Based On Color Change Patents (Class 422/85)
  • Patent number: 9707845
    Abstract: Levels of substance use, location, and vital signs are remotely monitored for a subject. In one embodiment, the system includes a testing device (102) and a communication device (130). The testing device (102) obtains a breathalyzer sample from a test subject and determines a substance level. The communication device (130) reports the substance level to a remote monitoring station. In addition, location and camera functions of the communication device can report additional information for verification and system integrity. In other embodiments, the system can be incorporated into an ankle bracelet for monitoring movement of an individual or into a vehicle system to prevent operation while impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT F. NIENHOUSE 1997 DECLARATION OF TRUST
    Inventor: Robert Frank Nienhouse
  • Patent number: 9055889
    Abstract: A breath sampling device includes a main housing having an input chamber, a first output chamber, and a second output chamber integrally formed therein where the input chamber and the first output chamber are coupled via a first port and the input chamber and the second output chamber are coupled via a second port, and a self-sealing apparatus within the second output chamber configured to seal at least an exhaust port of the second output chamber when a predetermined amount of initial waste air fills the second output chamber. The main housing can be configured to redirect a portion of air blown therethrough towards the output chamber via the first port when the self-sealing apparatus at least seals the exhaust port. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Commonwealth Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis J. Traficante
  • Patent number: 8969097
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, arrangements and methods for quantifying the concentration of an analyte present in bodily fluid, including: an assay pad having at least one chemical reagent capable of producing a detectable signal in the form of a reaction spot upon reaction with the analyte; a light source; a detector array; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising: (a) at least one value indicative of one or more of: (i) the level of hematocrit contained in the sample; (ii) the volume of the sample applied to the assay pad; or (iii) imperfections present in the reaction spot; and (b) at least one algorithm for calculating the concentration of the analyte contained in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Intuity Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Emery, Carole R. Stivers
  • Patent number: 8858887
    Abstract: A chemical indicator device for use in detecting exposure to an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising a substrate or support upon which is disposed a chemical indicator composition (ink) for detecting an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The chemical indicator composition further comprises an indicator dye that achieves a distinct range of different color changes with clear transitions between colors, upon exposure to different doses of the oxidizing agent, thus allowing for both a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of exposure to the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Steris, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Lacy, Neil David Tyers
  • Patent number: 8852514
    Abstract: An electronic device for analyzing an aqueous solution may comprise a housing, one or more measurement circuits and a control circuit all arranged inside the housing. The housing may be configured to receive a test element. The one or more measurement circuits may be configured to produce one or more corresponding sets of measurement signals relating to an aqueous solution received on the test element. The control circuit may include a memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to process the one or more sets of measurement signals to determine one or more corresponding characteristics of the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: David Alexander Nathaniel Morris, Teresa Lynn Swanson
  • Patent number: 8734723
    Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Kai Chang, Hui-Lung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8722417
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Invoy Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lubna Ahmad
  • Patent number: 8574917
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pigment that changes color upon exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. The pigment may be ground or otherwise reduced to small particles and used in coatings, dyes, paints or inks. Potential applications for paints and inks include the production of warning indicators for the presence of hydrogen gas in areas where such presence may pose a hazard. Warning decals may be printed with pigmented ink and posted in areas of potential hydrogen hazard. In the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, the decals can display a warning by causing a change in the color of a printed message. Objects may also be coated with pigmented paints so that if a hydrogen sulfide leak occurs from within or nearby the object, the color of the object changes to provide a warning of the presence of leaked hydrogen sulfide. Example applications of such painted objects include any industrial process containing hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Element One, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hoagland, David K. Benson, Rodney D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130259749
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a respiratory stream can be provided by monitoring color change of a color change material to determine a CO2 level of the respiratory stream in contact with the color change material by emitting visible light onto the color change material. Related devices, systems, and compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene W. Moretti, Robert Lavin Wood, Allan Bruce Shang, Steven S. Yauch
  • Publication number: 20130137184
    Abstract: Provided are a nitric oxide detection element capable of detecting NO gas contained in a mixed gas at a high speed even when the amount thereof is a super trace amount of ten and several parts per billion; and a process for producing the element. In a nitric oxide detection element having a substrate 12 and a sensing film 11 formed on a surface of the substrate, the sensing film is composed of nitric oxide sensing particles and a polymer adhesive. The nitric oxide sensing particles are produced by adsorbing a dye having a porphyrin skeleton and having, as a central metal, divalent cobalt onto surfaces of inorganic particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION EHIME UNIVERSITY, PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouichi Hiranaka, Toyofumi Nagamatsu, Yoshihiko Sadaoka, Yoshiteru Itagaki
  • Patent number: 8409864
    Abstract: An ammonia gas sensing device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path. The fluid flow path includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an access port. A gas permeable/liquid impermeable membrane is mounted on and sealed against the housing at the access port such that the membrane is exposed to the fluid flow path but fluid is blocked from flowing outward of the access port around rather than through the membrane. An ammonia sensor is mounted on the housing at the access port in a position outward of the membrane. A system for using the ammonia sensing device includes the ammonia gas sensing device, a light source directed at the ammonia sensor, a photo detector to measure the light reflected off the ammonia sensor from the light source, and a controller for controlling the light source and optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Renal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Ash
  • Patent number: 8273298
    Abstract: A device for detecting human body odors produced from ammonia and amino acids—chemicals naturally excreted through the skin and sweat glands. Unless eliminated, such odors can alert game animals to a hunter's presence. Worn on the exterior of odor-absorbing clothing, the device includes both a packet and an indicator chemical sensitive to extremely low concentrations of nitrogen-containing compounds. The packet defines first and second openings which, in use, are directed away from and toward the wearer's body, respectively. Affixed to the packet, a transparent tape forms an airtight window through which one can continually view the indicator chemical, held in place within the first opening by the tape's adhesive backing. Accessible only to substances which pass through the wearer's clothing and then into the packet's interior via the second opening, the indicator chemical undergoes a permanent color change, once odor-producing chemicals begin to break through the clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas L. Newell
  • Patent number: 8268451
    Abstract: A material intended for personal protective equipment, such as a suit for escaping chemicals or a flash fire is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate. All of the at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ansell Protective Solutions AB
    Inventor: Pontus Danielsson
  • Patent number: 8178355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of components in gas phase, and in particular to detection of nitric oxide exhaled as a component of breath, using a liquid crystal assay format and a device utilizing liquid crystals as part of a reporting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Platypus Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Bharat Acharya, Avijit Sen, Nicholas Abbott, Kurt Kupcho
  • Patent number: 8153434
    Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Marganski, Jose I. Arno, Edward A. Sturm, Kristy L. Zaleta
  • Patent number: 8034624
    Abstract: A sampling device for analysis of a substance which is chosen from the group consisting of isocyanates, aminoisocyanates, amines, and isothiocyanates, and which is present in an air flow intended to pass through the sampling device is disclosed, as well as a method for the production of said sampling device, and a method for the analysis of said substance in the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Provtagaren AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Skarping, Marianne Dalene
  • Patent number: 8025844
    Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a thin film layer formed on a top surface of a planar optical transmission medium, and a catalyst layer formed on a top surface of the thin film layer. A first interface is created between the planar optical transmission medium and the thin film layer. A substrate is joined to a bottom surface of the planar optical transmission medium so that a second interface is created between the planar optical transmission medium and the substrate. On entering a first end portion of the planer optical transmission medium, light from a light source is spread by an entrance section, and the spread light is transmitted inside the planar optical transmission medium to a second end portion by being reflected by the first and second interfaces alternately. Light exiting from the second end portion is transmitted to an optical sensor by an exit light-collecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Naoki Uchiyama, Naoki Matsuda, Kazuki Yoshimura, Kenji Kato
  • Patent number: 8003391
    Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Marganski, Jose I. Arno, Edward A. Sturm, Kristy L. Zaleta
  • Patent number: 7981364
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a colorimetric gas detector system that comprises a substrate (1) bearing a material (12) that can react with a target gas to produce a change in the wavelength of radiation absorbed or transmitted by the material (“color-change material”). The method involves: a) applying onto a region (15) of the substrate that includes color-change material a chemical of predetermined concentration that reacts directly or indirectly with the color-change material to produce a change in the wavelength of the radiation absorbed or transmitted by the material; b) detecting the radiation absorbed or transmitted in said region (15) at a wavelength absorbed or transmitted by the reaction product of the color change material with the chemical, and c) generating a signal in accordance with the amount of radiation detected at the second wavelength, said signal being dependent on the amount of color-change material on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell Analytics AG
    Inventor: Ian Robins
  • Patent number: 7977103
    Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of ovulation in a female mammal is provided. The method includes contacting mouth air of the female mammal with an arylmethane test chromogen in an amount effective to undergo a rapid and detectable color change in the presence of one or more volatile sulfur compounds. The color of the test chromogen is compared to a control color that corresponds to a pre-ovulatory sulfur content. The difference in color between the test chromogen and the control color is correlated to the onset of ovulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Michelle Martin, RameshBabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7838857
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an inspection container, comprising: a bottom and a sidewall, said bottom is coupled to one side of said sidewall to form a space, wherein, there are a plurality of protrudes set on the lower surface of said bottom. The inspection container further comprises a division part, which divides said space into a plurality of subspaces. With the solutions according to the present invention, it is possible to meet the requirement for inspecting a plurality of bottles at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Li Zhang, Xuewu Wang, Yumin Yi, Longsong Ran, Hongxin Wu, Lian Wang, Quanwei Song, Hu Tang
  • Patent number: 7833481
    Abstract: A fully integrated portable screening system includes a main housing and a contact pad. The contact pad is removably positioned in the main housing and covered by at least one sample sheet. The contact pad is preferably constituted by a cylindrical baton which carries a roll of sample collection sheets. A test subject interacts with the contact pad, leaving a trace sample on the sample collection sheet. The contact pad is then placed within the main housing and the trace sample is exposed to a test medium designed to interact with a specific analyte of interest potentially present in the trace sample. After exposure to the test medium, the sample sheet is subjected to a testing mechanism which exposes any interaction between the test medium and the analyte of interest to produce a test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: RedXDefense, LLC
    Inventors: Khaled F. Eltomi, Jack Kotowicz, Pratheev Sabaratnam Sreetharan, Regina Elvira Dugan
  • Patent number: 7820108
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for monitoring drug compliance by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after medication is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the medication itself or from an additive combined with the medication. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial noses” or “electronic noses,” to non-invasively monitor compliance. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking compliance (remote or proximate) and providing the necessary alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Samsun Lampotang, Richard J. Melker, David N. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20100178662
    Abstract: Methods and hand-held devices non-invasively measure a health parameter in an individual or a plurality of individuals. Plural hand-held devices may be provided to plural individuals. Each device may compute a score based on the assayed health parameter in the individual. A server on a computer network may receive the scores and determine a pattern based on the scores. The hand-held devices may be further configured to receive additional data from the individuals regarding activities that may affect the individuals' scores. The server may receive the additional data from the devices and determine additional patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: David Urman, Wesley Spiegel
  • Publication number: 20100022018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting compounds containing a free sulfhydryl group in a sample and a test device which is used to detect such compounds. The method and test device use a papain-based assay where the papain is initially complexed with a metal ion making it inactive. Sulfydryl compounds in a sample activate the papain. Enzymatic activity of papain on a papain substrate releases a dye producing a detectable signal. The test device may be used in detecting compounds containing a free sulfhydryl group in industrial, environmental, experimental and biological samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Dennis Flint
  • Publication number: 20090263279
    Abstract: A method for determining whether a subject has Gram negative bacterial pneumonia based on the presence of lipopolysaccharide in exhaled breath condensate collected from the subject. The collection devices utilized to collect exhaled breath condensate from both spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated subjects and the devices utilized to determine whether lipopolysaccharide is present in the collected exhaled breath condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Kline, Jackeline Hernandez, John Albert Watts, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090233350
    Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes a bioburden indicator, having an input valve for the entry of air to be analysed, an element for bioburden analysis, and a suction valve suited to be connected to a suction system to suck up the air to be analysed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Camillo BELLUZZI, Sarah Gallini, Massimiliano Solci
  • Patent number: 7569395
    Abstract: An apparatus and non-invasive method of measuring oxygen by exciting a luminescent compound disposed in a container and then measuring the intensity of the light emitted by the excited luminescent compound as it relaxes to the ground state. A plot of emission intensity as a function of time results in an exponential decay curve the area of which is inversely proportional to the oxygen concentration. The oxygen concentration can be determined over a wide temperature range by measuring the temperature of the container and the emission intensity and then applying the following equation: [O2]=(ATa(T)2+BTa(T)+CTa)(tau)2+(ATb(T)2+BTb(T)+CTb)(tau)+(ATc(T)2+BTc(T)+CTc) T is the measured temperature; tau is the area of the exponential decay curve; and ATa, BTa, CTa, ATb, BTb, CTb, ATc, BTc, and CTc are coefficients that are specific to the luminescent compound being examined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Russell Havens, Darrell Carl Austin, Douglas James Paul
  • Publication number: 20090095290
    Abstract: Tracheal tubes having an integrated calorimetric CO2 indicator are provided. In certain embodiment, the integrated CO2 indicator is selectively sealed from the remainder of the tracheal tube by a removable sterilization barrier. Also provided are CO2 indicators that exhibit long lasting, breath-to-breath dynamic color change and are storage stable. The devices and compositions of the invention find use in a variety of applications, e.g. in emergent intubation of a subject. Also provided are methods of making the devices and compositions, as well as kits that include the devices and/or compositions of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Cain, Janice Cain, Fred Johnson, Steve Woodard, Stephen Lee, Sherry Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080078394
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Rafael Ostrowski, Martin Debreczeny
  • Publication number: 20080081003
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Rafael Ostrowski, Martin Debreczeny
  • Publication number: 20080075633
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Rafael Ostrowski, Martin Debreczeny
  • Patent number: 7297549
    Abstract: A method of determining bias in a measurement of a constituent concentration level in a sample gas is provided. The method comprises establishing a sample gas flow from an emission stream into a sample gas line of an emissions monitoring system. The method further comprises removing water from the sample gas flow and cooling the sample gas flow to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried sample gas flow. The constituent concentration level is then determined for the cooled, dried sample gas flow. The method further comprises introducing a span gas having a known span gas constituent concentration level into the sample gas flow to form a combined sample and span gas flow, the span gas being introduced at a desired span gas flow rate. The method still further comprises removing water from the combined sample and span gas and cooling the combined sample and span gas to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried, combined sample and span gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Steven Lanier, Glenn England
  • Patent number: 7285246
    Abstract: A hand-held device detects the presence of a preselected substance in the breath. A deformable housing forms a test chamber for interacting an indicator reagent with the breath. An ampoule positioned inside the housing is ruptured by manual pressure through the walls of the housing. The contents of the ruptured ampoule are exposed to the breath introduced into the chamber. The presence of a substance in the breath causes the indicator reagent to undergo a visually ascertainable change. The ampoule is secured within the housing by a pair of filter plugs having inboard concavities to receive the rounded ends of the ampoule to center it within the housing, and plural detents prevent slippage of the filters. Additional embodiments lower the user's risk of being cut by glass shards, prevent reagent inhalation, enhance the visual aspects of the device, and physically indicate the presence of breath flowing through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Akers Acquisition Sub, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Martin
  • Patent number: 7261857
    Abstract: The present invention involves an artificial nose having an array comprising at least a first dye and a second dye in combination and having a distinct spectral response to an analyte. In one embodiment, the first and second dyes are from the group comprising chemoresponsive dyes, and the second dye is distinct from the first dye. In one embodiment, the first dye is selected from the group consisting of porphyrin, chlorin, chlorophyll, phthalocyanine, and salen, or their metal complexes. In another embodiment, the second dye is selected from the group of dyes consisting of acid-base indicator dyes and solvatochromic dyes. The present invention is particularly useful in detecting metal ligating vapors. Further, the array of the present invention can be connected to a visual display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Suslick, Neal A. Rakow, Avijit Sen, William B. McNamara, III, Margaret E. Kosal
  • Patent number: 6852281
    Abstract: The invention designed to provide a gas indicator which can be applied over a broad range of gas concentration from a low concentration gas to a high concentration gas is concerned with a gas indicator comprising a housing and a change-color gas sensor element with which the housing is loaded, the housing internally defining a gas passage space extending from its gate through its bottom with the area of its cross-section parallel to the plane of the gate being progressively reduced from the gate to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sakura Color Products Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Inoue, Satoshi Maruyama, Masahiro Yasunaga
  • Patent number: 6773925
    Abstract: There are provided a detector agent which is effectively discolored at a lower concentration for various halogen compounds and a method for detecting halogen compounds by use of said detector agent. A detector agent for halogen compounds, which contains curcumin or Bromocresol Green as a discoloring component, and said discoloring component is preferably supported on granular activated alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, Air Liquide Electronics Systems
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ibaraki, Hideji Kawanaka, Hidekazu Ina, Shinichi Ando
  • Patent number: 6652811
    Abstract: A device for detecting gaseous and vaporous components of a gas mixture by means of channels 2, which are located next to each other on a support 201, are connected in parallel in terms of flow, and are exposed to the component to be detected along a flow axis 3. A scanning section 6 of a scanning device is provided which extends along one of the channels 2, for detecting the change in color of reaction zones in the channels 2. Multiple channel arrangements can also be analyzed in a simple manner with a scanning section evaluating individual channels. At least some of the channels 2 on the support 201 are directed such that an angle &agr; not equal to 0 is formed between the flow axis 3 and the scanning section 6, and the channels 2 are located in the covered area of the scanning section 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG
    Inventors: Ingo Pooch, Ingo Kaneblei
  • Publication number: 20030129085
    Abstract: The present invention involves an artificial nose having an array comprising at least a first dye and a second dye in combination and having a distinct spectral response to an analyte. In one embodiment, the first and second dyes are from the group comprising porphyrin, chlorin, chlorophyll, phthalocyanine, or salen. In a further embodiment, the first and second dyes are metalloporphyrins. The present invention is particularly useful in detecting metal ligating vapors. Further, the array of the present invention can be connected to a wavelength sensitive light detecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Suslick, Neal A. Rakow, Avijit Sen
  • Patent number: 6531097
    Abstract: A system for measuring the concentration of an assay substance comprising a sensor having an optical fiber (10) on one end of which is coated a body (22). A fluorophor is dispersed within the body (22), the fluorescent activity of which is altered in relationship to the concentration of the assay substance. Light from a source such as an LED (40) is carried by the fiber (10) to the body (22). Light emitted by the fluorophor is carried to a detector unit (54) along the fiber (10). Concentration of the assay substance is determined by measurement of the characteristics of the growth in emitted light following activation of the LED (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Cancer Research Campaign Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Borivoj Vojnovic, William K. Young, Peter Wardman
  • Patent number: 6495102
    Abstract: The present invention involves an artificial nose having an array comprising at least a first dye and a second dye in combination and having a distinct spectral response to an analyte. In one embodiment, the first and second dyes are from the group comprising porphyrin, chlorin, chlorophyll, phthalocyanine, or salen. In a further embodiment, the first and second dyes are metalloporphyrins. The present invention is particularly useful in detecting metal ligating vapors. Further, the array of the present invention can be connected to a wavelength sensitive light detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Suslick, Neal A. Rakow, Avijit Sen
  • Patent number: 6479019
    Abstract: Sensor and sensor assemblies generally comprises a sensor body having a chamber disposed therein for accommodating a sensor reagent or material. The chamber is defined within the body between optically transparent body portions. The chamber is in gas flow communication with a passage used for passing a collected breath to the sensor material. A liquid or solid sensor material is disposed within the chamber and is designed to change in optical properties upon exposure to a target gas within the collected breath sample by reaction therewith. A gas permeable membrane can be disposed over the chamber opening to retain the sensor material, in the event it is liquid, and to permit the diffusion of gas from the collected breath sample to the sensor material. The sensor assembly is used with a photon source that emits photons, within a selected wavelength band, onto the chamber and sensor material, and a photon collector that is used to receive photons that exit the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Quantum Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Goldstein, Michelle S. Oum
  • Patent number: 6368558
    Abstract: The present invention involves an artificial nose having an array comprising at least a first dye and a second dye in combination and having a distinct spectral response to an analyte. In one embodiment, the first and second dyes are from the group comprising porphyrin, chlorin, chlorophyll, phthalocyanine, or salen. In a further embodiment, the first and second dyes are metalloporphyrins. The present invention is particularly useful in detecting metal ligating vapors. Further, the array of the present invention can be connected to a visual display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Suslick, Neal A. Rakow
  • Patent number: 6348355
    Abstract: A testing elements for the calorimetric determination of oxidizable gas and/or vapor components in gas mixtures is provided. The testing element contains, besides usual oxidizing agents, at least one redox indicator, which is in the oxidized form. The redox indicator is preferably a benzidine derivative according to the general formula in which the radicals R are identical or different and denote a hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, dialkylamino, ester, sulfoxyl ester, alkyloxy or aryloxy, X denotes a halogen, Y denotes a trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, dialkylamino, ester, sulfoxyl ester, alkyloxy or aryloxy, n is an integer from zero to three, and m equals 5−n. The testing elements are preferably designed as detector tubes that contain carrier materials, to which the oxidizing reagents and redox indicators are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dräger Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bäther, Ralf Miethchen, Alexej Miller
  • Patent number: 6309599
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for determining a given substance content of a fluid comprising a means for monitoring the fluid volume passing through the tube, and a heat sensitive indicator for indicating that the reactant mass has reached a critical heating temperature corresponding to a fluid volume flowing through the mass equal to a predetermined calibrated volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Metrologie et Systemes Industriels de Regulation (M.E.S.I.R. S.A.)
    Inventor: Renaud Saint Gal de Pons
  • Patent number: 6177051
    Abstract: A dispensable alcohol breath analyzer system including a rectilinear box with an analyzer on one face and an extendable tube on another face. The system also includes a plurality of units located within the box to be dispensed, each unit containing an analyzer and a sanitary wrapper therearound. The indicator includes a cylindrical alcohol indicator and an associated rotatable indicator arrow. A gauge is provided whereby the increased content of alcohol permeates through the indicator to rotate the arrow to an extent corresponding to the percent of alcohol within the breath detected. The second indicator includes a diaphragm through which the user's breath may flow to exterior of the device and an associated color gauge thereadjacent whereby the diaphragm will change colors as a function of the percent of alcohol in the breath of the user for being compared with the color on the gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Rosemarie L. Kimelman
  • Patent number: 6048733
    Abstract: A DMS detecting agent with a permanganate deposited on a support, characterized in that the support is quartz sand, and that the DMS detecting agent is obtained by adding an aqueous solution of silica sol or alumina sol and a permanganate to said quartz sand support for mixing and then drying the mixture, and a DMS detecting agent tube and a DMS detector tube using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignees: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Gastec Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Machino, Ikuno Uchida, Takanori Yoshimori, Kunitoshi Matsunobu
  • Patent number: 6039923
    Abstract: A kit for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles by monitoring variations in the quantity of one or more low molecular weight volatile compound having a molecular weight of less than 50 grams per mole present in a body constituent sample is disclosed. Samples of a body constituent selected from the group consisting essentially of humoral fluid, breath and body cavity air are collected from a female mammal a multiple number of times during the reproductive cycle. The quantity of a low molecular weight volatile compound in each sample is measured. In the preferred embodiment, the low molecular weight volatile compound, acetaldehyde, will be measured and monitored. Variations in the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile compound appearing in each sample is monitored to determine the phase of the mammal's reproductive cycle and to predict the occurrence of ovulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Texas A & M University System
    Inventors: William Robert Klemm, Germain Francois Rivard
  • Patent number: 5849594
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensitive material including a polymer binder, a plasticiser, a lipophilic organic quaternary cation, an indicator dye anion and an aromatic alcohol in such concentration that the material changes color in accordance with the concentration of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Sealed Air (NZ) Limited
    Inventors: Simon Neville Balderson, Robert John Whitwood, Andrew Mills, Lela Margaret Monaf
  • Patent number: 5834626
    Abstract: Colorimetric indicators for breath, air, gas, & vapor analyses that can be thrown away after a single use, are easy to use, low cost, small, and simple to manufacture for indicating at least volume passed through the colorimetric indicators and may also be used to indicate concentration of an analyte within breath, air, gas, & vapor passed through the colorimetric indicators. The present invention is directed to colorimetric indicators for breath, air, gas, & vapor analyses. The colorimetric indicators may have a housing with an entrance port, an outlet, a volume indicator, and an analyte indicating reagent. The volume indicator may be a breath volume reagent. Different analytes may be measured, the analyte indicating reagent depending upon the particular analyte being to monitored. The breath volume indicator is colorimetric, and changes color when a predetermined volume of air is passed through the colorimetric indicators for breath, air, gas, & vapor analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Emory S. De Castro, Douglas R. Malat