US 12,339,245 B2 · Methods and systems for determining a target gas concentration in a fluid environment

Abstract

A system and method of determining a target gas concentrations in a fluid environment using a gas sensor that improves the efficiency and accuracy of the gas sensor's measurements by taking measurements of electrical characteristics of the gas sensor at different temperatures, taking measurements during a transition between a first temperature and a second temperature, taking more frequent measurements, detecting when the gas sensor has reached equilibrium, using multiple sensors, accounting for offsets and drifts, reducing the time the sensor is not live, using various algorithms, or any combination thereof.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) exposing a gas sensor to the fluid environment, the gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(b) during step (a) modulating the temperature of the gas sensor, wherein the modulation is in a form of a repeating thermal waveform that induces a magnitude-frequency response in the electrical characteristics;
(c) monitoring the electrical characteristics during step (b);
and
(d) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the magnitude-frequency response of the electrical characteristics of the gas sensor, wherein the repeating thermal waveform is generated by a superposition of multiple sine waves, wherein each sine wave has a corresponding magnitude-frequency response calibration table.

2 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) exposing a gas sensor to the fluid environment, the gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(b) during step (a) modulating the temperature of the gas sensor, wherein the modulation is in a form of a repeating thermal waveform that induces a phase-frequency response in the electrical characteristics;
(c) monitoring the electrical characteristics during step (b);
and
(d) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the phase-frequency response of the electrical characteristics of the gas sensor, wherein the repeating thermal waveform is generated by a superposition of multiple sine waves, wherein each sine wave has a corresponding phase-frequency response calibration table.

2 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
and
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the third temperature of the second gas sensor is equal to the first temperature, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor.

4 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
and
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the third temperature of the second gas sensor is equal to the first temperature, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor.

4 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the third temperature of the second gas sensor is equal to the first temperature, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor;
and
(f) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor at each of the plurality of stepped increases of the temperature.

5 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
and
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, further comprising the step of:
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state,
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state, and
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time.

6 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
and
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time, wherein the first gas sensor operates at a single temperature, wherein the second gas sensor is in a constant state of system response to a repeating thermal waveform, wherein the first gas sensor reports to the second gas sensor, a change in a partial pressure of the target gas detected in the first gas sensor.

5 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time;
and
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor.

7 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(e) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(f) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time;
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor.

6 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time;
and
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time, wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor;
and
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor at each of the plurality of stepped increases of the temperature.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

17/601,389Filed 6 Apr 2020 · us provisional application

Priority

5 Apr 2019

Published

US 2022/0187230 A116 Jun 2022

Granted

24 Jun 2025

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G01N 27/122
Of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid , for detecting components in…:…
G01N 27/124
For controlling the temperature: varying the temperature, e.g. in a cyclic manner
G01N 27/046
Circuits: provided with temperature compensation
G01N 33/0004
Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00: gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air

Abstract

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) exposing a gas sensor to the fluid environment, the gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(b) during step (a) modulating the temperature of the gas sensor, wherein the modulation is in a form of a repeating thermal waveform that induces a magnitude-frequency response in the electrical characteristics;
(c) monitoring the electrical characteristics during step (b);
and
(d) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the magnitude-frequency response of the electrical characteristics of the gas sensor, wherein the repeating thermal waveform is generated by a superposition of multiple sine waves, wherein each sine wave has a corresponding magnitude-frequency response calibration table.

2 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) exposing a gas sensor to the fluid environment, the gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(b) during step (a) modulating the temperature of the gas sensor, wherein the modulation is in a form of a repeating thermal waveform that induces a phase-frequency response in the electrical characteristics;
(c) monitoring the electrical characteristics during step (b);
and
(d) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the phase-frequency response of the electrical characteristics of the gas sensor, wherein the repeating thermal waveform is generated by a superposition of multiple sine waves, wherein each sine wave has a corresponding phase-frequency response calibration table.

2 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
and
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the third temperature of the second gas sensor is equal to the first temperature, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor.

4 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
and
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the third temperature of the second gas sensor is equal to the first temperature, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor.

4 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the third temperature of the second gas sensor is equal to the first temperature, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor;
and
(f) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor at each of the plurality of stepped increases of the temperature.

5 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
and
(e) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, further comprising the step of:
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state,
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state, and
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time.

6 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
and
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time, wherein the first gas sensor operates at a single temperature, wherein the second gas sensor is in a constant state of system response to a repeating thermal waveform, wherein the first gas sensor reports to the second gas sensor, a change in a partial pressure of the target gas detected in the first gas sensor.

5 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time;
and
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor.

7 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(e) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(f) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time;
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor.

6 more elements

A method of determining a target gas concentration of a target gas in a fluid environment, comprising:

(a) exposing a first gas sensor to the fluid environment, the first gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration, and monitoring electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor;
(b) exposing a second gas sensor to the fluid environment, the second gas sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies as a function of the target gas concentration;
(c) alternately controlling the temperature of the second gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the second gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the second gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time;
(d) monitoring the electrical characteristic of the second gas sensor during the second and fourth periods of time;
(f) determining whether the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor each reach an equilibrium state;
(g) when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reach their respective equilibrium state, determining a prior time when the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor reached their respective equilibrium state;
(h) if the prior time is greater than a predetermined time, then invalidating the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor measured at the prior time;
and
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristic of the first gas sensor, wherein data from the second gas sensor is used to correct for baseline sensor drift of the first gas sensor, wherein the first gas sensor operates at two temperatures, and further comprising alternately controlling the temperature of the first gas sensor between a first temperature and a second temperature while the first gas sensor is exposed to the fluid environment, wherein the temperature of the first gas sensor remains at the first temperature over a first period of time, transitions from the first temperature to the second temperature over a second period of time, remains at the second temperature over a third period of time, and transitions from the second temperature to a third temperature over a fourth period of time, wherein the temperatures of the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor are staggered such that when the first gas sensor is in the first period of time or third period of time of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor is in the second period of time or the fourth period of time of the second gas sensor, wherein the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor comprises a plurality of stepped increases of the temperature from the first temperature to the second temperature of the first gas sensor;
and
(i) calculating the target gas concentration as a function of the electrical characteristics of the first gas sensor at each of the plurality of stepped increases of the temperature.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and systems for determining a target gas concentration in a fluid environment

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Abstract

Claims26

Methods and systems for determining a target gas concentration in a fluid environment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26