Abstract: A method for determining the amount of metal amino acid chelate present in various chelate compositions. FT-IR is used to determine the amount of free amino acid present. The bound amino acids may be in the form of an amino acid complex or an amino acid chelate. A total metal analysis and measurement of ligand quantity is then performed, from which the percent of metal amino acid chelate in the sample is calculated.

Abstract: A method of assaying metal proteinate samples to determine compliance with European Union standard definitions for such products.

Abstract: Methods for detecting gold and quantitating gold in ore samples utilizing a gold-specific protein are provided, including methods for multiple sample handling. Also provided are methods for extracting gold from mineral suspensions utilizing a magnetic mineral binding reagent and gold-specific protein, or hydrophobic reagent and gold-specific protein in conjunction with a flotation reagent.

Abstract: The invention comprises in its broadest embodiment analysis of components in liquids by bringing a liquid, containing analyte of interest, in contact with an electronic tongue comprising at least one electrode of a material selected from the group consisting of the groups 6-12 of the periodic table, preferably groups 9-11, or alloys thereof. Preferably the metal is selected from the platinum group metals, the most preferred material being Pt. A voltage pulse sequence is applied to the electrodes. The pulse amplitudes can be different for different electrodes, and suitably the amplitudes are varied between negative potentials and positive potentials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical sensor comprising a sensor film formed of a nanoparticle network in which the nanoparticles are interlinked by functionalized dendrimer molecules. The dendrimers support an efficient uptake of analyte molecules by the film material and therefore enable a high sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, the chemical nature of the dendrimers strongly determines the chemical selectivity of the sensor device. By cross-linking the components of the sensitive material the sensor displays a good mechanical stability.

Abstract: An airtight configuration for keeping down the permeation of corrosive gas from silicone adhesive, and for preventing corrosive gas from entering the case.

Abstract: A portable instrument for automatic collection and analysis of airborne lead concentrations in ambient air environments. Its improvements to the art of airborne lead detection and analysis permit the apparatus to analyze samples previously collected by personal monitors, for example, worn on the clothing of personnel working in contaminated sites. The apparatus also brings to the art of lead analysis a method of contaminant collection that ensures a greater capture efficiency of airborne contaminants, thereby increasing the accuracy of the instrument and its measurement capabilities while providing near real-time analysis and measurement in a portable self-contained battery-powered device. The apparatus also offers a remarkable improvement in the reduction of wastes incurred in the collection and analysis of airborne lead contaminants which is a novel method of concentrating the samples and recycling the analysis media used to concentrate and solubilize lead contaminants.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles associated with a spectroscopy-active analyte and surrounded by an encapsulant are useful as sensitive optical tags detectable by surface-enhanced spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention is a colorimetric method, and kit therefore, for determining the level of elemental contaminants in a water source. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: (a) sampling a discrete amount of water to be tested, (b) contacting the water sample with a solid material having high specificity for reversibly binding to, or complexing with, the element to be detected, (c) separating the element-containing solid from the water sample, (d) eluting the element from the element-containing solid with an eluting solution, (e) adding a cation-containing solution capable of freeing the element to be detected from the eluting compound, (f) adding a buffer, (g) adding a colorimetric material capable of indicating the amount of metal present in the solution, (h) adding an oxidation-fixing reagent, and (i) estimating the amount of metal in the sample by comparing the solution to provided color standards.

Abstract: The invention describes a new device for the measurement of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The device is based on a simple construction and can be manufactured in a cost effective way. The pH dependency of the redox potential of organic substances is used to determine an electrical characteristic that depends on the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The device for the potentiometric determination of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide consists of a housing with an opening for the entrance for gases, a gas permeable membrane, an electrolyte, at least one redox and one reference electrode with electrode contacts that transmit the electrode potential outwards through the housing. The gas permeable membrane has an electronically conductive layer that works as a redox electrode for a pH dependent redox system.

Abstract: Multilayered porous materials are formed by coating a porous substrate with a metal and adsorbing an organic layer comprising a recognition moiety onto the metal film. The recognition moiety interacts with an analyte of interest allowing for its detection, purification, etc. Suitable recognition moieties can be selected from a range of species including, small molecules, polymers and biomolecules and the like. The novel porous materials of the invention can be utilized in an array of methods including, ion-exchange, ion-selective ion-exchange, assays, affinity dialysis, size exclusion dialysis and the like.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) uses nanoscale metal particles (SERS-active particles) or surface roughness to enhance the Raman signal of Raman-active analytes contacting the surface. SERS sandwich particles contain SERS-active particles sandwiching a Raman-active substance and serve as optical tags. Preferably, the particles are rod-shaped, with each layer (SERS-active and Raman-active) formed as a distinct stripe of the particle. These freestanding particles can be derivatized with surface ligands capable of associating with analytes of interest in, for example, a biological sample. The acquired Raman spectrum of the particle encodes the identity of the ligand. Because of the simplicity and intensity of Raman spectra, highly multiplexed assays are capable using SERS particles with different Raman-active species.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of screening libraries of small molecules such as combinatorial chemical libraries of organic molecules, including peptides and other chemical libraries, for binding to target molecules, using fluoroscence-activated cell sorting (FACS) machines.

Abstract: The invention provides a biochemical sensor with probes uniformly caught in each section. The probes used for detecting a substance of interest are caught in advance on particles, and the particles are fixed in each of sections arranged in form of lattice using a chemical patterning method on the surface of a baseplate. In each section, the particles attached with probes caught on the surface are fixed in single layer and tightly packed. The quantity of the particles fixed on the baseplate is determined by using a light scattering from the particles or by labeling the particles in advance with fluorescent substance. Therefore, the number of probes caught in each section of individual biochemical sensor is determined so as to allow the substance of interest to be detected with high accuracy.

Abstract: A process and a kit are provided for detecting differences in two or more samples of protein, including proteins bearing post-translational modifications and peptides. Proteins are prepared, for example, from each of a different group of cell samples or body fluid samples to be compared. Each protein extract is labeled with a different one of a luminescent dye from a matched set of dyes. The matched dyes have generally the same ionic and pH characteristics but emit light at different wavelengths to exhibit a different color upon luminescence detection. The labeled protein extracts are mixed together and separated together by electrophoresis or a chromatographic method. The separation is observed to detect proteins unique to one sample or present in a greater ratio in one sample than in the other. Those unique or excess proteins will fluoresce the color of one of the dyes used. Proteins common to each sample migrate together and fluoresce the same.

Abstract: An endpoint detection system for copper stripping using a colorimetric analysis of the change in concentration of a component is described. Wet copper stripping chemicals are used to strip copper from a wafer whereby an eluent is produced. The eluent is continuously analyzed by colorimetric analysis for the presence of copper. The copper stripping process is stopped when the presence of copper is no longer detected. Also novel compounds or chemicals for use in an endpoint detection system for copper stripping using a colorimetric analysis of the change in concentration of the novel compounds or chemicals are described. A composition of matter that serves as an indicator of the presence of copper by colorimetric analysis comprises: 1) Fast Sulphon Black F indicator and an ammonium ion-containing solution or 2) a complexing agent, comprising a diamine, an amine macrocycle, or a monoamine.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for atomic absorption spectroscopy of an analyte which is contained in a sample to be analyzed and which is converted into free atoms in an absorption volume of an atomizer, said method comprising the steps of (a) position- and time-dependent measuring of the atomic absorption over the cross-section of the absorption volume and (b) simultaneous determination of surface temperatures of the atomizer.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: A method for determining copper (I) concentrations in water or seawater samples. In the method a probe is dipped into the sample for a time sufficient to produce a color change, removed and compared to a color standard to determine the concentration. The probe includes a substrate and an impregnate, bathocuproine, which complexes to copper (I) to produce a colored complex that is not toxic or less toxic to marine organisms than copper (I). The substrate is an ionomeric polymer having hydrophobic chains with hydrophilic cation exchange cites. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is a sulfonated perfluoropolymer.

Abstract: A method for evaluating ratios of metallic impurities in lithographic materials is disclosed. The method comprises: separating said metal from said lithographic material by microwave heating; then adding said metal to an acid to form a solution; and finally analyzing said solution by a instrument to measure ratio of said metal.

Abstract: A method of identifying embryonic or fetal red blood cells in a sample containiing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising determining which cell or cells contain or express an adult liver component. A method of isolating embryonic or fetal red blood cells from a sample containing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising isolating the cells which contain or express an adult liver component. A method of determining a fetal abnormality the method comprising identifying or isolating embryonic or fetal cells according to the above methods and analysing said embryonic or early fetal cells for said abnormality. Use of a means for determining whether a cell contains or expresses an adult liver component for identifying or isolating an embryonic or fetal red blood cell.

Abstract: A device is provided for capturing ionic metal species (e.g., Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) dissolved in water. The device includes a nonporous polymeric tube for capturing the dissolved ionic metal species. The tube is formed from a membrane having transient cavities therein having an average pore size greater than 10 Å. A sequestration medium, contained within the tube, transforms the ionic metal species captured by the tube into a complexed, non-mobile metal species. The sequestration medium is capable of diffusing through the nonporous polymeric membrane at a controlled rate to form the complexed, non-mobile species and can comprise a mixture and metal complexing agent (e.g., a quinoline) and a long chain organic acid (e.g., oleic acid).

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic methods and test kits for rapidly assessing the coagulant activity of blood by measuring the rate of blood clotting in the presence of certain metal ions. A modulator of coagulation may also be included. The coagulation activity of the blood of the patient in the presence of metal ions and an optional modulator is an indication of the presence or development of certain pathological conditions relating to the procoagulant activity of blood, including platelet function. The effect of metal ions on the viscosity of blood is also diagnostically useful.

Abstract: A substrate such as a porous tape coated with an adsorbent and impregnated with a processing solution which includes a silver salt, an organic acid such as benzenetricarboxylic acid or benzenesulfonic acid (with or without the addition of nitric acid) and a glycol is a sensitive detecting means for hydride gases and is stable upon exposure to light.

Abstract: The invention described in detail herein relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules in solution. The invention specifically relates to improvements in the area of photoluminescent sensors for use in a detection scheme involving the alteration of a photoluminescent label or moiety attached to or associated with an analyte binding macromolecule. One may use the changes in photoluminescence lifetime, changes in ratios of photoluminescence intensity or changes in photoluminescence polarization (anisotropy) to determine the analyte. The photoluminescence change measured correlates to the concentration of the ion or molecule in solution.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a batch of scrap material, subsequent to processing of the batch, to determine the content of precious metal present in the batch prior to processing of the batch, includes introducing a predetermined amount of a tracer into the batch, prior to processing, processing the batch and the tracer into a homogenous mixture, assaying a sample portion of the homogenous mixture to assess the amount of tracer in the sample portion, and to assess the amount of precious metal in the sample portion, and ascertaining the content of the precious metal in the batch prior to processing of the batch by applying to the assayed amount of the precious metal a ratio between the predetermined amount of tracer introduced into the batch prior to processing and the assessed amount of tracer in the sample portion.

Abstract: Stabilized aqueous coenzyme solutions which contain up to ca. 60 mM of a heavy metal salt and optionally a complexing agent in a defined ratio to the heavy metal salt as well as their use for the determination of dehydrogenases in particular lactate dehydrogenase or corresponding substrates in an alkaline environment.

Abstract: Radio frequency photo conductive decay is used to monitor a small piece of high-grade silicon to determine if copper contamination has been removed from a probe tool. A probe tool is placed in contact with a small "waferette" of silicon repeatedly until the copper signal is diminished, indicating that the tool may be used for other products without concern for copper contamination.

Abstract: A method for determining silver concentration in a solution is disclosed. This method generally comprises immersing a substantially pure, elemental, copper strip in a sample of the solution to be tested, agitating the strip in the sample, removing the strip from the sample, and observing the color change, if any, of the strip. These strips are generally greater than 99% pure copper, and have been coated with a metal ion layer. An alternative embodiment provides for removal of the metal ion layer immediately before testing the silver concentration of the solution. A test kit comprising the active copper strips is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide solution, for use in fabricating a semiconductor device, includes a membrane tube having a porous plug inserted in each end, with the porous plugs defining a space where a platinum catalyst is disposed. A first coupling tube is inserted into one end of the membrane tube to supply a hydrogen peroxide sample to the membrane tube. The hydrogen peroxide contained in hydrogen peroxide sample is decomposed into water and oxygen gas according to an action of the platinum catalyst. A second coupling tube is inserted into a second end of the membrane tube to discharge a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to an analytical instrument, where the decomposed hydrogen peroxide solution is analyzed on-line.

Abstract: A polyfunctional amine, such as cyclam, substituted with 4-(N,N-dimethylao) benzonitrile, exhibits triple fluorescence and complexes with metal ions. The complexation of metal ions with the fluorophore changes the triple fluorescence characteristics of the fluorophore. Thus, this substituted polyfunctional amine provides an effective indicator for the qualitative and quantitative detection of metals.

Abstract: A pen-like device having a scriber for scratching a deep groove in a yellow colored, metal article object, such as jewelry, being tested for the gold content thereof, and an applicator provided on an opposite end of the pen-like device for conveying an acid solution, which is housed within the pen-like device, onto, around and in the groove to observe whether there is a color change to the testing area, on which the acid solution was applied, making the the testing area darker or black, where such a color change would indicate that the metal article or object is imitation gold, or has a gold content which is less than minimum karat requirement of the test.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for detecting heavy metals within the bulk of a silicon wafer with high sensitivity. An electric field is applied to a surface of the silicon wafer in order to aggregate heavy metals existing within the bulk of the silicon wafer to the surface of the wafer or the vicinity thereof, and the heavy metals aggregated to the surface of the wafer or the vicinity of the surface are analyzed. The application of an electric field is performed through corona-discharge treatment of the surface of the wafer, or through application of voltage to the surface of the wafer via a contact or non-contact electrode. Alternatively, an x-ray beam is radiated onto the surface of the silicon wafer in order to aggregate heavy metals existing within the bulk of the silicon wafer to the surface of the wafer or the vicinity thereof, and the heavy metals aggregated to the surface of the wafer or the vicinity thereof are analyzed.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection and removal of copper from wastewater streams from semiconductor or printed circuit board manufacturing is described and claimed. The detection system and method involve the addition of a reagent that reacts with copper to quench the fluorophore present, with the decrease in fluorescence being detected by a fluorometer. The reduction of fluorescence is then used to calculate the amount of copper present in the form of Cu+2 ion in the wastewater. The removal system and method involve either the addition of a polymer that reacts with copper to form an insoluble precipitate with said precipitate then being removed by using any technique commonly known in the art; or the use of an ion exchange column to remove the copper from the wastewater stream.

Abstract: A process and a kit are provided for detecting differences in two or more samples of protein. Protein extracts are prepared, for example, from each of a different group of cell samples to be compared. Each protein extract is labeled with a different one of a luminescent dye from a matched set of dyes. The matched dyes have generally the same ionic and pH characteristics but emit light at different wavelengths to exhibit a different color upon luminescence detection. The labeled protein extracts are mixed together and electrophoresed together. The gel is observed to detect proteins unique to one sample or present in a greater ratio in one sample than in the other. Those unique or excess proteins will fluoresce the color of one of the dyes used. Proteins common to each sample migrate together and fluoresce the same.

Abstract: A uranium-containing/metal binding complex and process for the determinat of natural and depleted uranium in biological samples such as water, urine, blood serum, saliva, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, stool extract, synovial fluid, tears, semen extract, sputum, and peritoneal fluid. The samples are mixed with a buffer, one or more masking agents, and a solubilizing compound, to form a uranium-containing metal binding complex composition, followed by the addition of a pyridylazo indicator dye to said composition. The increase in absorbance due to the uranium-dye complex is determined with a spectrophotometer or colorimeter.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for testing items of metal such as jewelry comprises a housing (3) which is closed at one end (3a) and partly open at the other end (3b). Sealed within the housing is an insert comprising a reservoir (5) containing a testing chemical and an applicator (7). The applicator extends into the reservoir (5) and projects from the housing through its partly open end (3b). The outer surface of the applicator (7) projecting from the housing forms a tip which is used to apply the testing chemical to the surface of the metal under test.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A sampling method for collecting metallic contaminants from a surface of a wafer having an oxide film thereon. A sampling vessel comprises a bottom having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a cylindrical wall extending from the edge of the bottom, and a step section having a plane intercepting an arc plane of the cylindrical wall for adapting the orientation flat of the wafer. Sampling liquid containing 0.1 to 10% HF and hydrogen peroxide dissolves the oxide film and collects the metallic contaminants by swinging the sampling vessel on the convex outer surface of the bottom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A novel electrochemiluminescent (ECL) reaction between diaminoaromatic ligands and soluble metal ions, specifically reactions between aminoaromatic ligands, such as 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4,DAT), 3,4-diaminotoluene (3,4,DAT) and 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2,3-DAN) and metal ions such as Au(I), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), Ru)III), Se(IV) and V(V). Such reactions form the basis for ECL assays in detection of various substances, such as the reactants. The ECL interaction between these substances can also form the basis for binding methods in the detection of other substances, such as nucleic acids and antibodies wherein the metal ion ligand ECL complex may be used as a label. The ECL assays are considered useful for carrying out field and laboratory analyses for the detection of TNT breakdown products and toxic metals in wastewater streams, soil, and ground water supplies.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involves precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance. A releasing agent may be used after filtering the precipitate and prior to testing the precipitate with a dye. In another embodiment, the sample is filtered without the prior use of a precipitating agent.

Abstract: Impurity distributions in microelectronic structures formed from an aluminum-containing material are determined. A passivation layer, e.g., a titanium/titanium nitride layer or a borphosphosilicate glass (BPSG) layer, is formed on a substrate. A layer of the aluminum-containing material is formed on the passivation layer. The layer of the aluminum-containing material is then exposed to a phosphoric acid solution to remove aluminum from the layer of the aluminum-containing material and leave a precipitate on the passivation layer. The precipitate is then analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrograms and/or Auger analysis to determine a distribution of impurities in the layer of the aluminum-containing material.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of polyvalent metal ions using a sandwich aggregation assay. One or more chelating agents capable of forming at least 2:1 or higher ratio stoichiometry complexes with polyvalent metal ions are attached to a suitable carrier such as latex particles through covalent bonds or by non-covalent interactions, such as hydophobic interactions. Upon complexation with the metal ions, the carriers of the complexing agent aggregate, causing an increase in light absorbance or light scattering which is proportional to the concentration of metal ions in the test sample. The measurement of the light absorbance or light scattering by a suitable instrument, such as a spectrophotometer or nephelometer provides a means for measuring the concentration of metal ions.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumptions rates.