Method and apparatus for detecting odors
US5090232A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/0006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention involves the detection of odors using an odor detector including an n-type semiconductor sensor having an electric resistance responsive to odor molecules adsorbed thereonto. An ozonizer is provided within a test compartment to contact the detector with an ozone gas for the purpose of calibrating the detector to an initial zero setting. The test compartment also includes a ventilation fan operable to draw purging air into the compartment. In order to minimize the time required to bring the detector to the initial zero setting, a computer is used to selectively actuate the ozonizer and the ventilation fan in a controlled manner. Before starting a new detection cycle, an operator selects a specific table of optimal pattern for quick recovery to the zero setting from among a plurality of tables stored in the computer, based on certain factors such as the identity and concentration of previously detected odorant substances, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.