With Semipermeable Membrane Patents (Class 204/403.06)
  • Patent number: 11519788
    Abstract: A stretchable temperature sensor includes one or more elastomeric ionic conducting layers; at least two electronic conducting elements, wherein the one or more ionic conducting layers and one or more electronic conducting elements are configured and arranged to provide at least one electrical double layer at a first contact area between the ionic conducting layer and a first electronic conducting element in a sensing end and at least one electrical double layer at a contact area between the ionic conducting layer and a second electronic conducting element in an open end of the temperature sensor; wherein the second electronic conducting element provides a connection at the open end to an external circuit for measuring a signal generated in response to a temperature condition at the sensing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Yecheng Wang, Kun Jia, Canhui Yang, Guoyong Mao, Zhigang Suo
  • Patent number: 11460427
    Abstract: A sulfonated nanocellulose or sulfonated cellulose may be synthesized. A polyaniline emeraldine may be doped with the sulfonated nanocellulose or sulfonated cellulose to form a sulfonated nanocellulose-doped polyaniline or a sulfonated cellulose-doped polyaniline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Cyberswarm, Inc.
    Inventors: Bogdan Catalin Serban, Octavian Buiu, Octavian Ionescu, Andrei Buiu
  • Patent number: 11327068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a presence of a microorganism in a sample is provided. The method includes storing electrophysiological and/or impedance signatures of a plurality of microorganisms in a memory of a processor. The method also includes obtaining a sample and generating an electrophysiological and/or impedance signature of the sample. The electrophysiological and/or impedance signature of the sample is compared with the electrophysiological and/or impedance signatures in the memory. A presence of one of the plurality of microorganisms in the sample is then identified based on a correlation between the electrophysiological and/or impedance signature of the sample and the electrophysiological and/or impedance signature of the one of the plurality of microorganisms. A method is also provided for determining a growth stage of a microorganism in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Parthiban Rajasekaran, Swaminathan Rajaraman
  • Patent number: 11207009
    Abstract: It is commonly known within the art of cutaneous/transcutaneous blood gas monitoring to warm up the skin of the patient to allow carbon dioxide and oxygen to diffuse easily through the skin. This is especially the case for transcutaneous partial pressure monitoring of oxygen. Heating the skin to 43° C. to 45° C. over several hours or days may cause damage to the skin. In order to avoid or minimize the risk of these damage, it is proposed to monitor the blood gases at a lower temperature with a cutaneous sensor, and intermittently warm up the skin to a temperature of 42° C. or more for a short duration to monitor the transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen, before lowering the temperature to the lower set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: RADIOMETER BASEL AG
    Inventors: Mathieu Horras, Franz Von Wirth
  • Patent number: 11199519
    Abstract: A method for producing a silver-silver chloride electrode includes: producing a paste by mixing silver powder, silver chloride powder, a dispersant, and fumed silica powder with a liquid silicone rubber binder; coating the paste on a substrate made of silicone rubber; curing the paste on the substrate to form an electrode containing silver and silver chloride; and immersing the electrode in a sodium chloride aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: NOK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Futashima
  • Patent number: 11054390
    Abstract: Provided is a device comprising a channel through and defined by a plurality of layers surrounding the channel, the channel connecting a first and a second chambers separated by the plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers comprise a first layer, a second layer; and a conductive middle layer disposed between the first and second layers, wherein the channel comprises (a) a first region defined by the first layer, denoted as an inlet, that is about 0.5 nm to about 100 nm in diameter and (b) a second region defined by the second layer, denoted as an outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm apart from each other, and wherein the first and second chambers and the middle layer are connected to a power supply. Also provided are methods of preparing and using the device, in particular for nucleic acid sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Brigham Young University
    Inventors: William Dunbar, Holger Schmidt, Aaron Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11051700
    Abstract: A double temperature sensor determines the body core temperature of a living being. The double temperature sensor includes a sensor block (2), which on one side carries a first temperature sensor (4) provided for placing on the skin surface and on the other side carries a second temperature sensor (5) spaced from the first. An evaluating unit calculates the body core temperature using the measured values of the first and second temperature sensors. The sensor block (2) is held in a hood-shaped housing shell (1) which is shaped in such a manner that the first temperature sensor (4) on the sensor block and the peripheral outer edge (8) of the housing shell (1) spaced therefrom lie in one plane. When the housing shell (1) is lying on the skin surface, the sensor block (2) is surrounded by an air-filled cavity closed off by the housing shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Jochim Koch, Thomas Grassl
  • Patent number: 11020740
    Abstract: A microfluidic biochip for detecting disease antigens using gold nano interdigitated electrode circuit under a controlled self-driven flow condition is disclosed. The biochip incorporates hydrophilic microchannels for controlled self-driven flow and gold nano interdigitated electrodes for capacitive sensing with enhanced sensitivity. The biochip's microchannel has a surface treated with oxygen plasma to control microchannel surface hydrophilicity and flow rate of the biofluid sample. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are utilized as an intermediate layer to enhance the binding capability to nano electrodes to enhance sensitivity. Due to the carboxylic groups of the CNTs, covalent bond binding between the antibodies and the CNTs allows the antibodies to adhere more readily on the surface of the electrodes. The quantity of antibodies attaching to the surface is increased due to the high surface to area ratio in CNTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Eon Soo Lee, Bharath Babu Nunna
  • Patent number: 10914707
    Abstract: A reference electrode according to the present invention maintains continuity between an internal solution and measurement sample and measures the electrical potential of the measurement sample even if the measurement sample in a liquid junction of the reference electrode has air bubbles mixed therein. This reference electrode is provided with: a second body provided with a second internal solution chamber in which a second internal solution is housed and a liquid junction portion disposed in the second internal solution chamber such that the second internal solution and measurement sample that is to be measured come into contact; and an internal electrode disposed inside the second internal solution. The liquid junction portion is formed from a conduction component formed from a porous or fibrous component and an aperture adjacent to the conduction component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Miyamura, Yoko Nakai, Yoshihiro Mori, Yoshito Komada, Kimihiko Arimoto, Yuiji Tsujioka, Tomoko Seko, Hiroki Minowa
  • Patent number: 10782238
    Abstract: A device for sensing and/or detecting species or stimulus at a locus, preferably at a fluid or moist locus by means of fluid communication therewith, comprising a surface configured to contact the locus, wherein the surface comprises a polyurethane material which material comprises a polyurethane polymer network having a hydrophilic polymer immobilised therein wherein the hydrophilic polymer comprises immobilised therein a ligand or moiety for detecting or sensing species or stimulus and an indicator for indicating detection or sensing prior to contact with the locus and change in indication as a function of species or stimulus present at the locus wherein species or stimulus are selected from chemical and biological species or stimulus; the use thereof preferably for detecting and/or sensing or binding bacteria, or for detecting or sensing pH or for detection or scanning with use of a reader; and a Kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew PLC, University of Sheffield
    Inventors: John Kenneth Hicks, Stephen Rimmer, Richard Hoskins, Dorothy McCulloch
  • Patent number: 10772210
    Abstract: A solution property sensor is provided and has: a substrate, a temperature sensing element, an electrical conductivity sensing element, a pH value sensing element, and a reference electrode. The solution property sensor utilizes different sensing elements to sense various solution properties, and all of these sensing elements can be electrically connected and fixed to conductive patterns on the same substrate, thereby facilitating mass production in the industry or reducing production difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-sen University
    Inventors: Che-hsin Lin, Wei-hsing Yen, Wei-sin Kao
  • Patent number: 10760114
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of delivering an analyte to a transmembrane pore in a membrane. The method involves the use of microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Clive Gavin Brown, Daniel Ryan Garalde, Andrew John Heron, Daniel John Turner, James White
  • Patent number: 10751719
    Abstract: A cartridge reader is configured to carry out a diagnostic test on a fluid sample contained within a fluidic cartridge. The cartridge comprises first, second and third collapsible blisters containing at least one reagent for use in the diagnostic test. The cartridge reader comprises an upper clamp, occupying a fixed position relative to the reader and a lower clamp, movable relative to the upper clamp, and wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp are configured to receive and hold a fluidic cartridge therebetween. First, second and third blister actuators are mounted on the upper clamp, for aligning with first, second and third collapsible blisters of a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Binx Health Limited
    Inventors: Ben Arlett, Tom Edwards
  • Patent number: 10746688
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measuring probe for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a measuring medium represented by a measured variable, including a probe housing having a first housing part and a second housing part, the first housing part being cap shaped closed on a front end by a sensor membrane and detachably connected to the second housing part on a rear end opposite the front end, such that the second housing part closes the cap at the rear end, and the first and the second housing parts define a probe interior sealed by the sensor membrane, a fluid electroyte contained within the probe interior, an overflow channel in communication with the probe interior, and a seal adjacent the probe interior so as to seal the probe interior from the exterior of the measurement probe and simultaneously seal off the overflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Erik Hennings, Jens Vettermann
  • Patent number: 10739219
    Abstract: Provided are an ion channel pressure sensor and a manufacturing method of the same. The ion channel pressure sensor includes: a bottom storage including a bottom storage space in which an electrolyte is stored; a top storage including a top storage space in which an electrolyte is stored; a membrane disposed between the bottom storage and the top storage, the membrane including a plurality of through-holes; a plate-shaped bottom support disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom storage; a plate-shaped top support disposed on a top surface of the top storage; a power supply configured to apply a voltage between the electrolyte stored in the bottom storage space and the electrolyte stored in the top storage space; and an ammeter configured to detect a current flowing to the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Chang-Soo Han, Kyoung-Yong Chun
  • Patent number: 10724073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of delivering an analyte to a transmembrane pore in a membrane. The method involves the use of microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Clive Gavin Brown, Daniel Ryan Garalde, Andrew John Heron, Daniel John Turner, James White
  • Patent number: 10676782
    Abstract: Translocation control for sensing by a nanopore, as well as methods and products related to the same, are provided. Such methods optimize duplex stability to provide high fill rate (of the hybridization sites) but do not prevent rapid dissociation required for high read rates, as well as controlling the translocation of a target molecule for sensing by a nanopore by use of a selective pulsed voltage. Products related to the same include a reporter construct comprising two or more phosphoramidites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: STRATOS GENOMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert N. McRuer, Mark Stamatios Kokoris
  • Patent number: 10655164
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to sequence DNA. A DNA sequencing device includes a passage, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The passage has a width and a length. The first and second electrodes are exposed within the passage and spaced apart from each other to form an electrode gap. The electrode gap is no greater than about 2 nm. The DNA sequencing device is operable to measure with the first and second electrodes a change in electronic signal in response to nucleotides of a DNA strand passing through the electrode gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Koichi Wago, ShuaiGang Xiao, Xiaomin Yang, Kim Yang Lee, David S. Kuo, Thomas Young Chang
  • Patent number: 10631767
    Abstract: A system for transdermal alcohol sensing to be worn near a skin surface of a user, including: an alcohol sensor; a microporous membrane; a housing coupled to the alcohol sensor and the membrane, defining a volume between the alcohol sensor and a first membrane side, and fluidly isolating the volume from a second membrane side opposing the first membrane side; an electronics subsystem electrically coupled to the alcohol sensor, operable to power and receive signals from the alcohol sensor; and a fastener operable to position the second membrane side proximal the skin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KHN Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Harry Nothacker, Will Tammen, Imraan Aziz
  • Patent number: 10545142
    Abstract: The present invention relates to uniform nanostructure biosensors and methods of calibrating the response of nanostructure biosensors. The invention overcomes device to device variability that has made quantitative detection difficult. The described biosensors have uniform characteristics that allow for more reliable comparison across devices. The methods of the invention comprise normalizing the initial current rate, as measured by the nanostructure biosensor following the addition of an analyte, to device characteristics of the biosensor. The device characteristics of the biosensor which can be used to normalize the response include baseline current and transconductance, Calibration of responses allows for the generation of calibration curves for use in all devices to quantitatively detect an analyte, without the need for individual device calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Tarek M. Fahmy, Aleksandar Vacic, Mark A. Reed
  • Patent number: 10512769
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing an autism spectrum disorder, a pervasive developmental disorder, or a disorder of psychological development. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. The nerve stimulation may be used as a behavior conditioning tool, by producing euphoria in an autistic individual. Vagus nerve stimulation is also used to modulate circulating serotonin levels in a pregnant woman so as to reduce the risk of having an autistic child; modulate the levels of growth factors within a child; promote balance of neuronal excitation/inhibition; modulate the activity of abnormal resting state neuronal networks; increase respiratory sinus arrhythmia; and avert episodes of motor stereotypies with the aid of forecasting methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: ElectroCore, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 10470672
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blood pressure measurement device comprising a heat flow perfusion sensor in combination with occlusion means for restricting the flow of blood in a portion of a human or animal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Per Baumbach
  • Patent number: 10473611
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor includes a base member, a conductor disposed on the base member, an insulating layer covering the conductor with a portion of the conductor exposed, a silver/silver chloride electrode formed on at least the exposed portion of the conductor, and a water-permeable organic layer covering the silver/silver chloride electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Yosuke Murase
  • Patent number: 10468697
    Abstract: A new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector, and the fuel cell created by the method. The fuel cell is constructed in two pieces, a mounting chip comprising a porous uncompressed substrate and an active element designed to fit within the mounting chip. Constructed in this way, electrolyte can flow from the mounting chip into the active element via near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
  • Patent number: 10398227
    Abstract: A piece of furniture with a sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes an electrode arrangement which is arranged on a furniture section of the piece of furniture. The electrode arrangement, which is located at one side of the piece of furniture, detects changes in an electric field in a surrounding region with or without touching the electrode arrangement or the piece of furniture. The sensor device includes a detection unit, wherein a position of a body in the surrounding region of the piece of furniture is determined by a detected change in the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventor: Ronald Liebsch
  • Patent number: 10392658
    Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of controlling the movement of polynucleotides through transmembrane pores. The invention also relates to new methods of characterizing target polynucleotides using helicases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Rebecca Victoria Bowen, Clive Gavin Brown, Mark Bruce, Andrew John Heron, Elizabeth Jayne Wallace, James White, Joseph Hargreaves Lloyd, David Antoni Alves, Domenico Caprotti, Lakmal Jayasinghe, Luke McNeill, John Milton, Antonino Puglisi, Szabolcs Soeroes
  • Patent number: 10292659
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle operating element (12) comprising a sensor (14) for non-invasive measurement of biomolecules in the blood of an operator of a vehicle operating element (12) by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, comprising at least one antenna (16) which includes at least a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and an insulating layer being sandwiched between the two conductive layers. By means of the second conductive layer an excitation signal can be coupled out and an off-resonance excitation signal can be coupled into the antenna (16). Furthermore, a method of non-invasive measurement of biomolecules and a method of operating a vehicle are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Guido Hirzmann, Martin Seyffert, Raymond Glocker, Chunnan Chen, Hendrik Dietrich
  • Patent number: 10258262
    Abstract: The invention addresses confounding difficulties involving continuous sweat analyte measurement. Specifically, the present invention provides: at least one component capable of monitoring whether a sweat sensing device is in sufficient contact with a wearer's skin to allow proper device operation; at least one component capable of monitoring whether the device is operating on a wearer's skin; at least one means of determining whether the device wearer is a target individual within a probability range; at least one component capable of generating and communicating alert messages to the device user(s) related to: wearer safety, wearer physiological condition, compliance with a requirement to wear a device, device operation; compliance with a behavior requirement, or other purposes that may be derived from sweat sensor data; and the ability to utilize aggregated sweat sensor data that may be correlated with information external to the device to enhance the predictive capabilities of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati, A University of the State of Ohio
    Inventors: Jason Heikenfeld, Daniel P. Rose, Ian Papautsky, Wenjing Kang, Xiao Wang, Michael Ratterman
  • Patent number: 10247692
    Abstract: A reference electrode assembly for an electrochemical sensor, in particular for a potentiometric sensor, comprising a reference half-cell space having a reference electrode provided therein, the reference half-space comprising a storage space in which a reference electrolyte is provided at any rate in a storage state of the reference electrode assembly, the reference half-cell space further comprising a lock space that is permeable at any rate with respect to the passage of reference electrolyte into an environment of the reference half-cell space, the storage space, in the storage state of the reference electrode assembly, being separated from the lock space with respect to the passage of reference electrolyte, the reference electrode assembly being designed such that a connection permeable for the passage of reference electrolyte from the storage space to the lock space can be created between the storage space and the lock space in order to transfer the reference electrode assembly from the storage state to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
    Inventors: Dirk Schönfuss, Philipp Arquint, Clara Caminada-Cavelier
  • Patent number: 10238859
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing an autism spectrum disorder, a pervasive developmental disorder, or a disorder of psychological development. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. The nerve stimulation may be used as a behavior conditioning tool, by producing euphoria in an autistic individual. Vagus nerve stimulation is also used to modulate circulating serotonin levels in a pregnant woman so as to reduce the risk of having an autistic child; modulate the levels of growth factors within a child; promote balance of neuronal excitation/inhibition; modulate the activity of abnormal resting state neuronal networks; increase respiratory sinus arrhythmia; and avert episodes of motor stereotypies with the aid of forecasting methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Electrocore, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 10228343
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for an analyte is provided. The electrochemical sensor includes CDMOF-2. The CDMOF-2 is capable of binding reversibly to CO2 as an analyte, thereby quantitatively detecting the analyte in a mixture. The CDMOF-2 is formed from reaction of ?-cyclodextrin with RbOH in the presence of methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignees: Northwestern University, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventors: James Fraser Stoddart, Jeremiah J. Gassensmith, Nak Cheon Jeong, Omar K. Farha
  • Patent number: 10222348
    Abstract: The biological polymer analyzing equipment with nanopore includes a chamber part having a chamber having a sample introduction section and a sample outflow section separated by a substrate; a first electrode provided in the sample introduction section and a second electrode provided in the sample outflow section; a thin membrane formed on the substrate; a nanopore provided in the thin membrane of the substrate and communicating between the sample introduction section and the sample outflow section; a third electrode provided near the nanopore of the substrate; and a voltage applying member to electrodes, wherein the voltage applying member includes a member for applying voltages between the first electrode and the third electrode, between the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, and between the third electrode and the second electrode, and relates to a method for analyzing a biological polymer using the biological polymer analyzing equipment with nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Ohura
  • Patent number: 10161871
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing unit (1) comprising a housing (2) that has a first housing opening which can be oriented towards a medium (M) to be analyzed, and a second housing opening on which at least one means for detachably rigidly connecting to a sensor shaft or sensor housing are arranged, or may be arranged, on the inner and/or outer side; at least one sensor element (3) that is arranged in the housing (2) and comprises indicators and, optionally, indicator protectors, said sensor element (3) having a first side facing the first housing opening and a second side lying opposite the first housing opening; and at least one protector element (4) which is arranged in the region of the first housing opening between the at least one sensor element (3) and the medium (M) which surrounds the sensing unit (1), particularly in the region of said housing opening, such that the sensor element (3) does not come into direct contact with the medium (M).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
    Inventors: Dirk Schoenfuss, Claudius-Michael Ortega Schulte
  • Patent number: 10105065
    Abstract: A device for applying a sensor to a measurement site on a patient's skin has a wall arrangement defining an applicator volume above the patient's skin. The wall arrangement has a patient's side and a sensor side. At least one gas-permeable membrane separates the applicator volume into a first volume directed to the measuring site at the patient's side of the wall arrangement and a second volume separated from the patient's skin and directed to the sensor side of the wall arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: SenTec AG
    Inventors: Christoph Ellenberger-Girard, Dominik Rudmann, Peter Matthias Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10090542
    Abstract: An electrode element and fuel cell and a new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector. This new element includes a reservoir for extra electrolyte that can allow near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode and can be integrally formed with the electrode element to eliminate or reduce loss due to connective surfaces. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Jr., Joe Fodor
  • Patent number: 10067085
    Abstract: Ion sensor based on differential measurement comprising an ISFTET-REFET pair wherein the REFET is defined by a structure composed of an ISFET covered by a microreservoir where an internal reference solution is contained. The sensor comprises a first and a second ion-selective field effect transistor, an electrode, a substrate on the surface whereof are integrated the two transistors, connection tracks and the electrode and a structure adhered on the first ion-selective field effect transistor which creates a microreservoir on the gate of said first transistor, with the microreservoir having a microchannel which connects the microreservoir with the exterior and the microreservoir being filled with the reference solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)
    Inventors: Antoni Baldi Coll, Carlos Dominguez Horna, Cecilia Jimenéz Jorquera, César Fernández Sánchez, Andreu Llobera Adan, Ángel Merlos Domingo, Alfredo Cadarso Busto, Isabel Burdallo Bautista, Ferrán Vera Gras
  • Patent number: 10018581
    Abstract: A method for assaying target molecules in a sample liquid, the method comprising: providing an impedance monitoring device operably connected to an impedance analyzer; adding a sample liquid suspected of having target molecules to the well thereby permitting binding of target molecules to the capture molecules; monitoring impedance of the well; and determining the presence, amount or concentration of target molecules in the liquid sample from the monitored impedance. The device includes a nonconducting substrate having a well, at least two electrodes fabricated on a bottom of the well and on a same plane, wherein the surfaces of the at least two electrodes are modified with capture molecules configured to bind target molecules in a liquid sample, and at least two connection pads electrically connected to the at least two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ACEA Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaobo Wang, Xiao Xu
  • Patent number: 10018584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to universal ion-selective electrode optimized for determinations of organic molecules. As opposed to the state of the art only one electrode composition is applicable to a variety of organic ions and ionizable molecules. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an ISE composition that is optimized for the universal detection and determination of a very wide range of organic ions an ionizable organic molecules. As opposed to the state of the art this composition allows fast and sensitive detection of a very wide range of molecules independent of their chemical structure, class or number of charges. This optimized sensor can be used in different methodologies, e.g.: direct potentiometrie, standard addition, inline measurements and titration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: PION INC.
    Inventor: Hugo Bohets
  • Patent number: 9957560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of sequencing a double stranded target polynucleotide. The two strands of the double stranded target polynucleotide are linked by a bridging moiety. The two strands of the target polynucleotide are separated using a polynucleotide binding protein and the target polynucleotide is sequenced using a transmembrane pore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Clive Gavin Brown, James Anthony Clarke, Graham Hall, Gavin Harper, Andrew John Heron, James White
  • Patent number: 9897570
    Abstract: In order to improve measurement accuracy by accurately calibrating sensitivity of a dissolved oxygen meter without impairing easiness in calibration, the present invention includes a dissolved oxygen measuring device that includes a cell to be loaded with a sample solution, and a dissolved oxygen meter that is attached to the cell and measures an oxygen concentration in the sample solution; and a mode switching mechanism to switch between a measurement mode, in which a sensor surface of the dissolved oxygen meter is substantially in contact with the sample solution in the cell, and a calibration mode, in which the sensor surface is substantially not in contact with the sample solution in the cell, by feeding air into the cell through a feed port disposed on the cell, and by discharging part of the sample solution through a discharge port disposed on the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: HORIBA ADVANCED TECHNO, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Inoue, Riichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9885682
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are biosensor systems and related methods for detecting analytes in aqueous and biologic environments. A biosensor system for detecting binding of an analyte of interest may include a detector configured to detect a change in an electrical property on a surface thereof. The detector may be a FET. The system also may include a passive layer disposed on a top surface of the detector. Further, the system may include a hydrophobic layer disposed on the passive layer. The system also may include a receptor-attachment material configured for binding to an analyte. A receptor may bind to the analyte, and the receptor may be attached to the receptor-attachment material. The binding of the analyte to the receptor can cause the change of the electrical property at the surface. In response to the change for example, a current may change for indicating the binding of the analyte to the receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Allen Dale Everett, Howard Katz, Kalpana Besar, Weiguo Huang
  • Patent number: 9885683
    Abstract: To enhance the potential stability of a solid-electrode-type ion-selective electrode and reduce individual variations, the present invention is provided with an ion-sensitive membrane adapted to be in contact with a measurement solution, a mixture of graphite and liquid oil that is in contact with the ion-sensitive membrane, and a conductor that is in contact with the mixture of graphite and liquid oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Ishige, Masao Kamahori, Tetsuyoshi Ono, Yusuke Goto
  • Patent number: 9816959
    Abstract: The subject invention provides devices, and methods of making and using the same, for the non-invasive detection of ethanol in a sample. In specific embodiments, the fuel cell based ethanol detector of the subject invention is capable of measuring the concentration of ethanol vapor in the presence of water vapor, which is known to confound signal readings in conventional detectors. Advantageously, the electrochemical sensors provided herein are highly stable and accurate, especially suitable for low-cost, continuous monitoring of ethanol content in transdermal perspiration samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventors: Yogeswaran Umasankar, Shekhar Bhansali
  • Patent number: 9791398
    Abstract: A system for obtaining a pH measurement includes a disposable probe and a reader. The disposable probe comprises multiple indicating electrodes and at least one reference electrode. The reader is configured to operably engage with the disposable probe and provide pH information of a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: pHase2 microtechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Clark, Sung Kwon Cho, Yuejun Zhao, Timothy J. Syciarz
  • Patent number: 9788354
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor and a second communication device configured to provide user access to sensor-related information comprises: activating a transceiver of a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor at a first time; and establishing a two-way communication channel with the second communication device; wherein the activating comprises waking the transceiver from a low power sleep mode using a forced wakeup from the second communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Miller, Mark Dervaes, Phong Lieu, Peter C. Simpson, Shawn Larvenz, Jacob S. Leach, Sebastian Bohm
  • Patent number: 9765392
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer and insulating layers. The graphene layer is wired to first and second metal pads to form a graphene transistor in which transistor current flowing through the graphene transistor is modulated by charges or dipoles passing through the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Wenjuan Zhu
  • Patent number: 9758822
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer and insulating layers. The graphene layer is wired to first and second metal pads to form a graphene transistor in which transistor current flowing through the graphene transistor is modulated by charges or dipoles passing through the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Wenjuan Zhu
  • Patent number: 9758821
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer and insulating layers. The graphene layer is wired to first and second metal pads to form a graphene transistor in which transistor current flowing through the graphene transistor is modulated by charges passing through the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Wenjuan Zhu
  • Patent number: 9746468
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for implementing a bioaffinity sensor having a self-assembled monolayer interface for detection of a target molecule. In one aspect, a sensor device for detecting a target molecule includes a surface capable of attaching a thiol and a molecular monolayer formed on the surface that includes a molecular capture probe having a thiol region, a linear alkanethiol molecule having one thiol region, and a linear alkanedithiol molecule having two thiol regions, in which the molecular capture probe includes a region for receiving a target substance having a complimentary region that couples with the region of the molecular capture probe to generate a detectable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph Wang, Susana Campuzano-Ruiz
  • Patent number: RE47067
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. The invention includes arrays of nanopores having incorporated electronic circuits, for example, in CMOS. The invention includes devices having sample and reference pores connecting sample, measurement and reference chambers, wherein potential measurements in each chamber is used to provide an accurate determination of current through a sample nanopore, improving nanopore sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Turner, Nathaniel McCaffrey, Jeffrey Wegener, Adrian Fehr