Analytical Apparatus with Array of Sensors and Calibrating Element
First Claim
1. Analytical apparatus for analysing at least one substance, the apparatus comprising an array of sensors, electronic drive means for operating each sensor, and a receiver for receiving and processing signals from the sensors, wherein the apparatus includes one or more calibration elements, also connected to the drive means and the receiver, for enabling changes in parasitic losses in the apparatus to be determined.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Analytical apparatus for analysing at least one substance has an array of sensors (1) driven by an electronic driver (14) for operating each sensor. The signals produced by the sensors are received by a receiver (82), and the apparatus includes one or more calibration elements connected to the driver and the receiver for enabling changes in parasitic losses in the apparatus to be determined. The invention is particularly applicable to apparatus in which the sensors are electrical-mechanical transducers, individually connectable (in sequence) to the driver and receiver by a corresponding array of switches forming part of an interface (4).
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Citations
36 Claims
- 1. Analytical apparatus for analysing at least one substance, the apparatus comprising an array of sensors, electronic drive means for operating each sensor, and a receiver for receiving and processing signals from the sensors, wherein the apparatus includes one or more calibration elements, also connected to the drive means and the receiver, for enabling changes in parasitic losses in the apparatus to be determined.
- 32. A method of analysing one or more substances, the method comprising the steps of bringing the or each substance into contact with one or more sensors in an array of sensors, supplying electrical power to the sensors and receiving and analysing the signals received from the sensors, wherein the method further comprises the steps of periodically interrogating one or more calibration elements and analysing the signals received from said one or more calibration elements to provide data on at least the changes in parasitic losses in the circuitry connected to the sensors and using said data to compensate for the effects of said changes on the received output from the sensors.
Specification