Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline preparation of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated phosphoric acid for analytic analyses. In implementations, the auto-sampling system includes independent syringe pumps connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce carrier, diluent, buffer, and eluent flows according to one or more modes of operation.

Abstract: One embodiment of this invention provides an image processing method for use in locating a landmark in an acquired image. The method comprises a method to sample several features from an image patch, and a decision tree, which performs a regression to the location of the landmark relative to the image patch. The image is scanned by extracting an image patch in many translated locations and for each patch applies the regression decision tree to produce one or more votes for the location of the given target point within the acquired image. The method further accumulates the regression votes for all of the patches in the scan to generate a response image corresponding to the given target point. The method finally performs an estimate of the local maxima of the voting map as the likely locations of the landmark.

Abstract: A cooling unit (cryo-focus unit) cools breath introduced into a carrier gas from a sample introduction unit, to trap volatile components in the breath into a column. A heater heats the volatile components trapped in the column to desorb the volatile components. Amass spectrometry (MS) section detects the volatile components desorbed by the heater and separated in a process of passing through the column. The breath introduced into the carrier gas from the sample introduction unit is cooled by the cooling unit, whereby more volatile components in the breath are trapped, and those volatile components can be desorbed, and can be detected by the MS section.

Abstract: A method including a step of preparing a sampling apparatus for use. The sampling apparatus includes a tubular member having an opening on a distal end thereof. An orientation of the distal end of the tubular member is shapeable. The distal end is substantially rigid so as to maintain a manipulated shape after a direct application of a threshold level of force on the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member also includes a joint member disposed on a proximal end of the tubular member. The joint member is configured to connect the tubular member to a systemic biomarker sampling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring breath alcohol concentration of a user. A flow of an expired breath sample is passed through a fuel cell sensor giving an output signal proportional to the amount of alcohol present in the breath sample. By measuring the flow rate, the volume of the breath sample may be calculated, whereas the breath alcohol concentration is calculated based on the fuel cell output signal. Both the sample volume and the breath alcohol concentration values are continually updated by integrating the measured instantaneous flow rate and the fuel cell output signal over time. If the user stops blowing, flow compensation is performed to obtain a compensated fuel cell output signal using a stored calibration volume. Hence, an improved method for accurately measuring the breath alcohol concentration of a test person is achieved, capable of handling varied expired volumes of breath, which obviates the need for a sampling mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting volatile organic compounds from a gas sample such as alveolar breath or room air comprises an exhaust portion having at least a flow measuring device, and a discriminating device for distinguishing between alveolar and non-alveolar breath. The apparatus further comprises a collection portion distinct from and parallel with the exhaust portion having at least a collection component for receiving and concentrating gas samples within a collection chamber and a sampling component having a plurality of sampling devices for receiving the concentrated gas sample from the collection chamber and isolating VOCs contained in the gas sample. The collection chamber is compressible via a drive mechanism for precisely actuating the chamber to draw a gas sample into the collection chamber and circulating the sample to the sampling devices. Use of a drive mechanism enables the exhaust portion to be distinct from the collection portion, thereby mitigating cross-contamination therebetween.

Abstract: Fuel cell gas sensors using an aperture in a fuel cell gas sensor that allows for determination of a gas proportion in a sample that includes more gas than could otherwise be safely sampled. The aperture is adjustable between an open and a closed state. The amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of time that the aperture is in the open state. Alternatively, the amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the aperture.

Abstract: A gas concentration monitoring system (100, 600) may include a processor (110, 610) configured to detect a concentration of a selected gas in a sample gas flow obtained from a physical interface (107) to a patient (101); form a dataset including a plurality of data points, each data point corresponding to the detected concentration of the selected gas within the sample gas flow during a sampling time; group the data points according to a frequency of occurrence of the data points within the sampling time; and/or determine at least one of a signal confidence and signal quality based on relative characteristics between the groups of data points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detection device for an ion count in tumor-related molecules and a usage method thereof. The detection device comprises an air sample chamber (1), a first solenoid valve (2), an ionization chamber (3), a filament (4), a second solenoid valve (5), a vacuum generator (6), a high-voltage accelerating electrode (7), an ion collecting electrode (8) and an ion counter (9). The air sample chamber (1) is connected to the ionization chamber (3) through the first solenoid valve (2). The filament (4) is arranged at a left end of the ionization chamber (3). A lower end of the ionization chamber (3) is connected to the vacuum generator (6) through the second solenoid valve (5). The high-voltage accelerating electrode (7) and the ion collecting electrode (8) are successively arranged at a right end of the ionization chamber (3). The ion collecting electrode (8) is connected to the ion counter (9).

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a garment system including at least one muscle or at least one joint activity sensor, and at least one actuator that operates responsive to sensing feedback from the at least one muscle or the at least one joint activity sensor to cause a flexible compression garment to selectively compress against or selectively relieve compression against at least one body part of a subject. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of using such garment systems.

Abstract: An infrared detector includes a radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The detector includes a source monitoring apparatus configured to generate output signals (62) related to electrical resistance through the radiation source. The output signals are used to account for radiation source temperature in measurements by the detector. The output signals may be used (72) in the provision of power to the radiation source to maintain the temperature of the detector at a beneficial level. The detector is configured to monitor a level of a gaseous molecular species within a flow of breathable gas.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring gas concentrations in a gas absorption method, wherein the arrangement includes a plurality of light sources, a measuring cell, at least one measuring receiver and an evaluation apparatus. The measuring cell has a narrow, longitudinally-extended beam path with an entrance-side opening diameter B and an absorption length L with L>B, wherein the measuring cell has a gas inlet and a gas outlet wherein a plurality of light sources of different wavelength spectra is grouped into a first light source group wherein an optical homogeniser is interposed between the first light source group and the measuring cell, wherein, in particular, the homogeniser is coupled to the light source group directly or via a common optical assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile device (15) for analyzing breath samples, comprising:—at least one mouthpiece (16) provided with at least one inlet opening (17) and at least one outlet opening (21) for allowing a person to respectively inhale and exhale via the mouthpiece,—at least one air filter (20) connected to the mouthpiece for filtering ambient air to be inhaled by the person,—at least one analysis compartment (19) connecting to the outlet opening of the mouthpiece and provided with at least one chemical trace detector (1), wherein the chemical trace detector comprises: at least one semi-conducting sensor (2); at least one heating element (4) for heating the semi-conducting sensor; at least one processor (6) for controlling the heating element; and a detection circuit (7) for detecting the change in resistance of the semi-conducting sensor which is at least partially determined by the presence of at least one chemical trace which reacts in the presence of the semi-conducting sensor.

Abstract: A portable device having an exhalation sensing function is provided. The portable device includes a gas detector that analyzes exhalation, and a device main body including a receiving portion in which the gas detector is received, the device main body having a call function, wherein, when a user makes a call using the device main body, the gas detector is automatically projected from the receiving portion of the device main body, and senses the user's exhalation.

Abstract: A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus includes a seal that, in use, circumscribes a nose, mouth, or nose and mouth of a patient and defines an interior space of the mask. The mask includes an inlet into the interior space and an outlet from the interior space. A sensor is positioned outside of the interior space and in the path of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet. The sensor detects a parameter of the exit gases, such as temperature, humidity or both.

Abstract: Fluid sampling assembly (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) adapted to be installed with fluid communication with a flow of a fluid to be sampled. The assembly comprises a rotating body (23) supported in a chamber (27) of a chamber housing (29). The chamber has a fluid inlet (31). The rotating body (23) comprises a sample compartment (33) with a sample compartment inlet (35). The rotating body (23) is connected to a rotation actuator (17). The sample compartment (33) is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (31) when the rotating body (23) is in a rotational position where the sample compartment inlet (35) is aligned with the fluid inlet (31). The sample compartment (33) is enclosed by an inner wall (25) of the chamber (27) and inner walls of the sample compartment (33) when the sample compartment inlet (35) is in a position out of alignment with the fluid inlet (31).

Abstract: In a method for continuous and non-invasive determination of the effective lung volume, the cardiac output, and/or the carbon dioxide content of venous blood of a subject during a sequence of respiratory cycles, the inspiratory and expiratory flow, and the carbon dioxide content of at least the expiration gas are measured. In each respiratory cycle, a first parameter related to the subject's fraction of alveolar carbon dioxide, a second parameter related to the carbon dioxide content of the subject's arterial blood, and a third parameter related to the subject's carbon dioxide elimination are determined based on the measured inspiratory flow, expiratory flow and carbon dioxide content. The effective lung volume, the cardiac output, and/or the carbon dioxide content of venous blood of the subject is determined based on the correlation of the first, second and third parameters.

Abstract: A removable water trap device (110) removes moisture from a respiratory gas stream from a patient interface assembly (140), enabling monitoring of gas within the respiratory gas stream by an analysis bench (120). The device includes a housing (111), an upstream water trap connector (115), and a filter assembly (360). The housing includes a first portion (210) insertably attachable to a tether assembly receptacle (132) to connect the device to the analysis bench for delivering the gas stream via a tether line (136). The upstream water trap connector is attachable to a downstream patient interface connector (141, 143) in a sample flow line (145, 148) of the patent interface assembly for receiving the gas stream via the sample flow line. The filter assembly is insertably contained within the housing and configured to remove moisture from the gas stream, the filter assembly including a downstream water trap connector (116) attachable with the tether line within the tether assembly receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a sonification output for presenting information about physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation and heart rate parameters in discrete auditory events. In a preferred embodiment, each event comprises two sounds. The first is a reference sound that indicates the desired target state for the two parameters and the second indicates the actual state. Heart rate is preferably represented by amplitude modulation. Oxygen saturation is preferably represented by a timbral manipulation.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring intoxication of a user, comprising: prompting the user to provide a breath sample at a time point; at a breath sample acquisition device, generating a breath sample signal upon reception of the breath sample from the user, and broadcasting a unique signature proximal in time to the time point; using a sensor of a mobile computing device, generating an authentication signal derived from detection of the unique signature; at a processing system in communication with the mobile computing device and the sample acquisition device, receiving the breath sample signal and the authentication signal; generating a verification assessment that validates provision of the breath sample by the user; determining a value of an intoxication metric for the user based upon the breath sample signal; and transforming the verification assessment and the value of the intoxication metric into an analysis of intoxication of the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device for generating ionized molecules for analysis in a mass spectrometer. The device includes: a mesh substrate coated with an extraction phase, the extraction phase comprising a polymer that absorbs a molecule of interest from a matrix, or a polymer and solid phase microextraction (SPME) particles having pores dimensioned to absorb a molecule of interest from a matrix, where the mesh substrate has a sufficiently open structure to allow fluid to flow through the mesh substrate; and a solid substrate connected to the mesh substrate to provide stability to the coated mesh substrate. Mass spectrometry systems that include such a device are also described. Methods of analyzing an analyte previously extracted from a matrix onto the device are also described.

Abstract: A mobile device is presented including an input module for receiving a plurality of breath samples from a user and a breath analysis module for performing a chemical analysis of the plurality of breath samples, the chemical analysis involving identification and selection of a plurality of uncommon molecules and uncommon organic compounds for deriving distinguishing breath characteristics and using such breath information to create an initial chemical breath profile associated with the user. The mobile device further includes a breath authorization module for allowing or preventing access to the mobile device in response to a comparison result derived from comparing at least one subsequently created chemical breath profile with the initial chemical breath profile.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods determine the presence of a volatile substance in expired breath. Alcohol concentrations can be determined from expired breath through the use of electromagnetic detection. The systems, apparatus and methods allow measurements of volatile substances to be done accurately and quickly over a wide range of temperatures, and are easily incorporated into vehicles.

Abstract: A portable apparatus to sample and analyze volatile organic compounds in breath air, includes: a box internally divided in two internal sections, each housing a sample collecting tube or filter in turn containing a stationary phase suitable for retaining determined analytes, as drugs and/or respective metabolites, having specific chemical physical properties, contained in breath air; a pre-accumulation chamber for receiving breath air from the outside through a breath entrance connection and for feeding the received breath air to the sample collecting filters housed in the two sections, with these two sample collecting filters being connected in parallel to the chamber; and a tool application kit for removing the two sample collecting filters from the respective sections in the box of the apparatus, in a way that avoids any contamination thereof, and for extracting the analytes that are retained by the stationary phase on the same two sample collecting filters.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a safety condition of a user includes: a hero device; a measuring device; and a mobile device, the mobile device comprising a processor and a memory device, the memory device configured to store a safety mobile application enabling the mobile device to: record a video recording of the user using the measuring device during a measuring period, receive, from the measuring device, user data measured by the measuring device of the user during the measuring period, transmit, to a server, the user data and video recording of the user from the measuring period, and transmit, to the hero device, a status report message comprising the user data and video recording of the user from the measuring period.

Abstract: A vehicular safety system includes a vehicle, an electronic device and a case. The case has the electronic device being placed therein when the vehicle is utilized. The case is in electrical communication with the vehicle when the case is positioned within the vehicle. The case is in electrical communication with the electronic device such that the case determines a location of the electronic device with respect to the vehicle and the case. The case inhibits the vehicle from being driven when the case detects the electronic device is within the vehicle and the electronic device is not within the case. Thus, the case prevents the vehicle from being driven while the electronic device is available to be utilized. The case allows the vehicle to be driven when the case detects the electronic device is within the vehicle and the electronic device is within the case.

Abstract: A breath alcohol tester calibration station provides a user-friendly system and method for calibrating a breath alcohol tester with a much lower error rate than current systems and methods for calibrating breath alcohol testers. The calibration station includes a data connection to the breath alcohol tester and a fluid connection between the breath alcohol tester and a calibration standard. The calibration station is used to execute calibration processes on the breath alcohol tester using the calibration standard.

Abstract: An analysis cartridge the includes a main body portion and a filter assembly. The main body portion includes an upper portion that defines an upper chamber and a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber. The filter assembly is movable along a filter assembly path between a first position and a second position. The filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough. In the first position, the opening partially defines the upper chamber and in the second position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A system for sensing and measuring ammonia in a breath sample is described. The system includes a sampling means for capturing and directing a breath sample from a subject to an ammonia sensor, the ammonia sensor including a conducting polymer polyaniline sensor. The sampling means includes a breath sample capture chamber, the chamber having an inlet and outlet, the inlet having a first valve through which a breath is exhaled into the sample capture chamber, the outlet having a second valve through which breath surplus to the volume of the chamber is expelled, to provide capture of a breath sample of predefined volume.

Abstract: A breath analyzer device (1) having an inlet region (2) and a sensor arrangement (3), wherein the inlet region (2) is configured to receive a breath sample from a test subject and direct the sample to the sensor arrangement (3), and the sensor arrangement is configured to provide a signal representative of the concentration of a volatile substance within the sample. The inlet region (2) includes a heater (20, 24) arranged between: a sample inlet port (6) which is open to atmospheric air outside the device (1); and a sample outlet port (11) which is open to the sensor arrangement (3), the heater (20, 24) extending at least part way along a tortuous flow channel (18) which extends between the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (11) for the direction of the sample to the sensor arrangement (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring user breath alcohol concentration. A flow of an expired breath sample is passed through a fuel cell sensor giving an output signal proportional to the amount of alcohol present in the sample. By measuring pressure, the volume of the sample may be calculated by integrating pressure over expiration time of the sample, whereas breath alcohol concentration is calculated based on the fuel cell output signal. Both sample volume and breath alcohol concentration values are continually updated by integrating measured instantaneous pressure and fuel cell output signal over time, irrespective of breath sample volume. When the user stops blowing, volume compensation is performed to obtain a compensated fuel cell output signal using a stored calibration volume. Hence, an improved method for accurately measuring breath alcohol concentration of a user is achieved, capable of handling varied expired volumes of breath, obviating the need for sampling mechanism.

Abstract: A system operable to determine a future point of time, at which the alcohol concentration in blood of a user is less than a threshold value. The system includes an alcohol sensor operable to detect a current alcohol concentration in blood of the user, and a portable apparatus. The alcohol sensor and the portable apparatus comprises each a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus in the alcohol sensor is operable to wirelessly transmit the current alcohol concentration to the wireless communication apparatus in the portable apparatus.

Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.

Abstract: An easily calibrated analytical instrument for sensing a target analyte. The instrument includes an electrochemical sensor and a switch. The electrochemical sensor includes a sensing electrode and a counter electrode. The switch is a normally open switch effective for creating a short circuit between the sensing and counter electrodes when closed. A zero calibration reading can be taken when the switch is closed.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both), the polymer substance includes: a porous support member having a plurality of pores, wherein at least a portion of the pores are filled with a cross-linked co-polymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, or a combination thereof. The substance may include a membrane or a tube.

Abstract: Described is a personal device and methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of gas. The device and method may utilize a chemically selective sensor element with low power consumption integrated with circuitry that enables wireless communication between the sensor and any suitable electronic readout such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In preferred form, the sensor circuitry relies upon the quantum capacitance effect of graphene as a transduction mechanism. Also in preferred form, the device and method employ the functionalization of the graphene-based sensor to determine the concentration of ethanol in exhaled breath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensors using doped ferroelectric materials. The sensors can be fabricated as an array where different portions of the array can operate at different independently controlled temperatures to detect different gas phase components of a gas sample. Preferred embodiments can be used for the diagnosis of conditions, such as, diabetes.

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

Abstract: An acetone gas sensor apparatus, including: a chamber, used for containing a gas sample taken from a breath of a person; and an acetone gas sensor, placed in the chamber for generating an output current in response to an acetone concentration of the gas sample, the acetone gas sensor including: a substrate; a buffer layer, deposited on the substrate; an InN epilayer, deposited on the buffer layer for providing a current path for the output current; a first conductive contact, deposited on the InN epilayer for providing a drain contact; and a second conductive contact, deposited on the InN epilayer for providing a source contact.

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: Methods are disclosed for distinguishing whether an animal is experiencing a bacterial infection or a viral infection. One monitors breath taken from the animal over time to measure the relative amount of a first breath stable isotope to a second breath stable isotope therein over time. A quick change in the isotope ratios within several hours from the likely infection is indicative of a bacterial infection. A delayed change in the isotope ratios, followed by periodic repeated alterations in the ratios, is indicative of viral infection. The methods are particularly efficient when using cavity ringdown spectroscopy for the monitoring. They may be used for monitoring a patient already admitted to a hospital, or for monitoring a patient initially complaining of adverse symptoms, or for triage, or for collectively monitoring a population of animals.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring therapeutic drug concentration in blood by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after the drug is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the drug itself or from an additive combined with the drug. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial” or “electronic” noses or tongues, to non-invasively monitor drug levels in blood. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking drug concentrations in blood (remote or proximate locations) and providing the necessary alerts with regarding to ineffective or toxic drug dosages in a patient.

Abstract: A breath analyzer is described with at least one chemical sensor sensitive to the concentration of a component in a sample of exhaled breath including a compensator for compensating for the effect of variations in the amount of exhaled breath between the user and the sensor location with the chemical sensor being integrated into a portable electronic device, particularly with the sensor being located in an air duct with an opening to the exterior of the housing of the analyser with the total area of the opening being sufficiently small to restrict effectively mass transport between the exterior and the sensor and/or wherein the compensation includes the compensation for different responses of sensors.

Abstract: A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.

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: The function of a measuring device can be tested using a healthy person as an external control, provided that this person fulfils certain criteria and that particular method steps are adhered to.

Abstract: This application discloses a system for detecting mouth alcohol which is integrated with a breath-measuring instrument. In an embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a single fuel cell system, wherein the single fuel cell measures an individual's alveolar breath as well as detection of any mouth alcohol. In a further embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, wherein the first fuel cell measures alveolar breath and the second fuel cell detects mouth alcohol.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both), the polymer substance includes: a porous support member having a plurality of pores, wherein at least a portion of the pores are filled with a cross-linked co-polymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, or a combination thereof. The substance may include a membrane or a tube.

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