Selectively Permeable Membrane Patents (Class 204/415)
  • Publication number: 20140190827
    Abstract: A gas sensor element which has water-permeable electrodes, and water-impermeable leads connected to the electrodes A first electrode (133) has a space exposure portion (133b) exposed to internal space (160) of a gas sensor element (10) which communicates with an ambient atmosphere. A first lead (137) is connected to the first electrode (133). The first electrode (133) includes a first connection portion (133d) which is disposed at a position not exposed to the internal space (160) and connected to the first lead (137), and which is a portion of the first electrode (133) located most distant from the internal space (160). The entire first connection portion (133d) is located in a region A1 which extends from the internal space (160) over a distance of 1.0 mm or less. Also enclosed is a gas sensor including the gas sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kentaro KAMADA, Masaki NAKAGAWA, Koji SHIOTANI
  • Publication number: 20140183062
    Abstract: Compositions containing vinyl polymers and ionophores selective for lead ions (e.g., polypyrrole copolymers), and methods for making these compositions are disclosed herein. The compositions can, for example, be used for detecting lead ions in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TONGJI UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Mei-rong Huang
  • Publication number: 20140183061
    Abstract: Compositions containing vinyl polymers and ionophores selective for lead ions (e.g., aniline copolymers), and methods for making these compositions are disclosed herein. The compositions can, for example, be used for detecting lead ions in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TONGJI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mei-rong Huang, Hao Feng, Xin-gui Li
  • Publication number: 20140174923
    Abstract: A five-part internal reference electrode, including a membrane formed in situ, which is useful in automated clinical chemistry analyzers, the method of forming a direct solid state connection to the membrane eliminating the need for the use of an internal reference electrode internal filling solution, and a ganged assembly of said internal reference electrodes with a grounding unit and an external reference electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: K. Jagan M. Rao
  • Patent number: 8758593
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor and a method for using an electrochemical sensor are described where the electrochemical sensor comprises a working electrode having thereon one or more redox species that are sensitive to an analyte to be measured and a polymer coating that provides for interaction between the redox species and the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Lawrence, Valerie Lafitte
  • Publication number: 20140154811
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for gas filtration and detection devices. Example devices may include a graphene membrane and a sensing device. The graphene membrane may be perforated with a plurality of discrete pores having a size-selective to enable one or more molecules to pass through the pores. A sensing device may be attached to a supporting permeable substrate and coupled with the graphene membrane. A fluid mixture including two or more molecules may be exposed to the graphene membrane. Molecules having a smaller diameter than the discrete pores may be directed through the graphene pores, and may be detected by the sensing device. Molecules having a larger size than the discrete pores may be prevented from crossing the graphene membrane. The sensing device may be configured to identify a presence of a selected molecule within the mixture without interference from contaminating factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Angele Sjong, Kraig Anderson, Gary L. Duerksen, Seth Adrian Miller
  • Patent number: 8741119
    Abstract: An apparatus for real-time, in-situ monitoring of actinide ion concentrations which comprises a working electrode, a reference electrode, a container, a working electrolyte, a separator, a reference electrolyte, and a voltmeter. The container holds the working electrolyte. The voltmeter is electrically connected to the working electrode and the reference electrode and measures the voltage between those electrodes. The working electrode contacts the working electrolyte. The working electrolyte comprises an actinide ion of interest. The reference electrode contacts the reference electrolyte. The reference electrolyte is separated from the working electrolyte by the separator. The separator contacts both the working electrolyte and the reference electrolyte. The separator is ionically conductive to the actinide ion of interest. The reference electrolyte comprises a known concentration of the actinide ion of interest. The separator comprises a beta double prime alumina exchanged with the actinide ion of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jan-fong Jue, Shelly X. Li
  • Publication number: 20140138245
    Abstract: A protector includes an inside protector having an inside peripheral wall and a front end wall in a front end side thereof and a tubular outside protector which surrounds the inside protector. In an outside peripheral wall of the outside protector, a plurality of outside introducing ports through which an external part of the outside protector communicates with a gas separating chamber are formed at equal intervals along a circumferential direction. The outside introducing ports are formed at positions nearer to the front end side than positions where inside introducing ports of the inside protector are formed. The outside introducing ports extend in the circumferential direction of the outside peripheral wall and formed in shapes of lateral holes in which opening lengths in the circumferential direction are larger than opening lengths in the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki FUJII, Takaya YOSHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20140116880
    Abstract: A cathodic material for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising: a carbonaceous material and an oxygen reduction catalyst associated with the carbonaceous material; and wherein the cathodic material does not materially exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. Associated electrochemical sensors may include an anode and cathode that are disposed upon the same or opposite sides of an ion exchange membrane and/or exposed to the same or different gaseous environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Joel C. Nemes
  • Patent number: 8707892
    Abstract: An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Electronic Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric N Ervin, Geoffrey Alden Barrall
  • Publication number: 20140110274
    Abstract: A method of producing porous ionic conducting material, comprising the step of positioning an ionic substance into cellulosic material to form a continuous web or at least one individual sheet of porous ionic cellulosic based material, comprising the steps of first producing a web or sheet shaped cellulosic based substrate and thereafter applying liquid comprising room temperature ionic liquids. The porous ionic conducting material is used in flexible electronic device, by using the material as a substrate and applying a conducting material. A sensor assembly for sensing a property of an object, comprising at least one sensor wherein said sensor assembly comprises a flexible web or sheet shaped material. An authentication device for verifying the authenticity of an object. The device comprising at least one flexible electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Magnus Lestelius, Elson Montibon, Lars Järnström
  • Patent number: 8702935
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes a housing, a first working electrode within the housing and having a first section of gas transfer medium and a first layer of catalyst on the first section of gas transfer medium, and at least a second working electrode within the housing and having a second section of gas transfer medium and a second layer of catalyst on the second section of gas transfer medium. At least one of the first section of gas transfer medium and the second section of gas transfer medium includes at least one area in which the structure thereof has been irreversibly altered to limit diffusion of gas through the at least one of the first section of gas transfer medium or the second section of gas transfer medium toward the other of the at least one of the first section of gas transfer medium and the second section of gas transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Brian Keith Davis, Towner Bennett Scheffler, Michael Alvin Brown
  • Publication number: 20140102897
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus for analysis of electrochemical dissolution. One embodiment comprises a working electrode submerged in a first reaction chamber containing liquid electrolyte, a counter electrode submerged in a second reaction chamber containing liquid electrolyte, a reference electrode submerged in a third reaction chamber and electrolytically connected to the working electrode and an ion conductor electrolytically connecting the first reaction chamber and the second reaction chamber while physically separating the first reaction chamber and the second reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Jerkiewicz, Kevork Adjemian, Diane Beauchemin, Liyan Xing, Mohammad Hossain
  • Publication number: 20140090977
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor cell is disclosed. The cell comprised of a diffusion membrane, a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte, electronic circuit board with electronic leads contained in housing. The anode is made of substantially pure bismuth. The electrolyte may be either solid or aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution or acetic acid (CH3COOH). The cathode may be a carbon fiber substrate with gold deposited thereon. The sensor may be RoHS compliant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Boardman
  • Publication number: 20140083852
    Abstract: A sensor body of an electrochemical gas sensor having no water reservoir is housed in a metal can including a sensing electrode on one surface of a proton-conducting membrane or a separator retaining an electrolyte and a counter electrode on the opposite surface thereof. The counter electrode is supported by and electrically connected to the metal can via a connecting member. The sensing electrode is connected to a diffusion control plate with the sensing electrode-side ring member, and the ring member is conductive and includes a hole at a center thereof that is connected to a hole of the diffusion control plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: FIGARO ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro YAMAMOTO, Masafumi OKADA, Kuniyuki IZAWA, Tomoyasu HONDA
  • Patent number: 8673386
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for glucose sensing obtained by dispersing in a solvent such as acetone a nanofibrous membrane fabricated by electrospinning a mixture containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(aminophenylboronic acid). Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on an electrospun nanofibrous membrane by depositing the composition on an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kyungpook National University Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Kwang Pill Lee, Iyengar Gopalan Anantha, Sundaram Komathi Shanmuga
  • Publication number: 20140065515
    Abstract: An electrochemical device having a liquid electrolyte which includes a protic solvent, an anode electrode disposed in contact with the liquid electrolyte, and a cathode electrode disposed in contact with the liquid electrolyte. A membrane which interrupts the transport of ions between the electrodes at a predetermined temperature is disposed in the liquid electrolyte between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. In this way, electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, which may overheat during use and cause a fire or explosion, are precluded from overheating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Qinbai FAN
  • Publication number: 20140034515
    Abstract: A reference electrode with an in-situ modified porous diaphragm has at least one housing (1, 201, 301), a first conductor element (4, 204, 304), a modifying electrolyte which is capable of free-flow movement and is contained in the housing (1, 201, 301), and a porous diaphragm (3, 203, 303) which establishes a liquid connection between the modifying electrolyte and a measurement medium (9, 209, 309). The modifying electrolyte seeps out through the porous diaphragm during operation. The modifying electrolyte has a first component and a surface-modifying component which modifies the surface of the porous diaphragm (3, 203, 303) in situ during the passage of the modifying electrolyte. A method for modifying the porous diaphragm in situ is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventor: Rolf Thrier
  • Patent number: 8632665
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: MSA Auer GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Eckhardt, Martin Weber
  • Publication number: 20140014512
    Abstract: Provided are an amperometric sensor and device for electrochemically quantifying nitrosothiol (RSNO), which is associated with storage and delivery of nitric oxide (NO) in the human body. The amperometric sensor for measuring a concentration of RSNO includes an electrode configured to measure an electric current generated by an oxidation reaction of NO, and a means configured to start and stop photo-induced decomposition of RSNO. Here, the electric current is measured by the oxidation reaction of NO before and after the photo-induced decomposition of RSNO. The amperometric sensor may measure separate signals of RSNO and NO, which are present in the sample at the same time, using one electrode, thereby preventing an inhibition action caused by NO during the measurement of RSNO. Also, the amperometric sensor is simple in structure and easy to manufacture and may be applied to manufacture of a small electrode, and thus may be developed as a sensor for in vivo measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: I-SENS, INC.
    Inventors: Sung A Hong, Da Yeon Sung, Jun Hee Han, Jea Hun Song, Hakhyun Nam, Geun Sig Cha, Jae Ho Shin
  • Publication number: 20140008220
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a microfluidic device for measuring an amount of a molecular species in a sample. The device comprises a body and an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprising at least one electrode coupled to the body. The device also includes a gas permeable membrane disposed on at least one electrode and a detector for measuring a current at each of the electrodes. Further, the device comprises a channel defined between a substantially planar substrate and planar cover glass. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the microfluidic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
    Inventors: Mark Schoenfisch, Benjamin Privett, John Ramsey, William Henley
  • Publication number: 20140008221
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to sensors for measuring an amount of a gaseous species in a sample. The sensors comprise a gas permeable polysiloxane network membrane, comprising both alkyl and fluorinated alkyl groups. In some embodiments, the polysiloxane network can be formed from the co-condensation of a mixture of an alkylalkoxysilane and a fluorosilane. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the sensors, methods of selectively measuring an amount of a gaseous species, such as nitric oxide, in a sample, and to compositions comprising the polysiloxane networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Mark H. Schoenfisch, Jae Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 8613843
    Abstract: An electro-chemical sensor for methane is described having a catalyst to react methane or other low molecular weight hydrocarbons and a detector to detect the turnover or reaction rate and using such information to determine the concentration of the methane or other low molecular weight species. The sensor is preferably used for measurements in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Gareth John Jones, Li Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130334063
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of detecting an analyte. The method includes (1) contacting an aqueous solution containing the analyte with an electrochemical detector having a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a solid electrolyte, where the analyte includes a halogen or an oxy-halogen species and the solid electrolyte provides an electrical pathway between the working and counter electrodes; (2) applying a voltage to the detector; and (3) measuring the resultant current change in the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Gordon & Rosenblatt, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron A. Rosenblatt, Gilbert Gordon, Gilbert Pacey
  • Publication number: 20130334052
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuous simultaneous electroplating of two metals having substantially different standard electrodeposition potentials (e.g., for deposition of Sn—Ag alloys) comprises an anode chamber for containing an anolyte comprising ions of a first, less noble metal, (e.g., tin), but not of a second, more noble, metal (e.g., silver) and an active anode; a cathode chamber for containing catholyte including ions of a first metal (e.g., tin), ions of a second, more noble, metal (e.g., silver), and the substrate; a separation structure positioned between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, where the separation structure substantially prevents transfer of more noble metal from catholyte to the anolyte; and fluidic features and an associated controller coupled to the apparatus and configured to perform continuous electroplating, while maintaining substantially constant concentrations of plating bath components for extended periods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Lee Peng Chua, Steven T. Mayer, David W. Porter, Thomas A. Ponnuswamy
  • Publication number: 20130313111
    Abstract: A water-concentration detection device is configured to detect a water concentration of insulating gas filled in a gas-insulated device. The water-concentration detection device includes: a gas chamber in which the insulating gas introduced from the gas-insulated device is enclosed; electrodes that are porous and are arranged to face each other within the gas chamber; a solid electrolyte membrane that is hydrogen-ion conductive and is held between and fixedly attached to the electrodes; an impedance measurement unit that measures an alternating-current impedance between the electrodes by applying an alternating-current voltage to the electrodes; a water-concentration detection unit that detects the water concentration of the insulating gas based on the alternating-current impedance measured by the impedance measurement unit; and a drying unit that removes water from an atmosphere in the gas chamber before the insulating gas is introduced into the gas chamber from the gas-insulated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Chieko Nishida, Tatsuya Yabe
  • Patent number: 8568582
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively removing hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing fluid volume are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a proton exchange membrane (PEM) selectively permeable to hydrogen by exclusively conducting hydrogen ions. The system also includes metal deposited as layers onto opposite sides or faces of the PEM to form a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), each layer functioning as an electrode so that the MEA functions as an electrochemical cell in which the ionic conductors are hydrogen ions, and the MEA functioning as a hydrogen selective membrane (HSM) when located at the boundary between a hydrogen-containing fluid volume and a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory C. Glatzmaier
  • Publication number: 20130277217
    Abstract: A thin film/MEMS electrochemical gas sensor includes a body having first and second joined subassemblies to form an interior portion of the body, and is composed of a semiconductor material. The body includes at least one opening configured to allow air to pass into the interior portion of the body. A membrane stack is located in the interior of the body, producing an electrical signal that represents a concentration of target gas in the air at the membrane stack. Conductive contacts are configured to provide electrical connection to the membrane stack to access the electrical signal produced by the membrane stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: UTC Fire & Secruity Corporation
    Inventors: Anis Zribi, Ken Mott
  • Publication number: 20130270125
    Abstract: A potentiometric sensor apparatus, comprising: a measuring half-cell having a measuring membrane; a reference half-cell; and a measurement circuit for registering a potential difference between the measuring half-cell and the reference half-cell. The measuring membrane has, covering at least one portion of the measuring membrane during dry storage of the sensor apparatus, a coating, which is embodied, upon immersion of at least one immersion region of the sensor apparatus (which region comprises the measuring membrane and is intended for immersion in a measured medium) in a liquid, especially a water containing liquid, in the case of continued contact with the liquid, to dissolve, at least partially, off of the measuring membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
  • Patent number: 8551322
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to sensors for measuring an amount of a gaseous species in a sample. The sensors comprise a gas permeable polysiloxane network membrane, comprising both alkyl and fluorinated alkyl groups. In some embodiments, the polysiloxane network can be formed from the co-condensation of a mixture of an alkylalkoxysilane and a fluorosilane. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the sensors, methods of selectively measuring an amount of a gaseous species, such as nitric oxide, in a sample, and to compositions comprising the polysiloxane networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Mark H. Schoenfisch, Jae Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 8535499
    Abstract: Micromachined reference electrodes for use in miniaturized electrochemical sensors, and methods for fabricating such reference electrodes and electrochemical sensors, for example, as a part of a microfluidic system, are disclosed. Electrochemical measurements allow for inexpensive detection of a wide variety of (bio-)chemical compounds in solution. The reference electrode is one of the main parts of an electrochemical cell. The reference electrode, from which no current is drawn, has a stable, constant potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Stichting IMEC Nederland
    Inventors: Michiel Blauw, Javier Gonzalo Ruiz, Mercedes Crego Calama, Sywert H. Brongersma
  • Publication number: 20130233728
    Abstract: An amperometric electrochemical sensor configured to be operable in an oxidizing atmosphere and under an applied bias to exhibit enhanced reduction of oxygen molecules at the sensing electrode in the presence of one or more target gas species and a resulting measurable increase in oxygen ion flux through the cell. The sensor has an electrolyte membrane, a sensing electrode on the electrolyte membrane, and a counter electrode on the electrolyte membrane, wherein the sensing electrode includes at least one molybdate or tungstate compound. An electrochemical sensor system is also provided, along with a method of detecting the concentration of one or more of NOx and NH3 in a gas sample or stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Day, Scott L. Schwartz, Lora B. Thrun, Buddy E. McCormick
  • Patent number: 8518237
    Abstract: The service life of amperometric electrochemical oxygen sensors is increased by operating the electrodes of such sensors at a polarization voltage suitable for measuring the oxygen content of samples only during calibration or when measuring such samples and thereafter modulating the polarization voltage to a lower voltage such that substantially no electrical current is produced by the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Chan, Lawrence Milesky
  • Patent number: 8506779
    Abstract: Described herein are substrates, sensors and systems related to measuring the concentration of an analyte such as hydrogen ion in a sample. Redox active moieties whose reduction and/or oxidation potentials are sensitive to the presence of an analyte are immobilized onto a surface of an electrode. Immobilized redox active moieties whose reduction and/or oxidation potential are insensitive to the analyte can be used for reference. Voltammetric measurements made using such modified surfaces can accurately determine the presence and/or concentrations of analytes in a sample of interest. The electrochemical sensors of the invention are robust and can be made so as not to require calibration or recalibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sensor Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn R. Kahn, Elicia Wong, Vern Norviel
  • Patent number: 8496795
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Uwe Kühn
  • Publication number: 20130175168
    Abstract: An electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor that is optionally tankless and/or reservoir free for use in a gas/fire detector having a housing for containing a micro electrode assembly therein, and a micro electrode assembly which includes an anode, a cathode and an ion conducting membrane, wherein the ion conducting membrane permits ion transport between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the ion conducting membrane prevents electron conduction between the anode and the cathode, and further wherein the ion conducting membrane comprises at least one of an acid doped polybenzimidazole, an acid doped polypyridylbenzimidazole, a protic ionic liquid doped polybenzimidazole, a protic ionic liquid doped sulfonated polyimide, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gentex Corporation
  • Patent number: 8479562
    Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to identify stationary and moveable high explosives and chemical warfare on-field with a unique structure of a portable neutrons generator used in strategic and public places, vehicles and airplanes. The present invention includes also a unique operation of fusion fuel below breakdown which is characterized with high production efficiency. The analysis of identifying the elements and their concentrations is also introduced in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Yasser Ragab Shaban, Milen K. Panteleev
  • Publication number: 20130168245
    Abstract: A water analysis sensor electrode for determining an analyte in water includes a sensor electrode housing which is configured to be closed. The sensor electrode housing comprises an inner wall and an ion-selective sensor electrode diaphragm arranged at a lower distal end of the sensor electrode housing. An electrolyte solution is in the sensor electrode housing. A measuring electrode is arranged in the sensor electrode housing. A gas bubble is enclosed by the sensor electrode housing. A rigid rod element having a round cross section is arranged in the sensor electrode housing so that a continuous open capillary channel extends over a length of the sensor electrode housing between the rigid rod element and the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Axel Leyer, Lothar Heidemanns, Andreas Jonak, Markus Hahn, Michael Kussmann, Andreas Golitz, Aurelia Stellmach-Hanulok, Claudia Rieger, Heinz Rudde
  • Publication number: 20130161191
    Abstract: A reference half-cell for application in an electrochemical sensor, comprising a housing, in which a chamber containing a reference electrolyte is formed, wherein the reference electrolyte (5, 105) is in contact with a medium surrounding the housing via a liquid junction arranged in a wall of the housing, wherein the liquid junction comprises a porous diaphragm, especially a porous ceramic diaphragm, and wherein the diaphragm has, at least partially, a coating, which comprises at least one metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
  • Patent number: 8454819
    Abstract: The present invention includes sensors and systems that include a sensor. A sensor includes a sensor polymer, where the polymer includes a repeating unit having an anilineboronic acid-phosphate complex or an anilineboronic acid complexed with an alcohol or diol. The sensor polymer may be a copolymer, such as a random copolymer, a block copolymer, or an alternate copolymer. The present invention also provides methods for using the sensors described herein, including methods for detecting the presence of an analyte, such as CO2, in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: University of Manitoba
    Inventors: Sureshraja Neethirajan, Michael S. Freund, Digvir J. Jayas
  • Patent number: 8425672
    Abstract: A membrane selectively permeable to light gases comprises a membrane body formed by a first plate and a second plate. The second plate comprises a thin layer that is selectively gas-permeable. In the region of windows, this layer is exposed. There, support is provided by a porous bottom wall in the first plate or by narrow bores in the second plate. A heating device causes a radiation heating of the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Vladimir Schwartz, Daniel Wetzig, Boris Chernobrod, Werner Grosse Bley
  • Patent number: 8414751
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Andreas Nauber, Michael Sick, Julia Danckert, Peter Tschuncky
  • Publication number: 20130068632
    Abstract: A DNA/RNA detection technology is provided. The open flow detection technique includes a substrate defining a pair of opposing microchannels, a pair of opposing electrodes in the opposing microchannels, and at least one ion exchanging nanomembrane coupled between the opposing microchannels such that the opposing microchannels are connected to each other only through the nanomembrane, wherein the nanomembrane is functionalized with a probe complementary to the macromolecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chia Chang, Zdenek Slouka, Satyajyoti Senapati, Li-Jing Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130068615
    Abstract: A membrane, especially for application in a sensor, which membrane includes a biocidal effect. The membrane comprises one or more components of the group consisting of: silver nano particles encapsulated in amphiphilic, core, shell structures, antimicrobial silanes, polymers with an antimicrobial end group, polyquads with modified end groups, and biocidally acting block copolymers. The membrane is resistant against aggressive agents, for example, corrosive or oxidizing cleaning agents, in the case of sterilizing, in the case of autoclaving, in the case of thermal loading and/or in the case of mechanical loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: Technische Universität Dortmund, Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Endl, Jörg Tiller, Thilo Trapp
  • Publication number: 20130062222
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor measuring concentration of an analyte in a test fluid at 50° C. or above by voltammetry uses electrodes in contact with an electrolyte containing the analyte and a redox-active species electrochemically convertible between reduced and oxidised forms. At least one form of the redox active species is present within surfactant micelles. The surfactant micelles enhance thermal stability of the redox active species and may also solubilise a species with poor water solubility, such as t-butylferrocene. A downhole tool incorporating such a sensor comprises a barrier, permeable to the analyte, to separate the electrolyte from subterranean reservoir fluid, so that the sensor directly measures analyte which has passed through the barrier and thereby indirectly measures analyte in the test fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Valerie LAFITTE, Gary John TUSTIN
  • Publication number: 20130062223
    Abstract: A gas sensor having first and second electrodes, an ion conducting solid electrolyte membrane positioned therebetween, first and second electrically conductive gas diffusion layers, first and second electrode contact members for electrically coupling said first and second electrodes to an external circuit, a water reservoir, a gas entry passageway and a water permeation barrier for controlling the transport of water vapor to the ion conducting solid electrolyte membrane. The water permeation barrier is a thin walled member which allows water vapor to diffuse therethrough and evaporate from an exit surface, the thickness of the water permeation barrier controlling the internal relative humidity of the sensor. A method for adjusting the present sensor in-situ due to changes in the current humidity conditions of the sensor so as to keep the gas sensitivity loss within a predetermined range is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael David Rabbett
  • Patent number: 8382974
    Abstract: A sodium sensor to measure a concentration of sodium methylate in methanol. The sensor assembly includes a solid alkali ion conducting membrane, a reference electrode, and a measurement electrode. The solid alkali ion conducting membrane transports ions between two alkali-containing solutions, including an aqueous solution and a non-aqueous solution. The reference electrode is at least partially within an alkali halide solution of a known alkali concentration on a first side of the solid alkali ion conducting membrane. The measurement electrode is on a second side of the solid alkali ion conducting membrane. The measurement electrode exhibits a measurable electrical characteristic corresponding to a measured alkali concentration within the non-aqueous solution, to which the measurement electrode is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Shekar Balagopal, Justin Pendelton, Peter Wall
  • Publication number: 20130043129
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor including a nanopore electrode and a fluorine compound coated on the nanopore electrode, and also relates to a preparing method of the gas sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: EWHA UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Youngmi LEE, Myung Hwa KIM, Min-Cheol OH, Hyunkyung DO, Kyung JANG, Ji-Hyang JANG
  • Publication number: 20130032479
    Abstract: A measuring transducer embodied to produce and output a measurement signal dependent on an activity of a target ion present in a measured medium, wherein the measuring transducer has, in a region provided for contact with the measured medium, at least one membrane conducting the target ion; wherein the measuring transducer has a first potential sensing element and a second potential sensing element, and wherein at least one section of the second potential sensing element is arranged in the interior of the membrane and the first potential sensing element is arranged in an inner electrolyte, which is separated from the measured medium by the membrane and is in contact with the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Hanko, Thomas Wilhelm, Stefan Wilke
  • Patent number: 8361308
    Abstract: A method for the detection of carbon dioxide gas using an electrochemical sensor. The method includes exposing a gas to a sensor, which includes a non-conductive solid substrate and at least one each of a metal oxide sensing electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode positioned on the substrate. A solid polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane is in intimate contact with the sensing electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. The method is highly sensitive and selective to carbon dioxide with a very rapid response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Giner, Inc.
    Inventors: Mourad Manoukian, Anthony B. Laconti, Linda A. Tempelman, John Forchione