Abstract: A sample fluid (14) is pumped through a first cavity (38) associated with a first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) and pumped through a second cavity (40) associated with a second piezoelectric resonator (20.2). An electrode (26) of the first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) exposed to the sample fluid (14) in the first cavity (38) is coated with an adsorption layer (34.1) that provides for adsorbing a substance (12) to be detected in the sample fluid (14). The adsorbed substance (12) changes the resonant frequency of the first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) relative to that of the second piezoelectric resonator (20.2), wherein a change in the frequency difference therebetween relative to an initial frequency difference is responsive to and provides a measure of the mass of adsorbed substance (12). The adsorption layer (34.1) of the first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) is automatically refreshed when a change in the frequency difference crosses a threshold (?FEOR).

Abstract: A sample fluid (14) is pumped through a first cavity (38) associated with a first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) and pumped through a second cavity (40) associated with a second piezoelectric resonator (20.2). An electrode (26) of the first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) exposed to the sample fluid (14) in the first cavity (38) is coated with an adsorption layer (34.1) that provides for adsorbing a substance (12) to be detected in the sample fluid (14). The adsorbed substance (12) changes the resonant frequency of the first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) relative to that of the second piezoelectric resonator (20.2), wherein a change in the frequency difference therebetween relative to an initial frequency difference is responsive to and provides a measure of the mass of adsorbed substance (12). The adsorption layer (34.1) of the first piezoelectric resonator (20.1) is automatically refreshed when a change in the frequency difference crosses a threshold (?FEoR).

Abstract: A microcantilever sensor using molecular imprinting polymerization (MIP) technology, and a method of using thereof. The MIP microcantilever sensor is placed into a conduit, where it processes either an aqueous or environmental flow, or else a bodily fluid. The MIP microcantilever sensor provides for continuous on-line monitoring of the flow whereby the sensor monitors for any target analyte in which the MIP has been fabricated to attract. The present invention can be used to detect organic molecules, inorganic molecules, inorganic ions or viruses, pathogens, microorganisms, parasites or any other biological substance in which detection is desired. When the MIP microcantilever sensor detects the target analyte, the microcantilever sends a signal to a microprocessor for.

Abstract: A microcantilever sensor using molecular imprinting polymerization (MIP) technology, and a method of using thereof. The MIP microcantilever sensor is placed into a conduit, where it processes either an aqueous or environmental flow, or else a bodily fluid. The MIP microcantilever sensor provides for continuous on-line monitoring of the flow whereby the sensor monitors for any target analyte in which the MIP has been fabricated to attract. The present invention can be used to detect organic molecules, inorganic molecules, inorganic ions or viruses, pathogens, microorganisms, parasites or any other biological substance in which detection is desired. When the MIP microcantilever sensor detects the target analyte, the microcantilever sends a signal to a microprocessor for.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an aqueous flow. The method includes the steps of providing a conduit having at least one collection portion upon which is disposed a selective film, disposing the aqueous flow through the conduit, attracting contaminants to the collection portion such that they are bonded to the selective film, and detecting a contaminant, or contaminants, based upon a predetermined property of the plurality of contaminants bonded to the ion collection portion. The selective film may include a molecularly imprinted polymer, a crown ether, an antibody selective for biological contaminants, such as Giardia Lamblia and cryptosporidia, or for detecting organics such as dioxin or furan, a cyclodextrin, or a cyclophane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an aqueous flow. The method involves providing a conduit having at least one ion collection portion, disposing the aqueous flow through the conduit, attracting target ions to the ion collection portion such that they are bonded to the ion collection portion, and detecting a contaminant, or contaminants, based upon a predetermined property of the plurality of target ions bonded to the ion collection portion. In the preferred embodiment of the method, the predetermined property is a conductivity of the target ions, and the detecting step involves measuring a change in conductivity of the collection portion as ions are bonded and comparing that conductivity to a predetermined conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter system for the filtration of residential tap water for drinking. The device of the present invention removes impurities including organics, heavy metals, and nitrates, and it provides a removable filter which can be readily changed without disconnecting the water lines. The filter in its simplest form has a central filter cartridge which is connected to a top cap and a bottom cap. The top cap and bottom cap have a water inlet and outlet, respectively. The central filter cartridge in turn has a conduit, which is terminated with restrainers, forming a central cavity in the central filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is filled with granular material for filtering. Particulate filters are positioned between the granular material and the restrainers. In one preferred embodiment the particulate matter forms a bed of a silver impregnated activated charcoal, a bed of a cation resin, and a bed of an anion resin.