Apparatus and method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray
AssigneePhoenix S&T, Inc.
InventorSau Lan Tang Staats
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample; a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray; and a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current.
Claims11
A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray comprising:
- an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample;
- a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray;
- a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal tat is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current;
- and
- a mass spectrometer having an inlet for receiving the liquid spray, the current sensing means being disposed between an opening of the spray device though which the liquid spray is discharged and having a ring-shaped structure with an orifice through which the liquid spray passes.
A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray comprising:
- an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample;
- a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray;
- a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current;
- and
- a mass spectrometer having an inlet for receiving the liquid spray, the current sensing means enclosing the inlet and further acting as an electrostatic lens.
A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray comprising the steps of:
- generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray device;
- providing a mass spectrometer including an inlet that receives the liquid spray;
- sensing a current the liquid spray with a spray current sensing disposed between an opening of the spray device, the current sensing means having a ring-shaped structure with an orifice through which the liquid spray passes;
- through which the liquid spray is discharged and the inlet the liquid spray passing through an opening formed through the current sensing means;
- comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal;
- and
- delivering the control signal to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device according to a set level of current.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.