Including Titration Or Ph Determination Patents (Class 436/163)
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Method and testing liquid for the detection of acidic fluxing agent residue on electronic components
Publication number: 20020034825Abstract: A process and testing liquid is provided for detecting acidic fluxing agent residue on electronic components. The testing liquid preferably contains a reactive dye or pigment that changes color when brought into contact with the contaminants on the electronic components; the testing liquid is subsequently removed from the electronic components by washing. The respective surfaces of the electronic components that show the corresponding color change contain contaminants. Preferably, the testing liquid contains the dye Nile blue and a surfactant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Helmut Schweigart -
Patent number: 6356830Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring soil pH at a relatively large number of places in a field, and automatically creating a soil pH map by simultaneously measuring the position of the apparatus and storing the pH data in association with the location from which the corresponding soil sample was taken. The apparatus includes a wheeled chassis, a shank for exposing soil at a controlled depth, a sampling tray for collecting soil, a probe for measuring the pH of the soil, a water supply for cleaning the probe between measurements, a devise for measuring the location of the apparatus, and a computer for controlling the measurement cycle and recording the data.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: Viacheslav I. Adamchuck, Mark T. Morgan, Daniel R. Ess
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Publication number: 20020016005Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting an acid or base in an environment, measuring the concentration of an acid or base in an environment, or measuring the pH of an environment, by contacting the environment containing the acid or the base with a sensor, wherein the sensor is composed of an index of refraction transducer having an outer surface; at least one compound having at least one functional group of a Lewis acid, a Lewis base, a Bronsted acid, a Bronsted base, or a combination thereof, wherein the compound is on or near the outer surface of the transducer, wherein the functional group can interact with the acid or base in the environment to induce a change in index of refraction on or near the outer surface of the transducer, with the provisos that (i) the compound does not undergo a color change when contacted with the acid or base, and (ii) when there are naturally occurring functional groups, no transducer attached compounds, and exactly one overlayer, then the overlayer is not poly(vinylType: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: Photonic Sensor SystemsInventors: Daniel P. Campbell, Jeffrey L. Moore, James V. Suggs
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Patent number: 6319721Abstract: A method 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 induim compound, and a dye or pigment capable of forming a complex with indium.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideko Kosaka
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Patent number: 6316271Abstract: A method for generating high purity acid or base in an aqueous stream for use in analysis. For generating a base for anion chromatography, the aqueous stream is directed through a cation exchange bed having strongly acid first and weakly acidic second portions. An electrical potential is applied to the bed. Cations on the bed electromigrate into the aqueous stream while hydroxide ions are electrolytically generated to form a base-containing eluent. Analytes to be detected and the generated eluent flow through a detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Hamish Small, Nebojsa Avdalovic, Yan Liu
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Patent number: 6303385Abstract: A water-insoluble copolymer which is composed of (a) from 39.9 to 60% by weight of N,N-dimethylacrylamide or N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide; (b) from 60 to 39.9% by weight of N-alkylated acryl amides or N-alkylated methacryl amides; (c) from 0.1 to 0.7% by weight of a proton-sensitive fluorophore which is covalently bonded to the copolymer; and (d) from 0 to 20% by weight of a diolefinic crosslinking component. The copolymer is used in the form of a membrane on a transparent support material as an optical sensor for ionic strength-independent pH value determination.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Steven Mark Barnard, Joseph Berger, Marizel Rouilly, Adrian Waldner
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Publication number: 20010023832Abstract: A chemical sensor (1) for selectively detecting an analyte in a solution as described. The sensor comprises a flow-through chamber (2), a selective membrane (3), a transducer means (4), an inlet (5) for a liquid flow containing a recognition element, and an outlet (6). There is also described a method of selectively detecting an analyte in a solution, wherein a recognition element is contacted with the solution containing the analyte via a selective membrane, said contact resulting in a response detectable by transducer means. The recognition element is injected into a flow, the flow is passed into a flow-through chamber comprising a transducer means and the selective membrane, where it is contacted with the analyte passing from the solution outside the selective membrane, whereby the recognition element and the analyte interact to provide a signal which is detected by the transducer means.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventor: Dario Kriz
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Patent number: 6289717Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided using a microcantilevered spring element having a coating of a detector molecule such as an antibody or antigen. A sample containing a target molecule or substrate is provided to the coating. The spring element bends in response to the stress induced by the binding which occurs between the detector and target molecules. Deflections of the cantilever are detected by a variety of detection techniques. The microcantilever may be approximately 1 to 200 &mgr;m long, approximately 1 to 50 &mgr;m wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 &mgr;m thick. A sensitivity for detection of deflections is in the range of 0.01 nanometers.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: U. T. Battelle, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, K. Bruce Jacobson, Mitchel J. Doktycz, Stephen J. Kennel, Robert J. Warmack
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Patent number: 6287868Abstract: A process is claimed for the determination of nitrogen content in a nitrogen containing material, said process comprising: a) at least one pre-treatment step, b) at least one distillation step and c) at least one determination step; wherein said distillation step (a) comprises the substeps of: i) diluting a pre-treated sample of a nitrogen containing material with at least one diluting fluid, ii) inputting steam for commencement of steam distillation, and iii) adding at least one alkali compound, whereby the addition of alkali is made 1-60 seconds after commencement of said inputting of steam and said steam distillation and whereby distillate produced during said steam distillation is recovered in an acidic and/or complexing medium.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Foss Tecator ABInventor: Jan-Åke Persson
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Publication number: 20010012636Abstract: A pH sensitive chewing gum kit is provided. The kit may contain chewing gum incorporating a pH sensitive substance. When chewed, the gum may change it's color in response to the oral fluids or salivary pH level. The chewing gum kit may also contain chewing gum with or without artificial sweeteners and one or more pH sensitive members including at least one pH sensitive substance incorporated in at least one portion thereof. When a pH sensitive member is put in contact with oral fluids or saliva, before, during or after chewing the gum, the color of the pH sensitive substance may change to a color which depends on the oral fluids pH value. This color may indicate whether the gum still needs to be chewed in order to achieve a desired oral fluids pH level.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: August 9, 2001Applicant: Radiancy Inc.Inventors: Zion Azar, Pinchas Shalev
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Publication number: 20010006819Abstract: The object of the present invention is to measure a concentration of protein stably at a temperature not higher than 25° C., which is a possible ambient temperature at home, and further to expand the measurable concentration range while preventing an obstruction due to a suspending particle such as a bubble and the like, using a reagent prepared by mixing an acid in a solution containing tannin, tannic acid and m-galloyl gallic acid. By mixing the reagent in a solution to be detected to opacify the solution, intensities of at least a transmitted light or a scattered light of the solution to be detected is measured, and a protein concentration thereof is determined based on the intensity. The present invention also provides a method for measuring a concentration of a solution and a method of urinalysis, wherein a protein concentration is measured after measuring an angle of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2000Publication date: July 5, 2001Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsurou Kawamura
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Patent number: 6251680Abstract: Polymers having amine-thiol terminal moieties are provided. The amine-thiol terminal moieties are imparted by using amine-thiols as chain transfer agents in aqueous addition polymerizations. The polymers are useful as mineral dispersants, as water-treatment additives for boiler waters, cooling towers, reverse osmosis applications, sugar refining, paper production, geothermal processes and oil wells, and as detergent additives acting as builders, anti-filming agents, dispersants, sequestering agents and encrustation inhibitors.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Rohm and Haas CompanyInventors: Zhenwen Fu, Lorraine Holowach Keller, Barry Weinstein
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Patent number: 6248544Abstract: Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) has been used as a marker for bone resorption. However, there are two forms of said enzyme in the body: TRAP 5a and TRAP 5b, of which TRAP 5b is a much more specific marker. The present invention is directed to an immunoassay for measuring the bone resorption rate, which methods enables the specific determination of TRAP 5b, whereby the amount of TRAP 5b reflects the bone resorption rate. The method is useful in diagnosing disorders associated with a change in the bone resorption rate, such as osteoporosis. Methods of screening for susceptibility to such disorders, and method of monitoring the effect of treatment are also provided. Further a test-kit useful in said methods is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventors: Jussi Halleen, Kalervo V{umlaut over (aa)}nänen
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Patent number: 6238589Abstract: Monitoring techniques have been developed for direct/indirect determination of metal etching bath components and for managing their replenishment. The disclosed methods have been successfully employed to make TiW etching a robust process that provides minimized and controlled undercutting of ball limited metallurgy and mechanical reliable C4s. A metal etching solution is monitored and replenished by measuring the sulfate concentration of a hydrogen peroxide, soluble salt, and soluble EDTA salt etchant. Turbidimetric titration conditions are used to measure and compare opaqueness of liquids by viewing light through them and determining how much light is cut off. Additional sulfate is added to maintain the sulfate concentration. Water and/or fresh etchant is added to compensate for evaporation or drag.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emanuel Israel Cooper, Madhav Datta, Thomas Edward Dinan, Jr., Thomas Safron Kanarsky, Michael Barry Pike, Ravindra Vaman Shenoy
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Patent number: 6232128Abstract: The invention relates to a bicarbonate-containing medical solution package. The package comprises a gas-permeable plastic container holding a bicarbonate-containing medical solution and a gas-impermeable plastic packaging member containing the gas-permeable plastic container. A carbon-dioxide atmosphere is established in the space between the container and packaging member. In addition, a pH indicating device is contained within the space between the container and packaging member. The pH indicating device is a gas-permeable plastic packet containing a bicarbonate-containing fluid (similar to the medical solution) and a pH indicator. The pH indicator undergoes a change in color in response to a change in pH of the fluid. Use of this package allows the easy monitoring of a change in pH and consequent aging of the medical solution due to prolonged storage or damage to the outer packaging member.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc.Inventors: Seiichiro Iguchi, Shino Shinomiya, Rika Hamamoto, Akiyo Abe, Masatoshi Inai, Keiichi Kawakami
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Patent number: 6214628Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of conducting an assay of a sample containing an analyte of interest includes the step of forming a mixture so as to bring a metal-ligand complex into interactive proximity with the sample containing the analyte of interest. The mixture is irradiated with electromagnetic light energy so as to cause emission of light indicative of the analyte of interest. The emitted light is measured, and the measurement of the emitted light is utilized to measure the analyte of interest. The metal-ligand complex can be [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+, [Os(phen)2(aphen)]2+, [Os(tpy)(triphos)]2+, [Os(tppz)2]2+, and [Os(ttpy)2]2+, or the like. Also, the present invention is directed to a metal-ligand complex of the formula [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventors: Joseph R. Lakowicz, Felix Castellano, Zakir Murtaza
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Patent number: 6208941Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for the detection and analysis of information-containing signals in chromatographic data using iterative blind deconvolution and fuzzy logic algorithms. The invented method analyzes chromatographic data from a wide variety of sources of DNA sequencing information, including gel and capillary electrophoresis. Autoradiograms, single-fluor, four-lane and four fluor, single lane fluorescent chromatographic data are suitable sources of unprocessed input data. The output from the invented base calling method includes called (identified) sequence data and quality values for the called bases.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventor: Andrew F. Marks
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Patent number: 6204067Abstract: The present invention discloses the mechanism of tamoxifen mediated inhibition of acidification. This mechanism information is then used to design methods of identifying compounds that will have the pharmaceutical effect of tamoxifen without the corresponding side-effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State UniversityInventors: Sanford M. Simon, Melvin S. Schindler, Yu Chen
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Patent number: 6200817Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable device rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Litmus Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Paul J. Lawrence
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Patent number: 6177513Abstract: A method for evaluating an artificial receptor includes subjecting a functional monomer and a crosslinker in the presence of a template substance in a vessel into polymerization, thereby forming a resultant polymer with the template substance usually in the form of a thin film, dissociating the template substance from the polymer and removing it from the vessel by washing an inside of the vessel, thereby to prepare an artificial receptor, feeding a solution of the same or different template substance into the vessel to associate the template substance with the resulting polymer; then determining the amount of the template substance remaining in the vessel, and evaluating the artificial receptor on the basis of a determination result.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignees: Toshifumi Takeuchi, Sysmex CorporationInventors: Toshifumi Takeuchi, Jun Matsui, Daigo Fukuma, Toshihiro Mizukami
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Patent number: 6174731Abstract: A reagent for pH-metric acid number determination in a petroleum oil with low acid numbers (AN≦0.03 mg KOH/g oil) includes a salt of a strong base and a weak acid, and, an alkali in a mixture of water and an alcohol. The salt of a strong base and a weak is, preferably, sodium benzoate in a concentration of 0.02 to 0.1 M. The alcohol is, preferably, isopropanol in a concentration of from 50% to 80% by volume. The alkali is, preferably, an hydroxide and, most preferably, potassium hydroxide. The alkali should be adjusted to provide a pH′o, which is the pH of an equivalence-point on a titration curve of a strong acid added to a test portion of sodium benzoate, water and isopropanol.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: State of Israel, The Ministry of Industry and Trade, The National Physical LaboratoryInventors: Elena M. Strochkova, Yakov I. Tur'yan, Oleg Y. Berezin, Ilya Kuselman, Shenhar Avinoam
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Patent number: 6162647Abstract: Urine samples are made free of potentially interfering substances, such as alkaloids or pharmaceuticals, by contacting the urine sample with an amount of a chemical oxidizing agent, while retaining the physical indicia characteristic of urine to allow the sample to be further tested.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: James Matthew Stephens
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Patent number: 6162646Abstract: A urine pH indicator has a plurality of hydrophilic, non-ionic, polymer foam carrier particles. The carrier particles are impregnated with an indicator complex having more than one chromophore and indicating more than one pH threshold via at least three distinguishable colors. The carrier particles are preferable chopped and soaked in a solution containing the chromophore complex. Upon evaporation of the solvent, the chromophore complex is bound to the carrier particles which can then be spread upon animal litter to receive urine and indicate pH via color display.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: William H. WebsterInventors: William H. Webster, Alfred E. Fox
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Patent number: 6156274Abstract: Lipophilic fluorescein-based molecules have been synthesized and incorporated into thin plasticized polymeric membrane films as chromoionophores for the optical sensing and detection of polycationic protamine. The membrane response is based on the extraction of protamine into the film due to the interaction between the anionic fluorescein and the protamine polycation which results in a cation exchange between the protamine and proton, and thus, induces an absorbance spectra change of the polymeric film. The response speed is controlled by protamine diffusion through the stagnant diffusion layer adjacent to the film surface as well as within the bulk of the polymer film. When limited exposure time and non-stirring detection modes are used in a buffer solution, absorbance of a film changes as a function of the protamine concentration in the range of about 2 to 60 .mu.g/ml (0.44 to 13.3 .mu.M).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: St. John's UniversityInventor: Enju Wang
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Patent number: 6136801Abstract: Quantitative compliance markers and associated methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication prescriptions associated with compliance markers have been found to eliminate the need for specific quantitative relationships for each new drug tested. Such compliance markers and methods for monitoring patient compliance utilize pharmacologically inert substances, namely the weak acids benzodiazepines, or non-metabolizable substances in association with an underlying drug at a measurable dosage, so as to correlate compliance marker concentration with underlying medication concentration to determine amount of actual medication ingested.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: U. D. Testing, Inc.Inventor: Michael Kell
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Patent number: 6117686Abstract: The present invention provides a method by which harmful trace gases in a gaseous mixture containing as such harmful halogen gases, halogenated hydrogen gases, acid gases, oxidizing gases, basic gases, organic acid gases, especially halogen gases or halogenated hydrogen gases, are detected by using tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and quantitated from a calibration curve constructed therefrom, where the range of detectable concentration is made adjustable so that harmful gas can be detected and quantitated over a broad range of concentration. Furthermore, this invention also provides a method for extending the accessible range of gas concentration by adjusting the sensitivity of the detector material via control of tetraphenylporphyrin concentration in matrix polymer of the detector material, by controlling the gas concentration range via measurement at a specific wavelength(s), and by the use of a plurality of detector materials with pre-set assay sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Kazunari Tanaka, Chiaki Igarashi, Yoshihiko Sadaoka
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Patent number: 6113856Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable means rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Litmus Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Lawrence, Peter U. Ly, David R. Shockey
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Patent number: 6114170Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the ionic strength and/or the specific weight of aqueous liquids and a reagent for this purpose, the composition of the reagent being such that the color change indicating the ionic strength is essentially directly dependent on the specific weight of the liquid to be determined and not on a pH shift.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Dade Behring Marburg GmbHInventor: Klaus Habenstein
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Patent number: 6113858Abstract: An on-site monitor is disclosed for providing automatic measurements of chemical concentrations in a liquid or gaseous environment. The opto-electronic monitor has an extended probe, which can be inserted into the liquid or to be in contact with the ambiance, comprising a indicator chamber for continuously supplying fresh indicator material, a light source, and a detector. The light source and the detector are either embodied outside of liquid or into the extended plastic probe inside the liquid. A delivery unit, which is activated by a timer, delivers a small amount of indicator material into the liquid or a sampling cavity. The indicator material reacts with the ions in the liquid automatically. The light source has a wavelength which matches with the indicator's absorption wavelength and the detector measures the transmission (or reflection) through the indicator material or solution.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventors: Ruey-Long Tang, Winston Z. Ho
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Patent number: 6099801Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable device rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Litmus Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Lawrence, Peter U. Ly, David R. Shockey
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Patent number: 6087182Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining at least one parameter, e. g., concentration, of at least one analyte, e. g., urea, of a biological sample, e.g, urine. A biological sample particularly suitable for the apparatus and method of this invention is urine. In general, spectroscopic measurements can be used to quantify the concentrations of one or more analytes in a biological sample. In order to obtain concentration values of certain analytes, such as hemoglobin and bilirubin, visible light absorption spectroscopy can be used. In order to obtain concentration values of other analytes, such as urea, creatinine, glucose, ketones, and protein, infrared light absorption spectroscopy can be used. The apparatus and method of this invention utilize one or more mathematical techniques to improve the accuracy of measurement of parameters of analytes in a biological sample.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Tzyy-Wen Jeng, Larry L. McDowell, Joseph Larry Pezzaniti, Gary M. Oosta, Eric B. Shain
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Patent number: 6057377Abstract: A method is provided for molecularly imprinting the surface of a sol-gel material, by forming a solution comprised of a sol-gel material, a solvent, an imprinting molecule, and a functionalizing siloxane monomer of the form Si(OR).sub.3-n X.sub.n, wherein n is an integer between zero and three and X is a functional group capable of reacting with the imprinting molecule, evaporating the solvent, and removing the imprinting molecule to form the molecularly imprinted metal oxide sol-gel material. The use of metal oxide sol-gels allows the material porosity, pore size, density, surface area, hardness, electrostatic charge, polarity, optical density, and surface hydrophobicity to be tailored and be employed as sensors and in catalytic and separations operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Darryl Y. Sasaki, C. Jeffrey Brinker, Carol S. Ashley, Charles E. Daitch, Kenneth J. Shea, Daniel J. Rush
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Patent number: 6027940Abstract: A reagent for the acid value determination in oils. The reagent contains a tertiary amine, such as triethanolamine, in a water-alcohol mixture as solvent. Preferred is isopropanol/water. The reagent allows determinations of acid values in oils in a two phase system. The use of the reagent is based on a pH-metric technique with conditional pH-measurement before and after the addition of an oil sample to the reagent.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventors: Yakov Tur'Yan, Oleg Berezin, Ilya Kuselman, Shenhar Avinoam
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Patent number: 6016686Abstract: A microcantilever potentiometric sensor utilized for detecting and measuring physical and chemical parameters in a sample of media is described. The microcantilevered spring element includes at least one chemical coating on a coated region, that accumulates a surface charge in response to hydrogen ions, redox potential, or ion concentrations in a sample of the media being monitored. The accumulation of surface charge on one surface of the microcantilever, with a differing surface charge on an opposing surface, creates a mechanical stress and a deflection of the spring element. One of a multitude of deflection detection methods may include the use of a laser light source focused on the microcantilever, with a photo-sensitive detector receiving reflected laser impulses. The microcantilevered spring element is approximately 1 to 100 .mu.m long, approximately 1 to 50 .mu.m wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 .mu.m thick. An accuracy of detection of deflections of the cantilever is provided in the range of 0.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research CorporationInventor: Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 6010664Abstract: A method for monitoring the oxidation rate in a flue gas desulfurization system having a slurry comprises locating a monitor in the system for accessing the slurry. A sample is periodically drawn from the slurry by the monitor wherein a titration is performed on each sample. The titration performed on each sample comprises adding a potassium iodate KIO.sub.3 solution, a potassium iodide KI starch solution and an acid solution to the sample in the monitor for causing the sample to exhibit a color corresponding to the oxidation rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1993Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventors: Dennis W. Johnson, Pervaje A. Bhat
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Patent number: 6004822Abstract: Described is a device and method for facilitating the determination of the solubility and dissolution properties of chemical compounds in various solvents. The device uses submilliliter quantities of a solvent and correspondingly small amounts of the chemical compound. The device enables solubility measurements to be made on small amounts of chemical compounds, and enables multiple sampling for generating dissolution profiles. The device includes a housing having first chamber in fluid communication with a second chamber. A pump is provided to force alternatingly the solvent from one chamber to another. A filter located between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second chambers allows flow of a solution of the solvent and the chemical compound between the chambers, and the filter prevents the passage of undissolved compound. The device may also be used for titration studies of submilliliter quantities of solutions or suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Alfred LaGrecaInventors: Jianmin Li, Bradley D. Anderson
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Patent number: 5994147Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of acid-gases in an amine-regeneration system, such as is typically found in a natural gas refining plant, having a device for measuring the pH of the system from which the concentration of the acid-gases complexed and the amine can be calculated using an empirically-derived relationship between acid-gas concentration and pH. The invention also includes a system for controlling amine regeneration based upon the above described determining method.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Union Pacific Resources Co.Inventors: Eduardo F. Rodriguez, Robert R. Craycraft
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Patent number: 5993640Abstract: The CaCO.sub.3 content of a scrubbing suspension, especially for a desulfurizing apparatus for flue gas is measured by injecting an acid into a constant mass flow of the suspension circulating along a bypass and measuring the pH before and after such injection. The change in pH is compared with reference measurements and used as a basis for calculating the CaCO.sub.3 concentration.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Lurgi Lentjes Bischoff GmbHInventor: Theo Risse
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Patent number: 5980829Abstract: A neutralization testing apparatus and a neutralization testing method which allow a neutralization reaction rate of a liquid sample such as lubricant oil to be accurately measured are provided. Reagent injecting device for injecting a reagent which neutralizes the liquid sample is provided on a lid member of a closed container into which the liquid sample is charged. The reagent injecting device is an acid injecting port which penetrates through the closed container and an air-tight sealing member which closes the acid injecting port and which permits an injector needle for injecting the reagent to penetrate therethrough. Because no gas leakage occurs even when the injector needle is penetrated because of the elasticity of the air-tight sealing member, the measuring conditions within the closed container do not change and the neutralization reaction rate may be found accurately.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Katafuchi
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Patent number: 5976465Abstract: Analyzers determine the concentration of a test substance by measuring the change of pH in a sample liquid after reaction of the test substance with a reactant. The analyzers have a tube connected between first and second microcapillary pH electrodes. In a first embodiment, the tube functions as a reaction chamber by having a reactant immobilized on a wall of the tubing or confined within the tubing. In a second embodiment, the reactant and test substance are mixed upstream relative to the first and second microcapillary pH electrodes, with the tubing serving as a delay circuit for a kinetic measurement. Output signals of the microcapillary flow-through electrodes are used to determine a change in pH, the change in pH being indicative of the concentration of the test substance.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Universita Degli Studi Di MilanoInventors: Massimo Luzzana, Luigi Rossi Bernardi
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Patent number: 5962330Abstract: Markers which are soluble in petroleum fuel and are extractable from petroleum fuel by either acidic aqueous solutions or basic solutions and develop a color in the presence of the extracting acidic or basic aqueous solution, are identified by passing a specimen putatively containing the marker through an acidic resin column or a basic resin column, as the case may be.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Morton International, Inc.Inventors: Justin J. Frederico, Haresh A. Doshi
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Patent number: 5958782Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound is disclosed that includes a complexing moiety, such as a cryptand or crown-ether portion, and a fluorescing moiety such as a coumarin portion. The coumarin portion may be substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group such as a substituted aromatic group or a substituted heterocyclic group having a heteroatom in at least one of its alpha positions. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James G. Bentsen, Shih-Hung Chou, Elisa M. Cross, Kurt J. Halverson, John E. Trend, Cary A. Kipke, Masao Yafuso, Sanjay L. Patil
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Patent number: 5952237Abstract: The present invention provides a method by which harmful trace gases in a gaseous mixture containing as such harmful halogen gases, halogenated hydrogen gases, acid gases, oxidizing gases, basic gases, organic acid gases, especially halogen gases or halogenated hydrogen gases, are detected by using tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and quantitated from a calibration curve constructed therefrom, where the range of detectable concentration is made adjustable so that harmful gas can be detected and quantitated over a broad range of concentration. Furthermore, this invention also provides a method for extending the accessible range of gas concentration by adjusting the sensitivity of the detector material via control of tetraphenylporphyrin concentration in matrix polymer of the detector material, by controlling the gas concentration range via measurement at a specific wavelength(s), and by the use of a plurality of detector materials with pre-set assay sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Kazunari Tanaka, Chiaki Igarashi, Yoshihiko Sadaoka
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Patent number: 5945830Abstract: A sensor for measuring pH and conductivity for liquids is disclosed. The sensor includes a housing having a pH cell and a conductivity cell. A pH fluid flow path is defined between a pH cell fluid inlet and pH cell fluid outlet. An aperture within the pH cell is adapted to receive an electronic pH probe therein. The aperture is configured to position an end of the pH probe having a pH sensing area therein and juxtaposition to the pH fluid flow path so that fluid flowing within the flow path is exposed to the pH sensing area of the electronic pH sensor. A conductivity cell is adapted for placement of a conductivity sensor therein. The conductivity sensor is disposed between a conductivity cell fluid inlet and conductivity cell fluid outlet so that fluid flowing therethrough contacts the conductivity sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Biosepra, Inc.Inventors: Arthur Magowan, Ernest J. Woods, III
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Patent number: 5925572Abstract: A pH sensor based upon spectrophotometric techniques has been developed for in situ analysis of an aqueous medium, e.g., surface seawater. This sensor utilizes a spectrophotometric pH indicator (Thymol Blue), which has been calibrated for use in seawater as a function of temperature and salinity. Shipboard spectrophotometric pH analyses routinely demonstrate a precision on the order of .+-.0.0004 pH units. In situ analysis of seawater pH has demonstrated a precision on the order of .+-.0.001 and an accuracy, using shipboard measurements as a standard, on the order of .+-.0.01. The sensor is a self-contained system that pumps seawater, meters in indicator, and spectrophotometrically determines indicator absorbance cells, each with three wavelength channels, to obtain the spectrophotometric absorbance. The sensor system, rated for depths up to 500 m, provides pH, conductivity, and temperature and can be operated via computer or in a standalone mode with internal data storage.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Robert H. Byrne, Robert D. Waterbury, John J. Kelly, Bram Leader, Randy Russell, Charles W. Jones, Joseph R. Kolesar, Sean McElligott
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Patent number: 5925318Abstract: The present invention is directed to iron sensors. Immobilized in close proximity of the potential or pH measuring surface of a proton sensing device, minute quantities of an iron chelator such as siderophores or transferring cause detectable variation of the potential or pH upon the binding of iron. The sensing devices for measuring this change in potential or pH include the iron chelator-modified ion-selective field effect transistors (IC-ISFET) and/or pH indicator papers of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Ferro Sensor, Inc.Inventors: Marian L. Kruzel, Kurt S. Myers
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Patent number: 5922612Abstract: A method for the independent, reversible, optical determination of the pH value and the ionic strength of an aqueous sample with the aid of two different sensors in accordance with the fluorescence method, in which method two optical sensors, which are each composed of polymers of different structure but each contain the same fluorescent dye and which each consist of a coated material composed ofa) a carrier material, to which there is appliedb) at least one water-insoluble layer of a polymer comprising at least one hydrophilic monomer (A) from the group of substituted olefins, andc) a proton-sensitive fluorescent dye which is bonded directly or via a bridge group to the spine of polymer b) or which is incorporated in polymer b),are brought into contact with an aqueous test sample, irradiated with exciting light, the fluorescence is measured and the pH values and the ionic strengths are calculated from the measured fluorescence intensities with reference to calibration curves.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Novartis CorporationInventors: Alex Alder, Steven Barnard, Joseph Berger, Nils Blom, Marizel Rouilly
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Patent number: 5910447Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable means rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Litmus Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Lawrence, Peter U. Ly, David R. Shockey
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Patent number: 5897834Abstract: Tests for elevated pH and volatile amines in aqueous fluids are disclosed, including tests useful in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and in other biological conditions. By using formulated indicators and indicators held in matrices that are permeable to gas but not to liquid, the tests provide clear and sharp transitions detectable by visual or machine-readable means rather than by subjective judgments such as small gradations in color or olfactory determinations. The tests lend themselves readily to iconic readouts of the test indications and to the inclusion of positive and negative controls.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Litmus Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Lawrence, Peter U. Ly, David R. Shockey
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Patent number: 5882937Abstract: Ammonia monitor and method of use are disclosed. A continuous, real-time determination of the concentration of ammonia in an aqueous process stream is possible over a wide dynamic range of concentrations. No reagents are required because pH is controlled by an in-line solid-phase base. Ammonia is selectively transported across a membrane from the process stream to an analytical stream under pH control. The specific electrical conductance of the analytical stream is measured and used to determine the concentration of ammonia.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Richard L. Sauer, James R. Akse, John O. Thompson, James E. Atwater