With Plural, Simultaneous Ion Generators Patents (Class 250/285)
  • Patent number: 11469092
    Abstract: A multichannel inlet system for a mass spectrometer includes a plurality of valve assemblies coupled to a manifold, and a pulsed valve driver. The manifold is configured to be connected in fluid connection with an ion trap of the mass spectrometer. Each valve assembly includes a valve and an injection port operably coupled to receive the reagent. The valve has an actuated state in which the valve provides fluid communication between the injection port and the manifold, and an unactuated state in which the valve substantially prevents fluid communication between the injection port and the manifold. The pulsed valve driver is operably connected to receive a pulse signal sequence from a processor, and is configured to generate pulsed valve drive signals for one or more of the valves based on the pulse signal sequence to cause a corresponding one of the valves to be in the actuated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hilkka Kenttamaa, Ryan Hilger, Ravikiran Yerabolu, John Kong, Tiffany Prentice, Chunfen Jin
  • Patent number: 11282692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for IMR-MS and/or PTR-MS, comprising a sample gas inlet (202, 206), a first ion source (209), a reaction chamber (203), a mass analyzer (204), wherein the reaction chamber (203) and the mass analyzer (204) are arranged along a central axis (A), characterized by a second ion source (209), wherein the sample gas inlet (202, 206) is arranged to introduce gas essentially along the central axis (A) and is connected to the reaction chamber (203); wherein the first ion source (209) and the second ion source (209) are arranged so as to emit reagent ions essentially perpendicularly to the central axis (A); said apparatus further comprising at least one electrode (302, 303, 304, 305), such that the reagent ions emitted from the first or second ion source (209) can be deflected into the reaction chamber (203) essentially in the downstream direction of the central axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: IONICON ANALYTIK GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventor: Alfons Jordan
  • Patent number: 11139157
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems including nanoelectrospray ionization emitters in a movable array format in which the emitters can be loaded, singly or simultaneously, through their narrow ends using a novel dip and go method based on capillary action, taking up sample from an array. The sample solutions in each emitter can be electrophoretically cleaned, singly or simultaneously, by creating an inductive electric field that moves interfering ions away from the narrow end of the capillary. Subsequent to cleaning, the emitters are supplied with an inductive electric field that causes electrospray into a mass spectrometer allowing mass analysis of the contents of the emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert Graham Cooks, Zhenwei Wei, David G. Mclaren
  • Patent number: 10679840
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an atmospheric pressure interface comprising a gas cone 6 having an inlet aperture, wherein the gas cone 6 has a first longitudinal axis arranged along an x-axis and an Electrospray ion source comprising a first capillary tube 2 having an outlet and having a second longitudinal axis and a second capillary tube 3 which surrounds the first capillary tube 2. The mass spectrometer further comprises a desolvation gas supply tube and a first device arranged and adapted to supply an analyte liquid via the first capillary tube 2 so that the liquid exits the outlet of the first capillary tube 2 at a flow rate >200 ?L/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Micromass UK LImited
    Inventors: Stevan Bajic, David Gordon, Daniel James Kenny, Richard Barrington Moulds, Stephen O'Brien, Ian Trivett, Kate Whyatt
  • Patent number: 10636643
    Abstract: An ionization method selection assisting image includes a coefficient axis indicating the magnitude of a partition coefficient, a plurality of method indicators representing a plurality of coefficients or a plurality of coefficient ranges corresponding to a plurality of ionization methods, and a sample marker representing the partition coefficient specified for a sample. The ionization method selection assisting image is displayed to a user. A partition coefficient may be specified for a sample after derivatization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuko Oka, Haruo Iwabuchi, Takaya Sato
  • Patent number: 10312069
    Abstract: An ion source is disclosed that alternates between ionizing analytes in a sample by electrospray ionization and impact ionization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Jarrell
  • Patent number: 10249482
    Abstract: A time of flight mass spectrometer that includes a first electrode; and a second electrode that is spaced apart from the first electrode. The ion source is configured to apply voltages to the first and second electrodes to produce an electric field in a region between the first and second electrodes so as to influence ions present in the region between the first and second electrodes when the mass spectrometer is in use. A shield is formed on the first electrode and/or second electrode. The shield is configured to inhibit an electric field formed between edges of the first and second electrodes from penetrating into the region between the first and second electrodes when the mass spectrometer is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: KRATOS ANALYTICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Diana Kalinina, John Allison, Caroline Breen
  • Patent number: 10236171
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an atmospheric pressure interface comprising a gas cone having an inlet aperture, wherein the gas cone has a first longitudinal axis arranged along an x-axis and an Electrospray ion source comprising a first capillary tube having an outlet and having a second longitudinal axis and a second capillary tube which surrounds the first capillary tube. The mass spectrometer further comprises a desolvation gas supply tube and a first device arranged and adapted to supply an analyte liquid via the first capillary tube so that the liquid exits the outlet of the first capillary tube at a flow rate >200 ?L/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Stevan Bajic, David Gordon, Daniel James Kenny, Richard Barrington Moulds, Stephen O'Brien, Ian Trivett, Kate Whyatt
  • Patent number: 10186410
    Abstract: A first mass spectrometer includes a first introduction device configured to select between a reference material and a first portion of an analyte and introduce the selected one of the reference material or the first portion of the analyte to an ion source, the first mass spectrometer being configured to provide third molecular analyte ions to a detector at a first mass resolution of about 30,000 or greater. A system includes the first mass spectrometer and a second mass spectrometer. A method for determining the isotopic composition of an analyte in a sample includes converting a first portion of the analyte to first molecular analyte ions, filtering out second molecular analyte ions, filtering out third molecular analyte ions, detecting two or more of the third molecular analyte ions at a mass resolution of about 30,000 or greater to determine the isotopic composition of at least a portion of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC (BREMEN) GMBH
    Inventors: John M. Eiler, Johannes Schwieters
  • Patent number: 9786477
    Abstract: An ion transfer system includes an ion source coupled to an ion inlet; an ion transfer tube assembly including a concentric ion transfer tube with a porous material that is permeable to a gas, the concentric ion transfer tube coupled to the ion inlet and the ion source, where a first gas that includes an ion stream flows through the concentric ion transfer tube; and a concentric gas tube, the concentric ion transfer tube disposed within the concentric gas tube, where a second gas flows between the concentric ion transfer tube and the concentric gas tube; an ion detection device coupled to a capillary tube that is coupled to the concentric ion transfer tube, where the capillary tube transports the ion stream to the ion detection device; and a pump coupled to at least one of the concentric ion transfer tube or the concentric gas tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventors: Henryk Zaleski, Reno DeBono
  • Patent number: 9523663
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to improve the robustness, sensitivity, and maintainability of a mass spectrometer to which a liquid chromatograph can be connected. This mass spectrometer includes: an ion source; a mass spectrometry unit; a plurality of flat plates used as electrodes having openings through which ions can be introduced to the mass spectrometer from an orthogonal direction along an ion introduction axis; a porous member provided between the mass spectrometry unit and the plurality of flat plates; and a mechanism for feeding gas to the plurality of flat plates for the side opposite from the ion introduction direction; the plurality of flat plates being disposed under atmospheric pressure, and the plurality of electrodes being set at a temperature higher than room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Terui, Masaki Yoshie
  • Patent number: 8973229
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite piezoelectric substrate in which a piezoelectric substrate and a supporting substrate are prepared, ions are implanted in the piezoelectric substrate to form a defective layer at a predetermined depth in the piezoelectric substrate, impurities that are adhered to a surface of the piezoelectric substrate or a surface of the supporting substrate are removed to expose the constituent atoms thereof and to activate the surfaces, the supporting substrate is bonded to the piezoelectric substrate to form a bonded substrate body, the bonded substrate body is separated at the defective layer so that a separation layer between the surface of the piezoelectric substrate and the defective layer is separated from the piezoelectric substrate and bonded to the supporting substrate to form a composite piezoelectric substrate, and the surface of the separation layer of the composite piezoelectric substrate is smoothed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Kando, Yoshiharu Yoshii
  • Patent number: 8932875
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a probe including a material connected to a high voltage source, a device for generating a heated gas, and a mass analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert Graham Cooks, Guangtao Li, Xin Li, Zheng Ouyang
  • Patent number: 8912000
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a mass spectrum of a sample and determining a concentration of a component of the sample by utilizing a model of chemical and electron ionization and the obtained mass spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre J. Daniel, Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian, Bruno Drochon
  • Patent number: 8895919
    Abstract: A measuring part 67 measures the potential of a collecting electrode 66 having collected positive and negative ions respectively generated by ion generating parts 61 of ion generators 6a and 6b and ion generating parts 62 of ion generators 6c and 6d. In the judgment of the presence or absence of ions, the ion generators 6a and 6b and the ion generators 6c and 6d are alternately turned ON/OFF. In ion judgment 1, ON/OFF is performed 6 times with a period of 10 seconds. In ion judgment 2, ON/OFF is performed 10 times with a period of 1 second. Then, when the difference (the amount of change) between the maximum value and the minimum value of the output voltage of the measuring part 67 is greater than a given threshold value, the presence of ions is concluded respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 8890062
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for analyzing samples of molecules. The apparatus comprises a mass analysis system including a differential mobility spectrometer, which includes at least three filter electrodes defining two ion flow paths where the filter electrodes generate electric fields for passing through selected portions of the sample ions based on the mobility characteristics of the sample ions. The differential mobility spectrometer also includes a voltage source that provides DC and RF voltages to at least one of the filter electrodes to generate the electric field, a first and a second ion inlet that receive sample ions, and an ion outlet that outputs the selected portion of the sample ions. A mass spectrometer receives some or all of the selected portion of the sample ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: DH Technologies Development Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Campbell, Yves LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20140319333
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprising means for producing a primary beam of ions for bombarding a sample under vacuum, and a detector for detecting a secondary beam of ions released from the sample. The primary beam of ions includes water clusters where each water cluster contains between 1 and 10,000 water molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Paul William Miles Blenkinsopp, Andrew Mark Barber
  • Publication number: 20140264010
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed. The mass spectrometer may include an ion trap configured to trap and analyze an ionized sample. A first aperture may be provided having a first diameter, and a second aperture may be provided having a second diameter. The first aperture may be configured to receive electrons for the purpose of ionizing sample ions within the ion trap. The second aperture may be configured to receive photons for the purpose of ionizing sample ions within the ion trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: 1ST DETECT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abrar RIAZ, David RAFFERTY, James WYLDE
  • Patent number: 8829914
    Abstract: A detector for gas chromatography using two ionization sources within a single body to separately provide ionization energy to a column gas eluent to provide electrical discharge to two or more collecting electrodes provides improved selectivity and may be so used. Use is made of combined bias/collecting electrodes. The use of two ionization sources permits generation of two detector outputs from within a common body and of a common constituent flow. The ionization sources and any applicable discharge gas and dopant may be selected based on desired selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stanley D. Stearns, Huamin Cai
  • Patent number: 8779355
    Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of lacosamide in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing lacosamide in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of lacosamide in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Quest Diagnostics Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Beatrisa Boyadzhyan, Karin Thomassian, Anita Dermartirosian, Lou Jambor
  • Patent number: 8772712
    Abstract: A compound contained in a sample is analyzed more accurately. Provided is an analysis method using TOF-SIMS in which first spectral data is obtained by irradiating the sample with a first primary ion, second spectral data is obtained by irradiating the sample with a second primary ion, and a surface of the sample is etched by an ion and then the surface of the sample is irradiated with the first primary ion or the second primary ion. The first primary ion is more likely to break a molecular structure of a molecule contained in the sample than the second primary ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Kimura, Shunsuke Kiyomura
  • Patent number: 8766173
    Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has a reaction region separated from a drift region by an electrostatic gate. A doping circuit supplies a dopant to the reaction region but the drift region is undoped. Two high field ion modifiers are located one after the other in the drift region. One ion modifier can be turned on to remove dopant adducts from the admitted ions, or both ion modifiers can be turned on so that the ions are also fragmented. In this way, several different responses can be produced to provide additional information about the nature of the analyte substance and distinguish it from interferents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Smiths Detection-Watford Limited
    Inventor: Jonathon Richard Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8748812
    Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Smiths Detection-Watford Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Clark, Stephen John Taylor, Robert Brian Turner, William Angus Munro
  • Publication number: 20140097338
    Abstract: A first mass spectrometer includes a first introduction device configured to select between a reference material and a first portion of an analyte and introduce the selected one of the reference material or the first portion of the analyte to an ion source, the first mass spectrometer being configured to provide third molecular analyte ions to a detector at a first mass resolution of about 30,000 or greater. A system includes the first mass spectrometer and a second mass spectrometer. A method for determining the isotopic composition of an analyte in a sample includes converting a first portion of the analyte to first molecular analyte ions, filtering out second molecular analyte ions, filtering out third molecular analyte ions, detecting two or more of the third molecular analyte ions at a mass resolution of about 30,000 or greater to determine the isotopic composition of at least a portion of the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: John M. Eiler
  • Patent number: 8642947
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to the their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Giles, Steven Derek Pringle, Jason Lee Wildgoose
  • Patent number: 8614416
    Abstract: Methods and devices for mass spectrometry are described, specifically the use of nanoparticulate implantation as a matrix for secondary ion and more generally secondary particles. A photon beam source or a nanoparticulate beam source can be used a desorption source or a primary ion/primary particle source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ionwerks, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Albert Schultz, Thomas F. Egan, Ernest K. Lewis, Steven Ulrich, Kelley L. Waters
  • Patent number: 8563322
    Abstract: A method for separating molecules, such as enantiomers, other stereoisomers and constitutional isomers by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Molecules of interest are ionised after addition of a suitable chiral reference compound, resulting in the formation of cluster ions that can be separated by IMS techniques such as ion drift mobility (IDM) spectrometry or FAIMS. This method allows, for example, for fast and sensitive quantification of one enantiomer in presence of an excess of the other enantiomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Axel Mie, Curt Reimann, Magnus Jornten-Karlsson, Bengt-Olof Axelsson
  • Patent number: 8546755
    Abstract: An ion guide array is disclosed comprising a first ion guide section and a second ion guide section. Each ion guide section may comprise a plurality of electrodes having an aperture through which ions are transmitted in use. A transfer section is arranged at the exit of the first ion guide section and ions are transmitted radially from the first ion guide section into the second ion guide section. Electrodes in the transfer section may have a radial aperture enabling ions to be transmitted radially from the first ion guide section to the second ion guide section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: John Brian Hoyes, David J. Langridge
  • Patent number: 8440965
    Abstract: The invention provides for efficient collection of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces for their subsequent analysis with spectrometry. In an embodiment of the invention, a ‘multiple desorption ionization source’ includes a tube which can contain ions for subsequent sampling within a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, either narrow inside diameter capillary tubes or wide diameter tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention, a dopant is introduced into a tube to analyze the sample. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ionization sources is used to analyze the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ionsense, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Musselman
  • Patent number: 8426802
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to the their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Giles, Steven Derek Pringle, Jason Lee Wildgoose
  • Patent number: 8415614
    Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has two drift chambers and a common, doped reaction region. Each drift chamber includes an ion modifier, such as one that fragments the doped ions by a high electrical field. One of the drift chambers is doped and the other is undoped. In this way, the dopant adducts are removed by the modification process but then recombine with dopant only in the doped chamber so that different outputs are produced by the two drift chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Smiths Detection—Watford Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Atkinson, Alastair Clark, Stephen John Taylor
  • Patent number: 8410430
    Abstract: A Time of Flight mass analyser is disclosed wherein the time period between successive orthogonal acceleration pulses is less than the time of flight of ions having the maximum mass to charge ratio of interest. As a result, some ions are subject to wrap-around and will appear in a subsequent mass spectrum. Mass spectra obtained at two different sampling rates may be compared and mass peaks relating to ions which have and have not been subject to wrap-around may be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: Daniel James Kenny, Jason Lee Wildgoose
  • Patent number: 8399828
    Abstract: A tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer includes a first pulsed ion source that produces ions with a first mass and charge that directs the ions into a first stage of a tandem TOF mass spectrometer. In addition, a second pulsed ion source produces ions with a second mass and an opposite charge directs the ions into the first stage of the tandem TOF mass spectrometer. A field-free reaction region is positioned in the ion flight path so that ions from first and second pulsed ion source arrive at the entrance of the field-free reaction region substantially simultaneously in at least one of time and space. At least some of the ions from the first and second pulsed ion source are fragmented by ion-ion collision between positive and negative ions. A second stage of the tandem mass spectrometer separates fragment ions produced in the reaction region according to their mass-to-charge ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Virgin Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Marvin L. Vestal
  • Patent number: 8384027
    Abstract: An ion guide array is disclosed comprising a first ion guide section and a second ion guide section and optionally further ion guide sections. Each ion guide section may comprise a plurality of electrodes having an aperture through which ions are transmitted in use. A transfer section is arranged at the exit of the first ion guide section and ions are transmitted radially from the first ion guide section into the second ion guide section. The electrodes in the transfer section may have a radial aperture enabling ions to be transmitted radially from the first ion guide section to the second ion guide section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventors: John B. Hoyes, David Langridge
  • Patent number: 8299428
    Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Detection-Watford Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Clark, Stephen John Taylor, Robert Brian Turner, Richard Turner, legal representative, William Angus Munro
  • Publication number: 20120153141
    Abstract: An ion transfer tube for a mass spectrometer comprises a core member and a first jacket tube member at least partially enclosing the core member and providing one or more channels therethrough. A method of forming an ion transfer tube, comprises: providing a first jacket tube member having a length and an internal bore, the internal bore passing along the length and defining an interior surface of circular cross section; removing at least one portion of the first jacket tube member adjacent to the interior surface so as to form at least one groove, channel, slot, recess or embayment of or in the interior surface; and providing a core member within the bore of the jacket tube member such that remnant portions of the interior surface of circular cross section mate against portions of an exterior surface of the core member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Eloy R. WOUTERS, Alexander A. MAKAROV, R. Paul ATHERTON, Jean Jacques DUNYACH
  • Patent number: 8008619
    Abstract: An interface for mass spectrometers. The interface uses non coaxial sampling pathways of the analyte ion beam prior to entering the entrance of a mass spectrometer for decreasing chemical background, and can be done in such a way as to permit multiple sprayers, increasing sample throughput and sensitivity for LC/MS (liquid chromatography/MS). The interface includes an ion source having an exit from which a beam of analyte ions are emitted, a curtain plate and an aperture in the curtain plate member, an orifice plate having an orifice therein. The orifice plate is being spaced from the curtain plate member defining a flow passageway therebetween, and the aperture in the orifice plate is aligned with a sample entrance to a first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer maintained substantially lower than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Ionics Mass Spectrometry Group
    Inventors: Charles Jolliffe, Gholamreza Javahery, Lisa Cousins, Ilia Tomski
  • Publication number: 20110155901
    Abstract: A tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer includes a first pulsed ion source that produces ions with a first mass and charge that directs the ions into a first stage of a tandem TOF mass spectrometer. In addition, a second pulsed ion source produces ions with a second mass and an opposite charge directs the ions into the first stage of the tandem TOF mass spectrometer. A field-free reaction region is positioned in the ion flight path so that ions from first and second pulsed ion source arrive at the entrance of the field-free reaction region substantially simultaneously in at least one of time and space. At least some of the ions from the first and second pulsed ion source are fragmented by ion-ion collision between positive and negative ions. A second stage of the tandem mass spectrometer separates fragment ions produced in the reaction region according to their mass-to-charge ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: VIRGIN INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Marvin L. Vestal
  • Patent number: 7928364
    Abstract: The invention provides for efficient collection of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces for their subsequent analysis with spectrometry. In an embodiment of the invention, a ‘multiple desorption ionization source’ includes a tube which can contain ions for subsequent sampling within a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, either narrow inside diameter capillary tubes or wide diameter tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the invention, a dopant is introduced into a tube to analyze the sample. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ionization sources is used to analyze the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: IonSense, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Musselman
  • Patent number: 7901628
    Abstract: A method for fractionating a sample solution includes the steps of setting a first mass spectrometry condition and mass range information; setting a second mass spectrometry condition and mass range information; executing a mass scan by the mass spectrum acquisition portion under the first mass spectrometry condition and obtaining first mass spectrum data; extracting first chromatogram data from the first mass spectrum data based on the first mass range information; executing a mass scan by the mass spectrum acquisition portion under the second mass spectrometry condition to obtain second mass spectrum data; extracting second chromatogram data from the second mass spectrum data based on the second mass range information; switching the first and second spectrometry conditions and repeating the mass scan cyclically; adding the first and second chromatograph data to obtain a chromatogram data; and operating the fraction collector based on the chromatogram data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitake Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110049348
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ionization apparatus with a plurality of sprayers configured for producing separate gas streams comprising charged material, an interface structure, and a capillary. The interface structure includes a plurality of entrance orifices aligned on-axis or off-axis with respective sprayers, a plurality of desolvating passages extending from the entrance orifices to respective passage outlets, and a common passage communicating with the passage outlets. The desolvating passages form a plurality of input flow paths running from the entrance orifices and merging into the common passage. The capillary communicates with the common passage and extends therefrom to a capillary outlet positioned outside the interface structure, wherein the capillary forms a single output flow path running from the merged input flow paths to the capillary outlet. Desolvated ions from the first and second passages may be flowed together through the capillary as a mixture, or may be flowed sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory J. Wells
  • Patent number: 7858955
    Abstract: An ion beam uniformity control system, wherein the uniformity control system comprising a differential pumping chamber that encloses an array of individually controlled gas jets, wherein the gas pressure of the individually controlled gas jets are powered by a controller to change the fraction of charge exchanged ions, and wherein the charge exchange reactions between the gas and ions change the fraction of the ions with original charge state of a broad ion beam, wherein the charge exchanged portion of the broad ion beam is removed utilizing an deflector that generates a magnetic field, a Faraday cup profiler for measuring the broad ion beam profile; and adjusting the individually controlled gas jets based upon feedback provided to the controller to obtain the desired broad ion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu Satoh, Edward C. Eisner, Manny Sieradzki
  • Patent number: 7855355
    Abstract: The output terminal P2 of the positive voltage generating circuit 2 and the output terminal Q1 of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 are connected in series. The output terminal Q2 of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 is connected to the ground via the resistor 10. Each of the resistors 6 and 7 is respectively connected in parallel to the voltage generating circuits 2 and 4. A high voltage whose polarity is changed is taken from the output terminal P1 of the positive voltage generating circuit 2. For changing the output voltage from positive to negative one, the control circuit 1 controls each of the drive circuits 3 and 5 so that the output of the positive voltage generating circuit 2 changes from the voltage +HV to zero and the output of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 simultaneously changes from zero to ?HV. Accordingly, the output voltage changes in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shiro Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7847241
    Abstract: In various aspects, ion sources, mass spectrometer systems, and a power supply circuit coupled to a feedback circuit are provided. A power supply is provided that includes at least the power supply circuit and is operable to transfer charge to a load. The feedback circuit is responsive to a DC component of an output voltage supplied by the power supply in a first feedback loop and an AC component of the output voltage in a second feedback loop to produce a feedback signal representative of at least one of: a value of the output voltage before a charge transfer from a capacitor of the power supply to a load; the value of the output voltage during the charge transfer from the capacitor of the power supply to the load; or the value of the output voltage after the charge transfer from the capacitor of the power supply to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: DH Technololgies Development PTE. Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Gabeler
  • Publication number: 20100301206
    Abstract: An ion-ion reaction cell is provided comprising a plurality of electrodes (1) forming an ion guide (2). One or more transient DC voltage waves (8, 9) are applied to the electrodes (2). Reagent anions and analyte cations are arranged to undergo ion-ion reactions within the reaction cell and the resulting fragment ions which are formed within the reaction cell are then subsequently translated out of the reaction cell by means of one or more transient DC voltage waves (8, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeffery Mark Brown, Martin Raymond Green
  • Publication number: 20100276587
    Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Alastair Clark, Stephen John Taylor, Robert Brian Turner, Richard Turner, William Angus Munro
  • Patent number: 7816647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for mass spectrometry (100) that allows for bi-directional introduction of collections of charged particles into the magnetic field of a mass spectrometer. More particularly, the present invention includes a system for mass spectrometry (100) (e.g., an FTMS mass spectrometer) with a cylindrical magnet (101) configured to receive and measure the cyclotron frequencies (104) of charged particles that are introduced (102, 103) into the cylindrical magnet (101) from either of the two axial ends thereof. Methods of the invention relate to performing mass spectrometry analysis on collections of charged particles that are introduced (102, 103), serially, simultaneously or both, into a cylindrical magnet (101) from opposing axial ends thereof. The present invention exhibits significantly increased magnet throughput relative to currently available devices, by allowing flow in the opposite direction to a second detector, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventor: David B. Agus
  • Patent number: 7812308
    Abstract: In a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer having an ionization interface capable of simultaneously performing ionization operations by ESI and APCI, a spray nozzle 22 for spraying a liquid sample given form a liquid chromatograph section as charged droplets, and a corona discharger 25 for ionizing mobile phase solvent molecules are placed in the same ionization chamber 21. The same voltages are applied to both the spray nozzle and the corona discharger from a single high-voltage power supply 41. The electrical power's value of the heater 27 of the heated dry gas supplier for drying the charged droplets generated in the spray nozzle 22 are set to be suitable for the ionization according to APCI. Consequently, the labor for the circuit design and the number of the parts are reduced. At the same time, the parameter setting items for the user are decreased, which leads to enhanced operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7791042
    Abstract: An ion source includes structure having separate first and second ion volumes therein, and electron source structure having first and second portions that selectively supply electrons to the first and second ion volumes, respectively. The electron source structure has a first operational mode in which the second portion substantially prevents a supply of electrons to the second ion volume and in which electrons are supplied to the first ion volume under control of the first portion, and has a second operational mode in which the first portion substantially prevents a supply of electrons to the first ion volume and in which electrons are supplied to the second ion volume under control of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Edward B. McCauley, Scott T. Quarmby
  • Publication number: 20100148059
    Abstract: An interface for mass spectrometers. The interface uses non coaxial sampling pathways of the analyte ion beam prior to entering the entrance of a mass spectrometer for decreasing chemical background, and can be done in such a way as to permit multiple sprayers, increasing sample throughput and sensitivity for LC/MS (liquid chromatography/MS). The interface includes an ion source having an exit from which a beam of analyte ions are emitted, a curtain plate and an aperture in the curtain plate member, an orifice plate having an orifice therein. The orifice plate is being spaced from the curtain plate member defining a flow passageway therebetween, and the aperture in the orifice plate is aligned with a sample entrance to a first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer maintained substantially lower than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: IONICS MASS SPECTROMETRY GROUP
    Inventors: Charles Jolliffe, Gholamreza Javahery, Lisa Cousins, Ilia Tomski