摘要 |
An apparatus for sensing characteristics of a substance, such as blood, including a membrane support having first and second recesses and first and second dissimilar membranes extending over the first and second recesses, respectively. The membrane support has a groove between the recesses, and edge portions of the membranes extend into the groove on the side thereof adjacent the first recess. A retaining bar is received within the groove, and the membranes are tightly held between the retaining bar and the wall of the groove to form a smooth, essentially continuous surface. The membrane support forms a portion of a flow passage so that blood can flow along the membranes. First and second sensors are mounted on the sides of the first and second membranes opposite the flow passage for sensing characteristics of the blood. The first and second sensors engage the first and second membranes, respectively, to tension the membranes.
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