Water-proof electrochemical sensor

• US 7,955,482 B2
• Filed: 05/24/2006
• Issued: 06/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Analytical Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Nuzzio, Donald B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Noguerola; Alex
• Application Number:
  US11/921,049
• Publication Number:
  US 20090127111A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,840 Days
• Field of Search: 204416-418, 204/435, 204/400, 324/450
• US Class Current: 204/400
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/30 Electrodes, e.g. test electrodes; Half-cells G01N27/414 takes precedence

Abstract

A water-proof electrochemical sensor for in situ analysis and real-time monitoring of chemical and biological compounds in a liquid analyte, such as a water column, or a water column/sediment interface, or sediment. The water-proof electrochemical sensor assembly comprises an electrode body that is resistant to high temperatures and pressure and includes a semi-hard o-ring or collar. A resilient elastomeric boot, that has an internal groove which is adapted to form a tight pressure-fit with the collar is installable on the electrode body. One end of the boot has an opening adapted to form an interference fit with a pin contact for electrical connections with external equipment and the other end of the boot has an opening adapted to form an interference fit with the electrode body whereby a water-proof seal is formed.

Claims

1. A water-proof electrochemical sensor for in situ analysis of a liquid analyte comprising:

an electrode body for contacting the analyte having an upper contact end and lower sensing end, electrode body having an electrode body surface at the upper contact end;

a collar attached to the electrode body surface of said electrode body axially inward of the upper contact end;

at least one electrochemical sensor contained within said electrode body and extending from the lower sensing end for contacting the analyte;

a pin contact for electrically connecting said at least one electrochemical sensor to external electronics extending from the upper contact end; and

a resilient elastomeric generally cylindrical boot having an upper end and a lower end and an internal groove adapted to press-fit the collar, the upper end of the boot having an opening adapted to form a tight interference fit with said pin contact and the lower end of the boot having an opening adapted to form tight interference fit with the electrode body whereby a water-proof seal is formed around the upper contact end of the electrode body for undersea depths.

2. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one electrochemical sensor comprises a wire needle.

3. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one electrochemical sensor comprises a sensor element having a diameter of approximately 0.125″

.

4. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one electrochemical sensor comprises a sensor element having a diameter of approximately 0.25″

.

5. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein there is provided a further collar attached further axially inward to said electrode body.

6. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 5, wherein said resilient elastomeric generally cylindrical boot is arranged to overlie said collar and said further collar.

7. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said resilient elastomeric generally cylindrical boot is configured to enclose said pin contact.