Patents by Inventor Robert D. Brittain

Robert D. Brittain 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).

  • Surface coating to improve performance of ion trap mass spectrometers
    Patent number: 5633497
    Abstract: The interior surfaces of an ion trap or ionization chamber is coated with an inert, inorganic non-metallic insulator or semiconductor material for the passivation of such surfaces so as to minimize absorption, degradation or decomposition of a sample in contact with the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Varian Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Brittain, Mingda Wang
  • In situ formation of coal gasification catalysts from low cost alkali metal salts
    Patent number: 4551155
    Abstract: A carbonaceous material, such as crushed coal, is admixed or impregnated with an inexpensive alkali metal compound, such as sodium chloride, and then pretreated with a stream containing steam at a temperature of 350.degree. to 650.degree. C. to enhance the catalytic activity of the mixture in a subsequent gasification of the mixture. The treatment may result in the transformation of the alkali metal compound into another, more catalytically active, form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Bernard J. Wood, Robert D. Brittain, Kenneth M. Sancier