Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyzer, typically for analyzing body fluids, which has one or several exchangeable cassettes (consumables) that contain operating liquids, operating materials and/or consumables and can be inserted into corresponding holders of the analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a system for exchanging ambient air which has a filter unit on the inlet side of the analyzer to filter the ambient air that needs to be exchanged. The filter unit is integrated into at least one of the exchangeable cassettes in order to minimize the amount of maintenance for the analyzer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor module includes a sensor probe that has at least two arms coupled together at a central location with each of the at least two arms extending radially outwardly away from the central location. Each of the at least two arms includes one of a plurality of openings and an elongate opening extending radially along the arm. The at least two arms define fluid flow channels therein. The sensor module also includes at least one extractor coupled to the probe. The at least one extractor includes a fluid flow channel that is communicable in fluid receiving communication with fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel of at least one of the at least two arms. Further, the sensor module includes at least one sensor that is communicable in fluid sensing communication with fluid flowing through the at least one extractor.

Abstract: A sulfur dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing sulfur dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing sulfur dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of sulfur dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam is functionalized with a liquid phase of a first polymeric compound and the second beam is functionalized with a liquid phase of a second polymeric compound is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift accurately detecting sulfur dioxide levels at the zeptograms level. Methods of making and using a sulfur dioxide sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic diagnosis kit used in biochemical analysis obtains a premeasured amount of reagents in an applicator for an analysis system. The required reagents are proportioned as non-volatile agents and a microfluidic system is provided, whereby the reagents are automatically dissolved in a solvent and fed to a sensor module to carry out measurement.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A nitrogen dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a first functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a second functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of nitrogen dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam and the second beam are each functionalized with one or more soft bases having comparable viscoelastic properties is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift and accurate detection of nitrogen dioxide levels at the zeptogram level. Methods of making and using a nitrogen dioxide sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe are installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: A gas sensor for sensing chemical gases utilizes a metal oxynitride as the sensing material, which changes its conductivity when exposed to the analyte gas. The change in conductivity is measured for the sensor output. The metal may be either tungsten or molybdenum.

Abstract: A system having reduced gas interference that includes a fluid chamber and a resonant sensor device in fluid communication with a fluid in the fluid chamber. The system includes a fluid control device adapted to change at least one of the fluid flow or pressure within the fluid chamber to achieve substantial wetting of surfaces in proximity to the resonant sensor device. Fluid surfaces of the system can include a material to increase the wettability (e.g., hydrophilicity) of the fluid surfaces.

Abstract: A chemical sensor using metal nano-particles and a method for manufacturing a chemical sensor using metal nano-particles are provided. The chemical sensor includes: metal nano-particles; single-ligand organic molecules (or a single molecule) that binds to the metal nano-particles by using a metal bonding functional group; a substrate bonding functional group formed at the metal nano-particles and the single-ligand organic molecules as bound to each other; a substrate; electrodes formed on the substrate and having an interdigitate (IDT) structure; and a substrate functional group formed on the substrate and positioned between the electrodes, wherein the substrate bonding functional group and the substrate functional group are covalently bonded.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting a concentration of one or more element in hydrocarbon and/or natural gas in a oil and gas field application. The device including a microstructure having a low thermal mass suspended within a channel, the microstructure includes a supporting layer and a insulating layer; a controllable thermal device in communication with the supporting layer of the microstructure, wherein the controllable thermal device is controllably heated to one or more release temperature of the one or more element; a sensing layer arranged on the insulating layer to absorb molecules of the one or more element from hydrocarbon and/or natural gas; a detecting and measuring resistance device in communication with the sensing layer for measuring the resistance changes caused by absorption of molecules of the one or more element onto the sensing layer at a first temperature and a second temperature, and storing the data on a processor.

Abstract: A method and a blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood are disclosed. A blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood includes a housing and a blood sample receptacle defined by the housing. A blood oxygen sensor is in communication with the blood sample receptacle and a test result indicator is in communication with the blood oxygen sensor. The indicator is responsive to the blood oxygen sensor for indicating whether a tested blood sample is arterial blood or venous blood.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a CO2 or O2 sensor is disclosed, hi one implementation, a polymer solar cell can be connected to the HEMT for use in an infrared detection system. In a second implementation, a selective recognition layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. For carbon dioxide sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, PEI/starch. For oxygen sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, indium zinc oxide (IZO). In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen in exhaled breath or blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: A method and a blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood are disclosed. A blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood includes a housing and a blood sample receptacle defined by the housing. A blood oxygen sensor is in communication with the blood sample receptacle and a test result indicator is in communication with the blood oxygen sensor. The indicator is responsive to the blood oxygen sensor for indicating whether a tested blood sample is arterial blood or venous blood.

Abstract: A sensor that generates an output signal in response to a stimulus, where the output signal is generated with a predetermined relationship to one or more properties of the stimulus such that the one or more properties of the stimulus can be determined as a function of the output signal. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a component, a sensor processor, and a transmitter. The component deteriorates, thereby causing predictable fluctuations in the predetermined relationship between the output signal and the one or more properties of the stimulus. The sensor processor provides information related to the deterioration of the component. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the information provided by the processor.

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.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical gas concentration sensor and method for measuring blood gas based on the light adsorption sensing technique are disclosed. The optical gas concentration sensor comprises a light source, a photo detector, and a gas filtering membrane for separating the indicator and a liquid. A gas in the liquid diffuses to the indicator through the gas filtering membrane so as to change the color of the indicator due to the chemical reaction occurred between the indicator and the gas. Then, the photo detector receives the light passing though the reacted indicator from the light source. The gas concentration is determined based on pH-sensitive absorbance spectrum of the indicator.

Abstract: A sensing device having: a bottom electrode, a dielectric on the bottom electrode, a grid of nanoelectrodes on the dielectric, and a top electrode in electrical contact with the grid. A method of chemical or biological sensing comprising: providing a grid of nanoelectrodes; exposing the grid to fluid suspected of containing a chemical or biological analyte; and measuring a change in the capacitance and conductance of the grid.

Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c), (22c).

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a surface site layer having a distal site end, wherein the distal site end includes a substantially inorganic surface having a chemical composition selected from a group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within a polypeptide bonding region and having a selective bonding affinity for a polypeptide; a plurality of interlayers between which the surface site layer is interposed, wherein the distal site end is distanced from the interlayers, first and second supports, wherein the surface site layer and the interlayers are interposed between the first and second supports; and first and second conductors provided on the first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within the polypeptide bonding region; wherein the conductors are capable of applying an external voltage potential across the polypeptide bonding region.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus to measure nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled breath is disclosed. An embodiment of the sensing apparatus includes an inlet, a pretreatment element, and a sensing electrode. The inlet is configured to receive the exhaled breath. The pretreatment element is configured to receive the exhaled breath from the inlet and to condition a chemical characteristic of the exhaled breath. The sensing electrode is coupled to a chamber within the sensing apparatus. The chamber is configured to receive the pretreated exhaled breath from the pretreatment element. The sensing electrode is configured to detect a component of nitrogen oxide (NOX) in the exhaled breath.

Abstract: In a planar oxygen sensor having a pump cell, a reference cell, a sensor chamber and a heating device, a ground plane electrode is provided and includes a sensing portion having a first sense lead and a second sense lead and a measuring portion having a first measuring lead and a second measuring lead, wherein the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead have increased surface area relative to said sensing portion such that the resistance between the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead is reduced and wherein the first measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the first sense lead and the second measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the second sense lead.

Abstract: A chemiresistor sensor probe for detecting target analytes. The probe includes a body having a first control surface and a second control surface recessed within the first. A sensor film comprises numerous conductive particles disposed upon the second surface. The film swells upon absorbing one or more analytes for which it has an affinity, thus causing the conductive particles to become more dispersed and increasing the resistance between the particles. The thickness of the film is equal to the distance between the first surface and the second surface, thus permitting the thickness to be controlled by varying the distance between the control surfaces. The robustness of the sensor probe is enhanced by placing a porous or mesh electrode along with, or in place of, a chemical binding agent between the film and the terminals. The robustness is also improved by placing a diode in series with the sensor circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal ion specific capacitance sensor with exceptional sensitivity and wide operating range. It is versatile because different kinds of recognition elements can be immobilized directly in a self-assembling monolayer substantially completely covering the surface of the measuring noble metal electrode. The electrode then becomes selective to those metal ions in the solution that show affinity to the recognition element on the surface. Compared to previously described electrochemical sensors, the sensor according to the present invention shows many orders of magnitude better sensitivity because of the unique measuring principle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a detection system for detecting different analytes in a sample, characterised by the following steps: providing a planar or essentially planar substrate which has sensors for chemically, optically or electrically detecting the analytes; applying an already microstructured layer to the substrate or applying a continuous layer to the substrate and microstructuring said layer, the layer being applied in such a way in either case that the areas of the substrate that are separated from each other are not covered by the layer, the layer and substrate being sealingly interconnected at least around the uncovered areas; bringing at least some of the uncovered areas into contact with at least one liquid containing catcher molecules, in such a way that said catcher molecules are able to adhere or bond to the surface of the substrate and/or on the surface of the sensors; removing the non-adhering constituents of the liquid and removing the microstructured layer or parts th

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing noise associated with biomolecular measurement systems. Sensor detection system noise characteristics in the presence of other sensor detection systems are determined and advantageously used to determine an arrangement of the individual sensor cells. The sensor cells are arranged on a substrate such that the system noise is determinable and can thus be filtered from the measurement signal.

Abstract: An analysis device, preferably in the form of a floating buoy, is disclosed for the analysis of fluids, such as waste water. The device has a main body portion and a removable cartridge containing consumable ingredients for use in analysis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining and/or immunologically detecting an analyte contained in a gas phase by immunologically binding the analyte to a binding partner thereof contained in a gas- and liquid-permeable first carrier matrix. Said method is characterized in that a) the analyte-containing gas phase is brought into contact with the first carrier matrix (immune adsorber), b) the analyte is bound to the first binding partner which is contained in the first matrix and not bound to the matrix, and c) the complex of analyte and first binding partner and the free first binding partner are eluted from the first matrix, d) the eluted complex or the free first binding partner is determined as a measure for the amount of analyte present.

Abstract: In a planar oxygen sensor having a pump cell, a reference cell, a sensor chamber and a heating device, a ground plane electrode is provided and includes a sensing portion having a first sense lead and a second sense lead and a measuring portion having a first measuring lead and a second measuring lead, wherein the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead have increased surface area relative to said sensing portion such that the resistance between the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead is reduced and wherein the first measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the first sense lead and the second measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the second sense lead.

Abstract: The conduit tube 3 and the conduit tube 4 to flow the carrier solution to the gas exchanger 7 are provided, and in the conduit tube 3, the reference pH electrode 14 is provided, and in the conduit tube 4, the measuring pH electrode 16 is provided, both pH electrodes preferably being chosen of the ISFET type (Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect-Transistor). The gas exchanger 7 is partitioned from the outside by the gas permeable membrane 6. Initially, the gas exchange section 1 is inserted into the test substance, and next, the carrier solution is flowed at the speed of a degree in which the gas exchange is not conducted in the gas exchanger 7. The output potential difference &Dgr;V(0) between the reference pH electrode 14 and the measuring pH electrode 16 at this time, is found.

Abstract: An analysis system and method for a cleanroom environment is disclosed wherein on-line testing of water-soluble contaminants is performed by condensing water vapor from an air sample taken from the clean room. The condenser is connected to a analyzing unit that is used to measure and analyze the water-soluble contaminants in the condensed water received from the condensing unit.

Abstract: A sensor such as for sensing dissolved oxygen in plural cells spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance includes projection sections provided at intervals spaced according to the predetermined distance on an edge section of a plate shape base body. At least an active electrode and a counter-electrode are at predetermined positions on each projection section, and lead-out terminals are provided at predetermined positions on the substrate facing the substrate portion where the projection sections are formed. The substrate has wiring electrically connecting both the active electrodes and the counter-electrode to the lead-out terminals. This arrangement greatly reduces measurement labor and variance in measurement data results. In addition, it increases the number of objects that can be measured during a measurement operation.