Abstract: Disclosed is an bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus which is simplified in structure and which is easy to use. A measuring apparatus comprising a personal data input unit which is used in inputting personal data and a plurality of electrodes which are used in measuring bioelectrical impedance is improved according to the present invention in that it comprises: a memory in which the personal data are stored via said personal data input unit; and a control device which carries out a required control by using at least one selected electrode to store the personal data in said memory or to retrieve the personal data from said memory.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an instrument for measuring the dielectric properties of biological tissue. The instrument includes a top electrode assembly and a bottom electrode assembly, the top electrode assembly including a top electrode and at least one shaft adjustably positionable to move the top electrode relative to the bottom electrode assembly, the bottom electrode assembly including a bottom test plate and a bottom electrode. The instrument also includes a testing cylinder coupled to the shaft and having an inner cavity defined therein that houses the top electrode and which is designed to enclose the bottom electrode therein. The testing cylinder is configured to reduce at least one of electric current, magnetic current, stray radiative RF fields and external capacitive leakage currents during activation of the top and bottom electrodes.

Abstract: A system for electrical impedance tomography and method thereof are disclosed, by which electrical characteristics within a measurement target can be precisely detected. The present invention includes the steps of injection a current to a measurement target via at least one electrode pair selected form a plurality of electrodes (250) attached to the measurement target, detecting voltage of a surface of the measurement target using a plurality of voltmeters (260) connected to the electrodes that are not selected, respectively, adjusting gains of the voltmeters according to maximum values of the detected voltages, respectively, amplifying the detected voltages using the gain-adjusted voltmeters, respectively, and imaging an internal part of the measurement target based on the amplified voltages.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for error checking an electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes and a liquid measuring medium applied thereto are disclosed. The method involves determining a first admittance between a first set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a second admittance between a second set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a value using the first admittance and the second admittance; and displaying an error message if the value is out of a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A method for analyzing skin response waveform information obtained by measuring skin impedance with a voltage of a predetermined frequency. A current value at the start of polarization caused by the application of the voltage is determined, followed by determining a current value after a predetermined amount of time from the start of the polarization. A current value after termination of the polarization (value NT) is then determined and the difference between the current value at the start of the polarization and after the predetermined amount of time from the start of the polarization (value A) is determined. The difference between the current value after the predetermined amount of time from the start of the polarization and the value NT (value B) is determined, followed by analyzing the skin response waveform information using the ratios A/B, B/A and the value NT.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for identifying a selective persistent Na+ channel blocker by measuring the ability of the blocker to reduce or inhibit a persistent Na+ current to a greater degree than a transient Na+ current. Aspects of the present method provide Na+ depletion/repletion methods for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na+ channel, hyperpolarization methods for identifying a blocker of a persistent Na+ channel, and Na/K ATPase pump inhibitor methods for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na+ channel.

Abstract: In such a method and system, firstly, at least an electrically conducting first connection to a first body area (3a) of the whole body of a living being is established and at least an electrically conducting second connection to a second body area (3b) of the whole body of the living being at a distance from the first body area (3a) and, secondly, a change takes place in the physical relation between at least one body part (1, 2) of the whole body and the whole body, which change in the physical relation causes a change to occur in the impedance value of a bioelectrical impedance, which bioelectrical impedance is present between the first body area (3a) and the second body area (3b) and, thirdly, a detection takes place of the change in the impedance value of said bioelectrical impedance, as a result of which occurrence of the change result information (RI) is obtained and, fourthly, the control signal (CTRS) is generated in dependence on the result information (RI).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring skin moisture content in a user's skin is provided. The apparatus may include a signal supplier to generate an out-of-phase signal from a voltage signal obtained from the user's skin and an in-phase signal from the voltage signal, a susceptance measurement unit to measure the susceptance of the voltage signal by synchronizing the voltage signal and the out-of-phase signal received from the signal supplier, a conductance measurement unit to measure the conductance of the voltage signal by synchronizing the voltage signal and the in-phase signal, and an output unit to output sweat gland activity information of the user based on the measured conductance and skin moisture content information of the user based on the measured susceptance.

Abstract: A bioelectric impedance measuring circuit for applying a current to an organism and measuring a bioelectric impedance of the organism is disclosed that includes a pseudo-sine wave generating circuit for generating a pseudo-sine wave based on an input square wave, a voltage/current converting circuit for outputting current to the organism in correspondence with the pseudo-sine wave generated by the pseudo-sine wave generating circuit, and a processing circuit for generating the square wave and supplying the square wave to the pseudo-sine wave generating circuit and measuring the bioelectric impedance based on a voltage output from the voltage/current converting circuit. The pseudo-sine wave generating circuit is included in a semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: An electroimpedance tomograph is provided with a plurality of electrodes (1), which can be placed on the body of a patient and are connected to a control and evaluating unit (20) via a selector switch (60). The control and evaluating unit (20) cooperates with the selector switch (60) such that two electrodes each are supplied with alternating current from an AC power source (22). The detected analog voltage signals of the other electrodes are sent into the control and evaluating unit (20) via a measuring amplifier (62) and AD converter (64) and are processed there in order to reconstruct the impedance distribution of the body in the plane of the electrodes therefrom. A symmetrical AC power source (22) is used to reduce common-mode signals.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods that use electrical admittance as the basis for measuring flow rate of fluids and/or for distinguishing (e.g., characterizing, sorting, separation, etc.) different particles, chemical compositions or biospecies (e.g., different cells, cells containing different substances, different particles, different chemical compositions, etc.).

Abstract: A system for measuring bioelectric impedance in real time, in the presence of interference and noise is disclosed. A small electric current is injected into a biopotential electrode system, and then the measurement is tested for contamination by electrical interference or other noise sources.

Abstract: An osmolarity measuring system is configured to receive a contact lens in a measurement chamber. The measurement chamber includes a volume of fluid, and a series of electrodes are configured to measure the electrical properties of the fluid. A processing device correlates the measured electrical properties with an osmolarity measurement. Further, the processing device is configured to track trends in stored osmolarity measurements and alert the user to take an action, including the cessation or alteration of product use.

Abstract: A surface shape recognition sensor includes capacitive detection elements, support electrode, protective film, and projections. The detection elements are formed from lower electrodes and a deformable plate-like upper electrode made of a metal. The lower electrodes are insulated and isolated from each other and stationarily laid out on a single plane of an interlevel dielectric formed on a semiconductor substrate. The upper electrode is laid out above the lower electrodes at a predetermined interval and has opening portions. The support electrode is laid out around the lower electrodes while being insulated and isolated from the lower electrodes, and formed to be higher than the lower electrodes to support the upper electrode. The protective film is formed on the upper electrode to close the opening portions. The projections per one pixel are laid out in a region of the protective film above the capacitive detection element.

Abstract: A remote controller for a television/video recorder having a function of measuring a body fat includes a display section for displaying a measurement of the body fat and a message questioning whether or not a user to be examined carries a specific medical device such as a pacemaker, a reply entry section for entering a reply to the message, and a control section for controlling the action of a body fat meter. The control section directs the display section to display the message prior to the measurement of the body fat. Then, when receiving from the reply entry section a reply indicating that the user carries a pacemaker, the control section inhibits the measurement of the body fat and directs the display section to display a message of the inhibition. When receiving from the reply entry section a reply indicating that the user carries no pacemaker, the control section enables the measurement of the body fat of the user through registering the physical data including the weight and the height of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing skin moisture including a casing, a fixed base at the front end of the casing, at least one through hole on the fixed base, a hollow cylindrical metal electrode with a closed end passing through the through hole, and an electrically conductive elastic member in the electrode. The elastic member pressing between the electrode on a first end and is fixed to the casing at a second end. The casing has a correction resistor coupled in parallel with the elastic member. The correction resistor is coupled to a micro alternate current generator, and an alternate current resistance measuring circuit is coupled to a CPU single-chip microprocessor. A measured value of resistance is compared with a predetermined value stored in a memory by a CPU single-chip microprocessor, the result of the comparison is displayed by a display device.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: A sensor capable of simply and quickly measuring the electrical activities of a number of cells simultaneously and a device comprising the sensor and capable of detecting the signal transmission between subject cells are provided. The sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes provided on a substrate. The electrodes individually measure a signal generated by a biological sample held by each of the electrodes. Each of the electrodes comprises a depression for holding the biological sample, a throughhole which is in communication with the depression and penetrates to a rear side of the substrate, an electrode portion, and a drawing line from the electrode portion. The electrodes are arranged so that the samples held by the depressions electrically communicate with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring spatial displacement of an animal's paw injected with irritant. This apparatus comprises an electromagnetic detecting assembly having (1) a transmitting oscillator for generating electrical current (2) an electromagnetic transmitter coil coupled to the oscillator for generating an electromagnetic field (3) an electromagnetic receiving coil placed in axial plane directly below the transmitter coil (4) a first, receiving amplifier connected to the receiving coil (5) an amplitude detector connected to the receiving amplifier (6) a second amplifier connected to the amplitude detector (7) a metal object attached to the animal's paw (8) and a cylindrical observation chamber of a diameter not greater than the diameter of the generated magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for identifying a Na+ channel blocker, including providing a cell containing a Na+ channel, demonstrating both a transient and a persistent current. The cell includes a potassium (K+) channel and a Na/K ATPase (Na+ pump). A fluorescent dye is disposed into the well. The fluorescent dye is sensitive to change in cell membrane potential in order to enable optical measurement of cell membrane potential. A Na+ channel blocker, to be identified, is added to the well and a stimulating current is passed through the cell in an amount sufficient to generate an action potential before and after the addition of the Na+ channel blocker. Thereafter, a change in cell membrane potential is optically measured.

Abstract: When measuring body fat through use of a TV remote control unit, the body of a person to be subjected to body fat measurement is brought into contact with current application electrodes and voltage measurement electrodes, which are subjected to application of a sinusoidal waveform signal and have a connection configuration of substantially two-electrode type. When a match has arisen between varying voltages developing between the voltage measurement electrodes a predetermined number of times, the voltage is taken as a result of measurement of bio-impedance.

Abstract: A multiple electrode for measuring electro-physiological characteristics of a biological specimen includes a plurality of micro-electrode provided on a first region on a substrate, and a reference electrode provided in a second region on the substrate. The reference electrode includes at least one stimulus reference electrode for applying an electrical signal to the plurality of micro-electrodes. Preferably, the reference electrode includes at least one measurement reference electrode for detecting an electrical signal from the plurality of micro-electrodes, and the stimulus reference electrode is electrically insulated from the measurement reference electrode. Preferably, the second region is placed at a distance from an outer edge of the first region, and surrounds the first region.

Abstract: A method for measuring bioelectric impedance in real time, in the presence of interference and noise is disclosed. A small electric current is injected into a biopotential electrode system, and then the measurement is tested for contamination by electrical interference or other noise sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring contact current includes data acquisition circuitry with at least two sensor contacts to measure the voltage drop across an animal or human body. A portable data processing unit is connected to the data acquisition circuitry to process the voltage data to produce current flow data.

Abstract: Assembly kit for an apparatus and a method for simultaneously obtaining biological sample and measuring its electrical resistance at at least two different frequencies for diagnosis of sample condition. The apparatus includes a main case; an aspirating needle connected to main case for obtaining biological liquid sample; a liquid collector connected to aspirating needle for receiving biological liquid has a metal conductor in electrical contact with the needle and a metal piston; and an electro-impedance meter. The method includes the steps of contacting biological tissue with an electrically conductive hook having a pointed end as a first electrode and a second electrode; measuring electrical impedance of the biological tissue contacted with the first and second electrodes at at least two different frequencies; and excising a part of the biological tissue with the pointed end of the hook to obtain a sample of the biological tissue.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus and method with sample type and cell volume detection. The apparatus includes a sine wave generator to apply an AC signal to a biosensor cell containing a sample, a current-to-voltage converter, a phase shifter, a square wave generator, a synchronous demodulator, and a low pass filter which yields a signal proportional to the effective capacitance across the biosensor cell, which is proportional to the volume of the sample. In addition, the current-to-voltage converter yields a signal indicative of the type of sample contained within the biosensor cell. The method includes applying a sine wave to the biosensor cell, shifting the phase of the resultant signal, generating a square wave synchronous with the sine wave, demodulating the resultant signal with the square wave, and filtering the demodulated signal to produce a signal proportional to the effective capacitance across the biosensor cell.

Abstract: A biological cell test method and apparatus employs a conventional perforated cell carrier which has a plurality of holes. Each hole has two metal electrodes. A cell is disposed in the hole to contact the two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to electric current or voltage. The electric current or field flows from one electrode through the cell to another electrode. Through the inherent impedance, inductance or capacitance of the cell, the presence or property reactions of the cell may be detected.

Abstract: A method for measuring dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance based on the method of frequency digital sampling and for evaluating body composition, inputting through the I/O interface of a microprocessor he measured body weight frequency signals, oscillating frequency signals related to dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance signals corresponding to non-fixed different frequencies, calculating through the software of the microprocessor the body fat content, total body water, ratio between intracellular water and total body water and displaying the body weight, body fat content ,total body water and ratio between intracellular water and total body water on the display;

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for stabilizing resistance measurements in electroporation systems so as to achieve high-accuracy measurements, and for controlling the pulse duration, or time constant, of electroporation pulses. Circuitry is provided to accurately determine the resistance of a sample in the electroporation system, for example a sample provided in an electroporation cuvette. Additionally, a resistance control system is provided to automatically measure the resistance of a sample, determine a capacitance and determine a parallel add-on resistance that substantially provides a desired pulse duration (time constant) for an electroporation pulse.

Abstract: An electrical property imaging system includes an array of sensors placed around an object to measure the surface charges thereon as a sinusoidal voltage is applied thereacross. The resulting distribution of charges inside the object are calculated using a stored charge correlation matrix. Electrical property images are produced from the internal charge distribution image.

Abstract: A method for measuring dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance based on the method of frequency digital sampling and for evaluating body composition, inputting through the I/O interface of a microprocessor he measured body weight frequency signals, oscillating frequency signals related to dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance signals corresponding to non-fixed different frequencies, calculating through the software of the microprocessor the body fat content, total body water, ratio between intracellular water and total body water and displaying the body weight, body fat content ,total body water and ratio between intracellular water and total body water on the display;

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting a parameter and detecting a parameter using two electric signal in a conductive path are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for analysing fluids, especially body fluids and blood, includes means for applying an oscillating electric field 1 to a sample of fluid and means for measuring electrical current flowing in the sample being analysed as a result of application of the applied field to enable the loss factor of an electrical circuit in which the sample is comprised to be determined. Changes in the loss factor with the frequency of field applied can be determined and by comparison with stored data, used to identify the presence and concentration of substances in a fluid. The apparatus may be arranged to analyse blood in a living body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved bioelectrical impedance gauge which is so designed that the high-frequency current flowing between two selected points in a living body may be detected in the vicinity of either selected point, and that the voltage appearing between two points selected in the current passage in which the high-frequency current flows may be applied to a high-impedance buffer circuit proximate to the two points selected in the current passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly kit for an apparatus for simultaneously obtaining a biological sample and measuring the electrical resistance of said sample at at least two different frequencies for diagnosis of a condition of said sample. The assembly kit of the invention includes a main case; an aspirating needle adapted to be connected to the main case; a liquid collector adapted to be connected to said aspirating needle; and an electroimpedancemeter. The aspirating needle is used for obtaining a sample of biological liquid. The liquid collector receives said sample of said biological liquid and having a metal conductor in electrical contact with said needle and a metal piston. The electroimpedancemeter simultaneously measures electrical resistance of the sample at at least two different frequencies. Also disclosed is a method simultaneously obtaining a biological sample and measuring electrical impedance of the sample for the purpose of diagnosis of a condition of the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for automatic evaluation of skin resistance or impedance variations in order to diagnose the state of health of at least a portion of a human or animal body. The difference between an AC impedance measured at a specific frequency and at a specific skin area with calibration electrode and a reference electrode and the impedance measured at a similar frequency and in the same area with a measurement electrode and a reference electrode, is used to determine the state of health of the internal organ corresponding to the examined skin area. Alternatively, the skin between the electrodes is exposed to a DC potential of a magnitude selected to give a break-through effect. The resistance of the skin is measured between a measurement electrode polarised negatively with respect fo a reference electrode, and the DC resistance of the same skin area is again measured but with the measurement electrode polarised positively with respect to the reference electrode.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a high throughput electrorotation chip having an array of electrorotation units and methods of use thereof. To make the high throughput electrorotation chip, a plurality of electrorotation units (EU) are fabricated on a substrate or support and each EU is capable of producing a rotating electric field upon the application of an appropriate electrical signal. Exemplary embodiments include a row-column configuration of EUs having four electrode elements realized through two conductive-layers. The electrode elements may be linear, concave, or convex. Thin plates having one or multiple holes are bound to high-throughput electrorotation chips to form assay chambers having one or multiple wells. Particles can be introduced to the wells and electrorotation measurements can be performed on the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus which is simplified in structure and which is easy to use. A measuring apparatus comprising a personal data input unit which is used in inputting personal data and a plurality of electrodes which are used in measuring bioelectrical impedance is improved according to the present invention in that it comprises: a memory in which the personal data are stored via said personal data input unit; and a control device which carries out a required control by using at least one selected electrode to store the personal data in said memory or to retrieve the personal data from said memory.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a leaktight chamber (3) in which a liquid having electrical characteristics, preferably a conductive liquid, is introduced into a leaktight volume (33) between the cover (5) and the tank (4), and in that a value of electric quantities is measured which varies with the reduction of the liquid contained in the volume (33). In such a way the leaktightness is continually checked.

Abstract: An impedance converter module has a phase reversal circuit to receive a 2-wire excitation signal at first and second terminals, and to provide a polarized excitation signal with a predetermined polarity based on the 2-wire excitation signal. A series current path has a sense resistor connected in series with a variable impedance source. The polarized excitation signal is applied across the series current path. An output-voltage-sense circuit provides an output-voltage-sense signal based on a voltage across the series current path. A current mirror provides a drive signal to a ratiometric device based on current flowing through the series current path. Differential amplifiers receive a ratiometric response signal from the ratiometric device, and output measurement signals based on the ratiometric signal. A summing node combines the measurement signals to provide a single-ended ratiometric signal.

Abstract: A bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus is provided, which includes a measurement board and two pairs of electrodes arranged on the measurement board. A bioelectrical impedance of a subject is detected bringing both foot soles of the subject into contact with the electrodes. Each of the two pairs of electrodes extends approximately radially from the center of the measurement board.

Abstract: A body fat measuring device mainly including a display screen and several control keys disposed on a housing body, one electrode on a frontage of the housing body and two electrodes on a bottom side of the housing body; to use the mentioned structure, user's thumbs press on the electrodes on the frontage of the housing body while the index fingers and the middle fingers press on the bottom side of the housing body to enable a current to transmit into the human body through the electrodes then flow back to the detecting circuit, a voltage drop generated thereby is utilized to calculate an electric resistance value of the human body, then data of a height, a weight, an age and the like are input, a body fat ratio is precisely calculated through a body fat ratio calculating programming and displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: Rapid determination of pathogen and neoplasm levels is associated with irradiation in the processing of meat in order to assure quality with regard to both desired pathogen levels and integrity of the meat minimizing the level of irradiation utilized. Rapid determination of pathogen and neoplasm level by sensitive measurement of the rate of change of electrical impedance through a sample tested in a conductivity cell is suggested. Use of ultrasonic aqueous bath of sufficient energy level to cause cavitation impingement of the exterior surfaces of the meat so immersed is also suggested. The use of ultrasound achieves accelerated natural depuration by stimulating the natural excretory processes of living shellfish and achieves microscopic cleansing of the exterior of shellfish alive or dead. Said irradiated sample is analyzed for metabolic activity of foodborne contaminants and displayed as a two or three dimensional model.

Abstract: The bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus according to the present invention employs a microcomputer having almost all the functions necessary for the measurement of bioelectrical impedance integrated into a circuit on a one-chip. Further, the bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus of the present invention employs also the one-chip microcomputer to provide almost all the functions necessary for the measurement at a plurality of frequencies or for that using a plurality of electrodes. Yet further, the bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus of the present invention employs also the one-chip microcomputer to provide almost all the functions necessary for the measurement of other parameters, adding to those for measuring the bioelectrical impedance, using the external sensor connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a high throughput electrorotation chip having an array of electrorotation units and methods of use thereof. To make the high throughput electrorotation chip, a plurality of electrorotation units (EU) are fabricated on a substrate or support and each EU is capable of producing a rotating electric field upon the application of an appropriate electrical signal. Exemplary embodiments include a row-column configuration of EUs having four electrode elements realized through two conductive-layers. The electrode elements may be linear, concave, or convex. Thin plates having one or multiple holes are bound to high-throughput electrorotation chips to form assay chambers having one or multiple wells. Particles can be introduced to the wells and electrorotation measurements can be performed on the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved bioelectrical impedance gauge which is so designed that the high-frequency current flowing between two selected points in a living body may be detected in the vicinity of either selected point, and that the voltage appearing between two points selected in the current passage in which the high-frequency current flows may be applied to a high-impedance buffer circuit proximate to the two points selected in the current passage.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dimensionally stable sensor that minimizes false positive responses caused by high humidity, rainfall, or temperature fluctuation while maintaining true positive responses attained from termite activity. The invention further pertains to a method for continually monitoring termite activity by utilizing dimensionally stable sensor(s).

Abstract: A cell potential measurement apparatus, which uses a planar electrode enabling a multi-point simultaneous measurement of potential change arising from cell activities, is provided which can conduct measurements accurately and efficiently as well as can improve convenience of arranging measurement results.

Abstract: A cell potential measurement apparatus, which uses a planar electrode enabling a multi-point simultaneous measurement of potential change arising from cell activities, is provided which can conduct measurements accurately and efficiently as well as can improve convenience of arranging measurement results.