Patents by Inventor Robert E. Ellefson

Robert E. Ellefson 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: 7041984
    Abstract: A releasable anode liner that is fitted within the interior of the anode of an ion source. The cover permits electrons to be projected into the anode wherein any insulating deposits adhere to the interior of the anode liner, thereby increasing the effective life of the anode without premature replacement or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Inficon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Ellefson, Louis C. Frees
  • Patent number: 6642641
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining both total and partial pressures of a gas using one common electron beam includes a partial pressure ionization region and a total pressure ionization region separated by a grid or aperture. A filament produces a plurality of electrons which are focused into an electron beam by a repeller and an aperture or an anode. The interaction between the electron beam and molecules of the gas within the partial pressure and total pressure regions produces first and second ion streams. A focus plate is biased such that the first ion stream is directed to an analyzer which calculates the partial pressure of the gas. An ion collector collects the ions from the second ion stream, where the resulting reference current is used to determine the total pressure of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Inficon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Ellefson, Louis C. Frees
  • Patent number: 6476612
    Abstract: In an ionization gauge, the effect of X-rays emitted when a collimated electron beam strikes grid surfaces in the gauge structure is reduced by a louvered beam stop. The louvered beam stop creates shadow regions having no X-rays, thus minimizing the amount of X-rays striking the collector plate and reducing the X-ray effect portion of the residual current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Inficon Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Ellefson, Louis C. Frees
  • Publication number: 20020153820
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining both total and partial pressures of a gas using one common electron beam includes a partial pressure ionization region and a total pressure ionization region separated by a grid or aperture. A filament produces a plurality of electrons which are focused into an electron beam by a repeller and an aperture or an anode. The interaction between the electron beam and molecules of said gas within the partial pressure and total pressure regions produces first and second ion streams. A focus plate is biased such that the first ion stream is directed to an analyzer which calculates the partial pressure of the gas. An ion collector collects the ions from the second ion stream, where the resulting reference current is used to determine the total pressure of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Inficon Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Ellefson, Louis C. Frees
  • Patent number: 6091068
    Abstract: An ion collector includes a Faraday collector having a conductive surface disposed substantially parallel to and spaced from the axis of an entering particle beam containing charged and uncharged particles. A grounded plate disposed in the path of the particle beam allows incoming uncharged particles to impinge thereupon. Preferably, the application of a suitable potential to the conductive plate manipulates incoming charged ions to impinge upon either the electron multiplier or the Faraday collector. The ion collector can further include an electron multiplier used in conjunction with the Faraday collector to allow separate modes of operation. Application of a suitable first potential to the electron multiplier can cause charged particles to be deflected directly to the Faraday collector in one mode, and application of a second potential can cause deflection of charged particles to the electron multiplier, with the effects of the uncharged particles on the output of the detector being minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Leybold Inficon, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Parfitt, Timothy L. Karandy, Louis C. Frees, Robert E. Ellefson
  • Patent number: 5889281
    Abstract: A method for linearizing the sensitivity of a quadrupole mass spectrometric system to allow the sensor to more accurately report partial pressures of a gas in high pressure areas in which the reported data is effected by a number of loss mechanisms. According to the invention, correction factors can be applied empirically or software in a quadrupole mass analyzer system can be equipped with correcting software to expand the useful range of the mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Leybold Inficon, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Holkeboer, Robert E. Ellefson
  • Patent number: 5122305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the volumetric generation of radiation, wherein a first substance functions as a source of exciting radiation, and a second substance interacts with the exciting radiation to provide a second radiation. The compositions comprise a porous substrate which is loaded with: a source of exciting radiation, a component capable of emitting radiation upon interaction with the exciting radiation, or both. In the composition, a composite is formed from a carrier material and at least one of the source of the exciting radiation or the component which is capable of interacting with the exciting radiation. The composite is then employed for loading a porous substrate, preferably an aerogel substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventors: Carol S. Ashley, C. Jeffrey Brinker, Scott Reed, Timothy J. Shepodd, Leroy E. Leonard, Robert E. Ellefson, John T. Gill, Robert J. Walko, Clifford L. Renschler
  • Patent number: 5078919
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for loading an aerogel substrate with tritium and the resultant compositions. According to the process, an aerogel substrate is hydrolyzed so that surface OH groups are formed. The hydrolyzed aerogel is then subjected to tritium exchange employing, for example, a tritium-containing gas, whereby tritium atoms replace H atoms of surface OH groups. OH and/or CH groups of residual alcohol present in the aerogel may also undergo tritium exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Carol S. Ashley, C. Jeffrey Brinker, Robert E. Ellefson, John T. Gill, Scott Reed, Robert J. Walko
  • Patent number: RE38138
    Abstract: A method for linearizing the sensitivity of a quadrupole mass spectrometric system to allow the sensor to more accurately report partial pressures of a gas in high pressure areas in which the reported data is effected by a number of loss mechanisms. According to the invention, correction factors can be applied empirically or software in a quadrupole mass analyzer system can be equipped with correcting software to expand the useful range of the mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Leybold Inficon, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Holkeboer, Robert E. Ellefson