To address the problem of measuring the quality of products in real time the system comprises a set of actuators and sensors capable of processing the gas to be measured without direct human intervention. This measurement may then be output for example by a wireless communication channel. The system is placed within a reservoir containing the analysis matrix and a sampling extractor enabling the circulation of the gas to be measured so as to bring it into contact with the gas sensors. The pump may be activated intermittently so as to regularly sample the air within the reservoir, leaving time between samples for the sensors to analyze the sample. The sensors used do not require any exterior intervention to operate, so that continuous operation is possible. The assessment is periodic, in real time, and in situ. Sampling is performed by displacing air from the reservoir into an analysis chamber in which a network of sensors continuously measures Volatile Compound levels. The gaseous sample, once analyzed, may be reintroduced into the reservoir so as not to impoverish the matrix, particularly where contamination of the sample during the analysis can be excluded. Alternatively, the sample may be evacuated outside the reservoir after analysis.
The invention discloses a device for identifying fluids or measuring their concentration. The device is configured to capture fluid sensing signals and sent to processing capabilities to be annotated, pre-processed and fed to databases of datasets and models which have learning capabilities. The device has a stick or stylus form factor which is makes it fit to be used by health care professionals or by the general public. Advantageously, the stick can be used to capture data from gas and liquid, being possibly phases of the same analyte. The device can be a package containing all processing capabilities being configured to be autonomous. It can operate in conjunction with an intermediary device of a smart phone, a PC or a POCT type. The system comprising autonomous fluid sensory devices, intermediary devices and database servers can operate in a learning mode or in a use mode. Measurements can be filtered, and normalized to statistically eliminate the differences in measurements due to bad operational conditions, differences of device configurations or differences of local parameters (temperature, hygrometry, flow rate, etc. . . . )
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Database software for research and assistance in the
identification of chemical compounds; software in the field
of sensory analysis. Design, development, maintenance and updating of software
and databases for research and assistance in the
identification of chemical compounds; design, development,
maintenance, updating of software and databases in the field
of sensory analysis; Software as a Service [SaaS].
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable database software for researching and assisting users with the identification of chemical compounds; Downloadable database software for researching and assisting users with the identification of chemical compounds based on sensory analysis by air analysis apparatus, liquid analyzers, color and shape analyzers and with the identification of the link between sensory descriptors and chemical compounds; Downloadable software in the field of sensory analysis for analyzing foods and beverages using taste and smell, to identify chemical composition of products Design, development, maintenance and updating of software and databases for research and assistance in the identification of chemical compounds; design, development, maintenance, updating of software and databases in the field of sensory analysis; Software as a Service (SAAS) services featuring software for researching and assisting users with the identification of chemical compounds and for assisting users to identify materials based on color, shape, odors, gas concentrations, and based on analysis of components of gases and liquids found by the software to be present within the materials
5.
Method and device for characterising a fluid sample
A modular fluid characterisation system is provided. The modular fluid characterisation system includes a sampling unit containing optional pre-processing units to condition samples, and a valve network to distribute samples to one or more characterisation modules. Each characterisation module includes one or more instruments for characterising samples, and optional additional pre-processing units. Characterising modules can be added or removed depending on operational requirements. Sample flows are controlled in accordance with an automated characterisation program, and resulting characterisation may be obtained on the basis of a combination of results from different characterisation modules with regard to the characterisation program.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Electronic apparatus and instruments for detection,
recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors,
gases, air, volatile substances, flavor, liquids, colors and
shapes; electronic apparatus and instruments for detection,
recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors,
flavor, aromas, liquids, colors and shapes, applied to the
field of the agri-food industry; electronic apparatus and
instruments for detection, recognition, study and
measurement in the field of sensory analysis; electronic
apparatus and instruments for detection, recognition, study
and measurement in the field of sensory analysis, intended
for product quality control and assurance; software for
detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of
odors, gases, air, volatile substances, flavor, liquids,
colors and shapes, in the field of sensory analysis. Research, study, design and development of apparatus and
instruments in the field of detection, recognition, study,
analysis and measurement of odors, air, gases, volatile
substances, taste, liquids, colors and shapes; research,
study, design and development of apparatus and instruments
in the field of sensory analysis; design, development,
maintenance, updating of software in the field of sensory
analysis; industrial analysis services; sensory analysis
services for food products; testing (evaluation) of the
quality of food products by means of sensory analysis.
7.
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHARACTERISING A FLUID SAMPLE
A modular fluid characterisation system comprises a sampling unit containing optional pre-processing units to condition samples and a valve network to distribute samples to one or more characterisation modules. Each characterisation module comprises one or more instruments for characterising samples, and optional additional pre-processing units. Characterising modules can be added or removed depending on operational requirements. Sample flows are controlled in accordance with an automated characterisation program, and resulting characterisation may be obtained on the basis of a combination of results from different characterisation modules with regard to the characterisation program.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Electronic apparatus and instruments for detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors, gases, air, volatile substances, flavor, liquids, colors and shapes; electronic apparatus and instruments for detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors, flavor, aromas, liquids, colors and shapes in the field of the agri-food industry; electronic apparatus and instruments for detection, recognition, study and measurement of sensory analysis; electronic apparatus and instruments for detection, recognition, study and measurement of sensory analysis for product quality control and assurance; downloadable software for detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors, gases, air, volatile substances, flavor, liquids, colors and shapes in the field of sensory analysis Research, study, design and development of technological apparatus and instruments in the field of detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors, air, gases, volatile substances, taste, liquids, colors and shapes; research, study, design and development of technological apparatus and instruments in the field of sensory analysis; design, development, maintenance, updating of software in the field of sensory analysis; industrial fluids analysis services; sensory analysis services for food products in the nature of quality control for others; testing of the quality of food products by means of sensory analysis
9.
Gas sensor with a configurable heating element, and methods exploiting the configurability
In a gas sensor having a gas-sensitive layer and a heating element to heat the gas-sensitive layer, the heating element comprises a heater track having first and second outer electric terminals and at least one inner electric terminal located between the outer electric terminals. The gas sensor includes a control unit configured to control the electric potentials that are applied to the electric terminals during use, and the control unit is configured to be capable of varying the set of electric potentials applied to the electric terminals. In certain applications the control unit may select the terminals to which power is applied, in order to assure the gas-sensitive layer is heated to a specified temperature. In certain applications the gas sensor has multiple measurement electrodes and the control unit selects the set of electric potentials so that different temperatures are attained at locations where different measurement electrodes are located.
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
H05B 3/20 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
10.
Portable fluid sensory device with learning capabilities
The invention discloses a device for identifying fluids or measuring their concentration. The device is configured to capture fluid sensing signals and sent to processing capabilities to be annotated, pre-processed and fed to databases of datasets and models which have learning capabilities. The device has a stick or stylus form factor which is makes it fit to be used by health care professionals or by the general public. Advantageously, the stick can be used to capture data from gas and liquid, being possibly phases of the same analyte. The device can be a package containing all processing capabilities being configured to be autonomous. It can operate in conjunction with an intermediary device of a smart phone, a PC or a POCT type. The system comprising autonomous fluid sensory devices, intermediary devices and database servers can operate in a learning mode or in a use mode. Measurements can be filtered, and normalized to statistically eliminate the differences in measurements due to bad operational conditions, differences of device configurations or differences of local parameters (temperature, hygrometry, flow rate, etc. . . . ).
The invention relates to a method for the identification of an analyte in a sample fluid. The method comprises the performance of a set of measurements on at least two sensors of different types. Sensors of different types may comprise Gas Chromatography sensors, CMOS gas sensors, a combination thereof, or more generally sensors in which it is possible to control a first physical parameter and measure, for different values of the first parameter, a second physical parameter representative of at least a concentration of the analyte. The method comprises the detection of maxima of the second parameter, the access to databases in order to find reference values of the first parameters in which maxima are found, and the comparison of values at which maxima are found and reference values, on the two sensors.
G01N 30/78 - Detectors specially adapted therefor using more than one detector
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
An olfactometer or “electronic nose” is able to vary a plurality of operating parameters during a test cycle in parallel, in accordance with a measurement protocol. This measurement protocol, and correspondingly the operating parameters to be varied, the values to be set for those parameters, and the timing of the variation in these values is tailored to most effectively distinguish between likely candidates in a particular testing scenario. A characterisation library is then used to match the results of the measurement protocol to the best target in the characterisation library. Test protocols and/or characterisation libraries may be downloaded from a remote server on demand, and certain activities may be carried out either locally or remotely.
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
A method and apparatus are provided for characterizing a product sample for example in comparison to a reference sample using a sensor such as a gas chromatograph or a MOS sensor. This characterization may comprise an indication of whether or not the product sample conforms to a quality criterion. The comparison of the sensor output measurements for the product sample is compared to maximum and minimum value curves, which may be derived from measurements of the reference sample, whereby adjacent samples outside the envelope defined by these maximum and minimum values are grouped together. A dissimilarity index may be determined for the anomalous values as a whole, or on a per group basis. The groups may be classified depending on the shape they describe, in particular the presence, or not, of peaks, and correspondingly the shape of the corresponding part of the envelope. These determinations may then be used as the basis of the conformity indication, and also the basis for attempting to identify the cause of any anomalies, in particular the identification of foreign components.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G01N 25/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
A hybrid device comprising Metal Oxide Sensors in a Gas Chromatography column is described, whereby the readings from the MOS devices will vary along the column in reaction to the sample reflecting the differential delays imposed on the components of the sample depending on the elutive effect of the adsorbent lining the column for the respective component. By this means, a family of readings is obtained, any one of which may be easier to interpret for a particular sample, and which may be compared amongst themselves providing an additional measurement dimension. The behavior of later sections of column or sensors may be modified dynamically during a measurement cycle depending on the readings obtained at the earlier stages.
G01N 30/78 - Detectors specially adapted therefor using more than one detector
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
A hybrid device comprising Metal Oxide Sensors in a Gas Chromatography column is described, whereby the readings from the MOS devices will vary along the column in reaction to the sample reflecting the differential delays imposed on the components of the sample depending on the elutive effect of the adsorbent lining the column for the respective component. By this means, a family of readings is obtained, any one of which may be easier to interpret for a particular sample, and which may be compared amongst themselves providing an additional measurement dimension. The behaviour of later sections of column or sensors may be modified dynamically during a measurement cycle depending on the readings obtained at the earlier stages.
G01N 30/78 - Detectors specially adapted therefor using more than one detector
B82Y 15/00 - Nanotechnology for interacting, sensing or actuating, e.g. quantum dots as markers in protein assays or molecular motors
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Electronic apparatus and instruments for detection,
recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors,
gases, air, volatile substances, flavors, liquids, colors
and forms; software in the field of sensory analysis;
laboratory apparatus and instruments for chromatographic
analysis, other than for medical use. Research, study and design of apparatus and instruments in
the field of detection, recognition, study, analysis and
measurement of odors, air, gases, volatile substances,
flavors, liquids, colors and forms; industrial analysis
services; design and development of software in the field of
sensory analysis; study and design of new apparatus and
instruments in the field of chromatographic analysis.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Electronic apparatus and instruments, namely, electronic sensors, electronic detectors and electronic analyzers, other than for medical use, for the detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors, gases, air, volatile substances, flavors, liquids, colors and shape of products; software for the detection, recognition, study, analysis and measurement of odors, gases, air, volatile substances, flavors, liquids, colors and shape of products for use in the field of sensory analysis; laboratory apparatus and instruments for chromatographic analysis, other than for medical use
An olfactometer or "electronic nose" is able to vary a plurality of operating parameters during a test cycle in parallel, in accordance with a measurement protocol. This measurement protocol, and correspondingly the operating parameters to be varied, the values to be set for those parameters, and the timing of the variation in these values is tailored to most effectively distinguish between likely candidates in a particular testing scenario. A characterisation library is then used to match the results of the measurement protocol to the best target in the characterisation library. Test protocols and/or characterisation libraries may be downloaded from a remote server on demand, and certain activities may be carried out either locally or remotely.
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
The invention relates to a method for the identification of an analyte in a sample fluid. The method comprises the performance of a set of measurements on at least two sensors of different types. Sensors of different types may comprise Gas Chromatography sensors, CMOS gas sensors, a combination thereof, or more generally sensors in which it is possible to control a first physical parameter and measure, for different values of the first parameter, a second physical parameter representative of at least a concentration of the analyte. The method comprises the detection of maxima of the second parameter, the access to databases in order to find reference values of the first parameters in which maxima are found, and the comparison of values at which maxima are found and reference values, on the two sensors.
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
20.
PORTABLE FLUID SENSORY DEVICE WITH LEARNING CAPABILITIES
The invention discloses a device for identifying fluids or measuring their concentration. The device is configured to capture fluid sensing signals and sent to processing capabilities to be annotated, pre-processed and fed to databases of datasets and models which have learning capabilities. The device has a stick or stylus form factor which is makes it fit to be used by health care professionals or by the general public. Advantageously, the stick can be used to capture data from gas and liquid, being possibly phases of the same analyte. The device can be a package containing all processing capabilities being configured to be autonomous. It can operate in conjunction with an intermediary device of a smart phone, a PC or a POCT type. The system comprising autonomous fluid sensory devices, intermediary devices and database servers can operate in a learning mode or in a use mode. Measurements can be filtered, and normalized to statistically eliminate the differences in measurements due to bad operational conditions, differences of device configurations or differences of local parameters (temperature, hygrometry, flow rate, etc…)
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
21.
Sensitivity and selectivity of chemoresistor type gas sensors
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS) (France)
Inventor
Shim, Chang Hyun
Loubet, Francois
Gaudon, Alain
Menini, Philippe
Benhamouda, Franck
Mifsud, Jean Christophe
Abstract
The sensitivity and/or selectivity of a chemoresistor type gas sensor is enhanced by measuring the response of the sensing material to a gas sample while the sensing material is subjected to illumination using specially-tailored pulses of ultraviolet radiation. For a given target gas to be detected there is an optimal duration of the UV pulses to achieve peak sensitivity of the sensing material.
G01N 33/543 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
G01N 21/78 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
22.
Chemoresistor type gas sensor having a multi-storey architecture
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (France)
Inventor
Gaudon, Alain
Shim, Chang Hyun
Menini, Philippe
Loubet, Francois
Abstract
A multi-storey gas sensor is constructed by stacking chemoresistor type gas sensing elements and providing holes through each sensing element so gas can pass from one sensing element to the next, through the sensing layers. A rich data set can be obtained by selecting appropriate combinations of materials for the different sensing layers and varying the operating conditions of the different gas-sensing elements by: taking measurements when different combinations of sensing layers are activated, when given sensing layers are heated to different temperatures or according to different heating profiles, and/or when selected sensing layers are exposed to UV light. Sensor sensitivity and selectivity can be increased by applying UV pulses of controlled duration, and target gas species can be detected based on the transient response of the sensing layer at onset of UV irradiation. Each sensing element may have a micro-hotplate architecture.
G01N 15/06 - Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
G01N 33/48 - Biological material, e.g. blood, urineHaemocytometers
G01N 27/16 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of an electrically-heated body in dependence upon change of temperature caused by burning or catalytic oxidation of surrounding material to be tested, e.g. of gas
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
23.
CHEMORESISTOR TYPE GAS SENSOR HAVING A MULTI-STOREY ARCHITECTURE.
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (France)
Inventor
Gaudon, Alain
Shim, Chang Hyun
Menini, Philippe
Loubet, François
Abstract
A multi-storey gas sensor is constructed by stacking chemoresistor type gas sensing elements (CH1, CH2) and providing holes through each sensing element so that gas can pass from one sensing element to the next, through the sensing layers (52). A rich data set can be obtained by selecting appropriate combinations of materials for the different sensing layers and varying the operating conditions of the different gas-sensing elements by: taking measurements at times when different combinations of sensing layers are activated, at times when given sensing layers are heated to different temperatures or according to different heating profiles, and/or when selected sensing layers are exposed to UV light. Sensor sensitivity and selectivity can be increased by applying UV pulses of controlled duration, and target gas species can be detected based on the transient response of the sensing layer at onset of UV irradiation. Each sensing element (CH1, CH2) may have a micro-hotplate architecture.
G01N 27/12 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluidInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid
24.
DEVICE FOR DETECTING AT LEAST ONE GAS IN A FLUID EMANATING FROM AN APPARATUS
A device for detecting gas to be monitored in a fluid such as oil emanating from an apparatus such as a transformer, comprises an enclosure and a chamber for extracting the gases contained in the fluid, a measurement chamber containing sensors for detecting the gases to be monitored, and an air drying chamber having an air drying member. The chambers communicate through an arrangement of tubes having lengths and internal diameters such that transfers of gas between the chambers by diffusion in the tubes are negligible without pressure differential produced in the tubes by a pump operated by a circuit.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Laboratory apparatus and instruments for chromatographic
analysis; electronic systems for the detection, study,
analysis and recognition of odours, volatile substances,
tastes and flavours. Study and design of new apparatus and instruments in the
field of chromatographic analysis; industrial analysis
services.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Chromatography apparatus for laboratory use, for quality control at the plant level for on-field use, namely, apparatus and Instruments for chromatographic analysis: electronic systems comprising electronic sensors, detectors for the detection, study, analysis and recognition of odors, volatile substances, tastes and flavors
27.
NEEDLE AND DEVICE FOR SOLID PHASE MICRO EXTRACTION
The invention relates to a hollow needle (1) having a geometry adapted to SPME and including a tip (5) as well as an adsorbant material (2) provided in the needle at a distance from the tip (5), characterised in that it comprises a plurality of side holes (4) formed in a region of the side wall of the needle, said region being located between the tip (5) and the location where the adsorbant material (2) is provided. The invention also relates to a method for producing the hollow needle (1). The invention further relates to a device using the above-mentioned needle in combination with a vessel and suction means.
G01N 35/10 - Devices for transferring samples to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
G01N 30/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography
The comparative analysis of a sample, derived from a product, with respect to a database comprises the step of determining the class membership of the different characteristics (variables) describing the samples: whether they are characteristics common to the sample under test and the database, they are characteristics particular to the sample under test, or they are characteristics particular to the database. The assignment of the variables to these classes enables parameters to be defined for global comparison of the sample under test and the database, based on: ratios summarizing the values taken by the variables of the different classes, or the distribution of the variables of the different classes. A machine implementation of the analysis is described.
