Patent ID: 6791689
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
A sensor assembly for use in a patient breathing system for providing real-time optical absorption analysis of the NO2 content of the breathing gases of the breaths of a subject and providing real time analysis of the NO content of the breathing gases of the breaths of a subject, said sensor assembly comprising:a semiconductor radiation source emitting radiation having a emission spectrum with a maximum wavelength of about 600 nm, the radiation source being operated at a sampling frequency of at least about 10 Hz; a sample chamber having an inlet conduit for supplying a flow of breathing gases during the breaths of the subject through the chamber, the radiation from said radiation source passing through the gas in said sample chamber, said sample chamber having an outlet conduit for passing the breathing gases from said sample chamber; a detector for receiving radiation passed through the breathing gases flowing through in said sample chamber and for providing an output signal indicative of the NO2 content of the breathing gases in said sample chamber, the detector providing the output signal in a response time of about 200 ms, such that the sensor assembly provides the output signal in real-time with respect to the breaths of the subject; and an NO gas sensor coupled to said outlet conduit for providing a real time measurement of the NO content of the breathing gases.