Ethyl alcohol sensor and method of use
US7095501B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N1/405
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ethanol sensing unit and a method of using, wherein the unit is particularly suitable for use in a confined environment such as the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. The sensing unit comprises a device for collecting ethanol vapors while the device is at a first temperature, a device for heating the collecting device to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so as to release ethanol vapors from the collecting device, and a device for sensing the ethanol vapors released from the collecting device when heated by the heating device. The sensing unit is also adapted to delay the operation of the heating device until a period of time sufficient for the collecting device to adsorb ethanol vapors from air contained in the confined environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.