Abstract: An apparatus is provided which allows curtain attachment devices to be easily connected to blind mounting devices, without the need for additional screws and additional hangers. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided including first, second, third, and fourth devices. The first and third devices may be conventional mounting brackets for conventional blinds. The second and fourth devices may attach to the first and third devices, respectively, to allow a curtain rod or bracket to be attached.

Abstract: A work stand mounts against a wall of a garage, paint booth, or other work space, and has a swing-up support arm that is supported by a pivot-mounted strut. A holder or bracket mounts to a nosepiece at the free end of the support arm. The orientation of the arm and of the bracket can be selected for optimal positioning. The bracket can have support brackets for holding a door, hood, or trunk lid. A work table can be mounted onto the free end of the support arm. This work stand can be used to advantage to hold automotive doors, hoods, bumpers, or other body parts for sanding, painting, or buffing.

Abstract: A modular rigging system is provided for accommodating a plurality of displays in an array and can be attachable to a substrate. The system can comprise at least one rigging rail that can be attached to a rear section of the display and a mounting interface that can attach the rigging rail to the structure. The rigging rails and the mounting interface can each be configured to allow adjustability of the system, such as providing for the tilt, angular orientation, and/or rotation of the displays attached to the rigging system.

Abstract: A mounting assembly mounts a ceiling mounted electrical box, to support a light or paddle fan fixture in a ceiling between studs of varying distance apart. The assembly includes an extended, pivotable bar attachable at opposite ends to adjacent spaced ceiling beam studs. A ceiling electrical box which supports a light and/or paddle fan fixture is mounted on the bar. Respective opposite end brackets are pivotally mounted on each end of the extended bar for attaching the bar to the spaced studs in the ceiling. The extended bar swivels and is pivoted with respect to each of the end brackets to accommodate variable spacing between the spaced studs. The electrical box is slidable along the bar to allow selective positioning of the box on the bar between the studs. The bar may be telescopic to allow total length of the bar to be changed for installation.

Abstract: An exemplary flat panel display (200) includes a display module (22), a supporting arm (25), and a base (27). The supporting arm includes a slide plate (251). The base defines an accommodating space (275). The supporting arm is attached to the display module such that the display module is pivotable about the supporting arm. The slide plate is slidably received in the accommodating space such that the supporting arm is attached to the base, and the slide plate is slidably removable from the accommodating space such that the supporting arm is detached from the base. The supporting arm can be easily detached from the base. Thus, unduly large space inhabited by the supporting member can be effectively saved during the transportion of the flat panel display (200).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a work table mainly for supporting a cutting tool or a workpiece. The work table includes a support leg arrangement formed from a plurality of telescoping legs. A tool or workpiece bearing portion is mounted on the support leg arrangement. The bearing portion including a first bearing member and a second bearing member. At least one guide bar extends between the first and second bearing members. To permit movement, the first bearing member is movably arranged on the guide bar. The second bearing member is fixed relative to first bearing member by the support leg arrangement. The work table also includes a locking mechanism for securing the first bearing member relative to the second bearing member to define a use position. The locking mechanism, including a sleeve, a locking member, and a fixing member, is affixed to the guide bar between the first and second bearing members.

Abstract: A flexible hanging system uses a compressive force-producing component such as an elastomeric cord or spring for locking an object on the wall. It makes use of simple brackets and an elastomeric cord. This cord provides compressive force and keeps the weight of the object on the hanger body. This elastomeric cord provides a flexible compressive force on the object and on the wall mounted hanger body. This compressive force normally locks the object so that it does not move or tilt due to normal vibrations. However, during severe vibrations, such as during a seismic event, the elastomeric spring forces allow the object to move and to counter the effects of the vibratory forces experienced by the object.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Removable and/or pivotable covers are provided for managing cables of the user device attached to the extension arm.

Abstract: An item holder mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a deformable body. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface having a concave portion. The body further includes a periphery extending around the body and surrounding the outer and inner surfaces. The body also includes a hole extending through the body between the outer and inner surfaces for holding an item. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the holder on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface adjacent the mounting surface when the body is in its undeformed shape thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid from the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface thereby securing them together.

Abstract: An item holder mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a deformable body. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface having a concave portion. The body further includes a periphery extending around the body and surrounding the outer and inner surfaces. The body also includes a hole extending through the body between the outer and inner surfaces for holding an item. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the holder on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface adjacent the mounting surface when the body is in its undeformed shape thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid from the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface thereby securing them together.

Abstract: The problem of a conventional press molder is insufficient rigidity of an annular cushion ring receiving inward force, which cannot prevent a lower portion of the cushion ring from deforming, i.e., bending and expanding outward. A press molder (1) according to the present invention comprises a die (2), a punch (3) and a cushion ring (5). The cushion ring (5) has a rib (51) which is a reinforcing structure so as to be prevented from being bent at the time of press molding, and the punch (3) is formed therein with a recess (31) which is a reinforcing structure escape part so as to prevent the punch 3 from interfering with the rib (51) of the cushion ring (5).

Abstract: In multilayer optical discs and high-speed optical discs, the amount of reproduction light per unit time greatly decreases and the reproduction signal quality (S/N) significantly drops due to the low effective reflectivity and the short read time of the medium. These problems are solved by causing reflected signal light from the optical disc and reference light, which is separated from the same light source and introduced into a detector without being shone onto the optical disc, to interference with each other on the detector. Detector outputs having four different interference states are simultaneously obtained, the interference states being displaced at intervals of 90° in terms of the phase relationship between the reference light and the signal. Based on a operation of the four detector outputs, a reproduction signal can be obtained that is stable at all times and amplified with high quality, even when there is an optical path length variation due to disc undulations.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a cupola and photocontrol receptacle assembly that allows a user to adjust the direction of the cupola base and the photocontrol receptacle simultaneously without using tools. A fixture housing may have an opening for receiving a photocontrol receptacle connection member and one or more ribs located in proximity to the fixture housing opening. A cupola base may include an opening for receiving the connection member and features adapted to detachably engaged the fixture housing ribs. In addition, a spring may be coupled to the connection member and configured to allow the photocontrol receptacle to move in a first direction upon the application of a force in the first direction and recoil when the force is removed or decreased.

Abstract: A device and method are presented for use in measuring photon energy. The device comprises at least one pixel unit (10) including a Photocathode (12) that emits electrons in response to absorbed photons; an Anode (14); and a control unit (19) operable for controlling an electric current from the Photocathode (12) to the Anode (14) so as to selectively prevent electrons' arrival to the Anode (14) to thereby scan a spectrum of photon energies incident on the Photocathode (12).

Abstract: A photosensor array includes data and scan lines (124, 148), circuitry of each data line/scan line pair formed in a backplane (110) on a substrate (102). On a first electrode scan line (148) a switching element (112) responds to a scan signal, connecting a first terminal (106) to a second terminal (108). A front plane (120) has sensing elements (122) indicating a measure of a received stimulus and including a charge collection electrode (130). An insulating layer (140) disposed between the backplane (110) and the front plane (120) contains at least a first via (136) connecting the first terminal (108) of the switching element (112) in the backplane (110) to a charge collection electrode (130) of the sensing element (122) in the front plane (120). A second via (126) connects between the second terminal (108) of the switching element (112) and the data line (124).

Abstract: A plurality of pixel circuits, provided with a plurality of photo detecting elements, respectively, cause photocurrent corresponding to an incident light. The pixel circuits are placed on intersections of a plurality of data lines and scanning lines, respectively. A second capacitance charges and discharges an electric charge overflowing from a first capacitance caused by the photo detecting element. Each second capacitance is shared by a plurality of pixel circuits. A plurality of pixel circuits sharing the second capacitance are controlled so that exposure periods of the pixel circuits do not overlap with one another.

Abstract: The levels of the power supply and the ground are kept constant against a parasitic resistance by keeping the constant current of an amplifier irrespective of the size of a pixel signal and the gain of the amplifier in this case in an image signal reading circuit system having the amplifier arranged to each column. The amplifier has a limiter at an output terminal thereof which limits an output voltage of the amplifier to a range for keeping the constant consumption-current.

Abstract: The levels of the power supply and the ground are kept constant against a parasitic resistance by keeping the constant current of an amplifier irrespective of the size of a pixel signal and the gain of the amplifier in this case in an image signal reading circuit system having the amplifier arranged to each column. The amplifier has a limiter at an output terminal thereof which limits an output voltage of the amplifier to a range for keeping the constant consumption-current.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer, in which an emission spectrum of the light source is measured. Based on the measured emission spectrum, a threshold is set to allow only an outstanding spectral intensity in a specific wavelength region to be greater than the threshold. Then, a ratio between the setup threshold and a peak spectral intensity in the specific wavelength region greater than the threshold is calculated. Then, an electric-charge accumulation time for a light-receiving element corresponding to a wavelength region equal to or less than the threshold is set at an upper limit of electric-charge accumulation time causing no saturation in any light-receiving element. Based on the ratio between the threshold and the peak spectral intensity in the specific wavelength region greater than the threshold, an electric-charge accumulation time for the light-receiving element corresponding to the specific wavelength region greater than the threshold is set.

Abstract: A system for displaying and capturing images. The system comprises a display unit, a detection module. The display unit provides a first light according to a scan signal and a data signal. The detection module captures a second light and comprises a photo detection unit, a transformation unit, and a switch unit. The photo detection unit detects intensity of the second light. The transformation unit transforms the light intensity into a voltage signal. The switch unit outputs the voltage signal according to a selection signal.

Abstract: A color sensor includes: a substrate; first to third light receiving elements on the substrate; a red light filter for passing a red light and a first near infrared light block filter for blocking a near infrared light on the first light receiving element; a green light filter for passing a green light and a second near infrared light block filter on the second light receiving element; a visible light block filter for blocking a visible light on the third receiving element; and an ultraviolet light block plate disposed over the first and second near infrared light block filters and the visible light block filter.

Abstract: A system and method processes a structure comprising embedded material. The system includes a laser adapted to generate light and to irradiate an interaction region of the structure. The system further includes an optical system adapted to receive light from the interaction region and to generate a detection signal indicative of the presence of embedded material in the interaction region. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the laser and the optical system. The controller is adapted to receive the detection signal and to be responsive to the detection signal by selectively adjusting the laser.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining angular alignment of a readhead with respect to a scale. The apparatus comprises a scale and readhead. The readhead has at least one sensor which produces an output which is dependent on the angular alignment of the readhead relative to the scale.

Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a scanning unit and a measuring graduation that is displaceable thereto in at least one measuring direction. The measuring graduation includes two incremental-graduation tracks extending in parallel in the measuring direction, between which a reference-marking track having at least one reference marking at a reference position extends. The scanning unit includes a first scanning device for generating the reference-pulse signal and a second scanning device for generating the incremental signals. To generate the incremental signals, a scanning beam acts at least once upon each incremental graduation in an incremental-signal scanning field. Alternatively, the measuring graduation includes two reference-marking tracks extending in parallel in the measuring graduation and having reference markings at least one reference position, which are formed in symmetry with an axis in the measuring direction.

Abstract: An image sensor package structure includes a substrate, a chip, a plurality of wires, and a frame layer. The substrate has an upper surface, which is formed with first electrodes, and a lower surface, which is formed with second electrodes corresponding to electrically connect to the first electrodes. The chip has a sensor region and a plurality of bonding pads located at the side of the sensor region of the chip, and is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate. The plurality of wires are electrically connected the bonding pads of the chip to the first electrodes of the substrate. The frame layer is inserted with a transparent layer, and is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate to cover the chip.

Abstract: A method of moving bubbles includes utilizing optical tweezers to form a bright photoresist area and a dark photoresist area in the photoresist layer. The bubbles in the photoresist layer move from the bright photoresist area to the dark photoresist area.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, apparatuses and methods for ionizing samples that are in gaseous phase or can be vaporized/sublimated. The samples include samples to be analyzed and mass calibrants that serve as standards. In addition, the present invention also provides calibrant formulations that release mass calibrants in a slow, controlled manner.

Abstract: In the case of monitoring a resolution of a scanning electron microscope, it is required to prepare a sample and to use a measuring algorithm so as to reduce the pattern dependency of an index value of resolution to be measured in order to measure a variation in the size of an electron beam with a high degree of accuracy. According to the present invention, there is used a sample having a sectional shape which is appropriate for monitoring the resolution, that is, the sample has a pattern with such a sectional shape that a side wall of the pattern is inclined so as to prevent an electron beam irradiated on the sample from impinging upon the side wall of the pattern. With this configuration, it is possible carry out such resolution monitor that does not depend upon a sectional shape of a pattern.

Abstract: In the charged particle beam lithography system, a pattern area to be drawn is divided into a plurality of frames, a main deflection positions a charged particle beam to a subfield within the frame, and an auxiliary deflection draws a pattern in units of the subfield. The charged particle beam lithography system includes a beam optical system including a deflector deflecting the beam, a driver driving the deflector, and a deflection control, portion controlling the driver according to drawing data indicating a pattern to be drawn. The deflection control portion controls the driver according to a settling time that is determined so that an offset of an irradiation position of the charged particle beam has a certain value irrespective of any changes in deflection amount of the auxiliary deflection in the subfield.

Abstract: A method of processing neutron log data comprises the steps of: a) deriving from the near-spaced neutron count of a neutron logging tool an approximate, unfiltered, lithology-related characteristic of a formation; b) deriving a correction that is essentially independent of the lithology; c) long filtering the correction; and d) adding the resulting, long-filtered correction to the approximate, unfiltered characteristic resulting from step a. in order to derive a compensated characteristic. The method provides statistically good, compensated logs while permitting the use of low activity neutron sources.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programming for collecting data using a mass spectrometer comprising a particle detector or other mass analyzer. A data collection such as a tree or array structure which includes data records for storing detected data is maintained in volatile or persistent memory. Data is received from the mass analyzer. Whether the collection contains data records corresponding to newly-acquired data signals is determined. If the collection does not contain records corresponding to the newly-received records, a new record is added. In either case, the record corresponding to the received data record is updated to reflect reception of the newly-acquired signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing ion mobility data. In one embodiment, a method for analyzing ion mobility spectrometry data is disclosed. The method comprises conducting a number of ion mobility scans on a sample, generating an ion map comprising a first ion line, comparing the first ion line to a standard deviation, wherein the standard deviation is calculated from the system measurement noise, and determining if the sample is a contraband substance.

Abstract: An ion trap mass analyzer includes an elongated tunnel that has a wall, a longitudinal axis and an inner space. The wall includes a substrate and conductor trace patterns. There is also a variable electric potential means for providing electric potentials which is connected to the conductor trace patterns. The conductor trace patterns and the variable electric potential means provide a variable electric field within the inner space of the tunnel for transferring, storing, and analyzing ions.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method of preparing a sample in the measurement according to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) capable of inhibiting any ion suppression by impurities, such as inorganic salts and surfactants, contained in the sample. An analyte and matrix molecules are co-crystallized in the presence of porous microparticles. Preferably, this co-crystallization is carried out by bringing the analyte, matrix molecules and porous microparticles into contact with each other on a target plate and thereafter drying the mixture. The porous microparticles consist of an ion exchanger having an average particle diameter of not more than 50 ?m, preferably a strongly basic anion exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for analyzing mass analysis data for easily deducing the structure of an unknown substance, based on data obtained by an MSn analysis. First, the structural formula of a precursor ion of the unknown substance is deduced based on the mass-to-charge ratio of the precursor ion (Step S12), and candidate structures which have the same compositional formula as the compositional formula deduced in Step S12, by combining the structure of the known substance and known structural change patterns (Step S14). Next, fragment ion peaks expected to appear from the candidate structures are deduced (Step S15), and based on the expected fragment ion peaks, the candidate structures are ranked in the order of probability (Step S16). Then, by comparing a mass spectrum of the known substance and that of the unknown substance, a common fragment ion peak is searched. (Step S19).

Abstract: A method of combining ES (ElectroSpray Ionization) and MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) to create enhanced MALDI mass spectrometry to be referred to as ESMALDI (ElectroSpray Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization). ESMALDI technology offers substantial advantages over conventional technology. essentially by combining the high ionization efficiency and multiple charging of ions in ESI with the smaller sample requirements and operational simplicity of MALDI. Biologists should thus be able to achieve higher sensitivity, better protein identification, enhanced quantification potential and enhanced structural information. An additional degree of freedom for ESMALDI MS is flexibility in the choice of solvents that can be used in the ESI component of the process. Substantial differences in ESI behavior can occur with the same analyte or mixture of analytes in different solvents.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include methods of calibrating a mass spectrometry system, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and apparatus suitable for performing a survey scan of one or more analytes or labeled fragments of analytes to obtain a convoluted spectrum and to de-convolute the convoluted spectrum using, for example, a mass spectrometer and associated processing system.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.

Abstract: A system and method for mass analysis of ions. The system includes an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzer having at least two channels configured to receive respective groups of ions from respective ion sources and having a field-free section configured to mass-separate ions during flight time. The groups of ions are directed to different ones of the channels of the mass analyzer for mass analysis of the respective groups of ions, and at least a part of the field-free section is shared between the channels. The method introduces the ions into an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass analyzer, directs groups of ions from respective ones of the two sources into different channels of the mass analyzer, and simultaneously mass-analyzes the groups of ions from the different channels.

Abstract: A multi-channel high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) is provided. The apparatus provides for substantially simultaneous FAIMS analysis of plurality of ions from a single sample. The apparatus has a analyzer region comprising a hollow electrode, a plurality of plate electrodes positioned parallel to and distanced from the hollow electrode, a contact for applying an high voltage asymmetric waveform to the hollow electrode and a plurality of contacts for applying a compensation voltage to the plurality of plate electrodes. A method for substantially simultaneous FAIMS analysis of plurality of ions from a single sample is also provided.

Abstract: A tandem mass spectrometry system has a first mass spectrometer for creating and extracting precursor ions. The ions are introduced into a decelerating electric field at a slight angle to the direction of the electric field which is formed by first through third electrodes. An accelerating electric field perpendicular to the decelerating electric field is applied at the instant when the ions arrive at the midpoint between the second and third electrodes at which the velocities of the ions in the direction of the decelerating field are zero.

Abstract: Combined desorption and ionization sources are provided to generate molecular ions form a sample disposed on a substrate surface. A heated gas-jet probe or heated solvent stream probe desorbs sample molecules into the gas phase. The desorbed sample molecules are ionized by reaction between the sample molecule and charged solvent droplets. The charged solvent droplets may be produced by electrospray probe or by a corona discharge. The combined desorption and ionization sources coupled by a vacuum interface to a mass spectrometer, where the sample molecule ions can be analyzed.

Abstract: The invention provides a mass spectrometry system, including a microfluidic chip for electrospray ionization having an analyte channel and a gas assist channel that define a spray tip and a detector downstream from the microfluidic chip for detecting ions. The invention also provides a micro fluidic chip for electrospray ionization including a substrate having an analyte channel, a gas channel and an analyte channel wherein the gas channel and analyte channel exit at the first end to define the electrospray tip. Methods of using the system and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: In various aspects, ion sources, mass spectrometer systems, and a power supply circuit coupled to a feedback circuit are provided. A power supply is provided that includes at least the power supply circuit and is operable to transfer charge to a load. The feedback circuit is responsive to a DC component of an output voltage supplied by the power supply in a first feedback loop and an AC component of the output voltage in a second feedback loop to produce a feedback signal representative of at least one of: a value of the output voltage before a charge transfer from a capacitor of the power supply to a load; the value of the output voltage during the charge transfer from the capacitor of the power supply to the load; or the value of the output voltage after the charge transfer from the capacitor of the power supply to the load.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer sample input interface comprises a desolvation apparatus defining a desolvation pathway along which a desolvation gas flows, in a direction from upstream to downstream, the desolvation pathway having a desolvation pathway portion; and an ion pathway apparatus for defining an ion pathway for analyte solution droplets to follow, the ion pathway leading into the mass spectrometer, the ion pathway including an ion pathway portion that follows the desolvation pathway portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for ionizing an analyte sample with a mass calibrant is provided. The apparatus includes an ionization chamber defining an ionization region, a first passageway coupled to the ionization region for delivering the analyte sample to the ionization region, a second passageway leading to a mass analyzer having an orifice arranged adjacent to the ionization region to receive ions from the ionization region, a third passageway coupled to the ionization chamber at a first end and having a second end with an orifice arranged to receive gaseous neutral mass calibrant molecules, and an ionization device arranged within the ionization chamber. The ionization device generates primary ions from the analyte sample, and the primary ions ionize a portion of the gaseous neutral mass calibrant molecules received into the ionization region via the third passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regenerating ion samples for a mass spectrometer are provided. Source samples are loaded on a support which is heated by a laser beam, desorbing the sample without ionization. The desorbed sample is carried by a carrier gas flow through a transfer tube, at the output of which it is ionized by corona discharge or photo-ionization. The obtained ionized sample may be analyzed in a mass spectrometer or used to serve any other appropriate purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.