Abstract: A performance operator control apparatus adapted to a player piano comprises a motion control unit and a key drive unit comprising a plurality of key I/O control ICs in connection with keys of a keyboard, which are driven by solenoids so as to realize automatic performance, wherein upon detection of electrification abnormality of solenoids or temperature abnormality, LEDs are turned on to indicate the abnormality. The key I/O control ICs receive velocity signals regarding the solenoids so as to perform feedback controls on the keys in the automatic performance. In addition, unoccupied channels of the key I/O control ICs, which are not assigned to the keys and sensors, are used to input monitoring signals and to output inspection signals. Herein, the abnormality is determined based on the difference between pre-inspection data and post-inspection data, which are transferred using a loop connection channel of the key I/O control IC.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide thermoelectric conversion materials having a high thermoelectric conversion performance and excellent mass productivity. The thermoelectric conversion materials have a core-shell structure with a plurality of core parts and shell parts for covering the core parts. The plurality of core parts are independent of each other and the shell parts are provided continuously such that the shell part of one core part is continuous with the shell part of a different core part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film photovoltaic module comprising series connected cells, the cells comprising a front contact, a back contact and a photovoltaically active region positioned between the front and back contacts, the series connected cell being formed by scribing a front contact layer, a photovoltaically active layer and a back contact layer on a substrate, the method comprising laser scribing at least one of the front contact layer, the photovoltaically active layer or the back contact layer to form laser scribes using a laser beam scanned rapidly over the layer.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each respective solar cell comprising (i) a core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the core, (iii) a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer disposed on the semiconductor junction, and (iv) an elongated counter-electrode disposed lengthwise on a first side of the respective solar cell and extending outward from the TCO layer. On a second side of each cell, approximately opposite the counter-electrode, is a notch or other disruption extending through the semiconductor junction and the transparent oxide layer, thereby exposing the core of the solar cell. The solar cell assembly may further comprise conductive internal reflectors configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the solar cells.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell thermal radiator configuration uses an embedded power bus to collect vertically migrating waste heat from electronic devices mounted on a thin film multilayer printed circuit board. The waste heat is vertically collected, horizontally spread, and vertically rejected through the a top coverglass glass layer around the side of a top silver contact of conventional thin film solar cells. The thermal radiator configuration enables the collection and rejection of the electronic component waste heat for maintaining thin film solar cells within desired temperature ranges.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising, a cathode layer, an electron donating layer, and an electron accepting anode structure comprising a collection region including one or a plurality of secondary collection regions attached to the collection region. The secondary collection regions of the anode preferably are in the shape of dispersed rod shaped branches extending within a continuous phase of the electron donating layer. The collection region is preferably located at a central point with respect to the secondary collection regions, to thereby provide a photovoltaic cell structure with improved charge collection and efficiency of operation.

Abstract: A high density device comprising: a chassis frame configured and dimensioned for mounting in a standardized telecommunications rack, the chassis frame defining a front plane and a back plane, the front plane being substantially coincident with a front support of the telecommunications rack; a sub-module chassis secured to the chassis frame, the sub-module chassis exhibiting a proximal face and a distal face; a first plurality of jacks located distal of the proximal face of the sub-module chassis; and a passageway formed between the sub-module chassis and an inner wall of the chassis frame, the passageway configured and dimensioned for the passage of cabling for connection to the first plurality of jacks.

Abstract: Embodiments of variable structural members for a telecommunications equipment cabinet are presented herein. The variable structural members include an embedding surface configured to removably receive a structural insert to modify the characteristics of the equipment cabinet. A variety of removable structural inserts may be embedded in the embedding surface. The structural inserts may be arranged and rearranged to modify the structural characteristics of a cabinet such as at the time of manufacture and/or by a technician or user “in the field”.

Abstract: Electrical boxes are attached to a beam using a single fastener, such as a screw or nail. The boxes may be old for work, new work, dual purpose and for dual purpose vertical or horizontal attachment to a vertical beam. The fastener used is guided through a hole in an interior bracket setting the fastener at an appropriate oblique angle to exit at the beam attachment hole on the exterior side. To prevent rotation while using a single fastener, molded extending tabs are provided on the mounting wall to properly align the box with the beam to which the box is to be attached. The tabs prevent the box from being rotated on the fastener during the fastening process. After box attachment, the tabs are folded over and torn off at their weakened attachments.

Abstract: A two-tier cover assembly for a field service box. The two-tier cover assembly can be retrofitted to an existing field service electrical box to protect the electrical device that is housed therein. The cover assembly provides two configurations for protecting the electrical box, including an expanded and a collapsed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the cover assembly provides two cord openings that are accessible with the cover plate closed. In the collapsed configuration, the cord openings are completely closed to seal all openings and thereby protect the electrical device from rain, dirt, insects and other hazards.

Abstract: A pre-textured, pre-primed cover for an opening a wall/ceiling which has been finished with a particular known, texture pattern. The cover is molded from a plastic material wherein the surface of the cover has a particular, known texture pattern formed integrally therein. The particular pattern is selected from a group of texture patterns which are well known in the trade. After the cover is molded, a primer is sprayed thereon so that the textured surface will readily accept and retain paint such as that used to paint the wall.

Abstract: A ground wire connecting structure has a joint unit that is mounted to an oil tank. The joint unit has a base body to which bus bars are attached. Connector sections accommodating ground terminals are connected to the bus bars. The joint unit is coupled to a ground surface that is defined by the oil tank. The base body and the ground surface are made of a metal, such as an aluminum alloy. The base body has a contact portion for surface contact with the ground surface. Connector sections, to which external ground wires are fixed, are connected to the external ground wires and the ground terminals. As such, the external ground wires and the ground surface are electrically coupled with each other. The contact portion between the base body and the ground surface is sealed with an O-ring.

Abstract: Disclosed are electric cables with improved armor wires used with wellbore devices to analyze geologic formations adjacent a wellbore. The cables include at least one insulated conductor, and one or more armor wires surrounding the insulated conductor. The armor wires include a low density core surrounded by a corrosion resistant alloy clad, where the alloy clad includes such alloys as beryllium-copper based alloys, nickel-chromium based alloys, superaustenitic stainless steel alloys, nickel-cobalt based alloys, nickel-molybdenum-chromium based alloys, and the like. The low density core may be based upon titanium or titanium alloys. The cables of the invention may be any useful electric cable design, including monocables, quadcables, heptacables, quadcables, slickline cables, multiline cables, coaxial cables, or seismic cables.

Abstract: Multi-member cables which are comprised of two or more components (including component cables and non-cable components) held together by at least one adhesive element placed between the components, and methods for manufacturing such cables. Multi-member cables which are comprised of jacketed cables whose jackets are adhered together without the use of an adhesive element, such as by co-forming the jackets, and methods for manufacturing such cables are also discussed. Generally, the components will be separated from the multi-member cable by an installer, although other methods may also be used.

Abstract: A laminate circuit structure assembly is provided that comprises at least two modularized circuitized voltage plane subassemblies; optionally an interposer located between each of the subassemblies, and wherein the subassemblies and interposer, if present, are bonded together with a cured dielectric coating. The interposer comprises dielectric layers disposed about an internal electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed circuit board having a low noise characteristic, the multi-layer printed circuit board includes at least one circuit layer; at least one isolation line for dividing the at least one circuit layer into at least two areas, the at least one isolation line forming an open pattern and the at least one isolation line extendedly forming a long neck line into the at least one area; and at least one capacitor placed at one side of the opening of the open pattern in any one of the areas.

Abstract: A solder-bearing wafer is provided for use in a soldering operation. The solder-bearing wafer is designed to provide a solder material which is used in a soldering operation for electrically connecting a first electronic device to a second electronic device. According to a first embodiment, the wafer comprises a substrate body having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface has at least one groove formed therein and the wafer also includes at least one length of solder material securely disposed within the at least one groove. Upon heating of the at least length of solder material and placement of the substrate body between the first and second electronic devices, at least one first contact of the first electronic device is securely and electrically connected to at least one second contact of the second electronic device. The first and second electronic devices may be of a through hole type, surface mount type, or ball grid array type.

Abstract: A technique for improving power/ground flooding is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for improving power and ground flooding in a multilayer circuit board, the multilayer circuit board having a plurality of signal layers. The method may comprise forming a plurality of electrically conductive vias, wherein each of the plurality of electrically conductive vias extends through one or more of the plurality of signal layers. The method may also comprise routing signals associated with the plurality of electrically conductive vias, thereby creating at least one power/ground flooding channel. The method may additionally comprise forming at least one power/ground connection within the at least one power/ground flooding channel.

Abstract: A rain tight multi-position conduit junction box kit with improved electrical grounding and sealing including a conduit junction box with a hollow junction box body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls, a rear wall and an open front, and six apertures in the flat areas around each aperture and adapted for receiving four aperture cover plates and two fittings with an extra fitting which may be substituted for one of the cover plates in each of the top, bottom, rear wall and opposing side walls. The box has aperture cover plates for some of the apertures not used in a particular installation and conduit fittings for the remaining apertures used for the engagement of conduit.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a first measuring hopper, a first supply portion arranged above the first measuring hopper to supply the objects to the first measuring hopper, a second measuring hopper, a second supply portion fixedly arranged above the second measuring hopper to supply the objects to the second measuring hopper, a plurality of accommodating hoppers circumferentially arranged below the first and second measuring hoppers, and a control portion configured to control the second supply portion and the plurality of accommodating hoppers such that an accommodating hopper discharges the objects only if the total weight of the objects in the accommodating hopper that are discharged from the first and second measuring hoppers is substantially and no smaller than the predetermined weight. The plurality of accommodating hoppers are intermittently circulated such that each of the accommodating hoppers successively receives the objects from the first and second measuring hoppers.

Abstract: A key structure assembly is provided for a mobile computing device. The key structure assembly includes a keycap having at least a first segment and a second segment. A first actuation member extends inward into the housing from the first segment of the keycap, and a second actuation member extends inward from the second segment of the key cap. A substrate including a plurality of electrical connects, including a first electrical contact aligned underneath the first actuation member, and a second electrical contact aligned underneath the second actuation member. The keycap is moveable inward to direct either the first actuation member into contact with the first electrical contact, or the second actuation member into contact with the second electrical contact. One or more sections of material are positioned above the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

Abstract: A control system for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing selectively positionable relative to an operating theater with the housing being coupled to an electrosurgical energy source. The system also includes at least one foot-activatable pedal operatively engaged with the housing which has indicia identifying the function of the pedal disposed thereon. Illuminating means are also included with the system which illuminating means are designed to illuminate at least a portion of the pedal which, in turn illuminates the indicia.

Abstract: A tamper switch actuator is used in combination with a circuit board held between two outer structural members. The tamper switch actuator includes a suspended displacement member moveable to a conducting position after a given amount of compression of a compressing member. The compressing member cooperates with an outer protecting sleeve and is positioned within and moveable in the axial direction of the sleeve. The tamper switch actuator separates the outer protecting sleeve from the displacement member. With this arrangement the electrical conducting surface of the displacement member can quickly respond to separation of the casing to produce a non-conducting condition or tamper indicating conditions while remaining protected within the outer protecting sleeve.

Abstract: A noise reduction key structure is disclosed. The noise reduction key structure is applied to an electronic device having a housing and a substrate, the substrate being installed in the housing, the housing having a key portion, the noise reduction key structure comprising: a switch element which is installed on the substrate in response to the key portion; and an encapsulation which has a hole, wherein the hole encapsulates on the up side of the substrate, so that the substrate and the encapsulation together encapsulate the switch element into a chamber of the encapsulation, whereby when the key portion is pressed down, the key portion triggers the encapsulation to further trigger the switch element, and the encapsulation can reduce the noise of triggering the switch element.

Abstract: A safety switch has a casing, a first circuit prong, a second circuit prong, a switch contact, a rocker, an arm and a latch. The first and second circuit prongs are mounted in and extend through the casing. The switch contact bends upward when temperature of the switch contact increases, is mounted on the first circuit prong and has a distal end selectively contacting the second circuit prong. The rocker is pivotally mounted on the casing and has a deactivating end and an activating end. The arm is formed on and protrudes down from the activating end and connects to the distal end of the switch contact. The latch is mounted in the cavity and selectively locks the arm to prevent the distal end of the switch contact from contacting the second circuit prong as the temperature drops. The safety switch may be used in severely cold environments.

Abstract: A method is described that comprises sorting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within a fluidic flow for a targeted subset of the CNTs. The sorting comprises attracting at least a portion of the CNTs within the fluidic flow in a direction of increasing intensity of an electric field component of a substantially stationary beam of light. The electric field component has a frequency that is less than one or more resonant frequencies of the CNTs within the portion.

Abstract: A method of sorting and bundling mail for delivery to a plurality of delivery points includes sorting the mail pieces in one or more passes through an automated sorting machine using destination codes associated with the mail pieces that are scanned and stored by a computer so that the mail pieces are ordered such that a final sort to a plurality of locations using at least part of the destination codes will place the mail pieces in delivery order and transferring and feeding the mail pieces to a plurality of bundling machines as a singulated stream and sorting the mail pieces to the bundling machines so that mail pieces having the same destination code are sorted to the same machine where the mail pieces are bundled by destination code for delivery.

Abstract: A modular bin or pocket has an integrated transport assembly and mail piece diverter assembly and is usable in a bin stacker section in mail handling and sorting systems. The modular bin is individually removable, interchangeable and replaceable from the bin stacker sections of the mail processing system to allow for repair or maintenance of malfunctioning bins leading to reduced down time of the mail processing system. The modular bin further enables vertical and/or horizontal progressive modularity, i.e., vertical and/or horizontal expansion, of the bin stacker sections of the mail processing system which allows for cost-effective expansion of mail handling systems. Further, there is closed a tray management system and a tier diverter system that are usable in mail handling systems that use the modular bin with double sided bin stacker sections or single sided bin stacker sections with or without a turnaround section.

Abstract: A change in machining volume is calculated using a shape of the electrode and a shape of the workpiece expressed by three-dimensional models and machining condition data and the machining time is calculated according to actual machining status based on the calculated change in machining volume.

Abstract: A welding torch member for securing an electrode to a welding torch is provided. The welding torch member may be adapted to capture the electrode and to enable gas to flow through the welding torch member. The welding torch member may be adapted with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be adapted to secure the welding torch member to the welding torch. The second portion may be adapted to be compressed onto the electrode to secure the electrode to the welding torch. The welding torch may have a second welding torch member to compress the second portion onto the electrode. A power source may be used to provide power to the electrode through the welding torch member.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the quality of spot welding, in particular for robotic applications. Workpieces, such as metal sheets are welded together using spot welding tools. The sheets are placed between at least two electrodes, which are pressed against one another and supplied with energy. The spot weld is evaluated using an evaluation element, in particular an optical visualization. A tape is placed between the electrodes or electrode caps and the sheets. The tape is transported onwards after the welding process. The tape is configured in such a way that a mirror-image, in particular a proportional reproduction or impression of the spot weld that has been produced on the workpiece is created by the welding process on the tape. The reproduction or impression is detected and evaluated by the evaluation element and the size, shape and position of the spot weld are deduced.

Abstract: A method for repairing cracks in a metal part comprising the steps of providing a metal part having a crack, cleaning the crack to remove an oxide layer, depositing a repair alloy via at least one of cathodic arc deposition and low pressure plasma spraying to cover the crack, and heating the part at a temperature and pressure sufficient to close the crack.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a heat treating assembly. The heat treating assembly comprises a laser, a substrate, and a tool. The laser emits laser energy directed toward the substrate and the tool. The substrate absorbs the laser energy and produces heat energy within the substrate that alters the substrate. The tool is disposed in removable contact with the substrate to conduct the heat energy away from the substrate to limit the altering of the substrate. Preferably, the tool has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the substrate and is more preferably a copper material, a gold material, a silver material, or an aluminum material.

Abstract: A laser welding process of the present invention comprises the steps of allowing a laser beam outputted from a laser beam generator to enter into an optical fiber through a light-introducing optical unit, and applying the laser beam exiting from the optical fiber to a weld zone through a light-delivering optical unit. The laser welding process is characterized in that the optical fiber has a core diameter set to be within 100 ?m, a numeral aperture value for entrance of light into the optical fiber is set to be equal to or smaller than 0.05, a numeral aperture value for exiting of light from the optical fiber is set to be equal to or smaller than 0.1, and an energy of a one-pulse laser beam applied from the light-delivering optical unit is set at a value equal to or smaller than 1 joule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact coaxial nozzle useful in laser welding operations where the welding piece has a restricted or confined geometry. The nozzle is generally conical in shape, terminating in a relatively small tip. The nozzle includes a central laser discharge opening. The conical shape allows movement of the nozzle in confined areas. The nozzle includes a cooling jacket for proving coolant to the nozzle. The nozzle also includes a powder mixing chamber that provides good mixing of powdered filler material with a coaxial discharge around the laser. Finally, the nozzle further provides for inert gas to pass from an upper inlet, through passageways, out of a ring discharge. The ring discharge is also coaxially disposed around the central laser. Further the ring discharge provides mixing of the inert gas in order to minimize turbulent flow problems associated with restrictor plates.

Abstract: High speed removal of material from a specimen employs a beam positioner for directing a laser beam axis along various circular and spiral laser tool patterns. A preferred method of material removal entails causing relative movement between the axis of the beam and the specimen, directing the beam axis at an entry segment acceleration and along an entry trajectory to an entry position within the specimen at which laser beam pulse emissions are initiated, moving the beam axis at a circular perimeter acceleration within the specimen to remove material along a circular segment of the specimen, and setting the entry segment acceleration to less than twice the circular perimeter acceleration.

Abstract: A cabinet for an engine welder including an output power module driven by a DC input signal from a rectifier having an AC input signal created by an alternator rotated by an internal combustion engine. The cabinet has a front panel with a pivotally mounted door with an open and closed position. The door is used to expose a large accessible compartment. This compartment contains major components of the welder, such as the rectifier, the power source module, the control module of the engine and a support structure for the capacitors and diodes used to control the alternator.

Abstract: A soldering iron with a removable tip, including: a soldering iron, including: a shaft; a ferrite bobbin disposed on the shaft; a magnetic coil wrapped around the ferrite bobbin; and a removable tip with a heater element disposed thereon, wherein the heater element is dimensioned to be received around the magnetic coil when the removable tip is placed onto the soldering iron.

Abstract: The invention seals, unseals and/or bonds plastics, waxes and resins via a thermal metal strip or wire coated with liquefiable substances that melt to open or separate and cool to congeal, seal, vulcanize or bond together when the wire or strip is energized in a shorted state (to heat) or not energized (to cool). Electronic switch modalities and sealing applications are optionally taught for security and tamper detection. In one modality, a unique signal is sent to the gate leg of a micro-processing chip (e.g. an SCR switch) where firmware recognizes the signal and permits current through a thermal wire. This innovation is optionally employed for Homeland Security.

Abstract: A graphite heater and method of forming a graphite heater comprising a graphite body configured to form an electrical heating circuit for at least one heating zone through the graphite encapsulated in a continuous overcoat layer comprising at least one of a nitride, carbide, carbonitride or oxynitride of elements selected from a group consisting of B, Al, Si, Ga, refractory hard metals, transition metals, and rare earth metals, or complexes and/or combinations thereof, wherein prior to being configured to form the electrical heating circuit path, the graphite body is coated with a layer comprising at least one of a nitride, carbide, carbonitride or oxynitride of elements selected from a group consisting of B, Al, Si, Ga, refractory hard metals, transition metals, and rare earth metals, or complexes and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An automated glass cooler entrance door assembly for an opening in a walk-in cooler comprising at least one fixed, stationary side door that defines a walkway about the opening for ingress and egress into the cooler, at least one opposing sliding door operatively suspended from a concealed drive mechanism above the opening to slide sideways from a closed position across the opening to close-off the cooler to and from an opened position overlapping the fixed stationary side door to allow customer ingress and egress to the cooler via the walkway through the opening and each of the doors comprising heated glass that is electrically connected to electrical power to heat the same.

Abstract: A method of packaging bacon so that after folding and joining two tabs, the package converts to a rack for holding the bacon and collecting the grease during microwave cooking.

Abstract: The invention is to simplify a producing process for a solid-state image pickup device having pixels including MOS transistors, thereby improving productivity of the image pickup device. In a producing method for a solid-state image pickup device including pixels 100 each including a photoelectric conversion region 101 for generating photoelectrically a carrier and accumulating the carrier photoelectrically generated, a carrier accumulating portion 102 for accumulating a carrier overflowing from the photoelectric conversion region 101 in a period of carrier generation and accumulation thereof, and a MOS transistor Tx-MOS for transferring the carrier overflowing from the photoelectric conversion region 101, wherein a gate electrode of the MOS transistor Tx-MOS is formed in the same step as the step of forming a polysilicon film 118 constituting the first electroconductive film of the carrier accumulating portion 102.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is disclosed which has a plurality of independently-gatable portions. One example is an image intensifier having a number of segmented photocathode areas (GP). The corresponding portions of the intensifier can be energized independently via contact stripe (CS). Used in conjunction with an appropriate trigger signal generator, imaging device and beam splitter, the device may be used to capture a series of images at very high speed. An electrical device having a reflective tunnel for generating a plurality of input images is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control unit (2) of a remote control receiver sets the forward or reverse direction operating mode of the photodiode (1) as a function of the useful signal level of its output signal, and to be precise, during standby, the photovoltaic operating mode (forward mode), since in this mode no external bias current is required. If the useful signal level of the photodiode (1) exceeds a predefined threshold, the reverse mode is set, and this brings with it a higher sensitivity. A series circuit (A) of a number of identical photodiodes DA1 DAn the forward mode allows the realization of a controlled current source (6) having a transistor (T), since the permissible diode voltage (Ud) of the overall arrangement may have n times the value of the operating voltage of an individual photodiode. Thus at the same time the voltage across the individual diodes can be set to a very low value and a favorable operating range for the current source can be set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing image sensors on the basis of TFA technology including of an amorphous thin-layer system that has been applied on a crystalline ASIC. The inventive method enables the production of image sensors on the basis of TFA technology, which improve the picture quality at low luminous intensity by reducing the dark currents. The photodiodes in the thin-layer material that are configured as pixels are linked with transistor structures in the crystalline ASIC via back electrodes. The transistor structures have particularly low leakage currents due to implantation technology or optimization of the production process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying with electric energy a sensor that has a high electric potential and that is used in an enameling line. Said device comprises a light source (1) that has a low electric potential, especially earth potential. Said light source (1) is linked, via an optical waveguide (4), with a light receiver (2) in which a converter (3) is disposed which converts the optical energy to electric energy. The light receiver (2) has the same high potential as the sensor and supplies the latter with the electric energy obtained from the light. This is preferably done via an accumulator (8) that is continuously recharged with the power generated by the converter (3). The invention allows therefore for a practically unlimited service life of sensors in enameling lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting photons of a light beam emanating from a spatially limited source includes a detection device having a plurality of detectors forming a three-dimensional array with semitranslucent EMCCDs disposed one behind another. A light splitting device is disposed in a path of rays of the light beam for splitting the light beam so as to distribute the photons over the detectors for detection.

Abstract: A device for detecting the wetting and/or soiling of a windscreen surface, in particular in a vehicle, comprises a camera with a sensor having a plurality of light-sensitive pixels arranged as an array and adapted to be illuminated according to an illumination cycle, and having a focussing optic for a camera focus set to almost infinite. The device is further provided with a light source for illuminating a detection portion of the screen surface detectable by the camera. The light source may be switched on and off according to a predeterminable ON/OFF cycle. The ON/OFF cycle is synchronized to the illumination cycle of the camera sensor, and the wetting/soiling of the screen surface may be detected by comparing the image information from the sensor of the camera when the light source is turned on and when the light source is turned off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering ions to a vacuum chamber. The apparatus comprises an ionization chamber, an ionization region within the ionization chamber, a vacuum interface at a vacuum interface voltage and a vacuum chamber, wherein the ionization chamber communicates with the vacuum chamber through the vacuum interface. Sample is introduced into the ionization chamber from an electrospray assembly at approximately ground potential. Two electrodes are provided within the chamber such that three electric fields are generated, a first field extending from the electrospray assembly to the first electrode, a second field extending from the second electrode to the first electrode, and a third field extending from the second electrode to the vacuum interface. Ions are forced to travel through the fields in order before entering the vacuum chamber. In addition, the invention provides a method of delivering ions to a vacuum chamber.