Maryland Patent of the Month – August 2025
A new patent from Trace Matters Scientific LLC could improve mass spectrometry. The technology, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12376770, titled ‘System and method for ion packet formation, delivery, and calibration in mass spectrometry’, describes a novel way to manage ions. It enhances how these crucial particles are handled within the system. This innovation could make mass spectrometers more accurate and efficient.
How it Works
The system features an ion transfer device. This device receives a continuous stream of ions. It then forms these ions into discrete ” packets”. It can accumulate a new packet while an old one is being delivered. This happens at a high frequency. The range is 1 to 1000 times per second. This process allows for continuous sample flow. It also maintains precise control over each ion packet.
Why it Matters
This invention improves ion management. It also integrates a second ion source. That source produces calibration ions. The system uses these to calibrate itself automatically. This dual function is key. It allows for on-the-fly calibration. This helps to maintain accuracy. The method also enables synchronized transfer of ion packets. This makes the entire system more efficient. It is a significant step forward for analytical chemistry.
This new approach has major implications for research and development. It could lead to faster, more reliable results. This is vital in fields like drug discovery and materials science. The patent highlights a simple yet impactful design change. It may set a new standard for future mass spectrometry systems.
Learn More:
Are you developing new or improved products, or thinking of applying for a patent? Did you know your research work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please check out our free online eligibility test.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of R&D Tax specialists if you would like to learn more about R&D Tax Credit opportunities.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the largest Specialist R&D Tax Credit advisory firm in the United States. With offices nationwide, we are one of the only firms globally to exclusively provide R&D Tax Credit consulting services to our clients. We have been exclusively providing R&D Tax Credit claim preparation and audit compliance solutions for over 30 years.
Swanson Reed’s Maryland office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Hagerstown, Annapolis, College Park, Salisbury, and Laurel.
Swanson Reed hosts daily free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please click here or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
Are you eligible?
Why choose us?
Pass an Audit?
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
Never miss a deadline again
Stay up to date on IRS processes
Discover R&D in your industry
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
Choose your state
