Abstract: Microelectrode comprising a body formed from electrically non-conducting material and including at least one region of electrically conducting material and at least one passage extending through the body of non-conducting material and the region of conducting material, the electrically conducting region presenting an area of electrically conducting material to a fluid flowing through the passage in use. An electrochemical cell which includes such a microelectrode is also disclosed.

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: A measurement/calibration cell for potentiometrically measuring ion concentration in a fluid interposes a barrier between measuring and reference electrodes and positions the measuring electrode at a sufficiently higher gravimetric potential above the reference electrode that seepage of electrolyte from the latter to the former is effectively precluded. A controller associated with the cell displays instructions and other desired information on a scrolling display such that a substantial amount of information can be presented in a relatively small display window.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sheath that is elongated along a longitudinal axis; a spacer positioned within the sheath and defining first and second channels having lengths that extend along the longitudinal axis; a first elongated member positioned within the first channel; and a second elongated member positioned within the second channel. The first elongated member includes an active surface forming a working electrode and the second elongated member including an active surface defining a counter electrode.

Abstract: An ion sensor includes a sensor main body having a channel for a sample and an opening connected to the channel, a responsive portion which is filled in the opening and selectively responds to a specific ion, an electrode which has a ring shape, is set such that a central axis of the ring is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the channel, and senses the response, and an output terminal which is formed out of one metal plate out of which the electrode is formed, has a pin shape, and is held by the sensor main body such that an axis extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the channel and the central axis of the ring.

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: A gas sensor (100) in a sensor housing (1) has a gas-permeable membrane (7) for the inlet of a gas sample to be analyzed to a measuring electrode (6). The gas sensor (100) is provided with a test gas generator (18), which has a generator housing (8). The generator housing (8) is fastened in the area of the gas-permeable membrane (7) and has a central gas outlet opening (21) for the gas sample to pass into the sensor and has outlet openings (19) directed towards the gas-permeable membrane (7) for the test gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an immunoassay technique that uses amperometric measurements to rapidly analyze different pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and parasites. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least one conductive membrane is used to provide support for antibody immobilization and serve as a working electrode; it could also be independent rather than the working electrode. This conductive membrane or powder can be fabricated of a conductive material or can be a nonconductive material over which a conductive material is coated. In either case, the proposed technique is adaptable for use with different materials so as to form a membrane having a pore size that is suited to the particular application. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a compact and simple disposable element that can be easily disposed of after use.

Abstract: Provided are a method of and an apparatus for rapidly and effectively mixing fluids even in a laminar flow regime with a very low Reynold's number by applying AC power with a resonant frequency to more effectively induce electrokinetic instability. Also provided are a method of and an apparatus for mixing fluids in which the degree of mixing of the fluids can be varied with time by applying AC power with a lower frequency than a resonant frequency to synchronize a pattern of mixing fluids with the AC power.

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: A biosensor strip having a low profile for reducing the volume of liquid sample needed to perform an assay. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip comprises an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on said electrode support; a cover; a sample flow channel; and an incompressible element placed between said cover and said electrode support, the incompressible element providing an opening in at least one side or in the distal end of said sample flow channel to provide at least one vent in said sample flow channel. In another embodiment, the biosensor strip comprises an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on said electrode support; a cover; and a sample flow channel, the cover having a plurality of openings formed therein, at least one of the openings in register with said sample flow channel. The invention further includes methods for preparing such a biosensor strips in a continuous manner.

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: A sampling system for measuring the presence and concentration of inorganic ion species, including, metals, metalloids and non-metals, in a liquid solution including a first sampling unit. The first sampling unit includes a potentiometric subsystem configured to gather environmental metrics of the liquid sample, a preparation subsystem, coupled to the potentiometric module, the preparation subsystem being configured to prepare and isolate contaminants of concern in a flow of a liquid sample into metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic forms; and a voltammetric subsystem selectively coupled to the preparation subsystem, potentiometric subsystem and a sample source, the voltammetric subsystem being configured to identify and determine a concentration of metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic species through stripping voltammetry. The system is configured to compare a value of a stripping signal of the sample with a predetermined value to determine if dilution of the sample is required.

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: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing defining a cavity for a reference electrolyte and defining an opening to the cavity configured to be proximate to a target fluid. The sensor further includes a junction plug comprising a porous material and a cross member impermeable to a target fluid positioned between the junction plug and the cavity. The cross member includes a planar portion disposed against the junction plug that defines an aperture to enable electrochemical communication between the target fluid and the reference electrolyte.

Abstract: A sensor card for determining analytes in liquid and gas samples with films connected to one another in sheetlike fashion, namely a sensor film facing the sample with openings and a covering film remote from the sample with openings for electrical tapping, at least one sensor being provided and arranged between the sensor film and the covering film. There is provided between the sensor film and the covering film at least one intermediate film, in which cutouts are provided, the sensor being arranged in one of the cutouts. The sensor card provides a homogeneous thickness, which brings about a reliable sealing of the flow channels for the liquid sample if the sensor card is connected to a plate that partially forms the flow channels within the analysis system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a sensor card.

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: A chip-carrier module known from smart card technology is adapted as an electrode array for use in disposable sensing or separation devices containing electrodes. The electrodes are manufactured directly onto chip-carrier module. The preferred electrode module includes a chip-carrier module and at least one electrode formed thereon, the chip-carrier module being a laminate of a metal foil and an insulator foil, which metal foil is divided into at least two conductor regions, the insulator foil having a perforation over each conductor region, and the at least one electrode being formed by a membrane layer applied to the insulating foil to extend through one of the perforations for electrical contact with the conductor region associated therewith, the membrane layer imparting chemical sensitivity to the electrode. The result is an electrode module for use in disposable sensing or separation devices containing electrodes, whose unit cost of manufacture is low even at modest manufacturing volume.

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

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

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: Methods and apparatuses for measuring streaming metrics. A method for measuring a streaming metric corresponding to a rotating surface is characterized by rotating the surface around an axis of rotation and measuring the streaming metric at a location within one radius from the axis of rotation and within three radii from the surface, wherein the location does not contact the surface. Apparatus for measuring a streaming metric corresponding to a rotating surface are characterized by a working electrode which does not contact the surface, a counter electrode, a meter connected to the working electrode and the counter electrode, a rotatable spindle on which the surface is mounted, and a container for holding electrolyte, wherein the working electrode, counter electrode, and surface are located within the container.

Abstract: An immersion thermocouple is described. The immersion thermocouple includes a heat resistant sheathing, the interior of which is substantially filled with a heat resistant cement, a first U-shaped tube enclosing a thermocouple fixed in the heat resistant cement, and a second U-shaped tube fixed in the heat resistant cement. The second U-shaped tube bridges the first U-shaped tube at an angle of approximately ninety degrees. The immersion thermocouple also includes a shield circumferentially surrounding the first and the second U-shaped tubes proximate to where the first and the second U-shaped tubes are fixed to the heat resistant cement.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in a fluid in a wellbore 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 made of zeolite or a suitable ceramic material, the other side of the membrane being exposed to a chamber 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.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor with at least one ionic liquid (4) as the electrolyte, contains at least one electrode (1), whose active surface is substantially larger than the geometric area covered by said electrode (1). The electrolyte and at least one of the electrodes (1, 2, 3) are in direct contact with the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based lab-on-a-test card is described. The test card is used with a point-of-care (POC) analyzer. The test card is designed to receive a sample and then, with the use of the POC analyzer, quantify or count a particular substance in the sample. The test card may be comprised of multiple layers. In one embodiment, the test card includes a primary separation chamber with a filtration surface, a trapping channel, and a particle detector. The test card may also include a nanowire sensor.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway or separated by at least one barrier. A fluid flow modulator can be provided in the fluid processing passageway if a fluid processing passageway is provided. The barrier and/or fluid flow modulator can comprise a polysaccharide, a derivative of a polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. For example, the barrier can comprise a chitosan material.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively sensing, using an indicator system based on diffusion in space and time of a reaction front, for determining and reporting the prevailing concentration or exposure history of an analyte in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical monitoring for the state of quality, for ripeness indication in fruit, for monitoring environments for concentrations of sanitisers, pollutants and nutrients, for monitoring the residual life of filters, and for monitoring stream flows.

Abstract: A system to detect a presence of a specific gas in a mixture of gaseous byproducts comprising moisture vapor is disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell, a transport to deliver the mixture of gaseous byproducts from the electrochemical cell, a gas sensor in fluid communication with the transport, the sensor responsive to a presence of the specific gas to generate a signal corresponding to a concentration of the specific gas, and a membrane to prevent transmission of liquid moisture, the membrane disposed between the transport and the gas sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.

Abstract: A dual gas sensor is described, having first and second working electrodes separated by a gas impermeable portion. The electrodes are preferably located on a gas permeable polymer support, with the gas impermeable portion being formed by compression of the permeable support. The sensor may also include one or more filters for location adjacent the electrodes to filter certain gases from the air. The preferred sensor is able to detect carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The sensor housing is formed with four connection pins, allowing a standard sensor housing to be used for dual sensors as well as single sensors having a dummy pin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards apparatuses and methods for the automated measurement of blood analytes and blood parameters for bedside monitoring of patient blood chemistry. Particularly, the current invention discloses a programmable system that can automatically draw blood samples at a suitable programmable time frequency (or at predetermined timing), can automatically analyze the drawn blood samples and immediately measure and display blood parameters such as glucose levels, hematocrit levels, hemoglobin blood oxygen saturation, blood gases, lactate or any other blood parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas sensor having improved response time and sensitivity. The electrochemical gas sensor includes a substrate for providing a surface upon which a film of conductive material may be deposited, a pair of electrodes deposited on the substrate for permitting a measurement of current, and an electrolytic material for providing an electrical connection between the electrodes. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a passage in the surface for holding or transporting gas received from a gas source, whereby sensing occurs at a three way interface where the gas, electrolytic material, and electrodes come in direct contact with one another.

Abstract: Electrically charged molecules need to be transported in order to create a DNA sensor. The following measures are undertaken: base metals are introduced into a solution as a positive ion; negatively charged molecules are transported in an opposite direction and are enriched in the vicinity of the measuring electrodes. Binding-specific separation of the charged molecules can be achieved by forming metal layers on the measuring electrodes by depositing metal ions from the solution when a suitable potential is selected. Target DNA can more particularly be introduced into the vicinity of the catcher molecules on the measuring electrodes and non-specifically bound DNA can be removed. According to the associated device, the electrode arrangement may be associated with a sacrificial electrode made of more base metal than the material of the measuring electrodes. The measuring electrodes in particular may be made of noble metal, preferably gold, and the sacrificial electrode may be made of copper.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting water vapor in a gaseous sample. The sensor comprises (a) an anode, (b) a cathode, (c) an electrolyte intermediate the anode and cathode, and (d) an inlet orifice through a central area of the anode or cathode through which the gaseous sample may be placed into contact with the electrolyte. The electrolyte can be retained on a porous electrical-insulating separator located between the interior-facing major surfaces of the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for organic molecules such as ethylene includes an electrochemical cell, gas sample inlet means and means for detecting current produced by the oxidation of the organic molecule at the anode of the cell. The sensor is capable of sensing multiple organic molecules in some embodiments. A voltage is applied to the anode of the cell to provide energy to drive the oxidation reaction and produce a corresponding current. The sensor of the invention can be made as a small, hand-held unit that is capable of real-time detection of various organic species.

Abstract: A sealing ring assembly and an improved method for mounting a sealing ring into an electrochemical cell used for Electrochemical Capacitance Voltage (ECV) profiling measurements. The ring is located in a holder having at least one secondary bore providing fluid communication between a forward face of the holder and the central bore of the ring, directed parallel to but tangentially offset relative to the inner wall of the central bore so as to impart a degree of rotational flow to electrolyte entering the sealing ring through the or each secondary bore which effectively removes gas bubbles and refreshes the electrolyte. The holder facilitates ring removal with a much reduced risk of damage to the delicate sealing surface.

Abstract: One end of an air passage (32) facing a cathode (33B) of a fuel cell (36) forming a fuel cell stack (6) is connected to a first manifold (1A), and the other end is connected to a second manifold (1B). A water-absorbing material (30) is disposed at a position in contact with an air flow in the first manifold (1A) and second manifold (1B). The air is made to circulate according to a humidity state by changing over between a first air flow direction wherein air flows from the first manifold (1A) to the second manifold (1B) via the air passage (32), and a second air flow direction wherein air flows from the second manifold (1B) to the first manifold (1A) via the air passage (32), so a membrane electrolyte is efficiently humidified.

Abstract: A flexible diagnostic device has a measurement cell that is sandwiched between the conductive surfaces of two conductive-coated insulating layers. At least one of the conductive surfaces is scored with an insulating pattern, so that the flow of a conductive fluid sample into the cell can be monitored.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic detector applied for detecting analytes in a fluid sample is disclosed. The micro-fluidic detector comprises a mixing area, a flow area and at least one detection module. The mixing area has a conductive top plate and a plurality of first electrodes for mixing a first fluid and a second fluid so as to form the fluid sample. The flow area has two second electrodes, positioned side by side, for driving the fluid sample to flow. The detection module is used for detecting analytes in the fluid sample flowing in the flow area. The mixing area uniformly mixes the first fluid and the second fluid via an electric field generated by applying a voltage potential, with respect to the conductive top plate, to one by one of the first electrodes in the mixing area. The flow area drives the fluid sample via an electric field generated by the second electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the determination of an analyte in a liquid medium. The system comprises a self-powered biosensor and a detector for measuring an electrical signal generated by said biosensor while the analyte is being oxidized or reduced, the biosensor comprising a pair of electrodes, one of the electrodes being an anode and the other a cathode, both of which carry redox enzymes on their surface. An enzyme carried on one of the electrodes can catalyze an oxidation or reduction reaction in which the analyte is oxidized or reduced, respectively, and the other of said pair of electrodes carries on its surface enzymes that can catalyze a reaction in which the oxidizer or the reducer are reduced or oxidized, respectively, in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A sensor element for a sensor or measuring device for measuring fluids, with a housing, the interior of which is sealed toward the outside and through which the fluid to measured can flow, and with at least one electrode arrangement in the housing interior, the electrode arrangement having at least one electrode and forming at least one measuring path.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector including side channels associated with a separation channel of a sample component separation apparatus is provided. The side channels of the detector, in one configuration, provide a sheath-flow for an analyte exiting the separation channel which directs the analyte to the electrically developed electrochemical detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to real-time analysis of electrochemical deposition (ECD) metal plating solutions, for the purpose of reducing plating defects and achieving high quality metal deposition. The present invention provides various new electrochemical analytical cell designs for reducing cross-contamination and increasing analytical signal strength. The present invention also provides improved plating protocols for increasing potential signal strength and reducing the time required for each measurement cycle. Further, the present invention provides new methods and algorithms for simultaneously determining concentrations of suppressor, accelerator, and leveler in a sample ECD solution within three experimental runs.

Abstract: A flow cell 1 is provided with a flow channel 2 which has rounded corners 3 in section. A measuring sample under high pressure is introduced into the flow channel 2 formed in the flow cell 1 and particles existing in the measuring sample are measured. The measuring sample is in a liquid phase, a gaseous phase or a super critical phase above 1 MPa.

Abstract: A sample device and method for analyzing a sample are claimed. The sample device is a flat disc containing channels and wells for directing a sample to reagents located in the disc and for mixing the sample with the reagents. The disc is mounted on an analyzer and the sample is pumped into the disc, divided into a plurality of sub-sample, and at least some of the sub-samples are mixed with a number of reagents. The resultant analytes are analyzed spectrophotometrically for a determination of the concentration of various substances in the sample. The present invention permits multiple tests to be performed quickly and automatically with minimal operator involvement.

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 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 device for use in assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is provided. The device comprises at least one electrochemical cell, comprising a working electrode and at least one other electrode, sufficient for communication with the fluid, or sufficient for communication with a flow path, such that when sufficient fluid is in the flow path, the cell is in communication with the fluid. The fluid comprises a component sufficient to affect a mass-transport limited electrochemical reaction at the working electrode. The device also comprises at least one microcontroller operably connected to the at least one electrochemical cell for providing a potential or a current to the working electrode and for assessing the electrochemical reaction. A method of assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is also provided. The device and the method of the present invention may be used in connection with the delivery of a fluid-borne or fluidized drug or medicament to a subject.