Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a gas detector test fixture (102) that recycles test gas, which can then be reused. A portable gas detector test fixture (102), comprises a test chamber (104), a processor (134), a docking connector (132) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), an output device (138) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), a memory (136) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), and an application (137) stored in the memory (136) that, when executed by the processor (134), is configured to conduct a bump test on a portable gas detector (106) plugged into the docking connector (132) and to output the bump test result to the output device (138).

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a gas detector test fixture (102) that recycles test gas, which can then be reused. A portable gas detector test fixture (102), comprises a test chamber (104), a processor (134), a docking connector (132) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), an output device (138) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), a memory (136) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), and an application (137) stored in the memory (136) that, when executed by the processor (134), is configured to conduct a bump test on a portable gas detector (106) plugged into the docking connector (132) and to output the bump test result to the output device (138).

Abstract: This invention is directed to an inexpensive, miniaturized, portable, low-power device and method for electrophoretic separation and electrochemical detection of an analyte, including different isotopes of the same element. The invention replaces a conventional or microfabricated capillary electrophoresis tube with a microchip comprising an array of parallel electrophoretic separation nanotubes or aligned hollow channels fabricated in a porous substrate.

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

Abstract: An antenna is used for radio frequency measurements of cell wall impedance changes due to ion channels. The antenna provides enhanced direct readout of lipid bilayers and cells containing pores and ion channels. The antenna is placed around a nanopore, which may be fabricated from glass, quartz or other material, and is shaped to provide an enhanced sensitivity to electrical activity in the vicinity of the nanopore. As such, the antenna may be of a class of bi-cone- or other stub-antennas providing high gain and broad bandwidth, for example a planar variant of a “bow-tie” antenna. Accordingly, improved sensitivity of at least an order of magnitude may be achieved over past systems.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for identifying a compound which modulates the activity of a voltage-gated protein. In certain embodiments, the voltage gate protein is a voltage-gated ion channel. In certain embodiments, the voltage-gated protein is a voltage sensitive phosphatase. In certain embodiments, the voltage-gated protein used in conjunction with the methods of the invention is modified to altered permeability or voltage sensitivity.

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.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a sample preparation device and method for preparing a sample of liquid for detection of impurities. First (40) and second (38) electrodes are provided, located for immersion in a liquid under test. A semipermeable membrane (42) is positioned to protect the first electrode (40) from a body of liquid under test (32). The semipermeable membrane allows the liquid under test to pass therethrough to reach the first electrode, while preventing solids carried in the liquid from reaching the first electrode, the first electrode being positioned to affect the liquid under test in the vicinity of a sensor (36). Particular embodiments feature a hydrophilic membrane to protect the electrodes from suspended solids in the sample, a thin electrode assembly to achieve a faster response and the addition of a heater for temperature control to achieve consistent detection conditions and improved anti-fouling properties.

Abstract: A coated-wire potentiometric sensor comprising an electronically conducting substrate electrode coated with an ionically conductive sensing layer and an outermost surface consisting of or comprising in and/or on a first molecular species which is capable of reversibly adsorbing a second molecular species and a method for measuring the affinity between a first molecular species and a second molecular species comprising the steps of: providing a potentiometric sensor of the coated-wire type having an outermost surface; adapting said outermost surface so that consists of or comprises said first molecular species; placing said sensor in a system for the recording of sensorgrams; recording a sensorgram of the adsorption of a second molecular species on said first molecular species of or comprised in and/or on said adapted outermost surface.

Abstract: A particulate matter detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine that can estimate a discharge amount of the particulate matter accurately. The particulate matter detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine, comprises: a sensor disposed at an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, the sensor including a pair of electrodes for detecting particulate matter in an exhaust gas; means for estimating a discharge amount of the particulate matter based on an output of the sensor, and means for acquiring a predetermined parameter that serves as an index for a rate with which the particulate matter in the exhaust gas is deposited on the sensor. The discharge amount estimating means corrects an estimated value of the discharge amount of the particulate matter based on the parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring means.

Abstract: A microelectrochemical sensor having a diaphragm, a web, a first and a second electrode. The diaphragm is permeable to ions of a chemical species, is arranged transversely with respect to a cutout in a base body, and closes off the cutout in a fluid-tight fashion. The web is arranged on a first side of the diaphragm between a first partial surface and a second partial surface, and is designed to adjust a temperature of the diaphragm to an operating temperature using electrical energy. The first electrode has a first partial electrode and a second partial electrode, is permeable to fluid, and is arranged on the first side of the diaphragm. The web prevents electrical contact between the first electrode and the diaphragm. The second electrode has a third partial electrode and a fourth partial electrode, is also permeable to fluid, and is arranged on a second side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that functions as a glucose sensor. The device has a reference electrode; a counter electrode, a working electrode; an electrically conducting membrane; an enzyme layer; a semi-permeable membrane; a first layer of a first hydrogel in operative communication with the working electrode; the first layer of the first hydrogel being operative to store oxygen; wherein the amount of stored oxygen is proportional to the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the hydrogel is subjected to; and a second layer of the second hydrogel. Disclosed too is a method that comprises using periodically biased amperometry towards interrogation of implantable glucose sensors to improve both sensor's sensitivity and linearity while at the same time enable internal calibration against sensor drifts that originate from changes in either electrode activity or membrane permeability as a result of fouling, calcification and/or fibrosis.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor and a method for using an electrochemical sensor are described where the electrochemical sensor comprises a working electrode having thereon one or more redox species that are sensitive to an analyte to be measured and a polymer coating that provides for interaction between the redox species and the analyte.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for gas filtration and detection devices. Example devices may include a graphene membrane and a sensing device. The graphene membrane may be perforated with a plurality of discrete pores having a size-selective to enable one or more molecules to pass through the pores. A sensing device may be attached to a supporting permeable substrate and coupled with the graphene membrane. A fluid mixture including two or more molecules may be exposed to the graphene membrane. Molecules having a smaller diameter than the discrete pores may be directed through the graphene pores, and may be detected by the sensing device. Molecules having a larger size than the discrete pores may be prevented from crossing the graphene membrane. The sensing device may be configured to identify a presence of a selected molecule within the mixture without interference from contaminating factors.

Abstract: The disclosure provides monolithic electrodes including a substrate defining a walled cavity having a floor, an electrically conductive cathode layer overlaying the cavity floor, an electrically conductive contact pad overlaying the substrate, an electrically conductive via in electrical communication with the cathode layer and the contact pad, and a porous membrane layer overlaying the cavity and defining a chamber formed by the porous membrane layer, the walled cavity, and the cavity floor. The disclosure also provides pH transducers including monolithic indicator and reference electrodes, and methods of making and using monolithic pH electrodes and transducers.

Abstract: A method of producing porous ionic conducting material, comprising the step of positioning an ionic substance into cellulosic material to form a continuous web or at least one individual sheet of porous ionic cellulosic based material, comprising the steps of first producing a web or sheet shaped cellulosic based substrate and thereafter applying liquid comprising room temperature ionic liquids. The porous ionic conducting material is used in flexible electronic device, by using the material as a substrate and applying a conducting material. A sensor assembly for sensing a property of an object, comprising at least one sensor wherein said sensor assembly comprises a flexible web or sheet shaped material. An authentication device for verifying the authenticity of an object. The device comprising at least one flexible electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inhibiting the insertion of one or more membrane proteins into a lipid bilayer. The invention also relates to a method of inserting a pre-determined number of membrane proteins into a lipid bilayer and lipid bilayers having a pre-determined number of membrane proteins inserted therein. The lipid bilayers of the invention are useful as sensor arrays, particularly for sequencing nucleic acids.

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor apparatus, comprising: a measuring half-cell having a measuring membrane; a reference half-cell; and a measurement circuit for registering a potential difference between the measuring half-cell and the reference half-cell. The measuring membrane has, covering at least one portion of the measuring membrane during dry storage of the sensor apparatus, a coating, which is embodied, upon immersion of at least one immersion region of the sensor apparatus (which region comprises the measuring membrane and is intended for immersion in a measured medium) in a liquid, especially a water containing liquid, in the case of continued contact with the liquid, to dissolve, at least partially, off of the measuring membrane.

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.

Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer or a graphene oxide layer. The nanopore could be oxidized to graphene oxide at an inner surface. The graphene or graphene oxide in the nanopore is coated with an organic layer configured to interact with biomolecules in a different way in order to differentiate the biomolecules. The organic layer enhances resolution and motion control of the biomolecules. A time trace of ionic current is monitored to identify the biomolecules based on a respective interaction of the biomolecules with the organic layer.

Abstract: The service life of amperometric electrochemical oxygen sensors is increased by operating the electrodes of such sensors at a polarization voltage suitable for measuring the oxygen content of samples only during calibration or when measuring such samples and thereafter modulating the polarization voltage to a lower voltage such that substantially no electrical current is produced by the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for preparing sensing devices (biosensors) includes the steps of: (1) applying a photopatternable silicone composition to a surface in a sensing device to form a film, (2) photopatterning the film by a process comprising exposing the film to radiation through a photomask without the use of a photoresist to produce an exposed film; (3) removing regions of the non-exposed film with a developing solvent to form a patterned film, which forms a permselective layer or an analyte attenuation layer covering preselected areas of the sensing device.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to identify stationary and moveable high explosives and chemical warfare on-field with a unique structure of a portable neutrons generator used in strategic and public places, vehicles and airplanes. The present invention includes also a unique operation of fusion fuel below breakdown which is characterized with high production efficiency. The analysis of identifying the elements and their concentrations is also introduced in the present invention.

Abstract: A DNA/RNA detection technology is provided. The open flow detection technique includes a substrate defining a pair of opposing microchannels, a pair of opposing electrodes in the opposing microchannels, and at least one ion exchanging nanomembrane coupled between the opposing microchannels such that the opposing microchannels are connected to each other only through the nanomembrane, wherein the nanomembrane is functionalized with a probe complementary to the macromolecule.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor measuring concentration of an analyte in a test fluid at 50° C. or above by voltammetry uses electrodes in contact with an electrolyte containing the analyte and a redox-active species electrochemically convertible between reduced and oxidised forms. At least one form of the redox active species is present within surfactant micelles. The surfactant micelles enhance thermal stability of the redox active species and may also solubilise a species with poor water solubility, such as t-butylferrocene. A downhole tool incorporating such a sensor comprises a barrier, permeable to the analyte, to separate the electrolyte from subterranean reservoir fluid, so that the sensor directly measures analyte which has passed through the barrier and thereby indirectly measures analyte in the test fluid.

Abstract: A gas sensor having first and second electrodes, an ion conducting solid electrolyte membrane positioned therebetween, first and second electrically conductive gas diffusion layers, first and second electrode contact members for electrically coupling said first and second electrodes to an external circuit, a water reservoir, a gas entry passageway and a water permeation barrier for controlling the transport of water vapor to the ion conducting solid electrolyte membrane. The water permeation barrier is a thin walled member which allows water vapor to diffuse therethrough and evaporate from an exit surface, the thickness of the water permeation barrier controlling the internal relative humidity of the sensor. A method for adjusting the present sensor in-situ due to changes in the current humidity conditions of the sensor so as to keep the gas sensitivity loss within a predetermined range is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided especially for gases. The electrochemical sensor has a mediator compound, which is both dissolved in an electrolyte (9) in a saturated form and is present as an excess solid (10) in the electrolyte (9).

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to identify stationary and moveable high explosives and chemical warfare on-field with a unique structure of a portable neutrons generator used in strategic and public places, vehicles and airplanes. The present invention includes also a unique operation of fusion fuel below breakdown which is characterized with high production efficiency. The analysis of identifying the elements and their concentrations is also introduced in the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for online monitoring of molten salt corrosion of a component of an apparatus is disclosed. First and second electrodes are electrically isolated from each other within the component and exposed to a corrosive operating environment of the apparatus. The first and second electrodes are electrically coupled such that when an electrical potential difference exists between the first and second electrodes an electrical current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode is based at least in part on molten salt corrosion at the first electrode or the second electrode. At least one of the electrical potential difference or the electrical current flowing between the first electrode and second electrode is measured and analyzed such that a corrosion characteristic of the component can be predicted.

Abstract: A trace gas sensing apparatus includes a cathode, an anode, a vacuum enclosure, and a membrane. The anode coaxially surrounds the cathode, wherein the cathode and the anode define an annular ionization chamber. The vacuum enclosure surrounds the cathode and the anode and includes a gas inlet fluidly communicating with the ionization chamber. The membrane is coupled to the gas inlet in a sealed manner and is permselective to trace gas. The apparatus may further include circuitry for applying a negative voltage potential to the cathode and for measuring an ion current signal generated by the cathode, and a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field in the ionization chamber. The cathode may include an elongated member located along a longitudinal axis, and first and second end plates orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A proton conductor has a porous sintered body made of tetravalent metallic oxide. Pyrophosphate as tetravalent metallic compound is formed on surfaces and porous walls of the body, and in the inside of each pore of the body. A method produces the proton conductor by immersing the porous sintered body made of tetravalent metallic oxide into liquid solvent containing phosphate, and heating the porous sintered body at 400° C. over 4 hours. A carbon quantity detecting sensor has the proton conductor, a pair of a measuring electrode and a reference electrode, and an electric power source for supplying a predetermined current or voltage to the electrode pair composed of the measuring and reference electrodes. The measuring electrode is formed on one surface of the proton conductor to face the measuring gas. The reference electrode is formed on the other surface of the proton conductor to be apart from the measuring gas.

Abstract: Method and a device for capturing heavy metal ions included in sewage sludge. The method includes steps of: a) placing in the fluid a functionalized radiografted track-etched membrane FRTEM which contains polymer nanopores; this membrane including a first electrode on one side of the membrane, b) selectively capturing heavy metal ions inside the polymer nanopores, c) applying an anodic stripping voltammetric ASV analysis on the membrane in order to differentiate and quantify captured metal ions, the first electrode being used as an ASV detection electrode.

Abstract: A single-electron transistor comprising at least a substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on top of the substrate opposing to each other, and a channel arranged between the source electrode is disclosed wherein the channel is composed of ultra fine fibers. By having such a constitution, a sensor can have excellent sensitivity.

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.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor, especially for gases, is provided having a mediator compound based on transition metal salts of polybasic acids and/or transition metal salts of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids. The electrochemical sensor also contains a DLC, BDD or a precious metal thin-layer measuring electrode (3). The electrochemical sensor may be used for determining SO2 and H2S.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical gas sensor includes: a) exposing, for a first predetermined duration, the electrochemical gas sensor to an atmosphere containing a target gas whilst the gas reaction capability of the electrode assembly is substantially reduced from a working level, such that target gas is collected within the housing; b) increasing the gas reaction capability of the electrode assembly to a level at which it consumes collected target gas and thereby outputs a signal to the sensing circuit, including an initial transient decay signal; c) monitoring the transient decay signal; and d) analysing the rate of decay of the transient decay signal to determine whether the performance of at least one component of the electrochemical gas sensor is within acceptable limits. An apparatus for operating an electrochemical gas sensor, adapted for connection to an electrochemical gas sensor via a sensing circuit for control thereof, can carry out the disclosed method(s).

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method to obtain an effective diffusivity for a certain substance in solutions that diffuse through a porous material. The porous material initially separates two solutions that are different in concentration of the substance. The concentration gradient gives rise to diffusion through the porous material, The concentration change of the substance in the low-concentration compartment is detected through a measurement of the electrochemical impedance data. By means of the measurement, an effective diffusivity coefficient of the substance through the porous material is calculated.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a porous insulating layer formed of a porous insulating material; a first electrode having a first opening portion formed on a first side of the porous insulating layer; a second electrode having a second opening portion corresponding to the first opening portion formed on a second side of the porous insulating layer; an insulating layer formed on the second electrode; and a molecular recognition material disposed on internal walls of an opening in the porous insulating layer.

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.

Abstract: A method for measuring the transmission rate of an analyte through a film. The method includes the steps of (i) separating a chamber into a first cell and a second cell with a known area of a film, (ii) flushing the first cell with an inert gas to remove any target analyte from the first cell, (iii) introducing a gas containing a known concentration of an analyte into the second cell, (iv) sealing the first cell to gas flow through the first cell, and (v) sensing any analyte in the first cell with a sensor that consumes the analyte at a rate greater than the rate at which the analyte is passing through the film, until a steady state rate of analyte consumption is measured by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously measures cathode and anode electrode potentials, dissolved ion (i.e. oxide) concentration, and temperatures in an electrochemical cell. One embodiment of the invented system generally comprises: a reference(saturated) electrode, a reference(sensing) electrode, and a data acquisition system. Thermocouples are built into the two reference electrodes to provide important temperature information.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a gas diffusion barrier that supports therein a catalyst that catalyzes a reaction between combustible components and oxygen; a solid electrolyte having oxide ion conductivity; and electrodes formed on opposite surfaces of the solid electrolyte. The electrode is formed in a region into which ambient gas diffuses at a rate limited by the gas diffusion barrier. The electrode also catalyzes the reaction between combustible gas and oxygen. The electrode is formed in a region into which atmosphere is introduced.

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.

Abstract: A gas sensor system includes a membrane electrode assembly including a polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode layers disposed on opposing sides of the membrane, where an anode side of the sensor is defined at first side of the assembly and a cathode side of the sensor is defined at a second side of the assembly . The gas sensor is configured to detect a gas in an environment (e.g., a housing, a pipe, an open environment, etc.) by measuring an open circuit voltage between the anode and the cathode sides of the assembly. The gas sensor provides a rapid response that measures gas concentration in the environment and is further durable, reliable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen availability to implantable devices. The preferred embodiments provide a membrane system configured to provide protection of the device from the biological environment and/or a catalyst for enabling an enzymatic reaction, wherein the membrane system includes a polymer formed from a high oxygen soluble material. The high oxygen soluble polymer material is disposed adjacent to an oxygen-utilizing source on the implantable device so as to dynamically retain high oxygen availability to the oxygen-utilizing source during oxygen deficits. Membrane systems of the preferred embodiments are useful for implantable devices with oxygen-utilizing sources and/or that function in low oxygen environments, such as enzyme-based electrochemical sensors and cell transplantation devices.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor with a plurality of electrodes is provided with an electrolyte, with a gas-permeable membrane (1), with a gas-permeable and conductive carrier layer (2) applied to the membrane (1) and with at least one measuring electrode (3) applied to the carrier layer (2). The measuring electrode (3) is of a punctiform design and the electrochemical potential difference of the reaction between the carrier layer (2) and the measuring electrode (3) is at least 20 mV, can be manufactured in a compact form and makes possible an especially low power consumption for measured gases in the percentage range.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode exhibiting heretofore unattainable potentiometric characteristics is described, comprising a microfluidic liquid junction member that is situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This microfluidic liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution, but while the electrolyte solution flows through the array of nanochannels and into the sample solution at a linear velocity, the sample solution does not substantially enter the array of nanochannels via the mechanisms of diffusion, migration, convection or other known mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array is preferably between approximately 108 and approximately 100. Also preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and are substantially parallel to one another; such an array of nanochannels is herein described as anisotropic.