Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx -free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx-free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: The function of a measuring device can be tested using a healthy person as an external control, provided that this person fulfils certain criteria and that particular method steps are adhered to.

Abstract: A constant flow regulator device for maintaining a constant flow of fluid when a variable fluid pressure is applied, comprising an inlet duct (506) for incoming fluid, a housing (500), and a movable partition (502) facing the inlet duct and being subjected to an elastic force. A fluid passage (510) of variable cross section area is formed between the inlet duct and the movable partition. The housing and movable partition form an inner compartment (504) in fluid communication with the inlet duct for establishing a fluid pressure inside the inner compartment approximately equal to the fluid pressure in the inlet duct. The size of the movable partition is significantly greater than the size of the inlet duct such that, in use, the partition is moved towards the inlet duct against the elastic force when the fluid pressure in the inlet duct increases to reduce said fluid passage cross section area, and vice versa, thereby maintaining constant fluid flow.

Abstract: A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor I described. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.

Abstract: A diaphragm device for a check valves is provided. The diaphragm device comprises a diaphragm, adapted to cover at least one orifice, and an operation device, adapted to enable movement of the diaphragm substantially along a length axis of the orifice. The operation device comprises at least one first operation organ and at least one second operation organ. The first and second operation organ in turn each comprises a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion of the first operation organ is adapted to be connected to a check valve housing, and the second portion of the first operation organ is connected to the second portion of the second operation organ. Furthermore the first portion of the second operation organ is connected to the diaphragm and the second portion of the second operation organ is connected to the second portion of the first operation organ.

Abstract: A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor I described. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.

Abstract: There is provided an analysis device comprising a gas phase and a liquid phase and at least one sensor, said sensor having at least one point where an analyte is detected, said at least point being in contact with the liquid phase, characterised in that the device comprises a membrane with a first and a second side, which membrane is in contact with the gas phase on at least a part of one side of the membrane and which membrane is in contact with the liquid phase on at least a part of the other side of the membrane, wherein the membrane comprises openings, and wherein the largest possible distance between any two openings in the membrane is larger than the distance between the membrane and the point where an analyte is detected, moreover there is provided a method for analysing an analyte in a gas phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gas measurements, and more specifically to the field of testing the measuring function of a measuring device (7) for gas measurements, the measuring device (7) including a gas sensor (9) generating at least one output signal. The method includes connecting at least one simulation signal to the measuring device (7) and/or feeding a gas mixture to the measuring device wherein the magnitude of the concentration of a gas to be measured in the gas mixture is known. The invention also relates to a simulation device (1) for connection to the measuring device (7) for gas measurements when testing the measuring function of the measuring device (7). The simulation device (1) generates at least one simulation signal which can attain at least one signal level, wherein a certain signal value corresponds to a certain gas concentration.

Abstract: A method for testing the measuring accuracy of a measuring device (7) for gas measurements, comprising a gas inlet opening (70), comprising the steps; connecting a special reference gas, having a known concentration and having a controlled flow rate and pressure, where the flow rate and the pressure are controlled to be within certain limits, to the gas inlet opening (70); and evaluating the reading in relation to the known concentration of the special reference gas. A control device (1), for use in the method, for controlling the pressure and flow rate of a gas source connected the control device (1) so as to assure a controlled pressure and flow rate at a gas output (17) of the control device (1), which comprises a flow rate controlling element (11) and a pressure controlling element (13) connected between the gas input (10) and the gas output (17).

Abstract: A constant flow regulator device for maintaining a constant flow of fluid when a variable fluid pressure is applied, comprising an inlet duct (506) for incoming fluid, a housing (500), and a movable partition (502) facing the inlet duct and being subjected to an elastic force. A fluid passage (510) of variable cross section area is formed between the inlet duct and the movable partition. The housing and movable partition form an inner compartment (504) in fluid communication with the inlet duct for establishing a fluid pressure inside the inner compartment approximately equal to the fluid pressure in the inlet duct. The size of the movable partition is significantly greater than the size of the inlet duct such that, in use, the partition is moved towards the inlet duct against the elastic force when the fluid pressure in the inlet duct increases to reduce said fluid passage cross section area, and vice versa, thereby maintaining constant fluid flow.

Abstract: It has surprisingly been found that nasal NO release is greatly increased by the presence of a an oscillating airflow in healthy subjects. Accordingly, a device comprising means for generating and/or maintaining an oscillating airflow is described and suggested for use in the diagnosis of a condition of the upper airways of a human. The invention also encompasses method wherein the concentration and/or flow of at least one gaseous component in nasally exhaled air is determined and recorded in the presence and absence of an oscillating airflow acting on the upper airways or parts thereof.

Abstract: A scrubber for eliminating NO from air flowing through the scrubber, comprising a housing (1) having at least one inlet hole (2) and an outlet hole (4) and which is comprising filtering material (6). A second outlet hole (9) is provided in the housing (1) at a position situated at a distance from the first outlet hole (4) and any inlet hole (2) so that the air leaving the second outlet hole (9) will have flown at least through a depth of the filtering material (6) substantially corresponding to the depth of the filtering material (6) for the air flowing from the inlet hole (2) to the first outlet hole (4).

Abstract: Pulmonary embolism in a human patient can be detected or confirmed by monitoring the level of endogenous NO in expired air, comparing the measured level with baseline values previously obtained for the same patient or baseline values representing a healthy population. The method can be used alone, or as a supplemental or adjunct step in traditional methods for diagnosing pulmonary embolism. Analysis of the obtained NO value, with consideration of the flow and resistance, can be used to indicate the severity of the pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: It has surprisingly been found that nasal NO release is greatly increased by the presence of a an oscillating airflow in healthy subjects. Accordingly, a device comprising means for generating and/or maintaining an oscillating airflow is described and suggested for use in the diagnosis of a condition of the upper airways of a human. The invention also encompasses method wherein the concentration and/or flow of at least one gaseous component in nasally exhaled air is determined and recorded in the presence and absence of an oscillating airflow acting on the upper airways or parts thereof.

Abstract: A constant gas flow regulating device includes an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber and a movable wall that delimits the inlet and outlet chambers from each other. The moveable wall carrics a body comprising an opening that permits communication between the inlet and outlet chambers. An elongate element extends centrally in the opening of the body in the moving direction of the wall. The opening within the body surrounds a portion of the elongate element. In a first position the opening in the movable wall is placed in the vicinity of a first end of the elongate element. The element has a sectional size that gradually increases from the first end to a second end thereof. The size of the opening in the movable wall is larger than the sectional size of the elongate element. A helical spring biases the movable wall towards a first position.

Abstract: A gas sample containing an inorganic constituent, such as a sample of exhaled air is collected in a bag (b 1) comprising an inlet/outlet (2) and a reagent chamber (3) which makes possible the storage and transport of said sample and thus enables efficient and repeatable off-line determinations of inorganic components in said sample. A sample collection device, a system comprising said device and a method of its use is disclosed.