Heater for optical gas sensors, gas sensors including the heater, and methods
First Claim
1. A heater for use on an optical gas sensor, comprising:
- a heating element that is substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to be used in an optical sensing technique for measurement of at least one gaseous or vaporized material, the heating element configured to be positioned across an optical path of the optical gas sensor without being directly secured to the optical gas sensor.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A heater for a window of an optical gas sensor is provided. The heater may be positioned over a portion of the window or may form at least a portion of the window. Alternatively, the heater may be separate from the optical gas sensor and positionable (e.g., by a transducer) over the window either in contact therewith or in close proximity thereto. The heater may be substantially transparent to the relevant wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are used in optical (e.g., infrared or luminescence quenching) monitoring of respiratory gases, anesthetic agents, or the like. Alternatively, the heater may be configured so as to provide a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through the window. Optical gas sensors and complementary transducers that include the healer are also disclosed.
48 Citations
62 Claims
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1. A heater for use on an optical gas sensor, comprising:
a heating element that is substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to be used in an optical sensing technique for measurement of at least one gaseous or vaporized material, the heating element configured to be positioned across an optical path of the optical gas sensor without being directly secured to the optical gas sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A heater for use on an optical gas sensor including at least one window comprising:
a heating element positioned over at least a portion of the at least one window of the optical gas sensor without being secured directly thereto, the heating element comprising transparent material positioned across an optical path of the optical gas sensor to provide a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through the at least one window. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. An optical gas sensor, comprising:
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a body defining a respiratory sample flow path therethrough, the respiratory sample flow path comprising a portion of a mainstream breathing circuit configured to communicate with an airway of an individual;
at least one window in the body; and
a heating element over at least a portion of the at least one window. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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53. A transducer for use in an optical sensing technique for measuring at least one gaseous or vaporized material, the transducer comprising:
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a transducer body configured to be removably secured to an optical gas sensor; and
a heating element that is substantially transparent to al least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation coupled to the transducer body. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55)
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56. A transducer for use in an optical sensing technique for measuring at least one gaseous or vaporized material, the transducer comprising:
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a transducer body configured to be removably secured to an optical gas sensor; and
a heating element coupled to the transducer body, the heating element having a configuration that permits a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through at least one window of the optical gas sensor upon assembly of the transducer with the optical gas sensor. - View Dependent Claims (57)
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58. A method of heating an optical window of a gas sensor comprising:
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providing an optical gas sensor having a body that defines a sample flow path therethrough, with the sample flow path being positioned along a mainstream breathing circuit that communicates with an airway of an individual, the body having at least one window therein, the optical gas sensor also including a heating element over at least a portion of the at least one window, the heating element being coupled to a source of electrical power;
introducing or sensing radiation through the heating element on the at least one window; and
supplying power to the heating element to heat the at least one window. - View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61, 62)
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Specification