Abstract: A magnetic marker for marking a site in tissue in the body. In one embodiment, the marker comprises a magnetic metallic glass. In another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 9. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 6. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 3.

Abstract: A detection system and method uses an implantable magnetic marker comprising at least one piece of a large Barkhausen jump material (LBJ). The marker is deployed to mark a tissue site in the body for subsequent surgery, and the magnetic detection system includes a handheld probe to excite the marker below the switching field for bistable switching of the marker causing a harmonic response to be generated in a sub-bistable mode that allows the marker to be detected and localised. The marker implanted may also be shorter than the critical length required to initiate bistable switching of the LBJ material.

Abstract: A valve (100) for use in delivering a medical device comprises first and second ends and an hourglass shaped centre section defining an aperture (34) for accepting a guidewire. The application of torsion about the centre section closes the aperture to seal against the guidewire.

Abstract: A magnetic marker for marking a site in tissue in the body. In one embodiment, the marker comprises a magnetic metallic glass. In another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 9. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 6. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 3.

Abstract: A scaling factor for scaling an output of a first electrochemical cell, is determined in order to compensate for the effect on the output caused by an variation in value of a property of a working electrode of the first cell from a reference value of that property. A measured value for the property is obtained from a portion of material formed so as to have substantially the same value of the property as does the working electrode and the measured value is processed to generate the scaling factor.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochemical cell which, either alone or together which a substrate onto which it is placed, is in the form of a receptacle. The electrochemical cell contains a working electrode and a counter electrode, the working electrode being in a wall of the receptacle. At least one of the electrodes has at least one dimension of less than 50 ?m. The electrochemical cell is principally intended for use as a micro-electrode suitable for screening water, blood, urine or other biological or non-biological fluids.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample which comprises: a) performing an electrochemical test comprising: (i) contacting the sample with an electrochemical cell comprising at least two electrodes; and (ii) obtaining at least one group of three or more measurements of an electrochemical parameter from the cell, wherein each measurement in each at least one group is obtained at a different time; b) deriving from said at least one group of three or more measurements a single value that is indicative of the time-dependent behavior of the measured parameter; c) comparing the single value indicative of the time-dependent behavior of the measured parameter with a pre-determined range of acceptable time-dependent behaviors; d) determining whether the test is acceptable based on the result of said comparison; e) optionally repeating the above-mentioned steps; and 0 determining the concentration of the analyte from the measurements obtained from the acceptable test or acceptabl

Abstract: In an electrochemical sensor, the potential difference applied to the electrochemical cell is raised to a measuring value at a rate determined to reduce the transient current. The maximum rate of change of the voltage is set to prevent saturation of an IE converter. The electrochemical cell may contain micro-electrodes as working and reference electrodes. The method may be applied to a battery powered, handheld device.

Abstract: A scaling factor for scaling an output of a first electrochemical cell, is determined in order to compensate for the effect on the output caused by an variation in value of a property of a working electrode of the first cell from a reference value of that property. A measured value for the property is obtained from a portion of material formed so as to have substantially the same value of the property as does the working electrode and the measured value is processed to generate the scaling factor.

Abstract: In an electrochemical sensor, a peak is detected by grouping data points in windows and detecting two or three windows between which the slope of the data changes sign. The peak can be more precisely detected by detecting the highest data point in the two or three windows.

Abstract: A process for producing a device comprising an electrochemical cell, said device comprising a strip having a receptacle or partial receptacle formed therein, a working electrode of the electrochemical cell being located in a wall of the receptacle or partial receptacle, wherein the process comprises the steps of—forming a laminate comprising a working electrode layer between two insulating layers; —creating a hole or well in the laminate, the hole or well passing through the working electrode layer; and optionally—attaching the laminate to a base, to form a receptacle; wherein said step of creating a hole or well comprises laser drilling the laminate.

Abstract: In an electrochemical sensor, the potential difference applied to the electrochemical cell is raised to a measuring value at a rate determined to reduce the transient current.

Abstract: In an electrochemical sensor, a peak is detected by grouping data points in windows and detecting two or three windows between which the slope of the data changes sign. the peak can be more precisely detected by detecting the highest data point in the two or three windows.

Abstract: A method is provided to manufacture an electrochemical sensor that includes a strip with a receptacle formed therein, and a working electrode located in a wall of the receptacle. The method includes the steps of applying a working electrode layer onto a first insulating material, and applying a dielectric layer, formed by a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, onto at least a part of the working electrode layer to form a laminate. A hole or well is created in the laminate, wherein the hole or well passes through the working electrode layer and a first surface of the laminate. The method further includes applying a pseudo reference electrode layer onto at least a part of the first surface of the laminate, and optionally attaching a base to a second surface of the laminate to produce a bonded article.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrochemical cell which, either alone or together which a substrate onto which it is placed, is in the form of a receptacle. The electrochemical cell contains a working electrode and a counter electrode, the working electrode being in a wall of the receptacle. At least one of the electrodes has at least one dimension of less than 50 ?m. The electrochemical cell is principally intended for use as a micro-electrode suitable for screening water, blood, urine or other biological or non-biological fluids.

Abstract: A process for preparing a printed substrate which comprises: (a) printing the desired pattern on to a release film, (b) adhering a substrate layer to the patterned side of the printed release film substrate, and (c) removing the release film, thereby producing a substrate bearing a print, the flatness of the surface of which corresponds to that of the film.