Garth E Patterson

US Patent:

6982413, Jan 3, 2006

Filed:

Sep 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/933972

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies, Inc. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

H01J 49/00
H01J 49/04

US Classification:

250281, 250282, 250283, 250299, 250300

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.

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:

7294832, Nov 13, 2007

Filed:

Dec 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/537019

Inventors:

James Mitchell Wells - Lafayette IN, US
Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies, LLC - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

H01J 49/42

US Classification:

250292, 250281

Abstract:

In one implementation, processes for designing mass separators from a series of mass separator electric field data and processes for designing an ion trap from a range of data pairs and a mass analyzer scale are provided. Methods for producing mass separators including ion traps having Z/rratios from about 0. 84 to about 1. 2 are also provided. Mass spectrometers are al provided that can include mass separators in tandem with one being an ion trap having a Z/rratio between 0. 84 and 1. 2. The present invention also provides methods for analyzing samples using mass separators having first and second sets of components defining a volume with a ratio of a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the first component to a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the second component being between 0. 84 and 1. 2.

US Patent:

7427750, Sep 23, 2008

Filed:

Jan 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/542187

Inventors:

John W. Grossenbacher - Lafayette IN, US
Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies, L.L.C. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

H01J 49/00

US Classification:

250288, 250281, 250282, 250289, 250423 R, 73273, 73431

Abstract:

One embodiment of a mass spectrometer assembly includes a base configured to define at least a portion of a vacuum chamber volume; a mass separator component within the vacuum chamber volume; a lid coupled to the mass separator component and configured to be removably operably coupled with respect to the base; and wherein the lid is configured to be positioned in a first operable position to form a hermetical seal with the base and provide the mass separator component within the vacuum chamber volume and a second operable position wherein at least a portion of the lid is spaced from the base and the mass separator component is at least partially removed from within the vacuum chamber volume. Mass spectrometer operational methods are provided that can include at least partially removing the lid from the base, wherein the removing of the lid also at least partially removes the mass separator component from the vacuum chamber volume; and inspecting the mass separator component with the mass separator component removed from the vacuum chamber volume.

US Patent:

7520920, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

Mar 6, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/367334

Inventors:

Mark A. Gregory - Lafayette IN, US
Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US
Anthony J. Cochran - Lafayette IN, US
Jason L. Springston - Carmel IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

B01D 53/02

US Classification:

96106, 96102, 96105, 95 87, 73 2335

Abstract:

The present invention discloses a gas chromatograph assembly. In one implementation, the assembly includes a sample injector and a guard column assembly. The guard column assembly includes a guard column connected to and downstream of the sample injector; a jacket with low thermal mass surrounding the guard column; a temperature controlled heater connected to the jacket to control the temperature of the jacket and thereby the temperature of the guard column; and an insulating housing surrounding the jacket. An analytical column is connected to and downstream of the guard column.

US Patent:

7576324, Aug 18, 2009

Filed:

Sep 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/570717

Inventors:

John W. Grossenbacher - Lafayette IN, US
Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies, L.L.C. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

H01J 49/42

US Classification:

250292, 250281, 250282, 250283, 250397

Abstract:

Ion detection methods are provided that can include applying a first voltage between a power source and a dynode, and contacting the dynode with first ions to create a first charged species. After applying the first voltage, a second voltage can be applied between the power source and the dynode, and the dynode can be contacted with second ions to create a second charged species. Mass spectrometry instrument circuitry is also provided that can include a power source coupled to a dynode via at least one switch with the switch being operatively configured in one position to apply a first voltage between the dynode and the power source, and, in another position, configured to apply a second voltage between the dynode and the power source. Mass spectrometry analysis methods are also provided that can include detecting sorted ions using a dynode configured according to an ion detection parameter with the ion detection parameter including first and second dynode values associated with first and second time values. Methods and circuitry for portable instrumentation are also provided.

US Patent:

7582867, Sep 1, 2009

Filed:

Oct 3, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/906661

Inventors:

James Mitchell Wells - Lafayette IN, US
Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies, L.L.C. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

H01J 49/42

US Classification:

250292, 250281

Abstract:

In one implementation, processes for designing mass separators from a series of mass separator electric field data and processes for designing an ion trap from a range of data pairs and a mass analyzer scale are provided. Methods for producing mass separators including ion traps having Z/rratios from about 0. 84 to about 1. 2 are also provided. Mass spectrometers are also provided that can include mass separators in tandem with one being an ion trap having a Z/rratio between 0. 84 and 1. 2. The present invention also provides methods for analyzing samples using mass separators having first and second sets of components defining a volume with a ratio of a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the first component to a distance from the center of the volume to a surface of the second component being between 0. 84 and 1. 2.

US Patent:

7600439, Oct 13, 2009

Filed:

May 1, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/414195

Inventors:

Garth E. Patterson - Brookston IN, US
John W. Grossenbacher - Lafayette IN, US

Assignee:

Griffin Analytical Technologies, Inc. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01N 1/28
G01N 30/62
G01N 30/68
G01N 30/72

US Classification:

7386321, 7386312, 7386323, 73 2337, 73 2341, 73 3101

Abstract:

The present invention provides a method and system for collecting and storing an atmospheric sample for eventual analysis, where the atmospheric sample includes a mixture of at least a matrix and an analyte. In one implementation, the system includes a housing; a sample cartridge removably attached to the housing, and a pump integrated with the housing and in fluid communication with the sample cartridge, the pump being configured to draw the atmospheric sample through the sample cartridge and to subsequently evacuate the matrix from the sample cartridge. The sample cartridge includes a low thermal mass cylinder with a first end and a second end; an inlet port with a gas-tight inlet valve at the first end of the cylinder, an outlet port with a gas-tight outlet valve at the second end of the cylinder, and a sorbent material disposed within the cylinder and adapted to trap the analyte from the atmospheric sample. In addition, the interior surfaces of the cylinder, inlet valve, and outlet valve upon which sorbent material is not disposed are chemically passive.