Of A Liquid Patents (Class 436/150)
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Publication number: 20090061529Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid with high accuracy and high sensitivity includes recording frequency drifts of output frequencies of oscillator circuit outputs of m sensing oscillator circuits respectively including sensing SAW elements and frequency drifts of output frequencies of oscillator circuit outputs of n reference oscillator circuits respectively including reference SAW elements; determining at least one of the sensing oscillator circuits whose frequency drifts fall within a predetermined range and at least one of the reference oscillator circuits whose frequency drifts fall within the predetermined range to be acceptable; selecting at least one of the sensing oscillator circuits from among the acceptable sensing oscillator circuits and at least one of the reference oscillator circuits from among the acceptable reference oscillator circuits; and comparing an oscillator circuit output of the selected at least one of sensing oscillator circuits with an oscillator circuit output of the seType: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenjiro OKAGUCHI, Michio KADOTA
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Patent number: 7494816Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignees: Roche Diagnostic Operations, Inc., Roche Operations Ltd.Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, Terry A. Beaty, Vladimir Svetnik
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Patent number: 7488601Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignees: Roche Diagnostic Operations, Inc., Roche Operations Ltd.Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, James Maxwell
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Publication number: 20090023222Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Huan-Ping WU, Christine D. Nelson
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Patent number: 7465584Abstract: A method for classifying leukocytes in animal blood is described. In the method, a measurement sample is prepared by mixing a canine or feline blood sample with a lysing reagent. Erythrocytes are lysed and leukocytes are shrunk in the measurement sample. The data correlated with the size of leukocytes in the measurement sample are measured. The leukocytes, on the basis of the measured data, are classified into a first group containing lymphocytes, a second group containing neutrophils and monocytes and a third group containing eosinophils.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Sysmex CorporationInventors: Hideaki Matsumoto, Junichi Shiraishi, Hideki Hirayama
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Publication number: 20080305554Abstract: A system is adapted to automatically maintain a desired yield level for a slurry flow. Measurements of the electrical conductivity of a slurry are taken and corrected for the effects of temperature and pressure. The corrected conductivity measurements are used to arrive at a value for system yield. The system automatically determines if the yield is too high or too low relative to a desired level, and controls the rate at which accelerator is added to the slurry in order to increase or decrease yield.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Dennis M. Hilton, Karl Taub, Keith Lipford, Philip A. Zanghi
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Patent number: 7462324Abstract: A measurement device 10 includes a measurement cell 11. The measurement cell 11 includes a substrates 17 and a substrate 16 formed on the substrate 17. The substrates 16 and 17 are bonded to each other. Thus, a flow pass 9 is formed in the measurement cell 11. As shown in FIG. 3, on the substrate 17 of the measurement cell 11, provided are a concave well 19, a protruding microelectrode 1 connected to a terminal 4a and formed on a side wall surface of the well 19, communicating tubes 15a and 15b connected to both of side surfaces of the well 19 (i.e., the flow pass 9) to face to each other, resistance baths 6a and 6b connected to the communicating tubes 15a and 15b, thin film resistors 3a and 3b arranged in the resistance baths 6a and 6b, and a reference electrode 2 connected to a terminal 4b.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko Ozaki, Hiroaki Oka, Hirokazu Sugihara
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Publication number: 20080297169Abstract: The present invention provides a device, test cards, methods and kits which are useful for determining the particle fraction and rate of viscosity of a fluid sample, the presence of an analyte in a fluid sample, or the aggregation of particles in a fluid sample to detect an analyte or as an immunologic assay.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Alfred C. Greenquist, Margaret McInerny
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Publication number: 20080293997Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte present in a fluid includes a fluorous sensing phase into which the analyte enters selectively in comparison with other components of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2006Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Philippe Buhlmann, Paul G. Boswell
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Patent number: 7439072Abstract: There is provided a liquid droplet monitoring and measuring apparatus (1) for a liquid droplet dispensing system having a nozzle (5) with a dispensing tip (7). The apparatus (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) surrounded by an outer shield (3), preferably not in contact with each other. An RF oscillator electrically energizes the liquid through an electrode (11). The inner chamber (2) is connected through pre-amplifiers (16), band pass filters (17conditioning amplifier (20) to a signal read-out device (21). The operation of the apparatus is based on the measurement of the capacitance between the nozzle (5) and the inner chamber (2). As a droplet (15) grows on the dispensing tip (7), the capacitance between the nozzle (5) and the inner chamber (2) increases. Therefore, the signal detected and received by the signal read-out device (21) changes. This change is directly related to the volume of the droplet which can therefore be measured.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Allegro Technologies LimitedInventors: Igor Shvets, Alexander Shvets, Sergei Makarov, Juergen Osing, Cecilia Franken
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Patent number: 7438853Abstract: A photoelectrocatalytic method for detecting current that illuminates a photoelectrochemical electrode to generate a photocurrent and to magnify the current. Thereby, accuracy of the detection is increased. A photoelectrochemical detector used in the method has a base (10), a cover (20) pivotally mounted on the base (10) and a locking device attached between the base (10) and the cover (20). The base (10) has a top and a recess (12) defined in the top to accommodate a working electrode (50) with a photoelectrochemical inner lead (52). A spacer is clamped between the base (10) and the cover (20) to form a space over the inner lead (52). Multiple channels and a light hole (22) are defined through the cover (20) to communicate with the space. Therefore, the inner lead is illuminated through the light hole (22) to perform the photoelectrochemical method.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventors: Jyh-Myng Zen, Hsieh-Hsun Chung, Cheng-Teng Hsu, Hsueh-Hui Yang, Mei-Shin Chiou, Jun-Wei Sue
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Patent number: 7416699Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Hongjie Dai, Jing Kong
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Patent number: 7407811Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, Terry A. Beaty, Vladimir Svetnik
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Patent number: 7402283Abstract: An acid or base is generated in an aqueous solution by the steps of: (a) providing a source of first ions adjacent an aqueous liquid in a first acid or base generation zone, separated by a first barrier (e.g., anion exchange membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow and transporting ions only of the same charge as said first ions, (b) providing a source of second ions of opposite charge adjacent an aqueous liquid in a second acid or base generation zone, separated by a second barrier transporting ions only of the same charge as the second ions, and (c) transporting ions across the first barrier by applying an electrical potential through said first and second zones to generate an acid-containing aqueous solution in one of said first or second zones and a base-containing aqueous solution in the other one which may be combined to form a salt. Also, electrolytic apparatus for performing the above method.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Yan Liu, Nebojsa Avdalovic
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Publication number: 20080160623Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device and method for measuring small fluid volume and detecting an analyte in a sample. The device has a channel having a plurality of sensors in a wall of the channel, wherein the sensors are located along a length of the channel and are configured to detect a leading edge and a trailing edge of a volume of a fluid flowing though the channel. The sensors could be electrodes. The device could further have a binding surface on a portion of the wall of the channel and a detector in the vicinity of the wall of the channel, wherein the binding surface has molecules that bind to an analyte and the detector could be adapted to detect binding of the analyte to the binding surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Xing Su
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Patent number: 7393504Abstract: A flow injection electrochemical detecting device has a base (10), a cover pivotally mounted on the base (10), and a locking device attached between the base (10) and the cover (20). The base (10) has a recess (12) defined in a top to accommodate a working electrode inside the recess (12). An annular trench (28) in a bottom partially receives an O-ring (282) serving as a separator to form a space between the base (10) and the cover (20). Multiple channels are defined through the cover (20) to communicate with the space. Therefore, a flow injection electrochemical detecting device is achieved. By pivotally attaching the cover (20) on the base (10) and using the locking device, the detecting device is easily opened or closed to change the working electrode (50) in a convenient way.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Inventors: Jyh-Myng Zen, Cheng-Teng Hsu, Hsieh-Hsun Chung, Chun-Mu Huang, Tung-Meng Tsai, Hueih-Jing Lyuu
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Patent number: 7390667Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, Terry A. Beaty, Vladimir Svetnik
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Patent number: 7390662Abstract: The present invention relates to a hematology instrument system that discriminates platelets from red blood cells, debris and other particles within a blood sample. The instrument system uses an optical trigger and collects data at optical sensor locations relative to a flow cell-illuminating laser beam's optical axis. An axial sensor measures axial light loss due to a particle in the flow cell's illumination aperture. In addition, the instrument system can include an RF unit generates electrical parameters, such as DC and RF parameters, within the flow cell. Blood specimens can be prepared with and without a sphering agent.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: John S. Riley, Jose Cano, Valentin Quesada, Maritza Lavernia, Mark A. Wells, Eileen Landrum, Carlos A. Perez, Christophe Godefroy
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Patent number: 7384791Abstract: A method of analyzing blood includes delivering a blood sample to a test device, applying a spatially varying electric field to the blood sample to provide a depleted cell concentration in a portion of the blood sample, and sensing a property of the portion of the blood sample.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: David Tyvoll, Winthrop D. Childers, Kirk Norton, Bryan J. Johnson
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Patent number: 7357898Abstract: Microfluidics packages and methods of use are described, comprising in one embodiment a substrate having a top surface and means to lower pressure on the top surface; a fluidics card having a bottom surface and means to allow fluids to traverse through the card; and a polymeric barrier film, the polymeric barrier film positioned between the top surface of the substrate and the bottom surface of the fluidics card.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignees: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, National University of SingaporeInventors: Victor Samper, Lin Cong, Hongmiao Ji
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Patent number: 7354767Abstract: A reference control composition containing a nucleated red blood cell component and the method of making are disclosed. The reference control composition includes a nucleated red blood cell component made of fixed non-nucleated blood cells and a suspension medium. The non-nucleated blood cell has a natural cell size substantially similar to a size of nucleus of said nucleated red blood cell of said blood sample. The nucleated red blood cell component can be made of equine, ovine, bovine, feline, canine, or porcine red blood cells; and it is substantially free of nucleic acid. The reference control composition can further include a white blood cell component, a red blood cell component, a platelet component, a reticulocyte component, or combinations thereof. Further disclosed are the methods of using the reference control composition for measurement of nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Nery Ortiz, Theodore J. Gerula, Sandra Socarras
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Patent number: 7338639Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Corange International LimitedInventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, Terry A. Beaty, Vladimir Svetnik
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Patent number: 7338811Abstract: The invention is directed to novel IC chips containing substances used particularly in bioassays. Furthermore, the invention is directed to assay methods and kits using these chips.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Vincogen CorporationInventor: Derhsing Lai
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Patent number: 7326384Abstract: A device for detecting a physicochemical change in a biological sample comprising at least one measuring electrode provided by causing a conductive material to enter into a porous film, and a conductor connected to the measuring electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Oka, Nobuhiko Ozaki, Hirokazu Sugihara
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Patent number: 7312087Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. The method of analyzing the plurality of biochips includes inserting a first biochp into a first station of an analysis device, inserting a second biochip into a second station of the analysis device, wherein each of the first and second biochips include a substrate, the substrates including an array of detection electrodes, each electrode including a different capture binding ligand, a different target analyte, and a label, and a plurality of electrical contracts, detecting current as an indication of the presence of the labels on the first biochip, and detecting current as an indication of the presence of the labels on the first second biochip. The devices and method may be used with multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays, such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Hau H. Duong, Gary Blackburn, Jon F. Kayyem, Stephen D. O'Connor, Gary T. Olsen, Robert Pietri, Robert H. Terbrueggen
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Patent number: 7291310Abstract: A microsystem for determining clotting time of blood and a low-cost, single-use device for use therein are provided wherein the device has no moving parts or expensive optical sensors or magnets. The device includes a microfluidic channel and a microsensor at least partially in fluid communication with the channel. By analyzing changes in the sensor as a drop of blood flows down the microfluidic channel, the time at which the blood clots can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Steven M. Martin, Roy H. Olsson, III, Richard B. Brown, Robert K. Franklin
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Patent number: 7291503Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of an analyte by comparing the conductivity of a mixture containing an analyte and a sensor to the conductivity of the sensor in the absence of analyte. In certain embodiments, the sensor of the present invention consists of a complexing domain comprising a metal ion and a complexing agent and a conducting polymer, wherein the redox potential of the metal ion is similar to the redox potential of the conducting polymer. In one preferred embodiment, the presence of nitric oxide is detected by measuring the conducting change of a sensor comprising poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) and cobalt. The poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) cobalt sensors of the present invention are not adversely effected by the presence of water or oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Timothy M. Swager
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Patent number: 7276377Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining a new anticoagulant therapy factor (nATF) for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy to help prevent excessive bleeding or deleterious blood clots that might otherwise occur before, during or after surgery. In one embodiment, the new anticoagulant therapy factor is based upon a determination of a new fibrinogen transformation rate (nFTR) which, in turn, is dependent on a maximum acceleration point (MAP) for fibrinogen (FBG) conversion. The new anticoagulant therapy factor quantity is also based upon the time to maximum acceleration from the time of reagent injection (TX) into a plasma sample, but does not require the difficulty of obtaining prior art International Normalized Ratio (INR) and International Sensitivity Index (ISI) parameters. Other embodiments provide methods and apparatus for determining an anticoagulant therapy factor without requiring use of a mean normal prothrombin time determination or ISI.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Wada, Inc.Inventors: Wallace E. Carroll, R. David Jackson
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Patent number: 7267751Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for carrying out and/or monitoring biological reactions in response to electrical stimuli. A programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes an array of electrodes coupled to sample-and-hold circuits. The programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes a digital interface that allows external control of the array using an external processor. The circuit may monitor, digitally control, and deliver electrical stimuli to the electrodes individually or in selected groups.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Nanogen, Inc.Inventors: Richard Gelbart, Don L. Powrie, Paul David Swanson
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Patent number: 7256048Abstract: A method of detecting parasite infection, particularly malaria, includes mixing a blood sample with a lytic reagent system to lyse red blood cells, and to form a sample mixture; performing a differential analysis of white blood cells of the sample mixture on a blood analyzer, and obtaining a cell volume distribution of a white blood cell subpopulation from a cell volume measurement used in the differential analysis; obtaining a cell volume parameter from the cell volume distribution of the white blood cell subpopulation; evaluating the cell volume parameter against a predetermined criterion, and reporting an indication of the parasite infection if the cell volume parameter meets the predetermined criterion. The method also uses a discriminant obtained from cell volume parameters of two different white blood cell subpopulations against a predetermined criterion. The method further use a cell distribution parameter of a cell distribution obtained using a RF impedance measurement.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventor: Ramon Simon-Lopez
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Patent number: 7247271Abstract: A compact ceramic fuel property sensor comprises a plurality of laminated ceramic layers. The heater, temperature sensor, and capacitance measurement electrodes are embedded between the layers. The capacitance electrodes include interdigitated electrodes and fuel traps for containing a sample of liquid fuel disposed between the interdigitated electrodes. The dimensions of the fuel traps are selected so that the fuel traps remain filled with liquid after said sensor has been bathed in fuel. A method for monolithically preparing the sensors provides a reduced cost method and a sensor that can survive indefinitely in liquid fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Da Yu Wang, David K. Lambert
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Patent number: 7247485Abstract: Karl Fischer reagent comprising iodide, sulphur dioxide with an initial concentration above 0.5 M, and imidazole/imidazole derivative dissolved in alcoholic solvent, whereby the molar ratio between the initial imidazole/imidazole derivative concentration and the initial sulphur dioxide concentration is above 10. The reagent contains a modifying substance that is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, or a primary or secondary alcohol, or a combination thereof. A method for the determination of water content by means of Karl Fischer coulometric titration in a diaphragm-free cell, whereby the Karl Fischer reagent is used, and the coulometric titration is carried out in a diaphragm-free cell. Use of the Karl Fischer reagent in a method for the determination of water content by means of coulometric titration.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: TeknikbrostiftelsenInventors: Anders Cedergren, Ulrika Nordmark
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Patent number: 7226563Abstract: Plasticizer-free ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers and a polymerizable ion exchanger, wherein the methacrylated monomers have pendent alkyl groups of different length and wherein the functionalized ion-exchanger is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. The ion exchanger comprises a C-derivative of a halogenated closo-dodecacarborane anion having a polymerizable moiety. Sensors of this invention include carrier-based ion-selective electrodes or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes, particle-based optodes, or bulk optodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Auburn UniversityInventors: Eric Bakker, Yu Qin
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Patent number: 7220550Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for sensing the presence of an analyte component without relying on redox mediators. This sensor includes (a) a plurality of conductive polymer strands each having at least a first end and a second end and each aligned in a substantially common orientation; (b) a plurality of molecular recognition headgroups having an affinity for the analyte component and being attached to the first ends of the conductive polymer strands; and (c) an electrode substrate attached to the conductive polymer strands at the second ends. The electrode substrate is capable of reporting to an electronic circuit reception of mobile charge carriers (electrons or holes) from the conductive polymer strands. The electrode substrate may be a photovoltaic diode.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Keensense, Inc.Inventor: Randy E. Keen
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Patent number: 7205153Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Todd Alan Balisky
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Patent number: 7201876Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Auburn UniversityInventors: Shane Peper, Yu Qin, Eric Bakker
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Patent number: 7195738Abstract: A sensor is provided for detecting a target substance in a sample by detecting a product formed in the presence of an enzyme and an enzyme substrate. The sensor comprises two or more working electrodes, a first capturing molecule immobilized on the working electrodes, and a current-detector for detecting a current value flowing through at least one of the working electrodes. The sensor also comprises a target substance detection means having an arithmetic unit for determining an amount of the target substance in the sample on the basis of the current value detected by the current-detector in a specified period of time, and a crosstalk detecting electrode arranged between the working electrodes for detecting a crosstalk between the working electrodes. The specified period of time is a time necessary for the current value through the crosstalk detecting electrode to show a particular change.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Norihiko Utsunomiya
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Patent number: 7189572Abstract: A measuring method first calculates the conductivity of an electrolyte membrane based on measured output voltage and output current of a fuel cell. The water content of an oxidant channel as an index of present water content (PWC) of the fuel cell is calculated based on the calculated conductivity and the other measured physical quantities of the fuel cell. Further the method calculates the water content of the oxidant channel after the inside of the fuel cell reaches a steady state as an index of future water content (FWC) using the measured physical quantities. The PWC index and FWC index are compared, and it is finally determined, based on the result of the comparison and the difference between the previous and present values of the conductivity, whether the water content of the fuel cell is short or excessive at the present time.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tomonori Imamura, Toshiyuki Kawai, Kunio Okamoto
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Patent number: 7183117Abstract: A supply apparatus for preparing a mixed chemical solution of a predetermined mixing ratio at a low cost and for supplying the mixed chemical solution stably. The supply apparatus includes a measuring apparatus located on an intermediate portion of a flow channel through which the chemical solution flows upward for measuring properties of the mixed chemical solution. In the lower portion of the measuring apparatus, disposed is a nozzle for spouting the chemical solution upward.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Masataka Fukuizumi, Hiroshi Osuda, Toru Matoba, Takeshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7182853Abstract: The invention is a redox control and monitoring platform that is to be used in conduction with another detection scheme. The platform includes a portion of an electrochemical control. The electrochemical control can be operated to control and measure the redox environment of a sample. The electrochemical control can be provided in a multiplicity of test regions to allow high throughput analysis of a multiplicity of samples. The present method and system allows the determination of the effect of the change in redox environment on the binding or other activity of the species in the sample that is directly affected by the redox environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: University of DaytonInventor: Jay Johnson
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Patent number: 7179383Abstract: Method and apparatus for manipulating and monitoring analyte flowing in fluid streams. A giant magnetoresistive sensor has an array of sensing elements that produce electrical output signals which vary in dependence on changes in the magnetic field proximate the sensing elements. The analyte is included in a stream, such that the stream has a magnetic property which is dependent on the concentration and distribution on the analyte therein. The stream is flowed past the giant magnetoresistive sensor and in sufficiently close proximity to cause the magnetic properties of the stream to produce electrical output signals. The electrical output signals are monitored as an indicator of analyte concentration or distribution in the stream flowing past the GMR sensor. Changes in the magnetic field produced by the background stream are introduced by analyte molecules, whose presence in the flow past the GMR will effect the output reading.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Iowa State University Research FoundationInventors: Marc D Porter, Jing Ni, G Brent Dawson, Ruth Shinar, Robert J Lipert, Michael C Granger, Mark Tondra
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Patent number: 7160730Abstract: A cell sorter system that includes a precision pump that causes fluid containing cells to enter an inlet port where the fluid is exposed to source light of one or more wavelengths and where cells scatter light or produce fluorescence by known means, and the scattered light and/or fluorescence is used to detect the presence and position of desired cells. The fluid is passed into a select gate that can be magnetostrictive where it is cause to exit one of a plurality of ports, at least one of these ports receiving the desired cells. A controller controls the precision pump, the detection system, and the select gate so that cells are selected from the fluid. An optional vacuum system can be used to pull fluid or cells out of the selected exit port.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventors: David T. Bach, Muniswamappa Anjanappa
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Patent number: 7153693Abstract: A method for determining a urea concentration in an aqueous solution containing urea, includes: hydrolyzing the urea in the aqueous solution, measuring an electric conductivity ? of the aqueous solution, and determining the urea concentration in the aqueous solution from the electric conductivity ? using a correlation between the urea concentration and an electric conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Toyo Engineering CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Tajiri, Takuya Hayabuchi, Naohiro Teramoto, Yasuhiko Kojima, Eiji Sakata, Haruyuki Morikawa
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Patent number: 7150997Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Nanogen, Inc.Inventor: Gregory T. A. Kovacs
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Patent number: 7129095Abstract: The present invention is related to the sensing of analytes and in particular, to methods of determining, resolving, identifying, or quantitating such analytes once detected. This invention provides systems and methods for identifying analytes, comprising using an importance index to give greater weight to the responses from sensors that measure characteristics most useful for identification of analytes. In other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for increasing the stability of electronic nose systems by prolonging the predictive capability of the training set of known analytes. In still other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for detecting and responding to events correlated with the presence of an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.Inventors: Christopher Boehr, Shou-Hua Zhang, Chang-Meng Hsiung
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Patent number: 7118916Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.Inventor: David Matzinger
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Patent number: 7118709Abstract: A method for tempering at least one sample wherein an plastic-based electrically conductive material of a specimen carrier consisting at least partially of this material for at least one specimen is applied to by an electric current/an electric voltage which causes a resistance heating of at least one portion of the plastic-based electrically conductive material, which resistance heating heats a specimen disposed on the specimen carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventor: Rainer Treptow
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Patent number: 7112452Abstract: A method and sensor are provided for detecting the binding of a probe and a target biomolecule by measuring a difference in the shear stress on the surface of the sensor before and after hybridization of the target molecule to the probe, such as nucleic acids or proteins. The shear stress may be measured sensitively and conveniently as an electrical signal without additional fluorescent labeling and without use of expensive additional devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Sun-hee Kim, Kwang-wook Oh, Geun-bae Lim, Dae-sung Yoon
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Patent number: 7101717Abstract: An addressable biologic electrode array includes an array of electrodes disposed on a support, the array of electrodes being selectively addressed and driven using a memory associated with each electrode of the array, the driven electrodes being driven at one of a plurality of stimulus levels by a source of electrical current or voltage external to the array.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Nanogen, Inc.Inventor: Gregory T. A. Kovacs
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Patent number: 7083985Abstract: A coplanar waveguide biosensor and methods of use include a coplanar waveguide transmission line and a sample containment structure. The coplanar waveguide transmission line is operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic signal and includes a signal line and one or more spaced apart ground elements. The signal line is configured to conduct a time-varying voltage, and the one or more ground elements are configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage, a detection region being formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements. Detection methods are improved through the enhancement of the electric field in the detection region via impedance discontinuities in the signal line and ground elements. The sample containment structure intersects the detection region of the coplanar waveguide transmission line and includes a cavity configured to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventors: John J. Hefti, Barrett Bartell, Kurt Kramer, Mark A. Rhodes