Abstract: An electrochemical measuring device comprises an essentially planar sensor substrate with at least one electrochemical sensor, and a cover part in which a tunnel-shaped measuring channel is formed. At least one guiding groove is provided in parallel with the measuring channel. A sealing element which is positioned between the sensor substrate and the cover part to seal the measuring channel is provided with guiding bodies along its length, at least one of which guiding bodies projects into the guiding groove of the cover part. The sealing element is provided with narrow sealing lips bounding the measuring channel. Each short side of the sealing element has a guiding body projecting into recesses in the sensor substrate. The guiding bodies are disposed on that side of a sealing plane defined by the sealing lips, which faces away from the cover part.

Abstract: In the manufacture of an ion selective electrode composed of a non-electroconductive support, a pair of electrodes each of which has a silver metal layer and a silver halide layer, an electrolytic material layer, an ion selective membrane, and a non-electroconductive sheet having a pair of openings for receiving a sample solution and a reference solution, respectively, and having thereon a bridge member for electrically connecting the sample solution received in one opening and the reference solution received in another opening, the ion selective membrane is advantageously divided into two separate portions, one of which is placed in a position above one electrode and another of which is placed in a position above another electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stable, non-hazardous solution for calibrating oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) measurement cells. The redox standard calibration solution of the present invention consists essentially of an aqueous solution containing the triiodide/iodide redox couple. In a preferred embodiment, the solution of the present invention consists essentially of an aqueous solution containing up to about 0.01 moles per liter of iodine (I2) and at least about 1 mole per liter of potassium iodide. In a most preferred embodiment, the solution of the present invention consists of an aqueous solution of 4 molar potassium iodide (KI) and 0.0067 molar iodine (I2).

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising: (1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations; (2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode; (3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and (4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: A biosensing system and method are disclosed for the quantitative determination of the concentration of particular analyte ions in biological sera in the presence of interfering ion species and, more particularly, to the quantitative determination of the concentration of analytes that are produced by biologically active materials including enzyme catalyzed reactions and are indicative of the presence of reactant species of interest in blood. The invention further deals with interfering ion species in a manner that eliminates the need for additional sensors or separate baseline sensors. The invention is exemplified by embodiments for the determination of the concentration of blood urea and creatinine using an ion transport related time delay potentiometric determination technique.

Abstract: An ion sensor and an ion sensor plate provided with an ion sensitive membrane which is characterized in that the ion sensitive membrane contains a material constituting the dissociation equilibrium of Ag/X, and an excessive quantity of an ion sensitive material or an anion scavenger. A coated film of surfactant is provided at the inner face of the passageway communicating with the test liquid-measuring electrode so as to add the surfactant to the test liquid. The plasticizer is added at a ratio of 65 to 80% by weight. The atomic ratio of silver and halogen in the silver halide layer is set to at least 1.2. The particle diameter of the modified silver halide layer is set to at most 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method for estimating the concentration of a reduced (or oxidised) form of a redox species in a liquid comprises contacting an area of a first electrode (2) with a sample (5) of the liquid, contacting the sample (5) with a second electrode (2) spaced apart from the first (2), applying a potential between the electrodes while the electrodes are sufficiently closely spaced that reaction products formed at each electrode diffuse to the other electrode while the potential is applied, measuring or estimating a value indicative of the change in current as a function of time and a value indicative of the steady state current, and determining from said volume, said current as a function of time, and said steady state current the concentration of reduced (or oxidised) form of the species in the liquid sample.

Abstract: A cyclic compound of formula (I) wherein Rx groups which may be the same or different are selected from —O—(CH2)n—O— where n is an integer of from 2-6; Ry and Rz groups which may be the same or different are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or a hydrocarbyl group; Ra together with Rb of the adjacent phenyl ring and Rc together with Rd of the adjacent phenyl ring form a group of formula —(CH2)m— or —(CH2)p—O— where m and p are integers of from 1-5, and each group Ra-Rb and Rc-Rd may be the same or different; and x is an integer of 2 or more, such as 4. Compounds of formula (I) display particular selectivity for specific ions such as potassium ions. They are useful inter alia in reactions where scavenging of a specific cation is required or as ion specific electrodes.

Abstract: The proposed multipurpose ion-selective sensor is designed to be operational in any spatial position in harsh environment and incorporates a housing tube (1) where a number of elements are fixed and electrically connected to a measurement transmitter; these members include: a detachable indicator electrode (3) which employs a solid indicator system (33) with a solid membrane contacting the analysed liquid; a detachable reference electrode (4) with a hollow body (20) accommodates a potential-forming semi-element (21), a connecting member (22) and electrolyte (29) filled with a solid dispersed material forming a spatial structure (30) in the electrolyte (29), whereby the structure is rigidly linked with internal surface (31) of the reference electrode (4) body (20), the potential-forming semi-element (21) and with the connecting member (22).

Abstract: In a method and a device for electrochemical determination of the concentration of at least one dissolved chemical entity in a liquid medium, a measurement voltage U is impressed on a working electrode, in contact with the liquid medium, relative to a counter electrode, thereby causing the dissolved chemical entity to react by oxidation or reduction at the working electrode, producing a measurement evoked current. The measurement evoked current is compared to a predetermined value, and the measurement voltage U is adjusted so that the measurement evoked current is substantially equal to the predetermined value, and thus remains substantially constant during measurements. A difference &Dgr;U=U−Umin is formed, which corresponds to an oxidation/reduction reaction at the working electrode, with Umin being a minimum voltage selected as a reference level. This difference is used to calculate concentration variations of the chemical entity in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention combines highly advanced electrochemical sensors with inexpensive microcircuitry and other optional sensing devices to produce an electrochemical sensor with microprocessor and memory capabilities. The sensor of the invention is small, self-powered, simple to use, and sufficiently inexpensive to be practical for use in recording environmental conditions to which low unit cost perishable products are exposed during shipping and/or storage.

Abstract: A composite ion selective electrode comprising a calcium ion selective electrode member and a hydrogen ion selective electrode member which is characterized in that a calcium ion selective membrane of the calcium ion selective electrode member has a thickness of 5 to 30 &mgr;m, and the hydrogen ion selective membrane of the hydrogen ion selective electrode member contains tri-n-dodecyl-amine and trisethylhexyl trimellitate. Each of the calcium ion selective electrode member and the hydrogen ion selective electrode member can be employed singly.

Abstract: A biosensor is fabricated by forming a metal film over the surface of a substrate through evaporation, sputtering or by gluing a metal foil, then splitting the metal film into three regions, and forming a reagent layer on an area of measuring electrode and two counter-electrodes for placing a liquid sample on by providing a cover disposed over the splitted metal film. As neither of the electrodes are formed through conventional printing technology, the electrodes can be formed without dispersion. As a result, a precision biosensor having excellent response characteristics is implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining concentration of fluorine ions in aqueous solutions are provided. In the apparatus, a pH sensor is provided for sensing a pH value of an aqueous solution to be determined. A pH controller is then used to compare the pH value determined with stored pH data to determine whether the aqueous solution is acidic or alkalinic. An acid dispenser or a base dispenser is then used to dispense either an acid or a base into the pH adjustment tank for adjusting the pH value of the aqueous solution to within a desirable range. For instance, for the detection of fluorine ions, a suitable pH range is between about 4 and about 10. After the pH value is stabilized in the aqueous solution, a fluorine ion sensor may be used to sense the fluorine ion concentration in the aqueous solution. A common acid and base which may be used to bring the pH value within the desirable range may be H2SO4 and NaOH.

Abstract: A detector assembly for detecting a plurality of different properties at the same location at the same time is provided by integrating onto a single semiconductor substrate a first detector unit for measuring a first property and a second detector unit for measuring a second property. The first and second detector units can share, for example, a common element, such as a sensor device that can provide electrical output signals representative of, respectively, the first property and the second property. The common element can include a diaphragm with a pyroelectric element to provide a measurement of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A measuring system with a measuring body (2) mounted on a rotatable shaft (1) and being provided with electrodes (16) for measuring electrical currents obtained through chemical reactions within an analyte solution. In the rotatable shaft is housed an electronic unit (14) for converting the electric current to a measuring signal which is, via a transferring means (6), transferred in an analogue or digital representation to a measuring signal registrating means placed outside of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of characterising liquids employ liquid sensors of different types of technology, in order to generate characterisation data from the whole of the output signals originating from these sensors when they are soaked in a sample of the liquid. The set of sensors may comprise: lipid sensors, quartz microbalances, ion-selective electrodes, biosensors, chemical microelectrodes or even, in certain particular applications, fiber optic based-sensors. The output signals originating from the different sensors are normalized with respect to values which are determined in a prior standardization operation during which the sensors were soaked in at least one sample reference liquid.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip with four new features. The test strip includes an indentation for tactile feel as to the location of the strips sample application port. The sample application port leads to a capillary test chamber, which includes a test reagent. The wet reagent includes from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight polyethylene oxide from about 100 kilodaltons to about 900 kilodaltons mean molecular weight, which makes the dried reagent more hydrophilic and sturdier to strip processing steps, such as mechanical punching, and to mechanical manipulation by the test strip user. The roof of the capillary test chamber includes a transparent or translucent window which operates as a “fill to here” line, thereby identifying when enough test sample (a liquid sample, such as blood) has been added to the test chamber to accurately perform a test. The test strip may further include a notch located at the sample application port.

Abstract: A polymeric material which to form a stable, reproducible interface between the ionic and electronic domains of an ion selective sensor, or an ion selective field effect transistor, or the like is provided. When employed in an ion selective sensor, the polymeric material is advantageously provided over a solid internal reference electrode and an ion selective material is provided thereover. According to one embodiment, the polymeric material of the invention includes less than about 1.63×1021 immobilized charged sites per gram (less than about 2.72 millaequivalents/gram). According to another embodiment, the polymeric material includes immobilized sites of charge opposite that of mobile ions involved in the redox couple. A preferred polymeric material comprises a copolymer of methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammoniumchloride and methylmethacrylate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus which divides ions present in a liquid in a small amount into positive ions, negative ions, and charge density, measures the divided ions and the charge density, and displays amounts thereof. The apparatus further includes a storing function of data thereof. The apparatus has a signal detecting section 21 having a sensor section 5 disposed in an upper portion of a body 1, a signal detecting box A disposed in a lower portion of the body 1, and including therein a hoisting and lowering bench which moves a container C in which liquids to be measured are held to and from the sensor section 5, and a measuring body B for processing a signal output from the signal detecting section 21, detecting and displaying in accordance with an amount of ions, and for outputting impressed voltage to recording function of data and the sensor section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: Hybrid membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are presented, having an anode comprising a dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on small, high-aspect ratio supports, such as nanostructured elements, and a cathode comprising a less dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on lower-aspect ratio supports, such as carbon particle supported catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cation-selective sensor provided with a cation-selective coating and based on the fact that analyte ions present in a solution cause detectable changes in the electrical characteristics of the layer. The acid/base components in the cation-selective layer render the sensor function independent of the anions present in the analyte solution. This improves the measurement accuracy and lowers the detection threshold.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor with a gelled membrane for prolonging the useful life of an ion-selective electrode. The gelled membrane is a hydrophilic membrane having a specially-formulated gel layer coated on one side. The gel-coated side of the gelled membrane is in intimate contact with the ion-selective membrane and separates the ion-selective membrane from the test samples and the calibration and cleaning fluids. The gelled membrane is a semi-permeable barrier which allows passage of the species to be measured while inhibiting the passage of surfactant and proteinaceous material into the polymeric ion-selective membrane.

Abstract: A blood analyzer sensor cartridge comprises a housing having chamber and a sensor assembly within the chamber, a first fluid port having an articulated inlet aspiration tube for direct introduction of a sample, a first fluid path in the housing communicating the first fluid port with the sensor assembly, a second fluid port in the housing adapted for connection to an analyzer, and a second fluid path in the housing communicating the sensor assembly with the second fluid port, the articulated tube is pivotally mounted to the housing for selective orientation within a range of up to ninety degrees, the tube is moveable from a protective recess in the housing to a position normal to a face of the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a thin layer electrochemical cell (FIGS. 12, 14) comprising the steps of: forming an aperture (11) extending through a sheet (1) of electrically resistive material, said aperture defining a side wall of the cell; mounting a first thin electrode layer (13) to one side of the sheet and extending over aperture (11) whereby to define a cell first end wall; mounting a second thin electrode layer (13) to the other side of the sheet and extending over aperture (11) whereby to define a second cell end wall in substantial overlying registration with the first electrode; and providing means (16) for admission of a liquid into the cell.

Abstract: The accuracy and temperature-independence of ion-selective electrode meters having a logarithm resistance temperature correction incorporated therein is enhanced by using a microprocessor controlled and measured circuit with switched reference and switched capacitor filter, and by adding a linear membrane resistance term to the algorithm to improve accuracy across a wide temperature range.

Abstract: An ion concentration measuring electrode unit includes a body member having a plurality of capillary tubes extending through the body member to provide a plurality of passageways for a sample fluid to be tested. The gaps between the hollow tubes are sealed to maintain an internal solution complimentary to the ion to be measured. An internal electrode is immersed within the internal solution whereby a large internal surface area is provided to enable a reduced impedance in measurement of a sample fluid. An ion concentration meter assembly is thereby provided when combined with a sample flow conduit directing fluid through the body member with a liquid junction connected to the conduit and to a reference electrode unit whereby outputs of the internal electrode and a reference electrode can be used to measure an ion concentration.

Abstract: An environmental sensor apparatus and method of making same is disclosed in which an environmentally sensitive silicon die is sandwiched between an elastomeric media seal and a conductive elastomeric pad contained within a housing. The conductive elastomeric pad contacts a printed circuit board (PCB) which leads from the housing. The die, elastomers and PCB are secured by a press fit plug which contacts the PCB and is heat staked to the housing to provide a substantially flush hermetic seal.

Abstract: An electronic sensor is described that includes a sample receptacle and a data storage device. The data storage device is powered by a pair of half cells on the sensor. The half cells contain ion solutions that are also used to calibrate the sensor. As the sensor is placed within a sensor data reader, the data stored on the data storage device is transferred to the reader along with measurements of the voltage potential between the half cells. The reader thereafter calculates a calibration slope curve for the sensor. The calibration slope curve is then used to determine the exact ion concentration of any sample that is placed in the sample receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is a sensor formed over a subminiature through hole. Because of the small diameter of the through hole, the material that fills the through hole and the through hole itself have an essentially negligible effect on the sensor. Only a small amount of conductive material which fills each through hole is in contact with each associated electrode. Therefore, the purity of the electrode is not significantly altered by the conductive material coupled to the electrode. A relatively large number of sensors can be formed on the surface of the substrate within a relatively small fluid flowcell. Thus, more information can be attained using less blood. The sensors of the present invention are preferably disposed on an alumina substrate which is essentially impervious to aqueous electrolytes and blood over long periods of storage in potentially corrosive environments.

Abstract: A pH sensitive microsensor which comprises a substrate on which a sensor membrane is formed by laser ablation of a target and depositing the target material on the substrate.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes an electrode substrate coated with a high-dielectric hydrocarbon-chain monolayer, and having ligands attached to the exposed monolayer surface. Binding of a receptor to the monolayer-bound ligand, and the resultant perturbation of the monolayer structure, causes ion-mediated electron flow across the monolayer. In one embodiment, the monolayers have a coil-coil heterodimer embedded therein, one subunit of which is attached to the substrate, and the second of which carries the ligand at the monolayer surface.

Abstract: An analysis micro-system with integrated cuvette comprising:a chip support (250) having at least one cuvette (252),at least one chip (210) arranged in each cuvette, the chip comprising analysis electrodes (212) and addressing electrodes (214), andconnection means (258, 260, 262) to connect the addressing electrodes to at least one electrical apparatus external to the micro-system.Conforming to the invention, the connection means comprise connection terminals (258) arranged on the support, outside the cuvette (252), and electrical links (260, 262) connecting the connection terminals (258) to the addressing electrodes.Application to the analysis of chemical and biological products.

Abstract: A new type of ion-selective solvent polymeric or liquid membrane electrode is constructed which allows to extend the measuring range at the lower end by at least six (6) orders of magnitudes. The new method can be used with membranes based on a neutral ionophore, a charged ionophore, or an ion-exchanger. Low detection limits are achieved by maintaining a very low and constant concentration of the primary ion and a sufficiently high concentration of an interfering ion in the internal reference solution. The low and constant concentration of the primary ion is either adjusted with the help of a solution of a hydrophilic ion buffer such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or by adding an excess of a salt of an ion which forms a sparingly soluble salt with the primary ion, such as NaI for the primary ion Ag.sup.+. With the new technique, ion-selective electrodes can be used, for the first time, for environmental monitoring of heavy metal ions such as Pb.sup.2+ and Cd.sup.2+ at the submicromolar level.

Abstract: This invention concerns a scanning electrochemical microscope prove capable of measuring a specimen which does not have a smooth surface. The probe is insulated by a monomolecular adsorption film, a monomolecular laminated film, or polymer film (i.e., organic thin film). Its front end has the organic thin film removed by an electric field evaporation process to expose the metal wire, and the current is detected by this portion. Active hydrogen is present on the surface of the metal wire which preferably has a pointed end. A silane surfactant such as octadecyl trichlorosilane or the like is brought into contact with the metal wire surface to cause a dehydrochlorination reaction, thereby forming a monomolecular film, a monomolecular laminated film, or polymer film which is chemically adsorbed by colvant siloxane bonds to the surface of the metal. Only the front end portion of the metal wire is evaporated by the electric field, so that a probe with a very fine tip is obtained.

Abstract: A chemical sensor apparatus and method of making same is disclosed in which an ion sensitive silicon die is sandwiched between an elastomeric media seal and a conductive elastomeric pad contained within a housing. The conductive elastomeric pad contacts a printed circuit board (PCB) which leads from the housing. The die, elastomers and PCB are secured by a press-fit electrically conductive plug, which contacts and makes an electrical connection with the PCB. The plug functions as a counter electrode for the apparatus as well as a mechanical lock that seals the principal components of the apparatus within the housing in a substantially flush hermetic seal.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode of flowthrough type is used for electrochemical measurement of ion species contained in a biological fluid by the electrode method. In the electrode method, the reaction of an ion and a sensing substance contained in an ion-sensing membrane is electrochemically detected.plurality of holes are made on a part of the wall of a path for letting the biological fluid flow therethrough. An ion-sensing membrane is formed in the plurality of holes such that each membrane includes a different sensitive ion from the other and the inner surface of the path is kept smooth.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes an electrode substrate coated with a high-dielectric hydrocarbon-chain monolayer, and having ligands attached to the exposed monolayer surface. Binding of a receptor to the monolayer-bound ligand, and the resultant perturbation of the monolayer structure, causes ion-mediated electron flow across the monolayer. In one embodiment, the monolayers have a coil-coil heterodimer embedded therein, one subunit of which is attached to the substrate, and the second of which carries the ligand at the monolayer surface.

Abstract: In a sensor for measuring an analyte in a biological sample whose measuring surface is covered by or comprises a membrane, the membrane has free groups on the surface facing the sample. The surface is modified such that a hydrophilic component is immobilized on the surface in such a manner that chains of the hydrophilic component are chemically bonded to free groups on the surface. Thus, the surface is provided with a more hydrophilic character relative to its unmodified state.

Abstract: A device for testing body fluids is disclosed, the device comprising an electrode body having an enclosed flow chamber extending longitudinally therethrough. A valve assembly is in liquid communication with the flow chamber and also detachably mounts a syringe thereon. The valve assembly provides liquid communication between a syringe mounted thereon and the flow chamber. A plurality of electrode cells is detachably mounted to the electrode body and is in liquid communication with the flow chamber. The plurality of electrode cells measures electrical resistivity, rH.sub.2, and pH. A circuit electrically connects the plurality of electrodes to an interface providing data output and command input.

Abstract: A highly sensitive assay for the determination of Cr(VI), in the presence of Cr(III) and in the presence of other cations by cyclic voltammetry. The determination is carried out with a gold or gold-plated electrode with a self-assembled monolayer of a pyridine derivative of the kind of 4-(2-ethanethiol) pyridine. Determinations can be affected at extremly low levels of the order of 1 ppt (part per trillion 10.sup.12).

Abstract: A composite electrode, comprising:a solid non-metallic substrate, (such as ceramic, glass, or epoxy resin,)and, bonded directly or indirectly to said substrate,a non-conducting matrix, incorporating particles which are accessible to the electrode surface and contain an insoluble metal salt (e.g. halide) in direct electrical contact with the metal corresponding to said salt, said metal being present either (i) in the form of metallic particles incorporated in a non-conducting matrix zone disposed so that said metal salt-containing particles are located between said metallic particles and said electrode surface, and/or (ii) a solid metallic surface in the form of an intermediate layer between said matrix and said substrate.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor structure includes a housing having an inner surface defining a housing cavity. The sensor also has an inner body having an outer surface. The outer surface of the inner body and the inner surface of the housing have engaging portions which directly engage one another to form a channel therebetween. The channel defines an ionic junction in the sensor.

Abstract: A new method which employs a mixed-valence cluster of M.sub.y.sup.z+ [Fe(II)(CN).sub.6 ] coated on an electrode surface to determine hydrogen peroxide concentration electrochemically is developed. M of the mixed-valence compound can be Co, Ni, Cr, Sc, V, Cu, Mn, Ag, Eu, Cd, Zn, Ru or Rh; z is the valence state of M; and y=4/z. In addition, this invention also reveals a new approach to determine a concentration of a hydrogen peroxide precursor, wherein a catalyst is immobilized in the matrix or on the surface of the mixed-valence compound on the electrode. In a typical biochemical system, the catalyst can be a glucose oxidase and blood sugar is catalyzed to form hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention is a sensor having an electrode formed in electrical contact with a subminiature through hole. Because of the small diameter of the through hole, the material that fills the through hole and the through hole itself have an essentially negligible effect on the sensor. A relatively large number of sensors can be formed on the surface of the substrate within a relatively small fluid flowcell. Thus, more information can be attained using less analyte. The sensors of the present invention are preferably disposed on an alumina substrate which is essentially impervious to aqueous electrolytes and blood over long periods of storage in potentially corrosive environments.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyte selective sensor for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of ions or substances contained in solution. The proposed sensor (1) comprises at least one analyte-specific layer (3) deposited on an inert carrier (7) and in contact with the solution; this analyte-specific layer consists of a liquid, solid or semi-solid material and is in contact with at least two electrodes (5, 6). The layer (3) selectively removes the analyte from the solution so that its own electrical characteristics, such as resistance, conductivity, admittance or impedance, change as the analyte is taken up.

Abstract: A device for performing electrochemical and/or optical measurements in fluids, includes a sensor part of substantially planar configuration carrying a plurality of sensors that are connected to conductive paths; a cover part, which includes a groove-shaped measuring channel through which the fluid will flow; and a sealing element positioned between the sensor part and the cover part for sealing the measuring channel. The cover part includes grooves which extend in parallel with the measuring channel and which define respective ridges between the grooves and the measuring channel, and the sealing element substantially includes guiding bodies which are retained in the grooves of the cover part and are provided with integrally molded narrow sealing lips protruding in the area of the ridge. The sensor part and the cover part are joined by a plurality of locking elements which are distributed along the measuring channel.

Abstract: Ion-selective membranes are disclosed which are suitable for use in ion-selective sensors. The membranes include a mercuracarborand ionophore. Exemplary ion-selective membranes include Mercuracarborand-3 as the ionophore which is incorporated within a polymer matrix. The ion-selective membranes may be used in a wide variety of ion sensors including ion-selective membrane electrodes.

Abstract: A single rod measuring probe has a hollow probe portion which contains an electrolyte solution and an electrical connector plug. The hollow probe portion and electrical connector plug are joined by a refill unit which receives the probe portion and plug in opposite ends thereof. The refill unit includes a lateral opening for filling the probe portion with electrolyte solution and a slidable cover for closing the opening. The slidable cover includes an elastic seal which seals the lateral opening when the cover is over the lateral opening. Preferably, the refill unit is non-circular in cross-section to facilitate venting.