Abstract: Various embodiments provide a system for detecting one or more analytes in a fluid. The system comprises: a controller adapted to obtain one or more sample streams of the fluid. The controller is configured in use to form a plurality of output streams. Each output stream comprises at least part of one of the one or more sample streams. The system further comprises: a detector adapted to receive from the controller the plurality of output streams and comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is operable to detect an interaction between a corresponding detecting agent and a corresponding analyte. The detector is configured in use to detect one or more said interactions using the plurality of output streams to determine if the fluid contains one or more said analytes. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for conducting diagnostic assays. The cartridge consists of an assembly of components that are easily assembled. The cartridge provides means for receiving a patient sample, precisely controlling fluid introduction, onboard storage of assay fluid and conducting different assay protocols and detection of a plurality of analytes. Methods of use for the cartridge are described. The disclosed invention is suitable for point of care environments or any place where rapid, ultrasensitive testing is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly comprising a first electronic wiring substrate having a first and a second surface and at least one analyte sensor formed on the first surface thereof, the at least one analyte sensor being connected with one or more electrical contact points, a second electronic wiring substrate having a first and a second surface and at least one analyte sensor formed on the first surface part thereof, the at least one analyte sensor being connected with one or more electrical contact points, and a spacer having a through-going recess with a first and a second opening, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the spacer are arranged in a layered structure, where the first surface of the first substrate closes the first opening of the spacer and the first surface of the second substrate closes the second opening of the spacer, thereby forming a measuring cell which is faced by at least one sensor from each of the substrates.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Abstract: A systems and apparatus for measuring non-electroactive materials in liquids using electrochemical detection. A first electrical activity of a electroactive material is detected in absence of a target non-electroactive material (Step 120). A second electrical activity of the electroactive material is detected in presence of the target non-electroactive material (Step 130). A difference between the first and second electrical activities is obtained, and based on the obtained difference, a concentration of the target non-electroactive material is identified (Step 140).

Abstract: Described is an electrochemical flow cell (1) for analyzing fluid samples including a first member (100) including a first working surface (101), the first working surface (101) including a sample outlet (102), and a second member (200) including a second working surface (201), the second working surface (201) including a working electrode (202). The first and second member (100, 200) being connectable to each other to create a chamber (2) in between the first (101) and second working surface (201). The first working surface (101) being opposite and spaced apart from the second working surface (201) and the sample outlet (102) being directed at the working electrode (202). The electrochemical flow cell (1) includes an adjustment element for stepless adjustment of a distance (d) between the first working surface (101) and the second working surface (201).

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: This invention provides a biological component-measuring device, enabling the operator to easily calibrate the entire device and capable of measuring biological components accurately, and a method for calibrating the device. The device measures a sample including a body fluid taken through a body fluid sampler by sending it with a pump through a sample channel to a sensor. The device further includes a calibrating liquid channel through which a calibrating liquid can be supplied to the sensor via the sample channel by a switching of a first flow path changeover valve placed in the sample channel at a location upstream of the pump and connected to the channel. The method includes introducing the calibrating liquid in the calibrating liquid channel, via other channels, into the sensor by switching the valve.

Abstract: A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, an oxidation-reduction potential probe, a temperature detector, and an external pressure-balanced reference electrode assembly. Each component of the device works in conjunction with the other components and each has electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.

Abstract: A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, an oxidation-reduction potential probe, a temperature detector, and an external pressure-balanced reference electrode assembly. Each component of the device works in conjunction with the other components and each has electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.

Abstract: The cartridge includes a sensor structure that has multiple sensors positioned on a substrate. The cartridge also includes a common channel defined in the substrate such that a fluid flowing in the common channel contacts each of the sensors as a result of the fluid flowing from an inlet of the common channel to an outlet of the common channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical sensor including a housing with a chamber containing an electrolyte, at least one measuring electrode for oxygen detection, at least one counter electrode and at least one reference electrode, wherein the sensor has a two-part diffusion barrier, wherein a first part of the barrier forms a labyrinth with a second part of the barrier disposed between the measuring and the counter electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for identifying biopolymers, such as strands of DNA, as they pass through a constriction such as a carbon nanotube nanopore. More particularly, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer forms a temporary electrical circuit between the nanotube nanopore and a second electrode, which may also be a nanotube. Further, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which the constriction is provided with a functionalized unit which, together with a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer, forms a temporary electrical circuit that can be used to characterize that portion of the biopolymer.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising: at least one microfluidic channel that allows the capillary flow of at least one suitable fluid for generating electricity, at least one receiving absorbent region coupled to each microfluidic channel, at least one collecting absorbent region coupled to each microfluidic channel, a cathodic zone coupled to each microfluidic channel, and an anodic zone coupled to each microfluidic channel, where each receiving absorbent region and each collecting absorbent region are coupled to one of the microfluidic channels such that when a fluid suitable for generating electricity is deposited in the receiving absorbent region, it flows by capillary action through the microfluidic channel to reach the collecting absorbent region where it is absorbed. As well as an analysis device comprising one or more of these fuel cells.

Abstract: An adjustable insertion assembly for an electrochemical sensor includes an electrode holder to receive the sensor, having a distal aperture to permit process fluid to contact the sensor. A receptacle slidably receives the holder, for a sliding range of motion extending from fully inserted to fully retracted positions. An open distal end portion of the receptacle extends through a wall of a process fluid vessel, so that the aperture is open to the process fluid when fully inserted, and closed when fully retracted. A leverage member is releasably movable relative to the receptacle, and moves with a captured extension. An abutment of the receptacle engages the extension so that movement of the leverage member in opposite directions alternately clamps and releases the electrode holder relative to the receptacle to substantially prevent and permit movement at substantially any point within the range of movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pH sensing apparatus that includes a flexible polymer substrate, one or more amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes disposed on the flexible polymer substrate, and a reference electrode corresponding to each amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. Each reference electrode is disposed on the flexible polymer substrate in close proximity to the corresponding amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. The amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes provide a potential in reference to the reference electrodes that varies according to a pH of a substance contacting the amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes and the reference electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid distribution methods and assemblies for supplying fluid to test assemblies. One embodiment of a fluid distribution assembly comprises at least two input lines each configured to supply a fluid. A source selection component is connected to the input lines and configured to receive the fluid of the input lines and select from the fluids a target fluid. A range selection component is configured to receive the target fluid and to select a flow range of the target fluid, outputting the target fluid to a flow component comprising a first flow adjustment component having a first flow rate resolution and a second flow adjustment component having a second flow rate resolution. The range selection component is configured to selectively output the target fluid to one of the first flow adjustment component and the second flow adjustment component based on the selected flow range.

Abstract: Ion-selective electrodes (ISE's) optimised for analyte determinations and provides methods and apparatus for conditioning ion selective electrodes. The conditioning methods and apparatus are particularly useful for ISE's selective for, difficult to condition, less stable and temperature sensitive products, an are based on a concentration gradient and/or a short exposure to an increased temperature.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides for devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore. The devices and methods are also used to determine rapidly (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented for electronic sensing of chemical and biochemical analytes. An electronic sensor having a at least two electrodes separated by a nanoscale gap wherein the separation between the first electrode and the second electrode forms a cavity capable of containing a fluid wherein two or more posts comprised of an insulating material extend into the cavity from the face of the first electrode to the face of the second electrode. Optionally, the cavity is closed with a bead. Devices according to embodiments of the invention are capable of detecting chemicals and biochemicals through redox cycling events. Additionally, devices and methods according to embodiments of the invention are adapted to identify and sequence nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor with a plurality of electrodes is provided with an electrolyte, with a gas-permeable membrane (1), with a gas-permeable and conductive carrier layer (2) applied to the membrane (1) and with at least one measuring electrode (3) applied to the carrier layer (2). The measuring electrode (3) is of a punctiform design and the electrochemical potential difference of the reaction between the carrier layer (2) and the measuring electrode (3) is at least 20 mV, can be manufactured in a compact form and makes possible an especially low power consumption for measured gases in the percentage range.

Abstract: A microlectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring electrolyte bath fluids are provided. The electrolyte bath fluids can be electroplating, electroless plating or etching solutions. The monitoring systems employ microfluidic devices, which have built in microfluidic channels and microfabricated thin-film electrodes. The devices are configured with fluid pumps to control the movement and mixing of test fluids through the microfluidic channels. The microfabricated thin-film electrodes are configured so that the plating or etching bath fluid composition can be characterized by electrochemical measurements. The monitoring methods and system provide faster measurement times, generate minimal waste, and occupy dramatically reduced physical space compared to conventional bath-monitor systems. The monitoring systems and method also provide low-cost system and methods for measuring or monitoring electroless plating bath rates.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a pipet comprising first and second channels separated by a septum and having a tip at which each of the first and second channels is open; an electrolyte solution contained within both the first and second channels of the pipet; a first electrode extending into the electrolyte in the first channel of the pipet; a second electrode extending into the electrolyte in the second channel of the pipet; means for applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes; means for measuring alternating current components of a current flowing to or from the first electrode; means for applying an oscillatory perturbation to the pipet; and means responsive to the alternating current measured to be flowing to or from the first electrode to adjust a position of the pipet such as to control a separation between the tip of the pipet and a surface of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device for sensing and/or actuating, the electronic device comprising at least one microneedle (10) on a substrate (1), each of the microneedles (10) comprising at least one channel (7, 8) surrounded by an insulating layer (6). The present invention also provides a method for making such an electronic device for sensing and/or actuating.

Abstract: An electronic fluidic interface for use with an electronic sensing chip is provided. The electronic fluidic interface provides fluidic reagents to the surface of a sensor chip. The electronic sensing chip typically houses an array of electronic sensors capable of collecting data in a parallel manner. The electronic fluidic interface is used, for example, as part of a system that drives the chip and collects, stores, analyzes, and displays data from the chip and as part of a system for testing chips after manufacture. The electronic fluidic interface is useful, for example, nucleic sequencing applications.

Abstract: Sensor devices, methods and kits for detection of biomolecules are provided. According to various embodiments, the devices, methods and kits provide enhanced sensitivity through the measurement of electrochemical impedance and related properties. Certain embodiments employ nanostructured electrode elements including nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanocones. In a particular embodiment, single walled carbon nanotubes disposed in interconnected networks are used as electrodes. The device, methods and kits described herein have application for detection and measurement of biomolecular species including polynucleotides, proteins, polysaccharides and the like.

Abstract: In vitro analyte sensors and methods of analyte determination are provided. Embodiments include sensors that include a pair of electrodes to monitor filling of the sample chamber with sample.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample of liquid are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling plate. In particular the invention relates to a sampling plate for measuring certain selected properties of a liquid sample, such as the glucose levels in a blood sample. Sampling plates of the present invention have a sample zone (20) for receiving a liquid sample and an overflow reservoir (26) linked to the sample zone (20) via an overflow channel (26a), so that excess blood sample can be redirected away from the sample zone (20) and contained.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, an axial bore circumscribed by the outer wall, and a barrier wall that aids in defining a reference cavity. The housing further including a plurality of cross members in spaced relation to one another disposed between the axial bore and the outer wall, each cross member defining an aperture. A junction plug is disposed at the distal end of the housing. The junction plug comprises a porous material that enables ionic flow through the junction plug. The sensor enables ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode within the reference cavity through the apertures of the plurality of cross members. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.

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 the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.

Abstract: A wellbore tool has an electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in a fluid downhole in a wellbore. The sensor comprises a temperature- and pressure-resistant housing containing a flow path for the fluids. The fluids flow over one side of a gas permeable membrane the other side of the membrane being exposed to a chamber containing at least two electrodes and containing a reaction solution which together with the hydrogen sulphide or thiols create a redox reaction resulting in an electrical current dependent upon the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in the fluid. Measurement is made by passing formation fluid along the flow path and repeatedly applying varying potential to one electrode and measuring the peak current flowing between that electrode and a second electrode.

Abstract: A pH sensor includes an enclosed fluidic channel, an electrolyte solution within the fluidic channel, a first electrode exterior to the fluidic channel, a second electrode within the fluidic channel, a liquid junction extending between the fluidic channel and an exterior of the fluidic channel. The liquid junction is adapted to provide fluid connection between the electrolyte solution within the fluidic channel and an exterior of the fluidic channel. The pH sensor further includes a fluidic switch or fluidic controller in operative connection with the liquid junction to control whether the liquid junction provides fluid connection between the electrolyte solution within the fluidic channel and the exterior of the fluidic channel.

Abstract: Provided is a moisture detection device including: a moisture detection label that has at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detection terminals being provided on abase material with an insulated front surface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base material and formed between the detection terminals with water-dispersible and conductive paint; and detection circuit which detects an electrical connection state between the detection terminals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided wherein a sensor which comprises at least two electrodes and a movable part is alternately biased with at least two different voltages.

Abstract: An electrochemical oxygen sensor includes a micro-porous plastic membrane supported on a sealing disk and located between a gas inflow port and the sensor's electrolyte. The membrane and disk minimize thermal shock effects due to using the sensor at a first location, at a first temperature, and then moving it to a second location at a different temperature.

Abstract: A low maintenance reference electrode has a liquid junction body with a multiplicity of micron-sized capillary channels extending through the body for transporting electrolyte to a test solution. A viscosity-increasing agent thickens the electrolyte to limit its flow to a rate on the order of microliters/day so that a few milliliters of electrolyte suffice to provide an extended electrode life.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for monitoring one or more characteristics associated with a fluid. An insulating layer comprising non-conducting diamond is positioned within a housing and has a surface exposed directly or indirectly to the fluid. A plurality of microelectrodes made of electrically conducting diamond each have a surface exposed directly or indirectly to the fluid. An electrical circuit in electrical communication with each of the microelectrodes is adapted to convert electrical signals from the microelectrodes into at least one signal associated with a characteristic being monitored. The sensing system is well suited to hydrocarbon wellbore related applications, but can also be used in other applications.

Abstract: A flow cell device is formed with: a plurality of cell recess portions adapted to cooperate with a plurality of sensor devices to confine a plurality of sample receiving space for receiving a liquid sample, respectively; a plurality of pairs of first and second guiding channels, each pair being in fluid communication with a respective one of the cell recess portions; a number of connecting recess portions each fluidly communicating the first and second guiding channels that respectively extend to a corresponding pair of the cell recess portions such that the liquid sample is able to flow through the sample receiving spaces sequentially; and inlet and outlet channels in fluid communication with the first and second guiding channels that respectively extend to a first one and a last one of the cell recess portions for introducing and discharging the liquid sample into and from the flow cell device, respectively.

Abstract: This invention provides a biological component-measuring device, enabling the operator to easily calibrate the entire device and capable of measuring biological components accurately, and a method for calibrating the device. The device measures a sample including a body fluid taken through a body fluid sampler by sending it with a pump through a sample channel to a sensor. The device further includes a calibrating liquid channel through which a calibrating liquid can be supplied to the sensor via the sample channel by a switching of a first flow path changeover valve placed in the sample channel at a location upstream of the pump and connected to the channel. The method includes introducing the calibrating liquid in the calibrating liquid channel, via other channels, into the sensor by switching the valve.

Abstract: A fuel sensor includes a passage forming unit, an outer electrode, an inner electrode, and a fuel characteristic detecting device. The passage forming unit defines a fuel passage and a receiving hole intersecting with the fuel passage perpendicularly. The outer electrode having a cylindrical shape is accommodated in the receiving hole, and includes first and second flow ports, which communicate with an inlet side part and an outlet side part of the fuel passage in a radial direction of the outer electrode respectively. The inner electrode is disposed radially inward of the outer electrode. The fuel characteristic detecting device detects an electrical characteristic of fuel flowing through an inner passage which is formed between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. Passage resistance against fuel is larger along an outer passage, which is formed between the outer electrode and the passage forming unit, than along the inner passage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample of liquid are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for molecular analysis. In the method, sidewalls are formed extending through a structure between two structure surfaces, to define an aperture. A layer of material is deposited on the aperture sidewalls and the two structure surfaces. The aperture with the deposited material layer is then configured in a liquid solution with a gradient in a chemical potential, between the two structure surfaces defining the aperture, that is sufficient to cause molecular translocation through the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrochemical measurement system for analyzing heavy metals in organic compound-containing samples, comprising: a lower plate; a flow channel plate; an upper plate; an organic compound-decomposing electrode and a heavy metal analysis electrode; and a flow changeover portion. The disclosed system can continuously perform a pretreatment process for organic compound decomposition and a process for heavy metal analysis, thus making it possible to achieve the selective analysis and separation of heavy metals in wastewater. Also, it can substitute for expensive spectrophotometric analysis equipment and makes it possible to monitor trace heavy metals on-line in situ. In addition, it may include a small-sized battery as a power source, such that it is easy to carry and use.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Abstract: A microelectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond and presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device (100) that operates by a combination of capillary action to collect a small fluid sample, and by pressure differential when inserted into an analyzer (200) to expose the fluid sample for testing by the analyzer (200). The device is especially suited for use as a disposable blood sampling unit designed to interface with a blood analyzer, albeit the concept of the invention may be employed for sampling and testing virtually any fluids.

Abstract: A sample cartridge for measuring the electrical characteristics of a liquid sample, which is made by forming an insulating material into a tubular body and is capable of holding the liquid sample in a region that is constituted by the surfaces of electrodes that are respectively inserted from openings of both ends into an inner cavity and the surface of the inner cavity, and in which a narrowing portion located between two facing electrodes and having a narrowed inner cavity is provided in the region.