Breath Tester Patents (Class 422/84)
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Patent number: 8756974Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventor: John Mitchell
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Patent number: 8747752Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Oridion Medical (1987) Ltd.Inventors: Moshe Rakhman, Tehila Faiglin, Amos Ophir, Gershon Levitsky, Joshua Lewis Colman
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Patent number: 8722417Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Invoy Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Lubna Ahmad
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Patent number: 8713985Abstract: Calibration and accuracy check systems for a chemical sniffer, such as a breath alcohol tester, which utilize the dispensing of droplets with determinable concentration of alcohol and/or other liquids in a determinable number either directly to a reaction chamber, or into a carrier gas which can be sampled. The systems generally provide for accurate sample concentration being provided to the breath tester while also providing for a simplified system which can be easier to move, and require less operational complexity, than prior wet or dry calibrating systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Keith Lueck, Karl Wolf, Jr.
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Patent number: 8707758Abstract: A system and method of monitoring sobriety using a hand-held breath testing device that, on receipt of a user's breath, generates a breath test signal comprising substance content data and user identification data, and wirelessly transmits the breath test signal to a breath test signal receiving station. The breath test signal includes substance content data and user identification data. The substance content data includes at least one of: a blood alcohol level and a narcotics presence. The user identification data includes compressed image data. The signal receiving station is monitored by a supervisor who is able to intervene should the substance level be greater than a predetermined threshold, or should the user identification data no match with a reference user identification data.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Soberlink, Inc.Inventor: Brad Keays
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Patent number: 8701814Abstract: A concealment apparatus for an ignition interlock device includes a container defining a cavity with an open upper end, and a lid covering the open upper end. The cavity is configured to receive and conceal an ignition interlock device, such as a handheld ignition interlock device. The apparatus may be configured to resemble a beverage container.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Capital Logistics, Inc.Inventor: Barry Saunders
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Patent number: 8673219Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Invention Science Fund IInventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140037506Abstract: This nitrogen oxide concentration measurement device measures a nitrogen oxide concentration by shining light on a sensor produced by distributing a metal complex of porphyrin or a derivative thereof over a base material, and detecting the amount of light of a specific wavelength, said device comprising a light source that shines light at a nitrogen oxide concentration measurement sensor, a light detector that detects the amount of light of a specific wavelength out of all the light transmitted or reflected by the nitrogen oxide concentration measurement sensor, and a controller that corrects the detection result at the light detector so as to match the amount of light of a specific wavelength outputted from the light detector during exposure to a zero gas to a corrected value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideshi MIKI, Motohiro TANAKA, Shinya OCHI, Yoshitomi KOIKE
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Patent number: 8628722Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 8597580Abstract: 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 I described. 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Aerocrine ABInventors: Pontus von Bahr, Tryggve Hemmingsson, Anders Jakobsson, Fredric Gustafsson
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Patent number: 8560010Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is a cell phone with breath analyzer that can store a preprogrammed list of phone numbers that are not to be called once a person's blood alcohol level has reached a specific point. This device could look similar to traditional cell phones. Within the mouth piece, or other place on or in the phone is a blood alcohol detector. As a person talks/breaths into the phone, their blood alcohol level will be measured. If the level is over a predetermined amount, a previously programmed list of phone numbers cannot be accessed. This unit may also have the capability to store a help list for the user. This list would allow the consumer to easily call a specific list of individuals if they were in need of a ride or other forms of assistance.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventor: Wade Koehn
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Patent number: 8551321Abstract: A process is provided for verifying an electrochemical substance in a gas sample. The process generates in an electrochemical sensor a measured electric value changing over time with a characteristic rising from a reference line to a maximum and again declining to the reference line. The percentage of the electrochemical substance in the gas sample is determined in an analysis circuit by setting a first interval and a second interval in the range of the characteristic after the maximum has been exceeded. The first interval includes the range of the characteristic in the vicinity of the maximum and the second interval includes the range of the maximum in the vicinity of the reference line. The electrochemical substance is determined by determining the ratio of the slopes of the first and second intervals and by comparison with a reference value of the ratio of the slopes of the first and second intervals.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventor: Burkhard Stock
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Publication number: 20130259748Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Jer-Liang Andrew Yeh, Shang-Jr Gwo
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Publication number: 20130236981Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor or a system comprising gold nanoparticles coated with specific organic coatings for diagnosing, staging or monitoring chronic kidney disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.Inventors: Hossam Haick, Ophir Marom
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Patent number: 8481324Abstract: The present invention provides a system containing an array of chemically sensitive sensors based on coated single walled carbon nanotubes, for measuring volatile organic compounds indicative of renal failure. Methods of breath analysis for diagnosing chronic, acute and end-stage renal failure are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.Inventors: Hossam Haick, Zaid Abassi, Farid Nakhoul
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Publication number: 20130171733Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor having continuous and discontinuous regions of conductive metallic nanoparticles capped with an organic coating which enables the detection of volatile organic compounds and/or water vapor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2013Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.Inventor: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
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Publication number: 20130156647Abstract: Calibration and accuracy check systems for a chemical sniffer, such as a breath alcohol tester, which utilize the dispensing of droplets with determinable concentration of alcohol and/or other liquids in a determinable number either directly to a reaction chamber, or into a carrier gas which can be sampled. The systems generally provide for accurate sample concentration being provided to the breath tester while also providing for a simplified system which can be easier to move, and require less operational complexity, than prior wet or dry calibrating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: ALCOTEK, INC.Inventor: Alcotek, Inc.
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Patent number: 8454526Abstract: An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Roger Mecca, Michael P. O'Neil, Rafael Ostrowski
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Patent number: 8435187Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Fariba M. Assadi-Porter, Mark E. Cook, Warren P. Porter, Daniel E. Butz
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Patent number: 8418796Abstract: A breathalyzer masking device for concealment of vehicle installed breathalyzer devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Alethea Veronica Flores
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Patent number: 8409864Abstract: An ammonia gas sensing device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path. The fluid flow path includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an access port. A gas permeable/liquid impermeable membrane is mounted on and sealed against the housing at the access port such that the membrane is exposed to the fluid flow path but fluid is blocked from flowing outward of the access port around rather than through the membrane. An ammonia sensor is mounted on the housing at the access port in a position outward of the membrane. A system for using the ammonia sensing device includes the ammonia gas sensing device, a light source directed at the ammonia sensor, a photo detector to measure the light reflected off the ammonia sensor from the light source, and a controller for controlling the light source and optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Renal Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Stephen R. Ash
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Patent number: 8398920Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Patent number: 8381573Abstract: A system and method of monitoring sobriety using a hand-held breath testing device that, on receipt of a user's breath, generates a breath test signal comprising substance content data and user identification data, and wirelessly transmits the breath test signal to a breath test signal receiving station. The breath test signal includes substance content data and user identification data. The substance content data includes a blood alcohol level and the user identification data includes compressed image data. The signal receiving station is monitored by a supervisor who is able to intervene should the blood alcohol level be greater than a predetermined threshold, or should the user identification data no match with a reference user identification data.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventor: Brad Keays
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Patent number: 8377705Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David K. Lambert, Michel F. Sultan
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Publication number: 20130034910Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing Multiple Sclerosis at different stages as well as affording the prediction of disease activity and response to a treatment regimen, using at least one sensor comprising carbon nanotubes or metal nanoparticles, each coated with various organic coatings in conjunction with a pattern recognition algorithm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventors: Hossam Haick, Ariel Miller
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Patent number: 8336665Abstract: A concealment apparatus for ignition interlock devices includes a container that has a top, a bottom, and at least one side wall separating the top and the bottom. The at least one sidewall includes a screen opening for viewing at least a screen of an ignition interlock device. The container can resemble a beverage container, such as a mug, a tumbler, a can, a sports bottle, or a thermos. An ignition interlock concealment system includes a concealment apparatus and an ignition interlock device contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Capital Logistics, Inc.Inventor: Barry Saunders
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Publication number: 20120288951Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: PLATYPUS TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Bharat Acharya, Avijit Sen, Nicholas Abbott, Kurt Kupcho
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Patent number: 8273298Abstract: A device for detecting human body odors produced from ammonia and amino acids—chemicals naturally excreted through the skin and sweat glands. Unless eliminated, such odors can alert game animals to a hunter's presence. Worn on the exterior of odor-absorbing clothing, the device includes both a packet and an indicator chemical sensitive to extremely low concentrations of nitrogen-containing compounds. The packet defines first and second openings which, in use, are directed away from and toward the wearer's body, respectively. Affixed to the packet, a transparent tape forms an airtight window through which one can continually view the indicator chemical, held in place within the first opening by the tape's adhesive backing. Accessible only to substances which pass through the wearer's clothing and then into the packet's interior via the second opening, the indicator chemical undergoes a permanent color change, once odor-producing chemicals begin to break through the clothing.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventor: Thomas L. Newell
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Patent number: 8273033Abstract: A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes a mainstream airway adapter, and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The gas sensing portion is subject to temperature variations associated with variations in flow rate and direction of respiratory gases. Methods are described that utilize the measurement of instantaneous respiratory flow rate combined with estimates of gas temperature and composition to estimate the sensor cooling effects from which a flow based time varying compensation factor is derived.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: RIC Investments, LLCInventors: Joesph A. Orr, Paul B. Gunneson, Anthony T. Pierry
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Publication number: 20120183949Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for detecting one or more physiological conditions in lungs of a vertebrate subject. A method is described for administering at least one microparticle to lungs of a vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one microparticle includes one or more markers; wherein the one or more markers is configured to be released in response to one or more physiological conditions in the vertebrate subject; and detecting the one or more markers in a lung exhalant of the vertebrate subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Erez Lieberman, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
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Patent number: 8222041Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a CO2 or O2 sensor is disclosed, hi one implementation, a polymer solar cell can be connected to the HEMT for use in an infrared detection system. In a second implementation, a selective recognition layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. For carbon dioxide sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, PEI/starch. For oxygen sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, indium zinc oxide (IZO). In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen in exhaled breath or blood.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Fan Ren, Stephen John Pearton
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Patent number: 8181503Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Aerocrine ABInventors: Bryan Flaherty, Bhairavi Parikh, Kevin Nason, David Chazan, Jonathan Fay, John Kaiser, James Stone
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Patent number: 8178355Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Platypus Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Bharat Acharya, Avijit Sen, Nicholas Abbott, Kurt Kupcho
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Patent number: 8176766Abstract: A liquid and solid trap which induces cyclonic motion of a breath flow to separate solids and liquids from a breath sample prior to that sample being provided to a breath detector for determining composition of the vapor portion of said sample. The trap is generally used on delivery type testing devices used for measuring breath alcohol content.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Hector Ruiz, Ildefonso Gonzalez, Keith Lueck
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Publication number: 20120115240Abstract: Methane gas in a ruminant exhalation may be oxidized to reduce the amount of methane gas output by the ruminant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood, JR.
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Patent number: 8161793Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventor: John Mitchell
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Publication number: 20120022890Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for a self-service breathalyzer kiosk system for collecting and reporting blood alcohol level information. The system and method enables a user to submit a report containing the user's current blood alcohol level at the time the report is submitted. In particular, the kiosk may be used to collect the current blood alcohol level information of the user and transmit the report of the current blood alcohol level information of the user over a communication network.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Barry Williams, Raymond Wiggins
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Patent number: 8044772Abstract: Methods and systems using one or more expert systems to quickly assist (e.g., advise and/or rescue) persons in danger at a location (e.g., buildings, tunnels, bridges, factories, refineries, recreational areas, such as parks, golf courses, ski-slopes, public transportation vehicles, such as buses, subways, trains, planes, ships, and equivalents), to screen and selectively test the location and/or person and assist the person if danger to the person is determined. One embodiment is a method to advise a person in danger, possibly having an impairment, using one or more expert systems. A second embodiment is a method to assist people in danger, possibly having an impairment, such as chemical impairment, physical impairment, medical impairment, or emotional impairment, using one or more expert systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Kevin Roe
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Publication number: 20110244584Abstract: The present invention provides a system comprising an array of chemically sensitive sensors based on coated single walled carbon nanotubes, for measuring volatile organic compounds indicative of renal failure. Methods of breath analysis for diagnosing chronic, acute and end-stage renal failure are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.Inventors: Hossam Haick, Zaid Abassi, Farid Nakhoul
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Patent number: 8026103Abstract: A total amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a breath sample (101) is detected by oxidizing/burning (120) the VOCs to form CO2 and H2O, and the amounts of one or both of these compounds are measured (130). CO2 and H2O molecules in the breath sample (101) are removed (110) before the VOCs are converted (120) to CO2 and H2O. Because one VOC molecule contains multiple carbon and hydrogen atoms, the number of formed CO2 and H2O molecules will be substantially larger than the original number of VOC molecules, thereby improving the sensitivity of the detection.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelm Van Herpen
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Patent number: 7992422Abstract: A method of diagnosing the health of an individual by collecting a breath sample from the individual and measuring the amount of each of a plurality of analytes in the sample. The amount of each analytes is measured by fitting a time response curve of a sample-evaluation fuel cell in which the fuel cell sample electrode is contacted with the sample with the analysis based on a function of standard time response curves for an equivalent fuel cell configuration obtained separately for each of the analytes on a fuel cell with equivalent construction as sample-evaluation fuel cell. Each of the plurality of analytes is generally indicative of an aspect of the individual's health. Suitable analytes include, for example, inorganic compounds as well as compositions that exhibit negative reduction reactions at least for a portion of the time response curve.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: University of Iowa Research FoundationInventors: Johna Leddy, Luke M. Haverhals
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Patent number: 7977103Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of ovulation in a female mammal is provided. The method includes contacting mouth air of the female mammal with an arylmethane test chromogen in an amount effective to undergo a rapid and detectable color change in the presence of one or more volatile sulfur compounds. The color of the test chromogen is compared to a control color that corresponds to a pre-ovulatory sulfur content. The difference in color between the test chromogen and the control color is correlated to the onset of ovulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Stephanie Michelle Martin, RameshBabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
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Patent number: 7964389Abstract: A quantitative sampler of pathogens in exhaled air is provided. The quantitative sampler includes an air inputting pipe for a sampled individual to blow exhaled air; a check valve unit for preventing the exhaled air from reversely flowing; an aerosol filtering unit having an aerosol filtering material for collecting aerosol particles in the exhaled air; and an air flow meter for measuring if total accumulated volume of the exhaled air reaches a predetermined sampling volume defined as a concentration denominator of exhaled pathogens. The quantitative sampler can be used to collect the aerosol particles, and then moves the aerosol filtering material out of the aerosol filtering unit followed by separating genetic substances in the aerosol particles from the aerosol filter, so that a real-time qPCR can be reacted by using the genetic substances for obtaining a quantitative concentration of the exhaled pathogens.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Kaohsiung Medical UniversityInventor: Pei-shih Chen
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Publication number: 20110129939Abstract: A portable electronic device includes at least one function module selected from a group consisting of a wireless communication module, an image capturing module, an audio/video file player module, and an internet module, a halitosis measuring module, and a processor connected to the function module and the halitosis measuring module. The processor controls the function module to work, and detects a level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in a person's mouth using the halitosis measuring module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITEDInventor: Hsing-Yuan Hsieh
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Patent number: 7901632Abstract: An array of sensor elements is formed by the incorporation of sensing materials into porous structures, creating sensing systems with extremely large surface areas with sensing molecules attached to mimic the large number of cilia of an olfactory system. In each sensor element, the sensing material or molecules are attached to spacer molecules or groups, which are attached to linker molecules or groups, which are attached to the porous substrate material. More specifically, a porphyrin doped aerogel material is used. The porphyrin sensing material is attached to the aerogel throughout its high surface area pore space. The porphyrin is covalently bonded to the silica network of the aerogel with a triethoxysilyl group linker that covalently attaches to the aerogel, and an alkyl group spacer.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventor: Chi Yung Fu
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Patent number: 7897109Abstract: Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence quenching to produce an oxygen concentration indicative signal. Components of such systems include: (1) an airway adapter, sampling cell, or the like having a sensor which is excited into luminescence with the luminescence decaying in a manner reflecting the concentration of oxygen in gases flowing through the airway adapter or other flow device; (2) a transducer which has a light source for exciting a luminescable composition in the sensor into luminescence and a light sensitive detector for converting energy emitted from the luminescing composition as that composition is quenched into an electrical-signal indicative of oxygen concentration in the gases being monitored; and (3) subsystems for maintaining the sensor temperature constant and for processing the signal generated by the light sensitive detector. Sensors for systems of the character just described, methods of fabricating those sensors, and methods for installing the sensors in the flow device.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: RIC Investments, LLCInventors: Lawrence L. Labuda, Perry R. Blazewicz, Leslie E. Mace, Jerry R. Apperson, Walter A. Cooke
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Patent number: 7867171Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Exalenz Bioscience Ltd.Inventors: Ilan Ben-Oren, Julian Daich, Ephraim Carlebach, George Yariv
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Patent number: 7855081Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignees: Intoximeters, Inc., Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Keith W. Lueck, M. Rankine Forrester, Gary L. Sibley, John Mitchell
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Patent number: 7846739Abstract: 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 I described. 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Aerocrine ABInventors: Pontus von Bahr, Tryggve Hemmingsson, Anders Jakobsson, Fredric Gustafsson
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Patent number: 7833481Abstract: A fully integrated portable screening system includes a main housing and a contact pad. The contact pad is removably positioned in the main housing and covered by at least one sample sheet. The contact pad is preferably constituted by a cylindrical baton which carries a roll of sample collection sheets. A test subject interacts with the contact pad, leaving a trace sample on the sample collection sheet. The contact pad is then placed within the main housing and the trace sample is exposed to a test medium designed to interact with a specific analyte of interest potentially present in the trace sample. After exposure to the test medium, the sample sheet is subjected to a testing mechanism which exposes any interaction between the test medium and the analyte of interest to produce a test result.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: RedXDefense, LLCInventors: Khaled F. Eltomi, Jack Kotowicz, Pratheev Sabaratnam Sreetharan, Regina Elvira Dugan