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: The invention presents techniques for identifying and guiding treatment for medical conditions, based upon the carbon dioxide concentration in the patient's breath. In an exemplary application, the techniques of the invention may be used to distinguish obstructive lung disease from restrictive lung disease, even though the symptoms of the conditions are similar. The techniques of the invention may further be used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

Abstract: The alkane profile (FIGS. 12-14) comprising the alveolar gradients of n-alkane in breath having 4 carbons to 20 carbons, and the methyl alkane profile (FIGS. 30-34) are determined for the diagnosis of disease in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: An airway adaptor 11 formed of a tubular member is narrowed in diameter at its central part in an axial direction to form parallel faces 11a, and the parallel faces 11a are formed with optical windows 12, 13 on a same axis. An adaptor 17 fitted in the airway adaptor 11 is formed with parallel faces at positions respectively facing with the optical windows 12, 13 leaving determined slits 17f therebetween and provided with a through hole 17c on a same axis as the optical windows 12, 13.

Abstract: The oxygen and carbon dioxide content of expired respiratory gas is determined by measuring the mass and volume of the expired breath. From the composition of the inspired gas which may either be assumed or measured, the mass of the inspired volume may be determined, and since the inspired and expired breaths contain the same mass of nitrogen, the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the expired breath may be determined. Measurements of temperature and humidity may be required to account for temperature and humidity changes between the inhalation and the exhalation or the inhaled gas may be adjusted in temperature and humidity to equalize the inhaled and exhaled temperature and humidity conditions. The mass and volume of the expiration and the volume mass of the inhalations are determined by an ultrasonic transit time system and a gas density sensor.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for detecting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke by analyzing a sample of breath using electronic sensor technology, including surface acoustic-wave gas sensor technology. The method determines the presence and concentration of substance(s) (or a class of substances) indicative of environmental smoke exposure. Diagnostic software is used to identify substances where a stored library of signatures is compared to the signature obtained from the system. Signal processing and neural networks are preferably utilized in the analysis.

Abstract: Sensor and sensor assemblies generally comprises a sensor body having a chamber disposed therein for accommodating a sensor reagent or material. The chamber is defined within the body between optically transparent body portions. The chamber is in gas flow communication with a passage used for passing a collected breath to the sensor material. A liquid or solid sensor material is disposed within the chamber and is designed to change in optical properties upon exposure to a target gas within the collected breath sample by reaction therewith. A gas permeable membrane can be disposed over the chamber opening to retain the sensor material, in the event it is liquid, and to permit the diffusion of gas from the collected breath sample to the sensor material. The sensor assembly is used with a photon source that emits photons, within a selected wavelength band, onto the chamber and sensor material, and a photon collector that is used to receive photons that exit the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for detecting the presence of an analyte, such as for example, a lightweight device, including: a sample chamber having a fluid inlet port for the influx of the analyte; a fluid concentrator in flow communication with the sample chamber wherein the fluid concentrator has an absorbent material capable of absorbing the analyte and capable of desorbing a concentrated analyte; and an array of sensors in fluid communication with the concentrated analyte to be released from the fluid concentrator.

Abstract: An air sampling device for obtaining an air sample from a person's lungs, and a method for using the same. The air sampling device is comprised of generally of a breath intake structure, an expandable bag structure, an adhesive patch, and a removable adhesive patch cover. Optionally an adhesive inlet seal patch also seals either the expandable bag inlet or an outer shell. The outer shell is provided to capture the air sample should the expandable bag structure fail. A person breathes into the breath intake, the device directing a first predetermined volume of breath into the expandable bag structure, and the remainder of breath also into the expandable bag, the remainder of the breath expelling the first predetermined volume of waste air from the expandable bag structure. The breath intake structure and removable adhesive patch cover are removed and the adhesive patch seals the interior surfaces of the expandable bag structure.

Abstract: A breath alcohol measuring apparatus includes a sample intake channel (7) for receiving the respiratory gas sample and a temperature sensor mounted in the sample intake channel (7). The breath alcohol measuring apparatus is so improved that the influence of the mouthpiece on the detection of the temperature of the respiratory gas sample is substantially eliminated. The temperature sensor is configured as an infrared optical thermometer (14) with a filter (10) transmissive for the infrared radiation. The filter (10) is disposed in the sample intake channel (7).

Abstract: The presence of a pathologic process in a lung of a mammal is detected by applying exhaled gas of a mammal to an electronic nose (12). Data derived from the electronic nose (12) is used to determine whether a pathologic process is present in the lung of the mammal. The pathologic process may also be a lung infection such as pneumonia. Also, a mammalian fluid sample obtained from the sinus or nose is applied to an electronic nose (12) to determine if the fluid sample contains significant amounts of cebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: An alcohol sensor having gas-sensitive layers made of polymers or inorganic oxides wherein a signal is read out by means of work function change which is produced in the form of a field-effect transistor.

Abstract: In a method for determining the gas content, e.g. of oxygen in breathing gas in a breathing apparatus, and a breathing apparatus operating according to the method, the gas content is determined from the speed of sound in the breathing gas. In order to resolve the problems caused by temperature variations in gas samples, determination of the speed of sound is synchronized with one or more specific times in a respiratory cycle. Determination can then be made when conditions are most stable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for determination of the content of higher oxides of nitrogen in exhaled breath condensate which comprises a conduit having an exhalate condensing portion with an inlet and an outlet (the inlet can be configured to fit with a mechanical respirator or, for direct use by the patient, an inlet assembly providing one-way ingress of ambient atmosphere to the device can be associated with the inlet of the conduit exhalate condensing portion); a coolant jacket coaxially surrounding said exhalate condensing portion; a gas release port; and, in enclosed fluid communication with said conduit exhalate condensing portion outlet, a sample assay assembly comprising (i) a translucent analysis chamber attached to the outlet to receive condensate fluid and having a reagent entry port, (ii) a reagent chamber in enclosed fluid communication with the reagent entry port and (iii) a pliable element connecting the outlet and the analysis chamber and forming a portion of the reagent chamber such that flexion of

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing a breath sample provide user-friendly operation and analysis. The method and apparatus provide automatic operation and coordination of operation of an absorbent sample tube, including desorbing means, a chromatographic precolumn, a chromatographic main column, a detector, a data processor, a sample receiving tube for receiving exhaled breath sample, a sample loop for aspirating a prescribed quantity of breath sample from the sample receiving tube, a sample valve, a standard gas reservoir, and a standard gas valve. All of the foregoing are operated automatically in such that start cycles, detector cycles, fault detection cycles, standardizing, analysis, shutdown and end cycles are performed in a way which allows straightforward and simple measurement of breath sample by a user.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte indicative of various medical conditions, including halitosis, periodontal disease and other diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical breath component analyzer which maintains a data-base profile of a patient over time. The apparatus may be used chronically by a patient so that a baseline status for that patient may be determined. Acute variations from the baseline are identified as clinically significant. The acquired data can be reported to the patient using the device at home and transmitted electronically to a physician or health care provider. Multiple tests may be provided, ranging from quantitative tests to qualitative tests to quantitative approximations using qualitative devices. A set of tests is selected for a particular patient, and may be customized to the patient's condition. One of the tests may include passing multiple laser beams of differing wavelengths through a breath sample and using pattern recognition to correlate from spectral analysis of all the laser beams.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for determining a given substance content of a fluid comprising a means for monitoring the fluid volume passing through the tube, and a heat sensitive indicator for indicating that the reactant mass has reached a critical heating temperature corresponding to a fluid volume flowing through the mass equal to a predetermined calibrated volume.

Abstract: An end tidal carbon dioxide addition device coupling to a nasal cannula used on patients under general anesthesia or sedated, to continuously measure the carbon dioxide content of the expired breath. A first embodiment device has a body a pair of nasal ducts with clips to attach to a nasal cannula. A pair of oral ducts collects exhaled oral gases which are combined with the nasal gasses to be analyzed for tidal carbon dioxide content. A pair of posts adjacent the oral ducts stabilize the device on a sedated patient. A second embodiment integrates a nasal cannula with the body to provide an economical disposable device and substitutes a flattened region with an array of apertures for the oral ducts.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved respiratory analyzer comprises a disposable flow module and non-disposable electronics module. An improved ventilator system comprises a supply of respiratory gases, a ventilator line for directing the respiratory gases to a patient, a flow module holder located in series with the ventilator line into which a flow module can be inserted, and an electronics module which connects to the flow module. In a preferred embodiment, the flow module and electronics module operate in combination to provide the functionality of an indirect calorimeter, so as to determine the metabolic rate of the patient. Feeding of an intubated patient can be controlled using determined patient metabolic rates. Other respiratory parameters can be determined by the system, such as peak flow, tidal volume, end-tidal concentrations, and respiratory quotient. The system provides a non-invasive method of cardiac output determination. A flow module can also be inserted into the mouth or internal respiratory tube of a person.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter is disclosed which comprises a test body (18) and a computation unit (24). In use, oxygen consumption in a respirator gas flow is determined by measuring inhaled and exhaled flow rates, and exhaled flow density, such that oxygen consumption is computed as a function of the exhaled mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying infrared radiation to a respiratory gas and detects a signal associated with the quantity of transmitted radiation for measuring the concentration of CO2 in the respiratory gas. The capnometer detects a maximum value of the detection signal from the thermal detector during the present inspiration phase, stores the detected maximum value in RAM, performs the first approximation, Kalman filtering or some other suitable method to compute a corrected value that is valid for the time being until a maximum value is detected in the next inspiration phase, and determines a density signal by calculating the difference between the corrected value and the detection signal.

Abstract: A device for use in trapping and assaying 14CO2 in air exhaled by a person to which a 14CO labelled compound has been administered, in particular 14CO labelled urea, comprises first and second substantially flat oblong duct forming elements joined to each other at their edges except for one of their short edges and forming a duct between them. The first duct forming element includes a gas permeable matrix element for absorption of CO2. The device is provided with indicator means for visual detection of CO2 absorption and a film element of low &bgr;-radiation absorptivity interposed or interposable between the matrix element and a &bgr;-radiation measuring instrument. Also disclosed is a corresponding method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for detecting the presence of an analyte, wherein said analyte is a microorganism marker gas. The device comprises a sample chamber having a fluid inlet port for the influx of the microorganism marker gas; a fluid concentrator in flow communication with the sample chamber, wherein the fluid concentrator has an absorbent material capable of absorbing the microorganism marker gas and thereafter releasing a concentrated microorganism marker gas; and an array of sensors in fluid communication with the concentrated microorganism marker gas. The sensor array detects and identifies the marker gas upon its release from fluid concentrate.

Abstract: A combined time clock breathalyzer is provided including a clock for tracking a current time, an inlet port, an alcohol sensor connected to the inlet port for determining an amount of alcohol in an air flow, and a printer. Also included is a controller adapted to calculate an alcohol percentage amount within a user from the amount of alcohol detected by the alcohol sensor. The controller is further adapted to provide an indication upon the alcohol percentage amount being greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ethanol content of a sample wherein a membrane barrier comprising unplasticized PVC is interposed between the sample and detecting means.

Abstract: A capnometer includes an airway adaptor for introducing a respiratory gas into the analyzer, an infrared radiation source emitting infrared radiation passed through the airway adaptor, a beam splitter for reflecting and transmitting infrared radiation that impinges on the beam splitter, first detecting means for detecting the infrared radiation reflected by said beam splitter and transmitting through said beam splitter, second detecting means for detecting the infrared radiation reflected by said beam splitter and transmitting through said beam splitter; a gas cell filled with CO2 gas, said gas cell being located between one of said first and second detecting means and said beam splitter and processing means for processing a concentration of carbon dioxide gas by using output signals of said first and second detecting means.

Abstract: A breath test for determining the rate of metabolism of a drug is described. First, a safe and effective amount of the drug, preferably appropriately labelled and most preferably isotopically-labelled, is administered to a subject. After a suitable time period, the exhaled breath of the subject is analyzed to determine the concentration of a metabolite. The concentration of the metabolite is then used to determine the rate of metabolism of the drug. A breath test kit is also described. Such a breath test kit would include an item or items necessary for performing at least one of the methods of determining the rate of metabolism of a drug in a subject. For example, such a breath test kit could include an isotopically-labelled drug to be administered to the subject.

Abstract: A dispensable alcohol breath analyzer system including a rectilinear box with an analyzer on one face and an extendable tube on another face. The system also includes a plurality of units located within the box to be dispensed, each unit containing an analyzer and a sanitary wrapper therearound. The indicator includes a cylindrical alcohol indicator and an associated rotatable indicator arrow. A gauge is provided whereby the increased content of alcohol permeates through the indicator to rotate the arrow to an extent corresponding to the percent of alcohol within the breath detected. The second indicator includes a diaphragm through which the user's breath may flow to exterior of the device and an associated color gauge thereadjacent whereby the diaphragm will change colors as a function of the percent of alcohol in the breath of the user for being compared with the color on the gauge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the concentration of alcohol present in a gaseous mixture wherein an electronic device employing a fuel cell determines the concentration of alcohol present in the gaseous mixture is disclosed. In particular, the device may be used to determine a person's sobriety by determining the alcohol concentration in a breath sample. To determine the alcohol concentration, the device must be able to accurately determine the volume of breath in the breath sample. The device controls the volume of the breath sample by measuring the pressure of the breath flow through the device and, in response to the pressure, electronically controlling a valve diverting a portion of the breath flow into the fuel cell. One application of the invention is a sobriety interlock for a machine where the machine remains disabled unless the operator is first determined to have an alcohol concentration below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A device comprising a combination of a mouthpiece (2) with a holder (1), which receives the mouthpiece (2) and has a sampling channel (4) leading to a breath alcohol-measuring device and a temperature sensor (11) arranged in the connection area between the holder (1) and the mouthpiece (2). To make it possible to determine the temperature of the mouthpiece (2) inserted into the holder (1) the mouthpiece (2) is designed for the temperature sensor (11) to be arranged in the sampling channel (4) as a wall section (10) covering the inner wall of the sampling channel (4) in the area of the temperature sensor (11).

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed.Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

Abstract: A process for calibrating a breath alcohol-measuring instrument (7) with a calibrating gas generator (1) with a liquid container (2) for aqueous ethanol solution and air feed device, which allow air to bubble through the ethanol solution and for passing gas from the atmosphere above the ethanol solution to the breath alcohol-measuring instrument (7).

Abstract: A method for identification of an infant being particularly susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) comprises the determination of an Helicobacter pylori infection in the infant's mother, particularly by detection of antibodies to H. pylori of the IgG type, in a blood sample drawn from the infant's mother or by determination of carbon dioxide formed from urea in the air exhaled from the infant's mother upon oral administration of a challenge dose of urea. Also disclosed is the use of an antibiotic effective against H. pylori for the manufacture of a medicament for administration to mothers and other persons infected by H. pylori and coming into close bodily contact with infants below two years of age, and a method of prevention of SIDS by administration of that antibiotic.

Abstract: A breath test for diagnosing the presence of Helicobacter pylori in a subject is described. The method of diagnosing Helicobacter pylori is performed as follows. First, a safe and effective amount of urea, preferably appropriately labelled, is administered to the subject. Second, a plurality of the exhaled breaths of the subject is analyzed to detect the concentration of a cleavage product or products, produced when urease cleaves the substrate. The measured concentrations are then fitted to a curve, and the derivative is then calculated, to indicate the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the subject.

Abstract: A kit for monitoring mammalian reproductive cycles by monitoring variations in the quantity of one or more low molecular weight volatile compound having a molecular weight of less than 50 grams per mole present in a body constituent sample is disclosed. Samples of a body constituent selected from the group consisting essentially of humoral fluid, breath and body cavity air are collected from a female mammal a multiple number of times during the reproductive cycle. The quantity of a low molecular weight volatile compound in each sample is measured. In the preferred embodiment, the low molecular weight volatile compound, acetaldehyde, will be measured and monitored. Variations in the quantity of the low molecular weight volatile compound appearing in each sample is monitored to determine the phase of the mammal's reproductive cycle and to predict the occurrence of ovulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for determination of the content of higher oxides of nitrogen in exhaled breath condensate which comprises a conduit having an exhalate condensing portion with an inlet and an outlet (the inlet canbe configured to fit with a mechanical respirator or, for direct use by the patient, an inlet assembly providing one-way ingress of ambient atmosphere to the device can be associated with the inlet of the conduit exhalate condensing portion); a coolant jacket coaxially surrounding said exhalate condensing portion; a gas release port; and, in enclosed fluid communication with said conduit exhalate condensing portion outlet, a sample assay assembly comprising (i) a translucent analysis chamber attached to the outlet to receive condensate fluid and having a reagent entry port, (ii) a reagent chamber in enclosed fluid communication with the reagent entry port and (iii) a pliable element connecting the outlet and the analysis chamber and forming a portion of the reagent chamber such that flexion of

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the concentration of alcohol present in a gaseous mixture wherein an electronic device employing a fuel cell determines the concentration of alcohol present in the gaseous mixture is disclosed. In particular, the device may be used to determine a person's sobriety by determining the alcohol concentration in a breath sample. To determine the alcohol concentration, the device must be able to accurately determine the volume of breath in the breath sample. The device controls the volume of the breath sample by measuring the pressure of the breath flow through the device and, in response to the pressure, electronically controlling a valve diverting a portion of the breath flow into the fuel cell thereby indicating and ensuring that a predefined requisite amount of breath flow has passed thru the fuel cell.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the concentration of such gas components from a gas mixture, which includes collision dilation of the absorption lines constituting the absorption spectral bands for measuring objects. The device comprises a non-dispersive concentration measuring sensor (20), which includes: a measuring chamber (6) containing a gas mixture to be analyzed; a radiation source (17) for emitting over a wavelength range which includes an absorption spectral band used in concentration determination; a detector (18) receiving radiation that has passed through the measuring chamber and for producing a first signal (7) therefrom; as well as an optical bandpass filter (16) positioned between the detector and the radiation source. The measuring device further comprises a second measuring sensor (4) for identifying the viscosity or some other viscosity-related feature of a gas mixture to be analyzed and for producing a second signal (9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a blood alcohol content value by means of a breath alcohol concentration as well as for securing the reliability of this measured value. The apparatus comprises: sensor elements (1) for obtaining a measured alcohol concentration value from an incoming exhalation air stream; sensor elements (1) for obtaining a measured carbon dioxide concentration value from the same exhalation air stream (9); as well as first output elements (2) for producing, if necessary, a result proportional at least to a blood alcohol content.

Abstract: A correction curve (FIG. 19) is prepared by plotting .sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentrations and .sup.13 CO.sub.2 /.sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentration ratios which are determined on the basis of a calibration curve and .sup.13 CO.sub.2 and .sup.12 CO.sub.2 absorbances of gaseous samples having the same .sup.13 CO.sub.2 /.sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentration ratio but known different .sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentrations. A gaseous test sample containing .sup.13 CO.sub.2 and .sup.12 CO.sub.2 as component gases is introduced into a cell, and spectrometrically measured. A .sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentration of the gaseous test sample is determined by way of the spectrometric measurement. A concentration ratio correction value is obtained on the basis of the correction curve and the .sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentration of the gaseous test sample thus determined. A measured .sup.13 CO.sub.2 /.sup.12 CO.sub.2 concentration ratio is divided by the concentration ratio correction value thus obtained for correction of the .sup.13 CO.sub.2 /.sup.12 CO.sub.

Abstract: A breath test for determining the rate of metabolism of a drug is described. First, a safe and effective amount of the drug, preferably appropriately labelled and most preferably isotopically-labelled, is administered to a subject. After a suitable time period, the exhaled breath of the subject is analyzed to determine the concentration of a metabolite. The concentration of the metabolite is then used to determine the rate of metabolism of the drug. A breath test kit is also described. Such a breath test kit would include an item or items necessary for performing at least one of the methods of determining the rate of metabolism of a drug in a subject. For example, such a breath test kit could include an isotopically-labelled drug to be administered to the subject.

Abstract: A capnometer includes an airway adaptor for letting a respiratory gas pass therethrough, a light source for holding the airway adaptor and irradiating with infrared radiations the respiratory gas passing through the airway adaptor, a detecting portion having an infrared radiation detector for detecting the infrared radiations that have passed through the respiratory gas, and a monitor body for measuring the concentration of respiratory carbon dioxide gas by receiving a signal from the detecting portion, wherein an angle is defined between the channel of the airway adaptor and a display surface of the monitor body.

Abstract: This invention consists of breath testing apparatus 10 comprising a breath tube 11, a fuel cell housing 12 incorporating a pump system 12a, a fuel cell 13, a control and computational unit 14, and a display 15. A thermistor 22 is provided to detect the temperature of the housing 12 during measurement and the unit 14 compensates the fuel cell output in accordance with the detected temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a system to be used for measuring NO levels in exhaled breathing air. The system comprises: (i) a face mask that tightly covers the nose and/or mouth of the individual that the mask is intended to be used on; (ii) an inlet unit for inhaled breathing air, (iii) an outlet unit for exhaled breathing air, (iv) a non-rebreathing valve through which inhaled and exhaled breathing air, respectively, passes, and (v) a measuring unit for NO connected to the outlet unit. The present invention furthers encompasses a method for the diagnosis in mammals of inflammatory conditions in the airways. The characteristic feature is that nitric oxide NO is measured in exhaled breathing air and a found abnormal level is taken as an indication of an inflammatory condition in the airways.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method for monitoring compliance with a disulfiram prescription regime. A self testing device 10 includes a gas sensor 12, a display 13, an indicating light 14, and a start button 15. An air inlet 16 is joined on the body 11 and a breath tube 12 can be located therein. A clock 20 in association with a random day generator 21 and the display 13, and light 14 determine the daily close rate and the measured sample is compared with expected sensor output by determining whether or not the user has complied with the regime.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring nitric oxide exhaled from the lungs of a person comprises(a) a conduit for receiving the air exhaled by the person;(b) a resistor for increasing the pressure in the mouth of the person during exhalation to close the nasopharynx and to maintain a constant flow rate of said air exhaled by the person; and,(c) measuring means for measuring the nitric oxide concentration in said exhaled air.

Abstract: A device and method for sampling and testing the breath of human beings to detect maladies in the esophagus, stomach or gastrointestinal tract by the automatic analysis of the chemical contents of the sampled breath includes a container and a microprocessor-controlled valve for allowing a select portion of the breath to enter and be stored in the container upon exhaling through an inlet to the container so as to avoid storing air which is first exhaled. A normally open pressure switch or sensor activated by the pressure of the initial flow of the breath into an inlet tube from the mouth provides a start signal for controlling an electronic timer or microprocessor, which thereafter controls the sampling operation. The apparatus also includes passageways to several collection chambers, to permit multiple samples of the same or different body fluids to be collected and analyzed with a self-contained sensor or a remote analysis system.