US 11,529,632 B2Granted

Cloud-enabled passive wireless ionic sensing in small vials

AssigneesThe Regents of the University of California, Sensoriis, Inc.

InventorsHung Cao, Paul Marsh, Michael Lau

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

The present invention features the application of a simple, inductively-coupled measurement system into the cap of standard laboratory sample tubes, thus enabling continuous, wireless ionic sensing of a bevy of samples. The system may be powered by a compact Class E amplifier using inductive coupling via a designed resonance frequency of 1 MHz. Other frequencies can be used, such as the popular near-field communication (NFC) frequency of 13.66 MHz. Signals are transmitted back via load modulation at frequencies a fraction of the power carrier frequency, thus allowing for extraction of the signal frequency. Results clearly show that modulation frequency tracks closely with open circuit potential, and the system features good sensitivity and linearity. This system holds promise for a host of applications.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A system for passive wireless ionic sensing, the system comprising:

a. a tube-type sample container (108);
b. a sample cap (100) for the tube-type sample container (108), the sample cap comprising:
i. a cap body (102), configured to fit over an opening of the tube-type sample container (108);
ii. a printed circuit board (PCB) (104), integrated with the cap body (102), the PCB comprising a planar solenoid antenna configured to act as an inductive power receiver, wherein the planar solenoid antenna wrapped around the interior of the sample cap, the PCB comprising a passive wireless transmitter;
iii. one or more ionic sensors (106) coupled to the PCB;
c. a processor operatively coupled to the PCB;
and
d. a memory unit operatively coupled to the processor, said memory unit configured to store digitally encoded instructions that, when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform operations comprising:
i. supplying power to the one or more ionic sensors, said power being generated by inductive coupling with the planar solenoid antenna;
ii. receiving a signal from the one or more ionic sensors;
and
iii. transmitting the signal via the passive wireless transmitter.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/013,145Filed 4 Sep 2020 · us provisional application
Priority: 6 Sep 2019
Published: US 2021/0069695 A111 Mar 2021
Granted: 20 Dec 2022
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification17 codes

B01L 3/5082
Rigid containers without fluid transport within: test tubes per se
B01L 3/50825
Test tubes per se: closing or opening means, corks, bungs
G01N 27/62
Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means: by investigating the ionisation of gases, e.g.…
H02J 50/80
Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power: involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or…