Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a suspect chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity, for use with safety systems. A vapor concentrator amplifies a suspect chemical vapor concentration to a detectible level, for use with an infrared detector. Compensation is provided for environmental variations that may influence the passive measurement of the chemical vapor sensor. Environmental variations may include extrinsic vapors in the surrounding air, or air currents that divert the sample vapor as it drifts from the suspect vapor source to a sampling intake. In an example, ethanol vapor is measured and carbon dioxide tracer measurements are used to calculate an ethanol vapor measurement that is adjusted for environmental variations. In an aspect, a time artifact filter sets the output of the carbon dioxide sensor to match the time dependence of the ethanol sensor, to calculate blood alcohol concentration.

Abstract: A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is measured, and sufficient sensitivity is provided to passively detect a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. The sensor can be situated in an inconspicuous vehicle cabin location and operate independently without requiring active involvement by a driver. A vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectible level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, in comparison to conventional chemical sensors, the sensitivity of detection of ethanol vapor is increased by a factor of about 1,000. Further, a single channel of infrared detection is utilized avoiding spurious infrared absorption and making the chemical vapor sensor less costly to implement.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the spatial distribution of an ionomer in a fuel cell MEA. The method includes embedding the MEA in an epoxy, and then slicing thin sections from the MEA. The sliced sections are then exposed to a titanium tetrachloride vapor that stains the epoxy. The stained sections are then viewed with, for example, a transmission electron microscope (TEM) where the lighter regions in the TEM image show the ionomer distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.

Abstract: Highly sensitive devices for detecting nitric oxide and/or other gaseous analytes in gaseous samples are improved by the incorporation of a carbon monoxide scavenger in the interior of the device or in the device packaging. The release of carbon monoxide within the housing of the device by the plastic used in the construction of the housing or by anything within the device that releases carbon monoxide causes a loss in sensitivity due to competition between the carbon monoxide and the nitric oxide for the binding sites on the device sensor. The scavenger corrects this by either catalyzing the oxidation of carbon monoxide to the less competitive carbon dioxide or immobilizing the carbon monoxide by affinity-type or covalent binding. Analogous effects are achieved for analytes other than nitric oxide but that likewise encounter interference from carbon monoxide in binding to sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of fluorescent, organic nanofibrils, and particularly the films comprising entangled piling of these nanofibrils exhibiting effective quenching of their fluorescence upon exposure the vapor of explosives. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing the explosives vapor and other volatile organic compounds, including the explosives taggants through the modulation of the fluorescence of the nanofibril film and the electrical conductivity of the nanofibrils. The invention also relates to a development of synthetic methods, protocols and techniques that leads to production of various arylene-ethynylene macrocycle (AEM) molecules, which consist of a shape-persistent, toroidal scaffold in planar conformation, with minimal ring strain and highly tunable ring sizes (from 0.5 nm to above 10 nm).

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot cavity has a pair of partially transmissive, partially reflective, surfaces. A first of the surfaces is flexibly suspended adjacent and parallel to a second of the surfaces. A gap exists between the surfaces. A variable electrostatic potential permits this gap to be adjusted. A translucent chemical layer is disposed on the first surface. A photosensor is attached to the second surface. Light irradiates the photosensor through the chemical layer and the first and second surfaces wherein the light is also partially reflected between the surfaces. A sensing environment is provided wherein an agent undergoes a reaction with the chemical layer as well as an environment wherein the reaction does not occur. The output of the photosensor is measured to assess a change in spectrum and spectral intensity for each of the sensing environments. The gap between the surfaces as well as the light used are selected to provide an optimum photosensor output.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a calorimetric gas detector system that comprises a substrate (1) bearing a material (12) that can react with a target gas to produce a change in the wavelength of radiation absorbed or transmitted by the material (“colour-change material”). The method involves: a) applying onto a region (15) of the substrate that includes colour-change material a chemical of predetermined concentration that reacts directly or indirectly with the colour-change material to produce a change in the wavelength of the radiation absorbed or transmitted by the material; b) detecting the radiation absorbed or transmitted in said region (15) at a wavelength absorbed or transmitted by the reaction product of the colour change material with the chemical, and c) generating a signal in accordance with the amount of radiation detected at the second wavelength, said signal being dependent on the amount of colour-change material on the substrate.

Abstract: A hand-held device detects the presence of a preselected substance in the breath. A deformable housing forms a test chamber for interacting an indicator reagent with the breath. An ampoule positioned inside the housing is ruptured by manual pressure through the walls of the housing. The contents of the ruptured ampoule are exposed to the breath introduced into the chamber. The presence of a substance in the breath causes the indicator reagent to undergo a visually ascertainable change. The ampoule is secured within the housing by a pair of filter plugs having inboard concavities to receive the rounded ends of the ampoule to center it within the housing, and plural detents prevent slippage of the filters. Additional embodiments lower the user's risk of being cut by glass shards, prevent reagent inhalation, enhance the visual aspects of the device, and physically indicate the presence of breath flowing through the device.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for being inconspicuous and on-board a vehicle, having a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode, for detecting a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectible level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. In an aspect, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test process. The apparatus may have additional light source so that the photo sensor may monitor the test process by detecting the absorption light beam or fluorescent light beam from the flow cell at different phases of the test process.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte, comprising a step of measuring a detectable substance by using a reaction system including a formation reaction of the detectable substance based on a chemical reaction of the analyte contained in a sample, wherein a layered inorganic compound is caused to exist in the reaction system including the formation reaction of the detectable substance, whereby high-sensitivity measurement is made possible, the detectable substance can be stabilized to improve accuracy of the measurement, a rate of a chemical reaction is increased to enable quick measurement, and high-sensitivity measurement is made possible even in a reaction system which forms an insoluble substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a biological attribute, such as the concentration of an analyte, particularly a blood analyte in tissue such as glucose. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved instrument-tailored or subject-tailored calibration model. In a calibration phase, calibration model data is modified to reduce or eliminate instrument-specific attributes, resulting in a calibration data set modeling intra-instrument or intra-subject variation. In a prediction phase, the prediction process is tailored for each target instrument separately using a minimal number of spectral measurements from each instrument or subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of formaldehyde in an exhaust stream from turbines, internal combustion engines and the like, which apparatus includes a portable housing having a sample gas inlet through which a sample gas for analysis is introduced into the portable housing and an analysis system disposed in the portable housing suitable for analyzing the sample gas for the presence of formaldehyde in the sample gas.

Abstract: A chemical detection sensor system comprises a support structure; multiple SERS chemical detection sensors supported by the support structure; multiple chemical reaction sensors, wherein each of the chemical reaction sensors is disposed for undergoing a state change in response to an occurrence of a chemical reaction at one of the SERS chemical detection sensors; a processor supported by the support structure for recording data representing occurrence of a chemical reaction at any of the chemical detection sensors in response to sensing the state change; and a power source for energizing the processor.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the conductivity/charge of a layer of group III-V semiconductor doped with Sn. The method includes the steps of: forming an region of SiO2 on the semiconductor layer; annealing at least the semiconductor layer and the region of SiO2 at a temperature sufficiently high to cause atoms of the Sn dopant to leach from the semiconductor layer into the region of SiO2; and removing the region of SiO2 after the annealing step is performed. The method can be used, for example, during the manufacture of HEMT, PHEMT, MESFET and HBT devices.

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: A test strip, methods for making and using the test strip, and a kit are described, which allow for the simple and efficient determination of the acetaldehyde content in a polyester polymer. The strip and methods have application, for example, in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate preforms and containers, where existing methods for testing for acetaldehyde are cumbersome and time consuming.

Abstract: A method of determining a surface property of a plurality of solids by contacting the solids with a fluid, measuring the radiation emitted, absorbed, or altered during desorption of the fluid using a detector, and then determining at least one surface property of the solids from the radiation measurements has been invented. The invention is particularly useful in combinatorial applications in order to evaluate a plurality of solids or mixtures of solids to determine at least one surface property of each of the solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.

Abstract: A combustion gas detection apparatus includes a transparent tube partially filled with a combustion gas sensing fluid and an inlet fitting for engagement with the radiator cap of an engine cooling system and an outlet fitting connected with a vacuum port of the engine.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: An optical gas sensor for determining a gas, in particular in air, having a radiation source, a detector and a sensitive layer in the beam path of the radiation source. The sensitive layer contains at least one oligomer or polymer having at least one side chain, the side chain having at least one basic or acidic functional group.

Abstract: Improved calorimetric analysis technology based on the analysis of reaction gas, is disclosed. In accordance with the inventive apparatus, a gas permeable medium bearing a suitable calorimetric reagent, is positioned so that gas exiting the apparatus passes through the gas permeable medium.

Abstract: A local oscillation FET has a source connecting pad, a drain connecting pad and a gate connecting pad. The source connecting pad occupies one corner of a substrate, and the drain and gate connecting pads are placed at the neighboring corners so that the three connecting pads form an L shape on the substrate. As a modification to this configuration, another source connecting pad is placed at the remaining corner of the substrate so that the drain and gate connecting pads are shielded from each other by the two source connecting pads. These device configurations contribute to size reduction of the local oscillation FET.

Abstract: An anodic double layer gasochromic sensor structure for optical detection of hydrogen in improved response time and with improved optical absorption real time constants, comprising: a glass substrate; a tungsten-doped nickel oxide layer coated on the glass substrate; and a palladium layer coated on the tungsten-doped nickel oxide layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a real-time luminescent piezoelectric detector capable of sensing the presence of biological and chemical agents. This detector includes a free-standing thin film that is driven by a frequency driver to produce light emitted from an edge of the thin film. A surface layer sensitive to the biological or chemical agent to be detected is disposed on the surface of the thin film. In the presence of the biological or chemical agent to be detected, the light emitted from the edge of the thin film structure is altered. A processor capable of determining the presence and/or concentration of the biological or chemical agent in question based on the altered emitted light receives an output representative of the emitted light and outputs the status of the presence and/or concentration of the biological or chemical agent in question.

Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.

Abstract: Analytical reagents and mass spectrometry-based methods using these reagents for the rapid, and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins. The methods employ affinity labeled protein reactive reagents having three portions: an affinity label (A) covalently linked to a protein reactive group (PRG) through a linker group (L). The linker may be differentially isotopically labeled, e.g., by substitution of one or more atoms in the linker with a stable isotope thereof. These reagents allow for the selective isolation of peptide fragments or the products of reaction with a given protein (e.g., products of enzymatic reaction) from complex mixtures. The isolated peptide fragments or reaction products are characteristic of the presence of a protein or the presence of a protein function in those mixtures. Isolated peptides or reaction products are characterized by mass spectrometric (MS) techniques.

Abstract: A device for detecting gaseous and vaporous components of a gas mixture by means of channels 2, which are located next to each other on a support 201, are connected in parallel in terms of flow, and are exposed to the component to be detected along a flow axis 3. A scanning section 6 of a scanning device is provided which extends along one of the channels 2, for detecting the change in color of reaction zones in the channels 2. Multiple channel arrangements can also be analyzed in a simple manner with a scanning section evaluating individual channels. At least some of the channels 2 on the support 201 are directed such that an angle &agr; not equal to 0 is formed between the flow axis 3 and the scanning section 6, and the channels 2 are located in the covered area of the scanning section 6.

Abstract: A chemical dosimeter comprising: a chamber defined by a heat resistant mesh; and a quantity of an adsorbent contained within the chamber; the arrangement being such that gas may diffuse into the chamber through the heat resistant mesh so that chemicals in the gas may be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

Abstract: A tissue-based, deployable, standoff air quality sensor for detecting the presence of at least one chemical or biological warfare agent, includes: a cell containing entrapped photosynthetic tissue, the cell adapted for analyzing photosynthetic activity of the entrapped photosynthetic tissue; means for introducing an air sample into the cell and contacting the air sample with the entrapped photosynthetic tissue; a fluorometer in operable relationship with the cell for measuring photosynthetic activity of the entrapped photosynthetic tissue; and transmitting means for transmitting analytical data generated by the fluorometer relating to the presence of at least one chemical or biological warfare agent in the air sample, the sensor adapted for deployment into a selected area.

Abstract: A fluorescence-based method for highly sensitive and selective detection of volatile organic compounds such as vapors of benzene, alcohol, chloroform, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) that is a simulant of Sarin, Soman and other chemical warfare agents, is proposed. The method employs the effect of strong fluorescence change in thin films of aggregated porphyrins. In one preferred embodiment, the aggregation of porphyrin molecules leads to initial depression of chromophore emission due to self-quenching effect. The binding of analyte molecules to porphyrin sensitive layer forms porphyrin-analyte complexes, which destroy initial aggregate structure and induce the strong fluorescence enhancement. Aggregate-sensing films usually provide higher and faster response than porphyrins isolated in a polymer matrix. That results in strong enhancement of the florescence quantum yield and shift of the fluorescent spectrum in the direction of shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed which enhance the microscopic observation and analysis of biological entities such as cells, bacteria and viruses by eliminating interfering magnetic clusters created by naturally occurring aggregators of colloidal magnetic particles. Additionally means for significantly enhancing the magnetic isolation of low antigen density target cells from biological samples are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, kits, and apparatus for calculating kinetic and concentration information in microscale systems are provided. Dwell times for access by a microfluidic system are varied and the resulting modulation of signal profile information used to provide a first order estimation of an activity of a potential activity modulator accessed by the system.

Abstract: An optical sensor is provided for determining a physical and/or chemical parameter of a sample, having at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical receiver, and having a sensitive element which is arranged in a beam path between the transmitter and the receiver and is exposable to the sample, and which changes its absorption and/or its refractive index for electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength in response to a change in parameters of the sample, in particular, a gas-sensitive element, and possibly having an evaluation unit arranged downstream of the receiver. The transmitter and the receiver can be coupled to the sensitive element via at least one optical waveguide. Provision is made for the transmitter (12) and for the receiver (14) to be coupled to the sensitive element via at least one optical waveguide (26, 28).

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone detecting material comprising a polymer prepared by polymerization of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of aniline, aniline having a halogen substituent at the 2-position, aniline having a halogen substituent at the 3-position, aniline having a halogen substituent at the 4-position, aniline having a C1-3 alkyl substituent at the N-position, toluidine and diphenylamine; and a method for detecting ozone comprising the steps of contacting this ozone detecting material with an ozone-containing gas and determining the light absorption rate and/or electrical conductivity of the ozone detecting material at that time.

Abstract: An optical sensor is described for determining the concentration of a gas in gas mixtures, which can especially be used for determining the carbon monoxide content of the air. It includes a radiation source, a sensitive layer positioned on a translucent substrate, and a detector. The sensitive layer of the sensor contains a transition metal compound which forms a transition metal complex with the gas to be determined.

Abstract: A sensor which senses concentrations of a component of a fluid. In a dialysis system, the sensor can monitor the total ammonia and ammonium concentration in dialysate. The sensor has an optical indicator, such as an ammonia sensitive membrane, positioned in direct contact with the dialysate fluid when in use. The ammonia sensitive membrane has a variable optical indication, such as a variable color change, in relation to the concentration of ammonia in the dialysate. An optical reader reads the color change of the membrane to measure the total ammonia and ammonium concentration in the dialysate. The sensor can be used in the dialysis system to monitor the effectiveness of sorbants which remove ammonia/ammonium which is produced from an enzyme reaction with urea, the urea being removed from a patient during dialysis treatment.

Abstract: A membrane capable of sensing gaseous phase ammonia is provided. The membrane includes a hydrophobic membrane layer that has a microporous structure and a pH sensitive dye embedded within the microporous structure such that the membrane is capable of calorimetrically sensing a change in ammonia with a high degree of sensitivity and responsiveness as applied to, for example, a change in ammonia dissolved in a dialysis solution during dialysis therapy.

Abstract: A field-installable and removable moisture and/or acid test kit and method is used for a vapor compression system. A moisture and/or acid indicator is provided in the test kit which is installed at a single point location upstream or downstream of the system compressor in a region where the system working fluid is in a substantially vapor phase. The test kit can be connected to the system by a threaded connection or a quick disconnect fitting. The moisture/acid indicator in the test kit detects the presence of moisture and/or acid by a diffusion of moisture or acid to the indicator via diffusion. Some magnification is provided in the test kit because the lower transport rates from the vapor diffusion mechanism requires a smaller mass of indicator material than has been used in conventional flowing liquid systems.

Abstract: Process for the detection of a product in the discharge of a catalytic material of a plurality of catalytic materials which are exposed to a reaction gas, whereby an adsorbent selective for the product to be determined is disposed in the discharge of each catalytic material, which changes at least one of its properties through the contact with the product to be determined and the change in the property of the adsorbent is then ascertained. The process serves in particular to determine the selectivity and activity of catalytic materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for detecting and measuring volatile acidic or basic components including ammonia, ammonium, or volatile amines (compound) in a gas or liquid state fluid. Specifically, the present invention provides a PTFE-carrier solid phase indicator film having an ammonia-sensitive indicator dye embedded therein, such that the dye moiety changes color or spectral properties upon exposure to the compound to be detected.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapidly analyzing groups of reactions are disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting a fluid sample from one of the reaction mixtures with a sorbent, trapping at least one component of the fluid sample on the sorbent, and detecting the at least one component of the fluid sample trapped on the sorbent. The contacting step, the trapping step, and the detecting step are carried out at least once for each of the reaction mixtures in rapid serial or parallel fashion. The present invention is useful for screening combinatorial libraries, especially libraries of catalysts made through parallel synthesis, but the disclosed methods and devices can be used to analyze a broad spectrum of chemical transformations.