Patents Assigned to Elemental Scientific Inc.
  • Patent number: 11531038
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described to determine a prioritization schedule for samples handled by a system with multiple remote sampling systems. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an analysis system at a first location; one or more remote sampling systems at remote from the first location, the one or more remote sampling systems configured to receive a liquid segment and transfer a liquid sample to the analysis system via a transfer line; and a controller communicatively coupled with the analysis system and the one or more remote sampling systems, the controller configured to assign a priority value to a sample for analysis by the analysis system and to manage a queue of samples received from at the one or more remote sampling systems on the basis of the assigned priority value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, David Diaz, Karl Hauke
  • Patent number: 11519521
    Abstract: Rotary valve systems with integrated sensors are described that facilitate stabilizing electrical connection from a valve actuator. A valve system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a multi-port rotary valve; an actuator attached to the multi-port rotary valve, wherein the actuator comprises a power connection fed from electronics associated with the actuator; an actuator cap attached to the actuator, the actuator cap configured to allow the power connection to pass through; a valve collar with an integrated press-on connector, wherein the valve collar comprises an electronic feedthrough passage for the power connection; and a retainer portion comprising two retainer pins, wherein the two retainer pins are configured to mate with apertures on the actuator cap, the retainer portion configured to allow electrical connection between the power connector and a sensor connector when the two retainer pins fit within the two apertures on the actuator cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Brad Prucha, Jeremiah Meints, Jonathan Hein
  • Patent number: 11515135
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for indirect detection of a missed sample from an autosampler. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, drawing a fluid through operation of an autosampler; directing the fluid via a fluid line to a valve of a fluid handling system, the valve including or being adjacent to a sensor to detect a presence or absence of liquid sample; directing the fluid from the valve into a holding line coupled to the valve; determining whether a threshold amount of liquid sample is present in the fluid in the holding line; and when it is determined that liquid sample is present in the fluid in the holding line in an amount less than the threshold amount, transferring a carrier fluid having a marker component to an analytic detector, the marker component present in the carrier fluid in an amount indicative of a missed sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kevin Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11499895
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Austin Schultz, Jacob Unnerstall, Kevin Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11498725
    Abstract: A cap assembly includes a base cap, a chemical resistant sheet, and a closure assembly. The closure assembly is configured for carrying the chemical resistant sheet. The closure assembly is mounted in the base cap. The base cap and the closure assembly together define a central cap assembly aperture therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Field, Kevin Hahn, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11498852
    Abstract: An ultrapure water (UPW) generation and verification system can include a cleaning chemical station, a cleanup column, a conductivity verification station, and a holding reservoir, in fluid communication with one another. The cleaning chemical station can be configured to selectably permit a flow of water to pass therethrough to the cleanup column or to block the flow of water and instead deliver a cleaning chemical to the cleanup column. The conductivity verification station can be configured to selectably perform at least one of the following: permit water to flow from the cleanup column to the holding reservoir; direct fluid to waste; or test the conductivity of the water for a purity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Mason Spilinek, Tyler Yost, Michael Volkmar
  • Patent number: 11493523
    Abstract: Systems and methods for safe collection and transportation of fluid samples for analysis are described to avoid exposure of hazardous materials to personnel during collection and transfer of samples to laboratory processing equipment. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample module including an enclosure configured to separate a sample from an external environment; a filling station defining a compartment into which the sample module can be received, the filling station configured to direct a fluid sample into the sample module and to rinse fluid connections between the filling station and the sample module prior to decoupling of the sample module from the filling station; and a sample transfer station configured to receive the sample module and to transfer sample from the sample module and direct the sample into a sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Field, Kevin Hahn
  • Patent number: 11476134
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for integrated decomposition and scanning of a semiconducting wafer, where a single chamber is utilized for decomposition and scanning of the wafer of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Yost, Daniel R. Wiederin, Beau Marth, Jared Kaser, Jonathan Hein, Jae Seok Lee, Jae Min Kim, Stephen H. Sudyka
  • Patent number: 11441978
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic preparation of samples through evaporative sampling for subsequent analysis are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample source configured to supply a sample; an evaporation container fluidically coupled with the sample source to receive the sample; a temperature control element operably coupled with the evaporation container to vaporize a liquid portion of the sample within the evaporation container, the evaporation container fluidically coupled with a gas input to receive a gas to transport vapor from the evaporation container; and a cooling system configured to receive the vapor from the evaporation container and to condense the vapor for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz, Beau A. Marth, Mason Spilinek
  • Patent number: 11422140
    Abstract: An autosampler system can include a z-axis mount, a carriage, an autosampler arm, and a compression nut. The carriage can be axially positioned on the z-axis mount. The autosampler arm can define an arm extension and an autosampler arm mount. The autosampler arm mount can define an arm mount aperture, an arm mount inner ledge, and an arm mount compressible section, the arm mount aperture configured to receive the z-axis mount and the carriage therethrough. The arm mount inner ledge can extend from an interior of the arm mount aperture, with the arm mount inner ledge configured to receive the z-axis mount therethrough and be supported on the carriage. The arm mount compressible section can define a set of compressible section threading and at least one compressible section slot. The compression nut can be affixed to the arm mount compressible section via the set of compressible section threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Smith, Eric Radda, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11406973
    Abstract: A fluid handling assembly for selectively coupling and decoupling with a pipet tip can include a sampling arm, an arm cover, a probe carrier unit, a probe, and a biasing spring. The arm cover can be carried by the sampling arm. The probe carrier unit can be movably mounted within the arm cover, with the probe carrier unit including a probe release structure and a main probe carrier. The probe release structure and the main probe carrier can be interconnected. The probe can be carried by the main probe carrier and movable through a probe opening in the arm cover. The probe can be configured to releasably carry a pipet tip. The biasing spring can be carried within the arm cover and can contact the probe release structure. The biasing spring can bias the probe release structure to push the probe down toward the probe opening in the arm cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Jared Kaser
  • Patent number: 11402306
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline matrix matching of calibration standards to samples. In implementations, this can be accomplished with three independent syringes connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce a carrier, diluent, and ultrapure stock matrix flows for each blank, standard, or sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Saetveit
  • Patent number: 11397142
    Abstract: A sample agitation system for an automated sampling device is described. In an example implementation, the sample agitation system includes a sample probe configured to contact a sample positioned within a sample vessel. Further, the sample agitation system includes an actuator coupled to the sample probe that is configured to stir the sample positioned within the sample vessel in one or more rotational directions. The directions may include, but are not limited to, clockwise motion, anti-clockwise motion, or the like. In some implementations, a sample probe support arm can be coupled to the sample probe and/or the actuator. The actuator can move the sample probe support arm in a translational, a rotational, and/or a vertical direction to rotate the sample probe and stir the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Toms
  • Patent number: 11376557
    Abstract: A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11348773
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for calibrating an analytical instrument analyzing a plurality of sample matrices in series. A system embodiment can include, but is not limited to, a sample analysis device configured to receive a plurality of samples from a plurality of remote sampling systems and to determine an intensity of one or more species of interest contained in each of the plurality of samples; and a controller configured to generate a primary calibration curve based on analysis of a first standard solution having a first sample matrix by the sample analysis device and generate at least one secondary calibration curve based on analysis of a second standard solution having a second sample matrix by the sample analysis device, the controller configured to associate the at least one secondary calibration curve with the primary calibration curve according to a matrix correction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Michael P. Field, Jae Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 11315776
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Schultz, Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 11316462
    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: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 11285473
    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: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 11264222
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for heating sample transfer lines between a source of a sample and a detection system to detect analytes of interest in the sample, where the sample is maintained in a heated state to maintain dissolved analytes of interest in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle W. Uhlmeyer, Tyler Yost, Jacob Unnerstall, Aaron Williams
  • 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