Patents by Inventor Christopher T. Fields

Christopher T. Fields 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).

  • Publication number: 20260024739
    Abstract: A photoionization detector sensor comprised of plate, at least one opening in the plate for UV light to pass through, and at least one electrically conductive pattern on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. The at least one electrically conductive pattern can include a negative electrical potential pattern comprised of a first material. Further, the negative electrical potential pattern can have a void in its center, and the void can surround the at least one opening. The plate can be comprised of a second material that is different than the first material. The negative electrical potential pattern can be located on at least one of the top or the bottom surfaces, and the at least one electrically conductive pattern can further include an electron collecting electrode pattern on the other of top or bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2025
    Publication date: January 22, 2026
    Applicant: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, David J. Jennings, Christopher T. Fields
  • Publication number: 20260016447
    Abstract: A photoionization detector sensor comprised of a plate having top and bottom surfaces and an electrically insulating substrate; at least one opening in the plate for UV light to pass through; a negative electrical potential pattern on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces; and an electron collecting electrode pattern having a wire suspended across the at least one opening. The negative electrical potential pattern includes a linear portion and a polarization plate. The electron collecting electrode pattern further includes a linear portion on the surface opposite the wire. The electrically conductive patterns can further include a grounded potential conductive pattern having a first portion on the top surface and a second portion on the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Applicant: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, David J. Jennings, Christopher T. Fields
  • Patent number: 12455261
    Abstract: A photoionization detector comprised of a gas discharge lamp that ionizes molecules of interest to create ionized molecules and electrons and a sensor having at least one opening for UV light to pass through and electrically conductive patterns on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the plate, including at least a negative electrical potential pattern and an electron collecting electrode pattern. The ionized molecules are collectable by a bias electrode and electrons are collectable by a collector electrode. The negative electrical potential pattern includes a linear portion and a polarization plate. The electron collecting electrode pattern includes a wire suspended across the at least one opening and a linear portion on the surface opposite the wire. The electrically conductive patterns can further include a grounded potential conductive pattern having a first portion on the top surface and a second portion on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2025
    Assignee: MOCON, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, David J. Jennings, Christopher T. Fields
  • Patent number: 12451343
    Abstract: A photoionization detector comprised of a gas discharge lamp that ionizes molecules of interest to create ionized molecules and electrons and a sensor having at least one opening for UV light to pass through and electrically conductive patterns on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. A negative electrical potential pattern can be on one of the top or the bottom surface and can include an interior portion that is at least a first distance away from every edge of the at least one opening. An electron collecting electrode pattern can be on the other of the top or the bottom surface and can substantially fill an area surrounding the opening such that the negative electrical potential pattern and the electron collecting electrode pattern are offset relative to each other. The ionized molecules are collectable by a bias electrode and electrons are collectable by a collector electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2025
    Assignee: MOCON, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, David J. Jennings, Christopher T. Fields
  • Publication number: 20240297034
    Abstract: A photoionization detector comprised of a gas discharge lamp that ionizes molecules of interest to create ionized molecules and electrons and a sensor having at least one opening for UV light to pass through and electrically conductive patterns on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. A negative electrical potential pattern can be on one of the top or the bottom surface and can include an interior portion that is at least a first distance away from every edge of the at least one opening. An electron collecting electrode pattern can be on the other of the top or the bottom surface and can substantially fill an area surrounding the opening such that the negative electrical potential pattern and the electron collecting electrode pattern are offset relative to each other. The ionized molecules are collectable by a bias electrode and electrons are collectable by a collector electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, David J. Jennings, Christopher T. Fields
  • Publication number: 20240295529
    Abstract: A photoionization detector comprised of a gas discharge lamp that ionizes molecules of interest to create ionized molecules and electrons and a sensor having at least one opening for UV light to pass through and electrically conductive patterns on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the plate, including at least a negative electrical potential pattern and an electron collecting electrode pattern. The ionized molecules are collectable by a bias electrode and electrons are collectable by a collector electrode. The negative electrical potential pattern includes a linear portion and a polarization plate. The electron collecting electrode pattern includes a wire suspended across the at least one opening and a linear portion on the surface opposite the wire. The electrically conductive patterns can further include a grounded potential conductive pattern having a first portion on the top surface and a second portion on the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, David J. Jennings, Christopher T. Fields