U.S. patent application number 17/520339 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-28 for breath sampling mask and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. Invention is credited to Arthur Guy Erdman, Michael Mathias Freking, Justin Theodore Nelson, Gregory Kermit Peterson, Gregory J. Sherwood.
Application Number | 20220125325 17/520339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220125325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erdman; Arthur Guy ; et
al. |
April 28, 2022 |
BREATH SAMPLING MASK AND SYSTEM
Abstract
Embodiments herein include a breath sampling mask, systems, and
related methods. In an embodiment, a breath sensing system is
included. The breath sensing system can include a breath sampling
mask. The breath sampling mask can include a mask housing
configured to cover a portion of the face of a patient. The mask
housing can define a breath receiving chamber. The breath sampling
mask can include a chemical sensor element in fluid communication
with the breath sampling mask, where the chemical sensor element
can include a plurality of discrete binding detectors. The chemical
sensor element can interface with a breath sample collected through
the breath sampling mask. Other embodiments are also included
herein.
Inventors: |
Erdman; Arthur Guy; (New
Brighton, MN) ; Sherwood; Gregory J.; (North Oaks,
MN) ; Peterson; Gregory Kermit; (North Oaks, MN)
; Nelson; Justin Theodore; (St. Paul, MN) ;
Freking; Michael Mathias; (Arden Hills, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. |
Minneapolis
Maple Grove |
MN
MN |
US
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/520339 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16280644 |
Feb 20, 2019 |
11166636 |
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17520339 |
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62632552 |
Feb 20, 2018 |
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International
Class: |
A61B 5/0205 20060101
A61B005/0205; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A breath sensing system comprising: a breath sampling mask
comprising a mask housing configured to cover a portion of the face
of a patient, the mask housing defining a breath receiving chamber;
and a volatile organic compound filter; a chemical sensor element
for sensing volatile organic compounds in fluid communication with
the breath sampling mask, the chemical sensor element comprising a
plurality of discrete binding detectors, wherein the chemical
sensor element interfaces with a breath sample collected through
the breath sampling mask.
2. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising
circuitry for generating signals from the discrete binding
detectors.
3. The breath sensing system of claim 1, a breath sampling mask
further comprising a nose clip for helping to secure the breath
sampling mask to the face of a patient.
4. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a
sensor comprising one or more of a temperature sensor, a heart rate
sensor, and a blood pressure sensor.
5. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a
sensor comprising one or more of an ambient temperature sensor, an
ambient humidity sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an
internal humidity sensor.
6. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a
removable breath sample container disposed within the mouth
chamber.
7. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a gas
outflow conduit in fluid communication with the breath receiving
chamber.
8. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a
chemical sensor holder configured to allow removable mounting of a
chemical sensor element.
9. The breath sensing system of claim 8, wherein the chemical
sensor holder is disposed within the breath receiving chamber.
10. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a
chemical sensor holder housing in fluid communication with the
breath receiving chamber; wherein the chemical sensor element is
disposed within the chemical sensor holder housing.
11. The breath sensing system of claim 1, further comprising a
filter in fluid communication with the one-way airflow valve.
12. A breath sampling mask comprising: a mask housing configured to
cover a portion of the face of a patient, the mask housing defining
a chamber; the mask configured to remove volatile organic compounds
from air drawn in through the mask housing.
13. The breath sampling mask of claim 12, further comprising a
sensor comprising one or more of a temperature sensor, a heart rate
sensor, and a blood pressure sensor.
14. The breath sampling mask of claim 12, further comprising a nose
clip member for helping to secure the breath sampling mask to the
patient.
15. The breath sampling mask of claim 14, further comprising a
sensor attached to the nose clip member.
16. The breath sampling mask of claim 12, the mask housing further
comprising a dividing wall isolating the chamber into a nasal
chamber and a mouth chamber.
17. The breath sampling mask of claim 16, further comprising a
one-way airflow valve in fluid communication with the nasal chamber
and an area outside of the mask housing, the one-way airflow valve
only allowing a flow of air from the area outside of the mask
housing into the nasal chamber.
18. The breath sampling mask of claim 16, further comprising a
chemical sensor holder configured to allow removable mounting of a
chemical sensor element, wherein the chemical sensor holder is
disposed within the mouth chamber.
19. The breath sampling mask of claim 12, further comprising a
sensor comprising one or more of an ambient temperature sensor, an
ambient humidity sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an
internal humidity sensor.
20. A method of determining the presence of one or more disease
states of a patient comprising: putting a breath sampling mask on a
patient; alerting the patient to breathe in and out to generate a
breath sample; contacting the breath sample with a chemical sensor
element, the chemical sensor element comprising a plurality of
discrete binding detectors; using a measurement circuit to generate
signals from the discrete binding detectors; and evaluating the
signals by comparing them to previously obtained sets of signals or
signal patterns.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/280,644, filed on Feb. 20, 2019, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/632,552, filed Feb. 20, 2018,
the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The present application relates to a breath sampling mask
and systems and methods related to the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The accurate detection of diseases can allow clinicians to
provide appropriate therapeutic interventions. The early detection
of diseases can lead to better treatment outcomes. Diseases can be
detected using many different techniques including analyzing tissue
samples, analyzing various bodily fluids, diagnostic scans, genetic
sequencing, and the like.
[0004] Some disease states result in the production of specific
chemical compounds. In some cases, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) released into a gaseous sample of a patient can be hallmarks
of certain diseases. The detection of these compounds or
differential sensing of the same can allow for the early detection
of particular disease states.
[0005] The breath of a patient provides an ideal gas for diagnostic
sampling purposes. As a part of tidal respiration, air is drawn in
through the nose and/or mouth and into the lungs. By its presence
in close contact with moist internal tissues, the inspired air is
warmed, humidified, and picks up volatile organic compounds. This
air is then expired out through the nose and/or mouth.
SUMMARY
[0006] In a first aspect, a breath sensing system is included. The
breath sampling system can include a breath sampling mask. The
breath sampling mask can include a mask housing configured to cover
a portion of the face of a patient, the mask housing defining a
breath receiving chamber. The breath sampling system can also
include a chemical sensor element in fluid communication with the
breath sampling mask. The chemical sensor element can include a
plurality of discrete binding detectors. The chemical sensor
element can be configured to interface with a breath sample
collected through the breath sampling mask.
[0007] In a second aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include circuitry for
generating signals from the discrete binding detectors.
[0008] In a third aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a breath sampling
mask including a nose clip for helping to secure the breath
sampling mask to the face of a patient.
[0009] In a fourth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a sensor such as one
or more of a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a blood
pressure sensor.
[0010] In a fifth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a sensor such as one
or more of an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient humidity
sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an internal humidity
sensor.
[0011] In a sixth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a removable breath
sample container disposed within the mouth chamber.
[0012] In a seventh aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a gas outflow
conduit in fluid communication with the breath receiving
chamber.
[0013] In an eighth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a chemical sensor
holder configured to allow removable mounting of a chemical sensor
element.
[0014] In a ninth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the chemical sensor holder can be disposed within the
breath receiving chamber.
[0015] In a tenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a chemical sensor
holder housing in fluid communication with the breath receiving
chamber, wherein the chemical sensor element can be disposed within
the chemical sensor holder housing.
[0016] In an eleventh aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sensing system can include a filter in fluid
communication with the one-way airflow valve.
[0017] In a twelfth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, a breath sampling mask is included. The breath sampling
mask can include a mask housing configured to cover a portion of
the face of a patient. The mask housing can define a chamber. The
mask configured to remove volatile organic compounds from air drawn
in through the mask housing.
[0018] In a thirteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sampling mask can include a sensor such as one
or more of a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a blood
pressure sensor.
[0019] In a fourteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sampling mask can include a nose clip member
for helping to secure the breath sampling mask to the patient.
[0020] In a fifteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, a sensor can be attached to a nose clip member.
[0021] In a sixteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the mask housing of the breath sampling mask can include a
dividing wall isolating the chamber into a nasal chamber and a
mouth chamber.
[0022] In a seventeenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sampling mask can include a one-way airflow
valve in fluid communication with the nasal chamber and an area
outside of the mask housing, where the one-way airflow valve only
allows a flow of air from the area outside of the mask housing into
the nasal chamber.
[0023] In an eighteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sampling mask can include a chemical sensor
holder configured to allow removable mounting of a chemical sensor
element. The chemical sensor holder can be disposed within the
mouth chamber of the breath sampling mask.
[0024] In a nineteenth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, the breath sampling mask can include a sensor such as one
or more of an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient humidity
sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an internal humidity
sensor.
[0025] In a twentieth aspect, in addition to one or more of the
preceding or following aspects, or in the alternative to some
aspects, a method of determining the presence of one or more
disease states of a patient is included. The method can include
putting a breath sampling mask on a patient; alerting the patient
to breathe in and out to generate a breath sample; contacting the
breath sample with a chemical sensor element, the chemical sensor
element including a plurality of discrete binding detectors; using
a measurement circuit to generate signals from the discrete binding
detectors; and evaluating the signals by comparing them to
previously obtained sets of signals or signal patterns.
[0026] This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the
present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or
exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details
are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other
aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading
and understanding the following detailed description and viewing
the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be
taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present application is
defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] The technology may be more completely understood in
connection with the following drawings, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a patient showing portions of
respiratory pathways.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a breath sampling mask as worn
by a patient in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a breath sampling mask as worn
by a patient in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic cutaway view of a breath sampling mask
as worn by a patient in accordance with various embodiments
herein.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic cutaway view of a breath sampling mask
as worn by a patient in accordance with various embodiments
herein.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic cutaway view of a breath sampling mask
as worn by a patient in accordance with various embodiments
herein.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a breath sampling system in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a breath sampling system in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a breath sampling system in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a breath sampling system in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a breath sampling system in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a breath sampling mask in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a breath sampling mask in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a breath sampling mask in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a schematic cutaway view of a breath sampling
mask in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a schematic isometric view of a breath sampling
mask in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0044] FIG. 17 a schematic bottom plan view of a breath sampling
mask in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0045] FIG. 18 a schematic top plan view of a chemical sensor
element in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0046] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a measurement
zone in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a graphene
varactor in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0048] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of
a graphene varactor in accordance with various embodiments
herein.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of a passive sensor circuit and
a portion of a reading circuit is shown in accordance with various
embodiments herein.
[0050] While the technology is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the application is not limited to the
particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the application
is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] The breath of a patient provides an ideal gas for diagnostic
sampling purposes. As a part of tidal respiration, air is drawn in
through the nose and/or mouth and into the lungs. By its presence
in close contact with moist internal tissues, the inspired air is
warmed, humidified, and picks up volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This air is then expired out through the nose and/or mouth.
[0052] In some instances, the VOCs present in exhaled breath can be
hallmarks of certain diseases, including but not limited to
cancers, including lung cancer, blood-borne cancers, prostate
cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic
cancer, or to other disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, diabetes, heart failure, and the like. Detection of VOCs
in the breath of a patient directly from the gaseous form can
provide an accurate mechanism for determining one or more diseased
states.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic view is shown of a
patient 100 showing portions of respiratory pathways. Air can be
inspired through the nose 108 and into nasal passages 104 or
through the mouth 110 and into oral passages 106 eventually
reaching the lungs 102. The inspired air is warmed, humidified, and
picks up volatile organic compounds during its passage to the
lungs, while it remains in the lungs, and further during expiration
on its way back out of the lungs. The air is then expired through
the nasal passages 104 and out the nose 108 and/or through oral
passages 106 and out the mouth 110.
[0054] In accordance with various embodiments herein, a breath
sampling mask is included which can aid in one or more of:
capturing breath samples, controlling how the breath samples are
generated and treated, and providing additional data regarding the
patient and/or their current physiological state. FIG. 2 is a
schematic view of a breath sampling mask 200 as worn by a patient
100 in accordance with various embodiments herein. The breath
sampling mask 200 can include one or more elastic members 202, 204
configured to secure the breath sampling mask 200 to the patient's
face. The pressure of the breath sampling mask 200 on the face can
aid in forming an air tight connection of the breath sampling mask
200 to the patient's face.
[0055] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, when the patient creates a
negative pressure inside the breath sampling mask 200, air can be
drawn from the ambient environment into the breath sampling mask
200 through the exterior surface of breath sampling mask 200 (or a
portion thereof), as indicated in FIG. 2 by air inflow arrows 210,
212, 214, and 216. As such, the breath sampling mask 200, or
portions thereof, can be made of a porous material (one or more
layers of material) to allow air to be drawn in, in this way.
Porous materials can include, but are not limited to, woven and
non-woven fibrous materials, porous cellulosic materials, porous
polymers, porous or non-porous materials assuming porous structures
such as grids, weaves, sieves, and the like. However, in other
embodiments, the breath sampling mask 200, or portions thereof, can
be made of a non-porous material. Non-porous materials can include,
but are not limited to, polymers, metals, cellulosic materials,
composites, metals, ceramics, and the like.
[0056] In some embodiments, breath sampling mask 200 can include
filters or conditioned surfaces to treat the incoming air such that
it can do one or more of: filtering particulate matter from the
air, providing humidity control, providing a filter for organic or
inorganic matter, and providing for adsorption of compounds and/or
particulates in the ambient environment. By way of example, a
carbon surface can be included on the exterior to filter out
environmental particulates and/or environmental volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). For example, a carbon material can be sprayed on,
or otherwise applied to, an outer surface of the breath sampling
mask 200. In some embodiments, the breath sampling mask 200 can
include a carbon layer disposed within the mask itself. For
example, a carbon material can be integrated into a material layer
used to make the breath sampling mask 200 and/or sandwiched in
between layers of material used to make the breath sampling mask
200. Carbon herein can be specifically be carbon that can absorb
significant amounts of VOCs through high surface area such as
activated carbon or activated charcoal (in some cases one gram of
activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 3,000 m.sup.2 or
more) and/or through the use of chemical treatments to enhance
absorption properties.
[0057] The breath sampling mask 200 can include various ports or
conduits in and out of the breath sampling mask 200, some of which
may be in fluid communication with valves or other components or
portions of the breath sampling mask 200. By way of example, the
breath sampling mask 200 can include one or more conduits 206,
which can serve as a passageway for breath samples, exhaust air,
wires, or the like.
[0058] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, air is primarily drawn in
through the mask housing material itself, however, in other
embodiments an incoming port or conduit can be used through which
air is drawn in. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a breath sampling
mask 200 as worn by a patient 100 in accordance with various
embodiments herein. The breath sampling mask 200 can include one or
more elastic members 202, 204 configured to secure the breath
sampling mask 200 to the patient's face. The breath sampling mask
200 can include various ports or conduits in and out of the breath
sampling mask 200, some of which may be in fluid communication with
valves or other components or portions of the breath sampling mask
200. By way of example, in some embodiments, the breath sampling
mask 200 can include an air intake port 308. When the patient
creates a negative pressure inside the breath sampling mask 200,
air can be drawn from the ambient environment into the breath
sampling mask 200 through the air intake port 308, as indicated in
FIG. 3 by air inflow arrows 210, 212, 214, and 216. The breath
sampling mask 200 can also include one or more conduits 206, which
can serve as a passageway for breath samples, exhaust air, wires,
or the like.
[0059] It may be desirable to pre-condition and/or filter the
inhaled air prior to its passage through the mask housing or port
308. In some embodiments, a preconditioning unit (not shown) can be
connected to an air intake port 308 via a suitable connector, such
as a bayonet connector. Pre-conditioning and/or filtering the
inhaled air can include, but not be limited to, providing humidity
control, providing temperature control, filtering particulate
matter from the air, filtering organic or inorganic matter,
including VOCs, by providing for adsorption and/or absorption of
compounds and/or particulates from the ambient environment.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic cutaway view of a
breath sampling mask 200 as worn by a patient 100 is shown in
accordance with various embodiments herein. The breath sampling
mask 200 includes a mask housing 402 that is configured to cover a
portion of the face of the patient 100. The mask housing 402 can
define an interior chamber 406, which can be a breath receiving
chamber. The breath sampling mask 200 can also include a nose clip
member 404 connected to the mask housing 402 for helping to secure
the breath sampling mask 200 to the patient 100. In some
embodiments, the nose clip member 404 can work in collaboration
with the elastic members 202, 204, to form an air tight connection
of the breath sampling mask 200 against the patient's face. In some
embodiments, breath sampling mask 200 can include a gas outflow
conduit 206 in fluid communication with the breath receiving
chamber.
[0061] The nose clip member 404 can take on various forms and be
make of various materials. In some embodiments, the nose clip
member 404 can include a U-shaped or V-shaped member which can
exert at least some pressure on a patient's nose from
two-directions that are at least partially opposed. In some
embodiments, the nose clip member 404 can include a spring-like
element which can expand under applied force to allow the nose clip
member to fit over a patient's nose, but then exert pressure on the
nose when the applied force is released. Materials used to form the
nose clip member 404 can include, but are not limited to, polymers,
metals, composites, and the like.
[0062] In various embodiments, the breath sampling mask 200 can
include a one-way airflow valve 408. The one-way airflow valve 408
can be in fluid communication between the air intake port 308 and
the interior chamber 406, the one-way airflow valve 408 only
allowing a flow of air from the area outside of the mask housing
402 into the interior chamber 406. In some embodiments, a filter
can be placed in fluid communication with one-way airflow valve 408
such that it can remove particulate or chemical impurities from the
environmental air prior to being inhaled by patient 100. In some
embodiments, the filter can be integrated with the valve 408
structure. The filter can do one or more of filter out particulate
matter from inspired air, provide humidity control, provide a
filter for organic or inorganic matter, and/or provide for
adsorption of compounds and/or particulates in the ambient
environment. By way of example, the filter can include a carbon
material, such as those described above, to filter out
environmental particulates and/or environmental volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
[0063] In some embodiments, the breath sampling mask 200 can
include a sensor 410 that can be connected to the nose clip member
404. In some embodiments, the sensor 410 can be configured to
contact the skin of the patient 100 when the mask housing 402 is
worn by the patient 100. The sensor 410 can be selected from a
group including a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a
blood pressure sensor.
[0064] It will be appreciated that while the sensor 410 in FIG. 4
is shown as being connected to the nose clip member 404 and in
contact with the skin of the patient, other embodiments for the
sensor 410 can be contemplated. For example, in some embodiments
the sensor 410 can include an ear clip sensor, a fingertip sensor,
a carotid artery sensor, or a galvanic skin sensor that is not
integral with the mask, but connected to the mask housing via a
wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments the sensor 410
can include non-contact sensors (e.g., that does not contact the
skin), such as those used in electromagnetic-based, laser-based,
and image-based sensor systems.
[0065] In some embodiments, the breath sampling mask 200 can also
include additional sensors 412, 414, which can be on the outside of
the breath sampling mask 200 or on the inside of the breath
sampling mask 200. Exemplary sensors can include an ambient
temperature sensor, an ambient humidity sensor, an internal
temperature sensor, and an internal humidity sensor.
[0066] While the embodiment of FIG. 4 shows a single chamber inside
the mask, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of masks
herein can include multiple chambers that are isolated from one
another. The mask can be configured to allow air and breath samples
to move through the chambers of the mask in only a particular way
or direction. FIG. 5 is a schematic cutaway view of a breath
sampling mask 200 as worn by a patient in accordance with various
embodiments herein. In this embodiment, the breath receiving
chamber includes dividing wall 506 to isolate breath receiving
chamber into a nasal chamber 502 and a mouth chamber 504, as
defined by the mask housing 402. The nasal chamber 502 and the
mouth chamber 504 can be separated from one another when the breath
sampling mask 200 comes into contact with the face of patient
during usage.
[0067] Separating the interior volume defined by the mask housing
402 into nasal chambers 502 and mouth chambers 504, in combination
with valves, can allow for a controlled unidirectional flow of air
through the breath sampling mask 200. In particular, the one-way
airflow valve 408 only allows a flow of air from the area outside
of the mask housing 402 into the nasal chamber 502 through air
intake port 308. Further another one-way airflow valve 508 only
allows a flow of air from the mouth chamber 504 out through conduit
206. In this manner, air only moves through the chambers of the
breath sampling mask 200 in one direction. It will be appreciated
that while air intake port 308 and one-way airflow valve 408 are
shown disposed in the mask housing 402 within the nasal chamber
502, the air intake port 308 and one-way airflow valve 408 can
alternatively be disposed in the mask housing 402 within the mouth
chamber 504. In some embodiments, the air intake port 308 and
one-way airflow valve 408 can be disposed in the mask housing 402
in both the nasal chamber 502 and within the mouth chamber 504. In
some embodiments, breath sampling mask 200 can include a gas
outflow conduit 206 in fluid communication with the nasal chamber
502, the mouth chamber 504, or both.
[0068] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to retain a breath
sample within the breath sampling mask 200 itself or another
associated structure. For example, a container can be used to hold
a breath sample, and the container itself can be disposed in the
breath sampling mask 200 or otherwise in fluid communication with
the breath sampling mask 200. Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic
cutaway view of a breath sampling mask 200 as worn by a patient 100
is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein. In this
view, a breath sample container 602 is disposed within the mouth
chamber 504. The breath sample container 602 can define an interior
volume 604 in order to hold and retain a breath sample. It will be
appreciated that while the breath sample container 602 shown in
FIG. 6 is removable, in another embodiment, breath sample container
602 could be an integral part of the breath sampling mask 200.
[0069] Breath sampling masks in accordance with embodiments herein
can form parts of breath sampling systems. Such breath sampling
systems can include a breath sampling mask along with other
components such as chemical sensors including sensing elements and
circuitry for generating signals based on electrical properties of
the sensing elements. Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic view is
shown of a breath sampling system 700 in accordance with various
embodiments herein. The breath sampling system 700 can include
breath sampling mask 200, which can be worn by a patient 100. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, air can be inspired into a nasal
chamber 502 and into the lungs of the patient 100. This air can
then be expired out into a mouth chamber 504 before passing out
through conduit 206 and on to a gaseous analyte sensing device 702
for analysis.
[0070] The gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can include a housing
718. The gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can be connected to
breath sampling mask 200 via conduit 206, through which a patient's
gaseous breath sample can travel to be evaluated at gaseous analyte
sensing device 702. The patient's gaseous breath sample can pass
through an evaluation sample (patient sample) input port 704. The
gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can also include a control
sample (environment) input port 706. The gaseous analyte sensing
device 702 can also include a chemical sensor element chamber 708,
into which a chemical sensor element can be placed. The gaseous
analyte sensing device 702 can also include a display screen 710
and a user input device 712, such as a keyboard. The gaseous
analyte sensing device 702 can also include a gas outflow port 714.
The gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can also include flow
sensors in fluid communication with the gas flow associated with
one or more of the evaluation sample input port 704 and control
sample input port 706. It will be appreciated that many different
types of flow sensors can be used. In some embodiments, a hot-wire
anemometer can be used to measure the flow of air. In some
embodiments, the gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can include a
CO.sub.2 sensor in fluid communication with the gas flow associated
with one or more of the evaluation sample input port 704 and
control sample input port 706.
[0071] In various embodiments, the gaseous analyte sensing device
702 can also include other functional components. By way of
example, the gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can include a
humidity control module 716 and/or a temperature control module
720. The humidity control module 716 can be in fluid communication
with the gas flow associated with one or more of the evaluation
sample input port 704 and control sample input port 706 in order to
adjust the humidity of one or both gas flow streams in order to
make the relative humidity of the two streams substantially the
same in order to prevent an adverse impact on the readings obtained
by the system. The temperature control module 720 can be in fluid
communication with the gas flow associated with one or more of the
evaluation sample input port 704 and control sample input port 706
in order to adjust the temperature of one or both gas flow streams
in order to make the temperature of the two streams substantially
the same in order to prevent an adverse impact on the readings
obtained by the system. By way of example, the air flowing into the
control sample input port can be brought up to 37 degrees Celsius
in order to match the temperature of air coming from a patient. The
humidity control module and the temperature control module can be
upstream from the input ports, within the input ports, or
downstream from the input ports in the housing 718 of the gaseous
analyte sensing device 702. In some embodiments, the humidity
control module 716 and the temperature control module 720 can be
integrated.
[0072] In some embodiments, breath samples can be put into contact
with a chemical sensor element in the mask itself or in a structure
directly attached to the mask. One or more components of the
gaseous analyte sensing device 702 shown in reference to FIG. 7 can
be integrated into the breath sampling mask 200. As such, in some
embodiments, a separate gaseous analyte sensing device may not be
needed in a breath sensing system. Referring now to FIG. 8, a
schematic view is shown of a breath sampling system 800 in
accordance with various embodiments herein. The breath sampling
system 800 can include a breath sampling mask 200 including a nasal
chamber 502 and a mouth chamber 504. A chemical sensor holder 802
can be disposed within a breath receiving chamber, such as mouth
chamber 504. The chemical sensor holder 802 can be configured to
allow removable mounting of a chemical sensor element. The chemical
sensor element can interface with a breath sample collected through
the breath sampling mask 200 when the patient 100 exhales into the
breath sampling mask 200. Exemplary chemical sensor elements will
be described more fully below in reference to FIGS. 18-21.
[0073] Sample gas (breath) can optionally pass through a structure
806 such as a filter or valve and into the chemical sensor holder
802. After entering the chemical sensor holder 802, the gas can
then pass out of the system through an exhaust port 804.
Measurement circuitry (not shown in this view) can be associated
with the chemical sensor holder 802 in order to generate a signal
based on an electrical property of the chemical sensor element. The
signal(s) can be conveyed to an analysis device 810 through a data
conduit 808. It will be appreciated, however, that signals can also
be conveyed wirelessly. Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic view
is shown of a breath sampling system 900 in accordance with various
embodiments herein. In this embodiment, the breath sampling system
900 includes communication circuitry and an antenna 902 in order to
generate wireless signals that can be received by an analysis
device 810.
[0074] In some embodiments, the chemical sensor holder 802 can be
housed in a separate structure that can be attached (removably or
not) to the breath sampling mask 200. Referring now to FIG. 10, a
schematic view is shown of a breath sampling system 1000 in
accordance with various embodiments herein. In this embodiment, a
chemical sensor holder housing 1002 is included. The chemical
sensor holder housing can be in fluid communication with the breath
receiving chamber. Sample gas can pass from the mouth chamber 504
into chemical sensor holder housing 1002 and, specifically, into
the chemical sensor holder 802 located within the chemical sensor
holder housing 1002. Sample gas can pass over chemical sensor
element (not shown), secured by chemical sensor holder 802, and out
exhaust port 804.
[0075] It will be appreciated that mask herein can take on many
different specific forms. Referring now to FIG. 11, a schematic
view is shown of a breath sampling system 1100 in accordance with
various embodiments herein. The breath sampling system 1100 can
include breath sampling mask 200, which can be worn by a patient
100. Breath sampling mask 200 can include nose clip member 404 for
helping to secure the breath sampling mask 200 to the patient 100.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, air can be inspired into the
mask and into the lungs of the patient 100. This air can then be
expired out into a mouth chamber before passing out through conduit
206 and on to a gaseous analyte sensing device 702. In some
embodiments, the breath sampling mask 200 and gaseous analyte
sensing device 702 can be connected directly via a data conduit,
such as data conduit 808 shown in FIG. 8. In other embodiments, the
breath sampling mask 200 and gaseous analyte sensing device 702 can
be connected wirelessly.
[0076] The embodiment of breath sampling mask 200 shown in FIG. 11
will be described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 12-17.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a schematic side view of an exterior of
breath sampling mask 200 is shown. Breath sampling mask 200 can
include air intake port 308 that can be in fluid communication with
a one-way airflow valve on the interior (not shown) of the breath
sampling mask 200. The breath sampling mask 200 can include one or
more elastic members 202 and 204 configured to secure the breath
sampling mask 200 to the patient's face. The breath sampling mask
200 can include various ports or conduits in and out of the breath
sampling mask 200, some of which may be in fluid communication with
valves, filters, or other components or portions of the breath
sampling mask 200. By way of example, the breath sampling mask 200
can include one or more conduits 206, which can serve as a
passageway for breath samples, exhaust air, wires, or the like.
Like structures of breath sampling mask 200 are shown in a
schematic isometric view in FIG. 13 and in a schematic top plan
view in FIG. 14.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 15, a schematic cross-sectional view
of a side of the breath sampling mask 200 is shown. Breath sampling
mask 200 can include nose clip member 404 attached to mask housing
402. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 410 can be connected
to the nose clip member 404, the one or more sensors 410 configured
to contact the skin of the patient 100 when the breath sampling
mask 200 is worn by the patient 100. The sensor 410 can be selected
from a group including a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor,
and a blood pressure sensor.
[0078] Breath sampling mask 200 can also include a nasal chamber
502 and a mouth chamber 504. Nasal chamber 502 and mouth chamber
504 can be separated by a dividing wall 506. It will be appreciated
that in some embodiments the nasal chamber 502 defines the breath
receiving chamber, while in other embodiments the mouth chamber can
define the breath receiving chamber. In some embodiments, both the
nasal chamber 502 and the mouth chamber can define the breath
receiving chamber. In some embodiments, breath sampling mask 200
does not have a dividing wall 506. Mouth chamber 504 can include a
dividing member 1502 that can span at least a portion of mouth
chamber 504 without completely dividing mouth chamber 504 into more
than one section. Attached to dividing member 1502 can be a
chemical sensor holder 802. Chemical sensor holder 802 can serve as
an anchor point to secure a chemical sensor element (not shown)
within the interior, or patient-facing side, of breath sampling
mask 200.
[0079] Like structures of breath sampling mask 200 are shown in a
schematic isometric view in FIG. 16 and in a schematic bottom plan
view in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 further shows that breath sampling mask
200 can include a one-way airflow valve 408 that can be in fluid
communication with a one-way airflow valve on the exterior (not
shown) of the breath sampling mask 200.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 18, a schematic top plan view of a
chemical sensor element 1800 is shown in accordance with various
embodiments herein. The chemical sensor element 1800 can include a
substrate 1802. It will be appreciated that the substrate can be
formed from many different materials. By way of example, the
substrate can be formed from polymers, metals, glasses, ceramics,
cellulosic materials, composites, metal oxides, and the like. The
thickness of the substrate can vary. In some embodiments, the
substrate has sufficient structural integrity to be handled without
undue flexure that could damage components thereon. In some
embodiments, the substrate can have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to
about 5 mm. The length and width of the substrate can also vary. In
some embodiments, the length (or major axis) can be from about 0.2
cm to about 10 cm. In some embodiments, the width (perpendicular to
the major axis) can be from about 0.2 cm to about 8 cm. In some
embodiments, the chemical sensor element can be disposable. In some
embodiments, the chemical sensor element can be reusable.
[0081] The chemical sensor element can include a first measurement
zone 1804 disposed on the substrate 1802. In some embodiments, the
first measurement zone 1804 can define a portion of a first gas
flow path. The first measurement zone (or breath sample zone) 1804
can include a plurality of discrete binding detectors that can
sense analytes in a gaseous sample, such as a breath sample. A
second measurement zone (or environment sample zone) 1806, separate
from the first measurement zone 1804, can also be disposed on the
substrate 1802. The second measurement zone 1806 can also include a
plurality of discrete binding detectors. In some embodiments, the
second measurement zone 1806 can include the same (in type and/or
number) discrete binding detectors that are within the first
measurement zone 1804. In some embodiments, the second measurement
zone 1806 can include only a subset of the discrete binding
detectors that are within the first measurement zone 1804. In
operation, the data gathered from the first measurement zone, which
can be reflective of the gaseous sample analyzed, can be corrected
or normalized based on the data gathered from the second
measurement zone, which can be reflective of analytes present in
the environment. However, in some embodiments, both a first and
second measurement zone can reflect the breath sample analyzed. In
some embodiments, a second measurement zone is not included.
[0082] In some embodiments, a third measurement zone (drift control
or witness zone) 1808 can also be disposed on the substrate. The
third measurement zone 1808 can include a plurality of discrete
binding detectors. In some embodiments, the third measurement zone
1808 can include the same (in type and/or number) discrete binding
detectors that are within the first measurement zone 1804. In some
embodiments, the third measurement zone 1808 can include only a
subset of the discrete binding detectors that are within the first
measurement zone 1804. In some embodiments, the third measurement
zone 1808 can include discrete binding detectors that are different
than those of the first measurement zone 1804 and the second
measurement zone 1806. In some embodiments, a third measurement
zone 1808 is not included. Aspects of the third measurement zone
are described in greater detail below.
[0083] The first measurement zone, the second measurement zone, and
the third measurement zone can be the same size or can be of
different sizes. In some embodiments, the chemical sensor element
1800 can also include a component 1810 to store reference data. The
component 1810 to store reference data can be an electronic data
storage device, an optical data storage device, a printed data
storage device (such as a printed code), or the like. The reference
data can include, but is not limited to, data regarding the third
measurement zone.
[0084] In some embodiments, chemical sensor elements embodied
herein can include electrical contacts (not shown) that can be used
to provide power to components on the chemical sensor element 1800
and/or can be used to read data regarding the measurement zones
and/or data from the stored in component 1810. However, in other
embodiments there are no external electrical contacts on the
chemical sensor element 1800.
[0085] Chemical sensor element 1800 can be configured to fit within
chemical sensor holder 802, shown in FIGS. 8-10 and 15-17. Further
aspects of exemplary chemical sensor elements can be found in U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/883,895, the content of which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0086] Many different types of circuits can be used to gather data
from chemical sensor elements. It will be appreciated that the
chemical sensor elements embodied herein can include those that are
compatible with passive wireless sensing techniques. One example of
a passive sensor circuit 2202 and a portion of a reading circuit
2222 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 22 and discussed in more
detail below, however, many other circuits are contemplated
herein.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 19, a schematic diagram of a portion
of a measurement zone 1900 is shown in accordance with various
embodiments herein. A plurality of discrete binding detectors 1902
can be disposed within the measurement zone 1900 in an array. In
some embodiments, a chemical sensor element can include a plurality
of discrete binding detectors configured in an array within a
measurement zone. In some embodiments, the plurality of discrete
binding detectors can be identical, while in other embodiments the
plurality of discrete binding detectors can be different from one
another.
[0088] In some embodiments, the discrete binding detectors can be
heterogeneous in that they are all different from one another in
terms of their binding behavior or specificity with regard a
particular analyte. In some embodiments, some discrete binding
detectors can be duplicated for validation purposes, but are
otherwise heterogeneous from other discrete binding detectors. Yet
in other embodiments, the discrete binding detectors can be
homogeneous. While the discrete binding detectors 1902 of FIG. 19
are shown as boxes organized into a grid, it will be appreciated
that the discrete binding detectors can take on many different
shapes (including, but not limited to, various polygons, circles,
ovals, irregular shapes, and the like) and, in turn, the groups of
discrete binding detectors can be arranged into many different
patterns (including, but not limited to, star patterns, zig-zag
patterns, radial patterns, symbolic patterns, and the like).
[0089] In some embodiments, the order of specific discrete binding
detectors 1902 across the length 1912 and width 1914 of the
measurement zone can be substantially random. In other embodiments,
the order can be specific. For example, in some embodiments, a
measurement zone can be ordered so that the specific discrete
binding detectors 1902 for analytes having a lower molecular weight
are located farther away from the incoming gas flow relative to
specific discrete binding detectors 1902 for analytes having a
higher molecular weight which are located closer to the incoming
gas flow. As such, chromatographic effects which may serve to
provide separation between chemical compounds of different
molecular weight can be taken advantage of to provide for optimal
binding of chemical compounds to corresponding discrete binding
detectors.
[0090] The number of discrete binding detectors within a particular
measurement zone can be from about 1 to about 100,000. In some
embodiments, the number of discrete binding detectors can be from
about 1 to about 10,000. In some embodiments, the number of
discrete binding detectors can be from about 1 to about 1,000. In
some embodiments, the number of discrete binding detectors can be
from about 2 to about 500. In some embodiments, the number of
discrete binding detectors can be from about 10 to about 500. In
some embodiments, the number of discrete binding detectors can be
from about 50 to about 500. In some embodiments, the number of
discrete binding detectors can be from about 1 to about 250. In
some embodiments, the number of discrete binding detectors can be
from about 1 to about 50.
[0091] Each of the discrete binding detectors suitable for use
herein can include at least a portion of one or more electrical
circuits. By way of example, in some embodiments, each of the
discrete binding detectors can include one or more passive
electrical circuits. In some embodiments, the graphene varactors
can be included such that they are integrated directly on an
electronic circuit. In some embodiments, the graphene varactors can
be included such that they are wafer bonded to the circuit. In some
embodiments, the graphene varactors can include integrated readout
electronics, such as a readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The
electrical properties of the electrical circuit, including
resistance or capacitance, can change upon binding, such as
specific and/or non-specific binding, with a component from a
breath sample.
[0092] In some embodiments, the discrete binding detectors embodied
herein can include graphene-based variable capacitors (or graphene
varactors). Referring now to FIG. 20, a schematic view of a
graphene varactor 2000 is shown in accordance with the embodiments
herein. It will be appreciated that graphene varactors can be
prepared in various ways with various geometries, and that the
graphene varactor shown in FIG. 20 is just one example in
accordance with the embodiments herein.
[0093] Graphene varactor 2000 can include an insulator layer 2002,
a gate electrode 2004 (or "gate contact"), a dielectric layer (not
shown in FIG. 20), one or more graphene layers, such as graphene
layers 2008a and 2008b, and a contact electrode 2010 (or "graphene
contact"). In some embodiments, the graphene layer(s) 2008a-b can
be contiguous, while in other embodiments the graphene layer(s)
2008a-b can be non-contiguous. Gate electrode 2004 can be deposited
within one or more depressions formed in insulator layer 2002.
Insulator layer 2002 can be formed from an insulative material such
as silicon dioxide, formed on a silicon substrate (wafer), and the
like. Gate electrode 2004 can be formed by an electrically
conductive material such as chromium, copper, gold, silver,
tungsten, aluminum, titanium, palladium, platinum, iridium, and any
combinations or alloys thereof, which can be deposited on top of or
embedded within the insulator layer 2002. The dielectric layer can
be disposed on a surface of the insulator layer 2002 and the gate
electrode 2004. The graphene layer(s) 2008a-b can be disposed on
the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer will be discussed in
more detail below in reference to FIG. 21.
[0094] Graphene varactor 2000 includes eight gate electrode fingers
2006a-2006h. It will be appreciated that while graphene varactor
2000 shows eight gate electrode fingers 2006a-2006h, any number of
gate electrode finger configurations can be contemplated. In some
embodiments, an individual graphene varactor can include fewer than
eight gate electrode fingers. In some embodiments, an individual
graphene varactor can include more than eight gate electrode
fingers. In other embodiments, an individual graphene varactor can
include two gate electrode fingers. In some embodiments, an
individual graphene varactor can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, or more gate electrode fingers. Graphene varactor 2000 can
include one or more contact electrodes 2010 disposed on portions of
the graphene layers 2008a and 2008b. Contact electrode 2010 can be
formed from an electrically conductive material such as chromium,
copper, gold, silver, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, palladium,
platinum, iridium, and any combinations or alloys thereof. Further
aspects of exemplary graphene varactors can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 9,513,244, the content of which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 21, a schematic cross-sectional view
of a portion of a graphene varactor 2100 is shown in accordance
with various embodiments herein. The graphene varactor 2100 can
include an insulator layer 2002 and a gate electrode 2004 recessed
into the insulator layer 2002. The gate electrode 2004 can be
formed by depositing an electrically conductive material in the
depression in the insulator layer 2002, as discussed above in
reference to FIG. 20. A dielectric layer 2102 can be formed on a
surface of the insulator layer 2002 and the gate electrode 2004. In
some examples, the dielectric layer 2102 can be formed of a
material, such as, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, hafnium
dioxide, zirconium dioxide, hafnium silicate, or zirconium
silicate.
[0096] The graphene varactor 2100 can include a single graphene
layer 2104 that can be disposed on a surface of the dielectric
layer 2102. The graphene layer 2104 can be surface-modified with a
modification layer 2106. It will be appreciated that in some
embodiments, the graphene layer 2104 is not surface-modified.
[0097] The breath sensing systems described herein can include
circuitry for generating signals from the discrete binding
detectors. Such circuitry can include active and passive sensing
circuits. Such circuitry can implement wired (direct electrical
contact) or wireless sensing techniques. Referring now to FIG. 22,
a schematic diagram of a passive sensor circuit 2202 and a portion
of a reading circuit 2222 is shown in accordance with various
aspects herein. In some embodiments, the passive sensor circuit
2202 can include a metal-oxide-graphene varactor 2204 (wherein RS
represents the series resistance and CG represents the varactor
capacitor) coupled to an inductor 2210. In some embodiments, the
reading circuit 2222 can include a reading coil having a resistance
2224 and an inductance 2226. However, it will be appreciated that
the circuits shown in FIG. 22 are merely one approach. Many
different approaches are contemplated herein.
[0098] In some embodiments, a method of determining the presence of
one or more disease states in a patient is included. The method can
include putting a breath sampling mask on a patient and alerting
the patient to breathe in and out to generate a breath sample. The
method can include contacting the breath sample with a chemical
sensor element. The method can further include collecting data from
chemical sensor element comprising a plurality of discrete binding
detectors. The method can further include using a measurement
circuit to generate signals from the discrete binding detectors.
The method can further include evaluating the signals by comparing
them to previously obtained sets of signals or signal patterns.
[0099] In some embodiments, the method can include alerting the
patient to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth to
generate a breath sample. In some embodiments, the method can
include instructing the patient to breathe in through the mouth and
out through the mouth. In some embodiments, the method can include
instructing the patient to breathe in through the mouth and out
through the nose. In yet other embodiments, the method can include
instructing the patient to breathe in through the nose and out
through the nose.
[0100] In some embodiments, the method can include evaluating the
signals by comparing them to previously obtained sets of signals or
patterns for patients in a non-diseased or diseased state. In some
embodiments, the diseased state can include, but not be limited to
cancer, including lung cancer, blood-borne cancers, prostate
cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic
cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart
failure, and the like. In some embodiments, the comparison can
include detecting patterns of differentiation between non-diseased
and diseased states. In some embodiments, the method can include
detecting one or more volatile organic compounds in the breath of a
patient.
[0101] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing
"a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should
also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense
including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0102] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification
and the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a
system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or
configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular
configuration to. The phrase "configured" can be used
interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and
configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and
arranged, and the like.
[0103] All publications and patent applications in this
specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the
art to which this technology pertains. All publications and patent
applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated by reference. The
publications and patents disclosed herein are provided solely for
their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission
that the inventors are not entitled to antedate any publication
and/or patent, including any publication and/or patent cited
herein.
[0104] The technology has been described with reference to various
specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it
should be understood that many variations and modifications may be
made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the technology.
As such, the embodiments of the present technology described herein
are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the
precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.
Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others
skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and
practices of the present technology.
* * * * *