Ion-sensitive Electrode Patents (Class 204/416)
  • Patent number: 11940406
    Abstract: A sensor element includes an element body having a measurement-object gas flow section being provided therein, a first measurement pump cell that includes a first measurement electrode being disposed in a first measurement chamber and a first outer measurement electrode and that pumps out oxygen produced in a first measurement chamber, and a second measurement pump cell that includes a second measurement electrode being disposed in a second measurement chamber and a second outer measurement electrode and that pumps out oxygen produced in a second measurement chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Sekiya, Yusuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11397161
    Abstract: A calibration electrode for calibrating a reference system of an electrochemical sensor, such as a potentiometric sensor or an ion selective electrode. The calibration electrode has an active surface comprising redox functionalities. The redox functionalities set the pH of a reference solution proximal to the calibration electrode. A voltammetric signal is applied to the calibration electrode to produce a response that is determined by the set pH. The response of the calibration electrode to the voltammetric signal is used to calibrate/adjust a reference potential produced by a reference electrode of the reference system of the electrochemical sensor. This calibration corrects the detrimental effect of reference electrode drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: ANB Sensors Limited
    Inventors: Steven A. Gahlings, Nathan Lawrence, Kay Louise McGuinness
  • Patent number: 11391688
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor element for a potentiometric sensor including a substrate, and a potentiometric sensor layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the substrate includes at least one region electrically conductively connected to the sensor layer, and wherein at least the region of the substrate electrically conductively connected to the sensor layer is a mixed-conducting ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH+CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 11378539
    Abstract: A method of fabricating amorphous iridium oxide film pH sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating the pH sensors. The present invention provides a fabrication method for sol-gel based iridium oxide (IrOx) thin film pH sensors and microelectrodes. The invention further provides microelectrode arrays produced by the fabrication methods and microfluidic devices including the microelectrodes and microelectrode arrays. In one aspect, the invention is a method for fabricating a microelectrode pH sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Jung-Chih Chiao, Cuong M. Nguyen, Smitha M N Rao
  • Patent number: 11262328
    Abstract: A measuring element is disclosed for an ion-sensitive solid-contact electrode for measuring ion activity in a measurement medium. An ion-sensitive solid-contact electrode having such a measuring element and an electrochemical sensor having such a solid-contact electrode are also disclosed. The measuring element can include an ion-sensitive layer arranged to contact a measurement medium when in operation, and conductive to lithium ions; and a single-phase electrically conductive layer, which includes metallic lithium or a lithium-(0)-alloy. A solid-state electrolyte layer can be arranged between the ion-sensitive layer and the electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO GMBH
    Inventors: Juan Limon Petersen, Andreas Rutz
  • Patent number: 11255810
    Abstract: In vitro diagnostic sensors are disclosed that include membranes formed of a polymer matrix that has been modified to contain surface adhesion functional group(s) that enables attachment of the membrane to a substrate of the sensor. Also disclosed are membranes of these sensors as well as multi-sensor arrays that include multiple sensors. In addition, methods of producing and using these membranes, sensors, and arrays are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: John Benco
  • Patent number: 11255840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring analytes in fluid samples are disclosed. The systems and methods employ test strips which are generally comprised of a substrate, at least one electrical connection, at least one sensing chemistry and at least one additional layer. The test strips can be batch calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Biometry Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Nolan, Thomas T. Morgan, David L. Carnahan
  • Patent number: 11231386
    Abstract: A compact microelectronic gas sensor module includes electrical contacts formed in such a way that they do not consume real estate on an integrated circuit chip. Using such a design, the package can be miniaturized further. The gas sensor is packaged together with a custom-designed Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that provides circuitry for processing sensor signals to identify gas species within a sample under test. In one example, the output signal strength of the sensor is enhanced by providing an additional metal surface area in the form of pillars exposed to an electrolytic gas sensing compound, while reducing the overall package size. In some examples, bottom side contacts are formed on the underside of the substrate on which the gas sensor is formed. Sensor electrodes may be electrically coupled to the ASIC directly, or indirectly by vias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Jerome Teysseyre, Yonggang Jin, Suman Cherian
  • Patent number: 11215606
    Abstract: A seal enhancer for improving the patch clamp seal in a patch clamp method or apparatus is provided. The internal solution comprises particular anions and the external solution comprises one or more metal ions at low concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SOPHION BIOSCIENCE A/S
    Inventors: Lars Damgaard Løjkner, Anders Lindqvist, Daniel Rafael Sauter, Kadla Røskva Rosholm
  • Patent number: 11156583
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods and tools that measure ionic concentrations and downhole enthalpy of a flowing geothermal fluid in real-time at high-temperature and pressure. The systems, methods and tools include measuring the concentration of selected naturally occurring ions found in the liquid phase of the geothermal fluid throughout the wellbore using novel electrochemical sensor technologies. The change in liquid-phase ion concentration will be used to calculate the proportion of liquid to steam and allow for accurate enthalpy measurements. The techniques and technologies described here can be applied to any application of electrochemical sensing in extreme environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Grzegorz Cieslewski, Xuhua Gao, Ryan Falcone Hess, Avery T. Cashion, IV, William C. Corbin, Sasha Egan, Roland N. Horne
  • Patent number: 11011411
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first substrate region doped with a first dopant and a second substrate region doped with a second dopant. The semiconductor wafer further includes a buried oxide (BOX) layer formed on the substrate and a channel layer formed above the BOX layer. A first transistor is operably disposed on the substrate in the first substrate region and a second transistor is operably disposed on the substrate in the second substrate region. First doped source and drain structures electrically connected to the substrate in the first substrate region and separated by portions of the channel layer and the BOX layer. Second doped source and drain structures electrically connected to the substrate in the second substrate region and separated by portions of the channel layer and the BOX layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Xin Miao, Wenyu Xu, Kangguo Cheng
  • Patent number: 11002704
    Abstract: Biosensor devices and methods of forming the same are provided. A cavity is formed in a substrate and is configured to receive one or more charged molecules. A transistor is formed in the substrate and includes a source region, a drain region, and a channel region that are spatially separated from the cavity in a lateral direction. A gate of the transistor is disposed below the cavity and extends between the cavity and the source, drain, and channel regions. A voltage potential of the gate is based on a number of the charged molecules in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Tung-Tsun Chen, Chien-Kuo Yang, Jui-Cheng Huang, Mark Chen, Ta-Chuan Liao, Cheng-Hsiang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10895548
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein include a reference electrode for being immersed in a bulk solution. The reference electrode comprises a reservoir having reservoir walls defining a reservoir volume filled with an electrolyte; an electrode in the reservoir, in contact with the electrolyte. The reservoir of the reference electrode is closed except for the presence of at least one pore in at least one of the reservoir walls, the at least one pore being filled with electrolyte and being adapted for allowing ionic contact between the electrolyte in the reservoir and the bulk solution into which the reference electrode is to be immersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Marcel Zevenbergen, Geert Altena, Pawel Bembnowicz, Martijn Goedbloed
  • Patent number: 10591437
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte-type CO2 sensor having a reduced influence from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), includes: a solid electrolyte; a reference electrode which is formed at one side of the solid electrolyte; a detecting electrode of which one side is joined and which is formed at the other side of the solid electrolyte; a substrate which is formed at the other side of the reference electrode; and an oxidation catalyst which is formed at the other side of the detecting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, NANOIONICS KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sun-Mi Oh, Hyun-Soo Sohn, Jong-Min Kwon, Yang-Ki Kim, Tae-Won Lee, Ji-Hye Kim
  • Patent number: 10555675
    Abstract: Systems for monitoring blood loss include a display for simultaneously depicting a current blood loss metric at different time points or along a time line. In addition, historical or comparative blood loss information is provided on the display so that the healthcare provider can see assess the current blood loss metric relative to other metrics, so that the healthcare provider can more accurately assess and manage the patient's status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Gauss Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Siddarth Satish, Kevin Miller, Titas De
  • Patent number: 10557814
    Abstract: An electrochemical detector including at least one substance selection structure disposed adjacent or proximate to an electronic device structure, wherein the substance selection structure is arranged to interact with a target substance so as to alter an electrical characteristic of the electronic device structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: A. L. Roy Vellaisamy, Shishir Venkatesh, Tan Li
  • Patent number: 10458942
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is described. The device includes a material defining a reaction region. The device also includes a plurality of chemically-sensitive field effect transistors have a common floating gate in communication with the reaction region. The device also includes a circuit to obtain respective output signals from the chemically-sensitive field effect transistors indicating an analyte within the reaction region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Keith G. Fife, James Bustillo, Jordan Owens
  • Patent number: 10446692
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is disclosed. The semiconductor device structure includes a mesa extending above a substrate. The mesa has a channel region between a first side and second side of the mesa. A first gate is on a first side of the mesa, the first gate comprising a first gate insulator and a first gate conductor comprising graphene overlying the first gate insulator. The gate conductor may comprise graphene in one or more monolayers. Also disclosed are a method for fabricating the semiconductor device structure; an array of vertical transistor devices, including semiconductor devices having the structure disclosed; and a method for fabricating the array of vertical transistor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 10408781
    Abstract: A reference electrode insert (14) for an electrochemical test cell (10), in particular for testing lithium ion cells, comprising a reference electrode (46) and a sleeve (15) for holding the reference electrode (46), characterized in that the sleeve (15) and the annular reference electrode (46) form a structural unit, the reference electrode (46) being secured firmly and captively in the sleeve in an encapsulated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: EL-CELL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Hahn, Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 10381855
    Abstract: A secondary battery system includes a battery having an electrode body impregnated with an electrolyte containing lithium ions; and an ECU configured to permit charge and discharge of the battery when battery temperature is equal to or more than a threshold temperature and to restrict the charge and discharge of the battery when the battery temperature is less than the threshold temperature. The ECU is configured to obtain a value related to minimum concentration of the lithium ions (minimum salt concentration) caused by a deviation of concentration distribution of the lithium ions in the electrode body, and to set the threshold temperature to be higher as the related value representing the minimum salt concentration becomes lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryo Kanada, Shohei Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 10345317
    Abstract: A sensor including a surface plasmon resonance detector with a reservoir for containing a liquid sample. The sensor further includes a sensing metallic film positioned within the reservoir so that at least a majority of a surface of the sensing metallic film is to be in contact with the liquid sample being housed within the reservoir. The sensory also includes a semiconductor device having a contact in electrical communication with the sensing metal containing film that is positioned within the reservoir. The semiconductor device measures the net charges of molecules within the liquid sample within a Debye length from the sensing metallic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bobby E. Feller, Jianqiang Lin, Robert D. Miller, Ramachandran Muralidhar, Tak H. Ning, Sufi Zafar
  • Patent number: 10060896
    Abstract: A meter is adapted for measuring concentrations of a chemical in a flowing solution. The meter has a barrier that shields a sensor from the high turbulence of the solution flow. One or more membranes can be employed to selectively filter out various ions or other chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SENTIENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Frederick Quincy Johnson
  • Patent number: 10041979
    Abstract: A method of sensing current flowing in a power module is provided. The module includes a first substrate having a metallized side, a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate and having a metallized side facing the metallized side of the first substrate, and a semiconductor die interposed between the first and second substrates. The semiconductor die has a first side connected to the metallized side of the first substrate and an opposing second side connected to the metallized side of the second substrate. The module further includes a sensor connected to the metallized side of the first substrate and galvanically isolated from the metallized side of the second substrate. The sensor is aligned with a first metal region of the metallized side of the second substrate, for measuring a magnetic field generated by the first metal region responsive to the current flowing through the first metal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Carlos Castro Serrato
  • Patent number: 10002935
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is disclosed. The semiconductor device structure includes a mesa extending above a substrate. The mesa has a channel region between a first side and second side of the mesa. A first gate is on a first side of the mesa, the first gate comprising a first gate insulator and a first gate conductor comprising graphene overlying the first gate insulator. The gate conductor may comprise graphene in one or more monolayers. Also disclosed are a method for fabricating the semiconductor device structure; an array of vertical transistor devices, including semiconductor devices having the structure disclosed; and a method for fabricating the array of vertical transistor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9960238
    Abstract: Systems and methods for molecular sensing are described. Molecular sensors are described which are based on field-effect or bipolar junction transistors. These transistors have a nanopillar with a functionalized layer contacted to either the base or the gate electrode. The functional layer can bind molecules, which causes an electrical signal in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SANOFI
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Chieh-feng Chang, Oliver Plettenburg, Stefan Petry, Axel Scherer, Charles L. Tschirhart
  • Patent number: 9925497
    Abstract: An air separation module includes a shell configured to house an air separation membrane, an inlet configured to receive supply air, an oxygen-enriched air outlet configured to exhaust oxygen from the air separation module, and a nitrogen-enriched air outlet configured to supply a stream of nitrogen-enriched air to a fuel tank of an aircraft. The air separation module also includes a condition monitoring sensor integral with the air separation module and configured to measure at least one of a plurality of conditions; and a connector integral with the air separation module and configured to join the condition monitoring sensor with an electrical system of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sunstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Daniello
  • Patent number: 9874539
    Abstract: The present description discloses solid-contact (SC) electrodes that use mesoporous carbon such as colloid-imprinted mesoporous (CIM) carbon as the interlayer. The electrodes can be ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or reference electrodes. The CIM carbon with the interconnected mesopores is used as the intermediate layer between the solid electron conductor, such as gold, and a membrane such as an ionophore-doped ion-selective membrane or a reference membrane. The disclosure includes methods of constructing solid contact electrodes such as SC-ISE or reference electrodes with a CIM carbon interlayer, and methods of using the electrodes to determine the quantity of an analyte in a sample. The description also includes disposable paper-based devices for measuring analytes in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Jinbo Hu, Philippe Buhlmann, Andreas Stein
  • Patent number: 9786941
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells includes a proton conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. The proton conducting membrane in turn includes a first polymer including cyclic polyether groups and a second polymer having sulfonic acid groups. The membrane electrode assembly further includes an anode disposed over the first side of the proton conducting layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed over the second side of the proton conducting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Ion C. Halalay, Lijun Zou, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Patent number: 9759679
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for a sensing device including a sensor die attached to a header. The header has a first working surface composed of a first one or more electrically conductive pads and a bulk of the header. The sensor die has a second working surface and a third surface reverse of the second working surface. The sensor die includes a sensing element on the second working surface, and the third surface of the sensor die is composed of a second one or more electrically conductive pads and a dielectric layer. The first one or more electrically conductive pads of the header contact the second one or more electrically conductive pads of the sensor die, and the bulk of the header at the first working surface of the header contacts the dielectric layer of the third surface of the sensor die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Jon Carlson
  • Patent number: 9702839
    Abstract: Devices are described for providing quantitative information relating to a sample. Example devices include a flexible substrate, a sample receiver at least partially formed in or disposed on the flexible substrate, electronic circuitry and at least one indicator electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry. The flexible substrate includes at least one paper-based portion, at least one elastomeric portion, or at least one plastic portion. The electronic circuitry and the at least one indicator are at least partially formed in or disposed on the flexible substrate. The electronic circuitry generates an analysis result based on an output signal from the sample or a derivative of the sample. The at least one indicator provides an indication of the quantitative information relating to the sample based at least in part on the at least one analysis result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: MC10, Inc.
    Inventors: Roozbeh Ghaffari, Stephen P. Lee, Bassel De Graff
  • Patent number: 9625409
    Abstract: An exemplary biosensor sensor for detecting the presence of a biological material includes an SOI substrate, a lateral BJT formed on at least a portion of the substrate, and a sensing structure formed on at least a portion of an upper surface of the BJT. The BJT includes an emitter region, a collector region and a base region, the base region being formed between the emitter and collector regions and laterally adjacent thereto. The sensing structure includes at least one dielectric layer contacting at least a portion of the base region. The dielectric layer forms a receptacle for confining a biological molecule being tested and is configured to respond to charges in biological molecules, the charges being converted to a sensing signal by the BJT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Cai, Tak H. Ning, Jeng-Bang Yau, Sufi Zafar
  • Patent number: 9590193
    Abstract: The present invention provides flexible polymer diodes in the form of a printable polymer sandwich configuration similar to that found in electroactive polymer transducers. The inventive flexible polymer diodes comprise a dielectric layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. With appropriate optional additives introduced in the electrode formulation and the proper electrical properties in the electrode, a device may be constructed which allows current to pass through for only one polarity of applied voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Roger N. Hitchcock, Thomas Kridl, Xina Quan, Mikyong Yoo, Fang Yuan
  • Patent number: 9356155
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is disclosed. The semiconductor device structure includes a mesa extending above a substrate. The mesa has a channel region between a first side and second side of the mesa. A first gate is on a first side of the mesa, the first gate comprising a first gate insulator and a first gate conductor comprising graphene overlying the first gate insulator. The gate conductor may comprise graphene in one or more monolayers. Also disclosed are a method for fabricating the semiconductor device structure; an array of vertical transistor devices, including semiconductor devices having the structure disclosed; and a method for fabricating the array of vertical transistor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9329296
    Abstract: Provided are an underwater detector and a method for an underwater detection, and more particularly, an underwater detector including two direct current electrodes and a plurality of measurement electrodes in order to sense a movement of an object having conductivity different from that of water underwater. Since the underwater detector according to the present invention includes two direct current electrodes, a plurality of measurement electrodes, and a control and measurement module for measuring voltages of the plurality of measurement electrodes, the plurality of measurement electrodes each include an electrode control module and the electrode control module includes a first switch, a second switch, a controlling unit, and the like, the number of voltage measurement lines may be small and a voltage between two selected electrodes may be easily calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Hyun-Key Jung, Sung-Ho Cho, Hyo Sun Lee, Hyoung Rae Rim
  • Patent number: 9283558
    Abstract: A fluid handling device includes a substrate, a film, and a conductive layer. The substrate includes a first through-hole, and a second through-hole. The conductive layer is disposed on one surface of the film to extend in a first area, a second area and a third area of the film. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The first area is bonded to the first surface of the substrate such that a housing part is formed by closing one opening of the first through-hole, and such that a part of the conductive layer is exposed to the inside of the housing part. The second area is disposed inside the second through-hole, and the third area is bonded to the second surface of the substrate such that a part of the conductive layer is exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Ono, Ken Kitamoto
  • Patent number: 9251979
    Abstract: Electromechanical sensors that employ Janus micro/nano-components and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating an electromechanical sensor includes the following steps. A back gate is formed on a substrate. A gate dielectric is deposited over the back gate. An intermediate layer is formed on the back gate having a micro-fluidic channel formed therein. Top electrodes are formed above the micro-fluidic channel. One or more Janus components are placed in the micro-fluidic channel, wherein each of the Janus components has a first portion having an electrically conductive material and a second portion having an electrically insulating material. The micro-fluidic channel is filled with a fluid. The electrically insulating material has a negative surface charge at a pH of the fluid and an isoelectric point at a pH less than the pH of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Qing Cao, Kangguo Cheng, Zhengwen Li, Fei Liu, Zhen Zhang
  • Patent number: 9251978
    Abstract: Electromechanical sensors that employ Janus micro/nano-components and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating an electromechanical sensor includes the following steps. A back gate is formed on a substrate. A gate dielectric is deposited over the back gate. An intermediate layer is formed on the back gate having a micro-fluidic channel formed therein. Top electrodes are formed above the micro-fluidic channel. One or more Janus components are placed in the micro-fluidic channel, wherein each of the Janus components has a first portion having an electrically conductive material and a second portion having an electrically insulating material. The micro-fluidic channel is filled with a fluid. The electrically insulating material has a negative surface charge at a pH of the fluid and an isoelectric point at a pH less than the pH of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Qing Cao, Kangguo Cheng, Zhengwen Li, Fei Liu, Zhen Zhang
  • Patent number: 9228978
    Abstract: A sensor system including devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including amperometric and voltammetric duty cycles of excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed system may reduce analysis errors, thus improving measurement performance, by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The disclosed system also may determine the concentration of more than one ionizable species in the sample by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The multiple, determined concentrations may be used to determine the concentration of multiple analytes or to correct the concentration determined for an analyte, thus improving the measurement performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Huan-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 9093316
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: diffusion layers formed at the front surface of a substrate; low-resistance parts formed at the front surfaces of the diffusion layers so as to have resistance lower than the diffusion layer; and rear contact electrodes passing through the substrate from the rear surface of the substrate to be connected to the low-resistance parts through the diffusion layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20150119848
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochemical sensor involving an electrode and a coating that surrounds the electrode, the coating comprising a structural component, a water immiscible solvent, a resistance decreasing component, and an ion exchange component, wherein the coating selectively partitions an electrochemically active drug from a fluid or vapor sample whereby an electrochemical signal within the coating can be measured using the electrode. Devices and methods for using this electrochemical sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Edward Chaum, Erno Lindner, Jidong Guo
  • Patent number: 9011670
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, John R. Williams, Daniel I. Harjes, Andrew Reiter
  • Patent number: 8986981
    Abstract: The use of ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) to detect methylated nucleotides in a DNA sample is described. A method of detecting methylated nucleotides in a DNA sample may include the steps of treating a sample of DNA with a reagent which discriminates between methylated and non-methylated nucleotides to provide treated DNA, amplifying the treated DNA and optionally sequencing the amplified DNA. An ISFET is used to monitor the addition of one or more dNTPs in the strand extension reactions during the amplification and/or sequencing step. Suitable apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Oncu Limited
    Inventors: Christofer Toumazou, Melpomeni Kalofonou
  • Publication number: 20150076006
    Abstract: A system and process for determining and analyzing surface property parameters of a substance based on kinetic method is provided. The system comprises a sample processing system and a detection system. The sample processing system includes a reactor (3), a collector for liquid to be tested (5), and a container for liquid to be tested (6). The detection system includes a detecting electrode (13), a concentration and activity operator, a kinetic data processor, a surface property operation module, and a result output module. The process comprises: having the substance to be tested to be treated with an electrolyte solution, measuring activity of liquid to be tested upon reaction at a pre-set time interval, and processing with the kinetic data processor and the surface property operation module, so as to obtain surface property parameters of the substance to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rui Li, Hang Li, Xinmin Liu, Zhenlun Li, Jie Hou, Hualing Zhu, Laosheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8980073
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for detection of ion migration and binding, utilizing a nanopipette adapted for use in an electrochemical sensing circuit. The nanopipette may be functionalized on its interior bore with metal chelators for binding and sensing metal ions or other specific binding molecules such as boronic acid for binding and sensing glucose. Such a functionalized nanopipette is comprised in an electrical sensor that detects when the nanopipette selectively and reversibly binds ions or small molecules. Also disclosed is a nanoreactor, comprising a nanopipette, for controlling precipitation in aqueous solutions by voltage-directed ion migration, wherein ions may be directed out of the interior bore by a repulsing charge in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Nader Pourmand, Boaz Vilozny, Paolo Actis, R. Adam Seger, Bakthan Singaram
  • Patent number: 8961759
    Abstract: A microfluidic sensor device includes a substrate having patterned thereon at least one Ag/AgCl electrode (working electrode) and an inner chamber overlying the at least one Ag/AgCl electrode. The device includes an ion selective permeable membrane permeable to TPP+ disposed on one side of the first chamber and a sensing chamber overlying the ion selective permeable membrane. A separate reference electrode is inserted into the sensing chamber. The working electrode and reference electrode are coupled to a voltmeter to measure voltage. This voltage can then be translated into a TPP+ concentration which is used to determine the mitochondrial membrane potential (??m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Peter Burke, Tae-Sun Lim, Antonio Davila, Douglas C. Wallace, Katayoun Zand
  • Patent number: 8961758
    Abstract: An ion-selective electrode comprising: a housing, which surrounds a housing interior; an ion-selective membrane; especially a polymer membrane; and a sensing system, which is in contact with the ion-selective membrane, for sensing a potential of the ion-selective membrane, wherein the ion-selective membrane at least partially fills the housing interior, and is in contact with a medium surrounding the housing via at least one traversing bore through a housing wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess—und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Wilke
  • Patent number: 8956519
    Abstract: Devices for detecting an analyte comprising a redox active analyte sensitive material on a working electrode and computer assisted signal acquisition and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Senova Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Leonard, Joseph A. Duimstra, Eric Lee, Mark Micklatcher, Victor Simonyi, Gregory G. Wildgoose, Joseph I. Keto, Anton Seidl
  • Patent number: 8932446
    Abstract: An apparatus for the real-time, in-situ monitoring of actinide-ion concentrations. A working electrolyte is positioned within the interior of a container. The working electrolyte is separated from a reference electrolyte by a separator. A working electrode is at least partially in contact with the working electrolyte. A reference electrode is at least partially in contact with the reference electrolyte. A voltmeter is electrically connected to the working electrode and the reference electrode. The working electrolyte comprises an actinide-ion of interest. The separator is ionically conductive to the actinide-ion of interest. The separator comprises an actinide, Zr, and Nb. Preferably, the actinide of the separator is Am or Np, more preferably Pu. In one embodiment, the actinide of the separator is the actinide of interest. In another embodiment, the separator further comprises P and O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Shelly X Li, Jan-fong Jue, Ronald Scott Herbst, Steven Douglas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8926812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-based transparent sensor capable of the real-time optical observation of cell behavior, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a multi-detection sensor chip using same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cell-based transparent sensor capable of the real-time optical observation of cell behavior, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a multi-detection sensor chip using same, wherein the sensor can sense the ionic concentration of an electrolyte in accordance with the variation in the metabolic activity of cells using an ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET) sensor and an electrochemical sensor, and the sensor is made of a transparent material which enables real-time observations of optical phenomenon for measurement of cell behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Nae Eung Lee, Ok Ja Yoon, Duck Jin Kim, Thuy Ngoc Thuy Nguyen, Il Yung Sohn
  • Publication number: 20140374251
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pH and conductivity sensor including a carrier comprising a plurality of conductive tracks and an exposed conductive area defining a reference electrode connected to a first track of said plurality of conductive tracks, a sensing device mounted on the carrier and connected to at least a second track of said plurality of conductive tracks, the sensing device including an exposed surface that is sensitive to H+ concentrations, and a plurality of electrodes adjacent to the exposed surface, an encapsulation covering the carrier, said encapsulation including a first cavity exposing a surface of the sensing device, and a second cavity exposing the exposed conductive area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Dimitri Soccol, Matthias Merz