Patent ID: 7977629
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An Apparatus for producing ions for analysis by a mass spectrometer, comprising: an enclosure having at least one wall and interior at substantially atmospheric pressure; solid or neat liquid probe means for individually and directly inserting a solid or neat liquid sample into said enclosure and removing any remaining solid or neat liquid sample out of said enclosure; flange means for mounting and aligning said probe means through a port in said at least one wall of said enclosure; sample holding means on said solid or neat liquid probe means for receiving said solid or neat liquid sample, said sample holding means being comprised of a heat tolerant material; adjusting means on said solid or neat liquid probe means for positioning said sample holding means with said sample in an ionization region in said atmospheric pressure enclosure; means for ionizing said sample by forming a vaporized analyte in said ionization region; and a port in said enclosure for transferring ions in the form of said vaporized analyte into a mass spectrometer.