With Significant Electrical Circuitry Or Nominal Computer Device Patents (Class 204/406)
  • Patent number: 6908535
    Abstract: An integrated current-to-voltage conversion circuit converts a first current to an output voltage representative of the first current. The circuit includes a first contact pad and second and third contact pads capable of being coupled across a first resistor. A first operational amplifier has a first input coupled to the first contact pad for producing a first voltage thereat, a second input for receiving a reference voltage, and a first output coupled to the third contact pad. A second voltage appears at the third contact pad. A second operational amplifier has a second output at which a third voltage appears, a first input coupled to the second output, and a second input coupled to the second contact pad. The output voltage is substantially equal to the difference between the second and third voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Rankin, Scott D. Vernon
  • Patent number: 6908536
    Abstract: A digital electrochemical sensor is provided with a sensor electrode array (1-4) and an operating electronic unit integrated on a chip for processing electrical signals received therefrom. The operating electronic unit includes a potentiostat circuit and a microprocessor, which receives and further processes the signals processed by the operating electronic unit. To provide an electrochemical sensor which can be operated more simply and with higher precision during installation and in operation the potentiostat circuit is a digital circuit, whose controller function is controlled by the microprocessor (20), and for the microprocessor (20) to be also integrated on the chip of the operating electronic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Drägerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Udo Beckmann
  • Patent number: 6905655
    Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifiying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, Philip G. Collins, Keith Bradley, George Gruner
  • Patent number: 6896778
    Abstract: Planar devices incorporating electrodes for performing chemical analyses are disclosed. The devices include an electrode module in a fluidic housing. The electrode module includes a carrier module and at least one electrode thereon. More specifically, the electrode module includes a planar carrier module made of a laminate of a metal layer and an insulator layer, which metal layer is divided into at least two metal conductor elements; and at least one electrode formed directly on the carrier module and including a membrane element for imparting chemical sensitivity to the electrode, the membrane element being applied to the insulator layer to be in electrical contact with one of the metal conductor elements through the insulator layer. The insulator layer preferably has die cut perforations through which the membrane element extends into electrical contact with the conductor layer. In the most economical embodiment, the carrier module is a common chip carrier according to ISO 7816-2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Epocal Inc.
    Inventor: Imants R Lauks
  • Patent number: 6875327
    Abstract: The invention provides a biosensor comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of a electrical conductive material such as a noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Miyazaki, Hiroyuki Tokunaga, Masaki Fujiwara, Eriko Yamanishi, Yoshinobu Tokuno
  • Patent number: 6858433
    Abstract: A biosensing cell assembly having a measurement loop with a test cell having an analyte reaction zone for amperometric measurement of a response current to determine analyte concentration and a noise cancellation loop arranged to be physically exposed to the same electromagnetic environment as the measurement loop. The noise cancellation loop has a predetermined impedance within a range of the impedance of the test cell analyte reaction zone and provides a current to cancel or reduce the effects of the electromagnetic environment on the measurement loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Maury Zivitz
  • Patent number: 6849174
    Abstract: A gas concentration measuring apparatus which has a gas sensor designed to measure, for example, the concentrations of O2 and HOx contained in exhaust emissions of an automotive engine is provided. The apparatus includes a signal processing circuit which converts a current signal outputted from the gas sensor as a function of the concentration of either of O2 and NOx into a voltage signal. The gas sensor and the signal processing circuit are connected electrically through a conductor. The conductor has a length which is determined as a function of a level of the current signal outputted from the gas sensor. The weaker the level of the current signal is, the shorter the length of the conductor. This minimizes addition of electrical noises to the current signal outputted from the gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Hada, Eiichi Kurokawa, Tomoo Kawase, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Satoshi Haseda
  • Patent number: 6846639
    Abstract: The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Robin R. Miles, Kodumudi S. Venkateswaran, Christopher K. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6841053
    Abstract: An electronic tongue for the detection of ozone is based on voltammetry, and comprises at least one working electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the working electrode(s) is(are) made of one or more transition metals or Au, or alloys thereof, or alloys thereof with other metals. The data processing is made by multivariate analysis. The sensor can be implemented on-line or in-line in a processing plant where it is desirable to monitor and control ozone levels, e.g. sterilization and purification plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Otre AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Winquist, Carina Högberg, Christina Krantz-Rückler, Kjell Ekberg
  • Publication number: 20040251144
    Abstract: A monitor is disclosed for monitoring an atmosphere for the presence of a target gas, the monitor comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: John Chapples, Martin Legg, Neils Hansen
  • Patent number: 6827829
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a concentration measuring apparatus, a test strip for the concentration measuring apparatus, a biosensor system and a method for forming terminals of the test strip, whereby a component to be measured can be measured by the test strip fit to the target component to be measured. A type judgement electrode is provided separately from a positive electrode and a negative electrode in a measuring apparatus so as to judge the type of a set test strip with the measuring apparatus. Thus only when a test strip matching the measuring apparatus is set, the type judgement electrode is electrically connected to a terminal of the set test strip, enabling the measuring apparatus to measure a component to be measured in a liquid test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kawanaka, Yoshinobu Tokuno, Kohei Ishida
  • Patent number: 6824739
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oxidation sensor for an electrical circuit or MEMS device that includes a conductor located on an insulating substrate and a sensor trace located on the insulating substrate adjacent the conductor. The sensor trace is located on the insulating substrate adjacent the conductor and is configured to oxidize at a rate greater than an electrical component associated with the sensor trace on the electrical circuit or MEMS device when the sensor trace and the electrical component are exposed to a same oxidizing environment. By oxidizing and thus becoming an open circuit more rapidly than any structure on a electrical circuit or MEMS device at a given relative humidity (i.e. in the same package), the oxidation sensor is designed to provide early warning of oxidation. Thus, the present invention serves as a sensor that will give advance warning of a leaky package and associated oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignees: Agere Systems Inc., Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Susanne Arney, David J. Bishop, Herbert R. Shea
  • Patent number: 6818110
    Abstract: An electrochemical deposition and testing system consisting of individually addressable electrode arrays, a fully automated deposition head, and a parallel screening apparatus is described. The system is capable of synthesizing and screening millions of new compositions at an unprecedented rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Warren, Robert C. Haushalter, Leonid Matsiev, Martin Devenney, Eric McFarland, Earl Danielson
  • Patent number: 6818111
    Abstract: A probe is described for determining an oxygen concentration in a gas mixture, in particular in the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, having a Nernst measuring cell, which has a first electrode (Nernst electrode) which is exposed to the gas mixture to be measured via a diffusion barrier, a second electrode (reference electrode) which is exposed to a reference gas, and a solid electrolyte body arranged between the first and the second electrode, and having a pump cell, which has a first electrode (inner pump electrode) which is exposed to the gas mixture via the diffusion barrier, a second electrode (outer pump electrode) which is exposed to the gas mixture, and a solid electrolyte body arranged between the first and the second electrode. The Nernst electrode and the inner pump electrode are connected at least in some sections via a joint supply conductor to a circuit arrangement for controlling and evaluating the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lenfers, Walter Strassner, Johann Riegel, Lothar Diehl
  • Publication number: 20040178067
    Abstract: A biosensor according to the present invention comprises a support 1, a conductive layer 2 composed of an electrical conductive material such as noble metal, for example gold, palladium or the like, and carbon, slits 3a and 3b parallel to the side of the support 1, slits 4a and 4b vertical to the side of the support 1, a working electrode 5, a counter electrode 6, a detecting electrode 7, a spacer 8 which covers the working electrode 5, the counter electrode 6 and the detecting electrode 7 on the support 1, a rectangular cutout part 9 forming a specimen supply path, an inlet 9a of the specimen supply path, a reagent layer 12 formed by applying a reagent including an enzyme or the like to the working electrode 5, the counter electrode 6 and the detecting electrode 7, which is exposed from the cutout part 9 of the spacer 8, and a cover 13 which covers the spacer 8, as shown in FIG. 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Shoji Miyazaki, Hiroyuki Tokunaga, Masaki Fujiwara, Eriko Yamanishi, Yoshinobu Tokuno
  • Patent number: 6787368
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample. The method includes reacting an analyte-containing sample with reagents capable of generating a first coil-forming peptide in solution form. This peptide is then contacted with a biosensor whose detection surface has surface-bound molecules of a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide, under conditions effective to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer on the detection surface. The formation of the coiled-coil heterodimer produces a measurable change in biosensor signal, which is measured to detect the presence of or quantitate the amount of analyte in a sample. Also disclosed is a biosensor device for carrying out the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Helix BioPharma Corporation
    Inventors: Wah Y. Wong, Heman Chao, Donald Segal, Jerry McElroy
  • Patent number: 6776889
    Abstract: A corrosion monitor comprising electronic circuitry arranged such that DC current flowing between two electrodes is reduced to essentially zero, while allowing any naturally occurring AC current noise to flow unhindered and be monitored by the instrumentation. The two electrodes consist of one inert reference electrode, and one electrode constructed of the material to be monitored (the working electrode). Even though the two electrodes will have different galvanic potentials, by reducing the DC current to zero the electronic circuitry is able to avoid galvanic effects. Furthermore, the voltage potential can be monitored between the inert current reference electrode, and a third electrode also constructed of an inert material. As corrosion activity occurs on the working electrode, both current noise and voltage noise may then be monitored simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 6776890
    Abstract: A method for operating a mixed-potential exhaust-gas probe for an internal combustion engine having a heatable probe ceramic 1.3 with a first electrode 1.5, which is arranged in a chamber 1.6 and is subjected to the reference atmosphere and with a second electrode 1.4 which detects gas molecules and is arranged in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a pump voltage being applied between the first and second electrodes by means of a pump voltage source, so that, in the interior of the chamber 1.6, a somewhat reduced oxygen partial pressure is adjusted by the electrochemical pumping off of the oxygen molecules, characterized in that one applies a constant external voltage to the electrodes (1.4, 1.5) with this voltage deviating from the thermodynamic equilibrium voltage of the wanted reaction, measuring and evaluating the current dropping across the electrodes (1.4, 1.5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Mueller, Thomas Brinz, Bernd Schumann, Bernhard Bloemer
  • Patent number: 6767449
    Abstract: Method for operating a sensor for determining the concentration of oxidizing gases in gas mixtures, especially of the nitrogen oxide concentration in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, wherein the sensor includes: at least one chamber (1; 2) mounted in a solid state electrolyte (20), the chamber being connected to the gas mixture via a first diffusion barrier (4); a second chamber (3) arranged in the solid state electrolyte (20) and the chamber having a pregivable constant oxygen partial pressure; on the solid state electrolyte, an oxygen pump electrode (9) subjected to the exhaust gas; a further oxygen pump electrode (7; 8) as well as an NO pump electrode (10) in the at least one chamber (1; 2); and an oxygen reference electrode (6) arranged in the second chamber (3); and at least a voltage is made available at the electrodes and at least a pump current is evaluated as a measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Berndt Cramer, Bernd Schumann
  • Patent number: 6758962
    Abstract: Oxygen concentration measurement is carried out over a broad range by an instrument utilizing a zinc-air cell having a lower-than-nominal potential difference imposed across its electrodes by a shunt branch incorporating the source-drain circuit of a field effect transistor (FET). A feedback circuit is used to improve linearity of the output and cell life without sacrificing the broad dynamic range achieved by the use of the FET shunt branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Doxs Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Fitzgerald, Edward C. Berdich, Peter M. Draper
  • Patent number: 6759010
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting the activity of a molecule or analyte of interest is provided. The chemical sensors comprise and array or plurality of sensors that are capable of interacting with a molecule of interest, wherein the interaction provides a response fingerprint. The fingerprint can be associated with a library of similar molecules of interest to determine the molecule's activity and diffusion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Michael Freund, Adam J. Matzger
  • Publication number: 20040112742
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a substrate employing a copper decoration includes a bath having at least two receiving containers for receiving electrolytes, slots formed at insides of the receiving containers for receiving substrates to be analyzed in a direction that is normal to a bottom face of the bath, lower copper plates provided in the receiving containers, the lower copper plates making contact with entire rear faces of the substrates received in the receiving containers, upper copper plates provided in the receiving containers, each of the upper copper plates corresponding to a respective one of the lower copper plates, and separated from front faces of the substrates, and a power source connected to the upper copper plates and the lower copper plates for providing voltages to the same. A plurality of substrates may be simultaneously analyzed using one apparatus thereby greatly reducing an amount of time required for the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Gi-Jung Kim, Kyoo-Chul Cho, Tae-Yeol Heo, Sook-Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 6746584
    Abstract: A wide range oxygen sensor comprising a first oxygen pump cell, the first pump cell comprising: a first and a second electrode, with a first communication zone therebetween, the first electrode being exposed to exhaust gas, the second electrode being exposed to a heat source; and wherein at least one element of said first pump cell incorporates a gas-diffusion limiting characteristic; a second oxygen pump cell, operating at opposite polarity from said first oxygen pump cell, electrically isolated from said first oxygen pump cell, and disposed within a sensor substrate, the second cell comprising: a third and a fourth electrode, with a second communication zone therebetween, the third electrode being exposed to exhaust gas, the fourth electrode being exposed to a heat source; and wherein at least one element of said second pump cell incorporates a gas-diffusion limiting characteristic; at least one heating element for providing heat to said second electrode and said fourth electrode; and an electrical circuit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Da Yu Wang, Paul Casey Kikuchi, Lone-Wen F. Tai, David Sturge Eddy, Raymond Leo Bloink, Eric J. Detwiler, Larry Max Oberdier
  • Publication number: 20040099530
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for coupling with a sensor having two output terminals is disclosed wherein one terminal is coupled to a first ground and the circuit arrangement is coupled with a second ground. The circuit arrangement comprises an attenuator coupled with the output terminals of the sensor, first and second buffers coupled with the attenuator to generate respective output signals, a differential amplifier receiving the output signals of the buffers, and a current source generating a bias current which is fed to the input terminal not coupled with ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Stephan Bolz
  • Publication number: 20040089544
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor for controlling a concentration of oxygen and/or measuring NOx by allowing a current to flow through an ion-conductive member for conducting oxygen ion, by the aid of a current supply circuit, wherein the current, which is outputted from the current supply circuit, has a pulse waveform (current signal) having a constant crest value, and the current supply circuit comprises a rectangular wave-generating circuit for controlling a frequency of the current signal on the basis of an electromotive force generated in the ion-conductive member to which the current signal is supplied. Accordingly, it is possible to highly accurately measure the predetermined gas component while scarcely being affected by the electric noise or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Yasuhiko Hamada, Nobuyuki Kokune
  • Patent number: 6730199
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (10) comprising essentially a support (11) wherein is placed a measuring card (12), a perfusion device (13), a thermostat (14), a measuring box (15) and a measurement management system (16). The measuring card (12) comprises an electrode array whereof one end emerges into the chamber and the other end is placed outside said chamber. The group of cells is placed in the chamber which is connected to the perfusion device (13). The support (11) comprises a connector (25) connecting the card (12) electrodes to the measurement management system (16) via the measuring box (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Claude Hänni, Luc Stoppini
  • Patent number: 6716326
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit arrangement for operating an exhaust-gas probe including a NOx double chamber sensor. The exhaust-gas probe includes: a heatable solid-state electrolyte body having first and second pump chambers and diffusion barriers for separating the chambers from each other and from the exhaust gas. A third chamber communicates with the atmosphere. An external pump electrode is exposed to the exhaust gas and a first oxygen pump electrode is disposed in the first pump chamber. A second oxygen pump electrode is disposed in at least one of the first and second pump chambers and a nitrogen oxide pump electrode is disposed in the second pump chamber. An air reference electrode is disposed in the third chamber. Only one pump voltage generating circuit unit is provided and a switching device switches the pump voltage generating circuit unit between respective ones of the pump electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Siegbert Steinlechner, Bernd Schumann
  • Patent number: 6712054
    Abstract: A device according to the present invention is provided with element temperature measurement voltage application circuit for temporarily applying a predetermined voltage for element temperature measurement to a sensor element of an air-fuel ratio sensor equipped to an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, first sensor output reading circuit for reading in a sensor output just before applied with the voltage, and second sensor output reading circuit for reading in a sensor output being applied with the voltage, wherein the element temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor is estimated based on the sensor output just before applied with the voltage and the sensor output being applied with the voltage. Further, during internal resistance measurement of the sensor element of the air-fuel ratio sensor equipped to the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, a voltage applied to the heater for heating the sensor element is maintained to be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Hosoya, Koji Takahashi, Shigeo Ohkuma
  • Publication number: 20040040841
    Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting the presence of one or more analytes. The sensor comprises at least one electrode pair and a photopolymerized electrically conducting polymer composition disposed in contact between each of the electrode pairs. Each polymer composition may include an organic polymer capable of interacting with one or more analytes. The sensor also comprises a means for delivering an analyte to each polymer composition, and a means for processing the resultant electronic signal from each polymer composition and electrode pair. Preferably, the sensor comprises a plurality of different polymer compositions, each with a dedicated electrode pair, to generate a collection of signals that provide a fingerprint unique to a particular analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, Jinseong Kim, Harry Jabs, Armando Solar, Larris Andrew Rutherford, Daniel Westerheim
  • Patent number: 6649041
    Abstract: The invention provides a deterioration detector for an exhaust gas sensor capable of detecting an amount of change with age of an internal resistance and conducting deterioration judgment taking into consideration fluctuation between products and temperature dependency of the internal resistance of the exhaust gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Hashimoto, Masaharu Yuhara
  • Patent number: 6635167
    Abstract: An instrument (20) has a well (28a-b) for receiving a dry cell (75), an opening (78) through which a first connector (74) is exposed to the well (28a-b), and a boss (76) adjacent the opening (78). The boss (76) precludes the wrong terminal of the dry cell (75) from engaging the first connector (74) when the dry cell (75) is inserted into the well (28a-b) in incorrect orientation. A second connector (80) includes a base (81), a first leg (82) resiliently connected to and extending away from the base portion, a second leg (84) resiliently connected to and extending away from the first leg (82), and a third leg (86) resiliently connected to and extending away from the second leg (84) and toward the first leg (82). A display (42) for the instrument (20) has a lens (90) having a substantially transparent substrate with a polyurethane coating. The instrument housing has first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Carol Jane Batman, Greg Paul Carpenter, Robert Glenn Davies, Richard J. Kasle, Kurt Gerard Klem, Robert Anthony Parks, Timothy L. Ranney, William Brothers, Christopher Louis Belisle, Michael Steven Ray, Leonard Allen Vetsch, Marvin W. Glass, Richard W. Wilson, James R. Parker, Vladimir Svetnik, Lynne Denise Sly, Sandy Mark Richards, Nancy Kennedy Byrd, Patricia A. Hopkinson
  • Patent number: 6635161
    Abstract: A control circuit unit which enables an existing NOx sensor to serve not only as an NOx sensor but also as an oxygen concentration sensor by attachment to an existing NOx sensor. A control circuit unit 31 is connected to an NOx sensor 1. A first pump element control circuit 56 controls a voltage applied to a first pump element 3 so as to control the partial pressure of oxygen in a first processing chamber 9 such that an output voltage of an oxygen concentration detection element becomes substantially constant. A first pump current is detected using a current detection resistor 101 and is then output via an A/D converter circuit 65. A second pump element control circuit 57 applies a constant voltage to a second pump element 5 in a direction so as to pump out oxygen from a second processing chamber 10. A second pump current is detected using a current detection resistor 107 and is then output via an A/D converter circuit 65.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20030188967
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air/fuel ratio detection apparatus for a gas. This apparatus includes (a) a heater portion having an elongate cylindrical shape; (b) a solid electrolyte layer surrounding the heater portion and activated by heat to conduct oxygen ions therethrough; (c) a first electrode positioned between the heater portion and the solid electrolyte layer; (d) second and third electrodes in contact with an outer surface of the solid electrolyte layer and away from each other; (e) a first voltage applying device for applying a first voltage between the first and second electrodes; (f) a second voltage applying device for applying a second voltage between the first and third electrodes, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage; and (g) a diffusion layer made of a porous material and covering the second electrode to adjust transmission of the gas to the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI UNISIA AUTOMOTIVE, LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeo Isitani, Futoshi Ichiyanagi, Yasuji Orimo, Chiharu Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 6630309
    Abstract: Binding between two members of a recognition pair, e.g. antigen-antibody is determined by utilizing a probe which includes a piezoelectric crystal with electrodes on two opposite faces of the crystal. The crystal carries one or more metal plates which may be the same or different than the electrodes, the metal plates having immobilized thereon a first member of a recognition pair. Binding of a second member of the recognition pair to the first member, or dissociation between the two members and release of the second member from the probe, causes a change of immobilized mass which results in a change to the probe's resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignees: Biosensor Applications Sweden AB, Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Itamar Willner, Shlomo Levi, Yael Cohen, Eugenii Katz, Arie Dagan
  • Publication number: 20030178303
    Abstract: A compensation circuit (KS) is provided between the output of a differential amplifier (Diff_Amp) and the input of a controller (R). The compensation circuit generates a compensation signal, whose characteristic curve approximates to that of the parasitic signal, with the same amplitude and frequency (Phi1) as the parasitic signal, but by 180 DEG out of phase. The compensation signal is subtracted from the differential signal (DELTA Vs) and allows the parasitic signal to be eliminated to a great extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stephan Bolz
  • Patent number: 6620315
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin
  • Publication number: 20030168335
    Abstract: An integrated current-to-voltage conversion circuit converts a first current to an output voltage representative of the first current. The circuit includes a first contact pad and second and third contact pads capable of being coupled across a first resistor. A first operational amplifier has a first input coupled to the first contact pad for producing a first voltage thereat, a second input for receiving a reference voltage, and a first output coupled to the third contact pad. A second voltage appears at the third contact pad. A second operational amplifier has a second output at which a third voltage appears, a first input coupled to the second output, and a second input coupled to the second contact pad. The output voltage is substantially equal to the difference between the second and third voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel P. Rankin, Scott D. Vernon
  • Publication number: 20030164294
    Abstract: An analytical system to determine the presence of specific constituents in a liquid stream. The analytical system is an automated system that facilitates the testing of one or more samples according to a variety of methods. The methods may be of varying levels of complexity and may be run either in parallel or sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Craig B. Ranger, Karin L. Bogren, Ninglan Liao, Craig P. Korn, Timothy J. Bahowick, Eric C. Dauenhauer
  • Patent number: 6614242
    Abstract: A method and a sensor (1) for oil-in-water measurement, in particular for the oil industry. In an electric measuring cell (7, 12) a capacitance is measured as a measure of an oil concentration in the water flowing through or in the accumulation filter (16, 16a, 16b). In order to reduce the maintenance requirement, the measuring cell (7, 12) is automatically calibrated at recurring time intervals with clean water (FIG. 1) and/or flushed with water, possibly oil-contaminated, in the back-flushing direction (FIG. 2). Advantages of the invention are reduced signal drift, improved long-term reliability and a long service life without monitoring or filter exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel Matter, Walter Rüegg, Thomas Kleiner, John Anthony Byatt
  • Patent number: 6599406
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a concentration measuring apparatus, a test strip for the concentration measuring apparatus, a biosensor system and a method for forming terminals of the test strip, whereby a component to be measured can be measured by the test strip fit to the target component to be measured. A type judgement electrode is provided separately from a positive electrode and a negative electrode in a measuring apparatus so as to judge the type of a set test strip with the measuring apparatus. Thus only when a test strip matching the measuring apparatus is set, the type judgement electrode is electrically connected to a terminal of the set test strip, enabling the measuring apparatus to measure a component to be measured in a liquid test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignees: Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kawanaka, Yoshinobu Tokuno, Kohei Ishida
  • Patent number: 6558520
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for generating a virtual ground includes a micro-controller, an analog circuit and a read-only memory. A pulse-width modulated signal, which is output by the micro-controller, is converted, by using the analog circuit, into the virtual ground as a common reference potential of an exhaust probe which operates according to the principle of the galvanic oxygen concentration cell with a solid electrolyte. The actual value of the virtual ground is read into the micro-controller through the use of an A/D converter and is compared with a predefined setpoint value. The potential value of the virtual ground is then controlled on the basis of the difference value. An exhaust probe configuration is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Amtmann, Stephan Bolz, Jürgen Rössler
  • Patent number: 6551493
    Abstract: An ultraviolet light measuring chip and a sensor are provided simple in structure, easy to handle and of high precise measurement. The chip comprises a first reaction chamber for detection of total received light and a second reaction chamber for detection of ultraviolet-cut received light. The first and second chambers contain or hold therein counter and reference electrodes immersed in coexistent electrolyte solution containing quinone, organic solvent and electrolyte the solution being also contained the chambers. The first chamber has a total light transmission window and a first working electrode immersed in the electrolyte solution. The second chamber has an ultraviolet-cut light transmission window and a second working electrode immersed in the electrolyte solution. The sensor is adapted to sweep voltages of the first and second working electrodes to the respective reference electrodes, detect respective currents and calculate out an amount of ultraviolet light from difference of the detected currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Mori, Takeshi Nishida, Hideaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6547955
    Abstract: A gas concentration measuring apparatus which has a gas sensor designed to measure, for example, the concentrations of O2 and HOx contained in exhaust emissions of an automotive engine is provided. The apparatus includes a signal processing circuit which converts a current signal outputted from the gas sensor as a function of the concentration of either of O2 and HOx into a voltage signal. The gas sensor and the signal processing circuit are connected electrically through a conductor. The conductor has a length which is determined as a function of a level of the current signal outputted from the gas sensor. The weaker the level of the current signal is, the shorter the length of the conductor. This minimizes addition of electrical noises to the current signal outputted from the gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Hada, Eiichi Kurokawa, Tomoo Kawase, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Satoshi Haseda
  • Patent number: 6544475
    Abstract: An analyte detection system is provided with calibration information uniquely specific to the set of test strips to which the sample is to be applied. The calibration information may be stored in permanent memory of the testing device, such that the device is discarded after use of all the test strips in a kit, or it may be stored in a calibration chip accompanying the set of test strips and distributed therewith, thereby enabling re-use of the testing device with a different set of test strips and associated calibration chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Amira Medical
    Inventors: Joel S. Douglas, Karen R. Drexler, Jeffrey N. Roe
  • Patent number: 6541741
    Abstract: In performing control to supply power to a heater by detecting the impedance of a sensor element and feeding it back for control, a heater control device for an air-fuel ratio according to the invention can prevent damage to the heater or the sensor element by suppressing an excessive rise in the temperature of the heater and hence the sensor element even when the impedance of the sensor element has increased due to degradation of the sensor element. The heater control device includes: a feedback control unit which, based on the impedance of the air-fuel ratio sensor element, controls supply power to the heater for heating the air-fuel ratio sensor; a half-activation time detection unit which detects the half-activation time of the air-fuel ratio sensor; and a power limiting unit which, based on the half-activation time detected by the half-activation time detection unit, limits the power that is feedback-controlled by the feedback control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20030059342
    Abstract: An agitated flow cell had a micro/miniature vibrator device such as pager motor to agitate the flow cell and its associated sensor to bring fresh analyte to the sensor surface without the need for microfluidic channels, pumps or valves. The agitated flow cell improves the confidence measure of a given sample reading by directing the flow of sample to the sensor/sample interface in a substantially shorter period of time than that required by flow cells that rely on diffusion of analyte molecules through the liquid depletion region in order to bring the sample reliably in contact with the sensor's biosensing film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jerome L. Elkind
  • Publication number: 20030053935
    Abstract: A molecular recognition sensor system for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte including a resistive sensor having a semiconductive polymer film which swells when exposed to an analyte and interferents and a molecular imprinted resistive sensor having a semiconductive polymer film imprinted with the analyte which thereby swells when exposed to interferents, a circuit connected to the resistive sensor and the molecular imprinted resistive sensor for detecting a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor when exposed to the analyte and the interferents, the change in the resistance of the molecular imprinted resistive sensor when exposed to the analyte and interferents, and for subtracting the change in resistance of the molecular imprinted resistive sensor from the change in resistance of the resistive sensor to reduce the effect of any interferents on the change in resistance of the resistive sensor thereby determining the presence and concentration of the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Christopher E. Dub
  • Patent number: 6525549
    Abstract: In a method for determining the concentration of a substance in a liquid, especially for blood sugar determination, the investigated liquid is applied to the test field of a test strip (14) to be measured by way of electrical current and the resulting oxidation current in the test field is captured and evaluated. The timewise course of the oxidation current strength is captured during a calculated interval beginning with the application of the liquid, a first extreme value (34) of the current strength is compared with at least one threshold value, and an indication is produced depending on the result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: LRE Technology Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Poellmann
  • Publication number: 20030019750
    Abstract: An Electrochemical biosensor readout meter which can do selectively quantitative analysis of sample of living body such as blood sugar, cholesterol and other elements in blood is disclosed. It is an object of this invention to provide electrochemical biosensor readout meter which has no distortion in peak current and can be manufactured in a low cost. In a preferred embodiment of present invention, a voltage converting means (OP2) is set to convert peak current which occurs at 3rd voltage applying time (t3) into voltage with no distortion and an amplifier (OP3) is set to make digital voltage signal at measuring time (t4) lower than reference voltage of A/D converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Jun-Oh Ryu, Jin-Woo Lee, In-Hwan Choi
  • Publication number: 20020177017
    Abstract: A sensor system for sensing the relative humidity level of gas stream in a fuel cell includes a humidity sensor that senses the relative humidity of a gas stream and generates a relative humidity signal. A pressure sensor senses the pressure of the gas stream and generates a pressure signal. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the gas stream and generates a temperature signal. A compensator is connected to the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor. The compensator generates a compensated relative humidity signal based on the relative humidity signal, the temperature signal and/or the pressure signal. Additional inputs to the compensator can include one or more gas composition sensors that determine the concentration of one or more gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Patricia J. Nelson, Jameson R. Forte, Eric L. Thompson