Including Means Reacting Gas With Color Indicator Patents (Class 422/86)
  • Patent number: 8313699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilization testing device comprised of a housing with a test chamber, an indicator placed therein, and with a supply for supplying the sterilization medium. According to the invention, the sterilization testing device consists of at least two housing parts that are matched to one another. A supply channel is made inside the housing part and serves to supply the sterilization medium. The supply channel is configured in such a manner that it forms the base body of the test chamber. The test chamber accommodates the indicator that indicates the completion of the sterilization process. Alternatively to this solution, the invention provides a variant, which is very effective with regard to manufacturing and which permits a quantitative statement regarding the sterilization. Webs are formed inside the housing in the at least partially meandering and/or spiral configuration of the supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Harald Kretschmann, Andreas Rauch
  • Patent number: 8277732
    Abstract: A air gas detection pack is provided. The air gas detection pack has a card receiving pocket which slidably receives a gas detection card, the gas detection card having a plurality of chemically reactive materials retained therein and exposed to outside air through a plurality of aligned air permeable apertures formed in the front and rear wall of the substance detection pack. The combined gas detection card and gas detection pack indicates the concentrations of gases in the air. The air permeable apertures in conjunction with the reactive materials of the substance detection card are covered with a filtering media to protect the reactive material from dirt and dust contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: AAF-McQuay Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Osborne, M. Aflal Rahmathullah, Cheah Wei Ng
  • 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: 8268392
    Abstract: Methods, processes and compositions are provided for a visual or chemochromic hydrogen-detector with variable or tunable reversible color change. The working temperature range for the hydrogen detector is from minus 100° C. to plus 500° C. A hydrogen-sensitive pigment, including, but not limited to, oxides, hydroxides and polyoxo-compounds of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium and combinations thereof, is combined with nano-sized metal activator particles and preferably, coated on a porous or woven substrate. In the presence of hydrogen, the composition rapidly changes its color from white or light-gray or light-tan to dark gray, navy-blue or black depending on the exposure time and hydrogen concentration in the medium. After hydrogen exposure ceases, the original color of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment is restored, and the visual hydrogen detector can be used repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Nazim Z. Muradov
  • Patent number: 8268251
    Abstract: An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (?If). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ?If is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Robert Ernst Meyer, III
  • Patent number: 8256414
    Abstract: An application for a neonatal calorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a calorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes calorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the calorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The neonatal calorimetric carbon dioxide detector adds a volume of less than or equal to 1 mL after being attached to a breathing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mercury Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Ratner
  • Publication number: 20120164743
    Abstract: A microchannel chip having a microchannel formed in a substrate and a gas-liquid phase separation microchannel whose upper part is covered with a porous film, the gas-liquid phase separation microchannel being connected to the downstream end of the microchannel and having a depth of 10 ?m to 100 ?m. Also, a gas-liquid phase separation method which is a method for separating a liquid-phase flow from a two-phase flow flowing through a microchannel by removing a gas phase, the two-phase flow composed of the gas phase and the liquid phase, which liquid phase flows in the periphery of the above-described microchannel and which gas phase flows interiorly of the liquid-phase flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: INSTITUTE OF MICROCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., KANAGAWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Arata Aota, Yuko Kihira, Mari Sasaki, Takehiko Kitamori, Kazuma Mawatari
  • Patent number: 8206311
    Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx-free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Aerocrine AB
    Inventors: David J. Chazan, Bhairavi R. Parikh, Bryan P. Flaherty, David J. Anvar, Brian A. Awabdy
  • Publication number: 20120148452
    Abstract: A sensing device is provided. The device comprises a gas permeable member, a sensing member and optical means. The gas permeable member is arranged to receive gas from a substance to be tested. The sensing member is located adjacent to the gas permeable member and comprises a sensing substance. A property of the sensing substance is modified when it is brought into contact with the gas received by the gas permeable member. The optical means comprises a light source which is arranged to irradiate the sensing substance together with a first sensor which is configured to detect a change in the aforementioned property of the sensing substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: HAEMAFLOW LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Warwick James Brown, Peter Douglas, William Richard Johns, Richard Phillips, Stephen Robert Ricketts, Dale Rogers
  • Patent number: 8187457
    Abstract: A test paper includes a porous membrane capable of separating an object that should be filtered out of a sample by filtration, the porous membrane carrying a reagent capable of reacting with a specified component of the sample to result in coloring. The porous membrane includes a first layer having a surface on which the sample is supplied and a second layer having a surface at which sample percolation and measuring are effected, the first layer composed of large pore portions, the surface of the first layer consisting of a smooth surface having open pore portions, the second layer composed of minute pore portions the surface of the second layer consisting of a surface having open pore portions. The porous membrane has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m and a porosity of 60 to 95%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ken Tatebe, Katsuyuki Ooba
  • Publication number: 20120129268
    Abstract: An oxygen-sensitive luminescent element, and probe constructed therefrom, having reduced cross-sensitivity to humidity, and methods of manufacturing and using such luminescent elements and probes to measure oxygen concentrations within an enclosed space. The luminescent element includes a glass fiber carrier substrate bearing an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye. The dye is preferably embedded within an oxygen-permeable hydrophobic polymer matrix. A probe is constructed from the luminescent element by laminating the luminescent element onto a structural support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel W. Mayer
  • 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: 8163149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-monitoring assembly (100) and method for selectively determining the presence of a target gas in a gaseous environment that potentially comprises one or more interfering gases. Such gas-monitoring assembly and method specifically employ one or more gas sensors (S1) one or more getters (G1) arranged and constructed to reduce cross-interference caused by potential presence of the interfering gases in such gaseous environment to be monitored. The gas-monitoring assembly and method of the present invention are capable of monitoring a gaseous environment with respect to potential presence of multiple target gases that may interfere with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Stromereder, Peter Koller
  • Publication number: 20120063956
    Abstract: Gas detector tubes may be used to determine a concentration of target gases in air. The gas detector tubes described may be read either by and optical reader or visually by the user. A gas detector tube reader having an optical reader capable of reading a length of stain, a color change and color density of a reagent in a gas detector tube. The gas detector tube may further comprise sensors for measuring the environmental conditions during sampling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Bryan I. Truex, Gueorgui Mihaylov
  • Patent number: 8119068
    Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a colorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: HF Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Joel Leal
  • Patent number: 8094929
    Abstract: A color identifying apparatus for identifying the color of a reaction surface which has caused a color reaction with a gas to be specified, includes a reference data storage that stores a plurality of associated sets of reference color information represented by the difference between one and the remaining other two of signal intensities of R, G, B signals of RGB bitmap images of a reaction surface which has caused a color reaction with a gas, and identifying information for identifying the reaction surface, an image capturing unit for capturing an image of the reaction surface and generating RGB bitmap images of the reaction surface, an arithmetic unit for generating color information represented by the difference between one and the remaining other two signal intensities of R, G, B signals from the RGB bitmap images generated by the image capturing unit, and an output unit for outputting the identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20110318230
    Abstract: A chemical sensor based on an indicator dye wherein a light transmissive element containing the indicator dye is made of a hygroscopic polymer. The polymer may be, for example, a polyimide or PMMA or other polymer. In an alternative embodiment the light transmissive element is doped with metal nanocolloidal particles. One embodiment may include a reference photodiode and differential amplifier to compensate for the fluctuations of the intensity of the light source. The light source may be pulse modulated. The sensor may include calibration means comprising a reference sample of the chemical to be detected and a precision delivery means. A method of fabricating the polymer and metal nanocolloid is disclosed wherein the nanocolloid is produced by generating a pulsed laser plasma in a suspension of metal particles and an organic solvent and adding the resulting solvent colloid to a solution containing the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: SSS Optical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sergey Sarkisov, Wiaczeslaw Mazuruk
  • Patent number: 8084003
    Abstract: A vessel (102) containing a detector solution (101) is prepared. The detector solution (101) is an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving a detector component containing a dye which changes its color when reacting with ozone gas, a humectant, and an ultraviolet absorber having a hydrophilic group. A prepared sheet-like carrier (103) is dipped in the detector solution (101) for, e.g., 30 sec, thereby forming an impregnated sheet (104) by impregnating the sheet-like carrier (103) with the detector solution (101). The impregnated sheet (104) is then dried by evaporating the solvent (medium) such as water contained in the impregnated sheet (104), thereby forming a sheet-like ozone detecting device (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Miwa, Yasuko Maruo, Jiro Nakamura, Tatsuya Kunioka, Seizo Sakata
  • Publication number: 20110236985
    Abstract: An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (?If). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ?If is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Robert Ernst Meyer, III
  • Publication number: 20110236987
    Abstract: An improved detection reaction for benzene in gas analysis with a gas detector tube formed of a carrier material impregnated with gold(III) oxide in a display layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO. KGaA
    Inventors: Armin SCHULTEN, Silke GUGA
  • Publication number: 20110223678
    Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110217208
    Abstract: A gas nozzle measurement apparatus comprises a controllable gas source to provide across a gas plate having gas nozzles, a flow of gas at a constant pressure or constant flow rate, and a sensor plate sized to cover an area comprising at least a portion of the front face of the gas plate. The sensor plate comprises gas flow sensors arranged in locations that correspond to positions of individual gas nozzles of the gas nozzles of the gas plate such that each gas flow sensor can measure a pressure, flow rate, density, or velocity of a gas stream passing through the individual gas nozzle that faces the gas flow sensor, and generate a signal indicative of, or display, the pressure, flow rate, density, or velocity of the gas stream passing through the individual gas nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kadthala R. NARENDRNATH, Ashish BHATNAGAR, Daniel L. MARTIN, Robert T. HIRAHARA, Gangadhar SHEELAVANT
  • Patent number: 8003056
    Abstract: A gas analyzer apparatus includes a device or platform for supporting a predetermined quantity of a reagent capable of reacting with a predetermined gas to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent, a reservoir adapted to retain the reagent, a dispenser for dispensing a controlled quantity of the reagent from the reservoir to a predetermined position on the device for supporting the predetermined quantity of the reagent, and a detector that detects the presence of the predetermined gas upon the predetermined gas and the controlled quantity of reagent reacting to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent detectable by the detector, the detector adapted to detect a change in the controlled quantity of the reagent by detecting the change in the characteristic through the predetermined quantity of the reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, Patrick G. Hogan, Richard A. Gorny, Leslie T. Ivie
  • Patent number: 8003055
    Abstract: Methods, processes and compositions are provided for a visual or chemochromic hydrogen-detector with variable or tunable reversible color change. The working temperature range for the hydrogen detector is from minus 100° C. to plus 500° C. A hydrogen-sensitive pigment, including, but not limited to, oxides, hydroxides and polyoxo-compounds of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium and combinations thereof, is combined with nano-sized metal activator particles and preferably, coated on a porous or woven substrate. In the presence of hydrogen, the composition rapidly changes its color from white or light-gray or light-tan to dark gray, navy-blue or black depending on the exposure time and hydrogen concentration in the medium. After hydrogen exposure ceases, the original color of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment is restored, and the visual hydrogen detector can be used repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Nazim Muradov
  • Patent number: 7981687
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a material for more easily and accurately detecting treatment status using gas exposure. The present invention relates to an ink composition for detecting an oxidizing gas, or the like, comprising at least one type of azo dye, methine dye, triarylmethane dye and thiazine dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sakura Color Products Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Yamaguchi, Kyoko Sano, Hiroshi Inoue
  • 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: 7976781
    Abstract: An aqueous solution is formed by dissolving a dye made of alizarin and a humectant made of glycerin, and alkalized by dissolving a base (alkaline substance), thereby preparing a detector solution (101) in which the content of the humectant is about 20 wt %. An impregnated carrier (104) impregnated with the detector solution (101) is formed by dipping for 30 sec a sheet-like carrier (103) made of cellulose filter paper in the detector solution (101) so that the carrier (103) is impregnated with the detector solution (101). The impregnated carrier (104) is pulled up from the detector solution (101), and dried in dry nitrogen by evaporating a solvent such as water contained in the impregnated carrier (104), thereby forming an ozone detecting device (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuko Maruo, Takashi Miwa, Jiro Nakamura, Tatsuya Kunioka
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110159596
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting substances in an air sample, the apparatus including: a source of air pressure differential, a cyclone connected to the source of air pressure differential, an air input port connected to the cyclone, to receive the air sample, a substance output port connected to the cyclone, to receive the substances, an input port configured to disperse a finely separated material so that it mixes with said sample, and a detector located at the substance output port, to detect a chemical change in at least one of the substances and the finely separated material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Explodet Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Keinan, Yevgeny Miroshnichenko, Mark Paradny
  • Patent number: 7914736
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Laura R. Skubal, Alan L. McArthur
  • Patent number: 7910373
    Abstract: An ultra-fast response, high sensitivity structure for optical detection of low concentrations of hydrogen gas, comprising: a substrate; a water-doped WO3 layer coated on the substrate; and a palladium layer coated on the water-doped WO3 layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Ping Liu, C. Edwin Tracy, J. Roland Pitts, Se-Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20110064617
    Abstract: An electro-optical sensing device for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium includes a pair of indicator elements positioned to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to a pair of photosensitive elements. The indicator elements each contain indicator molecules having an optical characteristic responsive to the presence of an analyte; however, one of the indicator elements is covered by an analyte-impermeable chamber that renders the indicator element insensitive to the presence of the analyte in the medium outside the chamber so that it can be used as a reference to cancel environmental and systemic variables that affect both indicator elements. The chamber preferably holds an analyte-containing fluid in contact with the reference indicator element so that the indicator elements operate under nominally identical conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. COLVIN, JR., Robert W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 7906223
    Abstract: An optically-responsive multilayer reflective article is formed by applying a dilute solution or suspension of metallic nanoparticles to an optically-responsive detection layer. The solution or suspension is allowed to dry to form a semicontinuous liquid- or vapor-permeable light-reflective layer that will permit a liquid or vapor analyte to pass through the light-reflective layer to cause an optically-responsive change in the detection layer in the presence of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Neal A. Rakow, Dora M. Paolucci, Moses M. David, Michael S. Wendland, John E. Trend, Richard J. Poirier
  • Patent number: 7883668
    Abstract: An optical gas concentration sensor and method for measuring blood gas based on the light adsorption sensing technique are disclosed. The optical gas concentration sensor comprises a light source, a photo detector, and a gas filtering membrane for separating the indicator and a liquid. A gas in the liquid diffuses to the indicator through the gas filtering membrane so as to change the color of the indicator due to the chemical reaction occurred between the indicator and the gas. Then, the photo detector receives the light passing though the reacted indicator from the light source. The gas concentration is determined based on pH-sensitive absorbance spectrum of the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Shen-Kan Hsiung, Jung-Chuan Chou, Tai-Ping Sun, Nien-Hsuan Chou, Chih-Wei Lai
  • Publication number: 20100310425
    Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to a detection means for indicia provided by a primary device, and more particularly, to a detection sensor assembly adapted to measure at least one indicator moiety influenced by changing gaseous environments. A detection sensor assembly performs to collect and respond to changing gaseous environments in real-time, conveying that information to a user of the detection sensor assembly sufficiently quickly and accurately such that the user can respond to the changing gaseous environments in a timely manner. The detection sensor assembly operates using an incident receiver in the form of an indicator sensor. An indicator moiety responsive to particular elements or compounds of interest in a gaseous environment is positioned proximal to the indicator sensor such that changes in the indicator moiety are captured by operation of the indicator sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Piper Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel David Piper
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100279427
    Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring the acidity of airborne matter are provided. A filter can be impregnated with an indicator dye which changes color in response to changes in acidity. After the sample passes through the filter, the filter can be analyzed using UV-visible spectrometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Myoseon Jang
  • Publication number: 20100273272
    Abstract: A portable chemical analytical apparatus includes a piezoelectric dispenser that deposits chemical(s) on a test swipe having a base; a chemically treated pad containing the swiped sample positioned in a white zone above the base; and a tab attached to one side of the base. The apparatus includes a heater to warm the test swipe to a predetermined temperature; a clamp to secure the test swipe to the heater; one or more pumps to dispense one or more chemicals onto the test swipe from a disposable cartridge; a fan to remove chemical vapors rising a predetermined distance from the test swipe; and a camera to capture an image of the test swipe for un-biased automated analysis, and displayed on an LCD screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Haas, Doug Haas
  • 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: 20100248382
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for monitoring leaks in a wafer process chamber. The method includes providing a wafer process chamber coupled to a gas supply by a gas supply line, wherein an indicator member is coupled to the gas supply line between the gas supply and the wafer process chamber, and a final valve is located on the gas supply line between the gas supply and the indicator member. A gas is supplied from the gas supply to the wafer process chamber through the gas supply line. A light is emitted and directed through the indicator member. The light that was directed through the indicator member is then reflected using a reflecting member. The reflected light is then received and compared to the light emitted in order to determine that the color of the indicator member has changed and a leak has been detected in the gas supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: George Lin, Ming-Hsiung Fu
  • Publication number: 20100239465
    Abstract: A fluorescent sensor for the detection of gas compositions has a carrier substrate and a fluorescent layer. The carrier substrate and fluorescent layer consists of a gas-permeable polymer matrix with an embedded fluorescent dye. A diffusion layer of gas-permeable ceramics and/or polymers is arranged over the fluorescent layer and is adapted to cause a time delay of the gas diffusion from a detected-environment to the fluorescent layer and from the fluorescent layer to a detected-environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: EADS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Becker, Ilker Sayhan
  • Patent number: 7794660
    Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: HF Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Joel Leal
  • Patent number: 7785894
    Abstract: An indicator that reacts with at least one gaseous compound in such a way that the color of the indicator is changed. The indicator is a layer formed on a substrate and including metallic silver and/or metallic copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: UPM Raflatac Oy
    Inventors: Maria Smolander, Eero Hurme, Markku Koivisto, Sami Kivinen
  • Publication number: 20100203649
    Abstract: An optochemical sensor element 9 measures gaseous or dissolved analytes, in particular of oxygen. The sensor element 9 includes a fluorophor 25 that is immobilized in a polymer matrix 23. The polymer matrix itself is formed of a polymer with a non-aromatic backbone. The sensor element 9 is useful in a measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Rolf Thrier
  • Publication number: 20100183480
    Abstract: An aqueous solution is formed by dissolving a dye made of alizarin and a humectant made of glycerin, and alkalized by dissolving a base (alkaline substance), thereby preparing a detector solution (101) in which the content of the humectant is about 20 wt %. An impregnated carrier (104) impregnated with the detector solution (101) is formed by dipping for 30 sec a sheet-like carrier (103) made of cellulose filter paper in the detector solution (101) so that the carrier (103) is impregnated with the detector solution (101). The impregnated carrier (104) is pulled up from the detector solution (101), and dried in dry nitrogen by evaporating a solvent such as water contained in the impregnated carrier (104), thereby forming an ozone detecting device (105).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Yasuko Maruo, Takashi Miwa, Jiro Nakamura, Tatsuya Kunioka
  • Patent number: 7752887
    Abstract: A method of measuring the level of an impurity in a gas comprises providing a gas detection tube having a internal volume containing a reagent which can react with said impurity to produce a compound capable of producing a color change in said tube such that the extent of the color change is proportional to the concentration of the impurity in said gas. A volume of the gas at least 1×103 times the test volume of the gas detection tube is passed through the tube and the extent of the color change of the detector element is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Stone & Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandakar, Joseph Peters
  • Publication number: 20100135858
    Abstract: An ink composition comprising a redox compound as dye, a volatile agent as reducing agent, a polymer material as binder and a volatile solvent, wherein said ink composition has a viscosity of 3 to 150 mPas when said ink composition is used for printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Eero Hurme, Thea Sipila Inen-Malm, Anna-Liisa Ruskeepaa, Masahiko Kawashima, Keisuke Kowsaka
  • Publication number: 20100112680
    Abstract: A method for quantitatively sensing, using an indicator system based on diffusion in space and time of a reaction front, for determining and reporting the prevailing concentration or exposure history of an analyte in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical monitoring for the state of quality, for ripeness indication in fruit, for monitoring environments for concentrations of sanitisers, pollutants and nutrients, for monitoring the residual life of filters, and for monitoring stream flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Nigel Brockwell, Robert Vincent Holland
  • Publication number: 20100104473
    Abstract: A chemical detection system includes detectors connected to a pump via a filter and hosing. The filter prevents the interior of the pump from internal contamination from a chemical or toxic agent. The airflow through the detector may be varied by an adjustable orifice. A pistol grip for holding the system and operating it is balanced with respect to a center of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Kirollos Salama Kirollos, Gueorgui Milev Mihaylov