Abstract: A fiber optic sensor suitable for measuring and monitoring fluid parameters, e.g. blood parameters such as carbon dioxide and oxygen partial pressure and hydrogen ion concentration ( pH ). Analyte sensitive chemistry in such probes includes molecules sensitive to responding to an analyte change in an optically detectable system. Methods of making analyte measuring chemistries including disposing an indicator complex in the path of light and casting over it films of permeable / semi- permeable polymer membranes capable of diffusion of gases and other analytes. A liquid control validation solution ) acts as a simulating standard for blood gas analysis. Liquid calibration solutions which mimic fluids such as blood to validate and test sensors for long term stability.

Abstract: A method for making an optical fiber bundle which, in one aspect, includes bending each of a plurality of optical fibers to form a bend therein and then suspending the fibers over a suspension member; holding the fibers taut under tension; applying potting material to the fiber bends and curing it; and removing the fibers from the suspension member.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for introducing thick material into a small cavity, the apparatus in one aspect including a piston/cylinder device insertable into a block bore of a containment block, the block bore having the thick material therein for transfer to the piston bore, the piston then movable to expel the material from the piston bore into the cavity; in certain aspects the cavity of microscopic size and in other aspects thick material being a thixotropic chemical indicating material and the cavity extending through a fiber optic in a biosensor;

Abstract: Methods for making optical fiber sensor probes for measuring or monitoring parameters of fluids, including but not limited to measuring blood gas concentrations and pH either in a vessel in vitro or in a human artery. Such probes, in one aspect, have one or more optical fibers with one or more chambers with a chemical indicating materialtherein which changes in response to light transmitted therethrough. In one aspect such probes have a probe body including a plurality of fibers having a substantial portion of their surfaces covered with an opaque material to enhance light signal transmission therethrough. Such probes may also have a coating thereon of an anti-thrombogenic mnaterial.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting undesirable wall effect on blood parameter sensors and for moving such sensors to reduce or eliminate said wall effect; and, in one aspect, a sensor with a plurality of spaced apart sensing elements with respect to which wall effect is reduced upon rotation of the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for testing chemical concentrations of fluids (liquids, gases) and for sensors used in such tests; methods and apparatuses for calibrating sensors and, in particular, for calibrating optical fiber sensors, the apparatus in one aspect including a body member with a cavity having gas inlet(s) and outlet(s) and a microporous tube therein for holding a fluid into which an optical probe sensor is insertable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for securely aligning a plurality of optical fiber pairs, including a connection device with a body having recesses therein for a fiber guide to which are mounted a plurality of optical fibers, a removable connector to which are mounted a corresponding plurality of fibers, and a movable locking member disposed in the body and which positively holds the connector in the body so that ends of pairs of fibers are aligned and the connector is securely disposed in the body; and a sensing system with a base unit and optical fibers which employs such a connection device.

Abstract: Method for making a probe with a plurality (one or more) of optical fiber sensors containing colorimetric chemical indicators in gaps in the fibers, the fibers bent to provide good light transmission qualities. Apparatus for making a probe with a plurality of such optical fiber sensors. A probe with a plurality of such optical fiber sensors. A vacuum chuck for holding the ends of such fibers.