Organic Membrane Patents (Class 204/418)
  • Patent number: 6123817
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tohru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6122092
    Abstract: An electrochromic device (10) of reversible light-transmissivity comprises a pair of spaced-apart window plate members (11, 13) bearing electrically-conductive surface layers (12, 14) and containing an electrochromotropic electrolyte solution in the intervening space (16). The electrolyte comprises an aqueous inorganic solution of a silver salt and may further comprise a salt of a transition metal. The electrolyte solutions are responsive to varying applied voltages by transitioning between solution phases of varying light-transmissivity which, depending upon solution composition, may be persistent or passively reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien DuPasquier, Jean-Marie Tarascon
  • Patent number: 6110338
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kyuji Rokugawa
  • Patent number: 6107080
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: McGill University
    Inventor: R. Bruce Lennox
  • Patent number: 6100045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic assays whereby the detection means is based on electrochemical reactions. This means that the label to be detected provides an electric signal. Preferred labels are enzymes giving such a signal. Provided is a flow cell whereby a solid phase is provided in a flow stream of the sample, in close proximity to a working electrode to detect any electrical signal. In a typical embodiment, a sample is mixed with molecule having specific binding affinity for an analyte of which the presence in the sample is to be detected, whereby said specific binding molecule is provided with a label. The conjugate of labelled specific binding molecule and analyte is then immobilized on the solid phase in the vicinity of the working electrode, the flow cell is rinsed with a solution and afterwards a substrate solution for the label (an enzyme) is provided upon which an electrical signal is generated and can be detected by the working electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventor: Remco Maria Van Es
  • Patent number: 6093308
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g., electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Patent number: 6068744
    Abstract: Described is a combination, PVC-membrane, Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) with a replaceable sensing module and a single-junction, sleeve-type reference electrode. pH and ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) in the "Combination" configuration, i.e., single probes containing both the sensing and reference half-cells, are more convenient, more economical, and can be used to analyze smaller samples than an equivalent pair of separate half-cell electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Orion Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Fung Seto, Steven J. West, Xiaowen Wen
  • Patent number: 6068748
    Abstract: A planar, solid-state electrochemical oxygen sensor having a substrate, conductive strips deposited on the substrate, and a dielectric layer insulating portions of the conductive strips except those portions which define a working electrode and at least one second electrode. The working electrode may be defined by an open printed region of the dielectric, or by a needle-punched or laser-burned hole or opening in the dielectric which exposes a small region of one of the conduct strips. A solid electrolyte contacting the electrodes is covered by a semipermeable membrane which may comprise an acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer or an acrylate-based copolymer. A sample chamber is defined by the membrane, a cover member, and a gasket therebetween, and has a volume of from about 1 to about 2 .mu.l. The gasket is formulated from the highly cross-linked polymerization product of epichlorohydrin. All sensor components are selected such that a sensor operable for at least 2 days under normal conditions is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph Berger, Peter G. Edelman
  • Patent number: 6066244
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Claes Ivan Nylander, Brian Jeffrey Birch, Clive Edward Marshman, Peter Richard Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6022463
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: SenDx Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Leader, Jeffrey Graves
  • Patent number: 6017440
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting a microorganism comprising first and second sensors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus, wherein the sensors comprise a region of nonconducting organic material and a region of conducting material compositionally that is different than the nonconducting organic material and an electrical path through the regions of nonconducting organic material and the conducting material. A system for identifying microorganisms using the sensor array, a computer and a pattern recognition algorithm, such as a neural net are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund
  • Patent number: 6015480
    Abstract: A method for extending the uselife of a chloride ion selective membrane of an ISE sensor by providing a two-layer sensor structure wherein an quaternized ion-selective polymeric layer is positioned between a sample to be analyzed and a conventional polymeric ISE membrane containing an ion-exchange agent. Also provided are polymer compositions comprised methyl methacrylate/choloromethyl styrene copolymer and mixtures thereof that have been reacted with tertiary amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Robert Craig, Michael Patrick Reidy, Chengrong Wang
  • Patent number: 6013170
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, .lambda., of an electron transfer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meade
  • Patent number: 6013229
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting analyte in a fluid. The sensor comprises a substrate having an array of sensors. Each sensor comprises a combination of a first organic material at a concentration and a second organic material at a concentration, wherein the first organic material is different from the second organic material. The sensor array further includes a detector operatively associated with each said sensor. The sensor array is built from a feedstock of organic materials such that the number of sensors is greater than the number of different organic materials which form the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund
  • Patent number: 6010616
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising at least first and second chemically sensitive resistors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus, wherein each of the chemically sensitive resistors comprises a mixture of nonconductive material and a conductive material. Each resistor provides an electrical path through the mixture of nonconductive material and the conductive material. The resistors also provide a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising an analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with an analyte at a second different concentration. A broad range of analytes can be detected using the sensors of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund
  • Patent number: 5985117
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Leonidas G. Bachas, M. Frederick Hawthorne, Ibrahim H. A. Badr
  • Patent number: 5968326
    Abstract: A composite membrane is disclosed fabricated by depositing an inorganic ion-conducting thin film on a cation-selective organic polymer membrane substrate using Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) or reactive magnetron sputtering. The fabricated membrane combines the advantages of the polymeric membrane including flexibility and low electrical resistance, with the advantages of the inorganic membrane film including resistance to fouling, high selectivity for alkali metal ions over hydrogen ions and resistance to oxidizing chemicals; electromembrane systems and processes for example alkali metal sensing electrodes and other membrane-based electrochemical detectors, electrolytic and electrodialytic systems incorporate such membranes thus improving their performance in terms of current efficiency, salt to acid conversion ratio, reliable operation and membrane life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignees: Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, Ecole Polytechnique
    Inventors: Arthur Yelon, Michael Paleologou, Dentcho Ivanov, Ricardo Izquierdo, Michel Meunier
  • Patent number: 5964994
    Abstract: This invention pertains to fluorophoric compositions and methods of their use for enhancing visualization of various constituents of ion selective electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Robert Craig, James David Hamerslag
  • Patent number: 5958201
    Abstract: A method for extending the uselife of a sodium ion selective membrane of an ISE sensor by incorporating water therein. Also provided are polymer compositions comprised of water plus the membrane compounds or residues and articles comprising such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Robert Craig, Michael Patrick Reidy
  • Patent number: 5951846
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g. electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund
  • Patent number: 5951837
    Abstract: This invention pertains to fluorophoric compositions of a 7-amino-coumarin derivative and methods of their use for enhancing visualization of various constituents of ion selective electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Robert Craig, James David Hamerslag
  • Patent number: 5944970
    Abstract: A solid state electrochemical sensor includes a conductive base layer which supports a chemically sensitive membrane, a guard ring layer located below the base layer and insulated therefrom by a dielectric insulator ring layer. The two ring layers define a central hole through which access to the underside of the base layer is provided. The side wall of the hole is coated with a dielectric oxide layer and a metal conductor is laid on the oxide layer and is ohmically bonded to the base layer. A second dielectric oxide layer covers the metal conductor and a metallic inner guard layer covers the second dielectric oxide layer and is in ohmic contact with the guard ring layer. A CMOS buffer amplifier (voltage follower amplifier) is formed on the lower surface of the guard ring layer. The input to the buffer amplifier is coupled to the conductor in ohmic contact with the base layer and the output of the buffer amplifier is coupled to the guard ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: David Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 5942350
    Abstract: A graded metal hardware component for an electrochemical cell is shown for mechanically supporting electrochemical cell structures and defining fluid cavities and fluid passages in a cell employing a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The graded metal hardware component includes a substrate such as stainless steel, a surface layer made of a precious metal such as gold, and a graded boundary layer adjacent to and between the substrate and surface layer, wherein the graded boundary layer is an interdiffusion of the substrate and surface layer so that the graded boundary layer is between 0.5 wt. %-5.0 wt. % of the material making up the substrate, and between 99.5 wt. %-95.0 wt. % of the material making up the surface layer, and the graded boundary layer has a thickness of between 10%-90% of a shortest distance between the substrate and an exterior surface of the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Roy, Andrei Leonida, Thomas J. Garosshen, Trent M. Molter
  • Patent number: 5938917
    Abstract: An electrode characterized by a layer of at least one polymer containing ferrocenylalkyl groups. The electrodes are useful in detecting hydrogen peroxide, organic (hydro)peroxides and lipid hydroperoxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Ashok Kimatrai Mulchandani
  • Patent number: 5916425
    Abstract: The present invention is an electronic wiring substrate for sensors 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 substrate is essentially impervious to aqueous electrolytes and blood over long periods of storage in potentially corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Sendx Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Leader, Jeffrey Graves
  • Patent number: 5911872
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g., electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Patent number: 5911862
    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 membrane is provided thereover. According to one embodiment, the polymeric material of the invention includes less than about 1.63.times.10.sup.21 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. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the ion selective membrane has little or no plasticizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventor: Andy D. C. Chan
  • Patent number: 5910366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to film composite membranes for use as battery separators or coatings on electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Ottawa
    Inventors: Geeta Chowdhury, William Adams, Brian Conway, Srinivasa Sourirajan
  • Patent number: 5906719
    Abstract: An amperometric sensor device comprising a working electrode, a reference/pseudo-reference electrode and a permselective membrane incorporating a charged organic species. The electrodes are in intimate contact with the membrane and are on a side of the membrane opposite to the side exposed to a fluid sample. The charged organic species provides a conducting path through the membrane between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: The Victoria University of Manchester
    Inventors: Paul Howard Treloar, Ian Mcintyre Christie, Pankaj Maganlal Vadgama
  • Patent number: 5897758
    Abstract: An improvement to the coated wire electrode has been accomplished via inclusion of a fortiophore into a sensor device. Sensor devices of the present invention include: an internal reference element; a membrane; and a fortiophore. Fortiophores are neutral charge carriers, which complex reversibly a corresponding ion of the conductive material used as the internal reference element. The fortiophore provides an electrochemically defined and reproducible solid internal contact between the membrane and the internal reference element. This solid internal contact, for example, in ion selective sensors, provides more reproducible potential offsets and better precision, and faster wet up. The fortiophores can be utilized in other electrochemical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: John Musacchio, Urs Oesch
  • Patent number: 5891398
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g. electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund
  • Patent number: 5879878
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignees: Australian Membrane and Biotechnology Research Institute, The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Burkhard Raguse, Ronald John Pace, Lionel George King, Vijoleta Licija Braach-Makavytie, Bruce Cornell
  • Patent number: 5876577
    Abstract: An electrochemical oxygen sensor comprises an impermeable substrate and a plurality of conductive layers applied thereto by thick film deposition. At least one conductive layer comprises an electrode and a conductor connected to the electrode. The electrode may have a covering layer of an ion exchange polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Cranfield Biotechnology Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerry McAleer, Martin Ackland
  • Patent number: 5863972
    Abstract: Composition, comprising in homogeneous distribution A) at least one salt containing a lipophilic anion, B) a plasticiser-free thermoplastic randomly segmented polyurethane which is soluble in organic solvents, a polyurea or a polyurethane urea, which components are formed from a) 5-45% by weight of an aromatic, cycloaliphatic or linear aliphatic dilsocyanate, b) 0-20% by weight of a linear or branched C2-C12alkylenediol or C2-C12alkylenediamine, c) 0-75% by weight of a polytetrahydrofuran or aminopropyl-terminated polytetrahydrofuran, d) 0-10% by weight of a polyethylene glycol or aminopropyl-terminated polyethylene glycol, e) 0-75% by weight of a polypropylene glycol or aminopropyl-terminated polypropylene glycol, which composition contains f) 15-95% by weight of a hydroxy-, hydroxypropyl- or aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, the percentages relating to the amount of polymer, and the sum of components a) to f) being 100, and C) a nonionic ionophore which forms a complex with Ca++ ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk Beckelmann, Joseph Berger
  • Patent number: 5858186
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor capable of detecting and quantifying urea in fluids resulting from hemodialysis procedures. The sensor is based upon measurement of the pH change produced in an aqueous environment by the products of the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea. The sensor may be fabricated using methods amenable to mass fabrication, resulting in low-cost sensors and thus providing the potential for disposable use. In a typical application, the sensor could be used in treatment centers, in conjunction with an appropriate electronics/computer system, in order to determine the hemodialysis endpoint. The sensor can also be utilized to allow at-home testing to determine if dialysis was necessary. Such a home monitor is similar, in principle, to devices used for blood glucose testing by diabetics, and would require a blood droplet sample by using a finger prick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Robert S. Glass
  • Patent number: 5858452
    Abstract: The present invention is an electronic wiring substrate for sensors 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 substrate is essentially impervious to aqueous electrolytes and blood over long periods of storage in potentially corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Sendx Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Leader, Jeffrey Graves
  • Patent number: 5840168
    Abstract: A new substrate for the construction of solid internal contact ion-selective electrode comprising a conductive and porous carbon matrix is described. The well-defined (i.e., fixed) interfacial potential between the organic electroactive phase and the internal reference element, coupled with the electrode's very slow change from water activity at the internal reference element, supports the well-behaved and reproducible electrode operation. Solid contact sensors for two different ions were constructed, and their potentiometric behavior was compared with their symmetric counterparts. The potentiometric response was monitored over a period of one month with excellent results for drift, base line stability, response time, selectivity, and detection limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Orion Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolas A. Chaniotakis, Steven J. West
  • Patent number: 5830338
    Abstract: Described is a combination, PVC-membrane, Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) with a replaceable sensing module and a single-junction, sleeve-type reference electrode. pH and ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) in the "Combination" configuration, i.e., single probes containing both the sensing and reference half-cells, are more convenient, more economical, and can be used to analyze smaller samples than an equivalent pair of separate half-cell electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Orion Research Inc.
    Inventors: Fung Seto, Steven J. West, Xiaowen Wen
  • Patent number: 5814205
    Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for measuring the concentration of metal ions in solution, particularly lead in blood. The device comprises a mercury free electrode (16), which is separated from the test solution (21) by a layer of material (20) which permits passage therethrough of the ions to be measured. In preferred embodiments an insulating layer (18) having an array of photoablated holes (19) is disposed between the electrode and the ion-permeable layer (20). Also disclosed are methods for operating the device and measuring ion concentration using anodic stripping voltametry, and assay kits incorporating devices as described together with appropriate meters and circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Palintest Limited
    Inventors: Jerome Francis McAleer, Martin Robert Ackland, Elliot Verne Plotkin, Lucinda Cordeiro
  • Patent number: 5807471
    Abstract: A ion selective electrode is formed by an electrode having a first membrane with a diffusion rate selective to heparin or other polyions, and a selective polymeric coating thereon having a polyion diffusion rate lower than the polyion diffusion rate of the first membrane. The electrode is sensitive to solutions containing low polyion concentrations such as low heparin concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dror, Robert F. Baugh, Peter Ross Schaad
  • Patent number: 5804049
    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.times.10.sup.21 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventor: Andy D. C. Chan
  • Patent number: 5798030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel biosensor comprising an electrode membrane combination. This novel biosensor employs compounds include a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group and a polar head group region attached to the hydrophobic region at a site remote from the hydrophilic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignees: Australian Membrane and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sydney
    Inventors: Burkhard Raguse, Bruce A Cornell, Vijoleta L Braach-Maksvytis, Ronald J Pace
  • Patent number: 5795774
    Abstract: A drop in measurement accuracy of biosensors, due to interferents in a measurement sample is avoided by an arrangement wherein: a hydrogen peroxide electrode 2 is formed on an insulated base 1, and then a .gamma.-aminopropyltriethoxysilane film 3, an acetylcellulose film 4, a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid resin film 5, an organic macromolecular film 6 incorporating an immobilized enzyme with catalytic properties, and a polyalkylsiloxane film 7, are sequentially formed on the electrode 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Matsumoto, Masako Furusawa, Narushi Ito, Shinya Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 5788833
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g., electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Patent number: 5783054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for producing an electrode membrane combination. This novel method employs compound including a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, and a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignees: Australian Membrane and Biotechnology Research Institute, University of Sydney
    Inventors: Burkhard Raguse, Bruce A. Cornell, Vijoleta L. Braach-Maksvytis, Ronald J. Pace
  • Patent number: 5779867
    Abstract: A self contained glucose sensor is provided that generally comprises a strip type glucose sensing electrode having an active surface comprising an organic conducting redox salt dispersed in a polymeric membrane, with the membrane coating a conductive strip and a strip type Ag/AgCl reference electrode having its active surface separated from physical contact with the strip type glucose sensor and a carrier strip of water absorbent paper or film containing an enzyme system and an oxidizable dye. The water absorbent carrier strip is in simultaneous contact with both the active surface of the strip type glucose electrode and the active surface of the strip type reference electrode. When an aqueous solution containing glucose is brought in contact with the carrier strip containing the enzyme system an electrical potential, proportional to the concentration of glucose in the solution, is created which can be detected by an electrometer or other suitable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Biomedix, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Shieh
  • Patent number: 5770039
    Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement of equipment and an overall process for the measurement and control of active bleach concentration in a bleach environment of an industrial laundry or cleaning system. As a preferred embodiment the primary piece of equipment which renders the overall system especially useful in controlling, for example, hypochlorite ion in a bleach environment is a membrane-shielded amperometric probe. The probe is designed and membrane selected to be highly selective to fluctuations in hypochlorite ion concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Peter Rigney, Richard Jondall Mehus, Mark Joseph Toetschinger, John Ross Spriggs
  • Patent number: 5770038
    Abstract: A method for detecting and identifying a chemical substance in various phases such as a vapor phase and a liquid phase. The chemical substance being measured is diffused into a predetermined phase. Then, an electric state at an electrode existing in the predetermined phase is detected as a change with time based on the diffusion and absorption of the chemical substance on the electrode. A pattern of the change of the electric state with time is prepared. A fitting function based on the pattern is set and parameters of the chemical substance being measured are found. A distance between the parameters of the chemical substance being measured and parameters of the reference substance which is detected is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akifumi Iwama, Masahiro Iseki, Azusa Nakagawa, Yukihiro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5766934
    Abstract: Chemical and biological sensors are provided that convert the chemical potential energy of an analyte into a proportionate electrical signal through the transducer action of a microfabricated device with an integral electroconductive polymer film. The microsensor devices possess a coplanar arrangement of at least one, and typically three, microfabricated interdigitated microsensor electrode arrays each with line and space dimensions that may range from 2-20 .mu.m and is typically 10 .mu.m, a platinized platinum counter electrode of area at least 10 times the area of the interdigitated microsensor electrode array and a chloridized silver/silver chloride reference electrode. Chemical and biological sensors constructed according to the present invention employ a thin electrically conducting polymer film that is specifically attached via covalent bond formation to the interdigitated microsensor electrode component of the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony Guiseppi-Elie
  • Patent number: 5755939
    Abstract: An ion selective electrode membrane is selective to polyions in a limited molecular weight range. The membrane is formed by a heparin polyion selective polymeric layer and an outer filter layer permeable to polyions of limited molecular weight range. The outer filter may be cellulose acetate while the polyion selective membrane is a polyvinyl chloride containing plasticizer and a quaternary ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dror, Robert F. Baugh