Gas sensor module
Inventors
Acker, Jaron • Clark, Peter James • ASSAMBO, CEDRIC • McAtamney, Michael • Klaus, John • Roehl, Robin
Assignees
Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Unlimited Co • Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Ireland Ltd
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Publication Number
US-12339201-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A removable gas sensor module is provided for a therapeutic gas delivery device. The gas sensor module includes a sample chamber which receives a sample gas from the therapeutic gas delivery device. A gas detection unit includes a plurality of sensors operable to measure at least one property of the sample gas. The sensors include two or more of a gas detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination thereof. The gas sensor module is self-contained within the therapeutic gas delivery device and swappable with another gas sensor module.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a removable, self-contained gas sensor module for a therapeutic gas delivery device. The gas sensor module includes a sample chamber operable to receive a sample gas from the therapeutic gas delivery device, and a gas detection unit comprising a plurality of sensors operable to measure at least one property of the sample gas. The plurality of sensors includes two or more of a gas detection sensor, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor, and the plurality of sensors includes an NO sensor and an NO2 sensor.
The gas sensor module is self-contained within the therapeutic gas delivery device and is swappable with another gas sensor module. The plurality of sensors is pre-calibrated and shelf stable in a non-installed configuration for at least 1 month. In the non-installed configuration, the plurality of sensors is operable to receive an electrical potential from a voltage source so that the electrical potential maintains the pre-calibration of the plurality of sensors when the gas sensor module is not installed in the therapeutic gas delivery device.
The disclosed architecture includes an apparatus that comprises a voltage source and the gas sensor module, where the voltage source provides an electrical potential across the plurality of sensors in the gas detection unit to maintain the pre-calibration when the gas sensor module is in the non-installed configuration. Additional disclosed aspects include storing or sending serial numbers, calibration data, and/or usage information of the gas sensor module via the gas analyzer/controller in the therapeutic gas delivery device.
The problem addressed is maintaining pre-calibration and sensor stability for a therapeutic gas delivery device when a removable gas sensor module is not installed, while enabling swapping with reduced interruption to measurement of at least one property of the sample gas during replacement. The disclosure further addresses operational continuity after installation by enabling shelf-stable, pre-calibrated sensor modules that are maintained via electrical potential prior to installation.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims: a removable gas sensor module claim and an apparatus claim. Across the independent claims, the inventive features can be grouped into four main elements: removable self-contained sensor module with multi-sensor detection, pre-calibrated shelf-stable sensors for a defined duration, electrical potential application to maintain pre-calibration while non-installed, and NO/NO2 detection with humidity and temperature sensing options.
Removable self-contained swappable gas sensor module for therapeutic gas delivery device
A removable, self-contained gas sensor module for a therapeutic gas delivery device having a sample chamber operable to receive a sample gas and a gas detection unit comprising a plurality of sensors operable to measure at least one property of the sample gas, wherein the plurality of sensors include two or more of a gas detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination thereof, and wherein the gas sensor module is self-contained within the therapeutic gas delivery device and swappable with another gas sensor module.
Pre-calibrated shelf stable multi-sensor configuration
The plurality of sensors is pre-calibrated and shelf stable in a non-installed configuration for at least 1 month, and includes an NO sensor and an NO2 sensor.
Electrical potential maintains pre-calibration when non-installed
The plurality of sensors is operable to receive an electrical potential from a voltage source when the gas sensor module is not installed in the therapeutic gas delivery device, wherein the electrical potential maintains the pre-calibration of the plurality of sensors when the gas sensor module is not installed in the therapeutic gas delivery device.
Apparatus with voltage source providing potential to maintain pre-calibration
An apparatus comprising a voltage source and a gas sensor module comprising a sample chamber operable to receive a sample gas from a therapeutic gas delivery device and a gas detection unit comprising a plurality of sensors operable to measure at least one property of the sample gas, wherein the plurality of sensors include two or more of a gas detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination thereof, wherein the gas sensor module is self-contained within the therapeutic gas delivery device and swappable with another gas sensor module, wherein the plurality of sensors is pre-calibrated and stable in a non-installed configuration for at least 1 month, wherein the plurality of sensors includes an NO sensor and an NO2 sensor, and wherein the voltage source provides an electrical potential across the plurality of sensors in the gas detection unit to maintain the pre-calibration of the plurality of sensors when the gas sensor module is in the non-installed configuration.
Overall, the independent claims cover a self-contained, swappable gas sensor module that is pre-calibrated and shelf stable for at least 1 month when non-installed, includes NO and NO2 sensors with humidity and temperature sensor options, and uses a voltage source to apply electrical potential that maintains pre-calibration while the module is not installed.
Stated Advantages
Reduced patient interruption during sensor replacement
Reduced need for user-run high calibration
Simplified sensor upgrades
Faster operational readiness after installation
Reduced down time associated with measurement during sensor replacement
Documented Applications
Use in a therapeutic gas delivery device requiring a removable, self-contained gas sensor module that is swappable with another module for measurement of properties of sample gas, including NO and NO2 detection.
Use where pre-calibrated and shelf-stable sensor modules are maintained in a non-installed configuration by applying electrical potential from a voltage source.
Use of electronic storage or sending of serial numbers, calibration data, and/or usage information of the gas sensor module for traceability within the therapeutic gas delivery device.
Use of a gas sensor assembly that includes an assembly inner housing for removably receiving the gas sensor module and a gas analyzer unit with a sample tube and a pump that pumps the sample gas through the gas sensor module [procedural detail omitted for safety]
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