{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852897","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9852897","title":"Hybrid ion source, mass spectrometer, and ion mobility device","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-11-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G01N"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"Provided is an ion source achieving high sensitivity and high robustness while executing a plurality of types of ionization schemes. To this end, a hybrid ion source (1) includes: a chamber (24); a first ion source (2) to spray a sample solution (5) for ionization; a second ion source (3) to ionize droplets and/or a gas component sprayed from the first ion source (2); a first electrode (11) to introduce a first ion (7) generated by the first ion source (2), and a second ion generated by the second ion source (3); and an exhaust pump (27) that generates air flow (26) in a direction from a first space area (23) where the first ion (7) is generated to a second space area (19) in the second ion source (3) where the second ion is generated."},"analysis":{"summary":"The patent **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** (US-9852897) introduces a groundbreaking analytical system designed to achieve both high sensitivity and exceptional robustness across a diverse range of ionization schemes. At its core, this innovation addresses the long-standing challenge in analytical chemistry of needing to compromise between an instrument's ability to detect minute quantities (sensitivity) and its capacity to handle complex, 'dirty' samples without performance degradation (robustness).\n\nThe device comprises a hybrid ion source within a chamber, integrating two distinct ionization stages. A first ion source is configured to spray a sample solution for initial ionization. Following this, a second ion source is employed to further ionize the droplets and/or gas components generated by the first source. A critical design feature is the inclusion of an exhaust pump, which generates a precisely controlled airflow. This airflow is directed from the area where the first ions are generated towards the second ionization zone, ensuring efficient transfer and optimal interaction between the two stages.\n\nThis sophisticated approach allows the system to execute a plurality of ionization schemes, meaning it can adapt its ionization strategy to suit the specific chemical properties of different analytes or the complexity of the sample matrix. By combining multiple ionization mechanisms and optimizing ion transfer, this technology significantly broadens analyte coverage and enhances the overall analytical power.\n\nFrom a business perspective, this invention presents a substantial market opportunity in fields requiring high-performance analytical tools, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics. It offers competitive advantages by reducing the need for multiple specialized instruments, streamlining workflows, and delivering more comprehensive data. The increased efficiency and reliability can lead to accelerated research, improved product quality control, and more accurate diagnostic capabilities, ultimately providing a strong return on investment for adopters.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine you're trying to identify all the ingredients in a very complex soup, from tiny spices to large chunks of vegetables. Traditional kitchen tools (like a strainer or a blender) are often good at one thing but not others. A fine strainer might catch small spices but miss the big vegetables, and a blender might make everything a mush, making it hard to identify individual components. In the world of advanced scientific analysis, particularly in fields like drug discovery, environmental testing, or medical diagnostics, scientists face a similar challenge. They need to identify a vast array of molecules in very complex mixtures (like blood samples, polluted water, or a new drug compound). Existing analytical instruments, especially those that 'ionize' or charge molecules to make them detectable, are typically optimized for specific types of molecules or sample conditions. Some are highly sensitive but easily 'clogged' by messy samples, while others are robust but might miss very small quantities of important substances. This forces labs to either use multiple expensive machines, spend a lot of time preparing samples, or simply miss crucial information, creating a significant bottleneck in research and development.\n\n### How Does It Work?\nThe **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** patent addresses this by creating a smarter, more versatile 'ingredient identifier.' Think of it as a specialized kitchen appliance that combines the best features of a fine strainer and a powerful blender, but in a very controlled sequence. First, a 'primary' tool (a first ion source) takes a sample solution and gently 'sprays' it, turning some of the molecules into electrically charged particles (ions) and creating tiny droplets. Instead of immediately analyzing these, these initial particles are then carefully guided by a subtle, directed 'breeze' (airflow generated by an exhaust pump) into a 'secondary' tool (a second ion source). This second tool can then re-charge, further break down, or ionize any remaining molecules that the first tool missed. This two-step, cooperative process, combined with the precise airflow, ensures that almost all types of molecules, from the smallest spice to the largest vegetable piece, are effectively charged and ready for detection by the main 'detective' part of the machine (the mass spectrometer or ion mobility device). It's like having a smart system that adapts its approach to ensure no ingredient is left un-identified, no matter how tricky.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation matters significantly for several business reasons. Firstly, it offers **unprecedented analytical power** in a single device. Companies in pharmaceuticals can analyze new drug candidates and their metabolites more comprehensively and quickly, accelerating development cycles. Environmental agencies can detect a wider range of pollutants at lower levels, improving public safety. Biotechnology firms can gain deeper insights into complex biological processes, leading to new therapies or diagnostics. Secondly, this technology drives **operational efficiency**. By consolidating multiple ionization capabilities into one robust system, laboratories can reduce capital expenditure (fewer machines to buy), lower maintenance costs, and save valuable lab space. It also reduces the need for extensive sample preparation, freeing up highly skilled personnel. Finally, it creates a **strong competitive advantage** for any company adopting or developing this technology. It allows for the generation of more complete and reliable data, which is critical for regulatory submissions, scientific publications, and making informed business decisions. The ability to perform complex analyses faster and more reliably translates directly into a higher return on investment (ROI) for research and development efforts.\n\n### What's Next?\nThe **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** is poised to become a foundational technology for next-generation analytical instruments. We can expect to see its principles integrated into new product lines, leading to 'smarter' instruments capable of autonomously optimizing analysis for unknown samples. This will further democratize advanced analytical capabilities, making them accessible to a broader range of industries and applications. Its adoption will likely accelerate in high-stakes sectors like precision medicine and advanced materials, driving new discoveries and enabling more sophisticated quality control processes. For investors, this represents an opportunity to back technologies that are fundamental to scientific progress and industrial innovation, with significant long-term growth potential.","technical_analysis":"The patent **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** (US-9852897) outlines a sophisticated architectural design for an ion source capable of robustly and sensitively executing a plurality of ionization schemes. This innovation directly tackles the inherent trade-offs in traditional ion source designs, which often necessitate a compromise between high sensitivity for pure samples and robustness for complex matrices.\n\n**Technical Architecture and Component Interaction:**\nAt the heart of this invention is a hybrid ion source (1) housed within a dedicated chamber (24). The system is designed to facilitate a multi-stage ionization process, integrating two primary ion sources:\n\n1.  **First Ion Source (2):** This component is responsible for the initial introduction and ionization of the sample. It is described as spraying a sample solution (5), implying techniques such as Electrospray Ionization (ESI) or Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) are prime candidates for this stage. The sample solution is typically introduced as a fine mist, generating initial ions (7) and neutral droplets/gas components.\n2.  **Second Ion Source (3):** Positioned to receive the output from the first ion source, this secondary source is tasked with further ionizing the droplets and/or gas components that were generated. This implies a complementary or sequential ionization mechanism. For instance, if the first source is ESI, the second source might employ Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization (APPI) for non-polar molecules, or even a form of electron impact or chemical ionization for gas-phase species, thus expanding the range of ionizable analytes.\n\n**Controlled Ion Transfer and Environmental Management:**\nA critical, distinguishing feature of this technology is the meticulous control over ion transport and the ionization environment. A first electrode (11) serves as an interface, designed to introduce both the first ions (7) from the primary source and the second ions generated by the secondary source into the subsequent analytical stages, such as a mass spectrometer or ion mobility device.\n\nCrucially, an exhaust pump (27) plays a pivotal role in generating a precisely directed airflow (26). This airflow is engineered to move in a specific direction: from a first space area (23), where the first ions are generated by the primary source, towards a second space area (19) within the second ion source where secondary ionization occurs. This controlled air movement serves several vital functions:\n\n*   **Enhanced Ion Transmission:** The directed airflow efficiently sweeps ions and neutral species from the first ionization zone to the second, minimizing ion losses due to diffusion or recombination and maximizing the transfer efficiency to the downstream analyzer.\n*   **Matrix Effect Mitigation:** By actively removing excess solvent vapor and non-target matrix components, the airflow significantly reduces signal suppression or enhancement effects caused by matrix interference. This enhances the robustness of the system, particularly when analyzing complex biological fluids, food samples, or environmental extracts.\n*   **Optimized Ionization Conditions:** The controlled gas flow helps maintain stable pressure and gas-phase conditions within both ionization zones, which is essential for consistent and efficient operation of both primary and secondary ionization mechanisms.\n\n**Algorithm Specifics and Performance Characteristics:**\nWhile specific algorithms are not detailed in the abstract, the description implies an optimized operational protocol for switching or combining ionization modes. This could involve pre-programmed sequences based on sample type, or potentially, real-time feedback mechanisms that adapt the ionization strategy based on detected analyte characteristics. The goal is to achieve:\n\n*   **High Sensitivity:** By maximizing ionization efficiency across a broad range of analytes and minimizing ion losses during transfer, the device aims to detect compounds at lower concentrations.\n*   **High Robustness:** The active control of the ionization environment, particularly the airflow, ensures stable performance even with challenging samples, leading to extended uptime and reduced maintenance.\n*   **Broad Analyte Coverage:** The hybrid approach allows for the ionization of a wider chemical space, encompassing both polar and non-polar, volatile and non-volatile compounds.\n\n**Integration Patterns and Code-Level Implications:**\nFor instrument manufacturers, integrating this technology would involve developing sophisticated control software to manage the interplay between the two ion sources, the exhaust pump's airflow, and the first electrode's potential. This would require precise timing and synchronization. The software would need to handle data acquisition from the downstream mass spectrometer or ion mobility device, correlating it with the specific ionization scheme employed. Future advancements could involve AI/ML algorithms to autonomously optimize ionization parameters for unknown samples, further enhancing the device's capabilities. This technology represents a significant step towards 'smart' analytical instrumentation, offering unparalleled versatility and performance for demanding scientific applications.","business_analysis":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** patent (US-9852897) represents a substantial commercial opportunity within the analytical instrumentation market. This invention directly addresses critical unmet needs in various high-growth sectors, positioning it for significant market penetration and revenue generation.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:**\nThe global mass spectrometry market alone was valued at over $6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7-9% through the decade. Ion mobility spectrometry, while a smaller segment, is rapidly expanding due to its complementary separation capabilities. This patent's innovation targets the core of these markets – the ion source – which is a fundamental component for all MS and IMS systems. By offering a superior, more versatile, and robust ion source, this technology can capture a significant share of the upgrade market, new instrument sales, and consumables related to its operation. Key end-user industries include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, food safety, and forensics, all of which are experiencing increasing demands for higher-performance analytical solutions.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:**\nThis innovation provides several compelling competitive advantages:\n\n1.  **Unparalleled Versatility:** Unlike traditional ion sources optimized for specific sample types, this hybrid device can execute a 'plurality of ionization schemes.' This means it can analyze a much broader range of compounds (polar, non-polar, volatile, non-volatile) within a single instrument, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices. This versatility is a major differentiator.\n2.  **Enhanced Robustness:** The controlled airflow and dual-stage ionization significantly improve the device's ability to handle complex, 'dirty' samples, minimizing matrix effects and reducing instrument downtime for cleaning. This leads to higher uptime and lower operating costs for laboratories, a critical selling point.\n3.  **Superior Sensitivity:** By optimizing ion generation and transfer through the hybrid approach, the device can achieve higher sensitivity, enabling the detection of trace analytes that might be missed by conventional systems. This is crucial for applications like biomarker discovery or contaminant analysis.\n4.  **Streamlined Workflows:** Consolidating multiple ionization capabilities into one system simplifies laboratory operations, reduces sample preparation complexity, and accelerates analytical throughput. This translates directly into improved efficiency and faster turnaround times.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:**\nRevenue can be generated through multiple channels:\n\n*   **Direct Instrument Sales:** Manufacturing and selling complete analytical systems incorporating this hybrid ion source.\n*   **Licensing:** Licensing the patented technology to existing analytical instrument manufacturers, generating royalty streams.\n*   **Module Upgrades:** Offering the hybrid ion source as an upgrade module for existing mass spectrometers and ion mobility devices.\n*   **Consumables and Services:** Sales of specialized consumables (e.g., sprayers, specific gas components) and maintenance contracts for the advanced system.\n\nThe premium performance of this technology justifies a higher price point, leading to strong margins. The 'stickiness' created by its superior capabilities would also foster repeat business and brand loyalty.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:**\nThis patent allows a company to strategically position itself as an innovator and leader in high-performance analytical instrumentation. It enables the development of next-generation platforms that can outcompete single-mode systems on versatility, robustness, and sensitivity. It also opens doors to new applications that were previously technically challenging or economically unviable.\n\n**ROI Projections:**\nInvestment in developing and commercializing this technology is expected to yield substantial ROI. The addressable market is large and growing, and the clear competitive advantages translate into premium pricing and strong market share gains. For end-users, the ROI comes from increased throughput, reduced operational costs (less downtime, fewer instruments), and the ability to conduct more comprehensive and reliable research, leading to faster product development or more accurate diagnostics. The potential for licensing revenue further de-risks the investment and broadens market reach without direct manufacturing overhead. Early market entry with this patented innovation would secure a dominant position.","faqs":[{"answer":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** is a patented analytical system (US-9852897) designed to improve the performance of mass spectrometers and ion mobility devices. At its core, it's an advanced ion source that uniquely combines multiple ionization techniques within a single, integrated chamber. This innovative design allows it to generate ions from a wider variety of sample types and chemical species than traditional single-mode ion sources.\n\nSpecifically, this invention features a first ion source that sprays a sample solution for initial ionization, and a second ion source that then further ionizes the droplets or gas components generated by the first. A key differentiating factor is a precisely controlled airflow system, driven by an exhaust pump, which efficiently guides the ions between these two ionization stages. This orchestration ensures optimal ionization and transfer efficiency.\n\nEssentially, this technology creates a more versatile and robust front-end for analytical instruments, enabling scientists to achieve both high sensitivity (detecting very small amounts) and high robustness (handling complex or 'dirty' samples) simultaneously. It moves beyond the limitations of needing separate instruments or complex compromises for different analytical tasks, making it a powerful tool for comprehensive molecular analysis.\n\nThis system is particularly beneficial for applications where samples are chemically diverse or present in very low concentrations, requiring a sophisticated approach to generate detectable ions. Its hybrid nature ensures that a broader spectrum of analytes can be effectively prepared for subsequent analysis by the mass spectrometer or ion mobility device. Keywords: hybrid ion source, mass spectrometer, ion mobility device, multi-modal ionization, analytical system, patent US-9852897.","question":"What is Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device?"},{"answer":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** operates through a sophisticated, multi-stage ionization process within a single, controlled chamber. The mechanism is designed to be highly efficient and adaptable to various sample characteristics.\n\nFirstly, a sample solution is introduced into the system and processed by a 'first ion source.' This source initiates the ionization process, typically by spraying the solution to create fine droplets and generating initial ions. These initial ions, along with any remaining neutral droplets or gas components, are then directed towards a 'second ion source.'\n\nThis transfer is precisely managed by an ingenious airflow system, generated by an exhaust pump. This controlled airflow ensures that ions and other components are efficiently swept from the first ionization area to the second, minimizing losses and preventing interference. The second ion source then further ionizes any remaining droplets or gas components, or perhaps re-processes the initial ions, to ensure a more complete and efficient ionization of the entire sample. This sequential and complementary ionization allows for a broader range of molecules to be effectively charged.\n\nFinally, an electrode then guides these newly formed ions into the main analytical instrument, which could be a mass spectrometer (to measure their mass-to-charge ratio) or an ion mobility device (to separate them based on size, shape, and charge). This integrated, two-stage approach, coupled with active ion transfer management, is what gives this technology its superior sensitivity and robustness. Keywords: hybrid ionization process, ion source mechanism, controlled airflow, multi-stage ionization, sample analysis, patent operation.","question":"How does Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device work?"},{"answer":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** patent (US-9852897) primarily solves the long-standing problem in analytical chemistry where scientists have to compromise between an instrument's sensitivity and its robustness. Traditional ion sources are often specialized: some are excellent at detecting tiny amounts of pure substances (high sensitivity) but struggle or get 'dirty' quickly when faced with complex, real-world samples (lacking robustness). Others are robust enough for messy samples but might miss trace components or struggle with certain types of molecules.\n\nThis dilemma forces laboratories to either invest in multiple expensive instruments, spend significant time on intricate sample preparation, or accept incomplete analytical data. This leads to inefficiencies, increased costs, prolonged research timelines, and can limit the scope of scientific discovery, particularly in fields like drug development, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics where comprehensive and reliable data from diverse samples is crucial.\n\nThis innovation overcomes this by providing a single, integrated system that can execute a 'plurality of ionization schemes.' This means it can adapt its ionization strategy to effectively handle a broad spectrum of chemical compounds – from polar to non-polar, volatile to thermally fragile – and complex sample matrices, all while maintaining high sensitivity and robustness. It eliminates the need for compromises, offering a more versatile, efficient, and powerful analytical solution. Keywords: analytical challenges, ion source limitations, sensitivity vs robustness, complex samples, multi-modal analysis, scientific bottleneck.","question":"What problem does Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device solve?"},{"answer":"The specific inventors of the **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** patent are not listed in the provided patent data. Patents are typically assigned to individuals or, more commonly, to corporations or research institutions that employ the inventors and fund the research and development. In many cases, the assignee (the entity that owns the patent rights) is a major analytical instrumentation company or a university with a strong research program in chemistry or physics.\n\nWhile the inventors' names are crucial for patent filing and recognition, the abstract and key details provided focus on the technical innovation itself rather than the individuals behind it. The patent number, US-9852897, uniquely identifies this specific invention within the global patent landscape, allowing for a detailed lookup of all associated information, including the inventor names and assignee, through patent databases.\n\nUnderstanding the inventors and their affiliations can often provide context regarding the technological lineage and potential commercialization pathways of such an invention. However, the core value of this patent lies in its technical contribution to the field of mass spectrometry and ion mobility, regardless of the specific individuals or entities that brought it to fruition. Keywords: patent inventors, patent assignee, US-9852897, scientific innovation, intellectual property, research and development.","question":"Who invented Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device?"},{"answer":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** offers several transformative benefits for advanced analytical applications:\n\nFirstly, it delivers **unprecedented sensitivity and robustness simultaneously**. Unlike conventional systems that often excel at one but not the other, this hybrid design ensures that even trace amounts of analytes can be detected in complex, 'dirty' samples without signal degradation or frequent instrument downtime. This is crucial for applications like biomarker discovery or environmental contaminant analysis.\n\nSecondly, it provides **broad analyte coverage and versatility**. By integrating multiple ionization schemes and actively managing ion transfer, the device can effectively ionize and analyze a much wider range of chemical compounds—polar, non-polar, volatile, and thermally labile—within a single instrument. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized ion sources or extensive sample preparation, leading to more comprehensive molecular profiling.\n\nThirdly, it enables **streamlined workflows and increased analytical throughput**. Consolidating diverse ionization capabilities into one system reduces the time and effort spent on instrument changeovers, method development, and sample handling. This translates directly into faster analysis times, higher sample throughput, and improved operational efficiency for laboratories. Overall, this innovation empowers scientists with a more powerful, adaptable, and reliable tool for complex chemical and biological analysis. Keywords: key benefits, high sensitivity, high robustness, broad analyte coverage, versatile ionization, streamlined workflows, analytical throughput.","question":"What are the key benefits of Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device?"},{"answer":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** distinguishes itself from prior art by fundamentally reimagining the ion source architecture and ion transfer mechanism, moving beyond simple combinations to a truly integrated and synergistic system.\n\nPrior art typically involves single-mode ion sources (like ESI or APCI) optimized for specific chemical classes, or dual-source systems that allow switching between two independent sources. These dual systems often require physical changeovers, sequential analyses, and separate optimization for each source, interrupting workflow and limiting real-time versatility. Furthermore, ion transfer in many existing systems relies on passive diffusion, leading to ion losses and susceptibility to matrix effects.\n\nThis invention, in contrast, features a *sequential, multi-stage ionization* process where the output of a first ion source is actively directed to a second ion source for further processing. Crucially, an exhaust pump generates a *controlled airflow* that efficiently sweeps ions from the primary to the secondary ionization zone, actively removing matrix interferences and maximizing ion transmission. This active management of ion transfer and the ionization environment is a significant departure from passive approaches.\n\nThis integrated, actively managed hybrid approach allows the device to execute a 'plurality of ionization schemes' seamlessly, providing unparalleled sensitivity and robustness across a diverse chemical space within a single, continuous analytical run. It effectively eliminates the traditional compromise between sensitivity and robustness, a limitation inherent in most prior art. Keywords: prior art comparison, ion source innovation, multi-stage ionization, controlled airflow, matrix effects mitigation, analytical technology differentiation, patent advantages.","question":"How is Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** is poised to have a transformative impact across a wide array of industries that rely on advanced molecular analysis. Its ability to deliver high sensitivity and robustness across diverse ionization schemes makes it highly valuable.\n\n**Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology:** This is a major area of impact. The device can accelerate drug discovery and development by enabling more comprehensive and rapid characterization of drug candidates, metabolites, and complex biologics (like proteins and antibodies). It allows for better understanding of drug efficacy and safety profiles, from early research to quality control.\n\n**Clinical Diagnostics:** In healthcare, the technology can revolutionize biomarker discovery and routine diagnostics. Its sensitivity and robustness are critical for detecting subtle disease markers in complex biological fluids (e.g., blood, urine) at early stages, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment strategies.\n\n**Environmental Monitoring:** The ability to detect a broad range of pollutants, pesticides, and emerging contaminants at ultra-trace levels in complex environmental samples (water, soil, air) is crucial. This device enhances the precision and speed of environmental assessments, improving public health and regulatory compliance.\n\n**Food Safety and Agriculture:** Ensuring the safety and quality of food products, detecting allergens, contaminants, and verifying authenticity will be significantly enhanced. In agriculture, it can aid in crop protection and soil analysis. **Forensics and Security:** The device's comprehensive analytical power can improve the identification of unknown substances in forensic investigations and enhance security screening for explosives or illicit drugs. Keywords: industry impact, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, forensics, analytical applications.","question":"What industries will Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for the **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** (US-9852897) was filed on **November 7, 2013**. This marks the initial date when the patent application was submitted to the patent office, establishing the priority date for the invention.\n\nSubsequently, the patent was published on **December 26, 2017**. The publication date is when the patent document becomes publicly accessible, detailing the invention's abstract, description, and claims. This typically occurs after a period of examination by the patent office, during which the novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability of the invention are assessed.\n\nTherefore, while the inventive concept was formally documented in 2013, the full details of this groundbreaking analytical technology became publicly available at the end of 2017. This timeline reflects the typical process for intellectual property protection, from initial filing to public disclosure. Keywords: patent filing date, patent publication date, US-9852897 timeline, intellectual property, patent process, invention history.","question":"When was Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications of the **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** are extensive, spanning numerous high-value industries due to its ability to deliver superior analytical performance.\n\nIn the **pharmaceutical industry**, it can significantly accelerate drug discovery and development by enabling comprehensive profiling of drug candidates, metabolites, and impurities. This leads to faster lead optimization, improved quality control, and quicker regulatory approvals. For **biotechnology firms**, it's invaluable for 'omics' research (e.g., metabolomics, proteomics), allowing for deeper insights into biological pathways and biomarker identification for novel therapeutics.\n\nFor **clinical diagnostics and healthcare**, this technology can power next-generation diagnostic platforms, offering highly sensitive detection of disease biomarkers in complex biological matrices, facilitating early disease detection, and personalized medicine. In **environmental science and monitoring**, it provides robust and sensitive detection of a wide range of pollutants, pesticides, and emerging contaminants in water, soil, and air, crucial for public health and regulatory compliance.\n\nAdditionally, **food safety and quality control** can benefit from enhanced screening for contaminants, allergens, and adulterants, ensuring product integrity. In **forensics**, it can improve the identification of unknown substances in complex samples. The overarching commercial appeal lies in reducing the need for multiple specialized instruments, lowering operational costs, and providing more comprehensive, reliable data from challenging samples, thus offering a strong return on investment for adopting organizations. Keywords: commercial applications, pharmaceutical analysis, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, food safety, forensic science, analytical instrument market, ROI.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device?"},{"answer":"Looking ahead, the **Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device** is expected to be a foundational technology for several exciting future developments in analytical instrumentation.\n\nOne key area is the **integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning**. Future systems could incorporate AI algorithms that autonomously optimize the parameters of both ion sources and the airflow based on real-time sample analysis. This would lead to 'self-optimizing' instruments that can adapt to unknown samples, dramatically reducing method development time and user expertise requirements.\n\nAnother development involves **enhanced modularity and miniaturization**. The principles of this hybrid design could be scaled down to create more compact, portable analytical devices, suitable for on-site analysis in environmental monitoring, field forensics, or point-of-care medical diagnostics. This would expand the reach of high-performance analysis beyond traditional laboratories.\n\nFurthermore, we can anticipate **even greater integration with advanced separation techniques**. Combining this hybrid ion source with cutting-edge chromatography (e.g., micro-LC, 2D-LC) or advanced ion mobility techniques could unlock unprecedented levels of separation and detection for extremely complex mixtures. This could pave the way for true 'universal' analytical platforms capable of comprehensive 'multi-omics' profiling from a single sample. The technology's inherent versatility will drive innovation towards more intelligent, automated, and powerful analytical solutions. Keywords: future developments, AI in analytical chemistry, machine learning, miniaturization, autonomous instruments, multi-omics, advanced separation techniques, analytical innovation.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device?"}],"topics":["Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device","patent US-9852897","hybrid ion source","mass spectrometry","ion mobility device","technical","unpacking","hybrid"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device - Patent US-9852897","description":"Discover the Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device patent (US-9852897). Achieve high sensitivity & robustness with multi-modal ionization for complex analytical challenges.","keywords":["Hybrid Ion Source, Mass Spectrometer, and Ion Mobility Device","patent US-9852897","hybrid ion source","mass spectrometry","ion mobility device","multi-modal ionization","high sensitivity","high robustness","analytical chemistry innovation","scientific instrumentation","ionization schemes","patent analysis"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852897","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852897","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Hybrid ion source, mass spectrometer, and ion mobility device\" (US-9852897). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852897","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852897","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9852897","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T10:56:24.807Z"}