Mesh folding chair

A folding mesh chair includes a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides. The chair has an unfolded seating position in which the seat pivots to extend from the frame sides and bottoms of front and rear legs move apart, and a folded position in which the seat pivots toward the frame sides and the front and rear legs move together. One or both of the seat and the backrest have a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held across and substantially covering an opening in an all-plastic hoop fixed between the frame sides.

Ion funnel device

An ion funnel device is disclosed. A first pair of electrodes is positioned in a first direction. A second pair of electrodes is positioned in a second direction. The device includes an RF voltage source and a DC voltage source. A RF voltage with a superimposed DC voltage gradient is applied to the first pair of electrodes, and a DC voltage gradient is applied to the second pair of electrodes.

Biomarkers for liver fibrosis

Methods and systems for diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in a subject are provided. In some examples, such methods and systems can include detecting liver fibrosis-related molecules in a sample obtained from the subject, comparing expression of the molecules in the sample to controls representing expression values expected in a subject who does not have liver fibrosis or who has non-progressing fibrosis, and diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in the subject when differential expression of the molecules between the sample and the controls is detected. Kits for the diagnosis or prognosis of liver fibrosis in a subject are also provided which include reagents for detecting liver fibrosis related molecules.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ION MOBILITY SEPARATIONS

Methods and devices for ion separations or manipulations in gas phase are disclosed. The device includes a single non-planar surface. Arrays of electrodes are coupled to the surface. A combination of RF and DC voltages are applied to the arrays of electrodes to create confining and driving fields that move ions through the device. The DC voltages are static DC voltages or time-dependent DC potentials or waveforms. 1. An ion mobility separation or manipulation device comprising:a. a single, non-planar surface;b. arrays of electrodes coupled to the surface; andc. a combination of RF and DC voltages applied to the arrays of electrodes to create confining and driving fields that move ions through the device.2. The device of further comprising one or more surfaces and/or electrodes external to the device to create additional electric fields on the device.3. The device of wherein voltages applied to the external surfaces and/or electrodes are turned on or turned off.4. The device of wherein the arrays of electrodes coupled to the surface extend above the surface and vary in the distance above the surface.5. The device of wherein one or more of the arrays of electrodes coupled to the surface are turned on or turned off by the external surfaces and/or electrodes.6. The device of wherein the single claim 1 , non-planar surface includes arrays of electrodes on each side of the single claim 1 , non-planar surface.7. The device of wherein the device is located in a partially or completely transparent cover or enclosure.8. The device of wherein the single claim 1 , non-planar surface is one of the following shapes: curved claim 1 , cylindrical claim 1 , a spiral claim 1 , a funnel claim 1 , hemispherical claim 1 , or elliptical.9. The device of wherein the arrays of electrodes comprise one or more arrays of inner RF electrodes and a plurality of arrays of outer DC electrodes claim 1 , wherein the inner array of RF electrodes and the outer array of DC electrodes extend ...

Device for separating non-ions from ions

A device for separating non-ions from ions is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of electrodes positioned around a center axis of the device and having apertures therein through which the ions are transmitted. An inner diameter of the apertures varies in length. At least a portion of the center axis between the electrodes is non-linear.

Ion manipulation method and device

An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.

Method and device for ion mobility separations

Methods and devices for ion separations or manipulations in gas phase are disclosed. The device includes a single non-planar surface. Arrays of electrodes are coupled to the surface. A combination of RF and DC voltages are applied to the arrays of electrodes to create confining and driving fields that move ions through the device. The DC voltages are static DC voltages or time-dependent DC potentials or waveforms.

Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis Absent Electrokinetic Injection

Microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) utilizing a sample injector based on a mechanical valve rather than electrokinetic injection can provide improved sample injections, enhanced capabilities, and can eliminate the need for changing the electric field in the separation channel to induce sample injection. In one instance CE electrodes continuously apply an electric field for CE separation along a separation channel. A sample channel is connected to the separation channel at an intersection and has a sample pressure that is greater than that which is present in the separation channel near the intersection. The sample channel does not have electrodes that apply voltages for electrokinetic injection. A sample injector in the sample channel or at the intersection comprises a mechanical valve to control sample injection from the sample channel to the separation channel. 1. A microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) system comprising:A separation channel and CE electrodes continuously applying an electric field for CE separation along the separation channel;A sample channel connected to the separation channel at an intersection, the sample channel having a sample pressure greater than that of the separation channel at the intersection and lacking electrodes associated with electrokinetic-based injectors; andA sample injector in the sample channel or at the intersection comprising a mechanical valve, and not an electrokinetic-based injector, to control sample injection from the sample channel into the separation channel.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:A plurality of discrete injections of a sample from the sample channel to the separation channel in a rapid, pseudo-random sequence, the sample comprising a plurality of components;A detector at the end of the separation channel detecting the discrete injections after CE-induced overlap, which comprises mixing of at least one component from at least one of the discrete injections to another discrete injection ...

MICROCHIP AND WEDGE ION FUNNELS AND PLANAR ION BEAM ANALYZERS USING SAME

Electrodynamic on funnels confine, guide, or focus ions in gases using the Dehmelt potential of oscillatory electric field. New funnel designs operating at or close to atmospheric gas pressure are described. Effective on focusing at such pressures is enabled by fields of extreme amplitude and frequency, allowed in microscopic gaps that have much higher electrical breakdown thresholds in any gas than the macroscopic gaps of present funnels. The new microscopic-gap funnels are useful for interfacing atmospheric-pressure ionization sources to mass spectrometry (MS) and on mobility separation (IMS) stages including differential IMS or FAIMS, as well as IMS and MS stages in various configurations. In particular, “wedge” funnels comprising two planar surfaces positioned at an angle and wedge funnel traps derived therefrom can compress on beams in one dimension, producing narrow belt-shaped beams and laterally elongated cuboid packets. This beam profile reduces the ion density and thus space-charge effects, mitigating the adverse impact thereof on the resolving power, measurement accuracy, and dynamic range of MS and IMS analyzers, while a greater overlap with coplanar light or particle beams can benefit spectroscopic methods. 1. A device for spatial confinement , guidance , or focusing of ions in gases , comprising:a plurality of electrode elements having microscopic gaps therebetween that produce a Dehmelt pseudopotential due to an oscillatory electric field created by an alternating voltage applied to said elements, wherein field intensity required for effective confinement or focusing under the operational gas pressure is precluded by electrical breakdown through the gas in macroscopic gaps but permitted in microscopic gaps having a higher breakdown threshold.2. The device of wherein said gas pressure is the ambient atmospheric pressure; or a pressure ranging from 50 Torr to about 1 atm; or a pressure ranging from about 1 atm to 5 atm.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein ...

ACCELERATED HIGH RESOLUTION DIFFERENTIAL ION MOBILITY SEPARATIONS USING HYDROGEN CARRIER GAS

A new carder gas medium for differential or field asymmetric waveform on mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) is disclosed. Separations in this medium generally follow those in He/Nmixtures known in the art, but are faster and/or exhibit previously unachievable resolving power, peak capacity, and species resolution. The new medium is resistant to electrical breakdown, readily available, and less expensive than current buffers involving substantial He fractions. Performance gains apply broadly across analyte classes, including peptides and other larger biomolecules, and to ions of various charge states. Improvements are particularly large for larger and singly charged ions with lower mobility in gases. 1. A buffer medium for differential ion mobility spectrometry comprising hydrogen gas.2. The medium of claim 1 , wherein hydrogen has a volume fraction exceeding 70%.3. The medium of claim 1 , wherein the medium is a binary gas mixture.4. The medium of claim 3 , wherein the medium includes a mixture of hydrogen (H) and nitrogen (N).5. The medium of claim 3 , wherein the medium includes a mixture of Hand carbon dioxide (CO).6. The medium of claim 3 , wherein the medium includes a mixture of Hand argon (Ar).7. The medium of claim 3 , wherein the medium includes a mixture of Hand helium (He).8. The medium of claim 1 , wherein the medium comprises at least two gases besides H.9. The medium of claim 8 , wherein the medium is a ternary mixture of H claim 8 , N claim 8 , and CO.10. The r Medium of claim 8 , wherein the medium is a ternary mixture of H claim 8 , He claim 8 , and one other gas.11. The medium of claim 8 , wherein said at least two gases are selected from the group consisting of: N claim 8 , CO claim 8 , Ar claim 8 , He claim 8 , sulfur hexafluoride (SF) claim 8 , and combinations thereof.12. The medium of claim 1 , wherein the medium further comprises a vapor of at least one substance.13. The medium of claim 12 , wherein the at least one substance includes a volatile ...

CONVERTIBLE TABLETOP WITH PIVOTAL MODESTY PANEL

A convertible table has a modesty panel pivotally coupled to a tabletop by a hinge fixed to the tabletop. The modesty panel is slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the tabletop. 1. A convertible table device , comprising:a) a tabletop with a horizontal orientation supported in an elevated position by legs, the tabletop having a front edge and a bottom-most edge;b) a modesty panel pivotally coupled to the tabletop and pivotal between two configurations including a lowered position in which the modesty panel is vertically oriented and hangs from the tabletop, and a raised position in which the modesty panel is horizontally oriented and abuts the front edge of the tabletop with a top surface of the modesty panel flush with a top surface of the tabletop;c) a hinge fixed to the tabletop and pivotally coupling the modesty panel to the tabletop;d) the hinge having a pivot axel fixed with respect to the tabletop and located inward with respect to the front edge;e) the hinge being configured and the pivotal axel being located so that the top surface of the modesty panel is positioned at or behind the front edge of the tabletop in the lowered position;f) the modesty panel being slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the pivot axel between two positions including an extended position in which the modesty panel is displaced away from the tabletop forming a gap therebetween, and a retracted position in which the modesty panel is displaced towards the tabletop; andg) a spring coupled between the modesty panel and the hinge to bias the modesty panel in the retracted position.2. A device in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:a) a pivot hinge plate pivotally coupled to the modesty panel and pivotally coupled to the pivot axel;b) at least one slot formed in the pivot hinge plate with a longitudinal axis transverse to the pivot axel; andc) at least one protrusion extending from the modestly panel and into the at least one ...

LEG LOCKING AND FOLDING MECHANISM FOR FOLDING TABLE

A folding table has a leg pivotally coupled to a bottom of a tabletop. A pair of links is pivotally coupled together and pivotally coupled in series between the tabletop and the leg. The pair of links, the tabletop and the leg form a four-bar, four-pivot linkage, including four pivots and four bars defined between the pivots. The bars of the linkage are sized and the pivots of the linkage are located to resist movement of the linkage through an intermediate binding configuration between open and closed configurations. 1. A folding table device , comprising:a) a tabletop with a bottom; i) an open extended orientation with the leg oriented perpendicular to the tabletop to elevate the tabletop above a support surface with the leg extending between the tabletop and the support surface, and', 'ii) a closed retracted orientation with the leg oriented parallel with the tabletop;, 'b) a leg with a proximal end pivotally coupled to the bottom of the tabletop and having i) an extended configuration corresponding to the open extended orientation of the leg in which the pair of links are aligned with one another in series and oriented transverse to both the tabletop and the leg to hold the leg in the open extended orientation, and', 'ii) a retracted configuration corresponding to the closed retracted orientation of the leg in which the pair of links are parallel with the leg and the tabletop;, 'c) a pair of links pivotally coupled together and pivotally coupled in series between the tabletop and the leg, the pair of links having i) an open configuration corresponding to the open extended orientation of the leg and the extended configuration of the pair of links, and', 'ii) a closed configuration corresponding to the closed retracted orientation of the leg and the retracted configuration of the pair of links;, 'd) the pair of links, the tabletop and the leg forming a four-bar, four-pivot linkage including four pivots and four bars defined between the pivots and havinge) the bars ...

METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE RESOLVING POWER OF ION MOBILITY SEPARATIONS OVER A LIMITED MOBILITY RANGE

A method for raising the resolving power, specificity, and peak capacity of conventional ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. Ions are separated in a dynamic electric field comprising an oscillatory field wave and opposing static field, or at least two counter propagating waves with different parameters (amplitude, profile, frequency, or speed). As the functional dependencies of mean drift velocity on the ion mobility in a wave and static field or in unequal waves differ, only single species is equilibrated while others drift in either direction and are mobility-separated. An ion mobility spectrum over a limited range is then acquired by measuring ion drift times through a fixed distance inside the gas-filled enclosure. The resolving power in the vicinity of equilibrium mobility substantially exceeds that for known traveling-wave or drift-tube IMS separations, with spectra over wider ranges obtainable by stitching multiple segments. The approach also enables low-cutoff, high-cutoff, and bandpass ion mobility filters. 1. A method of increasing resolving power , feature resolution , specificity , or peak capacity of ion mobility separations comprising:a. propagating a first oscillatory electric field wave in a first direction, which pushes ions through a gas-filled enclosure in the first direction;b. applying a second electric field in a direction opposite to the first direction, which pushes ions in the opposite direction; andc. measuring times of ion drift through a fixed distance inside the enclosure to acquire an ion mobility spectrum over a limited mobility range;wherein the second electric field is time-independent or an oscillatory field wave with parameters differing from those of the first field wave and propagated in the direction opposite to the first direction.2. The method of wherein the parameters of the first field wave and the second field are adjusted to improve separation over the mobility range of desired width and position.3. The method of ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ION MOBILITY SEPARATIONS UTILIZING ALTERNATING CURRENT WAVEFORMS

Methods and apparatuses for ion manipulations, including ion trapping, transfer, and mobility separations, using traveling waves (TW) formed by continuous alternating current (AC) are disclosed. An apparatus for ion manipulation includes a surface to which are coupled a first plurality of continuous electrodes and a second plurality of segmented electrodes. The second plurality of segmented electrodes is arranged in longitudinal sets between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes. An RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes is phase shifted by approximately 180° to confine ions within the apparatus. An AC voltage waveform applied to adjacent electrodes within a longitudinal set of the second plurality of segmented electrodes is phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes by 1°-359° to move ions longitudinally through the apparatus for separation. 1. An apparatus for ion manipulations , comprising:at least one surface;a first plurality of continuous electrodes coupled to the at least one surface and in electrical communication with a radiofrequency (RF) voltage source, wherein an RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes by the RF voltage source is phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes by approximately 180°; anda second plurality of segmented electrodes coupled to the at least one surface and arranged in longitudinal sets between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of segmented electrodes being further in electrical communication with an alternating current (AC) voltage source, wherein an AC voltage waveform applied to adjacent electrodes within a longitudinal set of the second plurality of segmented electrodes by the AC voltage source is phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes of the second plurality of electrodes by 1°-359°.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of guard electrodes ...

SECURE DEVICE ON-BOARDING, OWNERSHIP TRANSFER, PROOF-OF-OWNERSHIP, AND MUTUAL AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM

A processor of a device may provision a component of the device with a digital signature algorithm and an authentication key algorithm and/or server-provisioned private and/or public keys. The processor may generate one or more private keys and public keys and/or store them in a secure memory of the device. The processor may transmit the generated public keys to an owner server and receive a pedigree document in response, which may be signed with the private key. The owner server may determine a change in an ownership of the device and append the pedigree document in an immutable fashion in response to the determining to reflect the change in the ownership and/or sign the appended pedigree document with a private key. A chain of ownership of the device is verifiable using only information contained within the appended pedigree document and rooted in the processor itself. 1. A method for device ownership management comprising: a digital signature algorithm and an authentication key algorithm,', 'at least one of server-provisioned private keys, public keys, and certificates, or', 'a combination thereof;, 'provisioning, of a processor of the device, at least one of device hardware, software, and firmware withstoring, by the processor, one or more private keys and public keys in a secure memory of the device;determining, by the owner server, a change in an ownership of the device; andappending, by the owner server, a pedigree document that is signed with a private key of a current owner in an immutable fashion in response to the determining to reflect the change in the ownership,wherein a chain of ownership of the device is verifiable using only information contained within the appended pedigree document and rooted in the processor itself.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising generating claim 1 , by the processor claim 1 , the one or more private keys and public keys.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:transmitting, by the processor, the generated ...

Cushion for Folding Chair

A chair comprises a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides each with a backrest support, a front leg and a rear leg. The seat comprises an upholstered seat cushion disposed on the seat. The upholstered seat cushion comprising a cushion layer carried by a backing and covered by a layer of upholstery. The layer of upholstery extends over the cushion layer and the backing, and wraps around a perimeter of the backing. A snap connection attaches the backing of the upholstered seat cushion to the seat. The snap connection comprises resilient hooks extending from backing of the seat cushion and into holes in the seat. 1. A chair , comprising:a) a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides each with a backrest support, a front leg and a rear leg;b) the seat having a first seat surface upon which a user directly sits;c) an upholstered cushion disposed on the seat and covering the first seat surface;d) the upholstered cushion comprising a cushion layer carried by a backing and covered by a layer of upholstery, the layer of upholstery extending over the cushion layer and wrapped around a perimeter of the backing;e) the upholstered seat cushion having a second seat surface upon which the user directly sits; andf) a snap connection attaching the backing of the upholstered cushion to the seat, and comprising resilient hooks extending from the backing of the upholstered cushion and into holes in the seat.2. The chair in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:a) the seat being flexible and displaceable under an applied force; andb) the backing of the upholstered cushion being flexible and displaceable together with the seat under the applied force.3. The chair in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:a) a perimeter of the backing of the upholstered cushion having an angled lip angled towards the seat, and defining a concave indentation facing the seat; andb) at least a portion of a perimeter of the layer of upholstery gathered together ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPATIAL COMPRESSION AND INCREASED MOBILITY RESOLUTION OF IONS

Methods and apparatuses for ion peak compression and increasing resolution of ions are disclosed. Packets of ions are introduced into a device. A first electric field is applied for dispersing the ion packets temporally or spatially according to their mobilities. A second intermittent traveling wave is applied for regrouping or merging the dispersed ion packets into a lesser number of trapping regions with narrower peaks. The ions packets are compressed into the narrower peak regions by varying a duty cycle of the intermittent traveling wave. 120.-. (canceled)21. An ion manipulation apparatus comprising:a first region configured to receive an ion packet comprising a plurality of ions; receive a first ion sub-packet comprising a first portion of the plurality of ions of the ion packet, and', 'generate an electric field waveform traveling along a first direction and having a varying duty cycle, the electric field waveform configured to drive the received first ion sub-packet along the first direction and generate a compressed ion sub-packet from the first ion sub-packet., 'a second region separate from the first region, the second region configured to22. The ion manipulation device of claim 21 , wherein the electric field waveform travels from a first sub-region of the second region to a second sub-region of the second region claim 21 , wherein the varying duty cycle of the electric field waveform changes from a first duty cycle in the first sub-region to a second duty cycle in the second sub-region.23. The ion manipulation device of claim 22 , wherein change in the duty cycle from the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle is configured to generate the compressed ion sub-packet in the second sub-region from the first ion sub-packet in the first sub-region.24. The ion manipulation device of claim 22 , wherein the second region is further configured to receive a second ion sub-packet comprising a second portion of the plurality of ions of the ion packet claim 22 , ...

Methods and systems for ion manipulation

An ion manipulation device comprises a plurality of electrode rings arranged longitudinally adjacent to each other and defining a central axis therethrough. At least one electrode ring comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first planar pattern. Electrodes are configured to periodically receive a voltage to generate a circular traveling wave that rotates around the electrodes of each electrode ring to confine ions within an interior of the apparatus.

ION MANIPULATION DEVICE

An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area. 1. An ion manipulation device comprising: an inner array of electrodes coupled thereto, the inner array of electrodes configured to receive a radiofrequency (RF) voltage and generate a pseudopotential that inhibits ions from approaching the first and second surfaces, wherein at least two electrodes of the inner array of electrodes are positioned adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis, and', 'a first array of outer electrodes and a second array of outer electrodes coupled thereto, the first array of outer electrodes and the second array of outer electrodes each configured to receive a first direct current (DC) voltage and generate a first DC potential, wherein the generated pseudopotential and the first DC potential manipulate movement of ions between the first and second surface., 'at least one pair of surfaces comprising a first surface and a second surface extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a space therebetween dimensioned to receive ions, each of the first and second surfaces including2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the inner array of electrodes is ...

NANOSCALE BIOCHEMICAL SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

Provided herein are methods and systems for biochemical analysis, including compositions and methods for processing and analysis of small cell populations and biological samples (e.g., a robotically controlled chip-based nanodroplet platform). In particular aspects, the methods described herein can reduce total processing volumes from conventional volumes to nanoliter volumes within a single reactor vessel (e.g., within a single droplet reactor) while minimizing losses, such as due to sample evaporation. 1. A platform for biological sample preparation , comprising:{'sup': '2', '#text': 'a substrate comprising at least one reactor vessel having one or more hydrophilic surfaces configured for containment of a biological sample, wherein the hydrophilic surfaces have a non-zero total surface area less than 25 mm;'}a spacer containing an aperture, wherein the aperture is dimensioned to surround the at least one reactor vessel when the spacer is positioned on the substrate; anda cover positioned on the spacer.2. The platform of claim 1 , further comprising a membrane interposed between the spacer and the cover claim 1 , the membrane configured to form a gas-tight seal between the spacer and the cover to minimize evaporation.3. The platform of claim 1 , wherein the platform is formed from a material that is substantially optically transparent.4. The platform of claim 1 , wherein the platform is formed from glass.5. The platform of claim 1 , further comprising at least one hydrophobic surface surrounding the at least one reactor vessel.6. The platform of claim 1 , further comprising at least two reactor vessels claim 1 , wherein the at least two reactor vessels are separated by a hydrophobic surface.7. The platform of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophilic surface is formed on an upper surface of a pillar and defines the lateral boundary of the least one reactor vessel.8. The platform of claim 1 , wherein the at least one reactor vessel is a well having a depth extending below a ...

Ion manipulation method and device

An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.

DEVICE TO MANIPULATE IONS OF SAME OR DIFFERENT POLARITIES

An apparatus includes a first pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine ions between them in a portion of a confinement volume inwardly laterally in a first confinement direction with respect to a longitudinal ion propagation direction, each opposing electrode arrangement including an arrangement of RF electrodes situated to receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes of the arrangement of RF electrodes so as to provide the confining of ions between the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements, and a second pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine the ions between the second pair in the confinement volume inwardly laterally in a second confinement direction that complements the first confinement direction, each opposing electrode arrangement of the second pair including an arrangement of RF electrodes that receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a first pair of opposing electrode arrangements situated to confine ions between the first pair opposing electrode arrangements in a confinement volume portion of a confinement volume inwardly laterally in a first confinement direction with respect to a longitudinal ion propagation direction, each opposing electrode arrangement of the first pair including an arrangement of RF electrodes situated to receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes of the arrangement of RF electrodes of the opposing electrode arrangement of the first pair so as to provide the confining of ions between the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements; anda second pair of opposing electrode arrangements separate from the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements and situated to confine the ions between the second pair of opposing electrode arrangements in the confinement volume inwardly laterally in a second confinement direction that complements the ...

ION MANIPULATION DEVICE TO PREVENT LOSS OF IONS

An ion manipulation method and device to prevent loss of ions is disclosed. The device includes a pair of surfaces. An inner array of electrodes is coupled to the surfaces. A RF voltage and a DC voltage are alternately applied to the inner array of electrodes. The applied RF voltage is alternately positive and negative so that immediately adjacent or nearest neighbor RF applied electrodes are supplied with RF signals that are approximately 180 degrees out of phase. 1. An ion manipulation device to prevent loss of ions comprising:a. a pair of surfaces;b. an inner array of electrodes coupled to the surfaces; andc. a RF voltage and a DC voltage being alternately applied to the inner array of electrodes, wherein the applied RF voltage is alternately positive and negative so that immediately adjacent or nearest neighbor RF applied electrodes are supplied with RF signals that are approximately 180 degrees out of phase.2. The device of further comprising a first outer electrode array coupled to the surface and positioned on one side of the inner array of electrodes claim 1 , and a second outer electrode array coupled to the surface and positioned on the other side of the inner array of electrodes.3. The device of wherein a second DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer electrode arrays.4. The device of further comprising multiple pairs of surfaces claim 1 , wherein transfer of the ions is allowed through an aperture and guided by a series of electrodes to move between different pairs of surfaces of the multiple pairs of surfaces.5. The device of wherein the device is coupled to at least one of the following: a charge detector claim 1 , an optical detector claim 1 , and a mass spectrometer.6. The device of wherein the device is used to perform ion mobility separations.7. The device of wherein the DC voltage is a static or time-varying DC voltage.8. The device of wherein the time-varying DC voltage is a traveling wave voltage.9. The device of wherein the surfaces ...

SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

Ultrasonic surgical instruments including a handle housing, a switch frame, and a switch assembly are disclosed. The switch assembly may include a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame. The switch assembly may further include a second switch arrangement including a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame, and a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame. The first and second switch arrangements may be configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing. 1. An ultrasonic surgical instrument , comprising:a handle housing;a switch frame operably supported in the handle housing; and a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing, wherein the first switch arrangement is selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame; and', a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing, wherein the right switch button is selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame; and', 'a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing, wherein the left switch button is selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame;, 'a second switch arrangement, comprising at least one of, 'wherein the first and second switch arrangements are configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing, wherein the right switch button is selectively actuatable from the right side of the handle housing and is pivotable about a left switch axis, and wherein the left switch ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ION MOBILITY SEPARATIONS UTILIZING ALTERNATING CURRENT WAVEFORMS

Methods and apparatuses for ion manipulations, including ion trapping, transfer, and mobility separations, using traveling waves (TW) formed by continuous alternating current (AC) are disclosed. An apparatus for ion manipulation includes a surface to which are coupled a first plurality of continuous electrodes and a second plurality of segmented electrodes. The second plurality of segmented electrodes is arranged in longitudinal sets between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes. An RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes is phase shifted by approximately 180° to confine ions within the apparatus. An AC voltage waveform applied to adjacent electrodes within a longitudinal set of the second plurality of segmented electrodes is phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes by 1°-359° to move ions longitudinally through the apparatus for separation.

Boot Bank Selection, Bios, Upgrades and Crisis Recovery In Intel Based Platforms

A firmware upgrade computer system includes a bank select switch that generates a bank select signal. The system further includes a bank module that includes a first firmware code and a second bank module that includes a second firmware code. The system also includes a control module that determines whether the first bank module and the second bank module is a selected bank based on the bank select signal. The control module determines whether the first bank module and the second bank module is a nonselected bank based on the bank select signal. The control module selectively instructs the selected bank to communicate one of the first firmware code and the second firmware code to the nonselected bank. The system also includes a storage module that stores a selected bank value indicative of the selected bank. 1. A firmware upgrade computer system comprising:a bank select switch that generates a bank select signal;a first bank module that includes a first firmware code and a second bank module that includes a second firmware code;a control module that determines whether the first bank module and the second bank module is a selected bank based on the bank select signal and determines whether the first bank module and the second bank module is a nonselected bank based on the bank select signal and selectively instructs the selected bank to communicate one of the first firmware code and the second firmware code to the nonselected bank; anda storage module that stores a selected bank value indicative of the selected bank.2. The system of wherein the control module determines the first bank module is the selected bank based on the bank select signal.3. The system of wherein the control module selectively instructs the first bank module to communicate the first firmware code to the second bank module.4. The system of further comprising the control module determines whether the nonselected bank received the one of the first firmware code and the second firmware code.5. The ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTEGRATING ION MANIPULATION DEVICES

A switch for coupling a first ion manipulation device to a second ion manipulation device comprises a first surface and a second surface, at least one first electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a first voltage and generate a first potential, and at least one second electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a second voltage and generate a second potential, wherein the first potential inhibits the motion of ions along a first direction and the second potential inhibits the motion of ions along a second direction different from the first direction. 1. A switch for coupling a first ion manipulation device to a second ion manipulation device comprising:a first surface and a second surface;at least one first electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a first voltage and generate a first potential; andat least one second electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a second voltage and generate a second potential;wherein the first potential inhibits the motion of ions along a first direction and the second potential inhibits the motion of ions along a second direction different from the first direction.2. The switch of claim 1 , wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.3. The switch of claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to operate in either a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation;wherein, in the first mode of operation, the at least one first electrode does not receive the first voltage and the at least one second electrode receives the second voltage, such that ions in the switch move along the first direction; andwherein, in the second mode of operation, the at least one first electrode receives the first voltage and the at least one second electrode does not receive the second voltage, such that ions in the switch move along the second direction.4. The ...

Process for ultra-sensitive quantification of target analytes in complex biological systems

Antibody-free processes are disclosed that provide accurate quantification of a wide variety of low-abundance target analytes in complex samples. The processes can employ high-pressure, high-resolution chromatographic separations for analyte enrichment. Intelligent selection of target fractions may be performed via on-line Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) or off-line rapid screening of internal standards. Quantification may be performed on individual or multiplexed fractions. Applications include analyses of, e.g., very low abundance proteins or candidate biomarkers in plasma, cell, or tissue samples without the need for affinity-specific reagents.

NANOSCALE BIOCHEMICAL SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

Provided herein are methods and systems for biochemical analysis, including compositions and methods for processing and analysis of small cell populations and biological samples (e.g., a robotically controlled chip-based nanodroplet platform). In particular aspects, the methods described herein can reduce total processing volumes from conventional volumes to nanoliter volumes within a single reactor vessel (e.g., within a single droplet reactor) while minimizing losses, such as due to sample evaporation. 1. A method for preparing a biological sample , comprising the steps of:obtaining a biological sample,{'sup': '2', 'providing a platform including at least one reactor vessel having one or more hydrophilic surfaces configured for containment of the biological sample, wherein the hydrophilic surfaces have a non-zero, total surface area less than 25 mm;'}transferring a first volume of the biological sample to a single reactor vessel, wherein the first volume is a non-zero amount less than 1000 nL;processing the biological sample in the single reactor vessel to yield a processed sample, andcollecting a second volume of the processed sample.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biological sample can include at least one of tissues claim 1 , biopsies claim 1 , cell homogenates claim 1 , cell fractions claim 1 , cultured cells claim 1 , non-cultured cells claim 1 , whole blood claim 1 , plasma claim 1 , and biological fluids.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the biological sample comprises dispensing cellular material from suspension claim 1 , and fluorescence-activated cell sorting.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second volume is a fraction of the first volume ranging from about 10 to about 100%.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophilic surfaces of the at least one reactor vessel have a total surface area of less than 1 mm.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising at least two reactor vessels claim 1 , wherein the at least two reactor ...

ION TRAP DEVICE

An ion trap device is disclosed. The device includes a series of electrodes that define an ion flow path. A radio frequency (RF) field is applied to the series of electrodes such that each electrode is phase shifted approximately 180 degrees from an adjacent electrode. A DC voltage is superimposed with the RF field to create a DC gradient to drive ions in the direction of the gradient. A second RF field or DC voltage is applied to selectively trap and release the ions from the device. Further, the device may be gridless and utilized at high pressure. 1. An ion trap device comprising:a. a series of electrodes that define an ion flow path;b. a first radio frequency (RF) field applied to the series of electrodes such that a first RF waveform on each electrode is phase shifted approximately 180 degrees from the first RF waveform on an adjacent electrode;c. a DC voltage superimposed with the RF field to create a DC gradient to drive ions in the direction of the gradient; andd. two or more wires substantially perpendicular to the ion path and to repel the ions, wherein a second RF waveform applied to each wire is phase shifted approximately 180 degrees from the second RF waveform applied to an adjacent wire by application of a second RF field to the wires, and wherein the device is gridless.2. The ion trap device of wherein the series of electrodes are a series of stacked ring electrodes that define the ion flow path.3. The ion trap device of wherein each of the electrodes in the series has an inner geometry perimeter that is equal to claim 2 , greater than claim 2 , or smaller than claim 2 , an adjacent electrode in the series.4. The ion trap device of wherein the one or more wires are substantially parallel to one another.5. The ion trap device of wherein the device operates at a pressure of about 50 mtorr or higher.6. The ion trap device of wherein the DC gradient is between about 0 V/cm and about 100 V/cm.7. An ion trap device comprising:a. a first set of electrodes ...

BIOMARKERS FOR LIVER FIBROSIS

Methods and systems for diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in a subject are provided. In some examples, such methods and systems can include detecting liver fibrosis-related molecules in a sample obtained from the subject, comparing expression of the molecules in the sample to controls representing expression values expected in a subject who does not have liver fibrosis or who has non-progressing fibrosis, and diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in the subject when differential expression of the molecules between the sample and the controls is detected. Kits for the diagnosis or prognosis of liver fibrosis in a subject are also provided which include reagents for detecting liver fibrosis related molecules. 1. A method of diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in a subject comprising:detecting at least two, at least 3, or at least 4 liver fibrosis-related molecules listed in any of Tables 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 12 and any of SEQ ID NOS: 1-5544 in a sample obtained from the subject;comparing expression of the at least two liver fibrosis-related molecules to controls representing expression of the at least two liver fibrosis-related molecules expected in a subject who does not have liver fibrosis; anddiagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in the subject when differential expression of the at least two liver fibrosis-related molecules between the sample and the control is detected, wherein differential expression comprises an increase or decrease of at least 10% relative to the controls.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis comprises diagnosing or prognosing fast-progressing liver fibrosis or slow-progressing liver fibrosis.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two liver fibrosis-related molecules are listed in: Table 2; Table 3 or Table 5.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein expression of at least claim 1 , five claim 1 , six claim 1 , seven claim 1 , eight claim 1 , nine claim 1 , ten claim 1 , eleven claim 1 , twelve ...

ION FOCUSING DEVICE

Apparatus include a plurality of electrode arrangements spaced apart from each other opposite an ion propagation axis and defining an ion transfer channel that extends along the ion propagation axis that tapers between an input end that is situated to receive ions and an output end that is situated to couple the received ions to an input end of an ion guide. Methods include positioning a plurality of electrode arrangements at oblique angles opposite an ion propagation axis so as to form a ion transfer channel that tapers between an input end and an output end, and coupling the output end of the ion transfer channel to an input end of an ion optical element so as to direct ions in the ion transfer channel into the ion optical element. Related systems are also disclosed. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a plurality of electrode arrangements spaced apart from each other opposite an ion propagation axis and defining an ion transfer channel that extends along the ion propagation axis that tapers between an input end that is situated to receive ions and an output end that is situated to couple the received ions to an input end of an ion guide;wherein the electrode arrangements are arranged in respective electrode arrangement surfaces;wherein at least one of the electrode arrangements includes a plurality of RF electrodes extending in the direction of the ion propagation axis in the surface of the at least one electrode arrangement so that RF electrodes are situated to direct the ions away from the at least one electrode arrangement;wherein the at least one electrode arrangement includes a plurality of traveling wave electrode sets interspersed between the RF electrodes and extending in the direction of the ion propagation axis in the surface of the at least one electrode arrangement so that the traveling wave electrode sets are situated to direct the ions towards the output end of the ion transfer channel.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the received ions are coupled at ...

Device to manipulate ions of same or different polarities

An apparatus includes a first pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine ions between them in a portion of a confinement volume inwardly laterally in a first confinement direction with respect to a longitudinal ion propagation direction, each opposing electrode arrangement including an arrangement of RF electrodes situated to receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes of the arrangement of RF electrodes so as to provide the confining of ions between the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements, and a second pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine the ions between the second pair in the confinement volume inwardly laterally in a second confinement direction that complements the first confinement direction, each opposing electrode arrangement of the second pair including an arrangement of RF electrodes that receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes.

ION MANIPULATION DEVICE

An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area. 1. An ion manipulation device comprising:a. a pair of surfaces;b. arrays of electrodes coupled to the surfaces to which RF potentials are applied to at least one of the surfaces in order to create a pseudopotential that inhibits charged particles from approaching either of the surfaces; andc. simultaneous application of DC potentials to control and restrict movement of ions in between the surfaces.2. The device of wherein the arrays of electrodes comprise an array of inner electrodes claim 1 , a first outer electrode array claim 1 , and a second outer electrode array claim 1 , wherein the inner and the outer array of electrodes extend substantially along the length of each surface.3. The device of wherein the first outer electrode array is positioned on one side of the array of inner electrodes claim 2 , and the second outer electrode array is positioned on the other side of the array of inner electrodes.4. The device of wherein the DC potentials are applied to the first and second outer electrode arrays and wherein the RF potentials claim 1 , with a superimposed electric field claim 1 , ...

Method and apparatus for spatial compression and increased mobility resolution of ions

Methods and apparatuses for ion peak compression and increasing resolution of ions are disclosed. Packets of ions are introduced into a device. A first electric field is applied for dispersing the ion packets temporally or spatially according to their mobilities. A second intermittent traveling wave is applied for regrouping or merging the dispersed ion packets into a lesser number of trapping regions with narrower peaks. The ions packets are compressed into the narrower peak regions by varying a duty cycle of the intermittent traveling wave.

CARRYING CASE WITH ADJUSTABLE VIEWING STAND

A carrying case for a portable electronic device includes an adjustable viewing stand for supporting the electronic device at an angle selected by the user, the adjustable viewing stand comprising at least two panels hingably connected to one another and foldable so as to be able to reside inside the carrying case when the carrying case is closed. 1. A carrying case for an electronic device having a viewing screen , the carrying case adapted to be either in a fully enclosed or open state , the carrying case comprising:a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottom portion having an inner surface,an adjustable viewing stand configurable to support the electronic device, the adjustable viewing stand comprisingat least a first panel and a second panel, said first panel and said second panel hingably connected to one another, the first panel having a viewing surface that supports a surface of the electronic device opposite the viewing screen, the panels adapted to be foldable so as to fit inside the carrying case when the carrying case is in the fully enclosed state,an adjustment tab connected to the second panel andmeans for storing the electronic device between the viewing stand and the inner surface of the bottom portion.2. The invention of wherein the bottom portion has a first well and the top portion has a second well.3. The invention of wherein the carrying case has a case hinge.4. The invention of wherein one panel of the adjustable viewing stand is attached to the first well.5. The invention of wherein the bottom portion has a wall and the adjustable viewing stand is attached to the wall.6. A carrying case for an electronic device having a viewing screen claim 2 , the carrying case adapted to be either in a fully enclosed or open state claim 2 , the carrying case comprising:a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottom portion having an inner surface,a first well and a second well hingably connected to one another, an adjustable viewing stand for the ...

PROCESS FOR ULTRA-SENSITIVE QUANTIFICATION OF TARGET ANALYTES IN COMPLEX BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Antibody-free processes are disclosed that provide accurate quantification of a wide variety of low-abundance target analytes in complex samples. The processes can employ high-pressure, high-resolution chromatographic separations for analyte enrichment. Intelligent selection of target fractions may be performed via on-line Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) or off-line rapid screening of internal standards. Quantification may be performed on individual or multiplexed fractions. Applications include analyses of, e.g., very low abundance proteins or candidate biomarkers in plasma, cell, or tissue samples without the need for affinity-specific reagents. 125-. (canceled)26. A process for quantifying low-abundance target analytes in an entire sample , comprising the steps of:spiking the sample with a known quantity of at least one isotope-labeled target analyte having a pre-identified signal peak;fractionating the sample with a high-resolution liquid chromatography device to produce a plurality of individual fractions;identifying individual fractions having a signal peak identical to the pre-identified signal peak and selecting the identified fractions; andquantifying the low-abundance target analytes in the sample from the ratio of the fractional signal peaks of the low-abundance target analytes to the signal peak of the at least one isotope-labeled target analyte.27. The process of claim 26 , wherein identifying individual fractions further includes combining one or more of the selected individual fractions into individual bins.28. The process of claim 27 , wherein the combining is performed with an N-well plate or a multi-dimensional array.29. The process of claim 27 , wherein the combining includes sorting the selected individual fractions containing the low-abundance target analytes of a similar mass into individual bins as the fractions elute from the high-resolution chromatography device.30. The process of claim 26 , wherein identifying individual fractions ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ION MOBILITY SEPARATION

Methods and devices for ion separations or manipulations in gas phase are disclosed. The device includes a non-planar surface having a first, second and third region. An inner arrays of electrodes is positioned on the first region. A first set of electrodes of the inner array of electrodes is configured to receive RF voltages and generate a first potential upon the receipt of the RF voltage. A first and second outer arrays of electrodes are coupled to the second and third region, respectively. The first and second outer arrays are configured to receive a first DC voltage and generate a second potential upon the receipt of the first DC voltages. The first and second generated potential manipulate movement of ions. 151-. (canceled)52. An ion mobility manipulation device comprising:a non-planar surface comprising a first, second and third region;an inner array of electrodes positioned on the first region, a first set of electrodes of the inner array of electrodes configured to receive RF voltages and generate a first potential upon the receipt of the RF voltage; anda first and second outer arrays of electrodes coupled to the second and third region, respectively, the first and second outer arrays configured to receive a first DC voltage and generate a second potential upon the receipt of the first DC voltages,wherein the first and second generated potential manipulate movement of ions.53. The device of claim 52 , wherein the non-planer surface is curved to form an ion channel claim 52 , wherein movement of ions occurs in the ion channel.54. The device of claim 53 , wherein the inner array of electrodes claim 53 , the first and second outer arrays of electrodes and the ionization separation channel extend along a length of the device.55. The device of claim 53 , wherein the first outer array of electrodes is positioned on a first side of the inner array of electrodes claim 53 , and the second outer array of electrodes is positioned on a second side of the inner array of ...

DEVICE FOR SEPARATING NON-IONS FROM IONS

A device for separating non-ions from ions is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of electrodes positioned around a center axis of the device and having apertures therein through which the ions are transmitted. An inner diameter of the apertures varies in length. At least a portion of the center axis between the electrodes is non-linear. 1. A device for separating non-ions from ions comprising: a plurality of electrodes positioned around a center axis of the device and having apertures therein through which the ions are transmitted , wherein an inner diameter of the apertures varies in length and non-linearly from an entrance of the device to an exit of the device , and wherein at least a portion of the center axis between the electrodes is non-linear; and a RF voltage applied to each of the electrodes and a DC gradient applied across the plurality of electrodes.2. The device of wherein the portion of the non-linear center axis is bent claim 1 , curved claim 1 , or angled.3. The device of further comprising a line of sight from the entrance of the device to the exit of the device claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the line of sight is obstructed.4. The device of wherein the non-ions are pumped away from in between the electrodes.5. (canceled)6. The device of wherein the inner diameter of the apertures is larger at bends than elsewhere in the device.7. The device of wherein the inner diameter of the apertures is larger than an inner diameter of a preceding aperture.8. The device of wherein the inner diameter of the apertures is smaller than an inner diameter of a preceding aperture.9. The device of wherein the apertures are circular.10. The device of wherein the apertures are non-circular.11. (canceled)12. The device of wherein the RF voltage applied to each of the electrodes is 180 degrees out of phase with the RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes.13. The device of wherein the length is at least about 7.5 inches and the plurality of electrodes ...

CARRYING CASE WITH ADJUSTABLE VIEWING STAND

A carrying case for a portable electronic device includes an adjustable viewing stand for supporting the electronic device at an angle selected by the user, the adjustable viewing stand comprising at least two panels hingably connected to one another and foldable so as to be able to reside inside the carrying case when the carrying case is closed and the carrying case comprising at least one subwell.

Biomarkers for liver fibrosis

Methods and systems for diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in a subject are provided. In some examples, such methods and systems can include detecting liver fibrosis-related molecules in a sample obtained from the subject, comparing expression of the molecules in the sample to controls representing expression values expected in a subject who does not have liver fibrosis or who has non-progressing fibrosis, and diagnosing or prognosing liver fibrosis in the subject when differential expression of the molecules between the sample and the controls is detected. Kits for the diagnosis or prognosis of liver fibrosis in a subject are also provided which include reagents for detecting liver fibrosis related molecules.

ION FOCUSING DEVICE

Apparatus include a plurality of electrode arrangements spaced apart from each other opposite an ion propagation axis and defining an ion transfer channel that extends along the ion propagation axis that tapers between an input end that is situated to receive ions and an output end that is situated to couple the received ions to an input end of an ion guide. Methods include positioning a plurality of electrode arrangements at oblique angles opposite an ion propagation axis so as to form a ion transfer channel that tapers between an input end and an output end, and coupling the output end of the ion transfer channel to an input end of an ion optical element so as to direct ions in the ion transfer channel into the ion optical element. Related systems are also disclosed. 120.-. (canceled)21. An ion focusing device , comprising: a first plurality of electrodes extending along the first axis, the first plurality of electrodes comprising a first electrode configured to receive a first radiofrequency (RF) voltage and a second electrode configured to receive a second RF voltage, the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode; and', 'a second plurality of segmented electrodes arranged along the first axis between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of segmented electrodes configured to receive a first plurality of voltages and generate a first traveling wave configured to travel along the first axis., 'a first surface extending along a first axis and a second surface extending along a second axis and defining a space therebetween dimensioned to receive ions, the first axis arranged at a first angle with respect to an ion propagation axis and the second axis arranged at a second angle with respect to the ion propagation axis, the first surface includes a first plurality of inner electrodes comprising22. The ion focusing device of claim 21 , wherein the second surface includes a second plurality of inner electrodes comprising:a third ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPATIAL COMPRESSION AND INCREASED MOBILITY RESOLUTION OF IONS

Methods and apparatuses for ion peak compression and increasing resolution of ions are disclosed. Packets of ions are introduced into a device. A first electric field is applied for dispersing the ion packets temporally or spatially according to their mobilities. A second intermittent traveling wave is applied for regrouping or merging the dispersed ion packets into a lesser number of trapping regions with narrower peaks. The ions packets are compressed into the narrower peak regions by varying a duty cycle of the intermittent traveling wave. 14-. (canceled)5. An apparatus for ion peak compression comprising:a first region configured to receive ion packets and a first electric field for dispersing the ion packets temporally or spatially into a first number of trapping regions according to their mobilities; andsecond region configured to receive a second electric field forming an intermittent traveling wave, the intermittent traveling wave including a varying duty cycle therein for regrouping or merging the dispersed ion packets into a second number of trapping regions smaller than the first number.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the ion packets are regrouped or merged into narrower peak regions by variation of the duty cycle of the intermittent traveling wave.7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first electric field is a traveling wave.8. (canceled)9. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the direction of ion motion in the first region is orthogonally aligned to the direction of ion motion in the second region.10. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the direction of ion motion in the first region is aligned in the same direction to the direction of ion motion in the second region.11. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first region and the second region are aligned at any angle between 0°-359° relative to one another.12. A method of ion peak compression comprising:introducing ion packets into a device having a first region and a second region;applying a ...

ION FUNNEL DEVICE

An ion funnel device is disclosed. A first pair of electrodes is positioned in a first direction. A second pair of electrodes is positioned in a second direction. The device includes an RF voltage source and a DC voltage source. A RF voltage with a superimposed DC voltage gradient is applied to the first pair of electrodes, and a DC voltage gradient is applied to the second pair of electrodes. 1. An ion funnel device comprising:a. a first pair of electrodes positioned in a first direction;b. a second pair of electrodes positioned in a second direction; andc. a RF voltage source and a DC voltage source, wherein a RF voltage with a superimposed DC voltage gradient is applied to the first pair of electrodes, and wherein a DC voltage gradient is applied to the second pair of electrodes.2. The ion funnel device of wherein each of the electrodes in the first direction has a RF phase that is shifted approximately 180 degrees from an adjacent first direction electrode.3. The ion funnel device of wherein the first pair of electrodes are central rung electrodes positioned in a y direction claim 1 , and the second pair of electrodes are guard electrodes positioned in a x direction.4. The ion funnel device of wherein an outlet of the ion funnel device is coupled to one of the following: an ion mobility device claim 1 , a separate ion funnel device claim 1 , and a mass spectrometer device.5. The ion funnel device of wherein an inlet of the ion funnel device is coupled to a separate ion funnel device or an ion source.6. The ion funnel device of wherein the RF frequency applied to the electrodes is in the range of 0.1 kHz to 50 MHz.7. The ion funnel device of wherein the RF amplitude applied to the electrodes is in the range of 1V to 500 V.8. The ion funnel device of wherein the device is formed using at least one of the following: a printed circuit board claim 1 , 3D printing claim 1 , and additive printing.9. The ion funnel device of wherein the distance between each pair of ...

ARC TIME RECORDING SYSTEM FOR AUTO-DARKENING WELDING HELMET

A welding helmet can record a welding time based on an arc intensity detected by a sensor mounted on the helmet. A configured level is compared with the arc intensity detected by the sensor to determine a welding duration. Individual welding times from multiple welding instances can be accumulated over a period of time to provide a total welding time for an operator. The total welding time may be stored in the welding helmet. 1. A welding helmet , comprising:an analog optical sensor configured to detect incoming light and output a signal indicative of a light intensity level; and receive the signal from the analog optical sensor, and', 'record a welding time based on the signal from the analog optical sensor and a configured light level, wherein the welding time corresponds to a duration of time the light intensity level indicated by the analog optical sensor exceeds the configured light level., 'a control circuit configured to2. The welding helmet of claim 1 , wherein the configured light level is user selectable.3. The welding helmet of claim 1 , wherein the control circuit includes a counter configured to determine the welding time.4. The welding helmet of claim 1 , further comprising a transceiver configured to transmit at least the welding time to a welding power source or a computing device.5. The welding helmet of claim 1 , wherein the welding helmet includes an auto-darkening faceplate.6. A welding helmet claim 1 , comprising:an arc detection system configured to detect one or more welding arcs that occur during one or more welding operations;control circuitry configured to lighten or darken a lens assembly of the welding helmet based at least in part on the one or more welding arcs detected by the arc detection system, and to record a duration of an amount of time the one or more welding arcs are present according to the arc detection system, wherein the control circuitry is configured to record only the time of the one or more welding arcs detected by the ...

Supercritical fluid molecular spray film deposition and powder formation

Solid films are deposited, or fine powders formed, by dissolving a solid material into a supercritical fluid solution at an elevated pressure and then rapidly expanding the solution through a short orifice into a region of relatively low pressure. This produces a molecular spray which is directed against a substrate to deposit a solid thin film thereon, or discharged into a collection chamber to collect a fine powder. Upon expansion and supersonic interaction with background gases in the low pressure region, any clusters of solvent are broken up and the solvent is vaporized and pumped away. Solute concentration in the solution is varied primarily by varying solution pressure to determine, together with flow rate, the rate of deposition and to control in part whether a film or powder is produced and the granularity of each. Solvent clustering and solute nucleation are controlled by manipulating the rate of expansion of the solution and the pressure of the lower pressure region. Solution and low pressure region temperatures are also controlled.

Method of making supercritical fluid molecular spray films, powder and fibers

Solid films are deposited, or fine powders formed, by dissolving a solid material into a supercritical fluid solution at an elevated pressure and then rapidly expanding the solution through a heated nozzle having a short orifice into a region of relatively low pressure. This produces a molecular spray which is directed against a substrate to deposit a solid thin film thereon, or discharged into a collection chamber to collect a fine powder. In another embodiment, the temperature of the solution and nozzle is elevated above the melting point of the solute, which is preferably a polymer, and the solution is maintained at a pressure such that, during expansion, the solute precipitates out of solution within the nozzle in a liquid state. Alternatively, a secondary solvent mutually soluble with the solute and primary solvent and having a higher critical temperature than that of primary solvent is used in a low concentration (<20%) to maintain the solute in a transient liquid state. The solute is discharged in the form of long, thin fibers. The fibers are collected at sufficient distance from the orifice to allow them to solidify in the low pressure/temperature region.

Supercritical fluid molecular spray thin films and fine powders

Solid films are deposited, or fine powders formed, by dissolving a solid material into a supercritical fluid solution at an elevated pressure and then rapidly expanding the solution through a short orifice into a region of relatively low pressure. This produces a molecular spray which is directed against a substrate to deposit a solid thin film thereon, or discharged into a collection chamber to collect a fine powder. The solvent is vaporized and pumped away. Solution pressure is varied to determine, together with flow rate, the rate of deposition and to control in part whether a film or powder is produced and the granularity of each. Solution temperature is varied in relation to formation of a two-phase system during expansion to control porosity of the film or powder. A wide variety of film textures and powder shapes are produced of both organic and inorganic compounds. Films are produced with regular textural feature dimensions of 1.0-2.0 μm down to a range of 0.01 to 0.1 μm. Powders are formed in very narrow size distributions, with average sizes in the range of 0.02 to 5 μm.

Gasification material combustion method and apparatus

Serum markers for type ii diabetes mellitus

A method for identifying persons with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, or having type II diabetes mellitus, utilizing selected biomarkers described herein either alone or in combination. The present disclosure allows for broad based, reliable, screening of large population bases and provides other advantages, including the formulation of effective strategies for characterizing, archiving, and contrasting data from multiple sample types under varying conditions. Also provided are arrays and kits that can be used to perform such methods.

Method and apparatus for directing ions and other charged particles generated at near atmospheric pressures into a region under vacuum

A method and apparatus for focusing dispersed charged particles. More specifically, a series of elements within a region maintained at a pressure between 10-1 millibar and 1 bar, each having successively larger apertures forming an ion funnel, wherein RF voltages are applied to the elements so that the RF voltage on any element has phase, amplitude and frequency necessary to define a confinement zone for charged particles of appropriate charge and mass in the interior of the ion funnel, wherein the confinement zone has an acceptance region and an emmitance region and where the acceptance region area is larger than the emmitance region area.

Ionization source utilizing a jet disturber in combination with an ion funnel and method of operation

A jet disturber used in combination with an ion funnel to focus ions and other charged particles generated at or near atmospheric pressure into a relatively low pressure region, which allows increased conductance of the ions and other charged particles. The jet disturber is positioned within an ion funnel and may be interfaced with a multi-capillary inlet juxtaposed between an ion source and the interior of an instrument maintained at near atmospheric pressure. The invention finds particular advantages when deployed to improve the ion transmission between an electrospray ionization source and the first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer.

Treatment of cellulosic materials

A treatment system for cellulosic materials is provided which is particularly adapted for the manual treatment of single pages of books, as well as documents, engineering drawings, maps, and works of art on paper. The system includes a deacidification, self-pressurized solution comprising a deacidification agent, a lower alcohol solvent for the agent, a diluent, and a propellant; delivery apparatus for shipping, storing, and spraying the solution; and a novel cleaning solution for use in conjunction with the deacidification solution and apparatus.

Air pollution-free internal combustion engine and method for operating same

Ion focusing device

Apparatus includes a plurality of electrode arrangements spaced apart from each other opposite an ion propagation axis and defining an ion transfer channel that extends along the ion propagation axis that tapers between an input end that is situated to receive ions and an output end that is situated to couple the received ions to an input end of an ion guide. Methods include positioning a plurality of electrode arrangements at oblique angles opposite an ion propagation axis so as to form an ion transfer channel that tapers between an input end and an output end, and coupling the output end of the ion transfer channel to an input end of an ion optical element so as to direct ions in the ion transfer channel into the ion optical element. RF voltages are applied for confining the ions. Travelling waves are generated along the ion propagation axis.

Compositions and methods for imparting stain resistance to textile articles

A light stabile composition for imparting stain resistance to polyamide fiber-containing textile articles (e.g. nylon, wool or silk carpets) comprises a halogenated (e.g. brominated or chlorinated) aryl group-containing product of the condensation polymerization of a hydroxyaryl sulfonic acid (e.g., para-hydroxyphenyl sulfonic acid), a dihydroxydiaryl sulfone (e.g., dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone) and an aldehyde (e.g., formaldehyde). The polyamide fiber-containing textile articles are converted to a stain resistant product by containing the fibers with an acidified aqueous solution of the aforesaid composition.

Refrigerator cabinet assembly

A refrigerator cabinet includes a shell having first and second laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall, each of the walls includes an in-turned front edge portion defining a liner receiving cavity. The shell further includes a mullion bar, which partitions the shell into first and second liner cavities, and a base member. Both the mullion bar and base member have respective liner receiving portions. With this arrangement, first and second liners are adapted to be inserted into their respective cavities and flexed such that three sides are inserted into the liner receiving cavities, while the remaining side is positioned against a land of the mullion bar or base member. Once in place, the liners are secured through a mullion bar cover and a base member cover. This construction combines the benefits of a front-load process with that of a flex-load process, lowering assembly time without the need to reinforce the liner.

Horizontal baling apparatus

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A horizontal baling apparatus having a compression ram which is provided to as to be recriprocally movable into the baling chamber of the apparatus, and a mechanism which scales the length of stroke of the compression ram to a total stroke of a potentiometer, from the output of which the den-sity of a portion of a bale of material is determined as well as the necessary amount of additional material which is required on successive laminations to maintain the density.

Apparatus, compositions, and methods for assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progression among rapid and slow decline conditions

Methods are disclosed for generating and isolating an informative content repository of respiratory related biomarkers to accurately determine whether an individual has normal or abnormal pulmonary function Specifically, methods are directed to determination of whether individuals have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and if so, whether the affected individuals experience rapid lung decline or slow lung decline as a result of COPD. Also disclosed is an informative content repository of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease biomarkers, which when linked with other informative content provides a powerful tool for diagnosis, study, therapeutic discovery and development, condition management, health maintenance, and linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through pattern of life style, environmental exposure, and genetic susceptibility and inheritance. Disclosed herein is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease biomarker informative content repository comprising at least one COPD biomarker, apparatus and methods to diagnose, assess, address, and ameliorate related conditions.

Hose coupling

A hose coupling in which an insert is insertable within the end of the hose and a ferrule is swaged radially around the hose to grip the hose between the ferrule and insert is adapted to accommodate different hoses of the same nominal bore while having a stop member on the ferrule to contact an abutment on the insert and provide relative location therebetween before swaging, the stop member being collapsible on swaging to prevent the insert being crushed. A hose stop may also be provided to position the end of the hose with the coupling.

Serum markers for type ii diabetes mellitus

A method for identifying persons with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, or having type II diabetes mellitus, utilizing selected biomarkers described herein either alone or in combination. The present disclosure allows for broad based, reliable, screening of large population bases and provides other advantages, including the formulation of effective strategies for characterizing, archiving, and contrasting data from multiple sample types under varying conditions. Also provided are arrays and kits that can be used to perform such methods.

Combined electrophoresis-electrospray interface and method

A system and method for analyzing molecular constituents of a composition sample includes: forming a solution of the sample, separating the solution by capillary electrophoresis into an eluent of constituents longitudinally separated according to their relative electrophoretic mobilities, electrospraying the eluent to form a charged spray in which the molecular constituents have a temporal distribution; and detecting or collecting the separated constituents in accordance with the temporal distribution in the spray. A first high-voltage (e.g., 5-100 KVDC) is applied to the solution. The spray is charged by applying a second high voltage (e.g., +/- 2-8 KVDC) between the eluent at the capillary exit and a cathode spaced in front of the exit. A complete electrical circuit is formed by a conductor which directly contacts the eluent at the capillary exit, or by conduction through a sheath electrode discharged in an annular sheath flow about the capillary exit.

Method and apparatus for ion mobility separations utilizing alternating current waveforms

Methods and apparatuses for ion manipulations, including ion trapping, transfer, and mobility separations, using traveling waves (TW) formed by continuous alternating current (AC) are disclosed. An apparatus for ion manipulation includes a surface to which are coupled a first plurality of continuous electrodes and a second plurality of segmented electrodes. The second plurality of segmented electrodes is arranged in longitudinal sets between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes. An RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes is phase shifted by approximately 180° to confine ions within the apparatus. An AC voltage waveform applied to adjacent electrodes within a longitudinal set of the second plurality of segmented electrodes is phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes by l°-359° to move ions longitudinally through the apparatus for separation.

Method for enhanced accuracy in predicting peptides elution time using liquid separations or chromatography

A method for predicting the elution time of a peptide in chromatographic and electrophoretic separations by first providing a data set of known elution times of known peptides, then creating a plurality of vectors, each vector having a plurality of dimensions, and each dimension representing positional information about at least a portion of the amino acids present in the known peptides. A hypothetical vector is then created by assigning dimensional values for at least one hypothetical peptide, and a predicted elution time for the hypothetical vector is created by performing at least one multivariate regression fitting the hypothetical peptide to the plurality of vectors. Preferably, the multivariate regression is accomplished by the use of an artificial neural network and the elution times are first normalized using linear regression.

Clamping joint for a chair

A clamping joint for a chair includes a joint coupling a front leg and a rear leg to the seat at an overlap with an inner clamp coupled to the seat and an outer clamp coupled to the inner clamp with the front leg and the rear leg clamped between the inner and outer clamps at the overlap. A finger on one of the inner or outer clamps extends towards the other and disposed between the front and rear legs.

Accelerated high resolution differential ion mobility separations using hydrogen carrier gas

A new carrier gas medium for differential or field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) is disclosed. Separations in this medium generally follow those in He/N2 mixtures known in the art, but are faster and/or exhibit previously unachievable resolving power, peak capacity, and species resolution. The new medium is resistant to electrical breakdown, readily available, and less expensive than current buffers involving substantial He fractions. Performance gains apply broadly across analyte classes, including peptides and other larger biomolecules, and to ions of various charge states. Improvements are particularly large for larger and singly charged ions with lower mobility in gases.

Convertible tabletop with pivotal modesty panel

A convertible table has a modesty panel pivotally coupled to a tabletop by a hinge fixed to the tabletop. The modesty panel is slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the tabletop. 64) / 60 18 34 38 54 Fig.1I -22 54 Fig. 2

Combined electrophoresis-electrospray interface and method

A system and method for analyzing molecular constituents of a composition sample includes: forming a solution of the sample, separating the solution by capillary electrophoresis into an eluent of constituents longitudinally separated according to their relative electrophoretic mobilities, electrospraying the eluent to form a charged spray in which the molecular constituents have a temporal distribution; and detecting or collecting the separated constituents in accordance with the temporal distribution in the spray. A first high-voltage (e.g., 5-100 KVDC) is applied to the solution. The spray is charged by applying a second high voltage (e.g., ±2-8 KVDC) between the eluent at the capillary exit and a cathode spaced in front of the exit. A complete electrical circuit is formed by a conductor which directly contacts the eluent at the capillary exit, or by conduction through a sheath electrode discharged in an annular sheath flow about the capillary exit.

Processes for microemulsion polymerization employing novel microemulsion systems

This invention is directed to a microemulsion system comprising a first phase including a low-polarity fluid material which is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, and which has a cloud-point density. It also includes a second phase including a polar fluid, typically water, a monomer, preferably a monomer soluble in the polar fluid, and a microemulsion promoter for facilitating the formation of micelles including the monomer in the system. In the subject process, micelles including the monomer are formed in the first phase. A polymerization initiator is introduced into the micelles in the microemulsion system. The monomer is then polymerized in the micelles, preferably in the core of the micelle, to produce a polymeric material having a relatively high molecular weight.

Crossflow rotary cone rock bit with extended nozzles

CROSSFLOW ROTARY CONE ROCK BIT WITH EXTENDED NOZZLES ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A three cone rock bit is disclosed having at least a pair of mini-extended nozzles extending from a dome portion of the bit. Two 120° leg segments contain extended noz-zles, a third 120° segment is nozzleless. The mini-extended nozzles convert hydraulic pressure to kinetic fluid flow energy with a minimum of flow disturbance, thereby delivering a concentrated flow of fluid against the floor of the formation and across the cutting face of the bit, sweeping detritus past the nozzleless 120° leg segment and up the borehole. A centerjet mini-extended nozzle may additionally be positioned in the rock bit dome to further enhance borehole penetration.

Leg locking and folding mechanism for folding table

A folding table has a leg pivotally coupled to a bottom of a tabletop. A pair of links is pivotally coupled together and pivotally coupled in series between the tabletop and the leg. The pair of links, the tabletop and the leg form a four-bar, four-pivot linkage, including four pivots and four bars defined between the pivots. The bars of the linkage are sized and the pivots of the linkage are located to resist movement of the linkage through an intermediate binding configuration between open and closed configurations.

High temperature fireplace grate including room heating transfer tubes

An improved grate for burning solid fuel having a support for the fuel, a blower for transporting air through the support, a multiplicity of orifices jets uniformly distributed across the entire area of the grate and directed through the support generally upwardly to transport preheated air toward the lower surface of the solid fuel. A trough located immediately below the support, and in close proximity to the lower surface of the solid fuel, for collecting a layer of glowing coals and providing a combustion zone in troughs between the supports. Internal air transport tubes within the support provide passageways for air to flow from the blower out of the grate. A low thermal mass heat reflector may be used with the grate for absorbing radiant energy from the combustion zone and reradiating thermal energy over the fireplace grate and out of the fireplace.

Cabinet for storing a variety of magnetic or optical storage elements

ABSTRACT A cabinet system for storing a variety of magnetic and optical storage elements includes a cabinet frame and a plu-rality of drawers. The overall cabinet system comprises two or more individual units or levels which can be stacked together. In one embodiment, the upper level has two layers with two drawer chambers at each layer for holding drawers for audio cassette tapes, the middle level has two layers with two drawer chambers at each layer for holding drawers for video cassette tapes, and the lower level has one layer with two drawer chambers for holding drawers for compact discs. A level for storing computer floppy discs can be further provided, either between the audio cassette level and the video cassette level or elsewhere. The drawers at different levels are specially designed for storing a spe-cial kind of magnetic or optical storage elements respec-tively. The cabinet system of the present invention can be easily manufactured and has an attractive appearance.

Low pressure electrospray ionization system and process for effective transmission of ions

A system and method are disclosed that provide up to complete transmission of ions between coupled stages with low effective ion losses. A novel “interfaceless” electrospray ionization system is further described that operates the electrospray at a reduced pressure such that standard electrospray sample solutions can be directly sprayed into an electrodynamic ion funnel which provides ion focusing and transmission of ions into a mass analyzer.

Method for identifying type I diabetes mellitus in humans

A method and system for classifying subject populations utilizing predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for type I diabetes mellitus. The method including determining the levels of a variety of markers within the serum or plasma of a target organism and correlating this level to general populations as a screen for predisposition or progressive monitoring of disease presence or predisposition.

Computer with program tracing facility

Sheathless interface for coupling capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry

A sheathless interface for coupling capillary electrophoresis (CE) with mass spectrometry is disclosed. The sheathless interface includes a separation capillary for performing CE separation and an emitter capillary for electrospray ionization. A portion of the emitter capillary is porous or, alternatively, is coated to form an electrically conductive surface. A section of the emitter capillary is disposed within the separation capillary, forming a joint. A metal tube, containing a conductive liquid, encloses the joint.

Method and apparatus for ion mobility separations utilizing alternating current waveforms

Methods and apparatuses for ion manipulations, including ion trapping, transfer, and mobility separations, using traveling waves (TW) formed by continuous alternating current (AC) are disclosed. An apparatus for ion manipulation includes a surface to which are coupled a first plurality of continuous electrodes and a second plurality of segmented electrodes. The second plurality of segmented electrodes is arranged in longitudinal sets between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes. An RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes is phase shifted by approximately 180° to confine ions within the apparatus. An AC voltage waveform applied to adjacent electrodes within a longitudinal set of the second plurality of segmented electrodes is phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes by l°-359° to move ions longitudinally through the apparatus for separation.

Ion funnel with extended mass range and reduced conductance limit aperture

An improved ion funnel design is disclosed that decreases the axial RF (parasite) fields at the ion funnel exit. This is achieved by addition of one or more compensation electrodes after the conductance limit electrode. Various RF voltage profiles may be applied to the various electrodes minimizing the parasite axial potential wells. The smallest RF aperture that serves as the conductance limiting electrode is further reduced over standard designs. Overall, the ion funnel improves transmission ranges of both low m/z and high m/z ions, reducing RF activation of ions and decreasing the gas load to subsequent differential pumping stages.

Electronic computer with program debugging facility

Ion manipulation method and device

An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.

Process for the reduction of metal oxides

Mesh folding chair

A folding mesh chair includes a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides. The chair has an unfolded seating position in which the seat pivots to extend from the frame sides and bottoms of front and rear legs move apart, and a folded position in which the seat pivots toward the frame sides and the front and rear legs move together. One or both of the seat and the backrest have a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held across and substantially covering an opening in an all-plastic hoop fixed between the frame sides.

Methods for recalibration of mass spectrometry data

Disclosed are methods for recalibrating mass spectrometry data that provide improvement in both mass accuracy and precision by adjusting for experimental variance in parameters that have a substantial impact on mass measurement accuracy. Optimal coefficients are determined using correlated pairs of mass values compiled by matching sets of measured and putative mass values that minimize overall effective mass error and mass error spread. Coefficients are subsequently used to correct mass values for peaks detected in the measured dataset, providing recalibration thereof. Sub-ppm mass measurement accuracy has been demonstrated on a complex fungal proteome after recalibration, providing improved confidence for peptide identifications.

Microwave clothes dryer and method with fire protection

Microwave clothes dryer and method in which water is introduced into the chamber in response to detection of an impending fire to immediately increase the moisture content of the clothes throughout the chamber to a level which will not sustain combustion.

Method for calibrating a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

A method for improving the calibration of a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer wherein the frequency spectrum of a sample has been measured and the frequency (f) and intensity (I) of at least three species having known mass to charge (m/z) ratios and one specie having an unknown (m/z) ratio have been identified. The method uses the known (m/z) ratios, frequencies, and intensities at least three species to calculate coefficients A, B, and C, wherein the mass to charge ratio of a least one of the three species (m/z) i is equal to A f i + B f i 2 + C · G  ( I i ) f i Q wherein f i is the detected frequency of the specie, G(I i ) is a predetermined function of the intensity of the species, and Q is a predetermined exponent. Using the calculated values for A, B, and C, the mass to charge ratio of the unknown specie (m/z) ii is calculated as the sum of A f ii + B f ii 2 + C · G  ( I ii ) f ii Q wherein f ii is the measured frequency of the unknown specie, and (I ii ) is the measured intensity of the unknown specie.

Improved high performance ion mobility spectrometry using hourglass electrodynamic funnel and internal ion funnel

A method and apparatus enabling increased sensitivity in ion mobility spectrometry/mass spectrometry instruments which substantially reduces or eliminates the loss of ions in ion mobility spectrometer drift tubes utilizing a device for transmitting ions from an ion source which allows the transmission of ions without significant delay to an hourglass electrodynamic ion funnel at the entrance to the drift tube and/or an internal ion funnel at the exit of the drift tube. An hourglass electrodynamic funnel is formed of at least an entry element, a center element, and an exit element, wherein the aperture of the center element is smaller than the aperture of the entry element and the aperture of the exit elements. Ions generated in a relatively high pressure region by an ion source at the exterior of the hourglass electrodynamic funnel are transmitted to a relatively low pressure region at the entrance of the hourglass funnel through a conductance limiting orifice. Alternating and direct electrical potentials are applied to the elements of the hourglass electrodynamic funnel thereby drawing ions into and through the hourglass electrodynamic funnel thereby introducing relatively large quantities of ions into the drift tube while maintaining the gas pressure and composition at the interior of the drift tube as distinct from those at the entrance of the electrodynamic funnel and allowing a positive gas pressure to be maintained within the drift tube, if desired. An internal ion funnel is provided within the drift tube and is positioned at the exit of said drift tube. The advantage of the internal ion funnel is that ions that are dispersed away from the exit aperture within the drift tube, such as those that are typically lost in conventional drift tubes to any subsequent analysis or measurement, are instead directed through the exit of the drift tube, vastly increasing the amount of ions exiting the drift tube.

Depth adjustable fishing lure

Leg locking and folding mechanism for folding table

A folding table has a leg pivotally coupled to a bottom of a tabletop. A pair of links is pivotally coupled together and pivotally coupled in series between the tabletop and the leg. The pair of links, the tabletop and the leg form a four-bar, four-pivot linkage, including four pivots and four bars defined between the pivots. The bars of the linkage are sized and the pivots of the linkage are located to resist movement of the linkage through an intermediate binding configuration between open and closed configurations.

Method and device for ion mobility separation

Methods and devices for ion separations or manipulations in gas phase are disclosed. The device includes a single non-planar surface. Arrays of electrodes are coupled to the surface. A combination of RF and DC voltages are applied to the arrays of electrodes to create confining and driving fields that move ions through the device. The DC voltages are static DC voltages or time-dependent DC potentials or waveforms.

Uranium-niobium-aluminum ternary alloy

Granular bed air heater

An apparatus and process for the transfer of heat from a hot exhaust fluid stream as, for example, produced by a combustion process, into an incoming air stream, to heat the incoming air stream close to the temperature of the exhaust stream. Such high heat transfer efficiency has heretofore not been practiced due to the fact that these exhaust streams frequently contain particulate, water vapor and other condensable vapors. The particulate in the gas fouls high performance heat exchangers and if the temperature of the gas is reduced below its dewpoint, the condensed moisture exacerbates the fouling problem and introduces a corrosion problem of its own. The apparatus of the invention includes a moving granular bed heat exchanger that can cool the exhaust gas to provide enough energy to heat the incoming air close to the temperature of the exhaust gas. Particulate in the hot exhaust fluid stream is filtered in the granular bed. The apparatus can also include means for the removal of condensed water vapor and other vapors should the exhaust gas be cooled below the dewpoint to provide increased heat transfer. The invention can be used with, for example, boilers, furnaces, dryers and the like, to preheat an incoming air stream.

Cabinet for video game consoles, cartridges, accessories and instruction booklets

Chemical reactions in reverse micelle systems

This invention is directed to conducting chemical reactions in reverse micelle or microemulsion systems comprising a substantially discontinuous phase including a polar fluid, typically an aqueous fluid, and a microemulsion promoter, typically a surfactant, for facilitating the formation of reverse micelles in the system. The system further includes a substantially continuous phase including a non-polar or low-polarity fluid material which is a gas under standard temperature and pressure and has a critical density, and which is generally a water-insoluble fluid in a near critical or supercritical state. Thus, the microemulsion system is maintained at a pressure and temperature such that the density of the non-polar or low-polarity fluid exceeds the critical density thereof. The method of carrying out chemical reactions generally comprises forming a first reverse micelle system including an aqueous fluid including reverse micelles in a water-insoluble fluid in the supercritical state. Then, a first reactant is introduced into the first reverse micelle system, and a chemical reaction is carried out with the first reactant to form a reaction product. In general, the first reactant can be incorporated into, and the product formed in, the reverse micelles. A second reactant can also be incorporated in the first reverse micelle system which is capable of reacting with the first reactant to form a product.

Process for the separation of al and si

Cabinet for video game consoles

Device to manipulate ions of same or different polarities

An apparatus includes a first pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine ions between them in a portion of a confinement volume inwardly laterally in a first confinement direction with respect to a longitudinal ion propagation direction, each opposing electrode arrangement including an arrangement of RF electrodes situated to receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes of the arrangement of RF electrodes so as to provide the confining of ions between the first pair of opposing electrode arrangements, and a second pair of opposing electrode arrangements that confine the ions between the second pair in the confinement volume inwardly laterally in a second confinement direction that complements the first confinement direction, each opposing electrode arrangement of the second pair including an arrangement of RF electrodes that receive an unbiased RF voltage having an alternate phase between adjacent RF electrodes.

Methods for recalibration of mass spectrometry data

Disclosed are methods for recalibrating mass spectrometry data that provide improvement in both mass accuracy and precision by adjusting for experimental variance in parameters that have a substantial impact on mass measurement accuracy. Optimal coefficients are determined using correlated pairs of mass values compiled by matching sets of measured and putative mass values that minimize overall effective mass error and mass error spread. Coefficients are subsequently used to correct mass values for peaks detected in the measured dataset, providing recalibration thereof. Sub-ppm mass measurement accuracy has been demonstrated on a complex fungal proteome after recalibration, providing improved confidence for peptide identifications.

Ion manipulation device

An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.

Method and apparatus for ion mobility separations utilizing alternating current waveforms

Methods and apparatuses for ion manipulations, including ion trapping, transfer, and mobility separations, using traveling waves (TW) formed by continous alternating current (AC) are disclosed. An apparatus for ion manipulation includes a surface to which are coupled a first plurality of continuous electrodes and a second plurality of segmented electrodes. The second plurality of segmented electrodes is arranged in longitudinal sets between or adjacent to the first plurality of electrodes. An RF voltage applied to adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes is phase shifted by approximately 1800to confine ions within the apparatus. An AC voltage waveform applied to adjacent electrodes within a longitudinal set of the second plurality of segmented electrodes in phase shifted on the adjacent electrodes by 1-359° to move ions longitudinally through the apparatus for separation.

Method for enhanced accuracy in predicting the elution times of peptides using liquid separations or chromatography

A method for predicting the elution time of a peptide in chromatographic and electrophoretic separations by first providing a data set of known elution times of known peptides, then creating a plurality of vectors, each vector having a plurality of dimensions, and each dimension representing the elution time of amino acids present in each of these known peptides from the data set. The elution time of any protein is then be predicted by first creating a vector by assigning dimensional values for the elution time of amino acids of at least one hypothetical peptide and then calculating a predicted elution time for the vector by performing a multivariate regression of the dimensional values of the hypothetical peptide using the dimensional values of the known peptides. Preferably, the multivariate regression is accomplished by the use of an artificial neural network and the elution times are first normalized using a transfer function.

End of cycle detector and method for microwave clothes dryer

End of cycle detector and method for a microwave clothes dryer. The temperature of fabric in the dryer is monitored, an increase in the monitored temperature is detected when substantially all moisture has been removed from the fabric, and operation of the dryer is controlled in response to the increase in temperature.

Chemical reactions in reverse micelle systems

This invention is directed to conducting chemical reactions in reverse micelle or microemulsion systems comprising a substantially discontinuous phase including a polar fluid, typically an aqueous fluid, and a microemulsion promoter, typically a surfactant, for facilitating the formation of reverse micelles in the system. The system further includes a substantially continuous phase including a non-polar or low-polarity fluid material which is a gas under standard temperature and pressure and has a critical density, and which is generally a water-insoluble fluid in a near critical or supercritical state. Thus, the microemulsion system is maintained at a pressure and temperature such that the density of the non-polar or low-polarity fluid exceeds the critical density thereof. The method of carrying out chemical reactions generally comprises forming a first reverse micelle system including an aqueous fluid including reverse micelles in a water-insoluble fluid in the supercritical state. Then, a first reactant is introduced into the first reverse micelle system, and a chemical reaction is carried out with the first reactant to form a reaction product. In general, the first reactant can be incorporated into, and the product formed in, the reverse micelles. A second reactant can also be incorporated in the first reverse micelle system which is capable of reacting with the first reactant to form a product.

Tandem high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (faims) / ion mobility spectrometry

The present invention relates to a device for separation and characterization of gas-phase ions. The device incorporates an ion source, a field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) analyzer, an ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) drift tube, and an ion detector. In one aspect of the invention, FAIMS operating voltages are electrically floated on top of the IMS drift voltage. In the other aspect, the FAIMS/IMS interface is implemented employing an electrodynamics ion funnel, including in particular an hourglass ion funnel. The present invention improves the efficiency (peak capacity) and sensitivity of gas-phase separations; the online FAIMS/IMS coupling creates a fundamentally novel two-dimensional gas-phase separation technology with high peak capacity, specificity, and exceptional throughput.

Cabinet for video game consoles, cartridges, accessories, and instruction booklets