Selectively Permeable Membrane Patents (Class 204/415)
  • Publication number: 20110177403
    Abstract: In a hydrogen concentration measurement device that employs a proton conducting electrolyte membrane, more stable measurement of hydrogen concentration that is less susceptible to temperature and humidity state of measurement target gas becomes possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Usami, Yasushi Araki
  • Publication number: 20110151352
    Abstract: A carbon-fiber-based gas diffusion layer (GDL) for use in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC) having structured hydrophilic properties, wherein materials with hydrophilic properties and selected from the group of metal oxides in an average domain size of 0.5 to 80 ?m are present as hydrophilic wicks in the gas diffusion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Wilde, Rüdiger-Bernd Schweiss
  • Publication number: 20110147213
    Abstract: An electrochemical, especially potentiometric, measuring probe (1), for measuring a chemical or physical, measured variable, especially a pH value, of a measured medium, wherein the measuring probe comprises: At least one measuring half cell and at least one reference half cell, wherein the reference half cell includes: A housing (3, 7) of electrically insulating material, in which a reference electrolyte chamber (8) containing a liquid, reference electrolyte (17) is formed, and which has in a housing wall (7) a diaphragm (21) permeable for the reference electrolyte (17) for providing electrolytic contact between the reference half cell and the measured medium; a potential indicating element (19) extending into the reference electrolyte (17); and a supply opening (22) opening into the reference electrolyte chamber (8) for supply of reference electrolyte (17) into the reference electrolyte chamber (8); characterized in that the reference half cell has a check valve (23) blocking exit of reference elect
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar AUERSWALD, Christian FANSELOW
  • Publication number: 20110147212
    Abstract: A capacitive deionization device includes; at least one flow path configured to receive influent fluid, at least one pair of electrodes, at least one charge barrier disposed between the at least one flow path and a corresponding electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes, at least one electrolyte solution disposed between at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes and a corresponding charge barrier of the at least one charge barrier, and at least one electrolyte compensation device in fluid communication with the at least one electrolyte solution, wherein the at least one electrolyte solution differs from the influent fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-hyun KIM, Hyo-rang KANG, Ho-jung YANG, Hyun-seok KIM
  • Publication number: 20110152654
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their chemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors. In certain embodiments of the invention, the sensor includes an analyte modulating membrane that comprises a blended mixture of a linear polyurethane/polyurea polymer, and a branched acrylate polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Jenn-Hann Larry Wang, Tri T. Dang, Brooks B. Cochran, John J. Mastrototaro, Rajiv Shah
  • Publication number: 20110139616
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a sensing surface, and a matrix overlaying the sensing surface. The sensing device includes a photoformed membrane overlaying at least a portion of the matrix. The photoformed membrane includes a directly photoformed organosiloxane polymer that is substantially permeable to gaseous molecules and substantially impermeable to non-gaseous molecules and ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Margot Leanne McCann, Sandra Kay Shaw, Karl John Anthony Underwood, Harvey Eric Rabe
  • Publication number: 20110129593
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for glucose sensing obtained by dispersing in a solvent such as acetone a nanofibrous membrane fabricated by electrospinning a mixture containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(aminophenylboronic acid). Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on an electrospun nanofibrous membrane by depositing the composition on an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kwang Pill Lee, Iyengar Gopalan Anantha, Sundaram Komathi Shanmuga
  • Publication number: 20110108418
    Abstract: A gas sensor (100) in a sensor housing (1) has a gas-permeable membrane (7) for the inlet of a gas sample to be analyzed to a measuring electrode (6). The gas sensor (100) is provided with a test gas generator (18), which has a generator housing (8). The generator housing (8) is fastened in the area of the gas-permeable membrane (7) and has a central gas outlet opening (21) for the gas sample to pass into the sensor and has outlet openings (19) directed towards the gas-permeable membrane (7) for the test gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Andreas NAUBER, Michael SICK, Julia DANCKERT, Peter TSCHUNCKY
  • Publication number: 20110100814
    Abstract: A sensor includes a housing, at least two electrodes within the housing, an electrolyte providing ionic conductivity between the electrodes and a vent member including a first section including a portion extending through a passage in the housing. The vent member also includes at least one extending member connected to the first section that extends through at least a portion of an interior of the housing. The first section of the vent member is porous so that gas can diffuse from the interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing via the vent member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: MICHAEL ALVIN BROWN, TOWNER BENNETT SCHEFFLER
  • Publication number: 20110100813
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes a housing, a first working electrode within the housing and having a first section of gas transfer medium and a first layer of catalyst on the first section of gas transfer medium, and at least a second working electrode within the housing and having a second section of gas transfer medium and a second layer of catalyst on the second section of gas transfer medium. At least one of the first section of gas transfer medium and the second section of gas transfer medium includes at least one area in which the structure thereof has been irreversibly altered to limit diffusion of gas through the at least one of the first section of gas transfer medium or the second section of gas transfer medium toward the other of the at least one of the first section of gas transfer medium and the second section of gas transfer medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: BRIAN KEITH DAVIS, TOWNER BENNETT SCHEFFLER, MICHAEL ALVIN BROWN
  • Publication number: 20110079523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical sensors for determining gaseous analytes in an aqueous measuring medium, to a process for producing such sensors, and to a process for determining gaseous analytes dissolved in an aqueous measuring medium using the electrochemical sensors. The electrolyte layer of the sensors comprises at least one particulate material and at least one binder which together form a porous, non-swellable framework structure, wherein the pores in this framework structure are configured to absorb a liquid electrolyte or contain the liquid electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Helmut Offenbacher, Gregor Steiner, Claudia-Gemma Muresanu
  • Publication number: 20110048943
    Abstract: A cathodic material for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising: a carbonaceous material and an oxygen reduction catalyst associated with the carbonaceous material; and wherein the cathodic material does not materially exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. Associated electrochemical sensors may include an anode and cathode that are disposed upon the same or opposite sides of an ion exchange membrane and/or exposed to the same or different gaseous environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Joel C. Nemes
  • Publication number: 20110042238
    Abstract: A sodium sensor to measure a concentration of sodium methylate in methanol. The sensor assembly includes a solid alkali ion conducting membrane, a reference electrode, and a measurement electrode. The solid alkali ion conducting membrane transports ions between two alkali-containing solutions, including an aqueous solution and a non-aqueous solution. The reference electrode is at least partially within an alkali halide solution of a known alkali concentration on a first side of the solid alkali ion conducting membrane. The measurement electrode is on a second side of the solid alkali ion conducting membrane. The measurement electrode exhibits a measurable electrical characteristic corresponding to a measured alkali concentration within the non-aqueous solution, to which the measurement electrode is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Shekar Balagopal, Justin Pendelton, Peter Wall
  • Publication number: 20110005928
    Abstract: A method for the detection of carbon dioxide gas using an electrochemical sensor. The method includes exposing a gas to a sensor, which includes a non-conductive solid substrate and at least one each of a metal oxide sensing electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode positioned on the substrate. A solid polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane is in intimate contact with the sensing electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. The method is highly sensitive and selective to carbon dioxide with a very rapid response time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Giner, Inc.
    Inventors: Mourad Manoukian, Anthony B. LaConti, Linda A. Tempelman, John Forchione
  • Publication number: 20100285210
    Abstract: The fabrication and use of a multifunctional micropipette biological sensor for in-situ detection of temperature changes, ion conductivity, and light is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
    Inventor: Tae-Youl Choi
  • Patent number: 7811433
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided for the detection of carbon dioxide gas. The sensor includes a non-conductive solid substrate and at least one each of a metal oxide sensing electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode positioned on the substrate. A solid polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane is in intimate contact with the sensing electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. The sensor is highly sensitive and selective to carbon dioxide and has very rapid response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Giner, Inc.
    Inventors: Mourad Manoukian, Anthony B. LaConti, Linda A. Tempelman, John Forchione
  • Publication number: 20100252430
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor including a plurality of electrically conductive fibers. The sensor also includes a sensing material coating at least some of the fibers, and an insulating layer that surrounds the electrically conductive fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: PEPEX BIOMEDICAL, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James L. Say, Henning Sakslund, Michael F. Tomasco
  • Patent number: 7797825
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
  • Publication number: 20100230285
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing continuous analyte monitoring including in vivo sensors that do not require any user calibration during in vivo use are provided. Also provided are methods and devices including continuous analyte monitoring systems that include in vivo sensors which do not require any system executed calibration or which do not require any factory based calibration, and which exhibit stable sensor sensitivity characteristics. Methods of manufacturing the no calibration sensors and post manufacturing packaging and storage techniques are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Udo Hoss, Christopher Allen Thomas, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh, Gary Alan Hayter
  • Patent number: 7790005
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas permeable electrode comprising an electrocatalyst which is permeable to a reactant or reaction product, the electrocatalyst comprising particulate boron-doped diamond. There is also disclosed a method of making an electrocatalyst which is permeable to a reactant or reaction product, the method comprising the step of forming an electrocatalyst comprising particulate boron-doped diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Element Six Limited
    Inventors: Darryl Hirst Dawson, William Joseph Yost, III, Christopher William Ogilvie Thompson
  • Patent number: 7790006
    Abstract: A free chlorine measurement system and sensor are provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the sensor has a porous working electrode disposed in an electrolyte proximate a porous membrane. The membrane allows free chlorine therethrough where it is reduced and generates a current. The current is related to the free chlorine concentration. The internal electrolyte solution is pH stabilized with a long-term pH stabilizer that has a solubility in water at room temperature between about 1.2 moles/liter and about 0.001 moles/liter. The stabilizer can be an acid or a base depending on whether the pH is to be stabilized at a relatively low value or a relatively high value respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Rosemount Analytical Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Dong Feng, Jishou Xu, Joshua Steven Garretson
  • Publication number: 20100193376
    Abstract: The invention defines an all-solid-contact ISE which comprises a transducer layer of carbon nanotubes which brings the sensing layer and conducting element into contact. The invention also defines a method for the preparation of said all-solid-contact ISE and the use of the same for the qualitative, quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis of analytes. Said all-solid-contact ISE makes it possible to detect or quantify highly diverse chemical species in a reliable and reproducible manner, with the added advantages derived from its simplicity and low construction cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITAT ROVIRA I VIRGILI
    Inventors: Francesc Xavier Rius Ferrus, Santiago Macho Aparicio, Gaston Adrian Crespo Paravano, Jordi Riu Rusell
  • Patent number: 7758734
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in a fluid in a wellbore comprises a temperature- and pressure-resistant housing containing a flow path for the fluids. The fluids flow over one side of a gas permeable membrane made of zeolite or a suitable ceramic material, the other side of the membrane being exposed to a chamber containing a reaction solution which together with the hydrogen sulphide or thiols create a redox reaction resulting in an electrical current dependent upon the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Jonathan Webster Brown, Andrew Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20100176006
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed in a well over the substrate and includes a working electrode, an inner filling solution disposed thereover, and an ion-selective membrane. The working electrode is in contact with the substrate and the ion-selective membrane is disposed over the inner filling solution and substantially seals the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, John R. Williams, Daniel I. Harjes, Andrew Reiter
  • Publication number: 20100175993
    Abstract: Provided is a rotatable disc-shaped microfluidic device which can electrochemically detect electrolytes comprised in a specimen. The microfluidic device including: a specimen chamber which accommodates a specimen; a detection chamber which receives the specimen from the specimen chamber; and an ion sensor which is formed in the detection chamber to electrochemically detect electrolytes in the specimen and includes an indicator electrode, a standard electrode and an ion selective film formed on a portion of the indicator electrode. The standard specimen is accommodated in the detection chamber, and a standard potential is measured. Then, the specimen is accommodated in the detection chamber, and a measurement potential is obtained to detect the concentration of the electrolytes comprised in the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-nam LEE, Beom-seok LEE, Jae-chan PARK, Jeong-gun LEE
  • Publication number: 20100159084
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for organic molecules such as ethylene includes an electrochemical cell, gas sample inlet means and means for detecting current produced by the oxidation of the organic molecule at the anode of the cell. The sensor is capable of sensing multiple organic molecules in some embodiments. A voltage is applied to the anode of the cell to provide energy to drive the oxidation reaction and produce a corresponding current. The sensor of the invention can be made as a small, hand-held unit that is capable of real-time detection of various organic species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Alireza Shekarriz, W. Lloyd Allen, Daniel James Haulkner, Christopher M. Ward, Debra M. Gilbuena
  • Publication number: 20100140088
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reference electrode having a self-calibration function, which is used in electrochemical measurement and whose measurement accuracy can be maintained for a long period of time. Also disclosed is an apparatus for automatically correcting electrochemical potential using the reference electrode. The apparatus comprises: a reference electrode, comprising an external electrode body having an electrolyte membrane at one end thereof and an electrolyte solution filled therein, and at least two electrically isolated internal electrodes which are disposed in the external electrode body in such a manner that they are immersed in the electrolyte solution; and a reference potential calibrator for applying AC voltage to the internal electrodes to measure the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte solution of the electrolyte solution and output a correction signal about the change in the reference potential of the reference electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Jei-Won YEON, In-Kyu Choi, Won-Ho Kim, Kyuseok Song
  • Patent number: 7727368
    Abstract: A lead free, galvanic sensor. The sensor having a housing, a cathode, an anode, a diffusion barrier, contact wires and an electrolyte, the anode being made of a tin containing alloy. The sensor electrolyte is an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid or an aqueous solution of a cesium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: IT Dr. Gambert GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Gambert
  • Patent number: 7719427
    Abstract: A wireless pH measurement system is disclosed, the wireless pH measurement system includes a portable module and a receiver end. The portable module comprises a signal detecting and processing portion and a wireless transmission portion. The signal detecting and processing portion comprises a sensor unit for detecting a pH signal, amplifying, filtering noise, analog/digital conversion and numerical processing to generate a pH measurement signal. The wireless transmission portion receives the pH measurement signal via a transmission interface and transmits by a Bluetooth module. The receiver end includes a Bluetooth receiver for receiving the pH measurement signal. The receiver end processes the pH measurement signal by programs, displays, analyzes and stores the pH measurement signal and transmits warning signal when an abnormal pH measurement signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Shen-Kan Hsiung, Jung-Chuan Chou, Tai-Ping Sun, Jun-Jie Feng
  • Patent number: 7713574
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brister, James R. Petisce, Sean Saint, Kum Ming Woo, Victor Ha, John Nolting, Peter C. Simpson, James Brauker
  • Patent number: 7704356
    Abstract: A compact gas sensor array, to which a test gas can be admitted without the use of mechanical components and whose readiness for measurement is interrupted during the calibration only briefly. The array includes a combination of an electrochemical gas sensor (3) and an electrochemical gas generator (2). A gas channel (1) is provided from the gas generator (2) to the measuring electrode (9) of the gas sensor (3). The measuring gas from the environment of the gas sensor (3) has free access to the measuring electrode (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Uwe Kühn
  • Patent number: 7686931
    Abstract: A insertion electrode device, which is configured for installing a sensor probe in a container for a measuring medium, includes a probe housing that can be attached to the container and has a probe protector tube serving to receive, hold and guide the sensor probe. The sensor probe has a coupling for electrical connections, and the probe housing is equipped with a protective sleeve to protect the coupling from mechanical stress and moisture. The protective sleeve is connectable to the probe protector tube. A safety adapter is coupled to the end of the probe protector tube that is outside the container. The safety adapter engages a recess of the sensor probe or reaches over a step of the sensor probe and thereby secures the latter against moving in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Jelena Milanovic
  • Publication number: 20100072062
    Abstract: Membranes useful for amperometric sensors are described. The membranes allow continuous and real time in vivo measurements of a variety of redox active chemical species present in a fluid sample. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises a redox mediator, a redox reactive species, and conductive nano structures, such as carbon nanotubes. The membrane can be provided on a working electrode of the sensor. Amperometric sensors incorporating the membranes and methods of treatment using the sensors are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Curry
  • Publication number: 20100065442
    Abstract: A flue gas analyser for measuring the concentration of oxygen in flue gas, comprising an electrochemical oxygen sensor and water vapour removing means for reducing the relative humidity of received gas and/or nitrogen-containing-gas removing means for removing from received gas one or more gaseous species comprising nitrogen and oxygen which are either nitrogen dioxide, or formed from nitrogen dioxide in the presence of sufficient water vapour, which would otherwise lead to damage of the electrochemical oxygen sensor,
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ALPHASENSE LIMITED
    Inventors: John Robert SAFFELL, Darryl Hirst DAWSON
  • Patent number: 7678251
    Abstract: A system to detect a presence of a specific gas in a mixture of gaseous byproducts comprising moisture vapor is disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell, a transport to deliver the mixture of gaseous byproducts from the electrochemical cell, a gas sensor in fluid communication with the transport, the sensor responsive to a presence of the specific gas to generate a signal corresponding to a concentration of the specific gas, and a membrane to prevent transmission of liquid moisture, the membrane disposed between the transport and the gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Ken Chow, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Ken Wayne Dreier, Jacob Andrew Miller
  • Publication number: 20100051480
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to sensors for measuring an amount of a gaseous species in a sample. The sensors comprise a gas permeable polysiloxane network membrane, comprising both alkyl and fluorinated alkyl groups. In some embodiments, the polysiloxane network can be formed from the co-condensation of a mixture of an alkylalkoxysilane and a fluorosilane. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the sensors, methods of selectively measuring an amount of a gaseous species, such as nitric oxide, in a sample, and to compositions comprising the polysiloxane networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Mark H. Schoenfisch, Jae Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 7669719
    Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on, the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vidya Ramaswamy, Seth Thomas Taylor, James Anthony Ruud, Melissa Suzanne Sander, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Mohan Manoharan
  • Publication number: 20100044226
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor and a method of detecting carbon dioxide using the sensor are provided, the sensor includes a closed chamber having as a wall portion thereof a substantially watertight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane, two electrodes disposed in the chamber, and a film of substantially electrolyte-free liquid disposed in the chamber capable of simultaneously contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Tor Inge Tonnessen, Peyman Mirtaheri
  • Publication number: 20100018860
    Abstract: A sensor element for determining at least one physical property of a gas in a measuring gas chamber, particularly for determining an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas. The sensor element includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode, and at least one solid electrolyte connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode is situated on the inside of the sensor element and is able to have gas from the measuring gas chamber applied to it via at least one gas access hole and at least one diffusion barrier. At least partially gas-impermeable cover layer is provided on the diffusion barrier, at least from area to area. The gas access hole has at least one chamfer in the vicinity of the cover layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Henrico RUNGE
  • Patent number: 7651597
    Abstract: A dual gas sensor is described, having first and second working electrodes separated by a gas impermeable portion. The electrodes are preferably located on a gas permeable polymer support, with the gas impermeable portion being formed by compression of the permeable support. The sensor may also include one or more filters for location adjacent the electrodes to filter certain gases from the air. The preferred sensor is able to detect carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The sensor housing is formed with four connection pins, allowing a standard sensor housing to be used for dual sensors as well as single sensors having a dummy pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Alphasense Limited
    Inventors: John R. Saffell, Richard Smith, Darry H. Dawson
  • Patent number: 7645367
    Abstract: A gas-measuring system contains at least one gas sensor (1) and at least one gas generator (4). The gas sensor (1) has at least one measuring surface (3), at which a target gas concentration can be measured. The gas generator (4) has at least one discharge surface (5), from which a current-proportional quantity of test gas can be discharged. The measuring surface (3) and the discharge surface (5) are designed and the gas sensor (1) and the gas generator (4) can be arranged such that the measuring surface (3) and the discharge surface (5) are in direct contact with the ambient atmosphere and the distance between the two surfaces is shorter than the extension of the smaller of the two surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Peter Tschuncky, Herbert Kiesele, Uwe Kühn, Frank Mett, Andreas Hengstenberg, Kerstin Caro
  • Publication number: 20090321255
    Abstract: Multiwell membrane-based potentiometric sensor for high throughput tests. The sensor includes a reference element under the bottom of the multiwell plate, where the bottoms of the wells have sensitive potentiometric membranes. The plate is made with the electrically nonconductive polymer. The output of the chemical sensor is a transmembrane voltage between additional reference element inserted into the test solution in a well and the first reference element. Potentials correspond to the chemical activity present in test solutions added into the wells. In one embodiment the membrane is a drug sensitive biomimetic membrane, made of porous nitrocellulose polymer support impregnated with lipids or lipid-like substances. Sensitivity for some drugs can be as good as 1 ppm. In other embodiments the membrane is an ion selective glass or polymer membrane, including PVC with ionophores or redox active electroconductive polymer membranes to characterize redox processes in the test solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Nikolai Kocherginsky
  • Publication number: 20090321280
    Abstract: A surface-contact sensor includes a housing defining an opening, an ion-permeable membrane at the opening, a counterelectrode within the housing, and a reference electrode within the housing that is spaced apart from the current-collector. A current-collector pad includes a grommet support having a base and a lumen defining an opening. An ion-permeable membrane spans at least a portion of the opening of the grommet. The ion-permeable membrane is held in place by a gasket surrounding the lumen. A current collector, at least in one embodiment, is proximate to a portion of the ion-permeable membrane that spans the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michael C. Kimble
  • Patent number: 7632228
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biointerface membrane for use with an implantable device that interferes with the formation of a barrier cell layer including; a first domain distal to the implantable device wherein the first domain supports tissue attachment and interferes with barrier cell layer formation and a second domain proximal to the implantable device wherein the second domain is resistant to cellular attachment and is impermeable to cells. In addition, the present invention provides sensors including the biointerface membrane, implantable devices including these sensors or biointerface membranes, and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the analyte detection implantable device of the invention. Other implantable devices which include the biointerface membrane of the present invention, such as devices for cell transplantation, drug delivery devices, and electrical signal delivery or measuring devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20090301876
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved electrochemical sensor that has a simplified electrode assembly. The electrode assembly incorporates electrodes into or onto a single polymeric substrate. The working electrode can be porous, to enable an analyte, such as a toxic gas, to access an electrode-electrolyte interface. Ionic connection between electrodes can be made by an electrolyte on a back side of the electrode assembly, and external electronic circuitry can be connected directly to the electrode assembly. This construction dramatically simplifies the sensor, resulting in reduced costs and potentially improved performance. The construction is compatible with batch fabrication methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Wagner, Jin Zou
  • Patent number: 7615139
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor with at least one measuring electrode (3), at least one auxiliary electrode (7) and at least one reference electrode (5), wherein a protective electrode (6), which ensures at the reference electrode (5) the at least partial shielding of the reference electrode (5) against substances that would lead to a change in the reference potential when reaching the reference electrode (5), is arranged in the vicinity of the reference electrode (5). A highly stable reference potential can be obtained with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Herbert Kiesele, Frank Mett, Sabrina Sommer
  • Publication number: 20090266712
    Abstract: A calcium ion sensor is provided. The calcium ion sensor includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, a sensing unit including a substrate, a ruthenium dioxide membrane formed thereon and a calcium ion sensing membrane formed on the ruthenium dioxide membrane, and a conductive wire connecting the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor and the sensing unit. The invention also provides a method for fabricating a calcium ion sensor, and a sensing system including the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL YUNLIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jung-Chuan Chou, Hsiao-Fang Sung, Wei-Lun Hsia, Ya-Ping Huang
  • Publication number: 20090236224
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrochemical sensor which can prevent occurrence of cracks at the welding portion between a support tube made of lead-free glass and a sensitive glass membrane or ceramics, and a method for manufacturing the same. The electrochemical sensor 100 has a configuration such that the sensitive glass membrane 2A is welded to the support tube 1 made of lead-free glass with a lead glass layer 3A between the sensitive glass membrane 2A and the support tube 1. According to the present invention, there is also provided the electrochemical sensor in which the ceramics 2B for a junction is welded to the support tube 1 made of lead-free glass with a lead glass layer 3B between the ceramics 2B and the support tube 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: DKK-TOA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaharu Yamasato, Takao Takami, Taisuke Nakano, Shoji Moroguchi
  • Publication number: 20090218237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium ion-selective membrane, including a polymer carrier, a plasticizer, a conductive compound and a lithium ion specific ionophoric compound. The invention consists in that said ionophoric compound is dibenzyl-14-crown-4 and derivatives thereof, and represents between 0.5 and 3% by weight of the total composition of the membrane, the polymer carrier representing 25 to 30% by weight of the total composition of the membrane, the plasticizer from 65 to 72% by weight of the total composition of the membrane and the conductive compound from 0.2 to 1.5% by weight of the total composition of the membrane. Said invention can be used to determine the lithium ion concentration of a fluid, such as a primary fluid for a pressurized water reactor in a nuclear power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Martial Berger, Nathalie Costarramone, Alain Castetbon
  • Publication number: 20090205978
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring water and oxygen permeation rates of a protective layer in an organic electronic device are provided. The device includes: a glass substrate; a pair of electrode layers facing each other and deposited on the glass substrate; a calcium layer deposited on the glass substrate; a water and oxygen permeable substrate deposited on the calcium layer; a target protective layer of an organic electronic device, which is deposited on the water and oxygen permeable substrate; and a sealing material applied along an edge of the target protective layer, wherein one ends of the pair of electrode layers are buried in the calcium layer and the other ends are electrically connected to an external resistance measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Korea University Industrial & Academic Collaboration Foundation
    Inventors: Byeong Kwon JU, Jin Hwan Choi, Young Min Kim, Young Wook Park