Apparatus for measuring physiological parameters

US6277629A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Micronas GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Bernhard Wolf · Poing, DE
• Ulrich Sieben · Meßkirch, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 1, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 21, 2001
• Expiry date: Jun 1, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S435/808
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for measuring physiological parameters has a test chamber (2) having boundaries defined by a first semiconductor chip (3) and a second semiconductor chip (4), between which chips a seal (7) bordering the test chamber (2) is arranged as a distance spacer. The first semiconductor chip (3) has an active side, which faces the test chamber (2) and has planar sensors, on which biological cells (6) located in a nutrient medium can be adherently deposited in order to measure physiological parameters directly on the cells (6). The second semiconductor chip (4) has on an active side, facing the test chamber (2), at least one additional sensor to measure global physiological parameters. The semiconductor chips (3, 4) are held in the sealing position using a mounting (8) that grasps over them on the outer side. Outside of the test chamber (2) the semiconductor chips (3, 4) each have electric connection contacts, which contact with opposing contacts of the mounting. The apparatus is constructed simply and cost-effectively.