certain level of light or for the sunshade curtain to perform opening/closing operations.

Abstract: A sensor has an emitting device for emitting radiation pulses repeatedly and a receiving device for receiving these pulses. The receiving device includes a converter such as a photoelectric converter to convert the received radiation pulses into electrical pulses. On the basis of a known waveform characteristic or characteristics of true electrical pulse it is judged if a pulse which appears on the output line of the converter is a true electrical pulse caused by receiving the radiation pulse emitted from the emitting device or a false electrical pulse caused by noise. The result of this judgment is outputted from an output device. The emitting device may serve to emit the pulses according to a specified bit pattern and the receiving device may serve to compare the pattern of received pulses with a standard bit pattern and to thereby distinguish between true and false electrical pulses.

Abstract: A hybrid-type thin film photoelectric converter includes a transparent electrode (12), at least one amorphous photoelectric conversion unit (20), at least one crystalline photoelectric conversion unit (30) and a backside electrode (40), successively stacked on a transparent glass substrate (11). The transparent electrode (12) has a thickness of more than 400 nm and less than 1000 nm. A transparent laminated body (10) including the glass substrate (11) and the transparent electrode (12) has a haze ratio of more than 2% and less than 10%.

Abstract: An imager with a four color mosaic pattern of red, green, blue, and infrared pass filters, where color component signals for a pixel are interpolated by averaging over nearest neighbor pixels.

Abstract: In a projection encoder based on a triple-grating concept, a light-transmitting grating group 3 for detecting A- and B-phase signals, a photodiode group 4 for detecting A- and B-phase signals, and a photodiode group 5 for detecting a home position are formed on a movable grating plate 6 of a projection linear encoder 1; and a reflecting grating group 7 for detecting A- and B-phase signals, and a reflecting grating group 8 for detecting the home position are formed on a reflecting grating plate 9.

Abstract: An angle sensor for sensing the absolute angular position of a rotatable body, such as a rotating shaft of an electric power steering system for an automobile, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic detection device, in particular a laser scanner, comprising at least one transmitter unit for the transmission of electromagnetic radiation, preferably pulsed electromagnetic radiation, at least one receiver unit associated with the transmitter unit and at least one radiation deflection device with which radiation transmitted by the transmitter unit can be guided into a monitored zone and radiation reflected from the monitored zone can be guided onto the receiver unit, with the front of the radiation propagating in the direction of the deflection device being of elongated shape and the deflection device being formed and being movable relative to the elongated radiation front such that the radiation front reflected into the monitored zone adopts different orientations in space in dependence on the position of the moved deflection device.

Abstract: Ions for analysis are formed from a liquid sample comprising an analyte in a solvent liquid by directing the liquid sample through a capillary tube having a free end so as to form a first flow comprising a spray of droplets of the liquid sample, to promote vaporization of the solvent liquid. An orifice member is spaced from the free-end of the capillary tube and has an orifice therein. An electric field is generated between the free-end of the capillary and the orifice member, thereby causing the droplets to be charged, and the first flow is directed in a first direction along the axis of the capillary tube. Two gas sources, or an arc jet of gas, provide second and third flows, of a gas, and include heaters for heating the second and third flows.

Abstract: Ion guides and systems and methods for involving the use of ion guides are disclosed. Briefly described, one exemplary system, among others, includes an ion guide. The ion guide includes a first structure and a second structure. The second structure is coaxially disposed within the first structure. The second structure includes at least three groups of opening the through a wall of the second structure that are distributed around a circumference of the second structure. In addition, at least one of the group of openings is offset from the other groups of openings by a multiple of a constant rotation angle around the circumference of the second structure.

Abstract: An ion-trap mass analyzing apparatus having means for generating ion-capture electric fields asymmetrical with respect to a reference plane containing a central point of a ring electrode and perpendicular to a central axis of the ring electrode in the inside of an ion trap to resonantly amplify ions rapidly to emit the ions from the ion trap in a short time to thereby permit high-sensitive high-accurate mass analysis stably regardless of the structural stability of ions as a subject of analysis.