Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to clamp tissue, a motor configured to actuate the end effector, and a controller in communication with the motor and configured to determine a stress and strain of the tissue, identify a tissue type of the tissue based on the determined stress and strain of the tissue, and set an operational parameter of the surgical instrument based on the identified tissue type of the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an RoHS-compliant galvanic oxygen sensor of a new type. Said RoHS-compliant galvanic oxygen sensor has a lead-free anode, preferably is backwards compatible with the existing lead-containing sensors in the remaining electrical and geometric specification and the service life of the RoHS-compliant galvanic oxygen sensor, and has no cross-sensitivity to nitrous oxide. The RoHS-compliant galvanic oxygen sensor having a lead-free anode comprises a housing (1), a tin-containing anode (2), a diffusion barrier (3), a cathode (4), and an alkaline electrolyte (6). An aqueous solution of metal salts is used as the electrolyte, wherein a catalyst poison preferably is added to the electrolyte.

Abstract: An operation method of a master node, the method including transmitting, to a slave node, a first resource reservation information including packet information about a packet to be transferred between the master node and the slave node; allocating a radio resource corresponding to the first resource reservation information, for exchanging security information; transferring the packet using the allocated radio resource; and determining whether the packet was successfully transferred based on the packet information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor fuel cell that can be activated by a first substance (O2) in its environment. The sensor fuel cell includes a catalytically active anode, a cathode that has a cathode surface at least partially exposed to the environment, and a proton-conductive membrane located between the anode and the cathode so as to convey protons through from the anode to the cathode. An anode surface of the anode is at least partially exposed to the environment for access of at least one second substance (H2) from the environment to the anode. Such a disposition enables access of a first reactant in the form for example of oxygen from the ambient air to the cathode, and additionally access of a second reactant in the form for example of hydrogen from the ambient air to the free surface of the anode.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical oxygen sensor includes a micro-porous plastic membrane supported on a sealing disk and located between a gas inflow port and the sensor's electrolyte. The membrane and disk minimize thermal shock effects due to using the sensor at a first location, at a first temperature, and then moving it to a second location at a different temperature.

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

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring the oxygen partial pressure in a process fluid, comprises an electrolyte-filled sensor body, which is covered on one side charged with the process fluid by an oxygen-permeable membrane, a cathode on the membrane, an annular guard electrode surrounding the cathode, which in measuring operation lies at the same potential as the cathode, an anode charged by the electrolyte in the sensor body, a reference electrode charged by the electrolyte in the sensor body, wherein between the anode and cathode a voltage can be applied, which is controlled between the cathode (8) and reference electrode at a constant polarization voltage and the measuring sensor current flowing in measuring operation between the cathode and anode is a measure for the oxygen partial pressure in the process fluid, and a test voltage source which can be switched in a testing mode between the cathode and guard electrode for producing test oxygen in the electrolyte and/or in the process fluid between the

Abstract: A method for measuring and/or calibrating a gas sensor for determining oxygenic gas components in gas mixtures in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. The gas sensor has one internal pump electrode IPE, one external pump electrode APE and one decomposition electrode NOE. The measurement and/or calibration may be carried out during the ongoing operation of the gas sensor by removing the gas component and/or oxygen from one of the chambers, by introducing oxygen in a controlled manner into one of the chambers with the aid of electrochemical pumping processes. The changes caused by the introduced oxygen are measured against an additional electrode and the gas sensor may be measured and/or calibrated using the measured values.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for gas filtration and detection devices. Example devices may include a graphene membrane and a sensing device. The graphene membrane may be perforated with a plurality of discrete pores having a size-selective to enable one or more molecules to pass through the pores. A sensing device may be attached to a supporting permeable substrate and coupled with the graphene membrane. A fluid mixture including two or more molecules may be exposed to the graphene membrane. Molecules having a smaller diameter than the discrete pores may be directed through the graphene pores, and may be detected by the sensing device. Molecules having a larger size than the discrete pores may be prevented from crossing the graphene membrane. The sensing device may be configured to identify a presence of a selected molecule within the mixture without interference from contaminating factors.

Abstract: A method for measuring the transmission rate of an analyte through a film. The method includes the steps of (i) separating a chamber into a first cell and a second cell with a known area of a film, (ii) flushing the first cell with an inert gas to remove any target analyte from the first cell, (iii) introducing a gas containing a known concentration of an analyte into the second cell, (iv) sealing the first cell to gas flow through the first cell, and (v) sensing any analyte in the first cell with a sensor that consumes the analyte at a rate greater than the rate at which the analyte is passing through the film, until a steady state rate of analyte consumption is measured by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the measurement of hydrogen peroxide and optionally other biomarkers in a gaseous mixture, and in particular to a microfabricated device. The device comprises hydrogen peroxide capturing means and an electromechanical sensor comprising a sensing element in direct contact with the capturing means. The device further comprises means to measure the potential of the sensing element and/or the current through it as a result of a changing hydrogen peroxide concentration in the gaseous mixture. The device also comprises cooling/heating means for cooling and/or heating the capturing means. The device is preferably applied for online measurement of the hydrogen peroxide content in exhaled air.

Abstract: The service life of amperometric electrochemical oxygen sensors is increased by operating the electrodes of such sensors at a polarization voltage suitable for measuring the oxygen content of samples only during calibration or when measuring such samples and thereafter modulating the polarization voltage to a lower voltage such that substantially no electrical current is produced by the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical oxygen sensor includes a micro-porous plastic membrane supported on a sealing disk and located between a gas inflow port and the sensor's electrolyte. The membrane and disk minimize thermal shock effects due to using the sensor at a first location, at a first temperature, and then moving it to a second location at a different temperature.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a sensing surface, and a matrix overlaying the sensing surface. The sensing device includes a photoformed membrane overlaying at least a portion of the matrix. The photoformed membrane includes a directly photoformed organosiloxane polymer that is substantially permeable to gaseous molecules and substantially impermeable to non-gaseous molecules and ions.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer comprised of an electrochemical cell comprising a diamond-film electrode doped with boron or other conductivity inducing material. The diamond-film electrode is the working electrode and carries out the oxidation of TOC to produce carbon dioxide. The apparatus further comprises sensors for detecting the carbon dioxide produced. Such sensors include but are not limited to a tunable diode laser and/or ion-selective electrode. The invention also discloses a method for measuring TOC in an aqueous solution using a total organic carbon analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical sensors for determining gaseous analytes in an aqueous measuring medium, to a process for producing such sensors, and to a process for determining gaseous analytes dissolved in an aqueous measuring medium using the electrochemical sensors. The electrolyte layer of the sensors comprises at least one particulate material and at least one binder which together form a porous, non-swellable framework structure, wherein the pores in this framework structure are configured to absorb a liquid electrolyte or contain the liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such ammonia. An environmental control system employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A personnel safety system configured as a disposable badge employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A method of dynamic sampling and exposure of a sensor providing a number of operational advantages is described.

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

Abstract: A method of determining the general or a specific condition of a subject is disclosed, the method comprising measuring the concentration of each of a plurality of components in a single sample of the gas stream exhaled by the subject; and generating information regarding the concentration of each of the plurality of components such that the concentrations of the components are directly comparable. The method is particularly suitable for assessing the condition of the respiratory system of a subject. The method preferably employs electrochemical sensors to measure the concentration of the target components in the exhaled gas stream.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided for the detection of carbon dioxide gas. The sensor includes a non-conductive solid substrate and at least one each of a metal oxide sensing electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode positioned on the substrate. A solid polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane is in intimate contact with the sensing electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. The sensor is highly sensitive and selective to carbon dioxide and has very rapid response time.

Abstract: In a procedure to recognize the gas composition of a gas mixture, which consists of at least two gases of preferably different diffusion properties, delivered to a wideband lambda sensor, especially a gas mixture of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, whereby the lambda sensor has a pumping cell with at least one gas measurement chamber, provision is made for the recognition of the gas composition of the gas mixture to result by means of modulation of the gas in the gas measurement chamber. Preferably the air number in the gas measurement chamber of the pumping cell is periodically altered, whereby the sensitivity of the lambda sensor to the gases, of which there are at least two, likewise periodically changes.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is provided with a carbon-based measuring electrode (3) that it can be used for a large number of electrochemical detection reactions and can be manufactured at a low cost. The measuring electrode (3) contains carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to sensors for measuring an amount of a gaseous species in a sample. The sensors comprise a gas permeable polysiloxane network membrane, comprising both alkyl and fluorinated alkyl groups. In some embodiments, the polysiloxane network can be formed from the co-condensation of a mixture of an alkylalkoxysilane and a fluorosilane. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of making the sensors, methods of selectively measuring an amount of a gaseous species, such as nitric oxide, in a sample, and to compositions comprising the polysiloxane networks.

Abstract: A device for conducting protons at a temperature below 550° C. includes a LAMOX ceramic body characterized by an alpha crystalline structure.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor with a plurality of electrodes is provided with an electrolyte, with a gas-permeable membrane (1), with a gas-permeable and conductive carrier layer (2) applied to the membrane (1) and with at least one measuring electrode (3) applied to the carrier layer (2). The measuring electrode (3) is of a punctiform design and the electrochemical potential difference of the reaction between the carrier layer (2) and the measuring electrode (3) is at least 20 mV, can be manufactured in a compact form and makes possible an especially low power consumption for measured gases in the percentage range.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. The networked medical devices are configured to support a variety of wireless data communication protocols for efficient communication of data within the medical device network.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen sensor having a cathode and anode immersed in an electrolyte is designed to provide a low background current in the sensor when a potential is applied to the cathode. The background current is maintained at a desired level by selecting the area and length of a channel or path of diffusion of residual oxygen in the electrolyte to the cathode. The area (A) of the diffusion channel in relation to its length (L) is selected to be at or below a selected ratio, A/L.

Abstract: A testing and calibrating device for an evaluation circuit of a linear oxygen probe (S) of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Said device comprises a probe equivalent circuit (SES) having the same terminals (Vs+, Vs?/Vp?, Vp+ and Rc) as the oxygen probe (S). The probe equivalent circuit can largely emulate the electrical and chemical behaviors of the oxygen probe (S) and simulate probe faults and, at least during a testing and calibrating process, is connected to the evaluation circuit in place of the oxygen probe (S) or is connected parallel to said oxygen probe.

Abstract: A highly accurate, long life, low cost gas sensor is disclosed, particularly useful for measuring carbon monoxide and other toxic gases in an environment. The gas sensor has a first, sensing electrode and a second, counting electrode. Positioned between the first and second electrodes is an ion conducting, solid electrolyte membrane. In response to the presence of a toxic gas introduced to the first electrode, an electric signal is produced between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electric signal changes in response to changes in the concentration of the toxic gas. Detection circuitry measures the electric signal to determine the concentration of the toxic gas. An electrically conductive, hydrophobic top membrane electrically connects the first electrode to the detection circuitry while preventing liquid water from contacting the first electrode. An electrically conductive, hydrophobic bottom membrane electrically connects the second electrode to the detection circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of carbon monoxide in a gas which may also contain contaminating substances uses a pre-treatment means to absorb contaminating substances and to convert them to non-contaminating substances.

Abstract: In an electrode system, particularly for electrochemical sensors, which comprises a working electrode, a counterelectrode and an electrolyte, the counterelectrode is constituted by a material containing an elementary carbon, whereby the long-term stability of the electrode system is considerably increased (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A method and system for determining dissolved oxygen is disclosed. One or more constant currents are driven through amperometric-type dissolved oxygen probes to develop reference electrode potentials defining the envelope of oxygen electrochemistry. The reference electrode voltage is generally measured at a first current level and at a second current level utilizing the oxygen probe, wherein the first and second current levels define limitations of oxygen electrochemistry. An optimum electrode bias voltage can thereafter be automatically calculated based the reference electrode voltage measured at the first current level and the second level to thereby provide accurate indications of dissolved oxygen thereof.

Abstract: Oxygen concentration measurement is carried out over a broad range by an instrument utilizing a zinc-air cell having a lower-than-nominal potential difference imposed across its electrodes by a shunt branch incorporating the source-drain circuit of a field effect transistor (FET). A feedback circuit is used to improve linearity of the output and cell life without sacrificing the broad dynamic range achieved by the use of the FET shunt branch.

Abstract: A method for detection of a bubble in a liquid which is placed in a measuring chamber and is in contact with a sensor for measuring the partial pressure of a particular gas in a liquid is provided. The method includes performing a first measurement of the partial pressure of the particular gas in the liquid at a first pressure in the measuring chamber. Next, the pressure in the measuring chamber is changed to a second pressure. A second measurement of the partial pressure of the gas in the liquid at the second pressure in the measuring chamber is performed. An expected result of the second measurement based on the first measurement and assuming that no bubbles are present in the measuring chamber during any of the measurements is provided. The actual result of the second measurement is compared with the expected result and a conclusion is drawn on the presence of a gas bubble in the liquid based on the comparison. An apparatus for measuring the content of a particular gas in a liquid is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microchip-based differential-type potentiometric oxygen gas sensor, which comprises a working electrode and a reference electrode. The working electrode is composed of a cobalt-plated electrode, a buffered hydrogel, and an ion sensitive gas permeable membrane while the reference electrode is composed of an oxygen non-sensitive silver chloride electrode and the same ion-selective gas-permeable membrane of working electrode. By taking advantage of the corrosion potential, the microchip-based oxygen gas sensor can accurately and quickly detect the content of dissolved oxygen in a sample solution. With this structure, the oxygen gas sensor is applied to a microchip-based all potentiometric multi-sensor capable of detecting two or more ions and gas species on a single chip.

Abstract: Sensor for measuring the partial pressure of a gas in a gaseous medium, includes an electrochemical cell and a diffusion barrier with a porous membrane situated above an orifice made in a component surmounting a casing enclosing said electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an output of a gas sensor element is provided. The gas sensor element includes a lamination of a solid electrolyte body, a target gas-exposed electrode, a reference gas-exposed electrode, and a diffused resistance layer in which a target gas to be measured diffuses. The target gas-exposed electrode is disposed on a first surface of the solid electrolyte body exposed to the target gas. The reference gas-exposed electrode is disposed on a second surface of the solid electrolyte body exposed to a reference gas. The diffused resistance layer is disposed on the first surface of the solid electrolyte body. The target gas-exposed electrode and the reference gas-exposed electrode produce a sensor output. The adjustment of the sensor output is achieved by decreasing a diffusion length of the target gas in the diffused resistance layer as a function of a quantity of the sensor output to be adjusted by, for example, removing a portion of the diffused resistance layer.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor and a method of detecting carbon dioxide using the sensor are provided, the sensor includes a closed chamber having as a wall portion thereof a substantially watertight, carbon dioxide-permeable membrane, two electrodes disposed in the chamber, and a film of substantially electrolyte-free liquid disposed in the chamber capable of simultaneously contacting the membrane and both of the electrodes.

Abstract: Electrochemical sensor for determining analyte in the presence of interferent, particularly carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen. An electrochemical cell is designed so that current flow resulting from reference electrode potential shift caused by interferent cancels out the current flow caused by interferent at the working electrode. Another electrochemical cell corrects for interferent concentration using the potential difference between a reference electrode in contact with interferent and a referent electrode not affected by inteferent.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell that receives an inlet stream of air and produces an outlet stream of a high oxygen concentration of gas. The cell is made up of a plurality of layers and preferably a porous electrolyte comprised of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) that allows only oxygen ions to pass therethrough and which is covered on its sides with electrodes comprised of lanthanum strontium manganate (LSM) which in turn are coated with a layer of platinum to aid in the even distribution of the electrical current. An electrical current is passed through the electrodes to produce a voltage difference therebetween. The layers of YSZ and LSM are formed by a sol-gel process.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen sensor having a cathode and anode immersed in an electrolyte is designed to provide a low background current in the sensor when a potential is applied to the cathode. The background current is maintained at a desired level by selecting the area and length of a channel or path of diffusion of residual oxygen in the electrolyte to the cathode. The area (A) of the diffusion channel in relation to its length (L) is selected to be at or below a selected ratio, A/L.

Abstract: A sensor probe is disclosed which can measure the hydrogen peroxide content of a single sample using two oxygen sensors whose electrodes are encased in defined membranes. The oxygen reference sensor is encased in a hydrophobic membrane which prevents the transport of hydrogen peroxide or electrochemical poisons or interferents and isolates the electrodes and an electrolyte fluid surrounding the electrodes from the sample fluid. The hydrogen-peroxide-generated oxygen (HPGO) sensor is also is encased in such a hydrophobic membrane, but has in series with and distally of the hydrophobic membrane a hydrophilic membrane which contains an immobilized enzyme such as catalase, peroxidase or other enzymes of a family which catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. At the HPGO sensor, the hydrogen peroxide is catalyzed to oxygen by the enzyme so that the HPGO sensor measures an enhanced concentration of oxygen relative to the oxygen reference sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for determining dissolved oxygen is disclosed. One or more constant currents are driven through amperometric-type dissolved oxygen probes to develop reference electrode potentials defining the envelope of oxygen electrochemistry. The reference electrode voltage is generally measured at a first current level and at a second current level utilizing the oxygen probe, wherein the first and second current levels define limitations of oxygen electrochemistry. An optimum electrode bias voltage can thereafter be automatically calculated based the reference electrode voltage measured at the first current level and the second level to thereby provide accurate indications of dissolved oxygen thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas sensor with a working electrode, which is designed as a thin-film electrode, and at least one counterelectrode, which are in electrical contact via an electrolyte. The electrochemical gas sensor is characterized in that the electrolyte is alkaline and preferably comprises a solution of a salt of a weak acid. The electrochemical gas sensor according to the invention may preferably be used to determine the oxygen concentration in a gas mixture.

Abstract: A gas sensor is described which is particularly well suited as a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in a self test gas sensor. The sensor includes a number of aspects which may or may not be used in conjunction with one another. A first aspect is an embodiment which reduces electrical interference (or cross-talk) between a test or gas generating cell and a sensing cell. In one embodiment, baffles are provided to prevent cross-talk. In another embodiment a switching circuit ensures that a test gas generator is operational only when the gas sensor is disconnected from a current source. A second aspect is an embodiment which includes an improved wick which is in close proximity with an electrode and ensures electrolyte is always in contact with the electrode. In an alternate embodiment a solid polymer electrolyte is used between the electrodes. A third aspect is an improved catalyst which reduces the reaction energy and thereby renders the sensor more sensitive. The catalyst is also cheaper than platinum.

Abstract: A method for identifying an unknown gas using a diffusion limited sensor providing an electrical signal output when exposed to the gas. According to the method, a sensor is disposed in a chamber of fixed volume and having a gas input and gas output through which the gas flows, and the chamber is connected to a source of a known test gas of known concentration and known diffusion coefficient Dk. The input to the chamber is opened, causing the sensor to be exposed to the known test gas until a steady state electrical signal output from the sensor is obtained. The time Tk necessary for the sensor to attain a predetermined percentage of the steady state output is determined. The chamber is then connected to a source of unknown gas, and the input is opened, and time Tu necessary for the sensor to attain the predetermined percentage of a steady state output for the unknown gas is determined.

Abstract: A galvanic-cell gas sensor includes casings containing a diaphragm permitting the permeation of gas to be detected but having a water-repelling property, a cathode provided on the back side of the diaphragm, an anode formed by electrolytically coating a layer of lead (Pb) on an electrically conductive material having a corrosion resistance to electrolyte so as to leave a portion thereof uncoated to serve as a lead, and a sheet impregnated with electrolyte before assembly and disposed between the cathode and anode, with the diaphragm positioned so as to be exposed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor has a first gas diffusion electrode for a first reaction gas, which is inactive with respect to a second reaction gas at least in a first potential window, and a second gas diffusion electrode for the second reaction gas, which is active with respect to the second reaction gas at least in a second potential window for measuring two different gases in gas mixtures in a casing. The two gas diffusion electrodes are electronically isolated from one another, but electrically connected electrolytically to a reversibly loadable electrode and have contacts for connecting external closing circuits for adjusting the cell currents. The gas mixture is fed to the gas diffusion electrodes in series or parallel. The casing containing the electrodes is, in particular, in the form of a button cell. The reversibly loadable electrode is a Cu/CuO, Zn/ZnO or hydrogen electrode. The gas diffusion electrodes have a porous structure based on carbon or have a porous silver structure.