Sample conditioning and environmental control techniques for gas sensor
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting trace amounts of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, comprising:
- a. a sensing element that is responsive to a trace amount of nitric oxide in exhaled breath; and
b. a desiccant surrounding said sensing element.
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Abstract
The present invention is a system and method of conditioning the sample and surrounding environment of an exhaled breath sensor. It includes (i) using a particular molecular sieve for a triple purpose: (a) maintaining the sensor at a constant relative humidity during storage, (b) equilibrating the incoming breath stream to the same relative humidity as the sensor, and (c) eliminating the analyte from the environment around the sensor during storage. The present invention also includes removal of interfering components from the exhaled breath, such as carbon dioxide, as well as a thermal management technique.
45 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for detecting trace amounts of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, comprising:
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a. a sensing element that is responsive to a trace amount of nitric oxide in exhaled breath; and b. a desiccant surrounding said sensing element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for detecting trace amounts of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, comprising:
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a. providing a sensor, said sensor comprising a sensing element that is responsive to a trace amount of nitric oxide in exhaled breath; b. surrounding said sensing element with a desiccant to maintain a predetermined sensor humidity level in said sensor during storage; c. capturing an exhaled breath stream from a subject into said sensor; and d. conditioning said breath stream to a humidity level that is substantially equivalent to said predetermined sensor humidity level. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for detecting trace amounts of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, comprising:
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a. a sensing element that is responsive to a trace amount of nitric oxide in exhaled breath; b. a temperature control device within sufficient proximity to said sensing element to control the temperature of said sensing element, and c. a molecular sieve surrounding said sensing element. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification