Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for measuring electrochemical activity

US4336121A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
7References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 15, 1980
Grant dateJun 22, 1982
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 15, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T436/106664
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed for measuring the electrochemical activity of a liquid, for example, the hydrogen ion activity or pH value of blood. A disposable cartridge includes spaced indicating and reference electrodes which develop electrical properties as a function of the electrochemical activity. The cartridge carries a capsule containing an electrolyte solution. A machine for measuring the electrochemical activity includes a socket in a pivoting door for receiving the cartridge. When the door is pivoted into a closed position, the capsule is automatically crushed thereby covering the electrodes with the solution. The breaking of the capsule triggers an electronic measurement of the resultant electrical properties that develop between the two electrodes. This calibration factor is stored and used to compute the electrochemical characteristics of the sample when it is introduced into the cartridge to cover the indicating electrode. In one embodiment a photocell arrangement emits light which is absorbed by the sample so as to automatically trigger the final measurement when the sample is in contact with the indicating electrode. The cartridge is heated to a predetermined temperature …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.