Abstract: This invention relates to a novel membrane useful in an electro-chemical, optical or other sensor device and to a method employing the membrane for determining the concentration of large molecule compound such as glucose in an aqueous solution of that compound and a dissolved small molecule substance such as oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substance-sensitive semiconductor and a method for making the same, wherein a substance-sensitive material is combined with photoresist material and applied to an electronic device structure. The substance-sensitive material may be applied before or after the photoresist material, or even may be combined with the photoresist material to form a substance-sensitive layer of photoresist material on the semi-conductor. The photoresist material is then processed, such that unwanted, or undesirable areas are free from the photoresist material and the areas of desired substance sensitivity have a fully processed photoresist layer. A further embodiment of the present disclosure provides multiple layers sensitive to different ions on a single sheet of semiconductor or electromagnetically active material.

Abstract: A stabilized, lipid membrane-based device is provided. This device includes a plurality of membrane-forming lipids, and a support for stabilizing the lipid membrane. Each membrane-forming lipid includes a long chain through which the lipid is anchored to a binding site on the support, and another long chain unattached to the support. The support binding sites are spaced apart from one another to provide the lipid membrane with an appropriate molecular packing density.Also provided is a process for determining the concentration of a selected chemical species in an aqueous electrolytic solution, using an electrochemical cell formed from a lipid membrane-based device in accordance with the present invention. This process includes the step of applying across the lipid membrane of the device an electrical potential difference to produce an analytical signal based upon an increase in membrane ion permeability.

Abstract: A device comprising a field effect transistor having a floating gate 20 formed on a first surface of a substrate 10 over gate oxide 13a and source and drain regions 11, 12. A responsive layer 15 is provided on the second surface of the substrate and is capacitatively coupled to the floating gate via a thin insulating membrane 13b at a location away from the transistor. The device is applicable in the biomedical domain.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the concentration of dicyanoaurate anions in a solution is disclosed. The device includes a semipermeable membrane formed from a material permeable to dicyanoaurate anions. The material may be comprised of an organopolysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymer and a complexed salt of the dicyanoaurate anion.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor device providing long term signal stability through a structure and relation of components effective to provide substantially uniform current flux at all points across a working electrode and a counter electrode of a three electrode system within an electrolyte container having a hydrophobic membrane permeable to a selected component to be measured and accessible to a fluid to be monitored.

Abstract: An integral ion selective electrode for analysis of a potassium ion, etc., comprising:(I) a support;(II) an electroconductive metal layer such as a silver metal layer;(III) a layer of a water-insoluble salt of said metal such as a silver chloride layer;(IV) an electrolyte layer which comprises electrolyte salt of a sodium ion with the same anion as the anion of the water-insoluble salt, said electrolyte salt having a mean crystal size of not more than 8 .mu.m, and said electrolyte layer being substantially free from a binder; and(V) an ion selective layer selected from the group consisting of a potassium ion selective layer, a halogen ion selective layer and a carbonate ion selective layer.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of ionic and gas species at high temperatures. Platinum metal oxides are used for the electrical signal paths between electrical elements on the device to make the device particularly adaptable to high temperature measurement applications. Chemically sensitive composite structures may be hardened for high temperature applications by mixing polyimide with the materials normally used in the outer layer of such structure.

Abstract: Potassium ion-selective compositions which comprise valinomycin and a particular carrier solvent capable of solvating valinomycin are disclosed. The carrier solvent is a dicarboxylic acid diester having at least 25 carbon atoms, a viscosity of less than about 120 centipoise at 20.degree. C. and a boiling point greater than about 170.degree. C. at 5 mm pressure. A preferred carrier solvent is diisodecyl phthalate. Membranes prepared from these compositions preferably have a glass transition temperature greater than about -50.degree. C. These membranes are particularly useful in dry-operative potassium ion-selective electrodes which are capable of selectively determining potassium ions in preference to other ions.

Abstract: An improved flow through ion sensing electrode and a method for producing it. The electrode is formed of bilumen plastic tubing using one lumen as the sample path and the other lumen as a sensing chamber. By permeating a portion of the tubing with an ion selective material, an ion selective membrane integral with the chamber wall is produced. A preferred embodiment also incorporates a reference electrode.

Abstract: There are disclosed an ion selective electrode which adopted a solid polymer membrane with specific ion exchangers, and an apparatus and measuring method with the above-mentioned electrode. The electrode is suitable for the quantitative chemical analysis of a specific ion activity in electrolytic solutions with various foreign ions, for example an activity of chloride ion in blood, urine or any other biological solutions.

Abstract: A pH sensor includes a substrate formed of an electrically conductive carbon material. A hydrogen ion-sensitive layer is formed on the substrate surface. The layer is formed of an electrooxidation polymer of a nitrogen-containing aromatic compound selected from the group consisting of 1-aminopyrene and a mixture of 1-aminopyrene and pyridine.

Abstract: An integral ion selective electrode for the analysis of a potassium ion comprising a support, an electroconductive metal layer such as a silver metal layer, a layer of a water-insoluble salt of said metal such as a silver chloride layer, an electrolyte layer which comprises an electrolyte salt of a potassium ion with the same anion as the anion of the water-insoluble salt, said electrolyte layer being substantially free from a binder, and an ion selective layer, which is characterized in that the electrolyte layer comprises crystalline electrolyte having a mean crystal size of not more than 60 .mu.m. Processes preferably employable for the preparation of the ion selective electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral ion selective electrode for the analysis of a sodium ion comprising a support, an electroconductive metal layer such as a silver metal layer, a layer of a water-insoluble salt of said metal such as a silver chloride layer, an electrolyte layer which comprises an electrolyte salt of a sodium ion with the same anion as the anion of the water-insoluble salt, said electrolyte layer being substantially free from a binder, and an ion selective layer, which is characterized in that the electrolyte layer comprises crystalline electrolyte having mean size of not more than 8 .mu.m. Processes preferably employable for the preparation of the ion selective electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode system for an electrochemical sensor has a plurality of electrically conductive sensing segments isolated from each other and mounted on a support substrate formed from a chemically inert encapsulation material. The sensing segments are unencapsulated and are each coated with respective ones of ion conducting sensing materials to characterize each of the segments except for one of the segments which is uncoated and is arranged to be used as a reference electrode. The outer surface area of the sensing materials and the reference electrode is coated with a layer of a nonaqueous electrolyte which serves as a sorption/desorption medium. The electrolyte, in turn, is covered by a semipermeable thin film membrane secured at its peripheral edge by an O-ring to the support to form a fluid seal. Electrically conductive leads are connected to respective ones of the sensing surfaces, and a temperature measuring device is provided in the electrode structure for temperature compensation.

Abstract: An improved flow through ion sensing electrode and a method for producing it. The electrode is formed of bilumen plastic tubing using one lumen as the sample path and the other lumen as a sensing chamber. By permeating a portion of the tubing with an ion selective material, an ion selective membrane integral with the chamber wall is produced. A preferred embodiment also incorporates a reference electrode.

Abstract: A selectively permeable film directly applied to coat the surface of an electroconductive element, said electively permeable film comprising a polymer which is derived from at least one aromatic compound selected from the group of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds or from the group of hydroxy aromatic compounds. The nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds are aniline, 2-aminobenzotrifluoride, 2-aminopyridine, 2,3-diaminopyridine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-methylenedianiline, tyramine, N-(o-hydroxybenzyl)-aniline and pyrrole. The film coated on the electrode surfaces permits selective passage of ions and the electrode can be used as an ions sensor for measuring the concentration of ions in solutions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ion-selective electrode comprising a polymer membrane, and its manufacturing procedure. Selectivity of the electrode to a given ion has been achieved in that the membrane is of material polymerized from a substance or mixture of substances containing the ion in question and from which after the polymerizing step a quantity of ions of this kind has been removed so that gaps of equivalent size have been produced in the material. An example of said polymerizable substances is a mixture formed by allyloxy-substituted propyleneglycol phosphate and calciumbisdiallyl phosphate, which is used in making a calcium-selective electrode. If in the example mixture calcium is replaced by another ion, an electrode which is sensitive to this particular ion is similarly obtained. It is to advantage in view of the electrode's mechanical properties to make the electrode without internal solution by affixing the polymer membrane directly on the surface of a semiconductor body consisting e.g.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode includes a conductive electrode body which is supported by an insulating substrate. A convex dome-shaped membrane containing an electroactive species is deposited over and is directly in contact with the electrode body and a surface of the substrate surrounding the electrode body. The membrane has its greatest height above the electrode body and slopes down to meet the surface of the substrate. A moat formed in the insulating substrate surrounds the space from the electrode body to define the outer boundary of the dome-shaped member.

Abstract: Salt bridge liquid for use in potentiometric measurement of blood or a blood liquid.The salt bridge liquid contains Na.sup.+ -ions and HCOO.sup.- -ions in substantially equimolar amounts, preferably in a concentration larger than or equal to 1 M, in particular about 4 M.When this salt bridge liquid is used, the potentiometric measurement will give corresponding results when measuring a blood sample and the corresponding plasma sample because the suspension effect which is caused by the erythrocytes and which is seen when using other salt bridge liquids is substantially eliminated. Furthermore, different blood samples with the same ion concentration but with varying erythrocyte content will give corresponding measuring results.

Abstract: A transcutaneous blood carbon dioxide sensor together with a method for making such a sensor and for making electrodes used in the sensor. The sensor comprises a palladium/palladium oxide junction type electrode and a silver/silver halide junction type electrode applied to an electrically nonconductive substrate, partially coated with an insulative dielectric and partially coated with a polymeric membrane material including a bound electrolyte, the polymeric membrane material being permeable to carbon dioxide. The Pd/PD0 electrode was made cathodic prior to terminating the electro-oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode comprising a support having provided thereon, in sequence, a conductive layer and an ion selective layer, which is characterized by having at least one groove through the conductive layer and covering the surface of the groove with the ion selective layer is disclosed. Half cells or electrodes useful for the measurement of ionic activity of chlorine, sodium, potassium or, carbonate or hydrogen carbonate ions in blood or other aqueous sample liquids can be prepared in an extremely simple manner. The single ion selective electrode element comprising paired ion selective electrodes in accordance with the present invention are electrochemically equivalent. A process for forming the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid film type, anion-selective electrode of the present invention is suitable for measuring a chloride ion concentration of blood. A sensitive film contains a plurality of plasticizers having different dielectric constants, an anion-sensitive substance and a polymeric support material for supporting them. An appropriate content of o-nitrophenyloctylether having a high dielectric constant is 5-30% by weight, an appropriate content of n-tetradecyl alcohol having a low dielectric constant 5-40% by weight, and an appropriate content of dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride as the anion-sensitive substance is 5-30% by weight. An electrode for measuring anions with such a sensitive film has less adverse affect by protein on measurements. The sensitive film further containing n-dodecyl alcohol has a much smaller error of measurement.

Abstract: An improved method for producing ion-selective membranes having a desired shape and of a desired plastic, for incorporation in ion-sensing electrodes, and the electrodes incorporating these membranes. This method allows the use of preformed polymeric members having the desired shape to produce ion-selective membranes, allowing simplified production of ion-sensing electrodes, as well as combination ion-sensing and reference electrodes.

Abstract: A method is described for the amperometric determination of the concentration in a biological sample of a constituent which is a substrate for an oxidase enzyme by (1) catalyzing the substrate with the enzyme, thereby consuming O.sub.2 and producing H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and (2) measuring the O.sub.2 consumption or H.sub.2 O.sub.2 production by means of an inert metal indicator electrode intimately coated with a thin film of a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer.A reaction chamber is described which provides means for contacting the sample with the enzyme and means for making amperometric measurements utilizing inert metal indicator electrodes coated with a thin film of a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer.

Abstract: A chemical sensing element suitable for measurement of the activity or the concentration of a specific ion contained in an electrolyte is provided with an optically opaque membrane between a gate insulating membrane and an ion sensing membrane of a field-effect type transistor. Since the opaque membrane is provided, extraneous light impinging on a gate is blocked by the opaque membrane, whereby an erroneous potential due to extraneous light is prevented. Accordingly, the accurate measurement of the activity or the concentration of a specific ion contained in an electrolyte may be achieved even in intense ambient light.

Abstract: A chemically sensitive device for monitoring chemical properties is described. The device includes a depletion-mode field-effect transistor. Two electrical leads are connected between source and drain region of the field-effect transistor to monitor changes in current or potential resulting from changes in the amount of chemical to be monitored. A reference electrode is attached to a lower substrate surface of the field-effect transistor and electrically connected to the source via a highly doped region adjacent to the source and another highly doped region adjacent to the reference electrode, both having a polarity identical to the substrate. A sensing membrane which is specific to the chemical to be monitored is located on a portion of the substrate remote from the gate region but electrically connected to the gate region to alter conductance between the source and the drain in accordance with the presence or absence of the chemical to be monitored.

Abstract: Ion-selective compositions which comprise an ion carrier, a compound capable of solvating the ion carrier, and a supporting matrix are disclosed. The ion carrier useful in this invention is a hemispherand compound represented by the structure: ##STR1## wherein X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 are independently alkyl or alkenyl, or any one of X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 is taken with one of the others of X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 to form an alkylene group or an alkylene group interrupted with hetero atoms; and R represents the atoms necessary to complete a macrocyclic ring structure having from 16 to 19 atoms in the backbone of the ring structure, with the proviso that R contains (a) at least one coordinating site for sodium ions and (b) at least two alkylene groups as part of the ring structure. These compounds and the compositions containing same are particularly useful in ion-selective electrodes.

Abstract: An overcoat composition for use in ion-selective electrodes comprises: (a) a discontinuous liquid phase comprising an oleophilic solvent dispersed within a continuous phase comprising a hydrophilic binder; (b) a complexing agent useful for extracting oleophilic anions; (c) a buffer which provides a pH in the range of from about 7.5 to about 9.5 under conditions of use; and (d) a nucleating agent. This overcoat composition is particularly useful in ion-selective electrodes for determination of CO.sub.2.

Abstract: Ion-selective compositions which comprise an ionophore, a compound capable of solvating the ionophore and a supporting matrix are disclosed. The ionophores useful in these compositions are certain crown ethers. These ion-selective compositions are particularly useful in ion-selective membranes and electrodes which are capable of selectively transporting a first ion in preference to a second ion. Such compositions, membranes and electrodes are useful for potentiometric measurement of alkali metal ions, e.g. lithium, sodium and potassium, in aqueous solutions, e.g. biological fluids. Dry-operative electrodes using these ion-selective compositions as membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-responsive field-effect transducer operating in depletion-mode, or enhancement/depletion-mode, comprising: a semiconductor material having a pair of adjacent diffusion regions (1,2) of a certain doping polarity located at the surface and separated by a channel (3) of the same doping polarity, said channel being created by diffusion, ion-implantation, epitaxial growth, or creation of a surface inversion layer by controlled processing techniques or other means. The diffusion regions and channel region are supported by an insulating substrate (4) or semiconductor substrate of opposite polarity. Electrical insulator (6) and/or ion-barrier material (7) overlies the aforementioned channel region. An electroactive material (10) overlies said insulator and/or ion-barrier, such that the electroactive material will interact with substances to which it is exposed and control the charge-carrier density in the aforementioned channel.

Abstract: An improved potassium ion-selective electrode comprises a support having thereon a metal layer, a metal halide layer, an electrolyte layer and a potassium ion-selective membrane layer. The electrolyte layer comprises a mixture of salts, sodium halide and potassium halide at a weight ratio of sodium halide to potassium halide of 1:1 to 19:1, resulting in maintained precision and accuracy of results and improved adhesion between the electrolyte layer and adjacent layers. Preferably, the ratio of sodium halide to potassium halide in the electrolyte layer is approximately 3:1.

Abstract: In the formation of a chemically sensitive field effect device, prior to formation of the gate membrane, an aluminum pad is disposed over the gate, and a polyimide layer is disposed thereover. Photoresist and etching steps produce openings in the polyimide to form a gridwork which is anchored to the device on the periphery of the gate. The aluminum layer is etched completely away, forming a void defined by the suspended polyimide mesh on one side, and the gate insulator on the other. Polymeric membrane is formed in the void by insertion in liquid form.

Abstract: A combination ion sensing and reference electrode and a method for producing it. The electrode is formed of bi-lumen plastic tubing using one lumen as sensing chamber and the other as a reference chamber. A portion of the sensing chamber extends distally relative to the reference chamber, and is permeated with an ion selective material by soaking that portion in a solution containing the ion selective material. The method of manufacture is thereby simplified and sealing of the chambers is improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel membrane useful in an electro-chemical, optical or other sensor device and to a method employing the membrane for determining the concentration of large molecule compound such as glucose in an aqueous solution of that compound and a dissolved small molecule substance such as oxygen.

Abstract: The gas detection offered by the present invention is characterized by the detection of CO as distinct from H.sub.2. The optimum structure of the device therefor has an electrolytic cell wherein the electrode surfaces of a working electrode, a counter electrode and a reference electrode are kept in contact with electrolyte and wherein the open sides at both ends of the vessel containing the electrolyte are sealed by the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrode; means for connecting between the working electrode and the counter electrode and means for applying a predetermined a voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode, wherein sensitivity of the working electrode to carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas is smaller than that of the reference electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical electrode device comprising a tubular member having a bottom end adapted to be inserted into a liquid sample to be measured, and a top end which is closed by a cap member including electrical conductors by means of which the electrodes of the electrode device are connected to an outer cable. In order to facilitate the introduction of liquid or gel into an inner space defined within the tubular member as well as withdrawal of liquid or gel from that space, a longitudinally extending passage is formed within the cap member. This passage may be selectively opened and closed by means of a closure member which is received in a cavity extending transversely to and intersecting the longitudinal passage. The closure member is preferably in the form of a swingably mounted slide valve member or a rotatable cock member.

Abstract: Ion-selective compositions which comprise an ion carrier, a compound capable of solvating the ion carrier, and a supporting matrix are disclosed.The ion carriers of this invention are hemispherand compounds represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocyclic group; and X is benzyl or an electron donating group capable of forming at least one coordinating site for sodium ions. A preferred hemispherand according to this invention is 2'-benzyloxy-3,3"-[2,6-pyridylenebis(methyleneoxymethylene)]-2,2"-tetramet hylenedioxy-5,5',5"-trimethyl-1,1':3',1"-terphenyl. These compounds and the compositions containing same are particularly useful in ion-selective electrodes. Such an electrode is capable of selectively transporting sodium ions in preference to other cations. Dry-operative electrodes using these ion-selective compositions as membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for determining the ionic analyte activity in liquids, e.g. aqueous solutions, by the use of electrodes and an internal capillary bridge which promotes ionic migration between the electrodes. This device includes an electrically insulative frame in which the electrodes are mounted, liquid access holes aligned with the electrodes on a capillary bridge formed of a porous material, and a cover sheet element formed of a nonporous cover sheet. The cover sheet element extends over the electrodes and encapsulates the elongated capillary bridge. Located in the cover sheet directly over and generally along the capillary bridge is one or more substantially continuous stretch lines typically provided by mechanically deforming the cover sheet. This deformation allows shorter junction times when liquids are introduced into the liquid access holes.

Abstract: In the formation of a chemically sensitive field effect device, prior to formation of the gate membrane, an aluminum pad is disposed over the gate, and a polyimide layer is disposed thereover. Photoresist and etching steps produce openings in the polyimide to form a gridwork which is anchored to the device on the periphery of the gate. The aluminum layer is etched completely away, forming a void defined by the suspended polyimide mesh on one side, and the gate insulator on the other. Polymeric membrane is formed in the void by insertion in liquid form.

Abstract: A layered half cell comprising (a) an inert insulating substrate having coated thereon (b) a layer of conductive material having coated thereon (c) a layer of carbon dispersed in a dielectric polymer, the layer being coated with (d) an ion-selective membrane layer, the interface between layers (c) and (d) being partially interdiffused.

Abstract: A solid state graphite electrode to determine the activity of an ion-specie in solution. The graphite electrode of the present invention can be adapted for use as either an external reference electrode, an ion-selective electrode or as an internal reference electrode. The electrode includes, as an electrically conductive element, a supported section of graphite that is appropriately electrically connected through a potentiometer to show a difference in ion concentration as a voltage potential or emf. One graphite surface for immersion in a test solution is hydrophobized by coating it with a solution that contains an organic liquid molecule to covalently bond with hydroxyl groups (OH) of the graphite surface, rendering that surface hydrophobic. Preferably, the organic liquid is a silanizing agent, which coating after drying is covered with a hydrophobic layer or membrane that is preferably a polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regenerating an ion-selective electrode equipped with an ion-selective membrane which is formed of a polymer membrane containing an ion-selective material and plasticizer, which method comprises supplying to the ion-selective membrane a regenerating plasticizer which is either identical in every aspects or analogous in effects to the first-mentioned plasticizer and is capable of dissolving the ion-selective material therein and imparting flexibility to the ion-selective membrane. Also disclosed are several embodiments of ion-selective electrodes and ion-concentration analyzers containing means for practicing said method.

Abstract: An antibody-selective potentiometric electrode for the quantitative determination of antibodies in dilute liquid serum samples employing an insoluble membrane incorporating an antigen having bonded thereto an ion carrier effecting the permeability of preselected cations therein, which permeability is a function of specific antibody concentrations in analysis, and the corresponding method of analysis.

Abstract: Concentrations of large organic cationic species in aqueous solution are measured as a function of potentiometric response, employing a cation-selective electrode having a high degree of selectivity for large organic cationic species with respect to both smaller organic cationic species and inorganic cationic species. The electrode is formed with a cation-selective membrane component composed of a polymeric matrix having dispersed or dissolved therein a cation exchange material whose counter-anion is a high molecular weight alkyl or alkaryl sulfonate or sulphate. By proper choice of the cationic moiety of the cation exchange material, the electrode may be made selective for a variety of large organic cationic species, including a number of such species which are of pharmaceutical or clinical interest, thereby enabling potentiometric assays for such species.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a patient's proneness to develop kidney tones of the calcium oxalate type, which comprises forming an aqueous reaction medium comprising from about 5 to about 20% by volume of a sample of the patient's urine, said medium having an ionic strength of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 and containing calcium ions at a concentration of from about 1 to about 5 mM/l and oxalate ions at a concentration of from about 1 to about 7 mM/l; measuring by means of a calcium ion-specific electrode the rate of decrease of the calcium ion concentration and comparing the thus measured rate with the corresponding rate determined with a reference sample of normal urine. A kit for carrying out the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A selective ion sensitive electrode is so constructed that an ion exchanger sensitive to a specific ion is formed on a metal electrode, an electric conductive resin electrode or a chlorinated metal electrode to which a signal wire is connected so as to maintain a stable electric connection between the signal wire and the ion exchanger over a long period of time. A layer of a silane coupling agent is used between the electrode member and ion exchanger.