Patents by Inventor Richard Syms
Richard Syms 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).
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Patent number: 10446382Abstract: A method for forming a miniature skimmer cone for a free jet expansion vacuum interface is disclosed. The skimmer cone is formed from electroplated metal, deposited inside a blind hole formed on a silicon substrate. The substrate is partially removed to expose the skimmer cone, together with other features formed by etching, and an outlet orifice is formed. A complete miniature vacuum interface is formed from the stacked assembly of a part containing an inlet orifice, a spacer, and the part containing a skimmer cone described above, mounted in an intermediate pressure chamber at the inlet to a mass spectrometer.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Microsaic Systems plcInventor: Richard Syms
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Publication number: 20180233343Abstract: A method for forming a miniature skimmer cone for a free jet expansion vacuum interface is disclosed. The skimmer cone is formed from electroplated metal, deposited inside a blind hole formed on a silicon substrate. The substrate is partially removed to expose the skimmer cone, together with other features formed by etching, and an outlet orifice is formed. A complete miniature vacuum interface is formed from the stacked assembly of a part containing an inlet orifice, a spacer, and the part containing a skimmer cone described above, mounted in an intermediate pressure chamber at the inlet to a mass spectrometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventor: Richard Syms
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Patent number: 8618502Abstract: This invention provides a method of mounting cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature electrostatic quadrupole, which can act as a quadrupole mass filter or a quadrupole ion guide, or be used in a linear quadrupole ion trap. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. The supports include a suspended flexure system to relieve strains caused by mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of the electrodes and the substrate. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Microsaic Systems PLCInventors: Richard Syms, Andrew Holmes, Shane Martin O'Prey
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Patent number: 8389950Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning sets of cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature quadrupole electrostatic lens, which can act as a mass filter in a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. Complete segmentation of the conducting parts provides low capacitative coupling between co-planar cylindrical electrodes, and allows incorporation of a Brubaker prefilter to improve sensitivity at a given mass resolution. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers. The spacers are continued around the electrodes to provide a conducting screen.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Microsaic Systems PLCInventor: Richard Syms
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Patent number: 8227765Abstract: This invention provides a method of combining an array-type nanospray ionization source comprising a set of externally wetted proud features and a contact electrode with a pneumatic nebuliser acting to enhance the flux of sprayed ions. Methods of fabricating a substrate combining a set of proud features with analyte delivery and gas flow channels in silicon-based materials are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Microsaic Systems PLCInventor: Richard Syms
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Patent number: 8148681Abstract: A planar component for interfacing an atmospheric pressure ionizer to a vacuum system is described. The component combines electrostatic optics and skimmers with an internal chamber that can be filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure and is fabricated by lithography, etching and bonding of silicon.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Microsaic Systems PLCInventors: Richard Syms, Richard William Moseley
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Patent number: 7973278Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning a capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and an input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed as an assembly of two separate chips and forms an ionization device. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Microsaic Systems LimitedInventor: Richard Syms
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Patent number: 7960693Abstract: Microengineered stacked ring electrode assemblies capable of acting as either RF or DC ion guides in an ion optical system, and method of fabricating same are described. The electrodes are fabricated using planar processing as sets of grooved, proud features formed in a layer of material lying on an insulating substrate. Two such structures are then stacked together to form a set of diaphragm electrodes with closed pupils. Arrangements for fabrication by patterning, etching and bonding are described, together with methods for tapering the electrode pupils or otherwise varying the ion path.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Microsaic Systems LimitedInventors: Richard Syms, Alan Finlay
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Publication number: 20110101220Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning sets of cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature quadrupole electrostatic lens, which can act as a mass filter in a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. Complete segmentation of the conducting parts provides low capacitative coupling between co-planar cylindrical electrodes, and allows incorporation of a Brubaker prefilter to improve sensitivity at a given mass resolution. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers. The spacers are continued around the electrodes to provide a conducting screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2011Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Microsaic Systems LimitedInventor: Richard Syms
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Patent number: 7893407Abstract: A method of aligning sets of cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature quadrupole electrostatic lens, which can act as a mass filter in a quadrupole mass spectrometer is provided. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. Complete segmentation of the conducting parts provides low capacitative coupling between co-planar cylindrical electrodes, and allows incorporation of a Brubaker prefilter to improve sensitivity at a given mass resolution. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers. The spacers are continued around the electrodes to provide a conducting screen.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Microsaic Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Richard Syms
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Publication number: 20110000986Abstract: This invention provides a method of combining an array-type nanospray ionisation source comprising a set of externally wetted proud features and a contact electrode with a pneumatic nebuliser acting to enhance the flux of sprayed ions. Methods of fabricating a substrate combining a set of proud features with analyte delivery and gas flow channels in silicon-based materials are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Richard Syms
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Publication number: 20100276590Abstract: A planar component for interfacing an atmospheric pressure ionizer to a vacuum system is described. The component combines electrostatic optics and skimmers with an internal chamber that can be filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure and is fabricated by lithography, etching and bonding of silicon.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Microsaic Systems LimitedInventors: Richard Syms, Richard William Moseley
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Publication number: 20100276588Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning a capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and an input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed as an assembly of two separate chips and forms an ionisation device. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Richard Syms
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Patent number: 7815722Abstract: This invention provides a pre-concentrator device including an electrostatically operated valve and an electrically heated desorber, the electrostatically operated valve comprising a movable flap or membrane carrying a chemically adsorbing coating, suspended by an elastic element above an orifice in an insulated substrate. The device is constructed by planer processing. The flap or membrane can be deflected towards the substrate to block the flow of gas through the orifice by applying a voltage between the substrate and the membrane. The coating provides an adsorbing surface for a volatile organic compound. The coating may be heated electrically, by applying an alternating voltage between the substrate and the flap, thermally desorbing any adsorbed chemical species. When combined with other similar valves in a stacked assembly, the device may be used in a chemical pre-concentrator with very low dead volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Microsaic Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Eric Yeatman, Richard Syms
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Patent number: 7786434Abstract: The invention provides a planar component for interfacing an atmospheric pressure ionizer to a vacuum system. The component combines electrostatic optics and skimmers with an internal chamber that can be filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure and is fabricated by lithography, etching and bonding of silicon.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Microsaic Systems LimitedInventors: Richard Syms, Richard William Moseley
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Patent number: 7615744Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning a nanospray capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and a capillary input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed using microengineering technologies, as an assembly of two separate chips. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle and the API mass spectrometer input, together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration, and consists of an einzel lens capable of initiating a Taylor cone and separating ions from neutrals by focusing.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Microsaic Systems LimitedInventor: Richard Syms
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Publication number: 20090261244Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning a nanospray capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and a capillary input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed using microengineering technologies, as an assembly of two separate chips. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle and the API mass spectrometer input, together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration, and consists of an einzel lens capable of initiating a Taylor cone and separating ions from neutrals by focusing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2006Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Richard Syms
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Publication number: 20090127481Abstract: This invention provides a method of mounting cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature electrostatic quadrupole, which can act as a quadrupole mass filter or a quadrupole ion guide, or be used in a linear quadrupole ion trap. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. The supports include a suspended flexure system to relieve strains caused by mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of the electrodes and the substrate. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Richard Syms, Andrew Holmes, Shane Martin O'Prey
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Publication number: 20090026361Abstract: Microengineered stacked ring electrode assemblies capable of acting as either RF or DC ion guides in an ion optical system, and method of fabricating same are described. The electrodes are fabricated using planar processing as sets of grooved, proud features formed in a layer of material lying on an insulating substrate. Two such structures are then stacked together to form a set of diaphragm electrodes with closed pupils. Arrangements for fabrication by patterning, etching and bonding are described, together with methods for tapering the electrode pupils or otherwise varying the ion path.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Richard Syms, Alan Finlay
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Publication number: 20080185518Abstract: A method of aligning sets of cylindrical electrodes in the geometry of a miniature quadrupole electrostatic lens, which can act as a mass filter in a quadrupole mass spectrometer is provided. The electrodes are mounted in pairs on microfabricated supports, which are formed from conducting parts on an insulating substrate. Complete segmentation of the conducting parts provides low capacitative coupling between co-planar cylindrical electrodes, and allows incorporation of a Brubaker prefilter to improve sensitivity at a given mass resolution. A complete quadrupole is constructed from two such supports, which are spaced apart by further conducting spacers. The spacers are continued around the electrodes to provide a conducting screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Richard Syms