System and method for target substance identification
Inventors
Lynn, Michael Scott • Tang, Hamilton Roger • Bechtel, Kate L. • Holst, Peter A. • WOLF, Jacob A. • LIMTAO, Kevin M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11874286-B1
Publication Date
2024-01-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and techniques for detecting a target substance, such as THC, in a breath constituent sample are provided.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) detection system that fluidly connects one or more chambers to elute and retain a breath constituent sample, one or more indicator chambers containing an indicator, a buffer reservoir containing a basic buffer, and a THC reservoir containing a non-zero amount of THC. The system further includes one or more optical measurement chambers and one or more optical measurement sensors configured to obtain optical measurements from substances in the optical measurement chambers, and a controller configured to control the components via a plurality of valves fluidly connecting the components.
The controller is configured to form a sample buffer mixture by combining at least a first portion of the basic buffer with the breath constituent sample, and to form a first sample composition by combining at least a first portion of the indicator with the sample buffer mixture with any THC that is present in the breath constituent sample. The controller then delivers a first sample composition mixture that includes the first sample composition and the basic buffer to the optical measurement chamber for optical measurement.
In addition to the first sample composition, the controller is configured to form a second sample composition mixture by combining at least a second portion of the indicator with a first amount of THC in the THC reservoir and the basic buffer, such that the second sample composition includes a second sample composition formed by the indicator and the first amount of THC in the THC reservoir. The controller delivers the second sample composition to the one or more optical measurement chambers, enabling optical measurements based on the substances in the optical measurement chambers.
Claims Coverage
The provided material includes one independent claim. The independent claim covers a modular, valve-connected THC detection system, formation of first and second sample compositions using a basic buffer, an indicator, and THC, and delivery of both compositions to optical measurement chambers for optical sensing via optical measurement sensors.
Valve-connected THC detection components with elution and retention chambers
A THC detection system comprising one or more chambers to elute and retain a breath constituent sample, one or more indicator chambers containing an indicator, a buffer reservoir containing a basic buffer, a THC reservoir containing a non-zero amount of THC, one or more optical measurement chambers and one or more optical measurement sensors, and a plurality of valves configured to fluidly connect the components.
Formation of first sample composition from breath sample with buffer and indicator
A controller configured to combine at least a first portion of the basic buffer with the breath constituent sample to form a sample buffer mixture, and to combine at least a first portion of the indicator with the sample buffer mixture to form a first sample composition with any THC present in the breath constituent sample.
Delivery of first sample composition mixture to optical measurement chamber
The controller is configured to deliver a first sample composition mixture that includes the first sample composition and the basic buffer to the optical measurement chamber.
Formation of second sample composition from THC reservoir with buffer and indicator
The controller is configured to combine at least a second portion of the indicator with a first amount of THC in the THC reservoir and the basic buffer to form a second sample composition mixture that includes a second sample composition formed by the indicator and the first amount of THC in the THC reservoir.
Delivery of second sample composition to optical measurement chamber
The controller is configured to deliver the second sample composition to the one or more optical measurement chambers.
Overall, the independent claim focuses on a valve-connected THC detection system that mixes a breath constituent sample with a basic buffer and an indicator to form a first sample composition delivered to optical measurement chambers, and also forms a second sample composition using an indicator, THC from a THC reservoir, and the basic buffer, delivering that second composition to the same optical measurement chambers for optical measurement.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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