Abstract: A method of producing a roll center for one of toilet paper and paper towels that is water soluble. The method comprises the steps of selecting a rod that has the diameter of a traditional toilet paper roll center followed by a step of wrapping a water dissolvable material around the rod. There is a step of drying the material for a predetermined time, such predetermined time being sufficient for such material to become firm and a step of placing toilet paper around the material as is done with traditional roll centers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the range of shells (1, 8, 13) charged with an explosive substance and other types of shell, which function as carriers of the one or other type of active payload. The method according to the invention thus provides an opportunity for increasing the range of fire of most types of artillery piece by increasing the muzzle velocity and the gliding flight capability of shells or projectiles fired from them, but without the need to increase the energy content in the propellant charges utilized for firing the shells or the projectiles concerned. The novelty proposed in accordance with the invention instead represents a radical modification to the design of the shell (1, 8, 13) utilized in conjunction therewith. The invention also relates to a shell charged with an explosive substance or provided with some other active payload which has been given a long range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for the landing gear (1) of an aircraft, said steering device being characterised in that it comprises at least one means which is used to rotate (2, 3, 4, 5) the wheels (6) of the landing gear and is arranged along the strut (13) of the landing gear.

Abstract: Arrangement for mounting a propulsive system on an aircraft airframe 12 by means of an external strut 4 which connects the engine 1 with the airframe 12, said strut 4 comprising a plurality of spars 8 intruding into the airframe 12 and means 7, 9, 11 for attaching said spars 8 to the internal airframe structure 10, the cited means 7, 9, 11 being dampers, shock absorbers or active actuators with characteristics chosen so that the said means 7, 9, 11 are particularly suited for the efficient reduction of attachment and internal dynamic loads arising mainly but not only from hard landing events and aircraft flight manoeuvres, and for damping sustained vibrations of the propulsive system-airframe 12 assembly, the said arrangement allowing the easy removal of the strut 4 from the rest of the said airframe 12 and the interchangeability of the said strut 4 between different aircrafts, being also the cited arrangement tolerant to damage or complete failure of at least one of the said spars 8.

Abstract: An insulating mat for the sound insulation of an aircraft fuselage structure that is composed of frames and stringers extending transverse to the frames, to a fastener means for fastening an insulating mat on an aircraft fuselage structure such that acoustic bridges are prevented. An insulating kit is also provided that comprises at least one insulating mat as well as at least one fastener. The insulating mat features a plurality of fastening clips that are fixed on a first surface of the insulating mat and laterally protrude over the border of the insulating mat.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of dimensioning and producing stiffened structural components (4) comprising at least one shell component (6) and at least one stiffening component (8) which can be connected thereto, in which the shell component (6) and the at least one stiffening component (8) is dimensioned on the assumption of intactness of the at least one stiffening component and having regard to a predetermined safety factor and/or a predetermined structural inspection interval in which a predetermined maximum crack progression in the shell component is not to be exceeded and/or the strength of the structural component is not to fall below a predetermined minimum residual strength, and in which the at least one stiffening element (8) of the structural component dimensioned by this method is equipped with at least one structural condition sensor (30) for detecting intactness; as well as the use of structural condition sensors in an aircraft, in particular a passenger aircraft.

Abstract: According to the invention, on at least one of the faces (1E, 1I) of said leading edge (1), forward of the partition (3), an action is exerted on the fluid flow (EF) so as to cause the latter to switch from the laminar state (EFL) to the turbulent state (EFT) in order to increase the thermal exchanges and minimize the thermal stresses on siad leading edge.

Abstract: A system (1) is described for automatically controlling the flight of at least one power wing airfoil (2), comprising first detecting means (3) on board of such power wing airfoil (2) adapted to detect first pieces of information (3a) dealing with at least one position and one orientation in space of the power wing airfoil (2) and accelerations to which the power wing airfoil (2) is subjected; second detecting means (5) on the ground adapted to detect tension on the driving cables (21) of the power wing airfoil (2) and a position of a driving unit (9) counterweight; processing and controlling means (7) adapted to transform the contents of such information (3a, 5a) into a mechanical drive operating on the winches of the driving unit (9) to drive the power wing airfoil (2) along a flight trajectory TV1, TV2, TV3, . . . , TVn maximising a “lift” effect generated on the power wing airfoil (2).

Abstract: Rudder assist mechanisms and methods are capable of being operably connected to an aircraft's rudder control system. The rudder assist mechanisms most preferably have over-the-center spring biasing functions so as to cause either substantially no spring force (i.e., when the linkage is over the spring-bias center) or substantially all spring force (i.e., when the linkage is left or right of the spring-bias center) to be exerted on the rudder control system. The rudder assist mechanism may include a control spring assembly, and a linkage assembly which operably connects the control spring assembly to the rudder control assembly. The linkage assembly is moveable operably between a null position wherein substantially no spring force of the control spring assembly is transferred to the rudder control system by the linkage assembly, and right and left spring-biased positions wherein right and left spring forces of the control spring assembly are transferred to the rudder control system, respectively.

Abstract: An aircraft, gas turbine engine, controller and trim system for neutralizing pitching moments caused by power changes and consequent changes in engine thrust. Several expedients are disclosed, utilizing either thrust vectoring or automatic aircraft trim augmentation in response to thrust variations, made either by throttle setting changes caused by a pilot or a flight management control (FMC)/autopilot system.

Abstract: A control system is provided for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route. The powered system includes a first and second powered vehicle respectively positioned in two consists, which are separated by at least one non-powered vehicle. The control system includes a controller configured to determine at least one slack location along the powered system. The slack location represents a force separation in the powered system between two respective regions, which include a compression region subject to a compression force and a tension region subject to a tension force. The controller is coupled to a respective engine of a powered vehicle, and the controller adjusts an output of the engine to control a rate of change of the at least one slack location along the powered system. Additionally, a method is provided for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and across indentations at the ends of the ribs to secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.

Abstract: Trapeze type support strut assemblies attach pipes, conduit, and tubes to vertical and horizontal surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and easy to clean. Structures to provide seismic stability to trapeze type support strut assemblies may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cradle for an automobile. A cradle for an automobile according to the present invention comprises a mounting bracket having a front surface to which a device for an automobile is mounted; a link frame provided with a spherical head portion pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket so that the link frame is selectively folded with respect to a rear surface of the device; and a suction plate rotatably installed to a portion of the link frame opposite to a position on which the head portion is provided, the suction plate being selectively attached to a bottom surface. According to the present invention as described above, the cradle is carried or kept in a state where the cradle is folded with respect to the device. Thus, there is an advantage in that the overall volume of the cradle and device for an automobile is reduced.

Abstract: A mounting device including a base, a movable body, a supporting mechanism disposed therebetween, and a controller for controlling the mechanism. The mechanism applies supporting force to the movable body from a plurality of positions of the base to support the movable body on the base and determines a center of oscillation of the movable body with respect to the center of oscillation which is higher than the center of gravity of the movable body. The controller controls the mechanism to shift the center of oscillation, by changing directions support forces, at least in a horizontal direction according to a change of the center of the oscillation so that a change in an inclination of the mounting device due to a load transfer to the movable body can be decreased.

Abstract: A furniture balancing pad stabilizes a furniture piece having an uneven leg base or support surface. The furniture balancing pad comprises a biscuit portion having a top surface, a substantially flat bottom surface, and side walls. A flexible stabilization cushion having a central cushion thickness is attached to the top surface of the biscuit to form an outer perimeter shelf extending horizontally and adjacently in relation to the flexible stabilization cushion and adjacent to the side walls of the biscuit. This shelf acts as a support lip for the furniture piece. The outer perimeter shelf of the biscuit includes a perimeter thickness, or height, and a shelf depth. The flexible stabilization cushion and the biscuit may be constructed as a unitary pad. As arranged, the flexible stabilization cushion and the outer perimeter shelf of the biscuit level and buttress the uneven leg base or uneven surface when the furniture balancing pad is slid under the furniture piece.

Abstract: A unitary support for a flat panel video monitor includes a yoke that may be attached to a back side of the monitor in two or more different orientations, and handles extending from opposite side ends of the yoke. The handles may extend diagonally from the side ends of the yoke, imparting the support with the general appearance of the letter “W.” The yoke is also configured to be secured directly to a coupler at the end of an extension arm. A coupler attachment element of the yoke and a support attachment element of the coupler may have engagement features that are configured complementarily to each other to prevent undesired movement of the support relative to the coupler and the extension arm. The complementary engagement features may also enable attachment of the coupler to the support in two or more discrete orientations.

Abstract: A supporting device is installed between an auxiliary display unit and a main display unit to variously change the position and pose of the auxiliary display unit and a dual display unit having the same are disclosed. The dual display unit includes a main display unit which displays an image, a supporting device which is coupled to the main display unit, and an auxiliary display unit which is installed on the supporting device. The supporting device is configured to adjust the distance between the main display unit and the auxiliary display unit.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, includes a switch body attached to a steering column tube of a vehicle, an adaptor intervening between the switch body and the steering column tube of the vehicle and having a first engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the steering column tube as well as a second engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the switch body. The first engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the steering column tube, and at the same time, the second engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the switch body by pushing the switch body toward the steering column tube side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device securable to a corrugated surface of a shipping container by an elongated support for supporting cargo within the shipping container. The device comprising a receptacle defining a cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support, the receptacle having a bottom surface forming a plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container; and a pair of lateral flaps associated with and disposed about the receptacle for engaging the corrugated surface, each lateral flap having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of each lateral flap extending at an acute angle relative to the plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container. The device may further define a slot for receiving an end of an other elongated support. A method of making with the device a deck for supporting cargo in a shipping container having a pair of opposed corrugated surface and a base.

Abstract: An improved universal wall hanging system for use in hanging an article from a wall is provided. The improved wall hanging system may allow for more convenient storage and hanging of a plurality of differently dimensioned, weighted and configured articles from a wall. The present invention may be utilized to hang oddly shaped articles and may be configured to be utilized with a plurality of different articles when desired by a user. The present invention utilizes a universal receiver unit and an adapter configured to be adapted to the article to be hung whereby the adaptor unit may be releasably attached to the article to be hung and may be releasably attached to any of a plurality of different receiver units.

Abstract: A wall-mounted device (1) which ensures easy confirmation of the mounting of a to-be-mounted-on-wall object on a wall surface or the like, and can prevent the to-be-mounted-on-wall object from falling off, and a timepiece having the device are provided. First, an attachment fitting (30) is fixed to the wall surface or the like by screws. Then, a hook part (30a) of the attachment fitting (30) is hooked on a hanging part (13) of the wall-mounted device (1) while deforming an elastic plate member (10) inward. When deformation of the elastic plate member (10) is released, vibration occurs together with generation of a light impact sound at the time the elastic plate member returns from the deformed state to the original state. With a first bent part (10a) of the elastic plate member (10) being in abutment with the hook part (30a) of the attachment fitting (30), the to-be-mounted-on-wall object is mounted on the wall surface or the like.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a bow while hunting is provided. The device generally includes a base, a support arm rotatably mounted to the base, a connecting arm connected to the support arm, and a retaining arm rotatably connected to the connecting arm and mounted for rotation between an open position and a closed position to secure the limb of the bow. The support arm acts as a lever arm wherein the weight of the bow causes the connecting arm to move and the retaining arm to rotate from an open position to a closed position to secure the limb of the bow.

Abstract: A support arm for components such as flat screen monitors. In one embodiment, the support arm includes rigid arm segment and a flexible arm segment. The flexible arm segment may be mounted adjacent to the supported component. The flexible arm segment includes a plurality of flexible tubes, each having a core surrounding by a filling material and a flexible coiled tube. Preferably, at least one of the flexible tubes is fixed at both ends while at least one of the flexible tubes includes a free floating end that is permitted to move longitudinally with respect to the fixed tube as the flexible arm is moved.

Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side ann and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.

Abstract: A mounting device for a portable communication device, the mounting device comprising: a mounting base, the mounting base comprising: an attaching end located at a first end of the mounting base; a non-attaching end located at a second end of the mounting base; a centerline defined as running generally along the center the mounting base between the attaching end and the non-attaching end a smooth surface located adjacent to the attaching end and running generally along the center line of the mounting base; an attaching surface located generally collinear to the smooth surface, and adjacent to the smooth surface and adjacent to the non-attaching end; at least one clipping member rotatably attached to the mounting base, and configured to clip the mounting device to an object and allow the mounting base to rotate, upon applying a rotative force greater than a threshold amount, relative to the clipping member and the object.

Abstract: In a support box for supporting a laptop computer, comprising a bottom wall and side walls, the side walls extend from the bottom wall to different heights so as to provide a top support area which is level when the support box is placed onto the inclined seat surface of a car seat for supporting the laptop computer horizontally in a position convenient for a person sitting on a seat next to the laptop computer.

Abstract: A storage device has a first and second supporting surface. The first and second supporting surfaces are connected to each other by a first riser. The first and second supporting surfaces each have lips. The distance between the lip for the first supporting surface and the first riser defines the storage area on the first supporting surface. The storage device may also have a third supporting surface positioned below the second supporting surface and may further have one or more pockets located on the first supporting surface. The storage device may also have a stationary base wherein at least a portion of the storage device is capable of rotating about an axis.

Abstract: A post positioning device includes a collar defining a post positioning aperture therein for receiving a post; a stabilizer for removably securing the collar about the post; and a positioning system operably connected to the collar having a first angular state and a second angular state relative to the collar; wherein the positioning system is configured to adjust from the first angular state into contact with the post to maintain the post plumb in a hole in the second angular state.

Abstract: A hanging device with a sucker assembly has a sucker assembly and a hanging segment. The sucker assembly has a diaphragm, a sucker mount having an proximal end and being connected to the diaphragm, a sucker cover mounted around the sucker mount and abuts the diaphragm, an adjuster that screws around the sucker mount and a connector. The hanging segment has an end and a connector. The connectors of the sucker mount and the hanging segment connect to each other and may be a threaded rod engaging a threaded hole, a split plug held in a socket or be a protrusion engaging a recess. Therefore, the hanging device is hung firmly in a ceiling, a wall or the like by the sucker assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable mouse lap pad has a working platform with flat upper and lower surfaces. Two sets of dual tracks are secured to the lower surface, each track set having two track members with teeth. Four pad supporting saddle elements are configured for comfortable placement on the lap of the user. The saddle elements are positioned within the sets of tracks. Each saddle element has teeth which engage with the teeth of the track members. The saddle elements are biasedly controlled, by push button activation, to move along the tracks and, at desired locations on the lower surface, to be locked in position within the teeth of the track members. This securely maintains the saddle elements under the platform, eliminating unwanted shifting and movement while the pad is on the thigh or lap of the user.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus for a portable electronic device used in vehicle includes a supporting frame, a bearing structure, a cooling fan, a first holding mechanism, and a second holding mechanism. The bearing structure is connected to the supporting frame and has a bearing plate. The first holding mechanism capable of being dismantled from the ground and connected to the bearing plate includes a front and rear moving arms set and a right and left moving arms set. The cooling fan and the second holding mechanism are respectively connected to the bearing plate. The second holding mechanism includes a front telescoping arm set and a rear telescoping arm set. Thereby, any electronic device can be stably abutted and fixed to the bearing plate, in corresponding to variously different sizes, by making appropriate adjustment.

Abstract: A locating template for a non-round concrete form of the type having a round outer tube and an insert assembly installed in the outer tube for defining the desired non-round shape. The locating template can be fit into the end of the channel defined by the insert assembly. The locating template has a crosshair or series of marks indicating the center of the locating template, which corresponds to the center of the channel defined by the insert assembly. The contractor simply marks the outer surface of the outer tube at two or more locations aligned with the crosshair or marks on the locating template. The locating template is removed, and the form is set up on the ground with the marks on the outer tube aligned with the crosshair on the ground. The column can then be poured in the usual manner.

Abstract: Pixels are two-dimensionally arrayed, each of the pixels having a first photoelectric conversion section which is divided into a plurality of regions to perform photoelectric conversions and a second photoelectric conversion section whose outer periphery is surrounded with the plurality of regions of the first photoelectric conversion section and which is divided into a plurality of regions to perform photoelectric conversion. In addition, micro-optical systems are arrayed so as to correspond to the pixels, the micro-optical systems guiding light of an object to the pixels. A division manner of the plurality of regions of the first photoelectric conversion section is different from a division manner of the plurality of regions of the second photoelectric conversion section.

Abstract: An influence on a sensor output is suppressed to a minimum degree even in the case when there is a ripple in a light source, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. In an intensity modulation type optical sensor, light from a light source 1 is guided to a sensor head 6, the intensity of the light is modulated on the basis of an alternating current (AC) measured object (for example, a current i) changing with time, the modulated light is received in a light receiving element 81 and converted into an electrical signal, and a normalized received signal Xs indicating a degree of modulation is acquired from a ratio of an AC component As and a DC component Ds of the electrical signal to thereby acquiring a value of the AC measured object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illumination and color management in a system having a plurality of color sources and a plurality of color sensors, wherein there are more color sources than color sensors are described herein. An embodiment of the method includes emitting a plurality of different colors of light from at least two of the color sources, wherein the plurality of colors consist of different intensities of light emitted by the plurality of color sources. Colors of light emitted by the at least two color sources are detected using at least one of the color sensors. The color rendering index for each of the plurality of colors emitted is determined. A color of light to be emitted by the light sources is selected. The intensities of light to be emitted by the color sources is selected, based at least in part on the color rendering index, to achieve the selected color of light.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for providing a uniform bias voltage in a biasing circuit to a plurality of pixels. The biasing circuit has a plurality of switches, including a first switch connected at a first end of a capacitor and a second end connected to a first ground. A second switch is connected at a first end to a bias voltage reference and at a second end to a gate of a biasing transistor and a second end of the capacitor. A third switch is connected at a first end to the first end of the capacitor and at a second end to the drain of the biasing transistor and a second ground. The first and the second switch are closed and the third switch is open to set a bias voltage on the capacitor. The first and second switch are open and the third switch is closed when the bias voltage is set on the capacitor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses using pixels with shared readout circuits are used to increase pixel fill factor and operation efficiency.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a row and column array of active pixels, each having an associated pitch. In response to respective control signals, each pixel outputs a reset level which includes noise components, or a signal level which includes signal and noise components. Multiple column buffers, each having a pitch equal to or less than that of a pixel, convey the outputs of respective pixel columns to a bus line. Each buffer comprises ‘odd’ and ‘even’ S&H/CDS circuits, which process the pixel outputs of odd and even rows, respectively. Each S&H/CDS circuit subtracts pixel reset level from signal level to produce an output in which correlated noise is suppressed. Each column buffer includes a buffer amplifier which conveys the output to the bus line. A gain amplifier separate from the column buffers is coupled to the bus line such that it amplifies the outputs of a multiple column buffers.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor device converts a light signal into an electric signal and amplifies the converted electric signal, and includes: a photodiode which converts a light signal into a current signal; another photodiode which converts a light signal into a current signal; a current amplifying circuit which includes an operational amplifier which amplifies an output current from the photodiode; and a current-voltage conversion circuit which converts an output current from the other photodiode into a voltage, wherein an output terminal of the current amplifying circuit is connected to an input terminal of the current-voltage conversion circuit.

Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.

Abstract: An image detector comprising a first detection array and a second detection array. The first detection array comprises a plurality of first detection units disposed sequentially, and each first detection unit comprises a plurality of first detection cells. In each first detection unit, the first detection cells respectively generate a plurality of first signals, and the first signals respectively represent different color information. The second detection array comprises a plurality of second detection units disposed sequentially, and each second detection unit comprises at least one second detection cells. Each second detection cell generates a second signal, and each second signal represents specific color information.

Abstract: Self-aligned color filter array and methods of forming same. Embodiments include an image sensor having a substrate with a fabrication element having a first recess, the first recess having a second recess, a color filter formed in the second recess, and a microlens formed over the color filter.

Abstract: A transmissive optical encoder is disclosed. The transmissive optical encoder includes a detector, a code wheel, and an emitter. The detector includes an aperture through the detector. The aperture is configured to receive a rotary shaft of a motor. The code wheel is coupled to the rotary shaft of the motor. Rotation of the rotary shaft results in corresponding rotation of the code wheel. The emitter is configured to emit a light signal through the code wheel toward the detector. Rotation of the code wheel results in modulation of the light signal at the detector. Embodiments of the transmissive optical encoder consume relatively little space and facilitate alignment of the emitter and detector.

Abstract: Method and system for producing a neutral beam source is described. The neutral beam source comprises a plasma generation system for forming a first plasma in a first plasma region, a plasma heating system for heating electrons from the first plasma region in a second plasma region to form a second plasma, and a neutralizer grid for neutralizing ion species from the second plasma in the second plasma region. Furthermore, the neutral beam source comprises a pumping system that enables use of the neutral beam source for semiconductor processing applications, such as etching processes.

Abstract: A hybrid mass spectrometer has a branched ion path. A first ion path within the branched ion path operates as a triple quadrupole instrument having a mass selection device, collision cell, and first mass analyzer and provides information on a specific m/z ratio corresponding to ions of interest in a sample. A second ion path within the branched ion path includes a second mass analyzer in the form of an electrostatic trap or other ion trap device. A branched ion transfer device may provide the branched ion path and may include the collision cell. A controller actuates an ion path switch in the branched ion transfer device and diverts from the first ion path to the second ion path in response to a triggering event. Ions at or near the m/z ratio of interest are then analyzed in the trap to obtain more detailed information of a full spectrum.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided which is mounted on a wall portion of a chamber and analyzes a gas to be analyzed existing in the chamber. The mass spectrometer includes: a measurement unit which is inserted into the chamber at the time of mounting the mass spectrometer to the chamber and measures each partial pressure of gaseous components in the gas to be analyzed with respect to mass-to-charge ratios; a control unit which is disposed outside of the wall portion at the time of mounting the mass spectrometer on the chamber and is used to manipulate the measurement unit; and a display unit which is disposed outside of the wall portion at the time of mounting the mass spectrometer on the chamber and displays the measurement result of the measurement unit. Here, the measurement unit, the control unit, and the display unit are disposed close to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel procedure of preparing samples for analysis by way of mass spectrometry, preferably LC-MS/MS. Accordingly, functionalized magnetic particles with a hydrophobic surface were used for extracting low molecular weight compounds from complex liquid biological samples such as plasma, serum, whole blood or hemolyzed blood. The method of the invention includes (a) contacting the sample with an amount of functionalized magnetic particles with a hydrophobic surface, (b) incubating the sample and the particles, thereby adsorbing the compound to the hydrophobic surface, (c) separating the particles by applying a magnetic field and removing the liquid, (d) optionally washing the particles, (e) eluting the compound from the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are LC-LC-MS/MS techniques for the analysis of endogenous peptides and other highly polar small molecules. The methods and systems of the present invention can be applied in all industries that utilize LC-MS/MS for the evaluation and quantification of biological analytes in complex matrixes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and a method relate to generating a summed ion spectrum for a test sample, the summed ion spectrum identifying ion intensities at multiple different mass-to-charge ratios, and comparing the summed ion spectrum of the test sample with multiple reference summed ion spectra to identify a potential match.