Abstract: A portable apparatus for the receipt and analysis of a breath-carried component, such as alcohol, includes a sensor module for receiving breath samples of a subject and detecting the presence of the component to be monitored; a module for monitoring and determining the location of the apparatus; a module for the acquisition of characteristics of the subject providing the sample and processing them into a form that allows comparison to a database of individuals and their characteristics; a control module coupling and controlling the other modules of the apparatus into a operable system; and a power supply. A wireless communication module is provided to transmit data associated with a sample, the subject providing the sample, and the location of the apparatus to a remote receiver for further analysis, processing and/or storage. The apparatus may be used in a vehicle for driver breath monitoring or may be carried by an individual to allow sampling to be performed at various locations.

Abstract: An improved method of breath sampling, particularly adapted for use in connection with motor vehicle alcohol breath monitoring devices, comprises the sending of a drive signal to a piston pump to draw a breath sample into a sensing chamber, the pump being connected to the sensing chamber. The operational status of the pump is monitored by monitoring the condition of a switch associated with the pump which is adapted to change state when the pump piston is withdrawn into its pump housing as a proper reaction of the pump to its drive signal and return to its original state when the pump piston is no longer withdrawn. The state condition of the of the switch is used to confirm proper pump operation in drawing the breath sample into the chamber; if proper pump operation is confirmed, the breath sample can be accepted for further processing and analysis.

Abstract: A method for operating an ignition interlock device installed in a vehicle comprises the steps of monitoring the level of a particular parameter associated with a user of the vehicle; generating an output signal when the sensed parameter exceeds a set value; and using the output signal to initiate a wireless signal to a remote receiver. The wireless signal may include user identity data and data reflecting the sensed parameter value. The remote receiver uses the identity data to determine if there exist official personnel associated with the user and if so to send a message to such personnel advising the personnel of the identity of the user and the sensed personnel value. The methodology may be employed with alcohol sensing units installed in a vehicle for monitoring the alcohol level of the driver. The official personnel advised may be dispatched to the location of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric transmission system utilizes charge displacement for the wireless delivery of electric power. A transmitter for radiating a charge displacement current at a frequency of approximately 2 to 7 kHz to a receiver located remote from the transmitter. The receiver receives the charge displacement current and converts the current into a form of electric power usable by an electrical device coupled to the receiver. The transmitter may use a step up transformer with an input approximating a series of step function pulses at the intended transmission frequency to produce the required high voltage for transmission. The primary winding of the transformer is part of a tuned circuit having a resonant frequency higher than the frequency of the charge displacement current radiated.

Abstract: An improved method of breath sampling, particularly adapted for use in connection with motor vehicle alcohol breath monitoring devices, comprises the sending of a drive signal to a piston pump to draw a breath sample into a sensing chamber, the pump being connected to the sensing chamber. The operational status of the pump is monitored by monitoring the condition of a switch associated with the pump which is adapted to change state when the pump piston is withdrawn into its pump housing as a proper reaction of the pump to its drive signal and return to its original state when the pump piston is no longer withdrawn. The state condition of the of the switch is used to confirm proper pump operation in drawing the breath sample into the chamber; if proper pump operation is confirmed, the breath sample can be accepted for further processing and analysis.

Abstract: An electric transmission system utilizes charge displacement for the wireless delivery of electric power. A transmitter for radiating a charge displacement current at a frequency of approximately 2 to 7 kHz to a receiver located remote from the transmitter. The receiver receives the charge displacement current and converts the current into a form of electric power usable by an electrical device coupled to the receiver. The transmitter may use a step up transformer with an input approximating a series of step function pulses at the intended transmission frequency to produce the required high voltage for transmission. The primary winding of the transformer is part of a tuned circuit having a resonant frequency higher than the frequency of the charge displacement current radiated.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the alcohol content of an individual, preferably in connection with vehicle operation, has a sensor head coupled to a remote control module. The sensor head measures both breath pressure and breath alcohol levels. The data from the sensor head is processed by the control module to determine whether a valid breath sample exists and what action is to be taken based upon the alcohol level of the breath.

Abstract: A windshield wiper-light control system provides running light functionality to vehicle headlights in association with the coupled operation of the vehicle's windshield wiper system and lights. A pulse generator provides a pulsed output to drive the headlight at a reduced effective power level. Further logic also disables the pulse generator when the vehicle's ignition is off. A light sensor system may be incorporated to allow automatic operation of the vehicle's lights in response to darkness. When the windshield wipers are engaged, the pulse generator is placed into a continuously on output mode, providing full power to the lights. Simultaneously power may be applied to other vehicle lights, such as the taillight and dashboard lights.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying an expiratory breath flow utilizes the sonic characteristics of a standardized breath as a reference. A breath sample is analyzed for the presence and absence of predetermined audio frequency components generated by the expiratory process. Breach sample validity is based upon a match between both the required and missing components. The length of time that the required components are present can further be used to validate the sample.