With Significant Electrical Circuitry Or Nominal Computer Device Patents (Class 204/406)
  • Patent number: 8702936
    Abstract: A device for determining the CO concentration in a gas containing hydrogen is provided, including a detection electrode in contact with the gas, and a counter electrode, each being in contact with an electrolyte; a current source to deliver a current with a predetermined intensity between the detection electrode and the counter electrode so as to generate, at the detection electrode, an electric potential fluctuating between two threshold values due to the adsorption and desorption of the CO at the detection electrode; a device for measuring the potential; and a calculating device to determine the CO concentration, connected to the current source and to the device for measuring the potential, for calculating a characteristic parameter of the fluctuations of the potential, and for determining the CO concentration from the calculated characteristic parameter and the intensity of the applied current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Lemaire, Alejandro Franco, Nicolas Guillet
  • Patent number: 8702937
    Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus is provided which controls an operation of a gas sensor made up of a solid electrolyte body and a pair of electrodes to output a signal indicating the concentration of a given gas component contained in gas. The gas sensor control apparatus includes a constant current circuit that is connected electrically to one of the electrodes of the gas sensor and supplies a constant current thereto and a controller. The controller supplies a constant current to the gas sensor so that it flows from one of the electrodes to the other in a selected direction, thereby changing a response time the gas sensor takes to react to a change in concentration of the gas component. This results in an increased accuracy, for example, in controlling an air-fuel ratio of a mixture to an internal combustion engine in an engine control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Mikiyasu Matsuoka, Yasuhiro Kawakatsu, Shingo Nakata, Takao Mishima
  • Patent number: 8692119
    Abstract: An analysis device for analysis of a sample on a test element is provided that comprises at least one component configured to make electrical contact with at least one other component for electrical transmission therebetween. The at least one component generally comprises an injection-molded circuit mount, also called an MID, or molded interconnect device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Riebel, Manfred Augstein, Gregor Bainczyk, Albert Grosser, Oliver Kube, Dieter Meinecke, Bruno Thoes, Herbert Wieder
  • Patent number: 8691065
    Abstract: A system includes one or more electrochemical sensors. Each sensor includes at least two electrodes. The system also includes an interface configured to provide communication between the one or more electrochemical cells and a computer. The interface includes a circuit board with plurality of sensor circuits. Each sensor circuit is configured to operate a different electrochemical sensor and includes a plurality of electrode lines that are each configured to be in communication with a different electrode on an electrochemical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GeneFluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jen-Jr Gau
  • Publication number: 20140083866
    Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising: a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a fluid and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably set the plurality of first reaction electrode to a predetermined voltage and allow the capacitance of the plurality of first reaction electrode to charge or discharge through the fluid; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance of the plurality of first reaction electrodes. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan S. DANIELS, Oguz H. ELIBOL, Grace M. CREDO, Xing SU
  • Publication number: 20140083871
    Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a solution and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably connect the plurality of first reaction electrodes to a bias source and controllably disconnect the plurality of first reaction electrodes from the bias source; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Daniels, Oguz H. Elibol, Grace M. Credo, Xing Su
  • Publication number: 20140076741
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for digitally controlling an oxygen sensor. The apparatus comprises a computer and digital circuitry coupled to the oxygen sensor to convey information between the oxygen sensor and the computer. The oxygen sensor includes a pump cell and at least one Nernst cell configured to indicate the difference in oxygen content in a test medium relative to a reference medium. A pump control circuit operates the pump cell according to signals received from the computer based on output signals from the Nernst cell. A reference voltage circuit enables the computer to determine impedances of the oxygen sensor as a function of sensor temperature and pressure. A Nernst read circuit transmits output signals from the oxygen sensor digitally to the computer. Digital signals received by the computer are compared with stored reference information so as to determine the oxygen content of the test medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Adams
  • Publication number: 20140069815
    Abstract: A method of analysing chemical species in a solution, the method comprising: providing an electrochemical deposition apparatus comprising a first electrode (2) formed of an electrically conductive diamond material and a second electrode (4); locating the first electrode in contact with a solution (8) to be analysed and the second electrode in electrical contact with the solution to be analysed; applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes (2, 4) such that current flows between the first and second electrodes through the solution to be analysed and chemical species are electro-deposited from the solution onto the first electrode; applying a spectroscopic analysis technique to the electro-deposited chemical species (M1, M2, M3) on the first electrode to generate spectroscopic data about the electro-deposited chemical species on the first electrode; and using the spectroscopic data to determine the type of chemical species electro-deposited on the first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ELEMENT SIX LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Edward Newton, Julie Victoria MacPherson, Patrick Robert Unwin, Timothy Peter Mollart
  • Publication number: 20140069811
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor comprising: a reference electrode (4) formed of an electrically conductive synthetic doped diamond material and configured to be located in electrical contact with a solution (8) to be analysed; a sensing electrode (2) formed of an electrically conductive synthetic doped diamond material and configured to be located in contact with the solution (8) to be analysed; an electrical controller (10) configured to conduct stripping voltammetric measurements by applying a voltage to the sensing electrode (2), to change the applied voltage relative to the reference electrode (4), and to measure an electric current flowing through the sensing electrode (2) thereby generating voltammetry data; and a calibration system configured to provide an in-situ calibration for providing a reference point in the voltammetric data since the potential of the diamond reference electrode is non fixed and floating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Edward Newton, Julie Victoria MacPherson, Laura Anne Hutton, Timothy Peter Mollart, Geoffrey Alan Scarsbrook
  • Patent number: 8668822
    Abstract: A method for operating an ion-sensitive sensor with a measurement circuit which includes an ion-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure (EIS); wherein the measurement circuit is embodied to issue an output signal which is dependent on ion concentration, especially a pH value, of a measured liquid; and wherein the method comprises the steps of: introducing the ion-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure into a measured liquid; accelerating charging processes in the region of an insulator layer of the ion-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure by operating the sensor over a predetermined time span at least a first working point; and dynamically adapting the working point to set a second working point, and registering and processing the output signal of the measurement circuit at the second working point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Torsten Pechstein
  • Patent number: 8669755
    Abstract: A geometry sensor includes: a detection surface including a plurality of polymer sensor elements and configured to detect an external object, the polymer sensor elements being arranged side-by-side along one or more directions and each generating a voltage according to a deformation; and a detecting section detecting a surface geometry of a region in the external object that is in contact with the detection surface, based on the voltage obtained from each of the polymer sensor elements in the detection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yusaku Kato, Nobuyuki Nagai
  • Publication number: 20140061064
    Abstract: The thickness of a palladium coating on copper (or another substrate) is measured by passing a cathodic current through a predetermined area of the coating in contact with an electrolytic solution and measuring the potential as a function of time. Protons from the electrolytic solution are electrochemically reduced to palladium hydride at cathodic potentials less negative than required for evolution of hydrogen. As formation of the PdH0.58 beta-phase throughout the Pd coating is completed, the cathodic potential increases rapidly to a cathodic potential plateau corresponding to evolution of hydrogen gas on the PdH0.58 surface. This step in the cathodic potential provides an endpoint time for the measurement. The absolute thickness of the Pd coating is calculated from the integrated cathodic charge passed up to the endpoint time and the predetermined area of the coating in contact with the electrolytic solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ECI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Morgan Tench, Michael Pavlov, Eugene Shalyt, Peter Bratin, Vladimir Dozortsev
  • Publication number: 20140061046
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an alcohol detection device is provided for use in conjunction with a mobile application loaded on a mobile device. The device comprises: a body portion defining an exterior surface of the alcohol detection device, the exterior surface having at least one opening formed thereon; a slide mechanism mounted relative to at least one internal surface of the body portion such that the slide mechanism is configured for translational movement along a length of the at least one internal surface of the body portion; and an audio jack operatively mounted to the slide mechanism such that a longitudinal axis of the audio jack is substantially aligned with the at least one opening and the translational movement of the slide mechanism is configured to move the audio jack relative to the body portion and between a first position and a second position. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Alcohoot, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Ofir, Noam Navon, Eldad Yichie, Ben Biron
  • Patent number: 8647489
    Abstract: A sensor system, device, and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Gated voltammetric pulse sequences including multiple duty cycles of sequential excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed pulse sequences may reduce analysis errors arising from the hematocrit effect, variance in cap-gap volumes, non-steady-state conditions, mediator background, a single set of calibration constants, under-fill, and changes in the active ionizing agent content of the sensor strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Huan-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 8636883
    Abstract: A remotely readable hydrogen detector is in the form of a tag or card that can be worn on clothing or mounted on a variety of surfaces and can be monitored from a distance for the presence of hydrogen gas. It includes a hydrogen sensor device, which changes in electrical resistivity in response to being exposed to hydrogen gas, that is incorporated into an electric detector circuit, which detects changes in resistivity of the sensor device, and, when such change in resistivity indicates the presence of some predetermined concentration of hydrogen gas, the electric circuit outputs a signal or state that indicates the presence of hydrogen to a transceiver circuit, which can transmit that information to a remote receiver or interrogator/reader via an antenna in the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Element One, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hoagland, David K. Benson
  • Patent number: 8636885
    Abstract: An analytical device including a sensor, an analytical circuit, and a power source. The power source includes an optical coupler formed of a light source and a photovoltaic cell for producing an electromotive force in response to light from the light source. The optical coupler is configured to provide the electromotive force to the analytical circuit. The power source may be configured for separation between the power supply and the resulting electromotive force supplied to the analytical circuit. Various aspects of the invention are directed to providing a power source for one or more components of an electrochemical detector. A method of providing power to an analytical instrument is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Vana, William Dale Case
  • Publication number: 20140021064
    Abstract: Systems and methods of fast power up for electrochemical sensors are provided. A system can include an electrochemical sensor, and a potentiostat circuit, wherein, upon startup, the potentiostat circuit drives the electrochemical sensor to the electrochemical sensor's normal operating condition at a rate that is not limited by voltage and/or current supply. A method can include a potentiostat circuit driving an electrochemical sensor to the electrochemical sensor's normal operating condition at a rate that is not limited by voltage and/or current supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Keith Francis Edwin Pratt, Ali Hosseinmardi
  • Publication number: 20140014511
    Abstract: Methods, arrays, and systems for electrochemical sensing are provided. An example of a method includes forming a number of first electrodes, forming a fluidic level having a number of walls that extend substantially vertically from each of the number of first electrodes, and forming a number of second electrodes in contact with the number of walls. In some examples, forming the fluidic level having the number of walls includes embossing an embossing resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: James E. Abbott, JR., Greg S. Long, Michael A. Delos-Reyes
  • Patent number: 8623198
    Abstract: Methods for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample, and the devices and systems used in conjunction with the same, are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment of a method for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample, the method includes detecting a presence of a sample in an electrochemical sensor including two electrodes. A fill time of the sample is determined with the two electrodes and a correction factor is calculated in view of at least the fill time. The method also includes reacting an analyte that causes a physical transformation of the analyte between the two electrodes. A concentration of the analyte can then be determined in view of the correction factor with the same two electrodes. Systems and devices that take advantage of the fill time to make analyte concentration determinations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Chatelier, Alastair M. Hodges
  • Publication number: 20140001046
    Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Harding, Sridhar G. Iyengar, Baoguo Wei, Steven Diamond, Martin Forest
  • Patent number: 8617370
    Abstract: Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on characteristics of the sample (e.g., amount of interferent present, reaction kinetics, and/or capacitance). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon these characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ronald C. Chatelier, Alastair M. Hodges
  • Publication number: 20130341206
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: STERIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Elizabeth H. Schenk, Peter A. Burke, Michael A. Centanni
  • Publication number: 20130341187
    Abstract: A measurement device (1) for determining a process variable with a sensor element (2) and a circuit board (3) in which the arrangement of the components, and especially of at least one circuit board, is protected against the effects of potting by the measurement device having a retaining element (5) which is made essentially as a cylindrical pin and is in contact with a side of the circuit board (3) facing away from the sensor element (2), the circuit board (3) being fixed between the sensor element (2) and the retaining element (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Christine BABEL
  • Patent number: 8608924
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of determining hydration of a sensor having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the method couples a sensor electronics device to the sensor and measures the open circuit potential between at least two of the plurality of electrodes. Then, the open circuit potential measurement is compared to a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. In still further embodiments, the open circuit potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is measured. In other embodiments, the open circuit potential between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. In still other embodiments, the open circuit potential between the counter electrode and the reference electrode is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Cooper, David Y. Choy, Rajiv Shah, Gopikrishnan Soundararajan, Ratnakar Vejella
  • Patent number: 8608923
    Abstract: A handheld sensor device is provided for measuring an ion concentration in a solution. The solution is in an electrochemical cell that includes a counter electrode, a working electrode, and a reference electrode. The sensor includes a control amplifier configured to provide a current through the counter electrode and the working electrode so as to maintain a predetermined voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode. The sensor also includes a current amplifier configured to measure the current provided through the counter electrode and the working electrode. In one embodiment, the sensor also includes a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) including a phase accumulator. The DDFS is configured to selectively generate a waveform specified by an electrochemical technique such as square wave voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, differential-pulse polarography, normal-pulse polarography, or other known electrochemical techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Anhong Zhou, Hui-Fang Dou
  • Patent number: 8603323
    Abstract: Methods and devices for improving measurements of test meter, and in particular for detecting a presence of an electrochemical sensor or strip in the test meter and a start time of an electrochemical reaction, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment of an electrochemical system includes an electrochemical sensor , a test meter, and a circuit. The circuit is configured to form an electrical connection with the electrochemical sensor such that the circuit can detect three distinct voltage ranges. The voltage ranges can be indicative of an absence of the electrochemical sensor, a presence of the sensor that is devoid of a sample, and a presence of the sensor with a sample. Test meters, methods for detecting when a sample starts to fill an electrochemical sensor for establishing when a reaction starts, and circuits for use with electrochemical strips, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry A. Kranendonk, Lawrence K. Murray
  • Patent number: 8603307
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the viability of an electrochemical cell measures the impedance of the cell over a wide range of impedances and with diminished phase shift over prior methods so that a more nearly accurate assessment of the impedance can be made. The system is particularly useful for four electrode systems, but is not so limited. It may advantageously be incorporated in the cell itself to further minimize cabling artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. West, Timothy C. Gillette
  • Patent number: 8603310
    Abstract: A sensor control apparatus (3) includes a full-range gas sensor composed of an oxygen concentration detection cell having a pair of electrodes (21, 22) and an oxygen pump cell having a pair of electrodes (19, 20). In an electric circuit section (30), an Ip current flowing between the electrodes (19, 20) is controlled such that an electromotive force Vs produced between the electrodes (21, 22) becomes equal to a reference voltage. The reference voltage is usually set to a first reference voltage. However, when the subject gas is air, the reference voltage is set to a second reference voltage. Humidity of the subject gas is detected on the basis of an error ?Ip between an Ip current detected when the reference voltage is set to the first reference voltage, and an Ip current detected when the reference voltage is set to the second reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Ishida, Kentaro Mori, Tomohiro Tajima
  • Publication number: 20130319857
    Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus (1) for a gas sensor (2) including an electromotive force cell (24) and a pump cell (14) includes current control means (69) for feedback-controlling the pump current Ip, voltage setting means S5, S13 for setting a target voltage Vr to either of first and second target voltage Vr1 and Vr2, and constant group setting means S4, S12 for setting a group of feedback control constants to a first group Kpid1 when the target voltage is Vr1 and to a second group Kpid2 when the target voltage is Vr2. The second group Kpid2 is determined such the pump current Ip becomes stable more quickly as compared with the case where the first group of control constants Kpid1 continues to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ishiguro, Yu Akiyama, Tomohisa Terui, Kazuhisa Fujibayashi
  • Publication number: 20130319879
    Abstract: A precious metal testing apparatus determines the percentage content of precious metal in a specimen being tested by detecting the change in the rate of current flow through a resistive layer formed on the specimen by an application of a corrosive electrolyte on the specimen. The electrical circuit forms a fixed resistance circuit and a variable resistance circuit due to the formation of a growing resistive layer on the specimen such that the flow of current through the variable resistance circuit decreases as the flow of current through the fixed resistance circuit increase. The detection of the rate of change in current flow as a result of the increasing growth of the resistive layer can be compared to a look-up table that provides a corresponding percentage of precious metal in the specimen. Calibration of the testing apparatus can be accomplished with a specimen of known purity of the precious metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jarrett Schaffer, Gerald Petrole, SR.
  • Publication number: 20130313128
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor apparatus and electrochemical sensing method within an aqueous system are described, using one or more working electrodes of boron doped diamond (BDD). A cathodic reduction process provides a cathodic measurement and, substantially simultaneously, an anodic oxidation process provides an anodic measurement. A sum of a content of two equilibrium species within the aqueous system is obtained using both the cathodic measurement and the anodic measurement. One example measures total free chlorine by simultaneously measuring hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Robert Fielden, Nicholas John Goddard, Stefanie Moorcroft, Craig Stracey, Jonathan Frank Cook, Michael Laurence Riding
  • Patent number: 8585878
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemical fluid analysis comprises a chamber (1202) having a depth dimension for accommodating a volume of a fluid under test, first and second electrodes (A1) disposed within the chamber and extending along the depth dimension in spaced relation with each other, and a soluble solid, such as an annealed polymer, e.g. EUDRAGIT occupying a lateral gap between the first and second electrodes. The rate of dissolution as monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the soluble solid within the fluid depends on the chemical concentration of a corresponding analyte present in solution in the fluid. In one embodiment a silicon-based integrated circuit device defining an upper margin includes an array of electrodes disposed along said upper margin to permit direct exposure of the electrode array to the fluid under test. The device is constructed using CMOS technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: MEDIMETRICS Personalized Drug Delivery B.V.
    Inventors: Lucian R. Albu, Hans Zou, Jeff Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20130292267
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring an electrolytically-active species concentration in an aqueous or non-aqueous solution for use in providing control of the concentration of the species in a source solution thereof based on the measurements. In the method, a sample containing an electrolytically-active species is added into a measurement cell that has a working electrode and an auxiliary electrode, and a constant current is applied to the measurement cell while the working and auxiliary electrodes are in contact with the sample with monitoring of voltage difference across the electrodes until a change in the voltage difference is detected. A feedback signal is generated based on a parameter of the change in the voltage difference that is directly proportional to the amount of the electrolytically-active species in the sample, which can be used for process control. An apparatus is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Buckman Laboratories International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. McNeel, Richard A. Clark, Richard D. Lusk, JR., Chamindu Liyanapatirana
  • Publication number: 20130281325
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide transducers capable of transducing redox active chemical signals into electrical signals. Transducers comprise two electrodes separated by a nanogap. At least one electrode is comprised of conducting diamond. Methods of fabricating nanogap transducers and arrays of nanogap transducers are provided. Arrays of individually addressable nanogap transducers can be disposed on integrated circuit chips and operably coupled to the integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Oguz H. Elibol, Onur C. Akkaya, Grace M. Credo, Jonathan S. Daniels, Noureddine Tayebi
  • Publication number: 20130264222
    Abstract: A monitoring method of metal ions or oxygen ions applicable to a high concentration non-aqueous electrolyte includes: applying a potential in a non-aqueous electrolyte to obtain current information with respect to the potential; varying the potential applied in the non-aqueous electrolyte containing metal ion concentration or oxygen ion concentration such that the metal ion concentration or the oxygen ion concentration is maintained in spite of the potential being applied; detecting a linear relationship among the concentration, the current, and passed charges in the non-aqueous electrolyte by repeatedly performing the obtaining step and the varying step, while changing the concentration; and calculating metal ion concentration or oxygen ion concentration of the non-aqueous electrolyte in pyroprocessing of the non-aqueous electrolyte by using the linear relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO., LTD., KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130248379
    Abstract: An integrated sensing device is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC) and electrical (E) signals. The device introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Nongjian Tao, Erica Forzani
  • Publication number: 20130248381
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement for registering a measured variable representing concentration of an analyte in a measured medium, includes: a first electrode modified with a redoxly active substance, a second electrode, and a measuring circuit, which comprises a voltage source for applying at least one predetermined voltage between the first electrode and a reference, and an apparatus for registering electrical current flowing, in such case, between the first electrode and the second electrode or for registering a variable correlated with the electrical current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the second electrode is modified with the same redoxly active substance as the first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130233707
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting the property of the liquid includes a substrate, a first pair of electrodes disposed on an upper surface of the substrate, and a second pair of electrodes disposed on a lower surface of the substrate. A capacitance of the first pair of electrodes and a capacitance of the second pair of electrodes mutually change correlatively to the same property of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kato, Masaki Ikeya
  • Publication number: 20130228472
    Abstract: A sensor system, device, and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Gated voltammetric pulse sequences including multiple duty cycles of sequential excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed pulse sequences may reduce analysis errors arising from the hematocrit effect, variance in cap-gap volumes, non-steady-state conditions, mediator background, a single set of calibration constants, under-fill, and changes in the active ionizing agent content of the sensor strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Huan-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 8524057
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz, Kim L. Johnson, James M. Bustillo, John H. Leamon, Jonathan Schultz
  • Publication number: 20130220807
    Abstract: A DYNAMIC PRECIOUS METAL ASSAY DEVICE is described which is based on the methodology of the parent patent DYNAMIC PRECIOUS METAL ASSAY METHOD, U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,999 and achieves a highly accurate gold assay with a range extended to over 24 karats. The specified device requires a manual expulsion of a small amount of electrolyte from a disposable cartridge into a miniature galvanic cell which is formed at the lower tip of the device pencil. Placing the said tip against a gold specimen under test, thereby wetting it, and then by initiating the charging cycle and interpolating algorithm in the external electronics results in a professionally accurate assay of the gold specimen under test. The superior performance of this device is attributed to the novel replaceable electrolytic cartridge and miniature galvanic cell which wets a specimen through a porous interface. This improved device is very stable, rugged and is easily maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Tri Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Radomyshelsky, Boris Loginov
  • Patent number: 8518236
    Abstract: A method for improving the precision of electrochemical measurements made using an electrochemical cell is provided. The method comprises preconditioning a working electrode of the cell by (i) baking the working electrode; and/or (ii) incubating the working electrode; and/or (iii) applying a preconditioning potential across the cell; and/or (iv) treating the working electrode with a UV laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Mary Elizabeth Roblin, Mark Hyland, Christopher Paul Newman
  • Publication number: 20130213806
    Abstract: An oxygen sensing device with capability of storing energy and releasing energy including an oxygen sensing unit, a gas storing unit, and a control unit. The oxygen sensing unit includes a solid oxide electrolyte disposed between two conductive catalyst layers. The control unit includes a power source, a voltmeter, and a power output circuit. The power source provides electrical power to these conductive catalyst layers of the oxygen sensing unit to process a catalytic reaction and generate hydrocarbons for being stored in the gas storing unit. The voltmeter senses a voltage generated by the oxygen sensing unit when the oxygen sensing unit senses oxygen. The oxygen sensing unit makes the hydrocarbons stored in the gas storing unit and oxygen process a chemical reaction for generating electrical power to the power output circuit. The oxygen sensing unit uses the power source to generate hydrogen or syngas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: GUO-BIN JUNG, CHENG-YOU LIN, BO-WEI HUANG, SHIH-YUAN SUN, SHIH HUNG CHAN
  • Publication number: 20130196421
    Abstract: A meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a memory device, electrical circuitry and a detection device for distinguishing between an alternative site test and a standard site test. The memory device is adapted to store information. The electrical circuitry is adapted to determine the analyte concentration of the fluid sample located on a test sensor. The electrical circuitry is in electronic communication with the memory device. The electrical circuitry communicates the determined analyte concentration to the memory device for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Hoi-Wak Derek Lok, Robert Trzybinski, Mohammad A. Kheiri
  • Publication number: 20130193003
    Abstract: A device for sensing a property of a fluid comprising a first substrate having formed thereon a sensor configured in use to come into contact with a fluid in order to sense a property of the fluid, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting data over a wireless data link and a second substrate having formed thereon a wireless receiver for receiving data transmitted over said wireless link by said wireless transmitter. The first substrate is fixed to or within said second substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the device comprises a first substrate defining one or more microfluidic structures for receiving a fluid to be sensed and a second substrate comprising or having attached thereto a multiplicity of fluid sensors, the number of sensors being greater than the number of microfluidic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: DNA Electronics Limited
    Inventors: Sam Reed, Pantelakis Georgiou, Timothy G. Constandinou
  • Patent number: 8496794
    Abstract: A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroya Ueno, Junji Nakatsuka
  • Patent number: 8496801
    Abstract: A method of operating a meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a current sample and for self-detecting electrical connection errors like short or open circuit between the electrodes of a biosensor. The method includes providing a connector with a plurality of contacts and coupling each of the plurality of contacts to one of a plurality of electrical leads on a biosensor, such that each of the plurality of connector contacts electrically contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical leads. The meter obtains a first measurement between a pair of the plurality of connector contacts prior to the fluid sample being applied. The meter also obtains a second measurement between the pair of the plurality of connector contacts after the fluid sample is applied. In response to either the first or the second measurements being outside a predetermined range, a fault is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Dijia Huang
  • Publication number: 20130180853
    Abstract: A gas sensor processing apparatus (1) which includes voltage shift means (11, 19, S1071) for shifting a detection element voltage VE produced between electrodes (3P, 3N) of a detection element (3) from a pre-shift voltage VE1 to a post-shift voltage VE2; recovery means (11, 19, S1072) for returning the detection element voltage VE from the post-shift voltage VE2 to the pre-shift voltage VE1 after the end of a voltage shift period TS in which the voltage VE is shifted by the voltage shift means; and deterioration index detection means S106-S107 for detecting a deterioration index ID representing the degree of deterioration of the detection element (3) on the basis of a voltage change in the recovery period TK in which the voltage VE is recovered by the recovery means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventor: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8486245
    Abstract: Electrochemical measurement techniques for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a physiological fluid sample are described. More particularly, the present invention relates to techniques for distinguishing a signal caused by an extraneous event from a desired information providing signal such as one indicative of a measurement error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Neil Roberts, Gary Smeaton
  • Publication number: 20130175185
    Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: TEARLAB RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Tearlab Research, Inc.