With Photometric Detector Patents (Class 422/91)
  • Patent number: 9448180
    Abstract: The invention provides for a multiple analyte detector that is capable of detecting and identifying explosive, chemical or biological substances having multiple analytes with a single system having multiple reporters. The reporters include fluorescent polymers, conducting polymers, metal oxide elements electrochemical cells, etc. The reporters may be combinations of other reporters that are optimized for broadband detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Dwayne O'Dell, Marcus LaGrone, Martin Leuschen
  • Patent number: 9267924
    Abstract: It is presented a method for detecting a gas (G). Acoustic waves (Wt) are generated and transmitted via a wave generating and sensing means (2) towards a reflecting wall (3) and thereafter reflected acoustic waves (Wt) are detected by the wave generating and sensing means (2) wherein a presence of the gas (G) is detected by determining a change in an output signal of the wave generating and sensing means (2). A gas detector (1) is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: QCM LAB AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Vasile Mecea
  • Patent number: 9023660
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis Farwell, Keith Baumann
  • Patent number: 8956571
    Abstract: A miniature lower cost optical sensing apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of IR or visible photon monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and at least a portion of the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photo current from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculate the CO concentration and/or dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Group Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Goldstein, Michelle S. Oum
  • Patent number: 8927125
    Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Imergy Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Majid Keshavarz, Saroj Kumar Sahu, Ge Zu
  • Patent number: 8900514
    Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tommy Forsell
  • Patent number: 8846407
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: James M. Hargrove
  • Publication number: 20140287514
    Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing device and method detecting the presence of a chemical analyte, comprising: a surface; a continuous or discontinuous terbium(III)-triphenylphosphine oxide coordination polymer layer deposited on the surface, wherein the polymer layer is porous; and a luminescence detector, wherein one or more analytes that interact with the polymer layer luminesce at distinct wavelengths unique to each analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Simon M. Humphrey, Bradley J. Holliday
  • Patent number: 8828734
    Abstract: Provided are a nitric oxide detection element capable of detecting NO gas contained in a mixed gas at a high speed even when the amount thereof is a super trace amount of ten and several parts per billion; and a process for producing the element. In a nitric oxide detection element having a substrate 12 and a sensing film 11 formed on a surface of the substrate, the sensing film is composed of nitric oxide sensing particles and a polymer adhesive. The nitric oxide sensing particles are produced by adsorbing a dye having a porphyrin skeleton and having, as a central metal, divalent cobalt onto surfaces of inorganic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Ehime University
    Inventors: Kouichi Hiranaka, Toyofumi Nagamatsu, Yoshihiko Sadaoka, Yoshiteru Itagaki
  • Patent number: 8821797
    Abstract: A hydrogen detection system can include an exposed detection element made of a catalytic metal which burns hydrogen so as to generate combustion heat. A hydrogen sensor can detect a hydrogen concentration based on a detected value of the detection element. A heating unit can heat the detection element. A hydrogen storage unit is included, and a hydrogen guiding pipe can guide the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit to the detection element. A flow rate adjusting device is attached to the hydrogen guiding pipe, and adjusts a flow rate of the hydrogen. A first dilution unit can dilute the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit with a dilution gas, and a controller can control the heating unit and the flow rate adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Tsukabayashi, Hidetoshi Oishi, Kazuhiro Okajima
  • Patent number: 8809063
    Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ling Zang, Yanke Che
  • Patent number: 8771597
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the determination of a concentration of a component to be measured in a gas, comprising a light source, a wavelength selection unit, a measurement cuvette, a reference cuvette arranged in the optical beam path in parallel thereto, at least one light receiver and an evaluation unit which determines the concentration from the signals of the light receiver, wherein the gas to be analyzed is supplied to the measurement cuvette, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to the reference cuvette via an absorption apparatus which includes a substance which completely absorbs the component to be measured. Further, the component to be measured is H2S and a wavelength selection unit is provided for the selection of an absorption wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Michael Zochbauer, Carsten Rogge, Dominikus Huttner
  • Patent number: 8758691
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor using a hydrogen-absorbing alloy containing an Mg—Ni-based alloy and a Zr—Ti-based alloy includes a substrate (2), a hydrogen reaction layer (3) formed on the substrate (2) and containing the Mg—Ni-based alloy and the Zr—Ti-based alloy, and a first catalyst layer (4) formed on the hydrogen reaction layer (3) and capable of accelerating hydrogenation of the Mg—Ni-based alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Tomomi Kanai, Kazumi Harada
  • Patent number: 8734723
    Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Kai Chang, Hui-Lung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8721970
    Abstract: A portable, relatively low power gas detector incorporates a single pellistor-type sensor for sensing an explosive gas of interest. Outputs from the sensor are corrected in accordance with ambient temperature and humidity and pre-stored correction factors based on characteristics exhibited by a plurality of similar sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Life Safety Distribution AG
    Inventors: Martin Willett, Martin Jones
  • Patent number: 8722417
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Invoy Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lubna Ahmad
  • Patent number: 8691591
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Todd A. Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20140080221
    Abstract: An instrument to provide on-site analyses utilizing a combination cryotrap and absorbent traps in the extraction of constituents from the sample gas stream consistent with the requirements of 40 CFR Pt. 60 App. A Method 25. The air sample is passed through a cryotrap system which is maintained at the temperature of dry ice ˜72° C.). Heavier molecular weight constituents in the gas sample are condensed on the cold surfaces of the trap. The lighter molecular weight constituents are retained in the absorbent trap, while also acting as a column to separate methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide from each other and the remain carbon compounds. After separation, all of the sample constituents are oxidized to carbon dioxide and reduced to methane prior to being introduced to a Flame Ionization Detector, which measures the concentration of each against known calibration standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Allen Stollings
  • Patent number: 8673219
    Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Invention Science Fund I
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8668874
    Abstract: A gas-phase detection system based on detecting optochemical and optoelectrochemical signals. The sensing platform is particularly powerful for detection of nitrogen oxides at low ppbV concentrations. The optochemical analysis is based on the color development due to a chemical reaction taking place in an optimized material. The electrochemical analysis can be based on the doping level or redox potential changes of an electrochemical sensor; and optoelectrochemical detection can be based on a combination of the electrochemical and optoelectrochemical methodologies. Each independent signal can be simultaneously detected, increasing the reliability of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Nongjian Tao, Erica Forzani, Rodrigo A Iglesias
  • Patent number: 8551785
    Abstract: In one example, a method of examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object by first and second radiation beams at least first and second angles, detecting radiation at the first and second angles, and determining whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material, which may be nuclear material or shielding material, based, at least in part, on the detected radiation. In one example, the detected radiation at both angles must be indicative of a region of high atomic number material by the presence of corresponding high density regions, in order for it to be concluded that high atomic number material that may be nuclear material may be present. The determination may be further based on the size of a high density region in one of the images. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bjorkholm
  • Patent number: 8541121
    Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Deeya Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Majid Keshavarz, Saroj Kumar Sahu, Ge Zu
  • Patent number: 8513022
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of a chemical species in a sample, in particular the amount of weak acid dissociable cyanide or total cyanide in a sample, and an apparatus for performing said method. The method comprises the steps of: i) treating the sample to liberate the chemical species into a gaseous stream; ii) directing the gaseous stream to a scrubber; iii) absorbing the chemical species into a scrubber solution; and iv) determining the amount of chemical species absorbed into the scrubber solution, wherein any remaining chemical species not absorbed into the scrubber solution is directed or recirculated to the scrubber in the gaseous stream and step iii) is repeated to increase absorption of the chemical species prior to performing step iv).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Cyantific Instruments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Fraser John Ross
  • Patent number: 8486708
    Abstract: A fluorescence sensory material with high sensitivity, selectivity, and photostability has been developed for vapor probing of organic amines. The sensory material is a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyl compound having amine binding groups and the following formula where A and A? are independently chosen from N—R1, N—R2, and O such that both A and A? are not O, and R1 through R10 are amine binding moieties, solubility enhancing groups, or hydrogen such that at least one of R1 through R10 is an amine binding moiety. This perylene compound can optionally be formed into well-defined nanofibers. Upon deposition onto a substrate, the entangled nanofibers form a meshlike, highly porous film, which enables expedient diffusion of gaseous analyte molecules within the film matrix, leading to a milliseconds response for vapor sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ling Zang, Yanke Che
  • Publication number: 20130177480
    Abstract: A self-contained, remotely interrogatable, autonomously positionable, pressure probe (20) set from which the volume fraction of a gaseous target-analyte (VA) in a mass, susceptible to changes in both total pressure of the mass (PT) and concentration of target-analyte in the mass (VA), can be ascertained, and methods of manufacturing and using. The probe set includes (i) a first probe (21) comprises an optically-active, target-analyte partial pressure sensitive material (31) configured and arranged to experience changes in PA in the mass, whereby the first probe can report PA in the mass, and (ii) a second probe (22) comprises an optically-active, PA-sensitive material constrained to experience changes in PT without experiencing changes in the VA, whereby the second probe can report PT of the mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Fernandes, Dmitri Boris Papkovsky
  • Patent number: 8470248
    Abstract: A detector detects the color of a medium after a gas to be identified and a reagent have chemically reacted with each other on the medium. A controller identifies color information, which is most similar to the color detected by the detector, from color information stored in a spectral database, and reads gas identifying information related to the identified color information, as gas identifying information representing the gas to be identified, from the spectral database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Oda
  • Patent number: 8435449
    Abstract: A chemical substance sensing element 142 for detecting a specific chemical substance included in biological information includes a carbon nanostructure and, because of metal complex or a fluorescent molecule modifying its surface, exhibits substance selectivity and high sensitivity. Of the substances modifying the surface of carbon nanostructures, CoPc reacts with NO and pentane and DAF-2 reacts with NO, as the components contained in the biological information, respectively, and both produce reaction products. The reaction product derived from CoPc changes electric resistance between nodes 154 and 156, and the reaction product derived from DAF-2 generates fluorescence of a specific wavelength when irradiated with excitation light. Therefore, by measuring the change in electric resistance or presence/absence and wavelength of fluorescent of the present element, sensing of NO or pentane is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikihiro Yamanaka, Katsutoshi Takao, Tomohisa Kawata, Norie Matsui, Shuhji Nishiura, Keita Hara, Yasuaki Murashi, Jun Kudo
  • Patent number: 8435796
    Abstract: A method for using of a fabric comprising a material chosen from metals, metallic alloys, polymers, inorganic compounds and mixtures thereof, which material is capable of detecting the presence of a chemical substance, for the detection of said chemical substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean Brun, Catherine Durand, Alain Soubie
  • Patent number: 8426217
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Todd A. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8409869
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor comprises a substrate having a surface coated with a hydrogen absorbing material and a temperature sensitive luminophore such that when the temperature sensitive luminophore is excited, it generates a fluorescent light, the luminescence of which is changed by an exothermic heat resulting from the adsorption of hydrogen through the hydrogen absorbing material. A hydrogen detecting system and a method of detecting hydrogen using the hydrogen sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Hirotaka Sakaue, Chih-Yung Huang
  • Patent number: 8323576
    Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Aker, Colin J. Cumming, Mark E. Fisher, Michael J. Fox, Marcus J. laGrone, Dennis K. Reust, Mark G. Rockley, Eric S. Towers
  • Patent number: 8268251
    Abstract: An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (?If). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ?If is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Robert Ernst Meyer, III
  • Patent number: 8237930
    Abstract: Provided is an oxygen sensor using surface plasmon resonance, including: a laser diode emitting light; a polarizer converting the emitted light into polarized light; a prism receiving the polarized light from the polarizer and having a sensor substrate on one surface thereof so that the polarized light is reflected, the sensor substrate coated with oxygen-sensitive organic material; an oxygen concentration measurement chamber provided to enclose the sensor substrate so that oxygen whose concentration is to be measured is contained therein; a photodiode measuring an amount of light reflected from the prism; and a microcontroller unit controlling operation of the oxygen sensor and calculating the oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jae Min Hong, Hee Dok Choi, Il Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 8137617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film heater (2) including a thin film heat-producing resistor, and a first and a second thin film electrodes (22, 24) electrically connected to the thin film heat-producing resistor to apply voltage to the thin film heat-producing resistor. In the thin film heater (2), at least part of the thin film heat-producing resistor is light transmissive. Preferably, the first thin film electrode (22), the thin film heat-producing resistor and the second thin film electrode (24) are laminated in the film thickness direction in the mentioned order. The present invention further provides an analytical instrument (X) provided with the thin film heater (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120040469
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor comprises a substrate having a surface coated with a hydrogen absorbing material and a temperature sensitive luminophore such that when the temperature sensitive luminophore is excited, it generates a fluorescent light, the luminescence of which is changed by an exothermic heat resulting from the adsorption of hydrogen through the hydrogen absorbing material. A hydrogen detecting system and a method of detecting hydrogen using the hydrogen sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Hirotaka Sakaue, Chih-Yung Huang
  • Patent number: 8114673
    Abstract: This invention relates to an irreversible indicator for detecting oxidizing agents, or in particular an oxygen indicator, comprising at least one redox-sensitive dyestuff, at least one semiconductor material and at least one electron donor. This indicator is activated by exposure to light of about 200-400 nm. The invention also relates to UV light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: University of Strathclyde
    Inventors: Andrew Mills, Soo-Keun Lee
  • Patent number: 8030094
    Abstract: A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Todd A. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8025844
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a thin film layer formed on a top surface of a planar optical transmission medium, and a catalyst layer formed on a top surface of the thin film layer. A first interface is created between the planar optical transmission medium and the thin film layer. A substrate is joined to a bottom surface of the planar optical transmission medium so that a second interface is created between the planar optical transmission medium and the substrate. On entering a first end portion of the planer optical transmission medium, light from a light source is spread by an entrance section, and the spread light is transmitted inside the planar optical transmission medium to a second end portion by being reflected by the first and second interfaces alternately. Light exiting from the second end portion is transmitted to an optical sensor by an exit light-collecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Naoki Matsuda, Kazuki Yoshimura, Kenji Kato
  • Patent number: 8021893
    Abstract: A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which is produced by applying the molecular imprinting method is disclosed. A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which has a molecule interacting with the target molecule in the polymer and in which the recognition field for a target molecule has been constructed and the above-described molecule interacting with the target molecule is detachable and replaceable. This molecular recognition polymer can be produced by synthesizing a complex of the target molecule with a molecule capable of specifically and reversibly binding to the target molecule, copolymerizing this complex with a molecule interacting with the target molecule and a crosslinking agent to give a polymer, and then detaching the target molecule and the molecule interacting with the target molecule from the polymer thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventor: Toshifumi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7993867
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Stephan R. Targan, Jonathan Braun, Christopher L. Sutton
  • Patent number: 7993866
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Stephan R. Targan, Jonathan Braun, Christopher L. Sutton
  • Patent number: 7993865
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence or IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Stephan R. Targan, Jonathan Braun, Christopher L. Sutton
  • Patent number: 7977116
    Abstract: Provided are an analysis method and an analysis apparatus that can perform analysis of a substance and information obtainment with relatively high accuracy and reproducibility without previously allowing a carrier to carry a reagent for a color reaction. In the analysis method and the analysis apparatus, the information on an analyte is obtained by using an electromagnetic wave of a frequency including a frequency band which is at least a part of a frequency range of 30 GHz or more and 30 THz or less. A non-fibrous, isotropic porous material is allowed to hold the analyte, the analyte held by the porous material is irradiated with the electromagnetic wave, a change in the propagation state of the electromagnetic wave due to transmission through or reflection by the porous material is detected and information on the analyte is obtained based on the result of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shintaro Kasai, Toshihiko Ouchi, Haruko Yoneyama, Masatsugu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7972865
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Dechang Yi, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
  • Patent number: 7897109
    Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence quenching to produce an oxygen concentration indicative signal. Components of such systems include: (1) an airway adapter, sampling cell, or the like having a sensor which is excited into luminescence with the luminescence decaying in a manner reflecting the concentration of oxygen in gases flowing through the airway adapter or other flow device; (2) a transducer which has a light source for exciting a luminescable composition in the sensor into luminescence and a light sensitive detector for converting energy emitted from the luminescing composition as that composition is quenched into an electrical-signal indicative of oxygen concentration in the gases being monitored; and (3) subsystems for maintaining the sensor temperature constant and for processing the signal generated by the light sensitive detector. Sensors for systems of the character just described, methods of fabricating those sensors, and methods for installing the sensors in the flow device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Labuda, Perry R. Blazewicz, Leslie E. Mace, Jerry R. Apperson, Walter A. Cooke
  • Patent number: 7858380
    Abstract: A light modifying ceramic composition comprises an oxygen permeable sol-gel matrix and a lumophore held on the matrix. In particular, the lumophore of the invention is a hexanuclear molybdenum/tungsten core having 12 anionic ligands and two ligands that are uncharged. Uncharged ligands include organic nitriles, organic phosphines, and organic arsines. In one embodiment, the ceramic composition containing the lumophore and the sol-gel matrix is applied to the end of an optical fiber to provide a remote oxygen sensor. The sensors are useful for in situ biological monitoring of oxygen either in vivo or in vitro, and in time dependent control of combustion processes such as an automobile or power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Gregory L Baker, Ruby N Ghosh, D J Osborn, III
  • Patent number: 7833480
    Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence-quenching to produce a signal indicative of oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry R. Blazewicz, Leslie E. Mace, Jerry R. Apperson
  • Patent number: 7772578
    Abstract: A diagnostic test device comprising means for sampling a liquid biological sample, means for reacting the sample with at least one reagent to provide one or more visible indicia and an optical detector for detecting the presence of said one or more indicia, the device further comprising a releasable tether which is released by contact with the liquid sample, thereby to cause the optical detector to detect the said one or more indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Duesbury, Mark Davis, Brett Cochrane, Mark Burnapp
  • Patent number: 7754498
    Abstract: A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Todd A. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7749436
    Abstract: As previous processing of measurement in which gas to be measured containing, as gas components, carbon dioxide 13CO2 and carbon dioxide 12CO2, is introduced into a cell, and in which the intensities of transmitted lights having wavelengths suitable for measurement of the respective gas components, are measured and then data-processed to measure the concentrations of the gas components, the air having a predetermined volume Va is sucked by a gas injection device 21, a gas exhaust valve V6 of a cell 11 is closed and the air stored in the gas injection device 21 is transferred to the cell 11 filled with the air at an atmospheric pressure, thereby to pressurize the cell inside. The pressure thus pressurized is measured as P. The cell volume Vc is subtracted from the product obtained by multiplying the sum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Mori, Yasuhiro Kubo, Yasushi Zasu, Masayuki Tani, Tamotsu Hamao