Patents Examined by Bernard Souw
  • Patent number: 9552974
    Abstract: An ion mobility separator or spectrometer is disclosed comprising an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder defining an annular volume through which ions are transmitted. Spiral electrodes a-f are arranged on a surface of the inner cylinder and/or on a surface of the outer cylinder. A first device is arranged and adapted to maintain a DC electric field and/or a pseudo-potential force which acts to urge ions from a first end of the ion mobility separator or spectrometer to a second end of the ion mobility separator or spectrometer. A second device is arranged and adapted to apply transient DC voltages to the one or more spiral electrodes in order to urge ions towards the first end of the ion mobility separator or spectrometer. The net effect is to extend the effective path length of the ion mobility separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Martin Raymond Green, David J. Langridge, Jason Lee Wildgoose
  • Patent number: 9548192
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatuses for focusing ions at or above ambient pressure and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an apparatus for focusing ions that includes an electrode having a cavity, at least one inlet within the electrode configured to operatively couple with an ionization source, such that discharge generated by the ionization source is injected into the cavity of the electrode, and an outlet. The cavity in the electrode is shaped such that upon application of voltage to the electrode, ions within the cavity are focused and directed to the outlet, which is positioned such that a proximal end of the outlet receives the focused ions and a distal end of the outlet is open to ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert Graham Cooks, Zane Baird, Wen-Ping Peng
  • Patent number: 9545236
    Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source to emit X-rays; a plurality of photon-counting detectors (PCDs) arranged in a circular ring between the X-ray source and a CT detector; and processing circuitry to cause the X-ray source and the CT detector to perform a helical scan of an object to obtain projection data; extract, from the obtained projection data, a plurality of sets of projection data corresponding to a plurality of X-ray tube positions of the helical scan; and combine the plurality of sets of extracted projection data to obtain a scanogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yuexing Zhang, Satoru Nakanishi, Xiaolan Wang
  • Patent number: 9541525
    Abstract: A system and methodology for the detection of threat substances is described. The detector system consists of a method to evaporate the sample into a primary separator and thermal release of trapped target materials into a secondary separator like conventional GC. The GC column is thermally ramped to elute all substances and the end of the column terminates into an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source of an axial ion mobility spectrometer (AIMS). Both polarity ions are pulsed into a single construction separator tube at different timing. Their arrival time is detected on a collector plate, which allows registering their ion mobility spectra of both polarities for a single GC peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: TEKNOSCAN SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Sabatino Nacson, Aleksandar Crnatovic, George Wiseman
  • Patent number: 9532753
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging device capable of obtaining more diversified X-ray image information. To this end, the present invention comprises: an X-ray generation device for generating an X-ray; an X-ray detection device for detecting the X-ray which is generated in the X-ray generation device and penetrates the subject; and a collimator arranged between the X-ray generation device and the X-ray detection device, wherein the X-ray detection device and/or the collimator provides an X-ray imaging device configured to rotate relative to the X-ray generation device. Thus, since it is possible to adjust an X-ray detection area if necessary, the visual field of the imaging device can be adjusted such that diversified X-ray image information can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Woo Kim, Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 9536723
    Abstract: A field terminator includes a plurality of electrode plates positioned around a guide axis at a radial distance therefrom. The plates generate a quadrupole DC field such that a polarity on each plate is opposite to a polarity on the plates adjacent thereto. The plates may be positioned at an axial end of a quadrupole ion guide such as a mass filter. In addition to an RF field, the ion guide may generate a quadrupole DC field. The DC field of the plates may be opposite in polarity to that of the ion guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Bertsch, Kenneth R. Newton
  • Patent number: 9535100
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of sensors for beam imaging and, in particular, to a new and useful beam imaging sensor for use in determining, for example, the power density distribution of a beam including, but not limited to, an electron beam or an ion beam. In one embodiment, the beam imaging sensor of the present invention comprises, among other items, a circumferential slit that is either circular, elliptical or polygonal in nature. In another embodiment, the beam imaging sensor of the present invention comprises, among other things, a discontinuous partially circumferential slit. Also disclosed is a method for using the various beams sensor embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. McAninch, Jeffrey J. Root
  • Patent number: 9524858
    Abstract: An analytical apparatus (1) for mass spectrometry comprises an electron impact ioniser including an electron emitter (22) and an ionisation target zone (18). The target zone (18) is arranged to be populated with matter to be ionised for analysis. An electron extracting element (36) is aligned with an electron pathway (34) defined between the electron emitter (22) and the ionisation target zone (18). The electron extracting element (36) is configured to accelerate electrons away from the emitter (22) along the electron pathway (34) between the emitter (22) and the extracting element (36) and to decelerate the electrons along the electron pathway (34) between the extracting element (36) and the ionisation target zone (18) to enable soft ionisation while avoiding the effects of coulombic repulsion at the electron source (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Markes International Limited
    Inventor: Pierre Schanen
  • Patent number: 9514923
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and device to desorb an analyte using heat to allow desorption of the analyte molecules, where the desorbed analyte molecules are ionized with ambient temperature ionizing species. In various embodiments of the invention a current is passed through a mesh upon which the analyte molecules are present. The current heats the mesh and results in desorption of the analyte molecules which then interact with gas phase metastable neutral molecules or atoms to form analyte ions characteristic of the analyte molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: IONSENSE INC.
    Inventors: Jordan Krechmer, Brian D. Musselman
  • Patent number: 9508460
    Abstract: A neutron beam diffraction material treatment system utilizes a neutron beam source configured to produce a first neutron beam having a first direction and second neutron beam source configured to produce a second neutron beam having a second direction. The neutron beam diffraction material treatment system can direct the first and second neutron beams to intersect with each other in or on a work-piece and thereby treat the work piece by neutron diffraction. One or more of the neutron beams may be configured to move to change the location of the intersecting point within the work-piece and/or the work-piece may be configured to move. The first and second neutron beams may be configured with a magnetic coil configured around the neutron beam and between the neutron beam source and the work-piece. The magnetic coil may be used to contain the neutron beams and reduce the scattering of neutron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Michelle Corning
  • Patent number: 9506947
    Abstract: A system for performing sample probing. The system including an topography microscope configured to receive three-dimensional coordinates for a sample based on at least three fiducial marks; receive the sample mounted in a holder; and navigate to at least a location on the sample based on the at least three fiducial marks and the three-dimensional coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: DCG SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Ukraintsev, Richard Stallcup, Sergiy Pryadkin, Mike Berkmyre, John Sanders
  • Patent number: 9500588
    Abstract: A liquid sample analyzer includes a liquid sample source, a flow cell, an optical device and a plurality of optical fibers. The flow cell is configured to receive a flow of a liquid sample from the liquid sample source. The plurality of optical fibers optically connect the flow cell to the optical device to transmit light between the flow cell and the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. DiCesare, Feng Jin, Timothy P. Neal, David Aikens
  • Patent number: 9502226
    Abstract: Mass spectrometry systems include a core featuring an ion source, an ion trap, and an ion detector connected along a gas path, a pressure regulation subsystem connected to the gas path and configured to regulate a gas pressure in the gas path, a sample pre-concentrator connected to the gas path, where the sample pre-concentrator includes an adsorbent material, and a controller connected to the sample pre-concentrator, where during operation of the system, the controller is configured to heat sample particles adsorbed on the adsorbent material to desorb the particles from the adsorbent material and introduce the desorbed particles into the gas path, and a pressure difference between a gas pressure in the sample pre-concentrator and a gas pressure in at least one of the ion source, the ion trap, and the ion detector when the desorbed particles are introduced into the gas path is 50 mTorr or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: 908 Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Brown, Glenn A. Harris, Kevin J. Knopp, Michael Jobin, Michael Goodwin, Anthony G. Liepert, Cyril P. Blank
  • Patent number: 9492127
    Abstract: A radiological imaging system for obtaining images of at least a portion of the internal anatomy of a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the radiological imaging system includes a bed including a support surface, pillars extending along an elongational axis of the bed, and pivots terminal ends of the pillars. The radiological imaging system further includes a load-bearing structure comprising a frame that supports the bed, and adjustable fasteners removably attached to the frame, wherein the adjustable fasters are threaded cylinders. The pivots are placed on the adjustable fasteners, and the threaded cylinders of the adjustable fasteners are rotated to adjust a positioning of the pivots, and the shape of the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Epica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory William Stoutenburgh, Damiano Fortuna, Luca Ferretti
  • Patent number: 9494497
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present novel systems, devices and methods for an automated biological sample analysis using mass-spectrometry. The time from sample introduction to the reporting of data, in some embodiments, takes a relatively short amount of time (e.g., several minutes). In some embodiments, a biological sample to be analyzed is a blood sample. For many applications, only a single drop of blood may be sufficient. Through the use of a mixture of standards with unique molecular mass, a quantitative analysis of the target analyte can be performed in a single MS run (for example), eliminating the need to create and analyze standard curves. One advantage of such embodiments may be that the system, devices, and methods can eliminate the need for batch creation since the requirement to amortize the time and effort of creating and analyzing standard curves can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: PureHoney Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Can Ozbal
  • Patent number: 9492126
    Abstract: A radiological imaging system for obtaining images of at least a portion of the internal anatomy of a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the radiological imaging system includes a bed extending along a main direction and including a support surface substantially concave to permit the bed to contain at least a portion of the patient. The radiological imaging system further includes a source suitable to emit radiation, and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. Also, the radiological imaging system may include a load-bearing structure suitable to support the bed, the source and the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Epica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory William Stoutenburgh, Damiano Fortuna, Luca Ferretti
  • Patent number: 9482630
    Abstract: A CT scanner apparatus includes an X-ray source mounted on a gantry of the CT scanner apparatus. The CT scanner apparatus also includes a first X-ray detector mounted on the gantry opposite to the X-ray source, and configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray source and transmitted through an object. The CT scanner apparatus also includes a fixed, sparse array of second X-ray detectors. Each of the second X-ray detectors includes a plurality of stacked scintillators and a photosensor adjacent to a sidewall of the stacked scintillators in a side-readout configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gin Chung Wang, Daniel Gagnon, Michael Silver, Yu Zou
  • Patent number: 9480453
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging device wherein a control section rotates an arcuate movement arm by actuating a turn-driving unit, turns an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor around a subject, and actuates a shifting unit to simultaneously shift the transmission part of the subject, through which an X-ray flux detected by the X-ray sensor passing. Thus provided is an X-ray imaging device in which an X-ray imaging unit having a comparatively narrow detection area can be used to reduce costs, the imaging operation efficiency can be improved, and the vibration of moved members, such as the X-ray imaging unit, can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: THE YOSHIDA DENTAL MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michizo Yamanaka, Terumi Takemoto, Takeshi Tomoe
  • Patent number: 9478405
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems related to the use of the pre-existing ion injection pathway of a mass spectrometer to perform beam-type collision-activated dissociation, as well as other dissociation methods. The methods can be practiced using a wide range of mass spectrometer configurations and allows MSn experiments to be performed on very basic mass spectrometers, even those without secondary mass analyzers and/or collision cells. Following injection and selection of a particular ion type or population, that population can be fragmented via beam-type collision-activated dissociation (CAD), as well as other dissociation methods, using the pre-existing ion injection pathway or inlet of a mass spectrometer. For CAD applications, this is achieved by transmitting the ions back along the ion injection pathway with a high degree of kinetic energy. As the ions pass into the higher pressure regions located in or near the atmospheric pressure inlet, the ions are fragmented and then trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Joshua J. Coon, Graeme C. McAlister
  • Patent number: 9470642
    Abstract: A crystal analysis apparatus includes: a measurement data storage configured to store electron back-scattering pattern (EBSP) data measured at electron beam irradiation points on a plurality of cross-sections of a sample formed substantially in parallel at prescribed intervals; a crystal orientation database configured to accumulate therein information of crystal orientations corresponding to EBSPs; and a map constructing unit that constructs a three-dimensional crystal orientation map based on distribution of crystal orientations in normal directions of a plurality of faces of a polyhedral image having the cross-sections arranged at the prescribed intervals by reading out the crystal orientations in the normal directions of the faces from the crystal orientation database on the basis of the EBSP data stored in the measurement data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xin Man, Toshiaki Fujii