Apparatus and method for analysis of expired breath
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for providing breath from a subject for introduction to a measuring device comprising:
- a. subject interface means for interfacing the subject with the apparatus;
b. tube means for carrying exhaled breath from the subject interface means to the inlet of a mixing chamber;
c. a mixing chamber having an inlet, sample outlet and exit tube means, that provides a residence time for the exhaled breath sufficient to mix the breath and provide a sufficient sample to the measuring device; and
d. heating means for maintaining b. and c. above a temperature where condensation of vapor occurs.
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for providing breath for introduction to a measuring device such as a mass spectrometer. The apparatus includes a mouthpiece for interfacing a subject with the apparatus; a tube for carrying exhaled breath from the subject to the inlet of a mixing chamber; a mixing chamber having an inlet, sample outlet and exit tube, that provides a residence time for the exhaled breath sufficient to mix the breath and provide an adequate sample to the measuring device; and heating apparatus for maintaining the apparatus above a temperature where condensation of vapor occurs.
117 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for providing breath from a subject for introduction to a measuring device comprising:
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a. subject interface means for interfacing the subject with the apparatus; b. tube means for carrying exhaled breath from the subject interface means to the inlet of a mixing chamber; c. a mixing chamber having an inlet, sample outlet and exit tube means, that provides a residence time for the exhaled breath sufficient to mix the breath and provide a sufficient sample to the measuring device; and d. heating means for maintaining b. and c. above a temperature where condensation of vapor occurs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for measuring trace components in a subject'"'"'s breath comprising:
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a. providing a subject interface means to obtain breath from the subject; b. flowing breath obtained from the subject to a mixing chamber; c. mixing the breath in the mixing chamber; d. flowing breath samples from the mixing chamber to a measuring device and exiting unneeded breath from the mixing chamber; and e. maintaining the breath in steps a, b, c, and d above the condensation temperature of vapor in the breath. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification