Patents by Inventor Steven K. Hughes

Steven K. Hughes 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: 9694447
    Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Steven K. Hughes, Robert C. Fry
  • Patent number: 9079268
    Abstract: This invention is improved laser ablation of solid samples analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), ICP mass spectrometry, or flowing afterglow mass spectrometry. A mirror-with-hole eliminates chromatic aberration in sample viewing and allows rad-hardening for radiation hot cell analysis of nuclear waste. Other attributes facilitate comprehensively rad-hardened laser ablation. Additional improvements include large, homogeneous laser spots, long-focus objective lenses, variable laser path length with built-in re-alignment, variable demagnification ratio, higher powered SMR lasers with larger spots enabling sensitive bulk solids analysis, demountable gravitationally self sealing stack assembly sample ablation cells, and laser ablation sample changers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventors: Robert C. Fry, Steven K. Hughes, Madeline J. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20150165550
    Abstract: This invention is improved laser ablation of solid samples analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), ICP mass spectrometry, or flowing afterglow mass spectrometry. A mirror-with-hole eliminates chromatic aberration in sample viewing and allows rad-hardening for radiation hot cell analysis of nuclear waste. Other attributes facilitate comprehensively rad-hardened laser ablation. Additional improvements include large, homogeneous laser spots, long-focus objective lenses, variable laser path length with built-in re-alignment, variable demagnification ratio, higher powered SMR lasers with larger spots enabling sensitive bulk solids analysis, demountable gravitationally self sealing stack assembly sample ablation cells, and laser ablation sample changers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Robert C. Fry, Steven K. Hughes, Madeline J. Arnold
  • Patent number: 8274735
    Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. Fry, Steven K. Hughes, Madeline J. Arnold, Michael R. Dyas
  • Publication number: 20090073586
    Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert C. Fry, Steven K. Hughes, Madeline J. Arnold, Michael R. Dyas
  • Patent number: 4961245
    Abstract: The handle section of a canister vacuum cleaner hose is formed with a noise reducing bleed hole shaped with an inwardly converging wall on the side directed toward the nozzle end of the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Ryobi Motor Products Corp.
    Inventors: James F. Barnes, Jr., Roy H. Herron, Jr., Steven K. Hughes