The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 28, 1995
Filed:
Mar. 03, 1993
Cetac Technologies Incorporated, Omaha, NE (US);
Abstract
An efficient sample introduction system and method of use, for accepting liquid sample solutions, nebulizing them to form nebulized sample solution droplets, desolvating and removing solvent therefrom, and introducing the resulting desolvated nebulized sample particles to sample analysis systems is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment a flow of heated gas is caused to flow over the outer surface of a coiled essentially tubular shaped enclosed filter to remove solvent vapor which diffuses through the coiled essentially tubular shaped enclosed filter while a mixture of desolvated nebulized sample particles and solvent vapor is caused to flow therethrough. A modified embodiment utilizes a low temperature condenser in place of the heated gas flow. Nebulization of sample solutions is accomplished by use of high efficiency ultrasonic or direct injection micro nebulizer systems. Desolvation is performed in a desolvation chamber in which heating elements provide a temperature sufficient to vaporize solvent present. The sample introduction system provides improved sample solution nebulization, desolvation and solvent removal, as well as reduced sample loss and carry-over of sample from one analysis procedure to a subsequent analysis procedure, as compared to other systems which perform a similar overall function. The sample introduction system also enhances transport of sample through the sample introduction system to a sample analysis system. The present invention is equally effective with sample solutions in which the sample solvent is either water, or an organic solvent.