Abstract: In an aircraft having an aircraft landing gear, the aircraft landing gear includes an arm, a leg and a bogie at the lower end of the leg. The bogie is moveable in a direction along the length of the leg and pivotable between a trimmed deployed position and a stowable position. The arm is mounted on the landing gear and is rotatable between a first position in which the bogie is positioned in the trimmed deployed position, and a second position in which the bogie is positioned in the stowable position. Movement of the arm can be effected by a positioning rotary actuator, which is not located in the primary or secondary load paths.

Abstract: Variable-height rear landing gear for an aircraft, the strut (20) of said rear landing gear comprising a variable-volume internal fluidic chamber that makes it possible in particular to modify the trim of the aircraft during the take-off phase.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an aircraft for transporting at least one cargo container is disclosed. The aircraft comprises a forward fuselage, an empennage, a beam structure, and mounts to detachably and structurally engage the at least one cargo container with the beam structure. The beam structure is disposed between the forward fuselage and the empennage and the beam structure configured to receive the at least one cargo container. The beam structure and structurally engaged cargo container provide sufficient structural rigidity to support the aircraft in flight.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an elongate planar member, a number of flanges, and a number of channels at ends of the number of flanges. The elongate planar member may have a first side, a second side, and a number of holes. The first side may be opposite to the second side, wherein the first side may be capable of being secured to a track having a substantially planar surface with an array of holes. The number of flanges may extend from the second side of the elongate planar member. Each channel in the number of channels may have a bottom, a first wall, and a second wall. The first wall may have a first lip, and the second wall may have a second lip, wherein the first lip and the second lip may extend towards a centerline of an associated channel in the number of channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an under-floor system for providing a functional space for an aircraft. The under-floor system comprises a support-member structure and a cover element. The support-member structure is designed such that the support-member structure can be fastened to an aircraft structure element. The cover element can be fastened to the support-member structure such that the cover element is spaced apart from, for example, the aircraft floor. By means of spacing the cover element apart from the aircraft floor, the functional space can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum toilet system for transporting toilet waste water and for collecting the waste water in an aircraft. The vacuum toilet system comprises a waste water transport tank and a waste water collection tank that is always subjected to a cabin pressure. In this case, the vacuum toilet system is designed in such a way that the transport of the waste water through the waste water transport tank takes place in combination with a pressure difference between the toilet and an outboard ventilation. The waste water is collected in a waste water collection tank. In this case, the waste water collection tank may be realized in the form of a conform, unpressurized waste water collection tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft passenger seat assembly that includes: (a) first and second seats selectively movable between upright and reclined positions and adapted for being positioned beside and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other; (b) a center console having a relatively wide aft end and a relatively narrow forward end for being positioned between the first and second seats; and © the relatively wide aft end of the center console including first and second foot wells therein adapted to permit the feet of a passenger seated in an aft-positioned first or second seat to extend therein when the aft-positioned first or second seat is in the recline position.

Abstract: A wing, such as a wing for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), includes a beam or box that can be selectively expanded from a collapsed condition, to increase the thickness of the wing. The beam may include a pair of plates that are close together when the beam is in a collapsed condition, and separate from one another to put the beam in an expanded condition. The plates may be substantially parallel to each other, and may have shape memory foam and/or resilient devices, such as coil springs, between them, in order to provide a force to separate the plates before, during, and/or after deployment of the wing. The expandable/collapsible beam may have a lock mechanism to lock it into place when the beam is in an expanded condition.

Abstract: A composite structural member includes first and second composite sections spliced together by an overlapping composite splice member.

Abstract: An aircraft including a cabin, on at least one wall of which are attached first portions of plural multisystem connection devices, each device including a male portion or plug and a female portion or socket capable of fitting into each other. Each male and female portion includes: a first mechanism connecting to a liquid or gas supply of the aircraft; and a second mechanism connecting to a supply of electricity and/or electric signals of the aircraft.

Abstract: According to the invention, the method comprises exposing a surface (3) sensitive to relative wind and monitoring the thermal flow variations between the surface (3) and the aerodynamic flow, said variations resulting from that of the forced-convection thermal exchange coefficient between the surface (3) and the aerodynamic flow depending on the rime or ice build-up, using the temperature sensor (12) under the surface (3), considering that stripping occurs by the flow of an ice layer formed on the surface (3) if it is detected, preferably after heating by at least one heater (4), that there is a brisk rise of the flow at a temperature close to 0° C., and supplying after the detection of ice stripping, a signal indicating the presence of rime or rime conditions. A cooler (5) may cool the surface (3) for anticipating the formation of ice with a heating process. The invention can be used for detecting rime and/or rime conditions on a flying aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ducting for a fuel pipeline of an aircraft or spacecraft, in particular designed to be mounted in each of the wings of an aircraft, an aircraft wing incorporating this ducting and a method for producing same. This ducting comprises at least one multilayer pipe (1) having two respectively inner (2) and outer (3) layers made of a composite plastic material that is leakproof and chemically resistant to the fuel and that is reinforced by electrically conductive reinforcing means, these layers being separated by an intermediate layer (4), notably capable of stiffening the pipe when flexed and/or to insulate it electrically.

Abstract: Solar cells include a substrate consisting essentially of silicon, a first junction disposed over the substrate, the first junction comprising at least one III-V material and having a threading dislocation density of less than approximately 107 cm?2, and a cap layer disposed over the first junction, the cap layer comprising silicon.

Abstract: An aircraft component, such as a wing, has perforations through an outer wall for boundary layer suction. In the space between the outer wall and inner wall partition walls form pressure channels and suction channels that are adjacent to each other and alternate, which channels communicate with the perforations. For example, alternating channels may be formed by a corrugated structure having trapezoidal corrugations providing a larger area for the suction channels than for the pressure channels. The pressure channels may be coupled to a hot-air reservoir by a control device, lines and valves, and the suction channels may be coupled to a vacuum reservoir, unless a short-circuit valve is used to cross connect the lines.

Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft wing assembly, the assembly comprising a main wing element with a leading edge; a slat on the leading edge of the main wing element; and a seal member. The assembly is placed in a first configuration during take off in which the slat is in a deployed position with a slot between the slat and the main wing element, and the seal member is in a deployed position in which it seals the slot. During cruise both the slat and the seal member are retracted. During landing the slat is deployed fully with a slot between the slat and the main wing element, but the seal member is kept in its retracted position so that the slot remains open.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for arranging and fastening electrical units (152, 154, 156) in particular in a switchgear cabinet (1), wherein the apparatus (10) has a mount element (14), on the fitting side of which it is possible for a module mount (150) with at least one electrical unit (152, 154, 156) arranged thereon to be arranged and fastened, characterized in that the mount element (14) has a groove (16), which extends in a longitudinal direction and is open towards the fitting side and in which the module mount (150) can be suspended in an optional position in the longitudinal direction of the groove (16), and in that the groove (16) is shaped in such a way that, owing to the force of the weight which acts on the suspended module mount (150), the module mount (150) is arranged on the mount element (14) and is secured against falling down from the mount element (14), and to a fitting system with such an apparatus (10).

Abstract: This invention relates to novel “bracket” to be used in the operating room of hospitals. The bracket of the invention holds a transducer at the level of a patient's heart in order to easily and accurately record pressures during surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip (1) for attaching pipes (2) to a linear beam element (3), wherein at least one mounting (5) for a pipe (2) is provided. At least two fastening jaws (7) with which the clip can be fixed to the linear beam (3)are provided. When the clip is not in the fixed state, an introduction gap (8) is present between the fastening jaws (7) through which the linear beam element (3) can be introduced into a linear mounting channel (9). During the conversion of the clip (1) into the fixed state, the fastening jaws (7) can be introduced into a fastening opening (12) with at least partial closure of the introduction gap (8). When the clip (1) is in the fixed state, the linear beam element (3) is taken up in the linear mounting channel (9) between the fastening jaws (7) in such a way that said linear beam element (3) cannot be lost.

Abstract: A device according to the present invention includes a support bracket coupled, or adapted to be coupled, to a longitudinal support member, such as a microphone stand, and a receiver extending from the support bracket. The support bracket is generally formed in a coil. The receiver may be integrally formed with the support bracket, or may be removably coupled thereto. A plurality of interchangeable receivers may also be provided.

Abstract: A support bracket assembly for an upright computer casing (12) is provided in which an operatively generally horizontal support platform (1) is supported at the lower end of a lower upright suspension member (2) and an upper operatively upright suspension member member (3) forming together with the lower suspension member a composite suspension member has an attachment unit (4) at its upper end for attachment to a desk (5) or the like. One suspension member is of generally squat tubular configuration receiving the other of the elongate suspension members telescopically therein. Preferably, the outer suspension member has two oppositely disposed series of formations (11) spaced apart in the direction in which the platform extends from the suspension members and both are that engaged simultaneously by stop means (6) associated with the inner suspension member. The stop means is preferably and upright rotatable worm gear (6).

Abstract: A support device includes a support frame, an arm, a first tray, and a second tray. The support frame is configured to rest on a support surface. The arm is coupled to the support frame and configured to rotate between at least a first position and a second position about a central axis substantially parallel to the support surface. The first tray is coupled to the arm and configured to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to the central axis as the arm rotates between the first and second positions. The second tray is coupled to the arm and configured to rotate about a second axis substantially parallel to the central axis as the arm rotates between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A combination stand and sign holder capable of supporting an object such as a fire extinguisher, as well as holding at least one sign thereon. The combination may be used to provide fire extinguishers or other safety components, as well as instructional signs or exit information, in compliance with safety regulations at construction sites and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical unit which by great flexibility enables the arranging and positioning of an electronic unit containing a screen, e.g. a TV, in such a way that the display surface of the unit can be disposed optimally with respect to the comfort of the user. By the indicated invention is achieved a large degree of freedom with regard to rotating and tilting the unit to relevant positions.

Abstract: A cantilever bracket assembly includes a case bracket having an elongated channel, a generally L-shaped mounting bracket and means for locking the case bracket to the mounting bracket. The L-shaped mounting bracket includes a first portion having a protrusion for attaching the mounting bracket to a vertical standard and a second portion slidable within the elongated channel of the case bracket. The case bracket is slidable between an unlocked position and a locked position relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A suction device is provided, including a suction unit, a fixing unit, a press unit and a linkage positioning unit. The fixing unit is located on top of the suction unit. The press unit is restricted between the area close to circumference of the fixing unit and the top surface of the suction unit. The linkage positioning unit is fixed to above the fixing unit and performs linked movement with the pulling element of the suction unit. When the fixing unit tilts partially by the exerted force of a hanging object, the press unit can still press tightly against the area close to the circumference of the suction unit to maintain a strong suction hold and improve the suction durability.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible device incorporating a magnet, and the method of manufacturing the device, wherein said device is used for holding an exercise towel against the metallic surfaces of fitness machines to promote the hygienic use of fitness towels. The device comprises an elongate strap having opposed and first and second end portions. An opening is provided in the first end portion for receiving a towel and a magnet is embedded within the second end portion for attaching the metallic surface of fitness machine.

Abstract: A support for mounting so as to project from the front face of a panel having an array of holes therethrough. The support includes a support body having a distal end spaced from the panel when the support is mounted thereon, with a pair of legs extending from the proximal end of the support body. The legs each have an ear spaced from the support body proximal end to define a shoulder facing the rear face of the panel when the support is mounted thereon. Support flanges on the support body proximal end define mounting surfaces facing the shoulders defined on the leg ears, and a biasing flange on the support body proximal end includes a flexible portion projecting beyond the support flange mounting surfaces toward the shoulders defined on the leg ears.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mounting a switch or the like on a mounting plate. The switch comprises a housing with a housing top side supported on the back side of the mounting plate, a fastening protrusion including fastening means, as well as a plurality of resilient tongues, each having a locking protrusion. The fastening protrusion and the resilient tongues are inserted for mounting purposes from behind into an opening of the mounting plate, with the locking protrusions locking in place with the front edge of the opening. Furthermore, the device comprises a fastening element that can be mounted from the front side of the mounting plate and cooperates with the fastening means of the fastening protrusion. According to the invention the resilient tongues extend from the housing top side substantially in vertical direction and are spaced apart from the fastening protrusion.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus of web camera includes a first clamping element, a second clamping element and at least one elastic element. The first clamping element has a base portion for engaging with a web camera. The base portion has a first clamping surface. A guide portion is extended from the first clamping surface. The second clamping element has a main portion which has a second clamping surface. The second clamping surface defines a recess for relatively slidably engaging with the guide portion and then adjusting the width of a clamping space defined by the first and second clamping surfaces. The elastic element is disposed between the first clamping element and the second clamping element for providing a clamping force between the first and second clamping surfaces.

Abstract: A shelf support including a rod portion and a seating portion extending therefrom is provided. The rod portion is adapted for fixing to a support wall. The seating portion includes a spiral-shaped outer surface which constitutes a plurality of support surfaces for supporting a bottom portion of a shelf, where, when the rod portion is fixed to the support wall and the bottom portion of the shelf is disposed above the seating portion, rotation of the shelf support causes a portion of the spiral-shaped outer surface to engage the bottom portion of the shelf.

Abstract: An accessory holding device for a wheelbarrow includes a body member and a strap member. The body member has a flat surface with a periphery. The body member includes a plurality of compartments configured on the flat surface for receiving accessories. Further, the strap member is disposed on a portion of the periphery of the flat surface. The strap member includes a hook and loop fastener disposed on each of a first end portion and a second end portion of the strap member. The first end portion and the second end portion of the strap member extend outwardly from the periphery. Furthermore, the hook and loop fastener disposed on each of the first end portion and the second end portion is capable of removably mounting the body member to a pair of handles extending in a spaced apart relation with each other from the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: Described herein is a system having a low profile storage position for supporting multiple computer monitors. The system includes a base, a support column connected to the base, and an arm assembly connected to the support column for supporting multiple computer monitors. A base-column hinge, near where the support column connects to the base, has a substantially horizontal rotation axis when the base rests on a horizontal surface that allows the support column to fold downwards to become substantially parallel to the base. The arm assembly includes a first hinge for rotating a first portion of the arm assembly from an extended position to a folded position and a second hinge for rotating a second portion of the arm assembly opposite the first portion from an extended position to a folded position.

Abstract: A support device adjustable in 3-DOF includes a base, a pitching arm, a rolling arm, a yawing arm, a pitching drive unit, a rolling drive unit, a yawing drive unit, and a controller. The rolling arm rotatably interconnects the pitching arm and the yawing arm. The pitching, rolling, and yawing drive units are configured for automatically driving the pitching, rolling, and yawing arms about pitch, roll, and yaw axes respectively. The roll axis is perpendicular to the pitch and yaw axes. The controller is configured for controlling the pitching, rolling and yawing drive units in response to control inputs. In use, a display panel can be attached to the yawing arm and automatically pitch, roll, and/or yaw by the respective drive units under control of the controller, to achieve an optimum viewing angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device capable of supporting drawing work while improving the continuity of the drawing work. According to a drawing support device 1, components corresponding to successive position trajectories of the tip of a pen 2 are displayed on a panel 3, and this enables drawing work with the feeling of hand drawing. Further, among the components displayed on the panel 3, the shape or the like of a “first component” to be a changing target is changed based on the shape or the like of a “reference component” selected from “second components” excluded from the selection of the changing target, so that the workload of adjustment of the shape or the like of the first component can be reduced. Although a second component targeted for a specification operation is specified as the reference component, since the pen 2 is used for the specification operation, continuity from the hand drawing of the components to the drawing work is not impaired.

Abstract: An adjustable wall-hanger assembly comprises a hanger adapted to be secured to a wall and defining an opening of an interior of the hanger. A hanger slide is mounted to the hanger, is adapted to slide continuously substantially horizontally or vertically in the opening of the hanger, and defines a slot of an interior of the hanger slide extending substantially the other of horizontally or vertically with respect to the hanger slide. A mounting fastener is received through the slot of the hanger slide and adapted to slide continuously along the slot and be fastened to the wall to mount the assembly to the wall. A combination of the continuous substantially horizontal and vertical sliding of the hanger slide and mounting fastener allows for substantially infinite placement of the mounting fastener in the opening of the hanger. A hanger hook is fixedly connected to and extends outwardly from the hanger and substantially overlies the opening of the hanger for supporting an object hung on the hanger hook.

Abstract: A support strut includes a strut isolator with a first strut end member and a second strut end member, the second strut end distal from the first strut end. The first strut end member includes an outer rigid housing with an inner cavity. The second strut end member includes an inner rigid member extending into the outer rigid housing inner cavity and includes an inertial track extending in a direction from the first strut end towards the second strut end. The inertial track has a first entrance end proximate the first strut end and a second entrance end proximate the second strut end. The isolator includes a first outer tubular elastomer disposed between the outer rigid housing and the inner rigid member. The isolator includes a second inner end tubular elastomer disposed between the outer rigid housing and the inner rigid member proximate the second strut end.

Abstract: A machine tool platform producing a lateral restraining force comprises a lower base and an upper support that are connected to each other through plural mattresses. The lower base is provided with plural elastic elements, the upper support is provided with plural stopping members. By such arrangements, if the upper support horizontally vibrates relative to the lower base, the elastic elements and the stopping members can be used to produce a lateral restraining force to suppress the vibration.

Abstract: A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control.

Abstract: A method of focus and a focusing apparatus and a detecting module are provided. The detecting module includes an ellipse curved-surface reflection device and a light detector. The ellipse curved-surface reflection device has a beam gate, a first focus and a second focus. A light beam is focused by a light focusing device, and is projected on a surface of an object to be detected through the beam gate. The ellipse curved-surface reflection device reflects the light beams reflected or scattered by the object. The light detector is disposed on the second focus for receiving the light beam reflected by the ellipse curved-surface reflection device to generate a detecting result, by which a distance between the light focusing device and the surface of the object to be detected is adjusted, so that the light beam is correctly focused on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A signal amplifier connected to a photodetector that converts a received optical signal to a current signal includes: a preamplifier converting the current signal to voltage and supplying the resultant voltage signal; a main amplifier amplifying the voltage signal supplied from the preamplifier and in which at least the input stage is made up from a differential circuit; two or more follower circuits provided between the preamplifier and the main amplifier and supplied with the voltage signal; resistors of equal resistance provided for each follower circuit on the paths between the output of the preamplifier and each input of the main amplifier; and a capacitor having one end connected to one of the resistors and the other end connected to ground. A low-pass filter for detecting the average potential of the voltage signal is configured by the capacitor and the resistor that is connected to the capacitor.

Abstract: A photo detection device includes a first lead frame, a second lead frame, a photo detection die having a coating layer, and an enclosure. The first lead frame forms a carriage section. The coating layer is formed on the photo detection die. The photo detection die is mounted on the carriage section of the first lead frame and forms electrical connection with the second lead frame through a conductor. The enclosure is a non-light-transmittable member forming therein a receiving space. The enclosure is mounted on the first and second lead frames and receives the photo detection die in the receiving space thereof. The enclosure forms an opening for light detection by the photo detection die. As such, detection of a long wavelength invisible light, such as an infrared light, by the photo detection die can be prevented to thereby provide a photo detection device with increased reliability of detection.

Abstract: A back-illuminated image sensor includes a sensor layer disposed between an insulating layer and a circuit layer electrically connected to the sensor layer. An imaging area includes a plurality of photodetectors is formed in the sensor layer and a well that spans the imaging area. The well can be disposed between the backside of the sensor layer and the photodetectors, or the well can be a buried well formed adjacent to the backside of the sensor layer with a region including formed between the photodetectors and the buried well. One or more side wells can be formed laterally adjacent to each photodetector. The dopant in the well has a segregation coefficient that causes the dopant to accumulate on the sensor layer side of an interface between the sensor layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: An object is to provide a photoelectric conversion device which can correct a difference between a measured light intensity and an actual light intensity, which occurs when output current decreases due to the fact that a strong light is received, and outputs the corrected current. The photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion element; a photocurrent output circuit for providing a first current corresponding to the amount of incident light on the photoelectric conversion element; a photocurrent correcting circuit which includes a corrective photoelectric conversion element for providing a second current, the corrective photoelectric conversion element including a light shield film for blocking part of light; a photocurrent adder circuit which includes a circuit for providing a fourth current; and an amplifier circuit including a circuit which amplifies a current corresponding to the sum of the first current and the fourth current and outputs the amplified current.

Abstract: An optical element is provided, which is small in distortion when at least three optical members including a resin layer sandwiched by the optical members are cemented together, has a high environmental resistance and optical performance, and has an excellent chromatic aberration correction effect. In the optical element, the resin layer is formed on one of light incident/exit surfaces of a first optical member, and a second optical member is cemented to the resin layer by a bonding material. A condition of ?g<?r is satisfied where ?r indicates an outer diameter of the resin layer and ?g indicates an effective region diameter of a surface of the second optical member which is cemented to the resin layer.

Abstract: A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population.

Abstract: The device (10) according to the invention for counting and detecting flat products (14) comprises a light source (16) having an illumination beam profile (24), an optical sensor (18) having a detection beam profile (30) and an evaluation unit (20) connected to the optical sensor (18). The detection beam profile (30) overlaps the illumination beam profile (24) in a detection region in which a section (33) of a surface profile of the flat products (14) is illuminated, the section being at least partially delimited by the illumination beam profile (24). A detection signal generated by the optical sensor (18) is fed to the evaluation unit (20), which determines therefrom the number of flat products located in the detection region.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a device comprising an optical pipe comprising a core and a cladding, the optical pipe being configured to separate wavelengths of an electromagnetic radiation beam incident on the optical pipe at a selective wavelength through the core and the cladding, wherein the core is configured to be both a channel to transmit the wavelengths up to the selective wavelength and an active element to detect the wavelengths up to the selective wavelength transmitted through the core. Other embodiments relate to a compound light detector.

Abstract: An improved method for TEM sample creation. The use of a SEM-STEM detector in the dual-beam FIB/SEM allows a sample to be thinned using the FIB, while the STEM signal is used to monitor sample thickness. A preferred embodiment of the present invention can measure the thickness of or create S/TEM samples by using a precise endpoint detection method that is reproducible and suitable for automation. Preferred embodiments also enable automatic endpointing during TEM lamella creation and provide users with direct feedback on sample thickness during manual thinning. Preferred embodiments of the present invention thus provide improved methods for endpointing sample thinning and methods to partially or fully automate endpointing to increase throughput and reproducibility of TEM sample creation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the gain of a gamma-ray spectroscopy system are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of stabilizing the gain of a gamma-ray spectroscopy system may include generating light corresponding to gamma-rays detected from a geological formation using a scintillator having a natural radioactivity, generating an electrical signal corresponding to the light, and stabilizing the gain of the electrical signal based on the natural radioactivity of the scintillator. The scintillator may contain, for example, naturally radioactive elements such as Lutetium or Lanthanum.

Abstract: One virtual rod electrode is composed by a plurality of electrode plain plates arranged in the ion optical axis direction, and four virtual rod electrodes are arranged around the ion optical axis to form a virtual quadrupole rod type ion transport optical system (30). In one virtual rod electrode, the interval between the adjacent electrode plain plates is set to be large in the anterior area (30A) and small in the posterior area (30B). As the interval between electrodes becomes larger, high-order multipole field components increase and therefore the ion acceptance is increased, which enables an efficient acceptance of ions coming from the previous stage. On the other hand, if the interval between electrodes is small, the quadrupole field components relatively increase and the ion beam's convergence is improved. Therefore, ions can be effectively introduced into a quadrupole mass filter for example in the subsequent stage, which contributes to the enhancement of the mass analysis' sensitivity and accuracy.