Abstract: A planar degasser comprises (1) a flow plate comprising a flow channel, (2) a planar separation membrane comprising a membrane transmission section which has a first major surface and a second major surface, the flow channel being at least in part bounded by the first major surface of the membrane transmission section, (3) a supporting member which supports the second major surface of the membrane transmission section when the pressure on the first major surface is greater than the pressure on the second major surface, and (4) structural features which enable liquid to flow through the flow channel when the pressure on the first major surface is equal to or less than the pressure on the second major surface, for example when there is no longer a vacuum on the second major surface of the membrane transmission section.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensing device for measuring a chemical or physiological parameter of a body fluid or tissue is provided. To one end of the fiber is attached a polymer including a plurality of photoactive moieties selected from the group consisting of chromophores and lumophores, the photoactive moieties spaced apart so as to minimize chemical or physical interaction therebetween while optimizing the density of photoactive moieties. In one embodiment, a polymer chain is covalently bound to photoactive moieties through functional groups such as esters, amides, or the like. In a second embodiment, a polymer chain is inherently fluorescent and is formed from at least one monomeric unit. These devices are particularly useful as pH and oxygen sensors.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensing device for measuring a chemical or physiological parameter of a body fluid or tissue is provided. To one end of the fiber is attached a polymer including a plurality of photoactive moieties selected from the group consisting of chromophores and lumophores, the photoactive moieties spaced apart so as to minimize chemical or physical interaction therebetween while optimizing the density of photoactive moieties. In one embodiment, a polymer chain is covalently bound to photoactive moieties through functional groups such as esters, amides, or the like. In a second embodiment, a polymer chain is inherently fluorescent and is formed from at least one monomeric unit. These devices are particularly useful as pH and oxygen sensors.

Abstract: This invention provides a fiber-optic sensor or analytical apparatus and associated method which utilizes the combination of (a) a solid, semi-solid or liquid sensor body which is capable of selectively dissolving the analyte compound to be detected and analyzed into the sensor body from the mixture or environment in which the compound is present and excluding undesired or interfering components, (b) a radiation source for directly radiating the analyte compound molecules to excite same to an elevated energy state, thereby causing the analyte compound itself to luminesce while dissolved in the sensor body, and (c) a radiation detector for detecting and measuring the light emitted from the excited analyte compound molecules when they return to a lower energy state. The selective dissolving sensor body provides a controlled environment in which both the source light directly excites the analyte molecules and the excited molecules emit light which is detected and measured.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensing device for measuring a chemical or physiological parameter of a body fluid or tissue is provided. To one end of the fiber is attached a polymer including a plurality of photoactive moieties selected from the group consisting of chromophores and lumophores, the photoactive moieties spaced apart so as to minimize chemical or physical interaction therebetween while optimizing the density of photoactive moieties. In one embodiment, a polymer chain is covalently bound to photoactive moieties through functional groups such as esters, amides, or the like. In a second embodiment, a polymer chain is inherently fluorescent and is formed from at least one monomeric unit. These devices are particularly useful as pH and oxygen sensors.

Abstract: A fiber-optic sensor or analytical apparatus and associated method which utilizes the combination of (a) a solid, semi-solid or liquid sensor body which is capable of selectively dissolving the analyte compound to be detected and analyzed into the sensor body from the mixture or environment in which the compound is present and excluding undesired or interfering components, (b) a radiation source for directly radiating the analyte compound molecules to excite same to an elevated energy state, thereby causing the analyte compound itself to luminesce while dissolved in the sensor body, and (c) a radiation detector for detecting and measuring the light emitted from the excited analyte compound molecules when they return to a lower energy state. The selective dissolving sensor body provides a controlled environment in which both the source light directly excites the analyte molecules and the excited molecules emit light which is detected and measured.