JPS6165134A - Method and device for sampling respiratory air at site - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sampling breathing air in situ with a predetermined minimum flow of breathing air, and in particular to a method and apparatus for sampling breathing air in situ with a mouthpiece. a directional control valve having an inlet connected to a mouthpiece, at least one needle connected to a first outlet of the directional control valve, and a hermetically closed sample container suitable for piercing the needle.

Methods of testing breathing air for alcohol are generally known in the art (see, for example, Dr. Gerger Publication 322, 1982).
; Dr4ger company pamphlet AlkOt, e
sZ 7010, 1981). Thereby, a minimum flow of breathing air is guided through the quantity measuring device for a given time interval. The measuring device has a semiconductor sensor responsive to alcohol or measures alcohol absorption in the range 3-4 μm. Condensation of moisture from the breathing air is prevented by a thermal device. 5 Proceedings Int., Conference
ce for Alcohol, Drugs and
Traffic 5afezy”1980vol 2
, 691 pages, AImquist and Wikse
ltInt, , N, B published by St, ockho1m
11zer.

51 references by M, Kr4mer, O, C) r+1ner” A Met, hod for th
e Df3terminating of Poreath
Alcohol wlth Mulzifracz (
"Gaschromazogrophy" describes a device for sampling respiratory air. The device is supported in a heatable housing with a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece has two-position directional control valves to the atmosphere and to the collection chamber, respectively. In the collection chamber a piston can be connected to a predetermined end position for accommodating the measurement sample under the pressure of breathing air.The outlet of the collection chamber can be connected via a needle into this needle. The sample container is connected to a gas-tightly closed sample container suitable for the purpose of the test and to a source of rinsing material via another two-position directional control valve, which is closed during sampling. Closed and evacuated to accommodate the sample.

According to another method, the breathing air is conducted directly through a measuring device suitable for the particular application, and the measurements are carried out in the air stream. However, if the composition of the breathing air has to be qualitatively and quantitatively tested in the workplace, for example for various components resulting from the metabolism of inhaled vapors, it is not appropriate to work with measuring devices that respond in particular to one component. It is. It is therefore more appropriate to take a sample of the breathing air at the workplace and test the breathing air at another location.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention: The apparatus described in the above-mentioned document is a laboratory apparatus and requires the use of an evacuated sample container. This device cannot be used in the workplace.

It is therefore an object of the invention to obtain a method and a device which can be used in a work place and in particular in which the activity of the subject is hardly disturbed even by frequent sampling.

Measures to solve the problem: The method of sampling breathing air at the workplace allows a minimum flow of breathing air to flow from the inlet of the directional control valve to the atmosphere;
That is, the directional control valve is in a first position for a predetermined first time interval, and then the directional control valve is switched to a second position directing a minimum flow of breathing air to a sample container gas-tightly connected to the directional control valve. According to this method, the device is therefore first flushed with breathing air before it is introduced into the sample container.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, a minimum flow of breathing air is delivered to the collection chamber after a predetermined first time interval when the directional control valve is in the intermediate position. After the collection chamber is filled and the directional control valve is switched to the second position, at least a portion of the breathing air contained in the collection chamber is directed to the sample container. This method allows sample containers to be filled independently of the actual sampling and, if desired, a large number of sample containers can be filled with breathing air for various tests.

The sample container can be connected to the directional control valve prior to sampling or optionally coupled to the needle during the first time interval.

The device has a sample container holder for accommodating a sample container and includes a drive unit slidable within the housing relative to the needle. The second outlet of the directional control valve is suitable for connection to the atmosphere via a pressure sensor, which sensor can be adjusted to a predetermined minimum pressure in the first position of the directional control valve;
.

A control device controlled by the pressure sensor is arranged for moving the sample container holder relative to the directional control valve. The sample container can be secured to the needle and after a first time interval the directional control valve is switched to a second position connecting the mouthpiece to the first outlet. A limit switch is provided to limit the stroke of the sample container holder, the sample container holder having a sample container holder guided in the guide bar and adjustable to the respective sample container dimensions.

To wash the sample container, the directional control valve has two needles, one needle communicating with the atmosphere at the first outlet, and connects the sample container to these needles for a second time interval after the first time interval has elapsed. is advantageous.

One device according to the invention has a collection container connected to the outlet side of the directional valve for containing breathing air, the second outlet of the directional valve being in this embodiment a valve controlled in particular by a control device. connected to the atmosphere by the valves are configured to close after a first time interval;
The collection chamber is equipped with a supply device which is switched on by the control device after a first time interval. In such an embodiment, the supply device is a piston pump, which after the first time interval is coupled to a drive unit controlled by a control device.

A limit switch may be provided to limit the stroke of the piston. the directional control valve is switched to an intermediate position to fill the collection chamber after the first time interval;
After opening the collection chamber, it can be switched to a second position connecting the collection chamber and the sample container.

Preferably, the directional control valve is a 6-point, 2-position control valve with one inlet and two outlets. The sample container on the sample container holder is in line with the first outlet of the directional control valve, and the collection chamber is coupled to the second outlet of the directional control valve via an intermediate device, which is connected to the pressure sensor and to the atmosphere. It has at least one hole for communication controlled by a control valve. In an advantageous embodiment, the elements are arranged in a line within the housing, and the mouthpiece laterally emerges from the mouthpiece.

This creates a compact, space-saving arrangement, resulting in a device that can be configured as a pocketed device.

As a result, the user's activities can be limited to switching on and breathing air by almost automatic control. Running off the program ensures that one or more unevacuated sample containers are filled with breathing air while avoiding all dilution and contamination.

Example: Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A first embodiment of a device for in-situ sampling of breathing air is shown in FIG. The device has a mouthpiece 2 and two outlets 3
and 4. The first outlet 3 is provided with a needle 5, for example in the form of a syringe needle, by means of which a gas is introduced into the sample container 10. The second outlet 4 is connected to the atmosphere. The evacuated sample container 10 is hermetically closed by a self-nol closure 11. In particular, the closure body 11 is formed of an aluminum laminated rubber seal, allowing the needle 5 to be inserted without leakage.

During operation, the respiratory air stream is passed from the mouth piece 2 to the atmosphere via the second outlet 4 for a first time interval, for example about 6 seconds. (Not shown in Figure 1) (・Pressure sensor detects directional control valve 1
It is ensured that the flow of air is at a predetermined minimum flow of breathing air. The directional valve 1 is thereby flushed and at the same time it is ensured that deep lung air (alveolar air) enters the sample container 10. That is, the air in equilibrium with the blood in the air sacs of the lungs and its composition are not affected by exchange reactions with the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. After the first time interval, the directional valve 1 is automatically or manually switched to a second position, in which the mouthpiece 2 communicates with the first outlet 3 so as to fill the sample container 10 with breathing air. . Subsequently, the sample container 10 is removed from the needle 5.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment suitable for filling an evacuated sample container 10.

In this embodiment, the needle is suitable for introducing breathing air into the evacuated sample container 10. two needles 5 and 6
is connected to the first outlet 3 of the directional control valve 1. In this embodiment, the needle 5 communicates with the atmosphere outside the sample container 10 via a further outlet of the directional control valve 1 . After the first time interval has elapsed, the directional control valve 1 is switched to the second position 3 so that breathing air is directed through the sample container 10 for a second time interval. In this way, the breathing air replaces the air in the sample container 10, washing the container with breathing air and filling it with breathing air. After the second time interval, the container 10 is withdrawn from the needles 5 and 6.

The sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 3 comprises a collection chamber 36 with a supply device in the form of a piston pump. Collection chamber 36 is suitable for containing sufficient or more breathing air for sample container 10 . As mentioned above, the first outlet 3 of the directional control valve 1 is provided with two needles 5 and 6 for piercing the sample container 10. In this embodiment, the directional control valve 1 has one to six intermediate valves 35 connected to the second outlet 4 . Intermediate valve 35 opens to the atmosphere and can be connected to collection chamber 36 .

During operation, the directional control valve 1 is adjusted such that during a first time interval breathing air escapes from the mouthpiece 2 of the second outlet 4 to the atmosphere via one or more intermediate valves 35 and its first outlet lower. be done. After the first time interval, intermediate valve 3
5 and connect the second outlet 8 to the collection chamber 36. The respiratory air flow is supplied to the collection chamber 36 by one pump. After the collection chamber 36 is filled, the directional control valve 1 is switched from the intermediate position to the position where the first outlet 3 connects with the collection chamber 36 . During a second time interval, breathing air is then delivered to the sample container 10 by actuation of the piston pump. With this method, several sample containers 10 can be filled with respiratory air to be tested at 0.degree. C. by changing the needles 5 and 6.

The embodiment of FIG. 4, which is modified from the above embodiment, is a directional control valve 1.
This differs from the embodiment of FIG. 6 in that only one needle 5 is arranged at the first outlet 3 of the needle.

Although the sample container 10 is evacuated, it can be filled to a slight overpressure with breathing air by means of a piston pump.

According to another variant embodiment shown in FIG.
is provided with a second exit hole 9 that allows pressure equilibration between the sample container 10 and the atmosphere when the sample container 10 is removed from the needle 5.

The apparatus for carrying out the method shown in FIG. 3 is shown in detail in FIG. The device is placed inside a Ujifugu 12 (covered on the inside with an egg heat mat (not shown), which keeps the housing 12 at a temperature of 30-40°C to avoid condensation.
The knife is heated to a temperature in the range of . A six-point, two-position directional control valve forming the directional control valve 1 is arranged in a housing 12 . Valve 1 has a condensate collector, nozzle 12
It has an inlet to which the spout 2 exiting from the mouthpiece connects. A first outlet 3 is provided for connection to a sample container 10 and a second outlet 4 is provided for connection to a collection chamber 36 via an intermediate valve 35 .

Two needles 5.6 needle supports 1 in the area of the first outlet 3
3 is arranged to connect the directional control valve 1 and the needle. The long hand 5 leads to the mouthpiece 2, and the short hand 6 leads to the horizontal hole 14 in the needle supporter 13.
It communicates with the atmosphere inside the housing through. Base plate 1
A sample container holder 15 with 6 cooperates with the first outlet 3 .

The base plate 16 is guided by two guide bars 17, one end of which is fixed to the valve body of the directional control valve 1, and the other end supported by a support 18 fixed to the housing 12. The drive unit 19 is fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 16. In particular, a rack is supported between the housing-fixed guide bars 17 of the base plate 16, this rank meshing with one ion driven by a pulse motor of the drive unit 19.

A limit switch, not shown in FIG. 6, limits the deflection of the base plate 16 on the guide bar 1γ relative to the directional control valve 1. This limit switch is formed, for example, by a microswitch or an optical date.

An adjustable sample container holder is arranged above the base plate 16 and has an end wall 20 facing the first outlet 3 . The end wall 20 has a hole 21 through which the needles 5, 6 pass, and the first
The back wall 21 remote from the outlet 3 is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 16 to suit sample containers 10 of different sizes.

In FIG. 6, for example, a sample container holder 15 with a sample container 10 with a capacity of 1 Qrnl is shown in the position where the sample container 10 with an airtight closure 11 is inserted into the needles 5, 6, and the back wall 21 is shown with a sample container 10 with a capacity of 2 Qrnl. 10 is shown in a position containing 10. - The intermediate device 30 has its first end connected in a gas-tight manner to the second outlet 4 of the directional control valve 1, and its second end connected to the collection chamber 36 via a seal ring. The second outlet 4 is connected to the collection chamber 36
A conduit 31 connecting to the intermediate device 30 passes through the intermediate device 30. In the region of the first end, a pressure sensor 33 is inserted through the wall of the intermediate device 30 into the conduit 31, which conduit is provided in the region of the pressure sensor 33 with a tubular port leading to a pressure switch arranged on the printed circuit board. In the region of the second end, a number of transverse holes 34 (for example three, only two of which are shown in FIG. 6) lead from the conduit 31 to an intermediate valve 35 cooperating therewith, which holes serve as a guide for the conduit. 31 to the interior of housing 12 and thus to the atmosphere. In the illustrated example, the holes 34 are arranged so as to form an acute angle opposite to the direction of inflow.

The collection chamber 36 is laterally partitioned by a sleeve 3γ which is hermetically sealed off by a sealing ring at a first end close to the second end of the intermediate device 30, the second end of which is a closure body 38 with a passage 39. is hermetically closed. sleeve 36
The biston 4 is in airtight contact with the inner wall of the 7-ring.
0 is slidable within the sleeve 36 and is connected to the drive unit 42 via a piston tip 41 which extends through the closure 380 passage 39.

For this purpose, a part of the piston rod 41 is designed in particular as a rank that meshes with a pinion driven by a pulse motor of the drive unit 42.

The drive unit 42 is fixed to the housing 12. A limit switch 43, formed for example by a microsinch or an optical cage, limits the stroke of the piston 400.

Furthermore, the device has a microprocessor control unit for slow operation, which will not be described in detail since it contains conventional components and is programmed in a conventional manner. The first exit 3 leading to it is closed,
The breathing air blown through the mouthpiece 2 flows through the second outlet 4 and the intermediate device 300 passage conduit 31 from which it escapes via the transverse hole 34 to the atmosphere. When the pressure sensor 33 reaches a predetermined pressure, after a predetermined time interval, for example about 6 seconds, the intermediate valve 35 is closed. At the same time, the drive unit 42 is actuated to slide the piston 40 in the direction of the closure body 38 . When the limit switch 43 responds, the pulse motor of the motion unit 42 is stopped and the directional control valve 1 is switched to the position connecting the collection chamber 36 filled with breathing air to the sample container 10. The pulse motor of the drive unit 42 is then reversed, whereby the breathing air contained in the collection chamber 36 is passed through the sample container 10) into the housing 12 and into the atmosphere. Subsequently, the pulse motor of the drive unit 19 is activated and the sample container holder 15 with the sample container 10 flushed and filled with breathing air is activated.
The device consisting of needles 5 and 6 is ready to take a new sample after the piston 40 has reached its initial position, in which the piston 40 is completely on the right side and the intermediate device 3
0, a new sample container 10 is inserted into the sample container holder 15 and the new sample container 10 is pushed against the needles 5 and 6 by the drive unit 19.

The appropriate dimensions of sample container 10 and collection chamber 36 greatly facilitate multisol sampling from collection chamber 36. In such a case, the stopper 40 can be decelerated to advance further or to open or stop changing the sample container 10.

Overall a compact arrangement of all components of the device is achieved, whereby the entire device can be configured as a pocket device and can be connected to the mains or to an independent power source.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus for implementing the first method of the present invention, and Fig. 2 shows an apparatus for carrying out the first method of the present invention.
Fig. 6 shows the principle of an apparatus for carrying out the method, Fig. 4 shows a device which is an improvement on the apparatus shown in Fig. 6, and Fig. 5 shows the principle of another apparatus which is an improvement on the apparatus shown in Fig. 3. The figure shown, FIG. 6, is a longitudinal sectional view of a device based on the principle of FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Directional control valve, 2... Mouthpiece, 3... First outlet, 4... Second outlet, 5.6... Needle, 10... Sample container, 11... Closing body, 15...-sample container holder,
16... Base plate, 17... Guide bar, 19.4
2... Drive unit, 30... Intermediate device, 31...
- Conduit, 33... Pressure sensor, 34... Lateral hole, 35
...Intermediate valve, 36...Collection chamber, 3γ...Sleeve, 40...Piston, 41...Piston rond.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. In a method of sampling breathing air in situ at a predetermined minimum flow of breathing air, the minimum flow of breathing air is directionally controlled in a first position of a directional control valve for a first predetermined time interval. Sampling breathing air in situ, characterized in that the inlet of the valve flows to the atmosphere and then the directional control valve is switched to a second position in which a minimum flow of breathing air is directed into a sample container gas-tightly connected to the directional control valve. Method. 2. A method according to claim 1, comprising an evacuated sample container with a self-sealing closure, which is pierced by a needle connected to a directional control valve. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising rinsing the sample container with breathing air for a second predetermined time interval after switching the directional control valve to the second position. 4. After a predetermined first time interval, the minimum flow of breathing air is sent to the collection chamber at the intermediate position of the directional control valve, and then the directional control valve is switched to the second position, and the breathing air contained in the collection chamber is 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the sample is sent to a sample container. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the sample container is pierced by the needle during the first time interval. 6. A device for on-site sampling of respiratory air, comprising: a heatable housing comprising a mouthpiece; a directional control valve having an inlet communicating with the mouthpiece and first and second outlets; at least one outlet communicating with the first outlet of the directional control valve; an atmospheric port communicating with a second outlet of the directional control valve via a pressure sensor port, a sealed sample container suitable for piercing the needle, and a drive unit for driving the needle for sliding movement relative to the needle. , a sample container holder for accommodating a sample container, and a device for controlling the sample container holder in response to a pressure sensor, the control device operating a directional control valve between a first position and a second position, and a device for controlling the sample container holder in response to a pressure sensor, the control device operating the directional control valve between a first position and a second position; the mouthpiece is in communication with the second outlet, the controller connects the sample container to the needle during the time interval, and the mouthpiece is in communication with the first outlet in the second position. Equipment for sampling. 7. The device according to claim 6, comprising a limit switch for limiting sliding of the sample container holder. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sample container holder is guided by a guide bar and has a sample container support that can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the sample container. 9. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the directional control valve comprises two needles at the first outlet, one needle of which opens to the atmosphere, whereby the sample container is connected to both needles. 10. having a collection chamber containing breathing air, which chamber is connected to a second outlet of the directional control valve, with the second outlet of this valve being connected to the atmosphere by an intermediate valve controlled by the control device; 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the intermediate valve is closed after a first time interval and the collection chamber is provided with a supply device which is activated by the control device after the first time interval has elapsed. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the supply device forms a piston pump and is connected to a drive unit which is controlled by a control device after the first time interval has elapsed. 12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising a limit switch for limiting the stroke of the piston. 13. The collection chamber is connected to the spout at an intermediate position of the directional control valve, and after the collection chamber is filled, the directional control valve is switched to a position communicating the collection chamber and the sample container. 1
The device according to any one of items 0 to 12. 14. The directional control valve is a 3-port 2-position valve with two outlets, the sample container arranged in the sample container holder is aligned with the first outlet of the directional control valve, and the collection chamber has a piston pump and a drive unit. is connected to the second outlet of the directional control valve via an intermediate device, the intermediate device having at least one hole for communication with the atmosphere controlled by a pressure sensor and a control valve, these elements being connected to the housing. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece forms a linear arrangement within the housing and extends vertically from the housing. 15. Claim 1 in which the mouthpiece has a condensate collector
The device according to item 4. 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the inside of the housing is lined with a heating mat so as to be heated to a temperature range of 30-40°C.