Abstract: A tamper-indicating transmitter is disclosed that indicates a subsequent tamper event during a tamper alert period, T, which is initiated by a first tamper event. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter includes a transmitter housing having a conductive strap attached thereto for securing the transmitter about a confinee's limb, the confinee typically participating in a home arrest program. Within the housing, a clock source generates pulses having a period t that are input to a counter whose reset line is connected to the conductive strap. When the conductive strap is opened, the counter is held reset and its output is a predetermined multiple bit maximum. Upon the closing of the strap, the counter counts the clock pulses and decrements the counter output from the initial predetermined maximum count down to a predetermined minimum count which remains on the counter output if no subsequent opening of the strap occurs.

Abstract: A remote confinement system provides a plurality of different unsupervised tests to determine the presence, identity or conduct of the prisoner. The tests preferably include an RF test performed continuously with an RF transmitter attached to the prisoner and a receiver at the remote location, a schedulable voice test performed to identify a person as the specified prisoner, and a breath alcohol test to determine the prisoner's sobriety. The tests are performed with equipment at the remote location in accordance with test selections and schedules selected in a prior automated communication with a central office computer. Events which include test results are communicated to the central office upon a selectively established communications link to the central office, in reply to which communication information selecting subsequent tests procedures or scheduling is communicated from the host to and stored at the remote location.

Abstract: A breath alcohol testing system for advantageous use in unsupervised blood alcohol testing includes a face mask having for receiving a breath sample, components to confirm the identity and components to insure that this identity act and breath delivery are performed by the same person. The system requires that the face mask continuously engage the face of the subject between identity confirmation and breath delivery. By making the continuing physical presence of a subject an operative link in the system during both identity confirmation and breath delivery, the integrity of unsupervised testing is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A transmitter secured to the body of the confinee is provided with tamper detection means such as a conductive mounting strap, which if broken, sets a resettable electronic latch whose output determines the status of a tamper signal receivable by a remote station located within the confinement area. The latch is connected to a timer which serves to automatically reset the latch a first interval of time after it is initially set thereby eliminating the need for external reset equipment to carry out the reset operation. In order to avoid subterfuge, said first time interval is selected to be longer than any continuous interval of time the confinee is permitted to be absent from the confinement area. Information relating to the status of the tamper signal may also be relayed to a central monitoring station.

Abstract: A remote confinement system is provided which includes a monitoring station having a telecommunications camera and a breath flow responsive actuating means which may form part of an alcohol breath tester. The actuating means is mounted to position the face of a person blowing thereinto facing the camera such that a properly focused, centered identifying image of consistent scale and devoid of background will be formed. Where the confinee is subject to restrictions on the use of alcohol the actuating means may form part of an alcohol breath tester which preferably has a visual display that is also included in the image field of the camera. The operation of the camera is conditioned on the commencement of the delivery of a breath sample. When a proper breath sample is provided, the camera forms and transmits at least one image to a central office by way of a communications link for interruption.

Abstract: A breath sobriety test system deters circumvention of a test having an alcohol measuring phase and an identification phase. In an alcohol measuring phase, the alcohol content of a breath sample delivered by an operator/test subject is measured in the conventional manner according to the electrical output signal of an alcohol sensor. In the identification phase, the operator/test subject confirms his or her identity as a designated individual by performing an identity-confirming act recognizable by the system. The identity-confirming act includes delivering breath to the system. The response of the alcohol sensor to the breath delivered in the identification phase is compared with the reading taken during the alcohol measuring phase.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock of the type connectable to a machine such as a vehicle and normally operating to disable the machine from starting unless a breath sobriety test is passed, is equipped with a service reminder timer operable to initiate an appropriate indication when the interlock is due to be serviced and optionally, to provide one or more advance indications prior thereto. In the event the interlock is not serviced when due or within an optional grace period thereafter, appropriate action is preferably initiated. In one alternative form, this action includes disabling the vehicle or other machine to which the interlock is connected, regardless of whether a sobriety test or other condition normally imposed by the interlock is satisfied, until timely service is obtained. In a second alternative form, the sobriety interlock of the invention does not disable the vehicle for failure to obtain timely service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to deter circumvention of sobriety breath tests. As a precondition to passing the test, the invention requires an operator/test subject to apply a suction at the sample delivery port within a predetermined time of delivering a breath sample thereinto. The delay, if any, between the required sucking and the delivery of the breath sample is selected to be short thereby deterring a substitution of gas sources. In this way, the invention effectively deters circumvention of sobriety breath tests due to attempts to supply bogus gas samples from a positive pressure gas source incapable of applying a reverse pressure gradient.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock is connectable to a machine such as a vehicle and normally operates to disable the machine from starting unless one or more preconditions, such as the passage of a breath sobriety test, is satisfied. In the event the interlock is bypassed,i.e. the machine started without a prerequisite condition being satisfied, the bypass event is detected and recorded. The record of bypass events preferably includes an indication of each time interval, such as a day, during which at least one bypass event took place as well as the total number of bypass events detected since the sobriety interlock was installed or last serviced. Also disclosed is a remote service device connectable to the interlock by service personnel and useful for such purposes as reading and/or clearing the record of bypass attempts.

Abstract: A mouthpiece system for deterring evasion of an alcohol breath test particularly a test wherein a breath sample is delivered without human supervision. The system includes a mouthpiece configured so as to render difficult the delivery of artificial breath samples through the use of hoses, balloons and the like. The mouthpiece has an oversize upper surface which includes a tapered lip around the mouthpiece inlet to receive the mouth of the user. The lip is surrounded by a wide apertured ring which, together with the lip, will not readily form an effective connection with a balloon or hose. An electrode on the mouthpiece is used for sensing and/or signalling the user. The impedance in contact with the electrode is sensed during testing to insure it falls within a range expected for a human user to deter use of evasion using filters or bogus gas delivery devices. Continuity of the impedance during testing is monitored to detect attempts to pass the mouthpiece to an accomplice.

Abstract: A remote confinement or home arrest system and method which provides for determining from a central office the presence of a prisoner at an assigned remote location such as the prisoner's home and for determining the compliance by the prisoner with behavioral restrictions associated with the confinement such as the abstinence from alcohol or other drugs. The system includes a tester such as a breath alcohol tester or other body fluid tester for determining the effect of substance abuse by the prisoner and for simultaneously verifying the identity of the prisoner and the fact that the test information originated from the identified prisoner. Pictorial, voice print and other means for identifying the prisoner are contemplated.

Abstract: A sobriety interlock system prevents a vehicle or other equipment from being started unless the identity of a designated operator is confirmed by the system and the operator passes a breath sobriety test. The designated operator is trained to perform a physical act, the successful completion of which can be determined by the system and which requires at least a predetermined number, N, of attempts to learn. A necessary precondition for starting the vehicle is satisfied when the system determines that the identity-confirming act has been performed in fewer than N attempts.