Abstract: A sheet of chemically sensitive paper (54) that exhibits a measurable change in a physical property, such as color, when exposed to a chemical environment is inserted between two sections (20, 22) such that an area of the paper is exposed to the chemical environment through an opening (46) in the upper section. The lower section is connected to a piston (14) that is located in a chamber (10) such that an area at the top of the chamber is sealed by the piston. The piston responds to changes in pressure by moving within the chamber. As it does so, a ratchet mechanism (30) causes the upper and lower sections to rotate one step relative to each other. With each rotational step, a new area of the chemically sensitive paper is exposed to the chemical environment through the opening in the upper section. In this manner, a record of a series of chemical exposures is obtained.

Abstract: There are described a simple examination method of infection with Helicobacter pylori possibly presenting in a gastric mucosa, and a device therefor. The examination is conducted by collecting gas in gastric cavity, and measuring mainly ammonia and additionally organic amines which are generated due to activities of the bacilli. The measurement is carried out by leading the gas in gastric cavity into oral cavity by vomiting-reflex, and sucking the gas by a metering suction pump through a gas detection tube to read-out a length of color-changed area in the gas detection tube.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for the rapid identification of the presence of microorganisms in a sample. Briefly, in the method of this invention the sample container is divided into a plurality of discrete zones, each of which can be separately monitored for microbial presence. When a sample is placed into this container, detection is simplified as the volume monitored is low (as compared with the sample); since microbial detection is a concentration dependent phenomenon, the speed with which the presence of microbial contamination can be detected is increased.

Abstract: A test strip for determining blood glucose levels comprising a reagent which incorporates a dye color. Whole blood reacts with the reagent of the test strip resulting in a color change on the reagent portion of the strip which is controlled by the dye color, indicating the blood glucose level by visual comparison with a color chart, or by the use a photometer. The use of a copolymer in the reagent which provides complete coalescence and a resulting smooth surface particle structure provides accurate readings of the reacted test strip by the photometer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a smelling aid device including a nose member of a configuration to be at least partially insertable into a nostril and having a passageway therethrough, and means connected to the nose member for pumping an aroma of air and fine particulate emanating from a substance through the passageway.

Abstract: The detector which provides a detectable indication of the presence of an elevated proportion of carbon dioxide compared to that in normal ambient air, comprises a substrate coated by an intimate mixture of a transparent plasticised polymer vehicle, and an indicator material which undergoes a color change on exposure to carbon dioxide. The indicator material comprises an anionic fluorimetric dye and a lipophilic organic quaternary cation.

Abstract: The monitor which provides a detectable indication of the presence of an elevated proportion of carbon dioxide compared to that in normal ambient air, comprises a substrate coated by an intimate mixture of a transparent plasticised polymer vehicle, and an indicator material which undergoes a colour change on exposure to carbon dioxide. The indicator material comprises a salt of an indicator anion and a lipophilic organic quaternary cation. The device can be used to provide an indication of correct intubation of the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: Hemiacetals are disclosed which correspond to the following formula II ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic residue,Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic residue andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo and nitro, wherein however at least one of said substituents has to be selected from the stated halo atoms or nitro. The hemiacetals are formed reversibly from an alcohol and a corresponding keto compound and the hemiacetals of formula II differ from the corresponding keto compounds as to their light absorption in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range, or a fluorescence or luminescence is created or quenched when the keto compound is converted into the hemiacetal of formula II. Said reaction can be performed in sensors which are used for the optical determination of alcohols.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of CO.sub.2 in a patient's inhaled air comprises a CO.sub.2 detector including an indicator element (14) which undergoes a reversible color change in response to exposure thereof to air containing CO.sub.2 in concentrations of the same order of magnitude as the CO.sub.2 concentration of air exhaled by a human being, and also comprises a heat-moisture exchanger (12) including a housing (13) with a first connecting port (15) adapted to be connected to the trachea of a patient, and a second connecting port (15) adapted for connection to a ventilator or an anesthetic machine, for example. In a flow-through passage (P) extending between the connecting ports (15, 16) there is mounted an element (18) for the regenerative exchange of heat and moisture between, on the one hand, air flowing through the flow-through passage (P) in one direction and, on the other hand, air flowing through the flow-through passage (P) in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A simplified, user-friendly method and apparatus for collecting and storing a human breath sample and for detecting and indicating whether the stored breath sample is a true alveolar sample. The invention includes in one embodiment thereof a preferably transparent container and a breath delivery device for directing a subject's breath into the container. A closure device is provided for accommodating the insertion of the breath delivery device into the container and for substantially sealing the container. A detector is provided for being positioned within the sealed container for detecting and indicating to an observer whether the breath sample stored in the container is a true alveolar sample.

Abstract: Reagent is offered for the determining of the ethanol and method of determining the presence of ethanol in the human body by the method of processing of the biological material by the reagent, composed from the component 1, presenting itself as 0.06-0.36M of solution of sodium dichromate in water, and componet 2--concentrated sulphuric acid; during this biological material is added to the component 1, in the type of preferable saliva, soon after, component 2 is added with proportionate number of the components in volume 0.02-0.12:1:0.25-0.9. Mix and incubate in the period of 1.5-3 min. and determine the presence and quantity of the contained ethanol by the changing of the color carrier, saturated with liquid 3-10% solution of sodium nitroprissidi, 1-5% water solution of gelatine and 10-30% solution of morpholine in water, containing 1-20% multi-atom alcohol, under the effect of developing vapors, during the oxidation of the biological material.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for detecting carbon dioxide in exhaled gas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an indicating element (10) for changing color when exposed to carbon dioxide and a carbon dioxide shield (12) for absorbing a predetermined level of carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas before exposing the indicating element (10) to the exhaled gas.

Abstract: Hemiacetals are disclosed which correspond to the following formula II ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic residue,Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic residue andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo and nitro, wherein however at least one of said substituents has to be selected from the stated halo atoms or nitro. The hemiacetals are formed reversibly from an alcohol and a corresponding keto compound and the hemiacetals of formula II differ from the corresponding keto compounds as to their light absorption in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range, or a fluorescence or luminescence is created or quenched when the keto compound is converted into the hemiacetal of formula II. Said reaction can be performed in sensors which are used for the optical determination of alcohols.

Abstract: A device for determining the levels of a predetermined substance in a predetermined volume of a fluid has an inner tube, a mass in the inner tube of a material that changes properties when exposed to the substance so that when the fluid passes through the mass the substance changes, an outer protective tube surrounding the inner tube and having an open end, a frangible seal sheet covering the open outer-tube end, and a test element having an end pierceable through the sheet and fittable with an end of the inner tube. Thus to install the cartridge formed by the inner tube and its contents on the test element, same is merely poked through the seal to simultaneously open the package and fit over the inner tube.

Abstract: A method of detecting at least one noble gas through a semi-permeable membrane, allowing the permeating noble gas to contact an enzyme, the activity of which is changed by the noble gas, and detecting the change in enzyme activity.

Abstract: A test kit for determining the `total compost life`, and chemical stability of a moist compost sample, includes a transparent container for holding the compost sample, and a reactant mass, located within the container in the space not occupied by the compost sample. The reactant mass includes a pH basic reactant material, and a color change indicator material, responsive to pH changes in the atmosphere within the container. After the moist compost sample is charged into the container, the container is sealed and allowed to remain undisturbed for a prescribed time period, e.g., about three (3) hours. During this time, carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and volatile organic acids are emitted from the sample into the space surrounding the chemically reactant mass. The pH basic reactant chemically reacts with the emitted carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), in ionic form, or the emitted volatile organic acids, so as to produce a color change. The nature of the color change is an indication of the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.

Abstract: A detecting device in the form of a testing tube or dosimeter having a carrier indicating a color reaction requires a reagent liquid for carrying out a measurement. The reagent liquid is contained in a separate reagent supply vessel and the carrier is impregnated with a color indicator. For carrying out a measurement, the reagent supply from the supply vessel must be brought into contact with the porous carrier. A uniform wetting of the surface of the carrier subjected to the reagent solution is achieved after the reagent solution is emptied from the supply vessel. This is achieved by providing a reagent collection chamber between the carrier and the reagent supply vessel into which the reagent solution pours when the supply vessel is opened and wherein the reagent solution is accommodated and into which the carrier extends so that its end face is subjected to the reagent solution so that this end face can be wetted at the same time.

Abstract: Method of performing enzyme assays using the technique of surface plasmon resonance spectrometry (SPRS). An SPRS surface carries an immobilized reagent which is capable of being released by an enzyme. A fluid sample containing the enzyme is brought into contact with the solid surface, and release of the reagent monitored by SPRS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: A disposable breath alcohol tester is disclosed which includes a transparent housing defining an interior chamber. A tube extends through the housing chamber so that one end of the tube is open to one side of the chamber while the second end of the tube is open exteriorly to the opposite side of the chamber. An inflatable bladder is connected to the second end of the tube. The tube contains an alcohol reactant substance which changes color whenever the alcohol content of exhaled air passing through the tube exceeds a predetermined amount and at least a portion of both the tube and the housing are transparent so that the alcohol reactant substance can be observed. In use, the person under test inflates the bladder by blowing through the tube and thus through the alcohol reactant substance. The color of the alcohol reactant substance is then observed in order to determine the alcohol content of the exhaled breath.

Abstract: A Bowie and Dick type prevacuum steam sterilization test pack for insertion into a sterilization chamber for indicating the presence of unacceptable levels of uncondensable gas comprises a housing, a heat sink and an indicator. The housing defines a single chamber having a large open end, a relatively small closed end opposite the open end, and a sidewall smoothly tapering from the open end to the closed end. The heat sink is disposed in the chamber and extends substantially from the open end to the closed end to define a path through which the steam travels from the open end toward the closed end, the path being adapted to provide sufficient exposure of the steam to the heat sink so that the steam condenses within the path, releasing any noncondensable gas associated with the steam, forcing the noncondensable gas so released toward and concentrating such noncondensable gas within the closed end.

Abstract: An air-borne chemical sensor system includes a motor and impeller to draw an air sample into a housing containing a sensor which will provide a signal for display related to the amount of a particular air-borne chemical in a given air sample. The system is controllable by different duration activation of a single activating switch which can further control a secondary function, such as a flashlight.

Abstract: A thin film environmental monitor for monitoring a person's exposure to an analyte in an environment, comprising a portable casing for housing the monitor, a pump in the casing for obtaining an air sample, and a sensor in the casing for sensing the concentration of the analyte in the air sample obtained by the pump. The sensor includes an active film portion coated with a dry coating adapted to cause a chemical reaction with the analyte, and a reference film portion for transmitting incident light independently of the concentration of analyte in the air sample. The sensor generates an active signal representing the amount of light transmitted by the active film portion and a reference signal representing the amount of light transmitted by the reference film portion.

Abstract: A detector for rapid response, quantitative determination of carbon dioxide in a gas comprising one or more components, each of which comprises a carrier with a surface to be exposed to the gas, said surface including ane indicating element of a predetermined sensitivity which gives a rapid response signal when exposed to a given concentration of carbon dioxide, the response signals produced when the component or components are exposed to the gas providing a rapid and progresssive quantitative determination of the concentration of carbon dioxide or any change with time of said concentration in the gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a matrix comprising a hydrazine compound coupled to an H.sup.+ ion exchange resin to produce a hydrazone reaction product with a characteristic color. Methods are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject by means of contacting said breath with a device comprising an H.sup.+ ion exchange resin to which a hydrazine compound has been coupled and correlating the breath acetone concentration to a standard reflecting the effect on breath acetone of fixed rates of fat metabolism.

Abstract: A test tube with several reagent layers affecting the detection reaction, which are separated from one another by means of a permeable interlayer, is improved so that an undesired exchange of reaction products or reagents between the layers is prevented during the measurement process and also during the dwell time, i.e. before and after the measurement. To this end, the interlayer is provided with a valve unit that opens only during the flow.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device for determining correct placement of an endotracheal tube in the trachea, or windpipe, of a medical patient by detecting the presence of carbon dioxide in expired air. The portable, reusable endotracheal intubation device includes a material capable of physically and/or chemically interacting with carbon dioxide, such as barium hydroxide or calcium oxide, and a visual indicating material, such as an acid-base indicator that changes color in relation to pH changes, like ethyl violet or thymolphthalein, whereby the visual indicating material changes color in response to the interaction of the carbon dioxide with the interactant material. The visual color change of the chemical reagent materials present in the endotracheal intubation device confirms the placement of the endotracheal tube within the trachea as opposed to within the esophagus.

Abstract: This invention is an ethanol sensitive solid useful for the colorimetric determination of ethyl alcohol in human breath samples. The solid is prepared by wetting silica gel with an acidic solution of a chromium(VI) salt and then heating to substantially dehydrate the material. The solid so prepared will change color from a deep orange to blue-green in the presence of alcohol. By packing the solid into a transparent tube and passing a known volume of breath sample through it, the blood alcohol content of the user may be estimated by measuring the color-changed portion of the packed tube.

Abstract: A disposable, self-contained, light weight integral device for detecting, by means of activating an indicator, the presence of a predetermined substance in a sample fluid which is introduced into a test chamber. The device has a deformable housing which forms a test chamber for interacting the indicator material with the sample fluid, wherein a rupturable vessel of reagent is contained adjacent the test chamber, which vessel can be ruptured by application of a predetermined pressure through the walls of the deformable housing. Upon rupturing the vessel, the contents thereof are exposed to the sample fluid introduced into the chamber. In the presence of the predetermined substance in the sample fluid, the indicator undergoes the indicated change. The device can contain more than one vessel and a receptacle. One or more of the vessels can contain more than one indicator substance.

Abstract: A rapid response device for the detection of carbon dioxide in a concentration of more than 2% in a gas mixture comprising an indicator component mounted within an enclosure with a transparent window, the component comprising a carrier having fixedly attached thereto an indicating element formed from an aqueous solution of a colorless Lewis base, a hygroscropic, high boiling, transparent, colorless, water-miscible liquid and a pH-sensitive indicator, the enclosure being sealed for storage under a carbon-dioxide free atmosphere; and a method for determining the correct placement of an endotracheal catheter using the device.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide detector for determining the correct location of an endotracheal tube following intubation of a patient. The detector includes a housing with a first tubular member for connection to a endotracheal tube or the like, a second tubular member for connection to an anaesthetic circuit and an indicator to indicate the presence of carbon dioxide in the detector. Preferably the indicator is in the form of a transparent disc which sealingly engages an aperture in the housing, the disc having a chemical substance which provides a colour change indication when exposed to carbon dioxide from a patient.

Abstract: A device, useful for breath analysis and as an amusement device, comprising a flexible tube which can be extended from a shortened condition to an extended condition, one end of the tube being secured to a mouthpiece unit including both an input opening, through which breath can be exhaled into the tube, and an exhaust opening; spring means for urging the tube to its shortened condition; an escape opening at the end of the tube opposite the mouthpiece unit; and pressure regulating means for opening the escape opening when the tube has been inflated by breath exhaled through the input opening. Advantageously, the tube is a collapsible, non-self-supporting polymeric tube and the spring means is effective to roll the tube upon itself in spiral fashion toward the mouthpiece unit.

Abstract: A small, unitary, disposable sobriety self-tester of the balloon type in which a mouthpiece and a chemical indicator tube are permanently mounted on one side of an apertured base plate whose other side opens into a balloon sealed to the base plate. The mouthpiece and indicator tube may be sealed and filled with an inert gas so as to avoid the need for desiccants in the system, and thereby improve its ease of operation.

Abstract: An ampoule holder receives a glass ampoule with a collar surrounding the ampoule neck to permit smooth breaking away of the ampoule tip at the collar. A stopper is inserted into the ampoule mouth and a bubbler tube is then inserted through the stopper and mouth into the interior of the ampoule to form a tight seal between the stopper and ampoule. A slit extending through the insertion portion of the stopper forms a vent passage for air flowed into the ampoule through the tube. The connection between the stopper and ampoule forms an integral ampoule assembly with the collar confined between the stopper and ampoule. The assembly may be placed in apparatus for conducting an optical analysis of liquid in the ampoule.

Abstract: A method of determining the alcohol content of air exhaled by a person using a flow through testing tube having an alcohol indicating material therein and a sampling tube to which the air is directed which has a material therein for retaining the alcohol of the breathing air and also using a suction pump comprises cooling the sampling tube, passing the exhaled air through the cooled sampling tube, measuring a volume of the air passing through the cooled sampling tube, heating the sampling tube and connecting the suction pump to the sampling tube to suck flushing air through the heated tube and then through the testing tube. The sampling tube advantageously contains a silica gel to retain the alcohol therein. The volume measuring device may be a measuring bag.

Abstract: A capsule for testing the alcohol content in human breath contains a solid reagent. The capsule is capable of passing a gaseous fluid or liquid in a predetermined quantity for reacting with the reagent. The capsule has a middle part which is almost cylindrical and at least at one end has an orifice for regulating the fluid entering through the orifice and distributing it into the reagent.

Abstract: A method of testing a person's breath for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of the breath as an indication of the alcohol in the person's blood and using a carbon monoxide gas detector comprises treating the breathing air to oxidize the alcohol of the person's breath-air into carbon monoxide, collecting a predetermined quantity of the carbon monoxide with the treated breathing air and passing the treated quantity through the carbon monoxide detector to determine the quantity of carbon monoxide as an indicator of the alcohol content. The apparatus advantageously include a pyrolysis oven through which the breathing air is directed to oxidize the alcohol into carbon monoxide. The oven is connected to a collector to collect the predetermined quantity of the breathing air and the collector in turn is thereafter connected to a carbon monoxide testing tube.

Abstract: A method of determining the alcohol content of air exhaled by a person using a flow through testing tube having an alcohol indicating material therein and a sampling tube to which the air is directed which has a material therein for retaining the alcohol of the breathing air and also using a suction pump comprises cooling the sampling tube, passing the exhaled air through the cooled sampling tube, measuring a volume of the air passing through the cooled sampling tube, heating the sampling tube and connecting the suction pump to the sampling tube to suck flushing air through the heated tube and then through the testing tube. The sampling tube advantageously contains a silica gel to retain the alcohol therein. The volume measuring device may be a measuring bag.