Abstract: A robotic workstation comprises a source for workpieces having a region to be processed, a first robot having a processing tool, a second robot having a gripping tool for gripping a workpiece and placing it within an operating range of the first robot, a controller coordinating displacements of the robots and processing, an imaging system that identifies reference points of the gripping tool and the workpiece in an image, calculate a displacement vector between coordinates of the reference points, calculate a target position where the reference point of the gripping tool should be located, place the reference point of the gripping tool at a target position, and move the processing tool to the target location for processing the region to be processed.

Abstract: Pharyngoesophageal monitoring systems are provided that monitor the environment of the pharynx and esophagus, and in some embodiments, detect and monitor refluxate, and may further record other physical episode data. The system may be provided, in some embodiments, as a bifurcated, adjustable, multiple internal reference probe, and methods thereof, to detect acid reflux and to monitor pH levels of acid reflux episodes simultaneously at multiple locations within the pharyngoesophageal passage. Some embodiments provide a recorder and one or a plurality of sensor arrangements, the recorder being responsive to the sensors and capable of correlation of signals generated by the sensor arrangements.

Abstract: Pharyngoesophageal monitoring systems are provided that monitor the environment of the pharynx and esophagus, and in some embodiments, detect and monitor refluxate, and may further record other physical episode data. The system may be provided, in some embodiments, as a bifurcated, adjustable, multiple internal reference probe, and methods thereof, to detect acid reflux and to monitor pH levels of acid reflux episodes simultaneously at multiple locations within the pharyngoesophageal passage. Some embodiments provide a recorder and one or a plurality of sensor arrangements, the recorder being responsive to the sensors and capable of correlation of signals generated by the sensor arrangements.

Abstract: A pH electrode suitable for in vivo use is provided in a cannula 10, and comprises a reference electrode 14 consisting of a chloridized silver wire surrounded by a solid unbuffered internal reference material 16 comprising potassium chloride, silver chloride, citric acid and sorbitol as a hygroscopic agent. The material 16 is surrounded by a PVC sleeve 12. The tip of the cannula 10 has a pH sensitive polymer-based membrane 20 across its end. The reference material has a pH when hydrated of about 2 which is below the range of pH response of the membrane 20.

Abstract: In systems for rapid sequential analysis of fluid samples, such as blood samples, an electrochemical sensor is capable of equally rapid, sequential sample response by avoiding the need for equilibration during the measuring phase, and by substantially replacing the electrolyte acceptor for each sample. The sensor is made up of a pair of electrodes, an electrolyte acceptor, and a gas permeable membrane separating the electrolyte from the sample stream. Samples are passed rapidly by the membrane, and at the end of each such pass, the electrodes are polarized for a certain period, the flow of electrical current is measured, and the electrolyte is flushed and replaced by new electrolyte. This membrane material can be hydrophobic and also hydrophilic in nature.

Abstract: A polarographic sensor for blood oxygen monitoring is defined by respective anode and cathode electrode wires fixedly maintained in conventional fashion. The end cross sections of the wires are carried on a surface, and overlying this surface is a capillary pore ultrafiltration membrane. The microscopic capillary pores, which have diameters less than 12 micrometers each, pass water therethrough and thus allow the blood, which passes on the side of the membrane opposite the anode and cathode, to act as its own electrolyte.

Abstract: Semiconductor chips carrying chemically sensitive field effect devices are encapsulated by tape automated bonding techniques, wherein one tape layer has a beam lead pattern disposed thereon which terminates in the chip bonding pad pattern over an opening in the tape. A tape layer for sealably covering the beam lead pattern and the chip has openings which are respectively coincident with the chemically selective membrane systems of the field effect devices.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating semiconductor chips, such as chips carrying chemical sensitive field-effect devices, includes lamination of a sheet of dry film photoresist material onto the surface of the chip, placement of a photomask over the chip in a predetermined alignment, and then exposure of the photomask to light so that light passes through certain light-transmitting portions of the mask onto the chip. The photoresist material is then developed to remove the material from over the gate regions of each of the field-effect devices to define windows in the material through which the gate regions are exposed. Chemical sensitive membrane systems may then be applied to the windows of the devices to cover the gate regions.