Ypsilanti-based Integrated Sensing Systems Inc. Tuesday announced that the United States Patent Office has granted the company U.S. Patent No. 7,354,429,  titled "Device and method of detecting and treating chemical and biological agents."

According to Douglas Sparks, executive vice president of ISSYS, the patent describes a new device and method of using chemical and biological sensors that employ coated micromachined resonating tubes designed and made by ISSYS.
These sensors can be employed with a system that will give the user an antidote or field treatment for the pathogen or chemical agent. Micromachined Coriolis mass flow meters are used to administer the drugs and antidotes in this portable system. This patent is complemented by other patents owned by ISSYS in the area of flow sensors, drug infusion and micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Said ISSYS president and CEO Nader Najafi: "This new patent covers two important functionalities and then provides a synergy by merging them together in a single small portable device. The patented technology offers a novel way of detecting different chemical and biological agents and also allows accurate delivery of a custom-mixed high-concentration cocktail antidote. More than 80 percent of known warfare agents can be immediately countered by a combination of 8 antidotes, stored in the portable device. The proper treatment provided during the first couple of hours of exposure is of paramount importance to the overall recovery of exposed people. First responders and soldiers will tremendously benefit from this technology."

Najafi said the basic MEMS sensors and technology are already seeing use in industrial and biomedical devices, as well as fuel cell systems. He added that ISSYS is looking for strategic partners and investors to commercialize this enabling technology."

Founded in 1995, ISSYS is one of the oldest independent MEMS companies in the U.S. ISSYS operates a "full manufacturing under one roof," multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art MEMS fabrication plant in Ypsilanti. It's certified under ISO 9001:2000 quality and ISO 13485:2003 medical device manufacturing standards.

ISSYS is a vertically integrated company dedicated to developing and manufacturing system-level products based on MEMS technology.

More at www.mems-issys.com.