Patent ID: 6744046
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: B05B,H01J

Abstract:
A feedback control system for an electrospray nozzle communicating with a source of electrical potential and having a nozzle tip which is displaced from a counter-electrode, comprisinga source of light, with focusing optics, focused to intersect one or more of the liquid cone, jet and plume of the fluid exiting the electrospray nozzle, one or more photo detectors, configured individually or in an array and disposed to detect scattered light patterns, transmitted light patterns or both, passing through, reflected by or emitted from said liquid discharged from said electrospray nozzle as a result of the intersection of light from said source of light with said liquid, and generate photo-electronic signals in response thereto, an electronic detection and amplification system adapted to convert said photo-electronic signals to electronic signals, a first computer or microprocessor system which interprets said electronic signals, and a second computer or microprocessor system communicating with said first computer or microprocessor system, which generates a signal to a controller which either adjusts the distance between said electrospray nozzle and a counter-electrode by displacing said nozzle, said counter-electrode, or both, or changes the voltage applied to said nozzle with respect to a counter electrode or mass spectrometer inlet.