Transidyne General Corporation

Steven E Enzer

Robert J Sarrine

Howard Diamond

Joseph Flowers, Jr

William L Wilfong

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 to insure the accuracy of the measurement. Preferably, the socket assembly includes heater pads on opposing printed circuit boards which come into contact with the cartridge when the door is closed. The cartridge has a thermally conductive insert adjacent the tip of the indicating electrode which is contacted by a sensor in the socket to provide signals to a microcomputer which is adapted to control the measurement process. The heater system is selectively disabled by the microcomputer to insure the accuracy of the measurement.

Apparatus for measuring electrochemical activity

Cartridge for determining the electrochemical characteristics of a liquid

A method and apparatus for measuring a chemical characteristic of a liquid such as its hydrogen ion activity or pH value. A disposable cassette having a reference and indicating electrode therein utilizes the same solution to first calibrate the device and then as an electrolytic bridge from the liquid sample to the reference electrode. The solution has the properties of a buffered pH and also provides a stable electrochemical environment around the reference electrode. In one embodiment, a volume of a liquid sample is placed into a capillary tube and the open end of the tube is then placed over the indicating electrode immersed in the solution. The electrical potential between the indicating electrode and the spaced reference electrode in the electrolyte solution provides a measurement of the pH value of the liquid when compared to the calibration potential previously measured without the liquid sample contacting the indicating electrode.

Apparatus for electrochemical measurements

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 to insure the accuracy of the measurement. Preferably, the socket assembly includes heater pads on opposing printed circuit boards which come into contact with the cartridge when the door is closed. The cartridge has a thermally conductive insert adjacent the tip of the indicating electrode which is contacted by a sensor in the socket to provide signals to a microcomputer which is adapted to control the measurement process.

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Brooklyn, MI, United States of America

Steven E Enzer