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Abstract

A device for the detection of and quantitative measurement of a gas in a given environment, such as alcohol in the breath or carbon monoxide in the atmosphere, is described. The device comprises intake and flow control means for the gas sample, and an electrochemical cell having an anode which provides a site for electrochemical reaction of the gas being detected, a cathode, a reference electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with the anode, cathode, and reference electrode. The anode, to ensure that the current production is a result of the gas being detected and not other gases, including oxygen, is maintained at a fixed potential in relation to the potential of the reference electrode. The device provides an accurate and inexpensive means of detecting and quantitatively measuring a gas contained in a given environment, i.e., alcohol in the breath of the subject being tested or carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

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First Claim