Abstract: A smart FAIMS sensor system and method includes a 2/2-electrode filter that pumps the ions through the system and separates the ionic species, a detector for collecting the separated ions and generating a detector signal in response to the collected ions, and a controller configured to change the operating parameters of the system in response to changes in the sensor's environment detected by the sensor. The ability to dynamically change the operating parameters of the sensor enables the sensor to maintain high sensitivity to environmental threats while decreasing the incidences of false positive events.

Abstract: A smart FAIMS sensor system and method includes a 2/2-electrode filter that pumps the ions through the system and separates the ionic species, a detector for collecting the separated ions and generating a detector signal in response to the collected ions, and a controller configured to change the operating parameters of the system in response to changes in the sensor's environment detected by the sensor. The ability to dynamically change the operating parameters of the sensor enables the sensor to maintain high sensitivity to environmental threats while decreasing the incidences of false positive events.

Abstract: The invention provides an ion pump to be used for selectively transferring ionised molecules across a barrier from a first volume to a second volume. The pump comprises an ion gate or filter separating the two volumes, the filter comprising at least one ion channel extending between the first and second spaces, the channel defined by a plurality of conductive layers separated along the length of the channel by at least one non-conductive layer; the device further comprising control means for applying an electric potential to the conductive layers such that the conductive layers act as electrodes. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods for selectively transferring ions.

Abstract: A smart FAIMS sensor system and method includes a 2/2-electrode filter that pumps the ions through the system and separates the ionic species, a detector for collecting the separated ions and generating a detector signal in response to the collected ions, and a controller configured to change the operating parameters of the system in response to changes in the sensor's environment detected by the sensor. The ability to dynamically change the operating parameters of the sensor enables the sensor to maintain high sensitivity to environmental threats while decreasing the incidences of false positive events.

Abstract: A smart FAIMS sensor system and method includes a 2/2-electrode filter that pumps the ions through the system and separates the ionic species, a detector for collecting the separated ions and generating a detector signal in response to the collected ions, and a controller configured to change the operating parameters of the system in response to changes in the sensor's environment detected by the sensor. The ability to dynamically change the operating parameters of the sensor enables the sensor to maintain high sensitivity to environmental threats while decreasing the incidences of false positive events.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods of incorporating nanotubes for use in micro- or nano-devices. The invention further relates to incorporating nanotubes in micro or nano-devices and particularly synthesizing or growing nanotubes directly in or on components of a micro- or nano-device. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to methods of synthesizing or growing nanotubes in a gas chromatography column and their use in portable gas chromatography devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion drive for selectively isolating an analyte of interest and methods of use thereof. The ion drive includes a substrate with channels therethrough, a conductive material coating on the bottom and top of the substrate, a top electrical lead connected to the conductive material coating covering the top of the substrate, and a bottom electrical lead connected to the conductive material coating covering the bottom of the substrate. The invention further relates to an odor emitter which is made up of an ion drive mounted towards the top of a vessel.

Abstract: A compact ionization source includes first and second electrodes, each having a plurality of fingers that are interdigitated with each other. The spacing between the first and second electrode, preferably less than 1 mm, creates a large electric field when a potential is applied across the first and second electrodes. The large electric field creates an ionization volume between the fingers of the first and second electrode and ionizes a portion of the molecules occupying the ionization volume. The interdigitated fingers of the first and second electrodes allow for a narrow gap separating the electrodes while presenting a large flow area for ionizing molecules for downstream analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional preconcentrator and inlet heater. The preconcentrator consists of a substrate with passageways, a conductive material coated to the top and the bottom of the substrate and an adsorbent coating covering the entire substrate. This substrate is suspended in a holding frame by a connecting bridge. The preconcentrator may also include a resistor and a proportional-integral-differential controller. The device may be used inline with a detector and can be retrofitted to existing devices. An array of preconcentrators may also be formed. The invention also relates to methods of use of the preconcentrator and methods of manufacture. A method of use includes contacting an analyte and a preconcentrator, allowing the analyte to adsorb to the preconcentrator and then desorbing the analyte. A method of manufacture involves applying the adsorbent coating by misted chemical deposition.

Abstract: An ion gate is disposed between a first volume occupied by a first carrier gas and ions of the first carrier gas and a second volume occupied by a second carrier gas. The ion gate includes at least one channel connecting the first volume to the second volume, a first electrode disposed on an inlet surface of the ion gate facing the first volume, and a second electrode disposed on an outlet surface of the ion gate facing the second volume. Ions are transported from the first volume to the second volume through the channel under an electric field produced by the first and second electrode.

Abstract: There is no mask on the market or registered with the USPTO that uses ultraviolet light to kill air-borne viral and bacterial contaminants. The invention will ensure that if an individual must perforce be exposed to contaminated air as a result of natural or manmade events, then that individual will be able to use the Ultraviolet Light Assisted Protective Breathing Mask (the “ULAP Breathing Mask”) to kill whatever known or unknown viruses or bacteria may be in the vicinity. The ULAP Breathing Mask kills these contaminants before inhaled air ever reaches the filters. The prototype weighs approximately three pounds, and so is easily portable and is practical.

Abstract: A smart FAIMS sensor system and method includes a 2/2-electrode filter that pumps the ions through the system and separates the ionic species, a detector for collecting the separated ions and generating a detector signal in response to the collected ions, and a controller configured to change the operating parameters of the system in response to changes in the sensor's environment detected by the sensor. The ability to dynamically change the operating parameters of the sensor enables the sensor to maintain high sensitivity to environmental threats while decreasing the incidences of false positive events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional preconcentrator and inlet heater. The preconcentrator consists of a substrate with passageways, a conductive material coated to the top and the bottom of the substrate and an adsorbent coating covering the entire substrate. This substrate is suspended in a holding frame by a connecting bridge. The preconcentrator may also include a resistor and a proportional-integral-differential controller. The device may be used inline with a detector and can be retrofitted to existing devices. An array of preconcentrators may also be formed. The invention also relates to methods of use of the preconcentrator and methods of manufacture. A method of use includes contacting an analyte and a preconcentrator, allowing the analyte to adsorb to the preconcentrator and then desorbing the analyte. A method of manufacture involves applying the adsorbent coating by misted chemical deposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel micro- or nanostructures incorporating nanotubes, wherein nanotubes are synthesized or grown directly in or on components of a micro- or nano-structure. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to methods of synthesizing or growing nanotubes in a gas chromatography column and their use in portable gas chromatography devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion drive for selectively isolating an analyte of interest and methods of use thereof. The ion drive includes a substrate with channels therethrough, a conductive material coating on the bottom and top of the substrate, a top electrical lead connected to the conductive material coating covering the top of the substrate, and a bottom electrical lead connected to the conductive material coating covering the bottom of the substrate. The invention further relates to an odor emitter which is made up of an ion drive mounted towards the top of a vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel micro- or nanostructures incorporating nanotubes, wherein nanotubes are synthesized or grown directly in or on components of a micro- or nano-structure. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to methods of synthesizing or growing nanotubes in a gas chromatography column and their use in portable gas chromatography devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three dimensional preconcentrator and inlet heater. The preconcentrator consists of a substrate with passageways, a conductive material coated to the top and the bottom of the substrate and an adsorbent coating covering the entire substrate. This substrate is suspended in a holding frame by a connecting bridge. The preconcentrator may also include a resistor and a proportional-integral-differential controller. The device may be used inline with a detector and can be retrofitted to existing devices. An array of preconcentrators may also be formed. The invention also relates to methods of use of the preconcentrator and methods of manufacture. A method of use includes contacting an analyte and a preconcentrator, allowing the analyte to adsorb to the preconcentrator and then desorbing the analyte. A method of manufacture involves applying the adsorbent coating by misted chemical deposition.

Abstract: A compact ionization source includes first and second electrodes, each having a plurality of fingers that are interdigitated with each other. The spacing between the first and second electrode, preferably less than 1 mm, creates a large electric field when a potential is applied across the first and second electrodes. The large electric field creates an ionization volume between the fingers of the first and second electrode and ionizes a portion of the molecules occupying the ionization volume. The interdigitated fingers of the first and second electrodes allow for a narrow gap separating the electrodes while presenting a large flow area for ionizing molecules for downstream analysis.

Abstract: An ion gate is disposed between a first volume occupied by a first carrier gas and ions of the first carrier gas and a second volume occupied by a second carrier gas. The ion gate includes at least one channel connecting the first volume to the second volume, a first electrode disposed on an inlet surface of the ion gate facing the first volume, and a second electrode disposed on an outlet surface of the ion gate facing the second volume. Ions are transported from the first volume to the second volume through the channel under an electric field produced by the first and second electrode.