Ion-sensitive Electrode Patents (Class 204/416)
  • Patent number: 7799204
    Abstract: A method and device for the quantitative determination of an ion in a fluid which comprises subjecting the fluid to voltammetry using a sensing electrode which comprises an electrically conducting support having a surface which is coated with a support matrix, the support matrix containing an electroactive species capable of being oxidised or reduced to form a charged species, and an ionophore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Oxford Biosensors Limited
    Inventors: Jie Zhang, Alan Maxwell Bond, Alexander Richard Harris
  • Patent number: 7799606
    Abstract: An ion-sensitive sensor arrangement includes: a semiconductor chip having a first surface, which has a media-sensitive region and at least one, first, electrical contact surface; and a support having a second surface, which faces the first surface of the semiconductor chip. An opening is provided, which aligns with the sensitive region, and at least one, second, electrical contact surface, which overlaps, or aligns with, the at least one, first, electrical contact surface. Between the support and the semiconductor chip, a preferably elastic, anisotropic conductor is arranged, which produces a conducting connection between the at least one, first, contact surface and the at least one, second, contact surface, and which has a traversing opening, which aligns with the opening, so that the sensitive region of the semiconductor chip can be contacted through the opening by an analyte. The preferably elastic, anisotropic conductor seals the region outside of the opening against contamination with the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- u. Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Pechstein, Robert Scholz
  • Publication number: 20100200400
    Abstract: The invention relates to an embedded bodily fluid analysis device comprising a measuring cell containing the bodily fluid to be analyzed, at least one reference cell containing a reference standard and an electronic measuring circuit. The measuring cell is provided with at least one work electrode of the measuring cell and with at least one reference electrode of the measuring cell. The reference cell is provided with at least one work electrode of the reference cell formed by the same material or materials as a work electrode of the measuring cell and with at least one reference electrode of the reference cell formed by the same material or materials as a reference electrode of the measuring cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventor: Frédéric REVOL-CAVALIER
  • Publication number: 20100193376
    Abstract: The invention defines an all-solid-contact ISE which comprises a transducer layer of carbon nanotubes which brings the sensing layer and conducting element into contact. The invention also defines a method for the preparation of said all-solid-contact ISE and the use of the same for the qualitative, quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis of analytes. Said all-solid-contact ISE makes it possible to detect or quantify highly diverse chemical species in a reliable and reproducible manner, with the added advantages derived from its simplicity and low construction cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITAT ROVIRA I VIRGILI
    Inventors: Francesc Xavier Rius Ferrus, Santiago Macho Aparicio, Gaston Adrian Crespo Paravano, Jordi Riu Rusell
  • Patent number: 7767068
    Abstract: The present invention relates to planar electrochemical sensors with membrane coatings used to perform chemical analyses. The object of this invention is to provide unit-use disposable sensors of very simple and inexpensive construction, preferably with only a single membrane coating on an electrode. The invented devices are potentiometric salt-bridge reference electrodes and dissolved gas sensors constructed with a heterogeneous membrane coating of a conductor. The heterogeneous membrane, which is an intimate admixture of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic compartment, concurrently supports constrained transport of non-volatile species through its hydrophilic compartment and rapid gas and water vapor transport through its hydrophobic compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Epocal Inc.
    Inventors: Imants Lauks, Anca Varlan, Alexandra Oussova, Michael Bales
  • Patent number: 7767067
    Abstract: A system automatically maintains at least one of a pH level and a sanitizing agent level of water in a water feature. The system includes a sensor assembly responsive to at least one of a pH level of the water and a sanitizing agent level of the water. The system further includes a controller which generates control signals in response to signals from the sensor assembly. The system further includes at least one of a first source containing a sanitizing agent material and a second source containing a pH-modifying material. The system further includes a third source comprising a valve assembly and a third container containing a liquid calibrant material. The valve assembly is responsive to at least a portion of the control signals from the controller by selectively allowing the calibrant material to flow from the third container through the sensor assembly to the water feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Michael A. Silveri
  • Publication number: 20100181210
    Abstract: Methods and devices for point of care determination of heparin concentration in blood are described. Cartridges including protamine ion sensitive electrodes (ISEs) and reference electrodes and systems for automatically determining heparin concentration in the cartridges are provided. Some systems add blood to a protamine bolus sufficient to bind all heparin, leaving excess protamine. The excess protamine concentration can be determined by measuring the initial slope of the electrode potential rate of change, and comparing the slope to known protamine concentration slope values In some cartridges, an oscillating pressure source moves the blood-protamine mixture back and forth across the protamine ISE. Some systems also use a second blood sample having the heparin removed or degraded to create a blank reference sample. Protamine ISEs can include polyurethane polymer, DNNS ionophore, and NPOE plasticizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Wei Qin, Daniel S. Cheek, Christopher Hobot, Kelvin Bonnema, Randy Meyer, Douglas Dean Nippoldt, Vitally G. Sitko, Qingsham (Sam) Ye, Narayanan Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 7758734
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Jonathan Webster Brown, Andrew Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7758733
    Abstract: In this invention, a separative structure of the ion-selecting electrode is applied to fabricate the dual type potentiometric biosensor for creatinine detection. According to the fabrication process, the creatinine enzyme is immobilized onto a conductive layer of a substrate of pH sensing membrane and ammonium ion-selecting membrane. The conductive layer provides with a sensing region and a non-sensing region. A conductive line is extended from the conductive layer for using as an external electrical contact point. The dual type potentiometric creatinine biosensor was fabricated by using the enzyme immobilization method onto the surface of the selecting membrane of sensing membrane of pH sensing electrode and creatinine sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Shen-Kan Hsiung, Jung-Chuan Chou, Tai-Ping Sun, Chung-Wei Pan, Nien-Hsuan Chou
  • Publication number: 20100175994
    Abstract: Provided is a rotatable disc-shaped microfluidic device which can electrochemically detect electrolytes comprised in a specimen. The microfluidic device including: a specimen chamber which accommodates a specimen; a detection chamber which receives the specimen from the specimen chamber; and an ion sensor which is formed in the detection chamber to electrochemically detect electrolytes in the specimen and includes an indicator electrode, a standard electrode and an ion selective film formed on a portion of the indicator electrode. The standard specimen is accommodated in the detection chamber, and a standard potential is measured. Then, the specimen is accommodated in the detection chamber, and a measurement potential is obtained to detect the concentration of the electrolytes comprised in the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-nam LEE, Beom-seok LEE, Jae-chan PARK, Jeong-gun LEE
  • Patent number: 7754056
    Abstract: A biosensor containing ruthenium, measurement using the same, and the application thereof. The biosensor comprises an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) structure, including a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a sensing unit comprising a substrate, a layer comprising ruthenium on the substrate, and a metal wire connecting the MOSFET and the sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: National Yunlin University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jung-Chuan Chou, Shih-I Liu
  • Patent number: 7731867
    Abstract: The invention is directed to conductive polymer compositions, catalytic ink compositions (e.g., for use in screen-printing), electrodes produced by deposition of an ink composition, as well as methods of making, and methods of using such compositions and electrodes. An exemplary ink material comprises a metal catalyst (e.g., platinum black and/or platinum-on-carbon), graphite as a conducting material, a polymer binding material, and an organic solvent. In one aspect, the polymer binding material comprises a polymer binder blend comprising first and second polymers, wherein the first polymer has a glass transition temperature higher than the second polymer. In a second aspect, the polymer binding material comprises a hydrophilic acrylic polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer. The conductive polymer compositions of the present invention may be used, for example, to make electrochemical sensors. Such sensors may be used, for example, in a variety of devices to monitor analyte amount or concentrations in subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Animas Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Huawen Li, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20100122916
    Abstract: A sensor for monitoring concentration of a constituent in a gas may include an ionically conductive layer and a sensing electrode coupled to the ionically conductive layer. The sensing electrode may be exposed to a gas. The sensor may also include a reference electrode that is exposed to the gas and made of substantially a same material as the sensing electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Balakrishnan G. Nair, Brett Tamatea Henderson, Thomas Koerner Pace, Gangqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7716965
    Abstract: An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Gilbert M. Brown
  • Patent number: 7704357
    Abstract: A potentiometric sensor, especially a pH-sensor or redox-sensor, includes: an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter, especially a pH-value or a redox potential; and an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to a superordinated unit, especially a transmitter; wherein the potentiometric sensor of the invention has a digital data memory, which is permanently connected with elementary sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik MBh + Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Pechstein, Detlev Wittmer, Hermann Straub, Dirk Steinmueller
  • Patent number: 7704359
    Abstract: The present application relates to a pressurized reference electrode and to a process for its production, said reference electrode comprising a chamber (11) which has a flowable reference electrolyte, and a portion of the wall of said chamber being formed from porous material (10) for contacting said reference electrode with a measuring medium, and said chamber being under overpressure, which is characterized in that the overpressure is generated in said reference electrode by introducing a gas or/and a liquid through said porous material of the wall in said chamber, or introducing said reference electrolyte into said chamber and closing said chamber under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Fabio Sovrano, Rolf Thrier
  • Patent number: 7699966
    Abstract: Methods and devices for point of care determination of heparin concentration in blood are described. Cartridges including protamine ion sensitive electrodes (ISEs) and reference electrodes and systems for automatically determining heparin concentration in the cartridges are provided. Some systems add blood to a protamine bolus sufficient to bind all heparin, leaving excess protamine. The excess protamine concentration can be determined by measuring the initial slope of the electrode potential rate of change, and comparing the slope to known protamine concentration slope values In some cartridges, an oscillating pressure source moves the blood-protamine mixture back and forth across the protamine ISE. Some systems also use a second blood sample having the heparin removed or degraded to create a blank reference sample. Protamine ISEs can include polyurethane polymer, DNNS ionophore, and NPOE plasticizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Qin, Daniel S. Cheek, Christopher Hobot, Kelvin Bonnema, Randy Meyer, Douglas Dean Nippoldt, Vitally G. Sitko, Qingshan (Sam) Ye, Narayanan Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 7695601
    Abstract: An electrochemical electrode probe includes an elongated body of a porous material disposed in a housing. The porous material is permeated with an electrolyte. A body of electrode material surrounds the porous body and functions as one electrode of an electrochemical system. A portion of the elongated body of porous material projects beyond the electrode body and functions to establish ionic and electrical conductivity with a sample of material which is to be tested. The sample of material functions as a working electrode, and the electrode body of the probe functions as a counter electrode/reference electrode. Further disclosed is an electrochemical analysis system which includes the probe and a support plate operable to retain a plurality of samples of test material thereupon. The probe is moved across the plate to sequentially measure the electrochemical properties of the various samples of material. Also disclosed are methods for using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
  • Patent number: 7686929
    Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprising an ion sensitive field effect transistor arranged to generate an electrical output signal in response to localized fluctuations of ionic charge at or adjacent the surface of the transistor, and means for detecting the electrical output signal from the ion sensitive field effect transistor, the localized fluctuations of ionic charge indicating events occurring during a chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: DNA Electronics Limited
    Inventors: Christofer Toumazou, Sunil Purushothaman
  • Publication number: 20100038243
    Abstract: Nanopore based ion-selective electrodes and methods of their manufacture as well as methods for their use are disclosed and described. The nanopore based ion-selective electrode can include a pore being present in a solid material and having a nanosize opening in the solid material, a metal conductor disposed inside the pore opposite the opening in the solid material, a reference electrode material contacting said metal conductor and disposed inside the pore, a conductive composition in contact with the reference electrode and disposed in the pore, and an ion-selective membrane. The ion-selective membrane can be configured to isolate the metal conductor, reference electrode material, and conductive composition together within the pore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Henry S. White, Ryan J. White, Richard B. Brown, Hakhyun Nam, Jun Ho Shim
  • Publication number: 20100032320
    Abstract: Methods and systems for simultaneously measuring concentration of two or more different cations in solution. The methods include the steps of applying a steady state polarization technique to a solution comprising two or more different cations; measuring the limiting currents of the solution; and correlating the limiting currents with the concentration of the different cations. The system includes a working electrode; a potentiostat; a counter electrode; a reference electrode; a solution comprising different cations to be analyzed; and a model for correlating the limiting currents with the concentration of the pair cations. The working electrode may be any electrode compatible with the media, including noble metals, carbon, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the working electrode is a rotating disk electrode (RDE).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: OHIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gerardine G. Botte, Xin Jin
  • Patent number: 7658826
    Abstract: A reference electrode including a water-impermeable, non-conductive substrate having a surface; an electrically conductive metal/metal salt mixture layer in contact with the surface; a water-soluble alkali metal salt layer; and a water-impermeable barrier layer overlaying a portion of the alkali metal salt layer and a portion of the metal/metal salt layer, and a method for preparing same are described. When the reference electrode is placed in a water sample to be tested, water enters the exposed portion of the alkali metal salt layer where it dissolves the salt forming a saturated solution in the region of contact between the alkali metal salt layer and the metal/metal salt layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Buck
  • Patent number: 7651595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test tool (X1) attached to an analyzing device (1) for analyzing a sample. The test tool (X1) includes a pinching portion (6) for attachment to the analyzing device (1) or removal from the analyzing device (1). The pinching portion (6) may include recesses or projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Doi, Yoshimitsu Morita
  • Publication number: 20090321258
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Petra Abel, Alexander Schrors, Gabriele Chemnitius, Gerhard Mager, Jurgen Hacker
  • Patent number: 7638095
    Abstract: A test meter system includes a cartridge that houses a test strip tape, which includes a plurality of test elements, and the cartridge defines a meter opening. The cartridge further incorporates an indexing mechanism for indexing the test strip tape. A meter is configured to analyze body fluid via the test strip tape, and the meter includes a display for displaying test results as well as other information. At least a portion of the meter is received in the meter opening of the cartridge to provide a compact configuration. In one form, the test strip system has a generally cylindrical outer shape to provide a pleasing handheld shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Sabol
  • Patent number: 7628901
    Abstract: The present claimed invention is to provide a reference electrode wherein variations of a potential difference at a liquid junction can be removed almost completely, contamination of a sample solution can be minimized, a frequency to supply and replace an internal solution is lessened, the liquid junction is prevented from being clogged, high durability for a long term can be maintained and a measurement with high accuracy can be conducted, and comprises an internal electrode 21, an internal solution 22 that makes a contact with the internal electrode 21 and a liquid junction 23 that continues into the internal solution 22, wherein the liquid junction 23 is made by the use of a gelled hydrophobic ionic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignees: Horiba, Ltd., Kyoto University
    Inventors: Takashi Kakiuchi, Manabu Shibata, Satoshi Nomura, Yasukazu Iwamoto, Mikito Yamanuki
  • Publication number: 20090294305
    Abstract: A method, an electrode, a measuring cell, and a measuring device are disclosed which can detect and quantitatively determine an analyte having specific bonding properties, in a highly sensitive, simple and accurate manner using photocurrent. This method comprises contacting a working electrode and a counter electrode with an electrolyte medium, wherein the working electrode has an analyte immobilized thereon through a probe substance and wherein the analyte is bonded to a sensitizing dye; irradiating the working electrode with light to photoexcite the sensitizing dye; and detecting photocurrent flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode, wherein the photocurrent is generated by transfer of electrons from the photoexcited sensitizing dye to the working electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Bekki, Hitoshi Ohara, Shuji Sonezaki, Koki Kanehira, Yumi Ogami, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Yumi Osaki, Hiromasa Tokudome, Yoko Yamada, Masahiro Miyauchi
  • Publication number: 20090277789
    Abstract: A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a dielectric material on the conductor. The conductor is electrically unconnected and is shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses, each of which has a frequency associated therewith. The dielectric material is selected such that it experiences changes in dielectric attributes thereof in the presence of a chemical-of-interest. Shifts from the sensor's baseline frequency response indicate that the dielectric material has been exposed to the chemical-of-interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicants: Space Adminstration
    Inventors: Stanley E. Woodard, M. Oglesby Donald, Bryant Douglas Taylor, Qamar A. Shams
  • Publication number: 20090277806
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrochemical cell system gas sensor that detects a subject substance to be detected using an electrochemical reaction system and comprises an ion conduction phase and at least two kinds of electrode facing each other and contacting the ion conduction phase, an electrode structure thereof comprising a chemical detection electrode layer having a selective adsorption characteristic relative to the subject substance to be detected and at least one reference electrode layer serving as a counter electrode to the chemical detection electrode layer, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method of detecting the subject substance to be detected, the present invention provides a chemical detection system having an extremely high response speed and great detection ability irrespective of high or low temperatures and even in the presence of excessive oxygen that impairs the chemical reaction of the subject substance to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicants: Nat Inst of Adv Industrial Sci and Tech, Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hamamoto, Yoshinobu Fujishiro, Masanobu Awano, Kazuhisa Kasukawa, Masashi Kasaya, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7615140
    Abstract: A potentiometric sensor for measuring a potentiometric variable of a medium comprises an ISFET whose gate region exhibits an ion-sensitive surface which can be exposed to the medium and which outputs an output signal that depends on the concentration of the ions at the ion-sensitive surface of the gate region. An evaluation circuit with a measuring input to which the output signal of the ISFET is applied is included, whereby the evaluation circuit is designed to output a measured value for the potentiometric variable, depending on the output signal. Also included is a measuring resistor which is arranged between the output of the ISFET and the input of the evaluation circuit, a monitoring circuit to determine the voltage drop over the measuring resistor, and a bridge section that is parallel to the measuring resistor to bridge the measuring resistor whereby the bridge section exhibits a switch with which the bridge section can be opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Pechstein, Lars Kirsten
  • Publication number: 20090266712
    Abstract: A calcium ion sensor is provided. The calcium ion sensor includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, a sensing unit including a substrate, a ruthenium dioxide membrane formed thereon and a calcium ion sensing membrane formed on the ruthenium dioxide membrane, and a conductive wire connecting the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor and the sensing unit. The invention also provides a method for fabricating a calcium ion sensor, and a sensing system including the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL YUNLIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jung-Chuan Chou, Hsiao-Fang Sung, Wei-Lun Hsia, Ya-Ping Huang
  • Publication number: 20090255830
    Abstract: Method for microanalyzing ions with the following steps: placing a volume of an ionic liquid (2) inside a cavity (1) having an internal volume, where the volume of said liquid is smaller than said internal volume; placing inside said internal cavity (1) a solution (4) containing said ions (C+, A?) to be analyzed, where the solvent of the solution (4) and the ionic liquid (2) are chosen for being immiscible and allowing an ion transfer (C+, A?) from said solution (4) to said ionic liquid (2); and detecting the presence of said ions (C+, A?) in said ionic liquid (2) using an analysis means (3) for analysing at least one type of ion in solution in said ionic liquid (2), in a free state or in a complex, said analysis means (3) being contacted with said ionic liquid (2). A device and a system for carrying out this method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'NERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventor: Gilles Marchand
  • Publication number: 20090218238
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting current or potential generated in a liquid sample suitable for use in a chromatography or other liquid sample analytical system. One embodiment is an electrolytic ion transfer device with a signal detector in communication with the electrodes of the transfer device. Another is a combination ion transfer device/electrolyte generator. Another substitutes a detector for the ion transfer device in the combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Purnendu K. Dasgupta, Bingcheng Yang, Kannan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 7578912
    Abstract: An electro-active sensor includes a nonconductive platform with a first electrode set attached with a first side of a nonconductive platform. The first electrode set serves as an electrochemical cell that may be utilized to detect electro-active species in solution. A plurality of electrode sets and a variety of additional electrochemical cells and sensors may be attached with the nonconductive platform. The present invention also includes a method for constructing the aforementioned electro-active sensor. Additionally, an apparatus for detection and observation is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a sealable chamber for insertion of a portion of an electro-active sensor. The apparatus allows for monitoring and detection activities. Allowing for control of attached cells and sensors, a dual-mode circuitry is also disclosed. The dual-mode circuitry includes a switch, allowing the circuitry to be switched from a potentiostat to a galvanostat mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Martin Buehler
  • Patent number: 7556723
    Abstract: A test strip for measuring a signal of interest in a biological fluid when the test strip is mated to an appropriate test meter, wherein the test strip and the test meter include structures to verify the integrity of the test strip traces, to measure the parasitic resistance of the test strip traces, and to provide compensation in the voltage applied to the test strip to account for parasitic resistive losses in the test strip traces. In addition, conductive traces are positioned to ensure structural interrogation of all electrodes and traces present upon the test strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Roche Operations Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Funke, Abner D. Joseph, Randall K. Riggles
  • Publication number: 20090166198
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yi-Chang Du, Bang-Hao Wu, Li Duan Tsai, Hsiung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7547379
    Abstract: The present claimed invention intends to provide a responsive glass membrane for ion selective electrode glass and an ion selective electrode comprising the responsive glass membrane that produces a self-cleaning function when the ultraviolet rays are irradiated although no change is brought in a composition of a sample solution as being an object to be measured and that is low in electric resistance value and superior in responsivity under an ordinary measurement environment. The responsive glass membrane for ion selective electrode is made of the titanium-containing oxide glass that contains 20˜80 mol % of titanium dioxide and lithium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignees: Horiba, Ltd., Mie University
    Inventors: Yuji Nishio, Yasukazu Iwamoto, Tadanori Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20090145778
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method maximizes efficiency and accuracy of measuring an ion concentration of a measured fluid by varying a flow of ions within a measuring cell (1006) in accordance with an output signal of a sensor cell. The pump current through a pump cell is switched between a constant positive current and a constant negative current when upper and lower thresholds of the output signal are reached. The pulse width ratio of the square wave produced by the varying current is compared to a pulse width ratio function derived from a calibration procedure to determine the ion concentration of the measured fluid. In one embodiment, the functions of the pump cell and sensing cell are performed by a single electrochemical cell. In an embodiment where a concentration of a compound is determined, a primary electrochemical cell system pumps an ion of an element of the compound into and out from a measuring chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus K. Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 7544979
    Abstract: An ion concentration sensor produces a signal reflective of the ion concentration within a solution. The ion concentration sensor is based on an ion sensitive transistor having a solution input, a reference input, a diffusion input, and a diffusion output. The ion sensitive transistor is connected as a pass transistor, such that the diffusion output provides an electrical signal indicating an ion concentration in a solution contacting the solution input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Arkadiy Morgenshtein, Uri Dinnar, Yael Nemirovsky
  • Publication number: 20090101524
    Abstract: An ionic probe is provided according to the invention. The ionic probe includes an active electrode configured to generate a measurement signal for an external test fluid, a first reference electrode configured to generate a first reference signal, and an at least second reference electrode configured to generate at least a second reference signal. The measurement signal is compared to the first reference signal and the at least second reference signal in order to determine an ionic measurement of the external test fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Hach Company
    Inventors: John Robert Woodward, Pierre Antoine Robert Livrozet, Jean-Francois Maurice Rene Schvan, Russell Martin Young
  • Publication number: 20090084688
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a solid-state selector having a vessel for carrying a liquid medium with one or more molecules surrounded by ions, a solid state conductive structure doped with impurities having one or more through-holes extending between two surfaces of the solid state conductive structure positioned within the liquid medium of the vessel, a voltage source coupled to the solid state conductive structure to selectively stimulate the ions surrounding the one or more molecules to pass through the one or more through-holes. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
    Inventors: JEAN-PIERRE LEBURTON, Gregory Timp, Maria E. Gracheva, Julien Vidal
  • Publication number: 20090075139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic system comprising a catalyst comprising nanoporous or mesoporous palladium and an ion-exchange electrolyte, processes for manufacturing the catalytic system and catalyst, and processes for oxidising or reducing organic and/or inorganic molecules using the catalyst or catalytic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: IC INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Anthony Kucernak, Junhua Jiang
  • Patent number: 7491303
    Abstract: The measurement instrument includes an attribute information output section to output attribute information about the attributes of the measurement instrument as an electric physical value. The attribute information is based on at least one of the conditions including a resistance of the attribute information output section, a location of the attribute information output section, and the size of a region on which the attribute information output section is formed. The attribute information may be used to select the calibration curve suitable for the measurement instrument. The attribute information may be one that relates to a specific measurement standard applied to the measurement instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sakata, Tokuo Kasai, Taizo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090032396
    Abstract: A unitary ionic probe is provided. The unitary ionic probe includes a substantially elongate body including a central axis (AA), a proximal end, and a distal end. The unitary ionic probe further includes an active ion sensitive region that is located on and bonded into an exterior of the elongate body in a region of the proximal end and an active electrode in ionic communication with the active ion sensitive region. The unitary ionic probe further includes a reference ion sensitive region that is located on and bonded into the exterior of the elongate body and is spaced-apart from the active ion sensitive region and a reference electrode in ionic communication with the reference ion sensitive region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hach Company
    Inventors: John Robert Woodward, Pierre Antoine Robert Livrozet, Jean-Francois Maurice Rene Schvan, Russell Martin Young
  • Publication number: 20090032397
    Abstract: An ionic probe including an extrudable conductive junction material is provided. The ionic probe includes an outer shell holding the conductive junction material and an ionic probe assembly located at least partially within the outer shell, with the ionic probe assembly including an active ion sensitive region extending from a proximal end of the outer shell and further including an active electrode and reference electrode extending from a distal end. The ionic probe further includes at least one moveable seal that forces extrusion of a portion of the conductive junction material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hach Company
    Inventors: John Robert Woodward, Edward Clark Garratt Lemon
  • Publication number: 20080302660
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Carolyn R. Kahn, Elicia Wong, Vern Norviel
  • Publication number: 20080289960
    Abstract: An electrode for superoxide anions characterized by comprising a conductive component and, superimposed on a surface thereof, a film resulting from electrolytic polymerization of a metal thiofurylporphyrin/axial ligand complex; and a sensor for measuring a superoxide anion concentration including the same. The electrode for superoxide anions, by virtue of not only the excellent performance of electrode provided with the metal porphyrin complex polymer film, but also the presence of the axial ligand, can prevent poisoning by a catalyst poison such as hydrogen peroxide. Accordingly, in any of in vitro or in vivo environments, this electrode for superoxide anions enables detection of superoxide anion radicals without suffering any influence from a catalyst poison such as hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, quantitative assay of superoxide anions can be performed by the use of this electrode for superoxide anion in combination with a counter electrode or a reference electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Makoto Yuasa
    Inventors: Makoto Yuasa, Kenichi Oyaizu, Aritomo Yamaguchi, Masuhide Ishikawa, Katsuya Eguchi, Tomohiro Kobayashi, Satoshi Tsutsui, Yuujirou Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7452452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microelectode arrays (MEAs), and more particularly to carbon nanotube nanoelectrode arrays (CNT-NEAs) for chemical and biological sensing, and methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston College
    Inventors: Zhifeng Ren, Yuehe Lin, Wassana Yantasee, Guodong Liu, Fang Lu, Yi Tu
  • Patent number: 7407570
    Abstract: A disposable, self-administered electrolyte test is affixed to the label of a commercially available electrolyte supplement, is available in the pharmacy section of a retail store, or is distributed by a physician or a clinic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Ryan Prince, Andrew Dineen, John R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080164148
    Abstract: A selective gas sensor is for determining the presence of a test gas, for example, helium includes an evacuated housing, sealed by a selectively gas-permeable membrane. The membrane is part of a sight glass, whereby the glass pane is provided with a hole, sealed by the membrane made from a silicon material. The frame of the membrane wall is connected to the housing by means of a high-vacuum soft-metal seal. The housing can also form one of the electrodes of the gas pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Inficon GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Grosse Bley