Abstract: A calibration checking device, and methods of mandating its use at regular time intervals, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of gas analyzers, especially for use with breath tests. Each calibration checking device is designed to be used for a predetermined number of tests. After first connection of a new calibration checking device, a volume of known calibration checking gas is released into the instrument, and a calibration checking measurement is initiated. A signal is sent to a counting mechanism which both enables the use of the instrument, and commences a count of the number of tests performed by the breath tester. When the number of tests is exceeded, the instrument is disenabled. The device can include a moisture filter having an interface with the instrument, which prevents its operation if the filter is used beyond the recommended number of times, or if excess moisture renders it saturated.

Abstract: A calibration checking device, and methods of mandating its use at regular time intervals, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of gas analyzers, especially for use with breath tests, Each calibration checking device is designed to be used for a predetermined number of tests. After first connection of a new calibration checking device, a volume of known calibration checking gas is released into the instrument, and a calibration checking measurement is initiated. A signal is sent to a counting mechanism which both enables the use of the instrument, and commences a count of the number of tests performed by the breath tester. When the number of tests is exceeded, the instrument is disenabled. The device can include a moisture filter having an interface with the instrument, which prevents its operation if the filter is used beyond the recommended number of times, or if excess moisture renders it saturated.

Abstract: An automatic breath collecting and sampling system, which is preferably carried by the subject, or otherwise kept with him or near him, for the recommended duration of the collection period. The system collects samples in separate switchable containers, either at predetermined time intervals, or in response to an automatic stimulus, which could be related to the breath content itself, or to another physiological signal, such as the subject s pulse rate, breath rate, blood pressure, or temperature, or in response to a signal related to an environmental effect, such as the presence of a strong concentration in the air of a foreign gas, which could be detected by an electrochemical sensor, or manually by the subject after being prompted by the system. After collection of the requisite number of separate containers, they may be detached and sent for analysis or other treatment.

Abstract: Methods of determining gastro-intestinal conditions by performing a succession of breath tests or others tests, particularly for determining the gastric emptying or gastric accomodation condition of a subject. Methods of performing successive gastric emptying tests with different test meals are also presented, enabling the gastric accommodation to be determined. The effects of different test means on the results is presented. Novel substrates for use in such tests are suggested, including the use of micro-encapsulation. Breath tests for the detection of bacterial overgrowth, lactose intolerance and combinations thereof are presented.

Abstract: Breath test methods and apparatus for increasing accuracy and reducing the time taken to achieve diagnostically useful results. In order to determine when an increase in isotopic ratio of the exhaled breath is clinically significant, methods are described for the use of a variable and multiple threshold level; for reducing the time taken to determine an accurate baseline level; and for avoiding the effects of oral activity when making measurements. To increase measurement accuracy, methods are described, using the results of the breath tests themselves, of continuous and automatic self-calibration to correct for drifts in the gas spectrometer absorption curves. A method for increasing the spectral stability of cold cathode discharge infra-red light sources for use in breath test instrumentation is described. Calibration checking devices and methods of mandating their use at regular time intervals are described, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of breath tests.

Abstract: Breath test methods and apparatus for increasing accuracy and reducing the time taken to achieve diagnostically useful results. In order to determine when an increase in isotopic ratio of the exhaled breath is clinically significant, methods are described for the use of a variable and multiple threshold level; for reducing the time taken to determine an accurate baseline level; and for avoiding the effects of oral activity when making measurements. To increase measurement accuracy, methods are described, using the results of the breath tests themselves, of continuous and automatic self-calibration to correct for drifts in the gas spectrometer absorption curves. A method for increasing the spectral stability of cold cathode discharge infra-red light sources for use in breath test instrumentation is described. Calibration checking devices and methods of mandating their use at regular time intervals are described, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of breath tests.

Abstract: A confocal optical system is disclosed that utilizes fiber optic components in its construction. The system includes a light source, two detection units, an aperture and an optical element all optically coupled to a fiber optic coupler via optical fibers. In addition, a novel automatic focusing device is disclosed which utilizes chromatic aberration to maintain a target object in optimal focus. The device includes two light sources having different wavelengths of light, an optical element, an aperture, two detection units and a beam splitter. One light source is used to achieve initial focus and to illuminate the target object. The second light source is used to maintain the target object in optical focus. Light reflected off the target object is measured by one of the detection units. The magnitude of the light of the second wavelength measured by the detection unit is utilized to maintain focus.

Abstract: A novel optical system operative to transfer, with high efficiency, optical power from a line source, such as a LDB, built from a plurality of individual light sources with different angular distribution in two orthogonal axis into a rectangular area with a particular aspect ratio and two different numerical apertures. The near field pattern of a LDB is imaged onto the plane of an SLM. The system utilizes light generated from an LDB having a plurality of individual light sources to illuminate a microlens array. The microlens array, consisting of a plurality of microlenses, functions to collimate the light from the LDB in the slow axis. An optical element adjacent the microlens array refracts the light in the fast axis. In the slow axis, the light from the microlens array is incident upon an optical element which focuses the light onto the SLM plane such that the light from each point light source illuminates the entire active pixel area of the SLM.

Abstract: A novel optical system operative to transfer, with high efficiency, optical power from a line source, such as a LDB, built from a plurality of individual light sources with different angular distribution in two orthogonal axis into a rectangular area with a particular aspect ratio and two different numerical apertures. The near field pattern of a LDB is imaged onto the plane of an SLM. The system utilizes light generated from an LDB having a plurality of individual light sources to illuminate a microlens array. The microlens array, consisting of a plurality of microlenses, functions to collimate the light from the LDB in the slow axis. An optical element adjacent the microlens array refracts the light in the fast axis. In the slow axis, the light from the microlens array is incident upon an optical element which focuses the light onto the SLM plane such that the light from each point light source illuminates the entire active pixel area of the SLM.