Abstract: A device for detecting an airborne contaminant includes (a) a reactive polymer film having affinity for binding with the airborne contaminant, (b) an electrically conductive polymer film in contact with the reactive polymer film and having electrical property sensitive to binding of the airborne contaminant to the reactive polymer film, and (c) two electrodes in electrical contact with the electrically conductive polymer film for measuring the electrical property to detect the binding of the airborne contaminant to the reactive polymer film. Another device for detecting an airborne contaminant includes (a) a polymer film molecularly imprinted with the airborne contaminant, and (b) color reporting molecules having color sensitive to binding of the airborne contaminant to the polymer film. A method for manufacturing a device for detecting an airborne contaminant includes depositing, using one or more inkjet print heads, a polymer film and at least two electrodes onto a substrate.

Abstract: A rotating disk electrode cell has a housing with a reservoir configured to receive a sample for an electrochemical experiment. A shaft is positioned in the housing such that the shaft is free to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the shaft and such that both ends of the shaft are located inside of the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle battery controller based on a reduced order model is provided. The controller identifies a value of a current output by the battery that supplies power to the vehicle. The controller provides the value of the current to a solid diffusion component, an electrolyte transport component, and a electrolyte and solid potential component. The solid diffusion component can update a solid concentration model of the battery. The electrolyte transport component can update an electrolyte concentration model of the battery. The electrolyte and solid potential component can update an electrolyte potential model and a solid potential model of the battery. The controller component can determine a value of a voltage of the battery and a value of a heat generation rate of the battery. The controller component can generate a command to manage a performance of the battery.

Abstract: A method is provided to sample a sensor array. The method can include measuring a waveform associated with a chemical event occurring on the sensor array. The waveform can include at least one region associated with expected measured values and at least one region associated with unpredictable measured values. The method can also include applying a first frame averaging to the at least one region associated with the expected measured values. Here, a first number of frames can be included in the first frame averaging. Further, the method can include applying a second frame averaging to the at least one region associated with the unpredictable measured values, where a second number of frames can be included in the second frame averaging. The second number of frames can be less than the first number of frames.

Abstract: A flowing electrolyte fuel cell system design (DHCFC-Flow) is provided. The use of a flowing oxygen-saturated electrolyte in a fuel cell offers a significant enhancement in the cell performance characteristics. The mass transfer and reaction kinetics of the superoxide/peroxide/oxide ion (mobile oxygen ion species) in the fuel cell are enhanced by recirculating an oxidizing gas-saturated electrolyte. Recirculating oxygen-saturated electrolyte through a liquid channel enhances the maximal current observed in a fuel cell. The use of a oxygen saturated electrolyte ensures that the reaction kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction are fast and the use of convection ameliorates concentration gradients and the diffusion-limited maximum current density. The superoxide ion is generated in situ by the reduction of the oxygen dissolved in the gaseous electrolyte. Also, a dual porosity membrane allows the uniform flow of fuel (e.g., methane) on the fuel side, without allowing phase mixing.

Abstract: An adsorption pump includes a housing, a movable part, and an adsorption part. The housing has inlet and outlet ports for a sample. The movable part is at least partly located inside the housing. The adsorption part is located inside the housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a material system comprises a metal substrate and a first coating layer disposed on the metal substrate. A first electrode is directly disposed on the first coating layer, and a second electrode is disposed on the metal substrate. In one aspect, a method for determining material performance includes flexing a material system and detecting impedance of the material system with an electrochemical impedance spectrometer. The material system has a metal substrate, a first coating layer disposed on the metal substrate, a first electrode directly disposed on the first coating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the metal substrate.

Abstract: A method for measuring bilirubin levels in a subject. The method can include the steps of providing a sample to be measured from the subject, wherein the sample comprises bilirubin bound to albumin; adding a release agent to the sample, the release agent configured to release the bound bilirubin from the albumin; measuring electrochemical data of the sample using an electrochemical cell; and determining a total serum bilirubin concentration of the sample using the electrochemical data. This method is capable of providing a simpler, faster, and more robust measurement when compared to traditional bilirubin assay methods.

Abstract: A method for accurately measuring the electrical conductivity of substances. This method incorporates two points of measurement that are isolated from each other. Each of these points is in contact with the substance to be measured. A continuous, constant electrical current is passed through the substance at the measurement points by means of an electrical force that is not constant but varies depending upon the amount of electrical force required to maintain the constant electrical current through the substance. This constant current is passed through the substance in two directions. This change in direction is achieved by reversing the polarity of the electrical force across the two measurement points. The time periods for each of the two directions of constant current flow are equal. The amount of electrical force or voltage that is required to maintain this constant amount of current is directly related to the resistance of the substance.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus may include a package substrate, and a plurality of semiconductor chips. Wherein the package substrate and the semiconductor chips may be configured based on a load value of the semiconductor apparatus.

Abstract: A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.

Abstract: An illustrative humidity sensor may include a substrate and a sensing field effect transistor. The sensing field effect transistor may comprise a source formed on the substrate, a drain formed on the substrate, a gate, and a piezoelectric layer disposed over the gate. Another illustrative humidity sensor may comprise a substrate, a semi-conductor layer disposed over the substrate, a piezoelectric layer disposed over the semi-conductor layer, a first electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. In some instances, the piezoelectric layer may comprise aluminum nitride.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a differential-type carbon dioxide sensor, which includes a pH-electrode, a bicarbonate electrode, and a chloride electrode, and a reference electrode, which is enclosed in a chamber. The pH electrode has a pH-sensitive membrane and the bicarbonate electrode has a bicarbonate-sensitive membrane, which comprises 30% by weight of a polymer matrix, 30% by weight of a carbonate or bicarbonate ion-selective material, 30% by weight of a plasticizer, and 10% by weight of a lipophilic additive based on total weight of the bicarbonate-sensitive membrane. Further, the chloride electrode has a membrane with no selectivity towards bicarbonate and towards salicylate, which is within a predetermined therapeutic range having a concentration of salicylate less than 1.5 mmol/L. The pH electrode, the bicarbonate electrode, and the chloride electrode operate in tandem with each other.

Abstract: Proposed is a device for detecting a chemical/physical phenomenon, in which, via a novel scheme, charges are accumulated in a charge accumulation region. An amount of charges thus accumulated reflects the potential of a sensing region and the potential corresponds to an external environment (chemical phenomenon or physical phenomenon) to be detected. A charge accumulation region 5 includes a first potential well region FD1 that is continuous with a sensing region 3, the boundary potential of the charges held in the first potential well region FD1 being made equal to the potential of the sensing region 3, whereby the potential of the sensing region 3 is made to be reflected in the amount of charges held in the first potential well region FD1.

Abstract: A device which can increase the rates of interfacial reactions including heterogeneous electron transfer reactions, the device comprising at least one sono(electro)chemical cell adapted to hold a thin layer of condensed fluid which is optionally adapted to participate in a heterogeneous electron transfer reaction, wherein the cell is further adapted to provide an ultrasonic transducer face to propagate sound waves into the thin layer of condensed fluid, and wherein the cell is still further adapted with an opening to provide the thin layer of condensed fluid with at least one interface which provides for reflection of the sound waves from the interface back into the thin layer of condensed fluid. The cells are configured to provide for a thin layer operation as opposed to a bulk operation. In method embodiments, ultrasound is applied to the thin layer of condensed fluid. The application of ultrasound is carried out both without cooling of the cell and without pressurization of the cell.

Abstract: A solvent delivery device includes a solvent delivery pump and a flow path switching valve. The flow path switching valve is connected to downstream ends of mobile phase sending flow paths and the solvent delivery pump is to be connected to one of the mobile phase sending flow paths by switching the flow path switching valve. At least one of the mobile phase sending flow paths includes a buffer solution sending flow path. The buffer solution sending flow path includes a butler solution storage section, a cleaning solution storage section, and a mobile phase switching valve for switching connection of the flow path switching valve to one of the storage sections.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for measuring the ability of a test sample to inhibit the binding of a receptor expressed by a pathogen to a host cell ligand of the pathogen.

Abstract: A gas detection module is provided with a convenient detection mechanism of the alcohol gas. The gas detection module may include a gas sensor and a detection circuit. The gas sensor includes a substrate, a gate, an insulating layer, an active layer, a source and a drain. The gate is disposed on the substrate. The insulating layer is disposed on the gate and the substrate. The active layer is disposed on the insulating layer. Each of the source and the drain is partially arranged on the active layer and extends to the insulating layer. The active layer is exposed from between the source and the drain. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the source of the gas sensor. Based on this, the deficiency of the conventional gas detection module can be overcome.

Abstract: A gas sensor element that includes a composite ceramic layer including a plate-shaped insulating portion which contains an insulating ceramic and has a through-hole, and an electrolyte portion which contains a solid electrolyte ceramic, and a portion disposed in the through-hole where the electrolyte portion is thicker than the insulating portion. A first conductor layer is formed over a first insulating surface of the insulating portion and a first electrolyte surface of the electrolyte portion. The electrolyte portion has an extending portion which is overlaid on the first insulating surface and extends toward the outside of the through-hole. The thickness of the extending portion is decreased toward an outer periphery of the extending portion, and the outer periphery of the extending portion is continuously connected to the first insulating surface. A first extending surface of the extending portion continuously connects the first insulating surface and the first electrolyte surface.

Abstract: An electrodialytic buffer generator is described. The buffer generator may include a central buffer-generating channel having an inlet and outlet, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The buffer-generating channel, the second chamber, and the third chamber may each include an electrode. The buffer generator may also include a first ion exchange barrier and a second ion exchange barrier. The first ion exchange barrier can be disposed between the second chamber and the buffer-generating channel. The second ion exchange barrier can be disposed between the third chamber and the buffer-generating channel.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a hydrogen-sensing unit and a transistor connected to the hydrogen-sensing unit. The hydrogen-sensing unit includes a substrate made of an elastic material, a thin film made of transition metal or alloy thereof, disposed on the surface of the substrate and having a plurality of nanogaps formed therein, and an electrode formed on the thin film. The hydrogen-sensing unit is connected with a source (or drain) or a gate of the transistor via a connector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: A device such as a disposable cartridge has an RFID tag (30) having an antenna (10), and a fluidic element (20, 160), the antenna having a shape to at least partly enclose an area, at least a part of the fluidic element being located in this area. By having such a structure, the device can be made more compact or the antenna can be made larger, and hence the costs for a given performance can be reduced, or the storage space for a given number of devices can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a substrate (6) in a long plate shape, a spacer (7) stacked on the substrate (6), a measurement part (3) provided in a front end section of the substrate (6) and a front end section of the spacer (7), a connection terminal (4) provided in a rear end section of the substrate (6), a connection part (5) provided in the substrate (6) and electrically connecting the measurement part (3) and the connection terminal (4), and a plate-like body stacked on the spacer (7) and disposed in a position between a center of gravity of the of the organism sample measurement sensor (1) and the front end of the substrate (6) when the organism sample measurement sensor (1) is laid sideways, the position dose not overlap with the center of gravity of the organism sample measurement sensor (1).

Abstract: A gas sensor for measuring the concentrations of gases includes a solid body electrolyte, at least three electrodes, and a closed chamber. The doped platinum includes at least 50% by weight platinum and the remainder includes at least one further element selected from the group of solid body electrolytes. In particular, the doped platinum includes between 0.5% by weight to 15% by weight ZrO2 and the remainder is platinum, or the pure platinum is 100% by weight platinum and the gold alloy comprises at least 50% by weight gold and maximally 50% by weight platinum. In particular, the gold alloy includes approximately 85% by weight gold and approximately 15% by weight platinum or the gold alloy comprises at least gold and platinum at a ratio of 85% gold to 15% platinum.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus may include a package substrate, and a plurality of semiconductor chips. Wherein the package substrate and the semiconductor chips may be configured based on a load value of the semiconductor apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods that may be used for the detection of allergens. In some embodiments, a system includes circuitry for processing one or more samples with one or more microfluidic chips configured for analysis of one or more allergen indicators; circuitry for detecting the one or more allergen indicators; and circuitry for comparing one or more detected concentration levels of the one or more allergen indicators to one or more concentration levels of the one or more allergen indicators that results in one or more allergic responses.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to O/W wax dispersions based on water, an emulsifier and a wax phase containing predominantly aliphatic hydrocarbons and polar compounds having chain lengths of at least 18 carbon atoms, and also plaster compositions comprising the O/W wax dispersion, and the use of the O/W wax dispersion.

Abstract: A system reduces unwanted noise due to pump movement. The system includes a pump including a non-conductive piston extending into a pumping chamber for pumping the sample fluid along an analysis fluid path, a wash chamber, and a seal fluidly separating the pumping chamber from the wash chamber. The system also includes a wash path supplying a wash fluid from a wash reservoir to the wash chamber, an electrical conductor electrically connecting the analysis fluid path to the wash fluid path, and a ground conductor electrically connecting the electrical conductor to ground via a resistor. The electrical conductors and resistor combination between the chambers reduces unwanted noise in the conductivity detector due voltage potentials between the eluent and wash chambers created as the piston moves between the chambers.

Abstract: A method and device for optically detecting particles, including: (a) a cell wall of rectangular cross-section is fitted on a longitudinal surface and adjoining transverse surface with an L-shaped heating and cooling element; (b) the center of the transverse surface of the cell wall opposite the transverse surface which forms the support of the cell wall is irradiated by an irradiation device and is observed at right angles to the optical axis of the irradiation device; (c) the focus of the irradiation device and the observation device can be moved by a motor to any point in the three-dimensional inner region defined by the cell wall; (d) the surface of the cell wall opposite the optical glass window through which the radiation from the irradiation device enters comprises another optical glass window; (e) the temperature of the surface of the cell wall is monitored by two thermistors.

Abstract: A biosensor has an underfill detection system that determines whether a sample of a biological fluid is large enough for an analysis of one or more analytes. The underfill detection system applies an excitation signal to the sample, which generates an output signal in response to the excitation signal. The underfill detection system switches the amplitude of the excitation signal. The transition of the excitation signal to a different amplitude changes the output signal when the sample is not large enough for an accurate and/or precise analysis. The underfill detection system measures and compares the output signal with one or more underfill thresholds to determine whether an underfill condition exists.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing electrolytic copper having a low Ag content by successfully suppressing the Ag concentration in an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic copper production method involves a step in which blister copper comprising Ag is used as an anode, and electrolysis is carried out under sulfuric acid acidity while maintaining the anode electric potential at a relatively low electric potential in comparison to the electric potential of the Ag elution.

Abstract: A miniaturized sub-nanoampere sensitivity low-noise potentiostat system is disclosed herein. The system includes an adjustable bias analog front end/potentiostat, a plurality of high input impedance and high gain difference amplifiers, means for signal filtering, a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter, and a sampling algorithm.

Abstract: Described herein are sensor elements for detecting the presence of organic materials comprising a boron doped n-type semiconductor material with decrease in resistivity upon organic materials exposure with increase in resistivity upon organic materials exposure.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a needle extending distally from a body. The needle includes a transverse aperture, a first lumen, and a second lumen. A cutter is movable within the first lumen to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A valve assembly is operable to change the pneumatic state of the second lumen. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a translating member slidably disposed in a bore of the valve body. The valve body includes a first port and a second port. The first port is in fluid communication with the second lumen of the needle. The second port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air. The translating member selectively couples the first port with the second port based on the longitudinal position of the translating member within the bore. The translating member translates relative to the valve body based on the position of the cutter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that relate to use of ultramicroelectrodes (UME) in measurement of ion concentration in presence of one or more organic compound(s).

Abstract: Condensation sensor systems and methods are described herein. Methods for forming a condensation sensor can include depositing a III-nitride on a substrate via sputtering, and implementing conductive contacts on the deposited III-nitride via a shadow mask.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring a content of hydrogen absorbed by a metal workpiece by permeation in the form of hydrogen atoms are described. The device includes a probe with a mixing chamber accessible to an amount of hydrogen emanating from the workpiece, and communicating with an inlet port of a measurement gas. The device further includes a solid-state hydrogen concentration sensor pneumatically connected with the mixing chamber, a gas transfer means for forming a flow of a measurement gas from the inlet port to the sensor, and a processor means for processing a concentration signal of the sensor and for producing a parameter related to the interaction between the metal workpiece and the absorbed hydrogen.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for measuring a glucose level of a user having: a card-like member; a processor within the card-like member; at least one glucose sensor comprising a reagent, the glucose sensor generating a signal indicative of a measured glucose level upon application of a blood sample to the glucose sensor, wherein the glucose sensor is fixed to the card-like member and operably coupled to the processor; and at least one cover alterable between a first position in which the glucose sensor is covered and a second position in which the glucose sensor is exposed for use.

Abstract: A sensor includes contact springs placed in contact with electrode terminals on major surfaces of a sensor device. At least one of the contact springs includes a spring contact portion, a spring holding portion, a spring bent portion, and a spring connecting portion. The spring contact portion contacts an outer surface of one of the electrode terminals. The spring holding portion is turned from the spring contact portion and extends outside the spring contact portion so as to overlap the spring contact portion in the contacting direction. The spring bent portion is bent inwardly from the spring holding portion and extends at a given angle to the contacting direction. The spring connecting portion is bent from the spring bent portion and extends in the axial direction of the sensor. Such a structure enables the contact spring to be reduced in size and thickness without sacrificing a required mechanical strength thereof.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter includes an electrically and thermally insulating case (“ETIC”) with an outwardly facing surface, a test meter electrical component (“TMEC”) with a thermal contact portion disposed within the electrically-insulating case, and at least one thermal channel. The thermal channel includes a proximal contact portion with a proximal contact surface, a distal contact portion with a distal surface, and a channel portion connecting the proximal contact portion and the distal contact portion. The thermal channel is integrated with the ETIC such that the thermal channel extends through the ETIC from the outwardly facing surface and to the thermal contact portion of the TMEC. The extension is such that the proximal contact surface of the thermal channel is outside of the ETIC and the distal surface of the thermal channel is in contact with the thermal contact portion of the TMEC. The thermal channel is thermally conductive and electrically-insulating.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a sensor system for measuring chlorine concentration in water. The sensor system can have a manifold including one or more flow passages for receiving fluid flow. The sensor system can have a probe for measuring chlorine concentration in fluid communication with a flow passage of the one or more flow passages of the manifold. The probe can have a probe body oriented to direct incoming fluid from one or more flow passages of the manifold toward an end of the probe body. The probe can have a plurality of flutes defined on an outer surface of the probe body. The flutes can be shaped and oriented to direct fluid from the end proximal to the electrodes, back toward the one or more flow passages of the manifold.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an impedance detection circuit, method, and integrated circuit, comprising a ramp-up current generation circuit and an impedance determining circuit, wherein the ramp-up current generation circuit is configured to input a ramp-up current including n breaks to a port of a device where the ramp-up current generation circuit is disposed, to which port an external device is connected, and wherein the impedance determining circuit is configured to detect an impedance of the external device in each break time period of the ramp-up current input by the ramp-up current generation circuit until the impedance of the external device is acquired by detection in the last break time period of the n breaks.

Abstract: The gas sensor includes a sensor element, a first insulator inside which the sensor element is inserted, a second insulator disposed on a proximal side of the first insulator so as to cover a proximal side of the sensor element, and a contact member held by the second insulator and sandwiching the sensor element. A proximal end portion of the first insulator and a distal end portion of the second insulator abut on each other in an axial direction. Each the proximal end portion and the distal end portion is provided with a positioning structure. The positioning structure is configured to restrict a relative movement between the first and second insulators in a sandwiching direction in which the sensor element is sandwiched by the contact member and in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the sandwiching direction and in the axial direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of microorganisms in a liquid sample. A vessel with an electrode disposed therein receives a volume of liquid to be tested. A second electrode is also provided, both electrodes in physical contact with the liquid sample. A time varying signal is applied to one electrode, and the other electrode is coupled to a phase sensitive signal detector. The phase sensitive signal detector determines a frequency at which an out of phase signal amplitude is zero. This zero-crossing frequency is used as a baseline, and changes in the zero-crossing frequency are an indication of microbial growth.

Abstract: A gas detector includes a detecting element, a circuit board, a housing case having a gas introduction hole, and a metal member which covers the gas introduction hole. The detecting element is disposed under the metal member. The gas detector further includes a detecting element wiring fusing prevention member which is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to a grounding line of the circuit board. The detecting element wiring fusing prevention member is disposed at a position such that the shortest distance between the metal member and the detecting element wiring fusing prevention member is smaller than that between the metal member and the detecting element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical probe system and an electrical excitation method, configured in a bulk sorting system, and used to identify the composition of metals and alloys.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor device comprising a nanowire electrode and a faradic shield, said faradic shield is adapted to prevent unwanted capacitive charging current in said sensor. The nanoelectrode device design with a metallic Faradic Shield layer significantly reduces the noise levels, increase the sensitivity of the sensors and allow measurements to be undertaken in less than 1 second.