Abstract: A fixed bed (10) is provided for a fixed-bed reactor (100). The fixed bed (10) contains a particulate carrier and at least one reactive substance. The carrier is a silicate compound and the reactive substance is an organometallic pyridine compound. A method for preparing such a fixed bed is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing the carrier, preparing an impregnation and treating the carrier with the impregnation. In addition, a gas-measuring tube is provided with a correspondingly prepared fixed bed as well. A method uses organometallic pyridinium compounds, especially pyridinium dichromate, in a fixed-bed reactor for detecting alcohol compounds and for preparing formaldehyde and/or acetaldehyde.

Abstract: Devices, Methods and Systems are disclosed for assisting patients in behavioral modification and cessation programs aimed at terminating undesired behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use and others. Patient devices with automated patient prompting for self-testing, analysis of test results and data logging are included in a networked system with a specifically designed treatment modality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silica gel-based composition capable of changing color when placed in contact with alcohol vapors. Said composition is particularly useful for preparing devices for the detection of alcohol, for example devices for carrying out an alcohol test on samples of air exhaled by individuals when subjected to checks by the police or competent authorities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method that can quickly and accurately detect and measure ethyl alcohol in the blood of a motorized vehicle driver transdermally and non-invasively within minutes of ethanol consumption and in the presence of interferents. The system includes an array of sensors embedded into the steering mechanism of a motorized vehicle, a data base of patterns produced through empirical testing of various analytes in various combinations and concentrations, neural net based pattern recognition algorithms to ascertain the driver's transdermal alcohol concentration and a database derived from human testing, correlating the driver's transdermal alcohol concentration with the driver's blood alcohol concentration. The detection system is integrated with a motor vehicle decision module which can prevent the operation of a motorized vehicle by a driver whose BAC exceeds a preset limit.

Abstract: An analytical device for analysis of chemical or biological samples, a method of using such a device, based on rotation of the device, integrated sample dosing and optical detection, and a system comprising such a device are disclosed. The analytical device comprises a device body having a liquid processing unit. The liquid processing unit comprises a mixing chamber for mixing a sample with a reagent, a sample dosing chamber for delivering a defined volume of the sample to the mixing chamber, and a reagent channel for delivering the reagent to be mixed with the sample, wherein the mixing chamber also serves as a detection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: A method that identifies the compounds contributing to a sweet odor from an air conditioner, reproduces the sweet odor, and prepares a corresponding sweet odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the sweet odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The sweet odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced sweet odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a chemical sensor that is sensitive to a concentration of a chemical analyte and at least two auxiliary sensors that are sensitive to parameters that are different from the concentration of the chemical analyte. The portable electronic device comprises a control device that receives signals from the chemical sensor and from the auxiliary sensors at a plurality of points in time distributed over a measurement period and correlates the time dependencies of these signals to obtain a corrected reading of the first chemical sensor. The portable electronic device may be employed for breath analysis.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing device and method detecting the presence of a chemical analyte, comprising: a surface; a continuous or discontinuous terbium(III)-triphenylphosphine oxide coordination polymer layer deposited on the surface, wherein the polymer layer is porous; and a luminescence detector, wherein one or more analytes that interact with the polymer layer luminesce at distinct wavelengths unique to each analyte.

Abstract: Field-effect transistors include at least two thin layers of a semiconductor material and of an electrically conductive gate material that are rolled up together. These two layers are arranged separated from one another by one or multiple barrier layers and this rolled-up multi-layer structure is integratable as field-effect transistors in circuits and/or in microfluid systems as sensors for the detection of fluids.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.

Abstract: Use of a programmable device with capacitive touch screen for the analysis of a fluid sample as interface between a micro-fluidic device, this micro-fluidic device comprising at least one electrode and at least one micro-channel comprising an input for the introduction of the sample, and the processor of said programmable device with a capacitive touch screen.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed providing techniques for measuring the amount of biodiesel in a fuel sample. The methods may be used in the field without the use of laboratory equipment. The biodiesel in the sample is converted to the corresponding free acid which can be isolated and quantified to provide information regarding the amount of biodiesel in the original sample.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.

Abstract: Strict anaerobic thermophilic bacterium belonging to the group of Thermoanaerobacter mathranii and mutants and derivatives thereof. The bacterium is particularly suitable for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for the detection of a peroxide-based explosive, in particular, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is based on a molecular controlled semiconductor resistor (MOCSER) and composed of at least one insulating or semi-insulating layer, at least one conducting semiconductor layer, two conducting pads and a layer of multifunctional organic molecules capable of adsorbing molecules of the peroxide-based explosive. The invention further provides an array of semiconductor devices for the selective detection of a peroxide-based explosive, as well as a method for the selective detection of vapors of a peroxide-based explosive in a gaseous mixture using this array.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.

Abstract: A breath analyzer system and method for determining an estimate of blood alcohol concentration of a person. A light source projects light into a sampling region where breath from the person is expected. A first light detector and a second light detector are configured to detect light intensity of light having certain wavelengths at a first time and a second time. Signals from the light detectors at the first time and the second time are used to determine an estimate of the blood alcohol concentration of the person by determining a ratio of a first light detector signal change to a second light detector signal change.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an organic solvent selected from 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, ethylene glycol or ethylene glycol dimethyl ether for enhancing formation, potential formation, fluorescence and/or detection of an exciplex. The invention is applicable particularly to nucleic acid hybridisation assay using two polynucleotide probes that will hybridise to a target nucleic acid. Each probe is labelled with one of two partners capable of forming an exciplex such that, on photoirradiation, the exciplex is formed when the probes are hybridised to the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A vapochromic gold-copper complex [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 exhibiting luminescence is provided, where L is an N-heterocyclic carbene; Y is a heteroatom-containing ligand; X is an anion, and n is an integer having a value of 1 or 2, and solvates thereof. A reaction of [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 with water vapor or an organic compound vapor, for example, affords a modified complex that yields a change in luminescence color under UV excitation. These tricationic vapochromic materials exhibit large changes in the emission through ligand substitution reactions between the solid complex and vapors, which permit use in luminescent vapochromic sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection test systems, including test systems for the oral detection of analytes in saliva. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for storing multiple assay tests and compositions and methods for measuring the concentration of analytes in a sample.

Abstract: A mouthpiece with an eject mechanism is disclosed. The mouthpiece includes an eject mechanism adapted to conform to a testing device, such as a breath analysis device. The eject mechanism allows for hygienic removal of a used mouthpiece from the testing device. A guiding surface allows for alignment of the mouthpiece with the testing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of components in gas phase, and in particular to detection of nitric oxide exhaled as a component of breath, using a liquid crystal assay format and a device utilizing liquid crystals as part of a reporting system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions to prepare biological samples to preserve the macromolecules in the samples. Embodiments of the invention concern the use of a soak solution that contains one or more water-miscible solvents. A sample is incubated with the soak solution to the point of saturation at a temperature above the melting temperature of the water-miscible solvent but below 0° C. The use of methods and compositions of the invention allow for subsequent preparation or analysis of the samples.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to gas sensors comprising organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds. The invention also relates to devices containing such gas sensors and analysis units. In preferred embodiments, the organized assemblies of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection test systems, including test systems for the oral detection of analytes in saliva. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for storing multiple assay tests and compositions and methods for measuring the concentration of analytes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost, easy-to-use, and accurate method and apparatus for determining alcohol content in a test sample, such as wine. The method for alcohol content determination includes the following steps. A known quantity of a test sample is provided. A measurement of electrolytic conductivity EC0 of the test sample is taken. Next, a known quantity of conductive additive with known composition is added to the test sample to produce a first solution. A measurement of Electrolytic conductivity EC1 is taken for the first solution. Data representing predetermined values for EC0 and EC1 with corresponding known alcohol concentrations is provided for comparison. The electrolytic conductivity values for EC0 and EC1 are cross-referenced against the known data to determine a value for the alcohol concentration of the test sample. In addition, the values for EC0 and EC1 are adjusted for temperature and other variables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the endogenous antioxidative potential (EAP) in a beverage sample, preferably beer, wine, juice or mixtures thereof, using ESR spectroscopy. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for measuring a secondary radical, preferably a hydroxyethyl radical, which is stabilized by a spin trap reagent, wherein the spin trap reagent is preferably, N-tert-butyl-?-(4-pyridyl)nitrone N-oxide (POBN). The invention also relates to the use of the method for assessing the oxidative stability of a beverage sample, to the use of a spin trap reagent, preferably POBN, for measuring the EAP, and to a kit for carrying out the method. The invention is characterized in that a method is provided which makes it possible to avoid the pH effect occurring in prior art methods and the associated influence on the generation of radicals in the beverage sample to be measured.

Abstract: Provided are mixed ligand metal nanoparticle chemical sensors in which metal nanoparticles are encapsulated by at least two kinds of different molecule ligands having a relatively low conductivity and various composition ratios, and a chemical sensor array in which a film of the metal nanoparticle sensor is formed on the substrate. The metal nanoparticle sensor using the mixed ligand improves sensitivity and reaction speed with respect to an analyte, and selectivity with respect to various analytes, and a kind and a composition of a ligand of the mixed ligand constituting the metal nanoparticle sensor are adjusted to allow the high sensitivity nanoparticle sensor to be applied to the sensor array technology, thereby enabling a design of sensor properties as well as systematic access to a configuration of the sensor array the most efficient for the analytes.

Abstract: Interference detector and methods for detecting interference in a signal are described. More specifically, in one aspect, a method for detecting interference in a signal is provided. The method comprises determining whether the signal has at least one of a time and a frequency characteristic that is outside a predefined range, and determining that an interference event has been detected if the signal has at least one of such characteristics.

Abstract: A method of estimating the amount of unreacted starting materials (glycerides, methyl esters, etc.) and the composition of a biodiesel using TLC in conjunction with a lipophilic dye, Nile Red is described herein. The dye based TLC method of the present invention is convenient and provides significant advantages over existing methods for estimating the purity of a biodiesel composition.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a suspect chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity, for use with safety systems. A vapor concentrator amplifies a suspect chemical vapor concentration to a detectible level, for use with an infrared detector. Compensation is provided for environmental variations that may influence the passive measurement of the chemical vapor sensor. Environmental variations may include extrinsic vapors in the surrounding air, or air currents that divert the sample vapor as it drifts from the suspect vapor source to a sampling intake. In an example, ethanol vapor is measured and carbon dioxide tracer measurements are used to calculate an ethanol vapor measurement that is adjusted for environmental variations. In an aspect, a time artifact filter sets the output of the carbon dioxide sensor to match the time dependence of the ethanol sensor, to calculate blood alcohol concentration.

Abstract: A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection test systems, including test systems for the oral detection of analytes in saliva. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for storing multiple assay tests and compositions and methods for measuring the concentration of analytes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for amplifying the detected signal in a gas sensor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the concentration of the gas which is being detected in a sample or increasing the concentration of a gas which is directly obtained from the gas in the sample by chemical reaction. The gas which is to be detected is nitric oxide (NO). In particular, the method concerns the selective conversion of NO to NO2 which allows a threefold amplification of the number of analyte molecules in NO trace gas analysis in a single amplification cycle. Subsequent reduction or thermal decomposition of the obtained NO2 can provide NO again, which can again be introduced in a new amplification cycle. Multiple (n) amplification cycles can provide a sensitivity amplification by a factor 3n. The method can be combined with a multitude of detection methods and tolerates a high humidity.

Abstract: A process is provided for distinguishing between wet from dry gas with a breath alcohol measuring device, in which a defined sample volume from a gas blown in is fed for sampling to an electrochemical sensor (6), which generates a sensor signal that depends on the reaction of ethyl alcohol. The sensor signal is sent to a control and evaluating unit (4) and is evaluated there to determine the alcohol concentration. To distinguish dry gas from wet gas, provisions are made for the sensor signal to be detected in its time dependence and for the presence of wet gas to be determined when it is observed that a sensor signal of a polarity opposite the polarity of the sensor signal caused by the reaction of ethyl alcohol appeared at first at the beginning of sampling. The process may be used, e.g., in conjunction with the calibration of breath alcohol measuring devices or in so-called interlock systems with a breath alcohol measuring device in order to recognize attempts at manipulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for of assessing the blood concentration level in a human or animal subject, of a volatile blood constituent (preferably alcohol) is disclosed. The method comprises steps of positioning a sensor (21, 22) within the expiratory gas flow of the subject, wherein the sensor (21, 22) is configured to detect the presence of the constituent and provide a first output signal representative of the concentration of said constituent in air, and also to detect a presence of carbon dioxide and to provide a second output signal representative of the concentration of carbon dioxide in air. The flow of expiratory gases from the subject is sampled to provide a first signal and second signal in respect of the expiratory gases substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A method, system, kit and uses for quantifying and normalizing at least one product of ethanol metabolism are provided. A method is provided for quantifying and normalizing at least one product of ethanol metabolism in a sample comprising creatinine. The method comprises adding a predetermined amount of at least one internal standard to the sample; adding deuterated creatinine to the sample; detecting and measuring at least one product of ethanol metabolism, the predetermined amount of at least one internal standard in the sample, the deuterated creatinine, and the creatinine. The method also comprises quantifying the amount of at least one product of ethanol metabolism in the sample using the measurement of the at least one internal standard; quantifying the amount of creatinine in the sample using the measurement of the deuterated creatinine; and normalizing the quantity of the at least one product of metabolism using the measurement of the creatinine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an analyte includes a sensor chamber for detecting an analyte, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor, and a controller for controlling the transport medium flow. The distributor includes an annular channel with four connections with a switchable isolating device between two connections. The controller controls the distributor for flushing the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber without passing through the analyte feed chamber and for measuring the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber while passing through the analyte feed chamber.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot cavity has a pair of partially transmissive, partially reflective, surfaces. A first of the surfaces is flexibly suspended adjacent and parallel to a second of the surfaces. A gap exists between the surfaces. A variable electrostatic potential permits this gap to be adjusted. A translucent chemical layer is disposed on the first surface. A photosensor is attached to the second surface. Light irradiates the photosensor through the chemical layer and the first and second surfaces wherein the light is also partially reflected between the surfaces. A sensing environment is provided wherein an agent undergoes a reaction with the chemical layer as well as an environment wherein the reaction does not occur. The output of the photosensor is measured to assess a change in spectrum and spectral intensity for each of the sensing environments. The gap between the surfaces as well as the light used are selected to provide an optimum photosensor output.

Abstract: A RF breathalyzer system, which transmits a unique RF signal in response to a toxic or non-toxic breath sample given to a RF breathalyzer by the user. An immobilizer CPU is installed in a vehicle to receive commands from the RF breathalyzer and to control a horn and lights of a vehicle, to immobilize the engine, and is connected to a GPS antenna driver through a mobile phone/pager unit to communicate with a monitoring station.

Abstract: A multi-analyte calibration solution having known amounts of sodium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, and ethyl alcohol, with pH adjusted within a range between about 7.8 and 8.4.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition interlock system includes a breath analyzer and a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle. The breath analyzer detects the breath alcohol level of a vehicle operator and is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer “retests” after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The breath analyzer also detects the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, such as alcohol emanating from an open container of alcohol. The controller may override one or more periodic retests if alcohol is not detected within the vehicle over a predetermined period of time. In addition, the controller may increase the frequency of periodic retests of the vehicle operator in response to detecting alcohol within the vehicle.

Abstract: To provide a hardness measurement reagent unaffected by an M alkalinity in hardness measurement. A hardness measurement reagent as a one-solution type reagent includes a dye chosen from Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and Calmagite, triethanolamine, a glycol compound, and a pH buffer, in which the pH buffer includes a combination of amines selected from primary amines and secondary amines and a salt of a weak base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a bismuth molybdate precursor solution using a metallorganic decomposition (MOD) process consisting of the formation of a precursor sol of hexanoates of Bismuth (Bi) and Molybdenum (Mo). The precursor solution is used to make thin film of Bismuth molybdate by spin coating and spray pyrolysis. The bismuth molybdate films have the useful alpha and gamma phases having high sensitivity to ethanol gas, the detection of the ethanol gas is based upon the change of electrical conductivity of a thick film of the semiconductor oxide sensing element resulting from the ethanol gas in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. When the drying is effected by spray pyrolysis, quite thick films with high adhesion have been produced over different substrates, including quartz. The thin film of the present invention made by spray pyrolysis has a very fast response to ethanol detection eg typically 5 seconds.

Abstract: A breath measurement instrument using a combination of breath pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements to determine whether or not breath samples are human and properly delivered. Valid samples require maintenance of a threshold dynamic pressure of a sample being introduced for a predetermined time, a valid temperature of the sample and a valid humidity of the sample, wherein the range of valid sample temperatures is adjusted according to a measured sample humidity. Also disclosed is a breath alcohol instrument having an alcohol-specific fuel cell and a fuel cell circuit for generating a breath alcohol signal. Further disclosed is an interlock system for inhibiting operation of machinery such as a vehicle, and a method for screening breath samples and determining an alcohol content thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alcohol concentration assay test system, including compositions and methods for storing multiple alcohol concentration assay tests and compositions and methods for measuring the concentration of alcohol in an assay test sample. In particular, the present invention provides an alcohol assay test for use by individuals to monitor alcohol levels and a delivery system for alcohol assay tests.

Abstract: An optical resolving reagent comprising at least one of compounds represented by the following formulae (1) and (2) (1) (2) (wherein R1 to R8 each represents hydrogen or C1-20 alkyl; R9 represents optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, optionally substituted C1-20 alkenyl, formyl, or acyl; and R10 represents C1-6 alkyl; provided that the molecule represented by the formula (1) is of the cis configuration with respect to R9 and OR10); and a method of optically resolving with the optical resolving reagent an alcohol having an asymmetric carbon atom in the molecule and represented by the formula (3):(R11)(R12)(R13)COH (wherein R11, R12, and R13 each represents hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, provided that at least one of R11, R12, and R13 is not hydrogen). The method of optical resolution is highly suitable for general purposes. By the method, a mixture of optical isomers of any of various alcohols can be optically resolved easily and industrially advantageously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transition metal-ligand complex that shows changes in its luminescence lifetime characteristic and/or luminescence intensity as a function of the polarity and/or hydrogen bonding properties of its environment, and a sensor, probe, system and method based on the complex for detecting the presence, amount or concentration of a polar solvent in a medium.

Abstract: High purity silicon usable for production of solar cells is easily produced with high production efficiency. In a rotary chamber (50) made of quartz, which is evacuated and filled with an hydrogen-argon atmosphere containing SiF4, a plasma area (60) is generated by supplying electric power from a coil (51) to decompose SiF4 and produce silicon as being fine powder particles. Fine particles of seed silicon (Si) in the rotating reaction chamber are picked up and transported upward by weirs (52), and then they can fall by gravity into the plasma area where silicon elements produced by decomposition of SiF4 are deposited onto surfaces of the silicon fine particles.