Optical carbon dioxide sensor, and associated methods of manufacture
First Claim
1. A method for making an optical CO2 sensor having a distal end for contacting a sample fluid and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving an emitted fluorescent signal, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a capsule of a CO2 -permeable silicone material;
(b) filling the capsule with an indicator solution containing a pH-sensitive indicator component;
(c) providing a single optical fiber having a distal tip and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving a signal from the distal tip;
(d) slidably arranging the capsule over the distal tip such that the capsule is arranged upon the fiber at a predetermined position with indicator solution retained therein, forming a sensor chamber, and wherein said arranging is carried out in the indicator solution, thereby avoiding introduction of air bubbles into the sensor chamber; and
(e) affixing the capsule on the distal tip using a sealing means capable of providing a liquid-tight seal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is provided for manufacturing a fiber optic sensor for detecting or measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in a sample fluid. The method involves incorporation of a fluorescent indicator composition in a silicone capsule slidably arranged over the tip of a fiber optic, sealed with a suitable adhesive. To amplify the detectable signal obtained, the capsule is preferably fabricated so as to contain reflective particles, and tapers to a narrow tip. Novel optical sensors, manufactured using the aforementioned method, are provided as well.
82 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for making an optical CO2 sensor having a distal end for contacting a sample fluid and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving an emitted fluorescent signal, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a capsule of a CO2 -permeable silicone material;
(b) filling the capsule with an indicator solution containing a pH-sensitive indicator component;
(c) providing a single optical fiber having a distal tip and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving a signal from the distal tip;
(d) slidably arranging the capsule over the distal tip such that the capsule is arranged upon the fiber at a predetermined position with indicator solution retained therein, forming a sensor chamber, and wherein said arranging is carried out in the indicator solution, thereby avoiding introduction of air bubbles into the sensor chamber; and
(e) affixing the capsule on the distal tip using a sealing means capable of providing a liquid-tight seal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- (a) providing a capsule of a CO2 -permeable silicone material;
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14. A fiber optic sensor for determining the concentration of carbon dioxide in a sample fluid, wherein the sensor has a distal end for contacting a sample fluid and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving an emitted flourescent signal, the sensor comprising:
- (a) a single optical fiber having a distal tip and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving a signal from the distal tip, wherein light of a predetermined wavelength may be directed through the optical fiber towards the distal tip, and emitted fluorescent light returns along the fiber to be detected and converted to a carbon dioxide concentration value;
(b) a capsule arranged over the distal tip at a predetermined position, comprised of a CO2 -permeable silicone material;
(c) an indicator solution retained within the capsule having a pH-sensitive indicator component therein and containing substantially no air; and
(d) a sealing means affixing the capsule on the distal tip, such that a liquid-tight seal is provided. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
- (a) a single optical fiber having a distal tip and a proximal region for communication with means for receiving a signal from the distal tip, wherein light of a predetermined wavelength may be directed through the optical fiber towards the distal tip, and emitted fluorescent light returns along the fiber to be detected and converted to a carbon dioxide concentration value;
Specification