Patents by Inventor James L. Bertsch

James L. Bertsch 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: 7488953
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The multimode ionization source of the present invention provides one or more atmospheric pressure ionization sources (e.g., electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and/or atmospheric pressure photoionization) for ionizing molecules. A method of producing ions using the multimode ionization source is also disclosed. The apparatus and method provide the advantages of the combined ion sources without the inherent disadvantages of the individual sources. In an embodiment, the multimode ionization source includes an infrared emitter enclosed in an inner chamber for drying a charged aerosol. ESI/APCI multimode sources may include a corona needle shield and/or an auxiliary electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, James L. Bertsch
  • Publication number: 20080087815
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer system includes a first ion source that produces ions in a first ion stream. The mass spectrometer system includes a second ion source that produces ions in a second ion stream. A capillary receives the first and second ion streams and separately introduces ions in the first and second ion streams into a mass spectrometer channel. A mass analyzer is configured to receive and analyze ions from the channel. In one aspect, the capillary introduces ions in the first and second ion streams into the mass spectrometer channel in alternating sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Dean Loucks, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 7329879
    Abstract: A device for manipulating ions which includes a perforated folder of electrically conductive material, a first electrode fixed to the holder and a second electrode extending parallel to the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode and holder. The second electrode is connected to the holder through a rigid support of electrically insulated material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Kernan, Edward C. Cirimele, Mingda Wang, J. Gerson Goldberg, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 7309859
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source, e.g. for a mass spectrometer, that produces ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). It includes a vaporizer, a photon source for photoionizing vapor molecules upon exit from the vaporizer, a passageway for transporting ions to, for example, a mass spectrometer system, and a means for directing the ions into the passageway. The center axis of the vaporizer and the center axis of the passageway form an angle that may be about 90 degrees. Included in the invention is a method for creating ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization along an axis and directing them into a passageway oriented at an angle to that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, Patricia H. Cormia, James L. Bertsch, Karl Hanold
  • Patent number: 7078681
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The multimode ionization source of the present invention provides one or more atmospheric pressure ionization sources (e.g., electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and/or atmospheric pressure photoionization) for ionizing molecules. A method of producing ions using the multimode ionization source is also disclosed. The apparatus and method provide the advantages of the combined ion sources without the inherent disadvantages of the individual sources. In an embodiment, the multimode ionization source includes an infrared emitter enclosed in an inner chamber for drying a charged aerosol. ESI/APCI multimode sources may include a corona needle shield and/or an auxiliary electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 7064322
    Abstract: The invention provides a multipole device for a mass spectrometer system. In general, the multipole device contains a plurality of conductive rods each comprising a conductive layer, a resistive layer, and an insulative layer between the conductive and resistive layers. The invention finds use in a variety of applications, including ion transport, ion fragmentation and ion mass filtration. Accordingly, the invention may be employed in a variety of mass spectrometer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Crawford, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 7002146
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source, e.g. for a mass spectrometer, that produces ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). It includes a vaporizer, a photon source for photoionizing vapor molecules upon exit from the vaporizer, a passageway for transporting ions to, for example, a mass spectrometer system, and a means for directing the ions into the passageway. The center axis of the vaporizer and the center axis of the passageway form an angle that may be about 90 degrees. Included in the invention is a method for creating ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization along an axis and directing them into a passageway oriented at an angle to that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, Patricia H. Cormia, James L. Bertsch, Karl Hanold
  • Patent number: 6849846
    Abstract: A method of constructing an ion mirror having an axial axis which includes arranging electrode plate elements in parallel alignment along the axial axis and attaching a rigid structure to all of the electrode plate elements with adhesive, thereby fixing the electrode plate elements in their respective axial positions and parallel alignment. In an embodiment of the method, the electrode plate elements are arranged in parallel alignment by turning the electrode plate elements from a single workpiece. In an alternative embodiment, the electron plate elements are arranged in parallel alignment by stacking the electrode plate elements using precisely dimensioned spacers, and the spacers are then removed after attachment of the rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6812459
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source, e.g. for a mass spectrometer, that produces ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). It includes a vaporizer, a photon source for photoionizing vapor molecules upon exit from the vaporizer, a passageway for transporting ions to, for example, a mass spectrometer system, and a means for directing the ions into the passageway. The center axis of the vaporizer and the center axis of the passageway form an angle that may be about 90 degrees. Included in the invention is a method for creating ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization along an axis and directing them into a passageway oriented at an angle to that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, Patricia H. Cormia, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6797946
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte are so combined as to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis. The invention provides reduced noise and increased signal sensitivity in both API electrospray and APCI operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Apffel, Jr., Mark H. Werlich, James L. Bertsch, Paul C. Goodley, Kent D. Henry
  • Publication number: 20040079881
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The multimode ionization source of the present invention provides one or more atmospheric pressure ionization sources (e.g., electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and/or atmospheric pressure photoionization) for ionizing molecules. A method of producing ions using the multimode ionization source is also disclosed. The apparatus and method provide the advantages of the combined ion sources without the inherent disadvantages of the individual sources. In an embodiment, the multimode ionization source includes an infrared emitter enclosed in an inner chamber for drying a charged aerosol. ESI/APCI multimode sources may include a corona needle shield and/or an auxiliary electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, James L. Bertsch
  • Publication number: 20040046126
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source, e.g. for a mass spectrometer, that produces ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). It includes a vaporizer, a photon source for photoionizing vapor molecules upon exit from the vaporizer, a passageway for transporting ions to, for example, a mass spectrometer system, and a means for directing the ions into the passageway. The center axis of the vaporizer and the center axis of the passageway form an angle that may be about 90 degrees. Included in the invention is a method for creating ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization along an axis and directing them into a passageway oriented at an angle to that axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Steven M. Fisher, Darrell L. Gourley, Patricia H. Cormia, James L. Bertsch
  • Publication number: 20040046118
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte are so combined as to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis. The invention provides reduced noise and increased signal sensitivity in both API electrospray and APCI operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Apffel, Mark H. Werlich, James L. Bertsch, Paul C. Goodley, Kent D. Henry
  • Publication number: 20040036029
    Abstract: A method of constructing an ion mirror having an axial axis which includes arranging electrode plate elements in parallel alignment along the axial axis and attaching a rigid structure to all of the electrode plate elements with adhesive, thereby fixing the electrode plate elements in their respective axial positions and parallel alignment. In an embodiment of the method, the electrode plate elements are arranged in parallel alignment by turning the electrode plate elements from a single workpiece. In an alternative embodiment, the electron plate elements are arranged in parallel alignment by stacking the electrode plate elements using precisely dimensioned spacers, and the spacers are then removed after attachment of the rigid structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6653626
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source, e.g. for a mass spectrometer, that produces ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). It includes a vaporizer, a photon source for photoionizing vapor molecules upon exit from the vaporizer, a passageway for transporting ions to, for example, a mass spectrometer system, and a means for directing the ions into the passageway. The center axis of the vaporizer and the center axis of the passageway form an angle that may be about 90 degrees. Included in the invention is a method for creating ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization along an axis and directing them into a passageway oriented at an angle to that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, Patricia H. Cormia, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6646257
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The multimode ionization source of the present invention provides one or more atmospheric pressure ionization sources (i.e. electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and/or atmospheric pressure photoionization) for ionizing molecules. A method of producing ions using the multimode ionization source is also disclosed. The apparatus and method provide the advantages of the combined ion sources without the inherent disadvantages of the individual sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, James L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6639216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte are so combined as to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis. The invention provides reduced noise and increased signal sensitivity in both API electrospray and APCI operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Apffel, Jr., Mark H. Werlich, James L. Bertsch, Paul C. Goodley, Kent D. Henry
  • Publication number: 20030075680
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte are so combined as to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis. The invention provides reduced noise and increased signal sensitivity in both API electrospray and APCI operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Apffel, Mark H. Werlich, James L. Bertsch, Paul C. Goodley, Kent D. Henry
  • Patent number: 6498343
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a plurality of electric fields and of orthogonal spray configurations of vaporized analyte are so combined as to enhance the efficiency of analyte detection and mass analysis. The invention provides reduced noise and increased signal sensitivity in both APT electrospray and APCI operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Apffel, Mark H. Werlich, James L. Bertsch, Paul C. Goodley
  • Publication number: 20020179832
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ion source, e.g. for a mass spectrometer, that produces ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). It includes a vaporizer, a photon source for photoionizing vapor molecules upon exit from the vaporizer, a passageway for transporting ions to, for example, a mass spectrometer system, and a means for directing the ions into the passageway. The center axis of the vaporizer and the center axis of the passageway form an angle that may be about 90 degrees. Included in the invention is a method for creating ions by atmospheric pressure photoionization along an axis and directing them into a passageway oriented at an angle to that axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Steven M. Fischer, Darrell L. Gourley, Patricia H. Cormia, James L. Bertsch