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.

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 which is surrounded by an air porous body (4). The air porous body (4) acts to receive air from the sample zone (20) as it is displaced by an incoming liquid sample, thereby allowing efficient spreading of the liquid sample.

Abstract: Electrochemical sensors measure an amount or concentration of CO2, typically using catalysts that include at least one catalytically active element and one helper catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These catalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes and devices employing the catalysts are also disclosed, including processes that produce CO, OH?, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, O2, H2, (COOH)2, and (COO?)2.

Abstract: A detector includes a smoke detecting section that includes a light-receiving unit at a position at which the light-receiving unit does not directly receive light emitted by a light-emitting unit in a chamber in which a labyrinth for preventing light from directly entering from the outside and an insect net covering the rim of the labyrinth are provided, the light-receiving unit receiving light scattered by smoke flowing into the chamber. An opening hole is formed open in the surface of the cover receiving hot air current, of the detector. In the cover behind the opening hole, an electrochemical gas sensor is placed to bring gas generated by a fire through the opening hole into contact with an electrolyte solution to detect the gas by an electrode.

Abstract: A simple and low cost device to detect the presence of mercury or other trace metals in the environment and quantify said concentration by spectrophotometric, colorimetric, or electrical conductivity is disclosed. Owing to its small size, it is suitable for portable mercury detectors or detectors that may be worn as badges in the breathing zone of workers.

Abstract: A measuring transducer, which is embodied to produce and output a measurement signal dependent on the content of W and/or OH? ions present in a measured medium, wherein the measuring transducer has, in a region provided for contact with the measured medium, at least one polymer membrane selectively conducting W and/or OH? ions. The polymer membrane can comprise an W ion conducting polymer and/or an OH? ion conducting polymer.

Abstract: An ion concentration measurement system is provided. The ion concentration measurement system has: at least an end system having a sensing unit for measuring the ion concentration of a test solution to generate at least a sensing signal; a control unit for controlling the acquisition of the sensing signal; a display unit for displaying the sensing signal in real time; and an end wireless transmission interface for transmitting the sensing signal wirelessly.

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: An electrochemical gas sensor has a working electrode having a gas porous membrane and a catalyst layer formed on one side of the membrane; a counter electrode, electrolyte in contact with the catalyst both of the working electrode and of the counter electrode; and a support that is in contact with, and presses against the side of the working electrode remote from the electrolyte and that compresses the electrodes and the electrolyte together. The support includes open areas enabling gas to contact the membrane. The support provides a faster response and provides greater efficiency of catalyst usage.

Abstract: An electrochemical system with reduced limiting-current behavior is disclosed. The electrochemical system is useful for fuel cells and bio-sensors. In part, the invention relates a method of reducing or eliminating limiting-current behavior in the operation electrochemical systems, in particular those with ion-selective membrane or electrochemical electrodes, by spatially reducing the convection near the membrane or the electrode. The invention further relates to electrochemical systems in which micropores, microarrays or pillar arrays are used to reduce convection in comparison to conventional systems without microarrays, micropores or pillar arrays.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensor device includes a substrate having patterned thereon at least one Ag/AgCl electrode (working electrode) and an inner chamber overlying the at least one Ag/AgCl electrode. The device includes an ion selective permeable membrane permeable to TPP+ disposed on one side of the first chamber and a sensing chamber overlying the ion selective permeable membrane. A separate reference electrode is inserted into the sensing chamber. The working electrode and reference electrode are coupled to a voltmeter to measure voltage. This voltage can then be translated into a TPP+ concentration which is used to determine the mitochondrial membrane potential (??m).

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: 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: 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.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor includes a micro-porous plastic membrane supported on a disk and located between a gas inflow port and an electrolyte having a gelled oxygen diffusion barrier. The oxygen diffusion barrier, formed of gelled agar, minimizes thermal shock effects by impregnating any porous materials in the sensor.

Abstract: Water treatment method and apparatus according to which supply water containing dissolved matter is delivered to at least one treatment surface. An electric field is created in the vicinity of the treatment surface to cause a hydration layer to be established due to the bipolar nature of the water molecules. Water is then extracted from the hydration layer. Such extraction may be effected by osmosis or by removal of the element (s) from the supply water with the hydration layer water thereon, dehydration layer water subsequently being extracted from the element (s). The method has been devised to reduce energy consumption for the purpose of providing potable water from seawater.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as electrodes formed from sputtered platinum compositions as well as layers of material selected to optimize the characteristics of a wide variety of sensor elements and sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical sensor comprising an electrode assembly which comprises at least two electrodes, one of the electrodes comprising a metal species capable of catalysing the oxidation of hydrogen and/or methane. The sensor may be used in the detection and quantification of hydrogen and/or methane in exhaled breath, for example as a means of diagnosing lactose malabsorption or lactose intolerance.

Abstract: A surface-contact sensor includes a housing defining an opening, an ion-permeable membrane at the opening, a counterelectrode within the housing, and a reference electrode within the housing that is spaced apart from the current-collector. A current-collector pad includes a grommet support having a base and a lumen defining an opening. An ion-permeable membrane spans at least a portion of the opening of the grommet. The ion-permeable membrane is held in place by a gasket surrounding the lumen. A current collector, at least in one embodiment, is proximate to a portion of the ion-permeable membrane that spans the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical half cell for application in an electrochemical sensor, wherein a fill electrolyte (10) of the half cell is in contact with an external medium via a liquid junction (5), characterized in that the liquid junction (5) is controllable as regards its permeability and/or its flow.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrochemical sensor for determining oxygen dissolved in an aqueous measuring medium, a process for its production as well as a method for determining oxygen dissolved in an aqueous measuring medium using the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to enable silver ions in an internal electrolyte solution of a reference electrode to be suppressed from being eluted, and also suppress a potential variation that occurs due to production of a poorly-soluble silver compound on surfaces of a liquid communication part and the like, and specifically provided with: an internal electrode formed of a silver/silver chlorides electrode; an internal electrolyte solution that is in contact with the internal electrode; and a containing body that contains the internal electrolyte solution, in which the containing body is formed of a material that does not have anionic conductivity but has cationic conductivity and moisture permeability.

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor includes a housing, in which a reference half cell space and a therefrom separated, measuring half cell space are formed. The reference half cell space contains a reference electrolyte and at least one part of a first potential sensing electrode for sensing a reference potential, and the measuring half cell space is liquid-tightly sealed by a measuring membrane, especially a pH-sensitive glass membrane, and contains an inner electrolyte and at least one part of a second potential sensing electrode for sensing a measuring half cell potential. A passageway extends through a wall of the housing, opens into the reference half cell space, and is sealed relative to a medium surrounding the housing, and wherein the potentiometric sensor has means for producing through the passageway an electrolytic contact between the reference electrolyte and the medium surrounding the housing.

Abstract: A sensitive membrane for an ion selective electrode selectively responsive to Na+ ion, the sensitive membrane having an ionophore,, an anion exclusion agent, a plasticizer and a membrane matrix, wherein the amount of the ionophore is from 85 wt % to 95 wt % based on the mixed amount of the ionophore and the anion exclusion agent.

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 silicon surface. 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 silicon surfaces can accurately determine the presence and/or concentrations of analytes in a sample of interest. The silicon electrochemical sensors of the invention are robust and can be made so as not to require calibration or re-calibration.

Abstract: The invention provides a reference electrode including a liquid electrolyte containing water, a water soluble organic compound with molecular size and boiling point are both greater than water, and an ionic salt; a solid crystal of the ionic salt in the liquid electrolyte; a metal/metal salt complex layer in contact with the liquid electrolyte; an leading wire connected to the metal/metal salt complex layer; an insulation case for containing the liquid electrolyte; and a nano-porous junction material embedded in the insulation case for contacting the liquid electrolyte, wherein a pore size of the nano-porous junction material is greater than a cation diameter of the ionic salt but smaller than a molecular length of the water soluble organic compound. The solid crystal of the ionic salt is the sediment of part of the ionic salt because the amount of the ionic salt is more than its solubility in the liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: A printed gas sensor is disclosed. The sensor may include a porous substrate, an electrode layer, a liquid or gel electrolyte layer, and an encapsulation layer. The electrode layer comprises two or more electrodes that are formed on one side of the porous substrate. The liquid or gel electrolyte layer is in electrolytic contact with the two or more electrodes. The encapsulation layer encapsulates the electrode layer and electrolyte layer thereby forming an integrated structure with the porous substrate.

Abstract: A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.

Abstract: A sensing device for the determination of ions in a thin layer sample (32) comprising: a first (12) and second (14) ion selective electrode, each having a first (16) and second layer (20); the first layer (16) of the first ion selective electrode (12) being a polymeric membrane layer in electrical contact with the second layer (20) of the first ion selective electrode (12), and the first layer (18) of the second ion selective electrode (14) being a polymeric membrane layer in electrical contact with the second layer (20) of the second ion selective electrode (14); the first and second ion selective electrodes being positioned in opposing arrangement such that, the respective polymeric membrane layers are in direct contact with a thin layer sample (32) containing ions, located between the first and second electrodes; and a detector (28) in electrical connection with the first (12) and second (14) ion selective electrodes.

Abstract: Ionic liquids are incorporated into transducers, actuators or sensors which employ the ionic polymer membranes. The ionic liquids have superior electrochemical stability, low viscosity and low vapor pressure. The transducers, actuators and sensors which utilize ionic polymer membranes solvated with ionic liquids have long term air stability. Superior results are achieved when a conductive powder and ionomer mixture is applied to the ionic polymer membrane to form the electrodes during or after the ionic liquid is imbibed into the ionic polymer membrane.

Abstract: A trace gas sensing apparatus includes a cathode, an anode, a vacuum enclosure, and a membrane. The anode coaxially surrounds the cathode, wherein the cathode and the anode define an annular ionization chamber. The vacuum enclosure surrounds the cathode and the anode and includes a gas inlet fluidly communicating with the ionization chamber. The membrane is coupled to the gas inlet in a sealed manner and is permselective to trace gas. The apparatus may further include circuitry for applying a negative voltage potential to the cathode and for measuring an ion current signal generated by the cathode, and a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field in the ionization chamber. The cathode may include an elongated member located along a longitudinal axis, and first and second end plates orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: There is provided a sample preparation device and method for preparing a sample of liquid for detection of impurities. First (40) and second (38) electrodes are provided, located for immersion in a liquid under test. A semipermeable membrane (42) is positioned to protect the first electrode (40) from a body of liquid under test (32). The semipermeable membrane allows the liquid under test to pass therethrough to reach the first electrode, while preventing solids carried in the liquid from reaching the first electrode, the first electrode being positioned to affect the liquid under test in the vicinity of a sensor (36). Particular embodiments feature a hydrophilic membrane to protect the electrodes from suspended solids in the sample, a thin electrode assembly to achieve a faster response and the addition of a heater for temperature control to achieve consistent detection conditions and improved anti-fouling properties.

Abstract: Amperometric ceramic electrochemical cells comprise, in one embodiment, an electrolyte layer, a sensing electrode layer comprising a ceramic phase and a metallic phase, and a counter electrode layer, wherein the cell is 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 gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOX) or NH3 and a resulting increase in oxygen ion flux through the cell. In another embodiment, amperometric ceramic electrochemical cells comprise an electrolyte layer comprising a continuous network of a first material which is ionically conducting at an operating temperature of about 200 to 550° C.; a counter electrode layer comprising a continuous network of a second material which is electrically conductive at an operating temperature of about 200 to 550° C.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a sensor or system for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte. The sensor of the disclosed subject matter includes a viscosity-based sensor or a permittivity-based sensor. The viscosity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber including a vibrational element. The permittivity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber. The sensor discussed herein provides excellent reversibility and stability as highly desired for long-term analyte monitoring.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a galvanic fuel cell type oxygen sensor comprises providing a pressure equalization port leading to the interior of an inner core housing that contains the membrane, the electrolyte and the anode and cathode electrodes and hermetically sealing the sensor housing except for its sample inlet port and its sample outlet port. By connecting the same vacuum source to both the pressure equalization port and the sample outlet port, the device's membrane is less subject to movement or rupture as gas samples are drawn in via the sample inlet port. A technique for ensuring a hermetic seal is also described.

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.

Abstract: Chemical sensors whose active element exhibits both a visual change in color and a measurable change in electrical resistance when exposed to an analyte to which it selectively reacts are provided. These sensor have several unique features including vastly improved stability measured in years, irreversible visual changes and surprisingly reversible electrical changes. The combined unique features enable a new generation of ultra low power alerting, alarming and readout devices for hydrazines and other strongly reducing chemicals.

Abstract: A concentration sensor assembly for measuring a concentration of a aqueous hydrocarbon fuel to be supplied to a fuel cell stack, the assembly including a membrane electrode assembly having an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane located between the anode and the cathode; a first monopolar flow field plate provided near the anode; a second monopolar flow field plate provided near the cathode; and a liquid gas separator.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for producing copper having a dense graphite anode electrode and a dense graphite cathode electrode disposed in a CuCl solution. An anion exchange membrane made of poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polyethylenimine cross-linked with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of acetone, formaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, and mixtures thereof is disposed between the two electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is disclosed which comprises a gas sensing electrode and a counter electrode disposed within a housing, the housing having an aperture for gas ingress, the gas sensing electrode and counter electrode being separated by a region containing electrolyte, and means for connecting the gas sensing electrode and the counter electrode to a sensing circuit. An electrolyte-absorbing element is disposed inboard of the aperture, between the housing and the gas sensing electrode, in order to absorb electrolyte passing through the gas sensing electrode whilst maintaining a gas path through the electrolyte-absorbing element.

Abstract: A reference electrode, especially for a potentiometric measuring cell, comprising: a housing, which surrounds a housing interior, which contains a reference electrolyte and at least a part of a sensing system for sensing a potential of the reference electrode. The reference electrolyte is in contact with a medium surrounding the housing, especially a measured medium, via at least one bore traversing through a housing wall of the housing, and wherein the bore has an inner diameter of no more than 50 ?m at its narrowest point and a length of no more than 200 ?m.

Abstract: An ion-selective electrode comprising: a housing, which surrounds a housing interior; an ion-selective membrane; especially a polymer membrane; and a sensing system, which is in contact with the ion-selective membrane, for sensing a potential of the ion-selective membrane, wherein the ion-selective membrane at least partially fills the housing interior, and is in contact with a medium surrounding the housing via at least one traversing bore through a housing wall of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a variety of assays for the determination of analytes in liquid samples, and relates to the methods for such assays. In particular, the invention relates to a single-use cartridge designed to be adaptable to a variety of real-time assay protocols, preferably assays for the determination of analytes in biological samples using immunosensors or other ligand/ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments. The cartridge provides novel features for processing a metered portion of a sample, for precise and flexible control of the movement of a sample or second fluid within the cartridge, for the amending of solutions with additional compounds during an assay, and for the construction of immunosensors capable of adaptation to diverse analyte measurements.

Abstract: A multiphase microreactor includes gas and liquid microchannels separated by a nanoporous membrane. Rapid mass transfer of gas samples into the liquid electrolyte allows the microchannel/membrane assembly to be used as a fast and sensitive gas sensor. When the oxime chemistry is adapted into the microchannel sensor, the microchannel sensor selectively responds to organophosphates and organophosphate simulants. In addition, a double microchannel design may be used to reduce voltage drift and incorporate a reference electrode into the sensor assembly. Methods of detecting organophosphates are also disclosed.

Abstract: A electrochemical sensor system is provided. An example system utilizes electrical and steric properties of contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals to measure an ongoing concentration of multiple contaminants simultaneously in real time. An example system has a sensor array including sensors tuned to specific contaminants, each sensor having at least two conducting elements arranged in a capacitive relationship, for example, on a printed circuit board. A binding layer on the conducing elements of each sensor selectively binds a specific contaminant, which produces a signature change in a measureable electrical property, such as impedance. Enclosed sensors and chemical buffers preserve the chemical and physical environment of the contaminants for ongoing real-time measurement of dynamic concentrations. A delivery system enables samples containing contaminants to be automatically delivered to the array of sensors without adulterating the natural state of the samples.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape cassette especially for blood sugar tests comprises a test tape which is provided with a plurality of test fields for analysing body fluid, and a housing for receiving the test tape. The housing may have at least one housing part formed from a metal support and moulded-on plastic with integrated functional elements.

Abstract: Method and a device for capturing heavy metal ions included in sewage sludge. The method includes steps of: a) placing in the fluid a functionalized radiografted track-etched membrane FRTEM which contains polymer nanopores; this membrane including a first electrode on one side of the membrane, b) selectively capturing heavy metal ions inside the polymer nanopores, c) applying an anodic stripping voltammetric ASV analysis on the membrane in order to differentiate and quantify captured metal ions, the first electrode being used as an ASV detection electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that exhibits improved adhesion of the membrane to the nitride layer used as an insulating layer in silicon- or silicon-oxide-based electrochemical sensing devices. The sensing devices include a substrate, an oxide disposed on the substrate, a nitride disposed on the oxide, an electrically conductive structure disposed on the oxide layer, and an electrode disposed on the oxide layer and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive structure. At least one opening is formed in the nitride layer to form at least one adhesion trench that exposes a surface region of an oxide layer underlying the nitride layer. The membrane covers the electrode, and contacts the oxide surface regions exposed by the adhesion trenches. The contact between the membrane and the oxide surface region provides for improved adhesion of the membrane to the electrochemical sensing device.

Abstract: In a hydrogen concentration measurement device that employs a proton conducting electrolyte membrane, more stable measurement of hydrogen concentration that is less susceptible to temperature and humidity state of measurement target gas becomes possible.

Abstract: A carbon-fiber-based gas diffusion layer (GDL) for use in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC) having structured hydrophilic properties, wherein materials with hydrophilic properties and selected from the group of metal oxides in an average domain size of 0.5 to 80 ?m are present as hydrophilic wicks in the gas diffusion layer.