US 4,902,399 AGranted

Flow-through electrochemical sensor

AssigneeAbbott Laboratories

InventorsBenton A. Durley, III, Steven G. Schultz, Charles M. Galitz

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Abstract

An improved ISE is provided for measuring the concentration of an electrolyte in a sample in a centrifuge-type analyzer utilizing a multichamber test pack. The reference cell and sensor cell of the ISE are each comprised of an electrode, fill solution, housing and membrane in a fully self-contained configuration. Each cell is of sufficiently small size to fit in the test pack. The electrode of each cell is provided with screw threads to allow each cell to be screwed directly into the test pack thereby securing the cell to the test pack and at the same time providing a convenient electrical contact to the readout electronics of the test pack. With the present design manipulation of the ISE sensor output voltage can be achieved by varying the known ion concentration of the fill solution. Also provided is a novel method of introducing a fill solution into the cell after all of the cell components are in place.

Claims17

Dependent claims

Apparatus for use in measuring an unknown concentration of an electrolyte in a sample comprising:

a test cartridge having a flow passage adapted to pass a sample, and first socket means in communication with said passage;
first cup means, adapted to hold a sensor fill solution of known ion concentration, having an open top and a bottom defining an orifice;
a first electrode, secured to said first cup means at said top adapted to be in contact with said sensor fill solution and being further adapted to be removably mounted in said first socket means of said test cartridge, said first socket means also providing electrical contact between said test cartridge and said first electrode;
a first membrane covering said first orifice, and disposed between said flow passage and said first cup means whereby contact of said sample with said first membrane creates a potential difference between said first electrode and said sample which is related to the unknown concentration of electrolyte in said sample.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.