Self-condensing pH sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A self-condensing sensor assembly for monitoring pH:
- An outer tubular member;
an inner tubular member, said outer tubular member co-linearly enclosing an inner tubular member;
an antimony sensor enclosed within said inner tubular member;
a reference element enclosed within said outer tubular member and located in a proximal position to said antimony sensor;
a wick material, said wick material having one side which partially surrounds and substantially engages a portion of said inner tubular member, said wick material extending from said antimony sensor to a proximal position whereby said wick material is substantially engaged to said reference element;
an ion conduction fluid entrained or retained within said wick material; and
said self-condensing sensor having the capability to establish an electrical connection via micro-droplets condensed across said antimony sensor and said reference element.
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Abstract
The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a means of constructing a pH sensor that can detect changes in pH levels of humidified gases and liquid samples. When electronically connected to a computerized or analog display means, sensitive quantitative measurements can be obtained. Given the construction of current pH devices available today, there is a need in the field for a novel, miniaturized, self-condensing pH probe that can be used in fluid or humidified gases.
53 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A self-condensing sensor assembly for monitoring pH:
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An outer tubular member; an inner tubular member, said outer tubular member co-linearly enclosing an inner tubular member; an antimony sensor enclosed within said inner tubular member; a reference element enclosed within said outer tubular member and located in a proximal position to said antimony sensor; a wick material, said wick material having one side which partially surrounds and substantially engages a portion of said inner tubular member, said wick material extending from said antimony sensor to a proximal position whereby said wick material is substantially engaged to said reference element; an ion conduction fluid entrained or retained within said wick material; and said self-condensing sensor having the capability to establish an electrical connection via micro-droplets condensed across said antimony sensor and said reference element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A self-condensing sensor assembly for monitoring pH:
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An outer tubular member; an inner tubular member, said outer tubular member coaxially enclosing an inner tubular member; an antimony sensor enclosed within said inner tubular member and substantially engaged to said inner surface of said inner tubular member, said antimony sensor including an electrical communication which extends to a proximal terminal position; a reference element enclosed within said outer tubular member and located proximal to said antimony sensor, said reference sensor element includes an electrical communication which extends to the proximal terminal position; a wick material, said wick material having one side which partially surrounds and substantially engages a portion of said inner tubular member, said wick material extending from said antimony sensor to a proximal position whereby said wick material is substantially engaged to said reference element; an ion conduction fluid is entrained or retained within said wick material; and said self-condensing sensor having the capability to establish an electrical connection via micro-droplets condensed across said antimony sensor and said reference element. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A self-condensing sensor assembly for monitoring pH:
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An outer tubular member; an inner tubular member, said outer tubular member coaxially enclosing an inner tubular member; an antimony sensor enclosed within said inner tubular member; a reference element enclosed within said outer tubular member and located in a proximal position to said antimony sensor; a wick material, said wick material having one side which partially surrounds and substantially engages a portion of said inner tubular member, said wick material extending from said antimony sensor to a proximal position whereby said wick material is substantially engaged to said reference element; an ion conduction fluid entrained or retained within said wick material; and said self-condensing sensor having the capability to establish an electrical connection via micro-droplets condensed across said antimony sensor and said reference element.
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21. A self-condensing sensor assembly for monitoring pH:
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An outer tubular member; an inner tubular member, said outer tubular member co-linearly or coaxially enclosing an inner tubular member; an antimony sensor enclosed within said inner tubular member; a reference element enclosed within said outer tubular member and located in a proximal position to said antimony sensor; a wick material, said wick material having one side which partially surrounds and substantially engages a portion of said inner tubular member, said wick material extending from said antimony sensor to a proximal position whereby said wick material is substantially engaged to said reference element; an ion conduction fluid entrained or retained within said wick material, said wick material and said antimony sensor are positioned at a terminal end of said outer tubular member; said sensor assembly being of a mass capable of rapidly changing temperature such that it functions to cool below the dew point of exhaled breath and subsequently condenses humid patient breath in close proximity to said sensor to form a liquid on said terminal end; and said self-condensing sensor having the capability to establish an electrical connection via micro-droplets condensed across said antimony sensor and said reference element.
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Specification