Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for quantitatively or semi-quantitatively determining the volume of a test sample of urine is provided. The method includes contacting the test sample with a fluidic medium of a lateral flow device having a volume indicator disposed thereon and determining the volume of urine in the test sample based on the distance traveled by the volume indicator along the fluidic medium, the distance traveled by the volume indicator corresponding to the volume of urine in the test sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for monitoring biometrical data (e.g., pH level of a grape) of living organisms is disclosed. A method for monitoring biometrical data includes providing a chemical matter having a chemical agent, contacting the chemical matter with a biological matter, detecting a change in the chemical matter to produce a signal, altering the signal into an electrical signal, and obtaining biometrical data from the electrical signal. An apparatus for determining biometrics data of a living organism includes a capillary tube configured to receive fluid from the living organism, a hydrogel solution having a volume responsive to one or more characteristics of the fluid, a capacitor having at least one plate responsive to the volume of the hydrogel solution, and an inductor coupled to the capacitor. The inductor and the capacitor form a circuit having a resonant frequency.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lateral flow assay device for determining the ionic strength of urine is described. The device includes a buffering zone having a polyelectrolyte disposed therein, and an indicator zone having a pH indicator non-diffusively immobilized therein, the indicator zone being separate from the buffering zone and positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with the buffering zone. The device further includes casing material that covers at least a portion of the buffering zone and a portion of the indicator zone so as to prevent exposure of such covered portions to the outside environment.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure a method for detecting the presence of urine is described. The method includes providing a urine indicating sensor with a porous matrix, the matrix having a pH indicator non-diffusively immobilized thereon, the pH indicator being capable of a color transition when in contact with urine. Urine is contacted with the matrix of the sensor and the presence of urine is determined based on whether the pH indicator undergoes a color transition.

Abstract: A determining method is provided which can more easily determine whether an ink contains an amphoteric metal oxide or whether a recorded matter is recorded with an ink containing an amphoteric metal oxide. The determining method includes applying an acidic aqueous solution or an alkaline aqueous solution to an ink for ink-jet recording or a recorded portion of a recorded matter recorded with an ink for ink-jet recording, and observing pH change.

Abstract: A method for determining a person's metabolic typing. The method includes the steps of taking a baseline reading to determine a person's blood pH, administering a substance challenge to a person to determine how the substance affects the person's blood pH, waiting a period of time, retaking the person's blood ph, and from any difference in the baseline reading and post-challenge reading, determining if the patient's blood has been alkalized or acidified by the substance challenge in order to determine the person's metabolic type. The invention is also a method to test the blood pH shifting effects of substances on people of different metabolic types, by determining whether the substance will cause the blood of persons having known metabolic types to become more acidic or alkaline.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for controlling the pH of a confined body of water, such as a swimming pool, spas, and hot tubs, using an organic acid specifically citric acid alone or in combination with other organic acids, borates or boric acid or other chelants or clarifiers. The amount of organic acid added to the confined body of water is determined relative to the pH of the water prior to such addition and the volume of water being treated. The amount of maintenance doses of organic acid is based upon the volume of water being treated and the magnitude of pH change required for adjustment to desired pH. The organic acid can be dispensed automatically or manually and can be dispensed as a solid, including a dispersable powder form, a capsule, or tablet, or as a liquid concentrate to be diluted in the confined body of water.

Abstract: Formats for the optical testing of fluids are manufacturing using modular format components. The format components are constructed so that matching format components can be mated together to form a single format for optical testing. Formats may be manufactured using pin-and-hole construction so that pins on optical format components mate with holes on opposing format components. Optical read surfaces provided on optical format components oppose each other in a completed optical format to form a read area.

Abstract: A hybrid manual-electronic pipette combines a manually driven piston with real-time electronic measurement of liquid volume and piston displacement while compensating for both pipette-specific and pipette model-specific variations. The hybrid nature of the pipette facilitates increased accuracy and improved ease of use, and enables additional functionalities not practicable with traditional manual pipettes.

Abstract: Nanomaterials fabricated to pharmaceutical dosage forms used to monitor quality of the drug product enclosed therein are disclosed. The nanomaterials are useful to provide a plurality of quality analysis to the dosage form. Consequently, the nanomaterials provide a means to perform quality testing on a continuous basis throughout the supply chain, including the cold chain whereby manufacturers and distributors can achieve greater product integrity and longer shelf life and ultimately minimize cost. The end user benefits in obtaining the highest quality drugs at the time of need.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring pH of low alkalinity samples. The present invention provides a sensor array comprising a plurality of pH indicators, each indicator having a different indicator concentration. A calibration function is generated by applying the sensor array to a sample solution having a known pH such that pH responses from each indicator are simultaneously recorded versus indicator concentration for each indicator. Once calibrated, the sensor array is applied to low alkalinity samples having unknown pH. Results from each pH indicator are then compared to the calibration function, and fitting functions are extrapolated to obtain the actual pH of the low alkalinity sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gauging the levels of pH in the interiors of articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, pads, catamenial products, bedding, and would dressings are disclosed. This method and apparatus include sensing devices and relay systems for displaying the pH on the outside of the articles that provide visual and/or audible warnings that toxic levels are approaching and that it is time to remove and replace the article.

Abstract: An indicator mixture that allows pH measurement over a broader range of pH or to a higher accuracy than available using conventional spectroscopic techniques. In particular, the mixture of the present invention is comprised of two or more reagents such that when combined, the reagent mixture is capable of either detecting: (1) a pH range broader or more accurate than that the reagents individually, or (2) pH more accurately than the reagents individually. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the mixture.

Abstract: A method for determining the TAN value of a hydrocarbon-containing composition, in which the sample is cleared of free water, heated to an elevated temperature in an oxygen free environment, conditioned at the elevated temperature for an extended period of time, cooled down to a temperature near to room temperature, and titrated against alcoholic potassium hydroxide, whereby the TAN value may be calculated.

Abstract: A medical test kit includes a glucose testing composition, a protein testing composition, a bilirubin testing composition, a bilinogen testing composition, an amylase testing composition, a blood testing composition, a calcium testing composition, a nitrite testing composition, a ketone testing composition and a pH testing composition. The medical test kit also includes a plurality of corresponding indicative spectra to each of its units such that a health condition of a user can easily be interpreted. Furthermore, an interactive reference chart is provided for guiding a user for the use of the kit. The kit is suitable for use for the public and is capable of encouraging self health care of society.

Abstract: A composition comprising a nanoparticle and at least one adsorbate associated with the nanoparticle, wherein the adsorbate displays at least one chemically responsive optical property. A method comprising associating an adsorbate with a nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a shell surrounding a core material with a lower conductivity than the shell material and the adsorbate displays at least one chemically responsive optical property, and engineering the nanoparticle to enhance the optical property of the adsorbate. A method comprising determining an optical response of an adsorbate associated with a nanoparticle as a function of a chemical parameter, and parameterizing the optical response to produce a one-dimensional representation of at least a portion of a spectral window of the optical response in a high dimensional vector space.

Abstract: The present invention provides ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of pH in such applications as fermentation processes. The ratiometric fluorescent pH sensors comprise a fluorescent dye that exhibits a shift in excitation wavelength with a corresponding shift in pH in the local environment of said fluorescent dye. Ratiometric measurements of the emission intensities at dual excitation maxima correlate to pH. Also provided is a fluorescent dye 6-methacryloyl-8-hydroxy-1,3-pyrene disulfonic acid (MA-HPDS). Further provided are systems and methods to non-invasively and continuously monitor pH.

Abstract: Fluid testing device for determining the value of each of a plurality of properties of a fluid, the fluid testing device including a planar base and a plurality of test sections, located on the planar base, each of the test sections including a test sub-section which exhibits a color according to the value, as a result of reaction of a reagent with the fluid and a reference section located adjacent to the test sub-section, the reference section including a plurality of different reference colors.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood gas test is carried out by a method that utilizes a venous blood sample together with a pulse oximeter and a plurality of mathematical equations. The method generates the following data points of the blood: (i) the pH level; (ii) the [H+] concentration; (iii) the [HCO3—] concentration; (iv) the partial pressure of carbon dioxide; and (v) the oxygen saturation level. Mathematical formulas, tables, and chemical equations provide a simple method by which a doctor or other medical professional can easily calculate the blood gas data without the need for an arterial blood sample or specialized machines. Blood gas measurements are obtained from a patient in a faster, safer and less painful manner than tests that require an arterial blood sample. In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for locating a dysfunctional organ in a patient is disclosed.

Abstract: The concentration of a water treating agent can be simply understood on site where thermal equipment is placed. A method of determining a chelating agent according to the present invention includes the steps of: collecting a water sample; adding a first chemical solution containing a metal indicator and a second chemical solution containing a pH adjuster to the collected water sample, respectively; dropping a third chemical solution which contains a metal salt that causes a change in color of the metal indicator into the water sample added with the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution, followed by counting the number of droplets required for the water sample to change color thereof; and determining a concentration of a chelating agent in the water sample on the basis of the number of droplets of the third chemical solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the environment within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a body defining a channel for accommodating flow of fluid therethrough. A monitor structure is disposed in the channel of the body in the flow of fluid. The monitor structure changes color and/or dimension in response to various parameters of the fluid having predetermined values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-chemical method and a test kit for the rapid, quantitative analysis of total acid in wine and must. In this method, a slightly alkaline buffer is added to the sample to be analyzed, and the total acid content is determined from the resultant pH with the aid of a test stick with pH indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for quickly and easily measuring and monitoring the pH of aquatic environments, such as lakes, streams, drinking waters, fisheries, aquariums, pools, hot-tubs, and spas. The current invention includes devices that are reusable and capable of monitoring the pH in a reversible fashion, thereby allowing continuous pH sensing without a need for the user to physically perform pH tests. Operation of the invention involves placing the device into the aquatic environment and optically detecting a color change in the membrane, for example, by looking at the device, when a pH measurement is desired. In addition, the device is both inexpensive and reusable, allowing the user to monitor the pH of various aquatic environment at minimal costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for observing a chemical substance. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a vessel having a base portion and an at least partially transparent wall portion depending from and extending away from the base portion. The base portion and the wall portion define an interface region at an interface between the base portion and the wall portion. The vessel can further include a background material fixedly attached to the base portion and/or the interface region, with the background material having a surface visible through the wall portion from a region exterior to the vessel. The background material can be attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of the vessel, or the background material can be integrated with a medium that forms the base portion and the wall portion of the vessel. The background material can have a single color, such as white or black, or the background material can have a plurality of hues to make the contents of the vessel more clearly visible.

Abstract: There is a need within the medical community for non-invasive instruments to measure critical physiologic parameters at the point of care. Such a technique may be applicable to a wide variety of commonly monitored physiologic parameters during critical care patient management. The invention is directed to a method of measuring the pH of a patient's tissue. The method includes measuring the optical signal from a specie whose fluorescence is pH sensitive, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and also measuring the optical signal from a second biological marker, such as FAD, the fluorescence from the second marker being substantially insensitive to pH. The method includes determining the patient's pH by using the first and second optical signals.

Abstract: To provide a simple examination method of buffer capacity of saliva without influence by examiner's subjectivity and an examination instrument to carry out suitably the examination method, an examination instrument, in which two to ten kinds of chemical liquids each containing a pH indicator having a transition interval within a pH range of 3.0 to 7.0 and capable of easily discriminating its indicated color at two or more stages and an acid in an amount so as to exhibit a different pH value within a pH range of 1.5 or more but lower than 3.0 when water in the same amount as that of saliva to be examined is added at a temperature of 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for titration comprising guiding a sample to be titrated through a conduit, adding a reagent to said conduit at at least two entrance positions along said conduit in such a manner that said reagent will react with the sample within at least one individual sector of the conduit, defined as the space between two consecutive entrance positions or a final individual sector defined between a final entrance position and a sample exit point of the conduit, while at least one detection device positioned at the end of each sector of said conduit register the chemical and/or physical status. A pressure difference is provided between the reagent delivery device and the sample conduit such that the pressure difference measured between the reagent delivery device and the end of the final individual sector is controlled to be greater than the total pressure drop between the sample delivery point and the end of the final individual sector.

Abstract: A method for measuring an evolution rate of a gas from a sample includes equilibrating a sample with an alkaline solution and a pH indicator and permitting the alkaline solution to absorb formed carbon dioxide in an enclosed headspace. From the pH indicator at equilibrium is determined a time increment at which an increment of the alkaline solution is consumed by the CO2. Carbon dioxide evolution rate is calculated from the time increment, the volume increment, and the alkaline solution concentration. A device for performing this measurement includes a sample vial and a reaction chamber having an opening adapted for mating with a sample vial opening and an opening for receiving the solution. The reaction chamber is dimensioned for equilibrating the sample with the alkaline solution and for determining the time increment required for an increment of the alkaline solution to be consumed by CO2.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products analyze asphalt samples for anti-stripping agents by: obtaining a sample comprising asphalt binder material; sensing a selected parameter associated with the sample (such as the acidity and/or alkalinity of the sample); and analyzing the sensed parameter to assess at least one of: (a) the presence of at least one anti-stripping agent in the sample; and (b) the level of at least one anti-stripping agent in the sample. The sample can be heated so that it emits exhaust gas and the exhaust gas (directly or indirectly) interrogated to determine its pH, or other constituents or properties, such as ammonia. Pre-defined mathematical relationships can be used to correlate the measured sensed data to the concentrations of the anti-stripping agent(s) in the sample undergoing analysis. The evaluation can be carried out in a generally automated rapid manner so that the test can be completed in about 10 minutes or less. Related devices and kits are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optochemical sensor functioning in accordance with the FRET-principle and exhibiting an acceptor (chromophore or luminophore) responsive to an analyte contained in a sample medium as well as a donor (luminophore), characterized in that acceptor and donor are located in separate chemical phases, whereby the phase containing the donor is essentially impermeable to the sample medium or to components of the sample medium affecting the luminescence characteristics of the luminophore. The invention further relates to a method for qualitative and/or quantitative determination of at least one analyte and/or component of a gaseous or liquid measuring medium according to the FRET-principle, characterized by the use of the sensor according to the invention.

Abstract: By utilizing a pH indicator having known color change characteristics, an accurate determination of the pH of a binder surface, and hence the amount of cure of a polycarboxylic acid based binder on the fiberglass fibers, can be easily determined for polycarboxylic binder based fiberglass materials used in insulation and composite applications. Based on these results, the manufacturing line used to make these bindered materials may be adjusted to ensure adequate curing at maximum efficiency while minimizing operating costs and reducing waste.

Abstract: An NMR buffer is particularly useful for biomolecules that require a certain amount of salt in the buffer solution. A primary buffer component and a titrating component are selected based on low ion mobility. These selections allow for a lower conductivity buffer without reducing the salt content. As such, a higher sensitivity experiment results.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preliminary analysis of suspect samples, which can be used in triaging possible contaminated sites (e.g., sites contaminated or thought to be contaminated by biowarfare agents). In some embodiments, the methods involve testing for the presence of protein in the suspect sample; optionally, the sample can also be tested for the presence of sugar, and/or for pH determination. Specific embodiment methods are carried out in tubes or other reaction vessels, others are carried out in a pad format, and still others are carried out in a test strip format. Kits for carrying out the described methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved analytical method and apparatus therefor, in particular to a method and apparatus for continuous titration in which at least one parameter of at least one compound in a test mixture may be monitored as the composition of the mixture is continuously varied. The method comprises the steps of continuously mixing at least two component fluid streams to form a test mixture stream and passing the test mixture stream through a spectrophotometric detection zone, with the volume to volume ratio of at least two of the component streams forming the test mixture stream continuously and linearly varied with time by alteration of the relative proportions of the component streams forming the test mixture, while the total volume of the test mixture stream remains constant.

Abstract: The concentration of citrate complexing agent in an electroless cobalt or nickel plating bath is determined by titrating a sample of the electroless plating bath containing a small concentration of free fluoride ion with a standard lanthanum nitrate solution. During the titration, La3+ ion first reacts preferentially with the citrate complexing agent and then with fluoride ion, which reduces the free fluoride ion concentration. The endpoint for the titration is indicated by a substantial decrease in the free fluoride ion concentration, which is detected via a fluoride ion specific electrode (ISE). The method can be used for analysis of other complexing agents.

Abstract: A portable system for analysis of blood or other bodily fluids removable from a patient is disclosed. The system includes a temperature sensing device and a temperature control circuit. The temperature sensing device senses a temperature of a surface of a sensor substrate of a cartridge having an electrical heater device without direct contact with the cartridge or direct exposure to the heating device. The temperature sensing device also generates an electrical signal related to the sensed temperature. The temperature control circuit controls an electrical input to the heater device based on the sensed temperature and a designed control temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides storage stable, aseptic buffer solutions suitable for gamma sterilization. The buffer solutions include benzethonium chloride as a biocide, and avoid the acidification effects and the formation of precipitates that can be caused by gamma sterilization.

Abstract: The concentration of citrate complexing agent in an electroless cobalt or nickel plating bath is determined by titrating a sample of the electroless plating bath containing a small concentration of free fluoride ion with a standard lanthanum nitrate solution. During the titration, La3+ ion first reacts preferentially with the citrate complexing agent and then with fluoride ion, which reduces the free fluoride ion concentration. The endpoint for the titration is indicated by a substantial decrease in the free fluoride ion concentration, which is detected via a fluoride ion specific electrode (ISE). The method can be used for analysis of other complexing agents.

Abstract: An acid test kit uses an indicator paper in a transparent tube which is easily and temporarily inserted in a Schrader-valve at a compressor suction inlet of a refrigeration system. The simplicity, yet sufficient accuracy, of the kit permits several different ways of holding the paper in the tube through a friction fit. One way is to sandwich the paper between a tapered holder which is folded to provide a nose for actuating the Schrader valve. Another way is to provide the paper on or over a cylindrical member. A method for using the test kit including allowing vapor refrigerant from the system to pass through the tube to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and reagent kits for the fluorimetric determination of analytes.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a sample with excellent sensitivity using a redox reaction is provided. In this method, a reducing substance or an oxidizing substance derived from the analyte is measured in the presence of a tetrazolium compound and sodium azide using the redox reaction, and an amount of the analyte is determined from the amount of the reducing substance or oxidizing substance thus measured. The tetrazolium compound and the sodium azide are present at a ratio in a range from 20:3 to 20:12. Preferably, a solution containing the tetrazolium compound and the sodium azide is aged and then added to the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-chemical method and a test kit for the rapid, quantitative analysis of total acid in wine and must. In this method, a slightly alkaline buffer is added to the sample to be analysed, and the total acid content is determined from the resultant pH with the aid of a test stick with pH indicator.

Abstract: A composition capable of showing a color change sufficient for indicating the presence and/or concentration of a protein in a protein-containing liquid sample by contacting with the sample, comprising: indium or an indium compound, and a dye or pigment capable of forming a complex with indium.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system that is useful to authenticate security paper. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system that allows security paper to be authenticated more than once without destroying the authentication mechanism. An authenticating solution is applied to a surface of an authentic document or other authentic security paper. Subsequent application of an activating solution to a surface of a document containing the authenticating solution causes a reversible color change allowing the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: The rate of carbon dioxide release from a grain sample can be measured by placing the grain sample in a sealed container, and positioning a pH responsive color-change material in the container so that carbon dioxide released from the grain sample chemically reacts with a buffer incorporated into the color-change material. Carbon dioxide measurements can be used to measure actual and potential spoilage of the grain associated with fungal attack.

Abstract: Indicia of stability or thresholds of instability may be used to assess the proximity of hydrocarbon materials such as petroleum residua to deposition of carbon rich materials. The invention may be used to evaluate suitability of such hydrocarbon materials to various types of processing methodologies, or to determine processing parameters, either prior to processing or during processing. Prediction of proximity to deposition of carbon rich materials may result in continuous process parameters or increased output, decreased energy use or decreased amount of emissions per unit of such hydrocarbon materials compared to conventional processing technology. Products produced or products processed with this technology may also have a higher level of purity.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preliminary analysis of suspect samples, which can be used in triaging possible contaminated sites (e.g., sites contaminated or thought to be contaminated by biowarfare agents). In some embodiments, the methods involve testing for the presence of protein in the suspect sample; optionally, the sample can also be tested for the presence of sugar, and/or for pH determination. Specific embodiment methods are carried out in tubes or other reaction vessels, others are carried out in a pad format, and still others are carried out in a test strip format. Kits for carrying out the described methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a concentration of a component in an unknown mixture. The method includes the steps of preparing a reactant having a specified pH level and a specified temperature and combining the unknown mixture with the reactant. The method further includes varying the pH level and temperature of the combination of the reactant and the unknown mixture to facilitate converting at least one selected component. Upon varying the pH level and temperature, the method will release volatiles from the selected component(s). Based on these released volatiles, which indicate the concentration of the selected component(s), the method detects the indication. The apparatus for determining a concentration of a component in an unknown mixture includes a container having a specified volume, a reactant chamber, and a sample chamber. The receptacle contains a reactant, placed within the reactant chamber, having a predetermined pH level and a predetermined volume.

Abstract: To provide an examination method of buffer capacity of saliva and an examination instrument of buffer capacity of saliva, by which the buffer capacity of saliva of a subject can be examined simply without being influenced by an amount of saliva and preciously without being influenced by the subjectivity of an examiner, an end portion of an absorptive material in a predetermined shape, containing a pH indicator at least having one or more color transition range of pH 4.0 to 7.0 and an acid, is dipped in saliva to allow the saliva to penetrate into the absorptive material, and a buffer capacity of the saliva is examined from a distance where a color to be exhibited by the pH indicator has changed by the penetrated saliva from a predetermined place of the absorptive material and a distance where the saliva has penetrated from a predetermined place of the absorptive material.

Abstract: A portable pH detector. A pH-ISFET is immersed into a solution, and the gate voltage of the pH-ISFET is detected by a signal detection unit. The level of the detected voltage is adjusted by a gain control and level shift unit and is converted by an A/D converter circuit and then output to a 8051 microcontroller to compute the pH of the solution, with the computed result displayed on a LCD.