Internal mass spectrometer interface to a gas chromatograph
OwnerDaryl Sharpinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for sensitive analysis of unknown organic samples is disclosed. The device is particularly useful as an interface between a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer which has a high pumping capacity. The device comprises an interface internal to the mass spectrometer which may either be attached directly to an inlet probe inserted into a mass spectrometer or directly to the source body of a mass spectrometer. In both cases, the sample goes directly into the source cavity and an auxiliary vacuum system is not required for sample enrichment. For mass spectrometers with marginal pumping capacity, or when very low source pressures are required, the vacuum system may be augmented by designs which either partially or completely isolate the source and interface exhaust pumping systems from each other.
Claims20
A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer interface system for connecting a gas chromatograph output means to a mass spectrometer source, which comprises:
- (a) an output column having a first end and a second end;
- (b) an elongated rigid interface body having a first interface end and a second interface end, and having an interface gap positioned between the first interface end and the second interface end, said first interface end having a first bore extending therethrough to the interface gap for insertion of the gas chromatograph output means, said second interface end having a second bore extending therethrough to the interface gap for insertion of the output column, the output column being positioned such that its second end is located within the second bore, and said first bore and said second bore being axially aligned across the interface gap;
- (c) a means for moving the gas chromatograph output means through the first bore, across the interface gap and into the second bore;
- (d) a means for securing the interface to a mass spectrometer such that the first end of the output column is positioned in the mass spectrometer source;
- and
- (e) a vacuum means connected to the mass spectrometer source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.