Brent A Knecht

US Patent:

7161142, Jan 9, 2007

Filed:

Sep 6, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/218635

Inventors:

Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US
Brent A. Knecht - Lebanon IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

H01J 49/00
B01D 59/44

US Classification:

250281, 250282, 250283, 250292, 250300

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer, and more specifically a portable mass spectrometer. In one implementation, the mass spectrometer includes a toroidal transformer. In another implementation, the mass spectrometer includes feedback circuitry to monitor signals applied in the mass spectrometer.

US Patent:

20050051720, Mar 10, 2005

Filed:

Sep 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/933972

Inventors:

Brent Knecht - Lebanon IN, US
Garth Patterson - Brookston IN, US

International Classification:

H01J049/00

US Classification:

250288000

Abstract:

The present invention provides methods and electronic circuits for a chemical analyzer, for example, a mass spectrometer, which provide generated signals that are maintained to a required level of precision. A user may specify the required precision for the signals which operate the spectrometer and may specify the required precision for the mass analysis, either explicitly or by choosing a predefined configuration. The spectrometer will then generate the signals to the required precision despite changes in operating conditions, environmental conditions, component aging and degradation, or other nonfailure effects that otherwise affect analyzer calibration and signal output. The electronic circuits incorporate signal monitoring to maintain closed-loop signal control. The closed-loop control includes a feedback path which may include discrete components and may include software enabling a processor to adjust the generated signals to maintain the required precision of the signals and analysis. Further, the spectrometer may monitor signals and analyze and store data in order to predict future performance, including precision, analysis limitations, impending component degradation or failure, or another parameter associated with a component or signal of the spectrometer. Specifically, a range for a particular parameter may be specified and a indication provided to a user when the parameter exceeds the specified range.