Patents Assigned to Ionwerks
  • Patent number: 7145134
    Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Gonin, Valeri Raznikov, Katrin Fuhrer, J. Albert Schultz, Michael I. McCully
  • Publication number: 20060192104
    Abstract: Improved ion focusing for an ion mobility drift cell allows for improved throughput for subsequent detection such as mass detection. Improved focusing is realized by the use of alternating regions of high and low electric fields in the ion mobility drift cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicant: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Schultz, Valeri Raznikov, Thomas Egan, Michael Ugarov, Agnes Tempez
  • Patent number: 7084395
    Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Katrin Fuhrer, Marc Gonin, Kent J. Gillig, Thomas F. Egan, Michael I. McCully, J. Albert Schultz
  • Patent number: 7084393
    Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments are disclosed for monitoring fast processes with large dynamic range using a multi-threshold TDC data acquisition method or a threshold ADC data acquisition method. Embodiments using a combination of both methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Katrin Fuhrer, Marc Gonin, Thomas F. Egan, William Burton, J. Albert Schultz, Valerie Vaughn, Steven Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7081617
    Abstract: A method and device for the gas-phase separation of ionic biomolecules including peptide, and protein or inorganic cluster ions or nanoparticles by ion mobility and for depositing them intact on a surface in a spatially addressable manner is described. The surface onto which the proteins are deposited can be modified for the purpose of constructing microarrays of biologically relevant materials or for promoting the growth of highly ordered protein crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignees: Ionwerks, Inc., The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: John A. McLean, David H. Russell, J. Albert Schultz
  • Patent number: 7060973
    Abstract: A new detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is disclosed. This detection scheme allows extending the dynamic range of spectrometers operating with a counting technique (TDC). The extended dynamic range is achieved by constructing a multiple anode detector wherein the individual anodes detect different fractions of the incoming particles. Different anode fractions are achieved by varying the size, physical location, and electrical/magnetic fields of the various anodes. An anode with a small anode fraction avoids saturation and allows an ion detector to render an accurate count of ions even for abundant species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Gonin
  • Patent number: 7019286
    Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Katrin Fuhrer, Marc Gonin, Kent J. Gillig, Thomas Egan, Michael I. McCully, John A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6992284
    Abstract: Improved ion focusing for an ion mobility drift cell allows for improved throughput for subsequent detection such as mass detection. Improved focusing is realized by the use of alternating regions of high and low electric fields in the ion mobility drift cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Albert Schultz, Valeri Raznikov, Thomas F. Egan, Michael V. Ugarov, Agnes Tempez
  • Patent number: 6989528
    Abstract: The present invention enhances the laser desorption of biological molecular ions from surfaces by creating a surface localized MALDI particle matrix by ion implantation of low energy ionized clusters (gold, aluminum, etc.) or chemically derivatized clusters into the near surface region of the sample. MALDI analysis of the intact biomolecules on the surface or within a narrow subsurface region defined by the implantation range of the ions can then be performed by laser desorption into a mass spectrometer or, in a preferred embodiment, into a combined ion mobility orthogonal time of flight mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Albert Schultz, Michael V. Ugarov, Thomas F. Egan, Agnes Tempez, Yvon Le Beyec, Serge Della-Negra
  • Patent number: 6909090
    Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ionwerks
    Inventors: Marc Gonin, Valeri Raznikov, Katrin Fuhrer, J. Albert Schultz, Michael I. McCully
  • Patent number: 6897437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ion mobility spectrometer and method for the analysis of chemical samples. The improvements are realized in the optimization of resolution and sensitivity. Increases in sensitivity are realized by preserving a narrow spatial distribution of migrating ions through the use of periodic/hyperbolic field focusing. Additionally, novel combinations and configurations of components are used to simultaneously maintain a well defined ion packet and preserve sample throughput to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Ionwerks
    Inventors: Katrin Fuhrer, Kent J. Gillig, Marc Gonin, David H. Russell, John A. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040217275
    Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Gonin, Valeri Raznikov, Katrin Fuhrer, J. Albert Schultz, Michael I. McCully
  • Patent number: 6812454
    Abstract: A new detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is disclosed. This detection scheme allows extending the dynamic range of spectrometers operating with a counting technique (TDC). The extended dynamic range is achieved by constructing a multiple anode detector wherein the individual anodes detect different fractions of the incoming particles. Different anode fractions are achieved by varying the size, physical location, and electrical/magnetic fields of the various anodes. An anode with a small anode fraction avoids saturation and allows an ion detector to render an accurate count of ions even for abundant species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ionwerks
    Inventor: Marc Gonin
  • Patent number: 6747271
    Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Ionwerks
    Inventors: Marc Gonin, Valeri Raznikov, Katrin Fuhrer, J. Albert Schultz, Michael I. McCully
  • Publication number: 20040046117
    Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: IONWERKS
    Inventors: Marc Gonin, Valeri Raznikov, Katrin Fuhrer, J. Albert Schultz, Michael I. McCully
  • Patent number: 6683299
    Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ionwerks
    Inventors: Katrin Fuhrer, Marc Gonin, Kent J. Gillig, Thomas Egan, Michael I. McCully, John A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6639213
    Abstract: This invention is generally in the field of improved ion mobility spectrometry. The improvement lies in the use of periodic focusing electric fields that minimize the spatial spread of the migrating ions by keeping them in a tight radius about the axis of travel. The resulting enhancement in sensitivity is accomplished without a concomitant loss in resolution as would normally be expected when non-linear fields are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignees: The Texas A & M University System, Ionwerks
    Inventors: Kent J. Gillig, David H. Russell
  • Publication number: 20030111597
    Abstract: A detection scheme for time-of-flight mass spectrometers is described that extends the dynamic range of spectrometers that use counting techniques while avoiding the problems of crosstalk. It is well known that a multiple anode detector capable of detecting different fractions of the incoming particles may be used to increase the dynamic range of a TOFMS system. However, crosstalk between the anodes limits the amount by which the dynamic range may be increased. The present invention overcomes limitations imposed by crosstalk by using either a secondary amplification stage or by using different primary amplification stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Gonin, Valeri Raznikov, Katrin Fuhrer, J. Albert Schultz, Michael I. McCully
  • Patent number: 5644128
    Abstract: A position sensitive fast timing detector for determining time-of-flight mass analysis and position of atomic particles includes a channel plate assembly for detecting the impact of one or more atomic particles a transforming them into one or more electron clouds. The electron cloud then passes through an electron detector which includes a meandric delay line located in front of a back plate. A second meandric delay line may also be utilized, wherein the second delay line is orthogonal with the first delay line. A grid may be placed between the first and second meandric delay lines to reduce cross-talk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ionwerks
    Inventors: Hermann Wollnik, Christoph Klein