Patents by Inventor Austin Schultz

Austin Schultz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11257664
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to concentrate and homogenize a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration and homogenization system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, at least a first valve, at least a first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, a flow meter fluidically coupled with the first column when the first valve is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column, and a homogenization valve including a sample homogenizing loop in which the concentrated sample is homogenized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 11209343
    Abstract: A method for detecting material in a sample using an ICP instrument includes preparing the sample for analysis by the ICP instrument using hydrogen gas. For example, hydrogen gas can be generated by initiating a hydride generation reaction with the sample. Further, hydrogen gas can be introduced to a component part of the sample. For instance, hydrogen gas can be added to an injector gas in a spray chamber of the ICP instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 11056328
    Abstract: A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a spectrometry analysis system that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inline dilution environment, including a first valve assembly configured to prepare a sample by accepting at least one of the sample, a diluent, a carrier, or an internal standard, where the first valve assembly includes a first sample loop; and a second valve assembly configured to prepare the sample by accepting the sample from the first valve assembly, where the second valve assembly is coupled to the first valve assembly, and where the second valve assembly includes a second sample loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Austin Schultz, Jonathan Hein
  • Publication number: 20210131918
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to maintain a liquid sample segment of a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling to an analysis system. A system, embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample transfer line configured to transport a liquid sample from a remote sampling system via gas pressure; a sample loop fluidically coupled with the sample transfer line, the sample loop configured to hold a sample fluid; and a backpressure chamber fluidically coupled with a gas pressure source and with the sample transfer line, the backpressure chamber configured to supply a backpressure against the liquid sample during transport through the sample transfer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Austin Schultz, Jacob Unnerstall, Kevin Wiederin
  • Publication number: 20210121873
    Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210098243
    Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Austin Schultz, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10942096
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to concentrate a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of valves including at least a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve; a plurality of columns including at least a first column and a second column, the first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, the second column fluidically coupled to the second valve; and a flow meter coupled with the third valve, the flow meter fluidically coupled with each of the first column and the second column when the plurality of valves is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column and the second column, wherein the plurality of valves includes a second flow path configuration and a third flow path configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz, Michael Paul Field, Nathan Saetveit
  • Patent number: 10828634
    Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20200258731
    Abstract: A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a spectrometry analysis system that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inline dilution environment, including a first valve assembly configured to prepare a sample by accepting at least one of the sample, a diluent, a carrier, or an internal standard, where the first valve assembly includes a first sample loop; and a second valve assembly configured to prepare the sample by accepting the sample from the first valve assembly, where the second valve assembly is coupled to the first valve assembly, and where the second valve assembly includes a second sample loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Austin Schultz, Jonathan Hein
  • Publication number: 20200188903
    Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20200103077
    Abstract: A system can include a valve assembly including a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve. The valve assembly can be configured to deliver one or more of a sample, a chemical (e.g., an acid, a base, an organic chemical, etc.), and a standard via flow of a working fluid facilitated by one or more syringe pumps. Further, the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard can maintain a physical separation from the one or more syringe pumps during delivery of the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 10500583
    Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 10465853
    Abstract: A system can include a valve assembly including a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve. The valve assembly can be configured to deliver one or more of a sample, a chemical (e.g., an acid, a base, an organic chemical, etc.), and a standard via flow of a working fluid facilitated by one or more syringe pumps. Further, the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard can maintain a physical separation from the one or more syringe pumps during delivery of the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20190214241
    Abstract: A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a spectrometry analysis system that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inline dilution environment, including a first valve assembly configured to prepare a sample by accepting at least one of the sample, a diluent, a carrier, or an internal standard, where the first valve assembly includes a first sample loop; and a second valve assembly configured to prepare the sample by accepting the sample from the first valve assembly, where the second valve assembly is coupled to the first valve assembly, and where the second valve assembly includes a second sample loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Austin Schultz, Jonathan Hein
  • Patent number: 10340832
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for hydride generation. In some embodiments, the system includes an assembly for introducing hydride generation reagents into a mixing path or mixing container, where the assembly includes first chamber configured to contain a first hydride generation reagent and a second chamber configured to contain a second hydride generation reagent. A first plunger is configured to translate within the first chamber and cause a displacement of the first hydride generation reagent, and a second plunger is configured to translate within the second chamber and cause a displacement of the second hydride generation reagent. The assembly further includes base coupling the first plunger and the second plunger together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20190070601
    Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20190072464
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to concentrate a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of valves including at least a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve; a plurality of columns including at least a first column and a second column, the first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, the second column fluidically coupled to the second valve; and a flow meter coupled with the third valve, the flow meter fluidically coupled with each of the first column and the second column when the plurality of valves is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column and the second column, wherein the plurality of valves includes a second flow path configuration and a third flow path configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz, Michael Paul Field, Nathan Saetveit
  • Patent number: 10192726
    Abstract: A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a spectrometry analysis system that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inline dilution environment, including a first valve assembly configured to prepare a sample by accepting at least one of the sample, a diluent, a carrier, or an internal standard, where the first valve assembly includes a first sample loop; and a second valve assembly configured to prepare the sample by accepting the sample from the first valve assembly, where the second valve assembly is coupled to the first valve assembly, and where the second valve assembly includes a second sample loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Austin Schultz, Jonathan Hein
  • Patent number: 9909957
    Abstract: A method for detecting material in a sample using an ICP instrument includes preparing the sample for analysis by the ICP instrument using hydrogen gas. For example, hydrogen gas can be generated by initiating a hydride generation reaction with the sample. Further, hydrogen gas can be introduced to a component part of the sample. For instance, hydrogen gas can be added to an injector gas in a spray chamber of the ICP instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Publication number: 20170276296
    Abstract: A system can include a valve assembly including a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve. The valve assembly can be configured to deliver one or more of a sample, a chemical (e.g., an acid, a base, an organic chemical, etc.), and a standard via flow of a working fluid facilitated by one or more syringe pumps. Further, the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard can maintain a physical separation from the one or more syringe pumps during delivery of the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz