Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed that includes features for detecting the presence of nitric oxide from a gas sample, such as exhaled breath. The measurement system includes an assembly that introduces one or more reducing gases into a reactor-sensor assembly to help stabilize the sensor signal response and improve the performance of the assembly over time. Suitable reducing gases include hydrogen gas (H2), carbon dioxide (CO), benzaldehyde, bisphenol A, and other similar compounds. The reducing gas may be introduced directly from one or more surrounding gases or through tubing or inline piping. The reducing gas may be generated from the liquid or solid forms.

Abstract: An asthma management system and method are disclosed for collecting environmental and individual health data to predict the onset of asthma symptoms to allow for preventative therapy tailored on an individual basis. In one embodiment a computer system is in electrical communication with an individual user interface and one or more environmental factor collection points via a communications network. The user interface is adapted to send and receive asthma-related data including asthma profile and real-time asthma status data to the computer system via the communication network, and the environmental factor collection points are adapted to send and receive data to the computer system via the communications network.

Abstract: A breath collection and storage apparatus is disclosed for collecting and storing samples of exhaled breath for later analysis of nitric oxide contained in collected breath samples. The described apparatus provides for inhaling air into the lungs via a one-way air inflow portal through an airflow chamber via an inhalation/exhalation portal. Air inhaled into the lungs is then expelled back into the airflow chamber via the inhalation/exhalation portal and flowed into a breath storage vessel. A flow meter monitor, such as a flow meter or pressure gauge can be employed to monitor and control the rate of flow of the exhaled breath. A three-way valve can be incorporated into the air outflow portal to selectively permit discharge of exhaled breath to the outside or into the breath storage vessel.

Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed that includes features for detecting the presence of nitric oxide from a gas sample, such as exhaled breath. The measurement system includes an assembly that introduces one or more reducing gases into a reactor-sensor assembly to help stabilize the sensor signal response and improve the performance of the assembly over time. Suitable reducing gases include hydrogen gas (H2), carbon dioxide (CO), benzaldehyde, bisphenol A, and other similar compounds. The reducing gas may be introduced directly from one or more surrounding gases or through tubing or inline piping. The reducing gas may be generated from the liquid or solid forms.

Abstract: One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a tactile layer including a deformable region and a peripheral region adjacent the deformable region; a substrate coupled to the tactile layer, the substrate defining fluid channel and cooperating with the deformable region to define a variable volume fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a displacement device coupled to the bladder, displacing fluid into the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting, and displacing fluid out of the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the expanded setting to the retracted setting, the displacement device defining a equilibrium range of fluid pressures within the fluid channel; a reservoir fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and supporting a reserve volume of fluid; and a valve selectively controlling transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel.

Abstract: One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a tactile layer including a deformable region and a peripheral region adjacent the deformable region; a substrate coupled to the tactile layer, the substrate defining fluid channel and cooperating with the deformable region to define a variable volume fluidly coupled to the fluid channel; a displacement device coupled to the bladder, displacing fluid into the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting, and displacing fluid out of the variable volume to transition the deformable region from the expanded setting to the retracted setting, the displacement device defining a equilibrium range of fluid pressures within the fluid channel; a reservoir fluidly coupled to the fluid channel and supporting a reserve volume of fluid; and a valve selectively controlling transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel.

Abstract: Fluids incorporated into intraocular lenses and their methods of use. In some embodiments the fluids are silicone oils, and in some embodiments they are used in accommodating intraocular lenses.

Abstract: Fluids incorporated into intraocular lenses and their methods of use. In some embodiments the fluids are silicone oils, and in some embodiments they are used in accommodating intraocular lenses.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of conditioning the sample and surrounding environment of an exhaled breath sensor. It includes (i) using a particular molecular sieve for a triple purpose: (a) maintaining the sensor at a constant relative humidity during storage, (b) equilibrating the incoming breath stream to the same relative humidity as the sensor, and (c) eliminating the analyte from the environment around the sensor during storage. The present invention also includes removal of interfering components from the exhaled breath, such as carbon dioxide, as well as a thermal management technique.

Abstract: Arrays are provided for multiplexed evanescent scanning by allowing for high-contrast Surface Plasmon Resonance images thereof. The arrays target features are typically biopolymeric in nature, though they may be any sort of chemical or ligand. The type of scanning is such that there is no need for probe labeling. As no labeling is required, a broader range of applications than otherwise possible is facilitated. In the subject arrays, target features are set upon a noble metal film deposited on a substrate. Interfeature areas are adapted to trap, divert and/or bleed-away light so that light directed through the substrate will not be reflected by those areas and interfere with evanescent scanning of the reflective areas upon which intended target features are provided. Geometric and materials-based light attenuating features are contemplated. Arrays as described, hardware and software as required for reading such arrays, and associated methodology are covered.

Abstract: Highly sensitive devices for detecting nitric oxide and/or other gaseous analytes in gaseous samples are improved by the incorporation of a carbon monoxide scavenger in the interior of the device or in the device packaging. The release of carbon monoxide within the housing of the device by the plastic used in the construction of the housing or by anything within the device that releases carbon monoxide causes a loss in sensitivity due to competition between the carbon monoxide and the nitric oxide for the binding sites on the device sensor. The scavenger corrects this by either catalyzing the oxidation of carbon monoxide to the less competitive carbon dioxide or immobilizing the carbon monoxide by affinity-type or covalent binding. Analogous effects are achieved for analytes other than nitric oxide but that likewise encounter interference from carbon monoxide in binding to sensors.

Abstract: The degradation over time that is commonly seen with analyte-binding proteins when used as sensors for trace amounts of an analyte in a gaseous mixture is reduced by maintaining the sensor in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment.

Abstract: A gas analysis sensing element and a method of making the sensing element are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensing element includes cytochrome c embedded in a sol-gel matrix. The sol-gel matrix is either a thin film or a monolith. Parameters for creating such a sensing element, including protein concentration, sol-gel pore size, surface area for the monolith embodiment, sol-gel components, and processing temperature, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas analysis sensing element and a method of making the sensing element is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensing element includes cytochrome-c embedded in a sol-gel matrix. The sol-gel matrix may take the form of a thin film or a monolith. The applicants have discovered a number of parameters for creating such a sensing element, including protein concentration, sol-gel pore size, surface area for the monolith embodiment, sol-gel components, and work-up temperature.

Abstract: A method of avoiding or delaying degradation of a transduction molecule in a trace gas sensor by controlling oxygen exposure is disclosed. Degradation of the gas sensor can be avoided by storage of the sensor in a low-oxygen or substantially oxygen-free environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of conditioning the sample and surrounding environment of an exhaled breath sensor. It includes (i) using a particular molecular sieve for a triple purpose: (a) maintaining the sensor at a constant relative humidity during storage, (b) equilibrating the incoming breath stream to the same relative humidity as the sensor, and (c) eliminating the analyte from the environment around the sensor during storage. The present invention also includes removal of interfering components from the exhaled breath, such as carbon dioxide, as well as a thermal management technique.

Abstract: Arrays are provided for multiplexed evanescent scanning by allowing for high-contrast Surface Plasmon Resonance images thereof. The arrays target features are typically biopolymeric in nature, though they may be any sort of chemical or ligand. The type of scanning is such that there is no need for probe labeling. As no labeling is required, a broader range of applications than otherwise possible is facilitated. In the subject arrays, target features are set upon a noble metal film deposited on a substrate. Interfeature areas are adapted to trap, divert and/or bleed-away light so that light directed through the substrate will not be reflected by those areas and interfere with evanescent scanning of the reflective areas upon which intended target features are provided. Geometric and materials-based light attenuating features are contemplated. Arrays as described, hardware and software as required for reading such arrays, and associated methodology are covered.