Which Includes Particular Cell Container Structure Patents (Class 324/450)
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Patent number: 12222275Abstract: A method and system for deriving particle characteristics is described. The method comprises imaging the movement of at least one free-floating particle in a liquid environment at at least one moment in time, determining for at least one moment in time a movement parameter based on the imaged movement of the free-floating particles in the liquid environment, and deriving from the movement parameter a characteristic of the at least one particle.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignees: VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNEInventors: Ronnie Willaert, Sandor Kasas, Pieterjan Vanden Boer, Anton Malovichko, Mitchel Perez Gonzalez, Hichem Sahli
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Patent number: 11654219Abstract: A medicament preparation system includes a disposable cartridge with a flow path. Various sensors may be placed on the cartridge to measure qualities of the fluid flowing through the flow path. The sensors are placed in precise locations using various approaches that make manufacturing of the cartridge efficient and repeatable. A drain line that is susceptible to fouling may be preattached and various approaches are used to remove or reduce the fouling. An elastomeric contact can also be present in the medical preparation system and used in a conductivity measurement subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Goetz Friederichs, Scott W. Newell, William J. Schnell, Orlando Soto
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Patent number: 11624720Abstract: Disclosed is a salinity detection device. The salinity detection device has a collection plate, a mounting frame, and a sensor portion including a predominantly non-metallic sensor. The device may be mounted in a wheel well of a vehicle via the mounting frame and the collection plate may be attached to the mounting frame and positioned behind a wheel such that water on a road surface may be splashed thereon. The collection plate is fluidically connected to the sensor portion so that water may flow through the sensor portion proximate the sensor to measure a current flowing through the water and determine a salinity thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Pillar Inc.Inventors: Mark Boenke, Robert Davignon, Zhan Chen, Brian Dougherty, Charles E. Brooks
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Patent number: 11322915Abstract: Methods and assemblies to stabilize and reduce an electric field in an environment are provided that include an elongated member and a head member. The head member is coupled to the elongated member. The head member includes a floating electrode, a ground electrode, and an insulator portion. The ground electrode spaced apart from the floating electrode. The ground electrode is in communication with the elongated member to receive a charge with a polarity of a earth system. The insulator portion is positioned between the floating and ground electrodes to insulate the floating electrode from the ground electrode. The floating electrode induces an electrical charge from the environment surrounding the head member. The floating electrode balances an existing charge on the ground electrode using an electromagnetic induction to collect a plurality of charges in the environment such that the floating and ground electrodes generate a balanced electric field.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Inventor: Armando Chifarelli
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Patent number: 10443032Abstract: An apparatus (8) for isolating corneal endothelial cells (34) (CECs) includes a base portion (10) having an interior recessed opening (14) with a bottom surface (16). A convex projection (18) is centrally located on the bottom surface (16) and is configured to receive an inverted cornea (32). A top portion (12) is configured to mate with the base portion (10). The top portion (12) includes a fluid chamber (24) with a lower surface (20). The lower surface (20) has an opening (22) therein in which the convex projection (18) projects when the top portion (12) is mated with the base portion (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: The Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Robert Haggins, Jr., Erik Eaton, Jr., Zachary Murray, Timothy Varney
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Patent number: 10436385Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed including an apparatus for machine fluid monitoring or sampling comprising a transparent sight glass attachable to a machine such that machine fluid is transferable to the sight glass. The sight glass may have one or more ports, an open first end, a closed second end, and a cavity for the machine fluid. A grommet may be positioned in a first port of the sight glass and may have a sealable access pathway through the grommet to the cavity within the sight glass through which a probe may be extended. A magnetic plug may be positioned in the second port of the sight glass extending into the cavity within the sight glass such that the magnetic plug is positionable for contact with the machine fluid. A sample port assembly may be connected to the sight glass whereby samples of the machine fluid are accessible.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Luneta, LLCInventors: James Chester Fitch, Thomas Chester Fitch, Michael Anthony Ramsey
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Patent number: 9797814Abstract: A probe for monitoring electrical conductivity of ground water in soil is provided. The probe includes a hollow tube that includes (a) an upper tube section with an apertured stopper, (b) a lower tube section, aligned with the upper tube section and having a porous ceramic cap for inserting into soil, and (c) a T-fitting connecting between the tube sections and having an apertured T-fitting stopper. A vacuum tube is inserted through the T-fitting stopper aperture; and a conductivity sensor electrode is inserted through the upper tube section stopper aperture. The conductivity sensor electrode includes a pair of electrode poles that are spaced apart at a distance of 3-5 mm and the distance between the conductivity sensor electrode and the hollow tube is greater than 3 mm, whereby interference by air bubbles in the ground water is mitigated.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Inventor: Adi Mottes
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Patent number: 9228995Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an apparatus for measuring hematocrit of flowing blood. The apparatus for measuring hematocrit of blood according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a body part provided with a blood inlet and a blood outlet; first and second electrodes disposed on both inner side walls of the body part so as to be opposite to each other; a third electrode disposed on the same side wall as a side wall on which the first electrode is disposed while maintaining a predetermined distance from the first electrode; a measurement unit measuring first impedance of blood between the first and second electrodes and second impedance of the blood between the first and third electrodes; and a calculation unit determining the hematocrit of blood using the first and second impedances.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Sung Yang, Myounggon Kim
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Patent number: 9035661Abstract: A flow-through conductivity sensor assembly comprises a housing (4) having a flow passage with an inlet end and an outlet end. The cross section of at least a section of the flow passage extension between the inlet and outlet ends is divided into a conductivity measuring channel (2) and a parallel by-pass channel (3) of larger cross-sectional area than the measuring channel (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences ABInventors: Lars Andersson, Stefan D'Argy, Patric Fricking, Joachim Tollstoy
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Patent number: 9000770Abstract: Electrochemical blood test strips and diagnosis systems are presented. An electrochemical blood test strip for measuring HCT% and prothrombin time includes an electrode plate having electrode circuit patterns on an insulator substrate; a separation plate disposed on the electrode plate defining a blood sample region, a channel and three reaction regions; and a cover plate disposed on the separation plate having a blood sample inlet and vents. In measuring, one of the three reaction regions is used for detecting hemoglobin and hematocrit and the other two reaction regions are biochemical reaction regions and used for detecting prothrombin time.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Apex Biotechnology Corp.Inventors: Sz-Hau Chen, Yi-Chen Lu, Chun-Yi Yen
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Patent number: 8975901Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
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Patent number: 8957663Abstract: A container for measuring cellular electric potential after being mounted on an electric potential measuring device is provided comprising a container and an electrode substrate, the electrode substrate being attached to a lower end of the container so as to form a plurality of wells, wherein the container comprises a plurality of cylindrical portions whose upper and lower ends are open, the electrode substrate comprises a substrate and a plurality of measurement electrodes and a plurality of reference electrodes disposed on one surface of the substrate, the measurement electrodes and the reference electrodes at least comprise metal-plated copper wiring, a pair of a measurement electrode and a reference electrode are disposed on a bottom of each well, and the measurement electrodes and the reference electrodes are formed by a pre-plating method.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Nipro CorporationInventors: Shinji Morimoto, Yui Hagiwara
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Patent number: 8902072Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a cell balancing circuit. The apparatus may include a plurality of cell balancing circuits respectively connected to a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack for balancing the voltages of the battery cells, a diagnosis resistor respectively installed between the cell balancing circuit and a cathode terminal and an anode terminal of the corresponding battery cell, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage difference of the balancing circuit corresponding to each of the battery cells, and a control unit for turning on or off a cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed and for determining whether there is an abnormality in the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed, based on a variation pattern of a voltage difference of a cell balancing circuit adjacent to the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed that is measured by the voltage measuring unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Hoon Lee, Dal-Hoon Lee, Ju-Hyun Kang, Jee-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 8847602Abstract: A plug-in module for a liquid- or gas-sensor comprised of a sensor module (SM) and a sensor module head (SMH), which can be releasably connected together, and which, when connected, enable data and energy transfer via a galvanically decoupled transfer section, wherein the sensor module head (SMH) includes an energy supply unit for operating the sensor module head (SMH) and the sensor module (SM), as well as a data memory (MEM), in order to store sensor data received from the sensor module (SM).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Detlev Wittmer, Wolfgang Babel
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Patent number: 8710848Abstract: A modular sensor system for continuous measurement of analytes in continuous flow has a fluidic module, a sensor module, an optional reference module, and a cover part which are stacked on top of each other and firmly connected with each other so as to be releasable. The fluidic module includes a fluid duct having an inlet and an outlet. The sensor module includes a sensor compartment which has at least one sensor and is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module. The optional reference module is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module by means of a diaphragm. The cover part seals the sensor module or the reference module.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Büerkert Werke GmbHInventors: Christian Oberndorfer, Katrin Rudolph, Michael Winkler
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Publication number: 20110309841Abstract: A modular sensor system for continuous measurement of analytes in continuous flow has a fluidic module, a sensor module, an optional reference module, and a cover part which are stacked on top of each other and firmly connected with each other so as to be releasable. The fluidic module includes a fluid duct having an inlet and an outlet. The sensor module includes a sensor compartment which has at least one sensor and is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module. The optional reference module is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module by means of a diaphragm. The cover part seals the sensor module or the reference module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: BURKERT WERKE GMBHInventors: Christian Oberndorfer, Katrin Rudolph, Michael Winkler
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Patent number: 8021529Abstract: A measurement/calibration cell for potentiometrically measuring ion concentration in a fluid interposes a barrier between measuring and reference electrodes and positions the measuring electrode at a sufficiently higher gravimetric potential above the reference electrode that seepage of electrolyte from the latter to the former is effectively precluded. A controller associated with the cell displays instructions and other desired information on a scrolling display such that a substantial amount of information can be presented in a relatively small display window.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Thermo Orion, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. West, Armin Kusig, Stephen Olsted, Jonathan Lowe, Xiaowen Wen
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Patent number: 7955482Abstract: A water-proof electrochemical sensor for in situ analysis and real-time monitoring of chemical and biological compounds in a liquid analyte, such as a water column, or a water column/sediment interface, or sediment. The water-proof electrochemical sensor assembly comprises an electrode body that is resistant to high temperatures and pressure and includes a semi-hard o-ring or collar. A resilient elastomeric boot, that has an internal groove which is adapted to form a tight pressure-fit with the collar is installable on the electrode body. One end of the boot has an opening adapted to form an interference fit with a pin contact for electrical connections with external equipment and the other end of the boot has an opening adapted to form an interference fit with the electrode body whereby a water-proof seal is formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Analytical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Donald B. Nuzzio
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Patent number: 7880471Abstract: An adapter for a potentiometric sensor having a sensor shaft, which has a reference liquid opening in its exterior surface. The adapter comprises an annular chamber member having a sensor opening for receiving the sensor shaft. Arranged in the sensor opening are first and second sealing rings for the sensor shaft. The axial position of the reference liquid opening lies between the first and second sealing rings. Formed between the sealing rings and the sensor shaft is an annular chamber, which is in communication with the reference liquid opening. The annular chamber member further includes a duct extending between the annular chamber and a reference feed opening. The adapter further includes a process connection member having a process connection opening, which surrounds the sensor shaft, and whose axis is aligned with the axis of the sensor opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess-und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Christian Fanselow, Lothar Auerswald
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Patent number: 7799555Abstract: An electroporator for high-throughput electroporation is constructed with a well plate in which each well has internal electrodes that extend beyond the opening of the well to form contact areas, either as horizontal platforms extending laterally from the well rims or as extended heights of thin electrode plates. The electroporator also includes a lid that contains circuitry and electrical contacts that mate with the exposed contact areas in the well plate. The interchangeability of lids allows the wells to be shocked according to different protocols.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Ragsdale, John M. Fuller, Nicholas R. Stephens
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Patent number: 7788047Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor on in a barcode printed on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: SenCal LLCInventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
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Publication number: 20100119907Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes: plate-shaped cells (10) each having a pair of plate-shaped separators (6a) and (6b) and a membrane-electrode assembly (5) disposed between the separators (6a) and (6b); a cell stack (50) configured by stacking and fastening the cells (10); and a covering member (60) covering a peripheral surface of the cell stack (50), and voltage measuring terminal insertion holes (61) used to measure the voltages of the cells (10) are formed on the covering member (60) so as to be located at positions corresponding to the separators (6a) and (6b) of the cells (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Soichi Shibata, Hiroto Kusakabe
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Patent number: 7709246Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting bioelectric signals from spheroids comprising a measuring chamber having a measuring chamber wall which encloses a volume, which is open at least at one side, is composed of an electrically non-conducting material, and has, in at least one measuring region, an inner cross section, which corresponds as far as possible to the largest cross section of a spheroid, comprising at least a number of electrodes which are disposed in a common plane inside said measuring chamber wall and each electrode has a freely accessible electrode surface which is oriented towards the measuring region, and comprising an impedance measuring arrangement which is connected to the electrodes. The device and the method can be used to test substances in 3D biological in-vitro (three-dimensional) cell aggregates.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forshung E.V.Inventors: Hagen Thielecke, Andrea Robitzki
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Patent number: 7514040Abstract: An intelligent biosensing meter has a parameter storing unit stored a plurality of parameters that sample strips detection needed and at least one slot for receiving a sample strip or a code card. The code card can store a plurality of parameters therein that are not stored in the parameter storing unit. Therefore, the intelligent biosensing meter not only stores parameters therein but also receives the code card to store new parameter or download new parameter from an internet. Manufacturers can save budget for manufacturing code cards if parameters stored in the biosensing meter are suitable for testing a new batch of sample strip or download from the internet. Furthermore, the intelligent biosensing meter can insert different kind of cards or strips into one slot and recognize them by circuit design to control different functions. The biosensing meter of the present invention will decrease manufacturing cost and be operated easily.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Taidoc Technology CorporationInventors: Shu-Mei Wu, Chia-Chi Wu, Chun-Hui Pi, Chao-Wang Chen
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Patent number: 7511504Abstract: A method for monitoring a reference half cell, which forms with a measuring half cell a potentiometric measuring point for determining and/or monitoring an ion concentration of a medium. The ion concentration of the mediums determined on the basis of at least one measurement signal determined in a measuring circuit, between the measuring half cell and the reference half cell. According to the invention, the measuring point is operated intermittently in an operating mode and in a test mode, wherein, in the operating mode, the ion concentration is measured and wherein, in the test mode, the proper functioning of the reference half cell is checked.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- u. Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventors: Torsten Pechstein, Katrin Scholz, Sven Häertig
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Patent number: 7394263Abstract: The sensor arrangement includes: a least two sample chambers; at least two potentiometric FET-sensors, especially ISFET-sensors or ChemFET-sensors, having, in each case, a sensitive surface section, wherein each sensitive surface section lies in flow connection with its one of the sample chambers; and a reference cell having a reference medium for providing a reference potential, wherein the sample chambers are connected with the reference medium via an electrolyte bridge. The reference cell has, preferably, a potentiometric reference-FET-sensor for providing a reference potential, which is registered against the pseudo-reference-potential of a redox electrode. The potentials Udiff1, Udiff2, . . .Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess-u. Regeltechnik mbH +Co. KGInventors: Torsten Pechstein, Wolfgang Babel, Thomas Steckenreiter
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Patent number: 7371561Abstract: A multiple electrode pair array apparatus is provided for use with a multiple well plate which has multiple wells distributed in a two-dimensional matrix array which has R rows and C columns. The multiple electrode pair array apparatus includes a non-conductive base member. An array of pairs of electrodes are attached to the base member and project therefrom. The pairs of electrodes are distributed on the base member in a two-dimensional matrix array which has R rows and C columns to enable registration with the two-dimensional matrix array of wells. Each pair of electrodes includes a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. An array of R row conductors are electrically connected to corresponding first electrodes. An array of C column conductors are oriented perpendicular to the R row conductors, are electrically insulated from the row conductors, and are electrically connected to corresponding second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Cyto Pulse SciencesInventors: Richard E. Walters, Paul K. Gustavson
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Patent number: 7368917Abstract: An electronic circuit for ion sensor with the body effect reduction includes a bridge-type floating source circuit provided with an input terminal, an output terminal reflecting the change in the potential dependent on ion concentration, and an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) wherein one terminal of the ISFET is coupled with the output terminal; a current mirror for providing a current to the bridge-type circuit; a third transistor for receiving the operating current provided by the current mirror, identical to the current provided to the ISFET; a differential amplifying circuit, wherein one input terminal of the amplifying circuit is input with a reference voltage, and the other input terminal is coupled with the output of the bridge-type readout circuit; and a third amplifier to generate a differential output voltage compensated for the body effect, temperature and time drift effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian UniversityInventors: Wen-Yaw Chung, Chung-Huang Yang, Dorota Genowefa Pijanowska, Piotr Grabiec, Bohdan Jaroszewicz, Wladyslaw Torbicz
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Patent number: 7329338Abstract: A water treatment system includes a tank that contains a particle bed for removing minerals from water flowing through the tank. The regeneration of the particle bed is conducted in response to measuring its conductivity. A probe is provided for that measuring. That probe has a sleeve with a tubular portion for extending through and engaging a wall of the tank. A probe body is removably received within an aperture of the sleeve and includes a pair of electrodes that project inside the tank. A retainer that secures the probe body within the sleeve. Different mechanisms are provided for securing the sleeve to the tank depending upon the particular materials used to fabricate the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kenneth J. Sieth, Mark J. Wittig
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Patent number: 7288941Abstract: A method and related apparatus for non-contact measurement of electrical conductivity of powder-like materials using eddy currents includes the steps of placing a powder to be measured in a hollow dielectric sampling container, the sampling container disposed and freely axially moving within an outer dielectric housing. An eddy-current sensor including a winding is arranged on an outside surface of the housing. Current is forced in the winding to excite the powder to generate eddy currents. The introduced active resistance is measured at the eddy-current sensor and an electrical conductivity of the powder is determined using the measured active resistance. The powder is preferably vibration compacted and the density and electrical conductivity determined at a plurality of stages during the vibration compacting step.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventors: Volodymyr Redko, Volodymyr Khandetskyy, Peter Novak, Elena Shembel, Satoshi Kohara
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Patent number: 7276912Abstract: The invention proposes a method for operating an evaluation circuit for an electrochemical cell wherein the evaluation circuit is switched on for a first time period and is switched off for a second time period. The ratio between the first and the second time periods is selected to be less than 1. The measurement value of the electrochemical cell undergoes a current amplification in the evaluation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Anton Pfefferseder, Bernd Siber, Andreas Hensel, Ulrich Oppelt
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Patent number: 7045046Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor adapted for electrical connection to a power source having an electrical contact means (3). The sensor has a first insulating substrate (1) carrying a first electrode (2) and a second insulating substrate (7) carrying a second electrode (6). The electrodes are disposed to face each other in spaced apart relationship, sandwiching a spacer (4) therebetween. A first cut-out portion extends through the first insulating substrate (1) and a spacer (4) to expose a first contact area (23) on the second insulating substrate (7). This permits the electrical contact means (31) to effect electrical connection with the first contact (23) which in turn is in electrically conductive connection with the second electrode (6). A similar contact arrangement may be disposed on the opposite side of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Garry Chambers, Alastair McIndoe Hodges, Thomas William Beck, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Patent number: 6940286Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining a representation of the distribution of electrical impedance within a multiphase flow with an electrically continuous or discontinuous principle flow contained within an electrically conductive solid ring electrode, including providing a plurality of mutually spaced electrical contacts mounted at the outside wall of the ring and electrically contacting with the ring, applying currents or voltages to the ring from the electrical contacts, generating a more homogeneous electric field distribution within the material, measuring voltage or current distribution alone the ring from other electrical contacts, relatively intensifying the imaging sensitivity at the central area of the sensing domain using a ?/2 angle sensing strategy and reconstructing the representation of the impedance distribution using CG method with an error processing strategy.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: University of LeedsInventors: Mi Wang, Wuliang Yin
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Patent number: 6830668Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided comprised of a thin sheet or film having at least one through-hole provided therein. The thin sheet or film has first and second opposing surfaces, at least a portion of the opposing surfaces being coated with a conductive coating which extends into the at least one through-hole, each conductive coating extending partially into the at least one through-hole from each opposing surface whereby each conductive coating terminates within the at least one through-hole at a point spaced from the terminus of the opposing conductive coating which extends into the at least one through-hole, whereby the conductive coatings in the at least one through-hole are separated by a non-conductive interior surface of the at least one through-hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Conductive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew K. Musho, Ronald E. Reed, Donald L. Bohn
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Publication number: 20040227519Abstract: A fluid sensor probe such as a temperature probe uses heat shrink tubing to seal and provide strain relief at a proximal end of the probe. The heat shrink tubing uses a layer of hot melt adhesive along its inside surface to form a strong bond and hermetic seal. The heat shrink tubing is applied as an inner tubing around circuit wires extending into the probe and as an outer tubing around the inner tubing and around the proximal end of the probe housing. Together the inner tubing and the outer tubing can hermetically seal a substantial gap between the probe housing and the circuit wires. In a fast response probe, prior to closing the distal end of the probe housing with an end wall, openings are punched in a side wall of the probe housing against a mandrel. The openings permit fluid flow to contact the sensing element within the probe housing. Heat shrink tubing can be used to seal the circuit wires and prevent leakage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Mamac systems, Inc.Inventor: S. Asim Gul
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Publication number: 20040085073Abstract: The invention proposes a method for operating an evaluation circuit for an electrochemical cell wherein the evaluation circuit is switched on for a first time period and is switched off for a second time period. The ratio between the first and the second time periods is selected to be less than 1. The measurement value of the electrochemical cell undergoes a current amplification in the evaluation circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2004Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Anton Pfefferseder, Bernd Siber, Andreas Hensel, Ulrich Oppelt
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Patent number: 6690172Abstract: A multiple electric conductivity measuring apparatus having at least two electric conductivity measuring cells each having at least two electrodes brought into contact with a substance to be measured, wherein the electric conductivity measuring cells are so connected electrically that the sensing signals therefrom can be added and/or subtracted. The measuring apparatus can measure a micro difference or variation of the electric conductivity between a plurality of measuring points different in position or time with high reliability, accuracy and sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Organo CorporationInventor: Yuji Higo
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Patent number: 6635167Abstract: An instrument (20) has a well (28a-b) for receiving a dry cell (75), an opening (78) through which a first connector (74) is exposed to the well (28a-b), and a boss (76) adjacent the opening (78). The boss (76) precludes the wrong terminal of the dry cell (75) from engaging the first connector (74) when the dry cell (75) is inserted into the well (28a-b) in incorrect orientation. A second connector (80) includes a base (81), a first leg (82) resiliently connected to and extending away from the base portion, a second leg (84) resiliently connected to and extending away from the first leg (82), and a third leg (86) resiliently connected to and extending away from the second leg (84) and toward the first leg (82). A display (42) for the instrument (20) has a lens (90) having a substantially transparent substrate with a polyurethane coating. The instrument housing has first and second portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Roche Diagnostics CorporationInventors: Carol Jane Batman, Greg Paul Carpenter, Robert Glenn Davies, Richard J. Kasle, Kurt Gerard Klem, Robert Anthony Parks, Timothy L. Ranney, William Brothers, Christopher Louis Belisle, Michael Steven Ray, Leonard Allen Vetsch, Marvin W. Glass, Richard W. Wilson, James R. Parker, Vladimir Svetnik, Lynne Denise Sly, Sandy Mark Richards, Nancy Kennedy Byrd, Patricia A. Hopkinson
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Patent number: 6632679Abstract: Method and apparatus to determine the speed of sedimentation of blood and other parameters connected thereto, said method being carried out by detecting the development over time of the optical density, or absorbance, of a sample of blood, said sample being sent in the form of a flow inside a capillary container (12), said detection being made in correspondence with a point of said capillary container (12) and the relative data acquired being processed to obtain said speed of sedimentation and said connected parameters, said method providing to instantly interrupt the flow of the blood sample flowing inside said capillary container (12), in order to determine a thickening of the red cells in said blood sample and their consequent sedimentation, said detection being made substantially simultaneously with said instant interruption.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Sire Analytical Systems SrlInventor: Enzo Breda
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Patent number: 6614212Abstract: Method and apparatus for quantitatively determining a degree of recirculalion flow in a vessel of a fluid by altering the electrical conductivity of the fluid, sensing the difference in electromagnetic field after the fluid is altered, and integrating the sensed difference over a period of time including any time of potential recirculation of any altered conductivity fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Gambro, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, George W. Buffaloe, IV, Francis T. Ogawa
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Patent number: 6593759Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus having a semiconductor substrate receiving device with at least one extension configured to hold a semiconductor substrate within a liquid bath. The device is configured to have at least a portion of the extension at least periodically placed within the liquid bath. The extension includes a conductive material at least partially coated with an insulative protective material. The insulative protective material is configured to protect the portion of the conductive material which is in the bath from physically contacting the liquid of the bath. The apparatus also includes an electrode within the bath, and an electrical connection between the electrode and the conductive material of the extension. Additionally, the apparatus has a monitor configured to monitor a current flow state of a circuit that includes the electrode, conductive material of the extension, and liquid bath to determine if the circuit is in a closed state or in an open state.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Terry Gilton
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Patent number: 6452371Abstract: A flow rate of a fluid flowing in a tube is quantitatively determined by altering the electrical conductivity of the fluid by injection of a bolus of saline. The electrical conductivity of the altered conductivity is measured over the time it takes the altered conductivity fluid to pass a conductivity measuring location. The measured conductivity is integrated over the time it takes to pass the conductivity measuring location. The integral is interpreted to determine the flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Gambro, Inc.Inventor: James M Brugger
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Publication number: 20020084184Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor adapted for electrical connection to a power source having an electrical contact means (3). The sensor has a first insulating substrate (1) carrying a first electrode (2) and a second insulating substrate (7) carrying a second electrode (6). The electrodes are disposed to face each other in spaced apart relationship, sandwiching a spacer (4) therebetween. A first cut-out portion extends through the first insulating substrate (1) and a spacer (4) to expose a first contact area (23) on the second insulating substrate (7). This permits the electrical contact means (31) to effect electrical connection with the first contact (23) which in turn is in electrically conductive connection with the second electrode (6). A similar contact arrangement may be disposed on the opposite side of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Garry Chambers, Alastair McIndoe Hodges, Thomas William Beck, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Patent number: 6411110Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus comprising a semiconductor substrate receiving device with at least one extension configured to hold a semiconductor substrate within a liquid bath. The device is configured to have at least a portion of the extension at least periodically placed within the liquid bath. The extension comprises a conductive material at least partially coated with an insulative protective material. The insulative protective material is configured to protect the portion of the conductive material which is in the bath from physically contacting the liquid of the bath. The apparatus also comprises an electrode within the bath, and an electrical connection between the electrode and the conductive material of the extension. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a monitor configured to monitor a current flow state of a circuit comprising the electrode, conductive material of the extension, and liquid bath to determine if the circuit is in a closed state or in an open state.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Terry Gilton
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Patent number: 6400159Abstract: An orientation sensor especially suitable for use in an underground device is disclosed herein. This orientation sensor includes a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber, an arrangement of electrically conductive members in a predetermined positional relationship to one another within the chamber and a flowable material contained within the housing chamber and through which electrical connections between the electrically conductive members are made such that a comparison between an electrical property, specifically voltage, of a first combination of conductive members to the corresponding electrical property of a second combination of conductive members can be used to determine a particular orientation parameter, specifically pitch or roll of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Digital Control IncorporatedInventors: Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 6380746Abstract: A plug for insertion through the wall of a vessel filled with fluid to be monitored has an extension immersed in the fluid which has a pair of wire electrodes helically wound thereon in spaced arrangement. The electrodes are wound at a uniform pitch in one embodiment and wound with regions of closely and widely spaced pitches in another embodiment. In a third embodiment, the electrodes are helically wound in spaced parallel arrangement at a pitch greater than the spacing of the pair. A thermistor is disposed on the extension for providing a fluid temperature signal. The electrodes are excited sequentially by a low voltage at a fractional Hertz (low) frequency and a (high) frequency of at least one Hertz and the current and temperature are measured. The impedance and differential impedance are computed from the measured currents.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Mark H. Polczynski, Paul G. Rops, Robert A. Bauer, Martin A. Seitz, Richard W. Hirthe
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Patent number: 6379513Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor adapted for electrical connection to a power source having an electrical contact means (3). The sensor has a first insulating substrate (1) carrying a first electrode (2) and a second insulating substrate (7) carrying a second electrode (6). The electrodes are disposed to face each other in spaced apart relationship, sandwiching a spacer (4) therebetween. A first cut-out portion extends through the first insulating substrate (1) and a spacer (4) to expose a first contact area (23) on the second insulating substrate (7). This permits the electrical contact means (31) to effect electrical connection with the first contact (23) which in turn is in electrically conductive connection with the second electrode (6). A similar contact arrangement may be disposed on the opposite side of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: USF Filtration and Separations Group Inc.Inventors: Garry Chambers, Alastair McIndoe Hodges, Thomas William Beck, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Patent number: 6376233Abstract: A device (1) serves for conducting investigations on cell specimens, wherein the device has a microtiter plate or similar receiving device with a plurality of individual containers for the cell specimens. Furthermore, a measuring facility for recording changes in individual specimens is provided. On the underside the microtiter plate or similar receiving device has a measuring structure which carries at least one sensor allocated to each receiving vessel. The measuring structure can either be combined with a bottomless upper part of a conventional microtiter plate, or instead it is a semiconductor substrate plate (2) with a plurality of bowl-shaped receptacle depressions (3) situated therein and provided as containers. At least one sensor is allocated to each depression.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Micronas Intermetall GmbHInventors: Bernhard Wolf, Ulrich Sieben
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Patent number: 6290827Abstract: A measuring system with a measuring body (2) mounted on a rotatable shaft (1) and being provided with electrodes (16) for measuring electrical currents obtained through chemical reactions within an analyte solution. In the rotatable shaft is housed an electronic unit (14) for converting the electric current to a measuring signal which is, via a transferring means (6), transferred in an analogue or digital representation to a measuring signal registrating means placed outside of the rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: CCL Connectors & Cables ABInventors: Christer Johansson, Sten-Eric Lindquist
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Patent number: 6200442Abstract: In a measuring device for measuring the concentration of a substance in a liquid applied to the test field of a test strip having two first electrical contacts at its forward end connected to the test field, a conductor plate inside of the device carries a measuring and evaluation circuit and also has formed on it two second electrical contacts which two second electrical contacts, when the forward end of the test strip is inserted into the device through an insertion slot, are brought into contact with the two first contacts on the test strip to connect the test field of the test strip in circuit with the measuring and evaluation circuit of the conductor plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: LRE Technology Partner GmbHInventor: Ernst Markart