Patent ID: 6465776
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
An improved mass spectrometer apparatus being operative to analyze multiple separate samples concurrently comprising:A. a detector apparatus for monitoring fluid samples moving therewithin to provide analytic information thereon, said detector apparatus defining a detector inlet means therein adapted to receive fluid samples introduced therethrough; B. a nozzle means defining a plurality of sampling orifices extending therethrough to facilitate parallel entry of multiple fluid samples simultaneously toward said detector inlet means of said detector apparatus, each of said sampling orifices defining a sampling inlet and a sampling outlet being in fluid flow communication with respect to one another through said sampling orifice; C. a sampling housing defining a primary reduced pressure chamber therein, said sampling housing including a sampling pumping means to reduce the air pressure therein to below atmospheric pressure to facilitate fluid sample movement therethrough, said nozzle means being positioned extending through said sampling housing into said primary reduced pressure chamber with each of said sampling outlets thereof positioned within said primary reduced pressure chamber to be exposed to an environment of below atmospheric pressure and with each of said sampling inlets positioned external to said sampling housing to be exposed to ambient atmospheric pressure; and D. fluid introduction means operatively positioned adjacent each of said sampling inlets of said nozzle means to separately provide a fluid sample to each said sampling inlet without any mixing therebetween to facilitate analysis by said detector apparatus, wherein the multiple fluid samples are maintained with minimal interaction between the multiple fluid samples.