Patents by Inventor Gareth S Dobson

Gareth S Dobson 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: 8129676
    Abstract: Detecting and identifying ions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and an ion separation pre-filter, such as an ion spectrometer, are provided. The combination of an ion separator as a pre-filter for SERS provides a highly sensitive detector with very low false alarm rates. Target ions from an ionized sample are identified and separated by the ion separator. The target ions are steered and deposited onto a SERS substrate for Raman spectroscopic analysis with an optical probe. The Raman spectrum is compared with reference spectra and the composition of the sample is identified. The ion current from the target ions can also be measured, preferably concurrently with the Raman spectrum measurement. Types of ion separators include a differential ion mobility spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: SRI International, DH Technologies Development Pte. Ltd., Renishaw Diagnostics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vestel, Caterina Netti, Erkinjon Nazarov, Gareth S. Dobson, Stephen L. Coy, Richard Copeland, Michael Coggiola, Lawrence Dubois, Alexander Hallock, Joseph R. Stetter
  • Publication number: 20110266429
    Abstract: Detecting and identifying ions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and an ion separation pre-filter, such as an ion spectrometer, are provided. The combination of an ion separator as a pre-filter for SERS provides a highly sensitive detector with very low false alarm rates. Target ions from an ionized sample are identified and separated by the ion separator. The target ions are steered and deposited onto a SERS substrate for Raman spectroscopic analysis with an optical probe. The Raman spectrum is compared with reference spectra and the composition of the sample is identified. The ion current from the target ions can also be measured, preferably concurrently with the Raman spectrum measurement. Types of ion separators include a differential ion mobility spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Vestel, Caterina Netti, Erkinjon Nazarov, Gareth S. Dobson, Stephen L. Coy, Richard Copeland, Michael Coggiola, Lawrence Dubois, Alexander Hallock, Joseph R. Stetter
  • Patent number: 7960692
    Abstract: A miniature linear ion trap (MLIT) with a length of less than 30 mm is provided for ion focusing in the axial plane. The MLIT has multipoles for applying an AC voltage to ions and tubular entrance and exit lenses for applying a DC voltage to the ions. In another aspect, MLIT includes electrodes within the tubular entrance and exit lenses for detection of image current. A method is also provided for applying voltage to the entrance and exit lenses for ion focusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Gareth S. Dobson, Christie G. Enke
  • Patent number: 7947950
    Abstract: A distance-of-flight mass spectrometer (DOF-MS) imparts constant momentum acceleration to ions in an ion source and uses an ion mirror to enhance energy focusing. Embodiments of DOF-MS with ion mirror are shown. Further, a method of compensating for the dispersion of initial ion position and velocity in the ion source is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Christie G Enke, Gareth S Dobson
  • Publication number: 20100019143
    Abstract: A miniature linear ion trap (MLIT) with a length of less than 30 mm is provided for ion focusing in the axial plane. The MLIT has multipoles for applying an AC voltage to ions and tubular entrance and exit lenses for applying a DC voltage to the ions. In another aspect, MLIT includes electrodes within the tubular entrance and exit lenses for detection of image current. A method is also provided for applying voltage to the entrance and exit lenses for ion focusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Gareth S Dobson, Christie G. Enke