Patents by Inventor David E. MINKLER

David E. MINKLER 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: 11892433
    Abstract: An electrospray ionization system used in mass spectrometry provides for improved current measurement. The system includes a fluid union, a fluid column coupled with a first port of the fluid union, a power source coupled with the fluid union and configured to apply a voltage potential to the fluid union, and an electrospray emitter coupled with a second port of the fluid union. The power source is coupled with the first port and configured to apply the voltage potential to the first port to restrict current leakage from the fluid union. The current sensing circuit is configured to determine an electrical current flow between the power source and the at least one of the fluid union and the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Dale Lindseth, Joshua A. Silveira, Michael L. Poltash, Eloy R. Wouters, David E. Minkler
  • Publication number: 20230134726
    Abstract: Determining a level of a liquid in a container is described. In one aspect, a container includes a calibrant liquid used for calibrating a mass spectrometer. A conductive layer is placed to float upon the calibrant liquid, and a circuit board with electrodes is arranged around the container. A controller circuit then drives and measures various electrodes to first identify which two electrodes the level of the calibrant liquid is between, and then subsequently identify a more precise location for the level between the two electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Raman Mathur, Thi Le, David E. Minkler
  • Publication number: 20230030920
    Abstract: An electrospray ionization system used in mass spectrometry provides for improved current measurement. The system includes a fluid union, a fluid column coupled with a first port of the fluid union, a power source coupled with the fluid union and configured to apply a voltage potential to the fluid union, and an electrospray emitter coupled with a second port of the fluid union. The power source is coupled with the first port and configured to apply the voltage potential to the first port to restrict current leakage from the fluid union. The current sensing circuit is configured to determine an electrical current flow between the power source and the at least one of the fluid union and the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Dale Lindseth, Joshua A. Silveira, Michael L. Poltash, Eloy R. Wouters, David E. Minkler
  • Patent number: 9234932
    Abstract: This technology is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring or testing defects associated with an ion lens connected within a mass spectrometer. In some implementations, the testing mechanism monitors a connection of one or more ion lenses configured in the mass spectrometer to determine if voltage is effectively applied to the ion lens. The testing circuit of the present technology includes at least one Zener diode added to the voltage divider and monitoring a change in slope of the applied voltage versus the voltage at the read-back circuit. The change in slope may be easily measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: David E. Minkler, Michael G. Konicek
  • Publication number: 20140266232
    Abstract: This technology is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring or testing defects associated with an ion lens connected within a mass spectrometer. In some implementations, the testing mechanism monitors a connection of one or more ion lenses configured in the mass spectrometer to determine if voltage is effectively applied to the ion lens. The testing circuit of the present technology includes at least one Zener diode added to the voltage divider and monitoring a change in slope of the applied voltage versus the voltage at the read-back circuit. The change in slope may be easily measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: David E. MINKLER, Michael G. KONICEK