Abstract: A polymer element includes a pair of electrode layers of which at least one includes a porous carbon material, and a polymer layer between the pair of electrode layers, in which the porous carbon material is provided with a first hole in a surface and a second hole which is smaller than the first hole and which communicates with the first hole.

Abstract: A portable rapid detection device for heavy metal ions includes a card electrode and a thin-layer flow cell, wherein a three-electrode system of the card electrode is inserted in a micro-channel of the thin-layer flow cell; and heavy metal ions are detected by using an anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), a solution to be detected flows by the surface of a working electrode in the micro-channel, and heavy metals are enriched and stripped on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to sequencing nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for sequencing-by-synthesis using changes in pH to monitor base addition. In some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a microfabricated mixed metal oxide electrode and in some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a membrane electrode. Moreover, in some embodiments the device further comprises a reference electrode. Performing the sequencing reaction involves moving solutions and other fluids (e.g., samples, nucleotide solutions, wash solutions) into and out of the reaction vessel. Thus, in some embodiments, the device further comprises a tube or other transport mechanism or pathway attached to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure, among other things, methods and systems for digital quantification of single molecule analytes.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operating parameters of an industrial fluid system based on measurement of optical and electrochemical properties. The system comprises a handheld or portable meter that can substantially simultaneously measure one or more optical properties and one or more electrochemical properties of a sample of fluid from the fluid system. Information based upon the measurements or calculations made by the system may be used to manually or automatically alter various operating parameters to control the fluid system and aid in maintaining stable operation of the fluid system within preferred specifications.

Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for determining an ion concentration in a sample. According to these techniques of this disclosure, an ion concentration of a sample is determined based on detecting at least one change in an electrical characteristic of a semiconductor device due to a gate insulation layer of the semiconductor device placed in contact with the sample.

Abstract: A heater which realizes both reduction of power consumption and improvement of durability against thermal shock. The heater includes a ceramic substrate formed of a ceramic material containing alumina as a main component; and a heat-generating resistor provided on the ceramic substrate and having a heat-generating portion and a lead portion, the heat-generating resistor containing, as a main component, one or more metals selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh), or an alloy of any of these, and a ceramic material which is the same as the ceramic material of the ceramic substrate. In the heater, the ratio of the resistance of the heat-generating portion to the sum of the resistances of the heat-generating portion and the lead portion is 76 to 95%, and the heat-generating portion has a thickness of 1 to 6 ?m.

Abstract: A gas sensor control device (2) includes a digital control unit (31) (CPU 91 in detail) functioning as a digital filter unit (99). Even when high-frequency noise components are superimposed on an electrical signal transmitted to a digital control unit (31) from the electromotive force cell (24), the high-frequency noise components are eliminated by the digital filter unit (99). Therefore, a terminal voltage Vs across both terminals of the electromotive force cell (24) generated according to oxygen concentration can be suitably extracted. The digital control unit (31) can suitably perform feedback control of the pump current Ip based on the terminal voltage Vs generated across both terminals of the electromotive force cell (24) while suppressing the influence of high-frequency noise components.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus (2) of a gas detection system (1) includes a first low-pass filter (46), a second low-pass filter (48), and a multiplexer (50) so as to provide different time constants for detection of a sensor output signal Vs1 and for detection of a response signal Vs2. When the sensor output signal Vs1 is detected, a signal whose frequency band is the same as that of Vs1 is input to the analog-to-digital conversion section (31) through the first low-pass filter (46). Therefore, the detection accuracy of Vs1 is increased. When Vs2 is detected, a signal whose frequency band is the same as that of Vs2 is input to the analog-to-digital conversion section (31) through the second low-pass filter (48).

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses for detecting hemoglobin in patient samples. The apparatuses include a primary electrode and a reference electrode. The apparatus is configured to measure current or voltage generated between the primary electrode and the reference electrode in response a redox reaction catalyzed by hemoglobin. The apparatuses can detect a variety of hemoglobins, including dimeric hemoglobin associated with malaria. Also disclosed are biosensor systems including the apparatuses and methods of using the biosensor systems.

Abstract: A method for determining a polarization of a pump cell and/or a Nernst cell of a lambda probe for the diagnosis of the broadband lambda probe. A voltage or current pulse is applied to the pump/Nernst cell in a first method task, and, in a second method task, a voltage at the pump cell and/or the Nernst cell, or a variable that is related to the polarization or its time characteristic is determined and used as a measure of the polarization, and the function of the broadband lambda probe is monitored via the ascertained polarization. The determination of the polarization may be performed as a voltage measurement performed once or multiple times, or by determining the effect of the polarization in an associated controller, such as a pump current controller of an engine control unit. The variable associated with the polarization may be the reaction of the pump current control.

Abstract: A method of measuring low conductivity of a liquid sample using a contacting-type conductivity sensor is provided. The method includes applying a first excitation current to a contacting-type conductivity sensor at a first drive frequency. A first voltage response to the first excitation current is determined. A second excitation current is applied to the contacting-type conductivity sensor at a second drive frequency higher than the first drive frequency. A second voltage response to the second excitation current is determined. A conductivity output is provided based, at least in part, on the first and second voltage responses. A system for measuring conductivity of a liquid at or below 100 ?S/cm is also provided.

Abstract: A control device for a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable compression ratio device capable of changing an engine compression ratio of the internal combustion engine. The control device detects or estimates the temperature of an exhaust component (B11), and sets a target exhaust gas temperature based on the temperature of the exhaust component (B12). A mixing ratio and compression ratio set section (B13) sets a fuel mixing ratio and the engine compression ratio within such a range as not to exceed the target exhaust gas temperature such that energy loss becomes minimum.

Abstract: One or more circuit arrangements for a biosensor are provided. A circuit arrangement includes an ion sensitive sensor, a differentiator electrically connected to the ion sensitive sensor, an AC signal level comparator electrically connected to the differentiator and a decision circuit electrically connected to the AC signal level comparator. In some embodiments, the AC signal level comparator includes at least one of a first comparator or a second comparator. A method of detecting a bio-reaction is also provided.

Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes additional gas diffusion electrodes incorporated to carry out one or more diagnostic functions while the sensor is responding to a target gas. Members of a plurality of sensing and diagnostic electrodes can be switched by associated control circuits to intermittently sense a target gas while others intermittently sense a different gas. The diagnostic electrodes are in direct communication with the target gas that is entering the cell.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel cells. A fuel cell 10 defines a space 11 having an air/ethanol inlet 12 and an outlet source 13. The operative part of the fuel cell, 14, includes a pvc substrate 15, a working electrode 16 and a counter electrode 17. A working electrode current collector 20 extends over the working electrode 16, whilst a counter electrode current collector 21 extends across the counter electrode 17. The electrodes formed from tantalum. At least one of the current collector electrodes 20, 21 are non-conformably depressed into their associated electrode to define a channel for containing electrolyte whereby charge can be transferred to the current collector by ionic exchange.

Abstract: A piezoelectric substrate having a nanopore opening that separates two reservoirs of conductive fluid may provide for sensitive biological measurements by allowing control of the size of the nanopore according to piezoelectric stimulation of the substrate. Multiple embodiments are provided of monolithic piezoelectric substrates and nanopores for this purpose as well as a control system for controlling the nanopore dimensions electrically using AC or DC waveforms.

Abstract: A sensor control device including an anomaly diagnosis section. When at least one of a first NOX concentration Ip2W based on the output OP1 of a first differential amplification circuit (210) and a second NOX concentration Ip2N based on the output OP2 of a second differential amplification circuit (220) falls within an anomaly diagnosis range ZN, the difference D between Ip2W and Ip2N is obtained, and the difference D is stored in a difference accumulation buffer BF such that 16 values of the difference D continuously sampled up to the present are stored. The integrated value (difference integral value) Dint of the difference D is obtained. When the difference integrated value Dint becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value Di0, the sensor control device indicates a diagnosis result of “anomalous.

Abstract: A method for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium by the utilization of at least of an electrochemical sensor comprising at least a first reference half cell and a second reference half cell, and comprising the method steps as follows: measuring a first electrical measured variable X1, cont with a first measuring period t1, meas and a first measuring interval t1, int with reference to the first reference half cell; measuring at least a second electrical measured variable X2, discont with a second measuring period t2, meas and a second measuring interval t2, int with reference to the second reference half cell; wherein the second measuring interval t2, int is greater than the first measuring interval t1, int; and determining the at least one process variable from at least one electrical measured variable X1, cont or X2, discont. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrochemical sensor and to a system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to recognition tunneling methods, systems and devices for the detection of carbohydrates by measuring tunneling currents of sugars which give distinct electronic signals in a tunnel gap functionalized respectively with, for example, in some embodiments, 4(5)-(2-mercaptoethyl)-1H imideazole-2-carboxamide and 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid molecules on at least one, and preferably each electrode.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the oxygen content in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine includes: a sensor element having a measurement electrode; a metal cap that surrounds the sensor element; a heat dissipation element that connects the sensor element and the metal cap; and a bracket for the sensor element. The bracket is in the form of a plastic housing configured to accommodate evaluation electronics for the sensor element.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a measuring apparatus and method for determining a measured value in a gas flow accounting for cross-sensitivities of the measuring appliance from at least one additional constituent in the gas flow interfering with the measured value. The measuring apparatus has a device for dividing original gas flow to be measured into a first and second measured gas flows, a device for changing the content of measured gas in the second measured flow by changing an influencing variable that influences the content of the measured gas, and a sensor element having a sensor for determining the value. The apparatus includes an evaluating unit for evaluating the measured values, wherein first and second measured flows are alternately fed to the sensor element to determine two intermediate measured values in two measured flows, respectively. The evaluating unit calculates the final value based on the two intermediate measurement results.

Abstract: A sensor system, device, and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including multiple duty cycles of sequential excitation pulses and relaxations are input to the sample. One or more signals output from the sample within 300 ms of the input of an excitation pulse may be correlated with the analyte concentration of the sample to improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. Determining the analyte concentration of the sample from these rapidly measured output values may reduce analysis errors arising from the hematocrit effect, mediator background, and other error sources.

Abstract: A method of controlling a scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip comprising the following steps: oscillating the scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip relative to the surface of interest; moving the oscillating scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip towards the surface of interest; detecting damping of an amplitude of the oscillation of the scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip resulting from the scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip coming into contact with the surface of interest at the first location; using the detected damping to detect the surface of interest; retracting the scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip away from the surface of interest without first translating the scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip along the surface of interest whilst the scanning electrochemical microscopy probe tip is in intermittent contact with the surface of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the total organic content of an aqueous stream. The apparatus comprises a platinum electrode for measuring CO2 in an aqueous stream. Methods for measuring the total organic content of an aqueous stream are also disclosed. The methods comprise providing an aqueous stream with oxidized organics therein; providing a platinum electrode, contacting the aqueous stream with the platinum electrode; applying cathodic potential followed by an anodic voltammetric sweep to the platinum electrode, and measuring the amperometric response of the platinum electrode. An apparatus for oxidizing organics in aqueous stream in an aqueous stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for detecting sodium in a liquid. A concentration of a very small amount of sodium can be repeatedly and accurately measured by correcting baseline fluctuation and sodium concentration variation due to temperature variation on the basis of measured temperature and minimizing noise influence on the concentration measurement. According to the apparatus for detecting sodium in a liquid, the apparatus for detecting sodium in a liquid can accurately and repeatedly measure a concentration of a very small amount of sodium by minimizing noise and temperature variation effects on concentration measurements to ensure measurement accuracy of sodium concentration and the stability of a baseline as a measurement reference.

Abstract: A liquid sampling device for use with a mobile device comprises a wired connection for connecting the liquid sampling device to the mobile device, a sample receiving and testing section capable of receiving a liquid sample and conducting electrochemical testing of the liquid sample and a sample testing circuit configured to communicate at least one liquid sample test result to the mobile device via the wired connection. Associated methods and a mobile device application for interfacing with the liquid sampling device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A durability test device that examines durability of a membrane electrode assembly used for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a voltage application device that applies a voltage from one surface of the membrane electrode assembly to the other surface thereof; a current measurement device that measures a current flowing from the one surface to the other surface by the application of the voltage; and a control section that controls the voltage application device to apply the voltage to the membrane electrode assembly while sweeping the voltage over a plurality of consecutive voltage regions in such a manner that a first sweep rate of the voltage to be applied in the first voltage region in which a measured current value includes a peak caused due to carbon oxidation is set lower than that in the second voltage region that does not include the first voltage region.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector can be powered partly, or entirely by voltages generated by the sensor. Using either active circuits or a passive component which produces a predetermined voltage drop in the respective sensor, two electrode consumable anode oxygen sensors can be provided which do not evolve hydrogen during operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-site medical gas production plant (100) comprising a unit (50) for purifying gas, such as air, a first compartment (A) for storing purified gas, and a main gas line (10) fluidically connecting the gas purification unit (50) to the said first storage compartment (A). It furthermore comprises a three-way actuated valve (VA) arranged on the main gas line (10) upstream of the first storage compartment (A), and furthermore connected to the atmosphere (at 12) via a vent line (11), as well as an operating device (4) which controls at least the three-way actuated valve (VA), and at least a first gas analysis device (D1) of which a first measurement line (29) is fluidically connected (at 28) to the main line (10), upstream of the three-way actuated valve (VA), and which is electrically connected to the said operating device (4).

Abstract: In aspects of the present disclosure, a multi compatible or universal blood glucose monitoring unit including a calibration unit is integrated with one or more components of an analyte monitoring system to provide compatibility with in vitro test strip that require calibration code and test strips that do not require calibration code. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and kits for providing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The use of linear, cyclic, or acyclic voltammetric scans and/or semi-integral, derivative, or semi-derivative data treatment may provide for increased accuracy when determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. Hematocrit compensation in combination with the data treatments may reduce the hematocrit effect with regard to a glucose analysis in whole blood. In another aspect, fast scan rates may reduce the hematocrit effect.

Abstract: An amperometric sensor circuit for measuring chlorine concentration in water. The circuit includes first and second working electrodes coated with a hydrophilic membrane. A power supply and biasing circuit is configured to deliver a generally constant voltage between the first working electrode and a reference electrode and to generally deliver a constant current between the second working electrode and a counter electrode. A measurement circuit measures the current between the counter electrode and the first working electrode. A processing circuit is provided for determining the chlorine concentration based on the current measured by the measurement circuit.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: A gas sensor control device (2) includes a digital control unit (31) (CPU 91 in detail) functioning as a digital filter unit (99). Even when high-frequency noise components are superimposed on an electrical signal transmitted to a digital control unit (31) from the electromotive force cell (24), the high-frequency noise components are eliminated by the digital filter unit (99). Therefore, a terminal voltage Vs across both terminals of the electromotive force cell (24) generated according to oxygen concentration can be suitably extracted. The digital control unit (31) can suitably perform feedback control of the pump current Ip based on the terminal voltage Vs generated across both terminals of the electromotive force cell (24) while suppressing the influence of high-frequency noise components.

Abstract: A microchamber electrochemical cell and method of using the cell for performing quantitative analysis of various charged macromolecules is presented. The microchamber electrochemical cell includes a substrate, opposing electrodes and at least one nanoslot. The substrate is configured to define a pair of opposing fluid reservoirs. The pair of opposing electrodes are respectively positioned within the opposing fluid reservoirs. Each nanoslot is configured to fluidly connect the opposing fluid reservoirs together. The opposing fluid reservoirs of the microchamber electrochemical cell are fluidly connected to each other only through each nanoslot. Each nanoslot is physically restricted to less than 500 nanometers. One method includes the steps of coupling, filling, measuring, obtaining, performing and preparing.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and devices for rapidly detecting a biological or other residue in a liquid sample. In some embodiments of the instant invention, a single electrode is employed to contact a flowing aqueous solution, with electrical outputs being recorded by an electrical metering device. Injection or flow of sample leads to changes in solution electrostatic behavior; those changes are recorded in the metering device, with absence of predetermined residues or targets yielding the highest signals. General and specific target detection may be performed with various embodiments of the instant invention.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor control apparatus includes internal resistance detection means S3, controlled internal resistance obtaining means S4 to S11, and heater energization control means S12. When a timing for detecting the internal resistance R(n) comes during a lean period TL, the controlled internal resistance obtaining means uses the detected internal resistance R(n) as the controlled internal resistance Rf. When a timing for detecting the internal resistance R(n) comes during a rich period TR, the controlled internal resistance obtaining means uses, as the controlled internal resistance Rf, a value obtained by correcting the detected internal resistance R(n) on the basis of a latest lean resistance R(k) such that a variation of the internal resistance which stems from the difference between the lean state and the rich state and which is contained in the detected internal resistance R(n) is removed.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and methods for characterizing a fluid composition including exposing electrolyte to one fluid mixture, collecting a signal from an electrode in contact with the electrolyte, and simultaneously exposing the electrolyte to a second fluid, collecting a signal from a second electrode in contact with the electrolyte exposed to the second fluid, and comparing the signal difference between the electrodes with the Nerst equation wherein the temperature of the electrolyte is above 488° C. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and/or oxygen may be present in the fluid and/or the second fluid.

Abstract: Devices for detecting an analyte comprising a redox active analyte sensitive material on a working electrode and computer assisted signal acquisition and processing.

Abstract: A precision bipolar digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that provides a bipolar current output having a substantially fixed zero center point is provided. The DAC includes digital-to-analog converter circuitry configured to provide, responsive to a reference signal indicative of the digital data, a first analog current signal having a first potential and a second analog current signal having a second potential, subtractor circuitry configured to provide a bipolar current signal by subtracting the second analog current signal from the first analog current signal, the bipolar current signal having a zero center point, and first control circuitry electrically coupled to the subtractor circuitry and to the digital-to-analog converter circuitry, and configured to modify the second potential so that the second potential equals the first potential.

Abstract: One of embodiments is a semiconductor micro-analysis chip for detecting particles in a sample liquid. The chip comprises a semiconductor substrate, a first flow channel provided on the semiconductor substrate to allow the sample liquid to flow therein, a second flow channel provided at a different position from the first flow channel of the semiconductor substrate to allow the sample liquid or an electrolyte solution to flow therein, a contact portion where a portion of the first flow channel and a portion of the second flow channel abut each other or intersect one another with a partition being arranged between the flow channels, and a fine hole provided on the partition of the contact portion to allow the particles to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes. The electrodes include an atmosphere side electrode, which becomes a positive side at a time of outputting an electromotive force from the sensor element, and an exhaust side electrode, which becomes a negative side at the time of outputting the electromotive force from the sensor element. A resistor is provided in an electric path that connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground. When the sensor element generates the electromotive force, the resistor conducts an electric current, which is generated while using the electromotive force as an electric power source, to induce a change in an output characteristic of the O2 sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for compositional sample analysis includes a fluid sample handler having a sample pathway extending in a downstream direction from an input port to an output port, to transport a fluid sample therethrough. A sample conditioner is disposed within the sample pathway, to maintain the fluid sample within a predetermined temperature range. A fuel cell is disposed in serial fluid communication with said output port to receive the fluid sample, the fuel cell configured to use an oxidizer and the fluid sample to generate an electric potential corresponding to a concentration of a constituent of the fluid sample. A controller is communicably coupled to the fuel cell, and configured to capture and use the electric potential to calculate the concentration of the constituent.

Abstract: Matrix materials such polymers derivatives to contain a redox active material can be used to form electrodes and probes suitable for use in pH meters and other analyte sensing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. A first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: A stopper for sealing a housing of an exhaust gas sensor has: at least one axial through-channel for guiding through a connecting cable; a basic body that has a fluoroelastomer; and at least one outer seal situated radially externally on the stopper and having at least one thermoplastically processable fluoropolymer-containing material having a melting point or melting range between 170° C. and 320° C.