Abstract: There is provided a breath sampling tube comprising a deflector adapted to reduce liquid intake into a sampling inlet. There is also provided a breath sampling tube including a deflector adapted to deflect liquid droplets present in breath to reduce liquid at the sampling inlet. There is also provide d a breath sampling system including a gas analyzer and a breath sampling tube comprising a deflector adapted to deflect breath to reduce liquid at the sampling inlet. There is also provided a breath sampling system including a gas analyzer and a breath sampling tube comprising a deflector adapted to deflect liquid droplets present in breath to reduce liquid at the sampling inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiratory cannula assembly to deliver and receive gases from a patient. The cannula assembly contains two oral prongs for delivering and receiving gases from the patient as well as at least one gas delivery nasal prong and at least one gas receiving nasal prong. The gas receiving nasal prong extends further into the patients nostril than the gas delivery nasal prong. The cannula assembly further contains a connector that aids in coupling to a medical device, the connector including independent oral and nasal moisture traps that remove moisture from exhaled patient gases.

Abstract: A device for adsorbing and desorbing anesthetic shall be improved in respect of the anesthetic supply. A sampling device (16) for removing a gas volume of the breathing gas and an anesthetic dispenser (18) are connected to the breathing gas line (8) between the adsorption filter (9) and the patient (10) in such a way that the gas volume removed and the gas volume supplied are compensated.

Abstract: A nasal mask is adapted to attached on a face of a subject so as to cover a nose of the subject. A shell has a contact edge adapted to be brought into close contact with the face of the subject, thereby forming a sealed space therein. An attachment portion is disposed in the shell and has an inner space. The attachment portion is configured to detachably engage with a sensor disposed outside the shell and operable to measure concentration of carbon dioxide gas expired from the nostrils. A guide member is disposed inside the shell and forming a passage adapted to introduce expired gas from the nostrils into the inner space. The shell is formed with an inlet adapted to introduce external gas into the sealed space. The expired gas is guarded by the guide member from the external gas introduced through the inlet. The attachment portion is formed with an outlet adapted to discharge the expired gas from the inner space to the sealed space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of methods and apparatus for the determination of various conditions of gastric and gastro-intestinal malfunction, especially those performed by means of breath tests.

Abstract: There is provided an oral nasal cannula for sampling breath of a subject comprising a main body portion, comprising a suction port which is adapted to be connected to a suction device for side sampling of exhaled breath of said subject, wherein said main body portion comprises a recess adapted to support a medical tube, wherein the tube adapted to be inserted through a first nostril of said subject and a nasal prong and adapted to collect nasally exhaled breath from a second nostril of said subject, and in fluid flow communication with a nasal breath collection bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for collection of airway gases from a subject comprising a first means for producing closure of the velum of the subject, and a second means for collection of the airway gases, wherein the first and second means need not be integral with each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and device for aiding in the diagnosis of a physiological abnormality resulting in detectable, measurable variations in contents of breathed air. The system includes a handheld unit defining an airway, wherein the airway includes a plurality of sensors adapted to measure a plurality of parameters related to the presence of a physiological abnormality. The system further includes a control unit remotely connected to the handheld unit. The control unit includes a controller adapted to receive input signals from the handheld unit and remit output signals in response thereto. The output signals are usable by a user in determining the presence or absence of a physiological abnormality. The control unit further also can include a display adapted to display the output signals to a user thereby easing the determination of the physiological abnormality. The system further includes a mouthpiece selectively connectable to the handheld unit.

Abstract: A method of assessing the state of the lining of the small intestine in a mammal or human injesting a suitable labelled test substrate which requires conversion by a brush border enzyme for transport across the small intestinal lining. Suitable substrates include sucrose and maltose. The transport of these can very conveniently be measured by assessing the amount of label present in carbon dioxide expelled in the breath after a period of time. It has been shown that this method has application to assessing damage cause by chemotherapeutic induced mucositis as well as gastroenteritis with an infectious cause.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for collection of airway gases from a subject comprising a first means for producing closure of the velum of the subject, and a second means for collection of the airway gases, wherein the first and second means need not be integral with each other.

Abstract: Aerosol collectors 10, 120 include pre-collection filters 100, 126, aerosol collection chambers 30, 130, and other exhaled breath conditioning and control features for providing not only accurate and efficient, but also reliable and reproducible aerosol collections that can be used in standardizations and can be compared in meaningful ways to other exhaled breath aerosol collections from the same test subject and from different test subjects. The aerosol collector 10 example includes electrostatic collection components 34, 40, and the aerosol collector 120 includes nucleating condensation components 168, 172 and vortex collection components 132, 138. Both include analyte extraction apparatus 50, 124.

Abstract: A breath condensate sampler for use with a mechanical ventilator, the breath condensate sampler comprises an airflow valve disposed in the expiratory limb of the ventilator, a condensate formation means, and a condensate collection means. The airflow valve directs air from the expiratory limb into the breath condensate sampler wherein the condensate portion of exhaled gases are separated from the gaseous portion of the exhaled gases. A method of collecting a breath condensate sample is also herein disclosed.

Abstract: A system for collecting an exhaled breath sample and exhaled breath aerosol from a subject includes a condensation chamber having an outerwall defining an interior space. The outer wall has an inlet port and an outlet port therethrough in fluid communication with the interior space. The inlet port is placeable in fluid communication with an exhaled breath sample of the subject. A condensation element is positioned within the condensation chamber interior space and has a shape tapering downwardly toward a bottom tip thereof. A condensation of fluid on the condensation element is enhanced through various elements. A collection area is positioned within the condensation chamber's interior space beneath the condensation element bottom tip. The collection area is for collecting condensate accumulating on an outer surface of the condensation element and dropping from the tip thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of collecting and detecting compounds in a human breath sample, comprising: exhaling into a handheld sample collector to absorb at least one breath compound in an exhaled breath collector of said collector; connecting the handheld sample collector to a breath analyzer; transferring the breath compounds from the exhaled breath collector of the sample collector into the breath analyzer; and detecting breath compounds using two or more sensors. The method may be performed to detect breath compounds for determining health or disease diagnosis, or for drug monitoring.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting, storing, shipping, preparing and analyzing condensate derived from the exhaled breath of a user. Using the mouthpiece (15) of the device (10), a human subject inhales drawing air through a check valve (30).

Abstract: An arrangement for passive gas sampling of a breathing gas in a breathing system allows sampling during both inspiration and expiration. The arrangement has a tube-piece having a first connector for receiving an inspiratory gas flow, a second connector for delivering an expiratory gas flow and a third connector for delivering the inspiratory gas flow and receiving the expiratory gas flow, a first port arranged between the second connector and the third connector and connected to a measurement chamber, a second port arranged between the first connector and the third connector and connected to the measurement chamber and a third port arranged between the first connector and the second connector and connected to the measurement chamber.

Abstract: An assembly method and structure of an electronic clinical thermometer is disclosed. The thermometer can be disassembled or assembled as required, wherein one of the detachable modules such as the measuring body has an incomplete electronic clinical thermometer circuit lacking at least two elements, and these electronic elements are mounted within the other module such as the measuring probe, so that the two modules when attached together form a complete clinical thermometer.

Abstract: A liquid separator for separating liquid from gases, comprises a water trap (1) that includes a container (3), a connector (5) for incoming gas flow, a separation chamber (4) that includes a filter and at least one connection passageway for leading separated gas to an analysis instrument. The water trap (1) can be removably fitted in a holder unit (2) connected to the analysis instrument, and the holder unit (2) includes connection devices (15, 16) for receiving the connection passageway.

Abstract: A breath measurement instrument using a combination of breath pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements to determine whether or not breath samples are human and properly delivered. Valid samples require maintenance of a threshold dynamic pressure of a sample being introduced for a predetermined time, a valid temperature of the sample and a valid humidity of the sample, wherein the range of valid sample temperatures is adjusted according to a measured sample humidity. Also disclosed is a breath alcohol instrument having an alcohol-specific fuel cell and a fuel cell circuit for generating a breath alcohol signal. Further disclosed is an interlock system for inhibiting operation of machinery such as a vehicle, and a method for screening breath samples and determining an alcohol content thereof.

Abstract: A diagnosis method for respiratory disease based on the separation of the expired airway phase in an exhaled breath from the alveolar phase, and a device to accomplish the method. The device includes a cartridge assembly and a disposable condensing chamber carried in a substantially enclosed housing. The cartridge assembly includes a disposable cartridge and a reusable control system that monitors a characteristic of gas passing through the cartridge to determine when to divert the exhaled breath to an exhaust outlet and when to divert the exhaled breath to the condensing chamber. The characteristic is selected as being representative of the transition from the expired airway phase to the alveolar phase. Also included are a refrigeration system, an auxiliary monitoring system for determining when a sufficient volume of gas has been produced, and a built-in analyzer.

Abstract: A breath condensate collection apparatus comprising a central chamber, a breath input assembly, a plunger assembly and a breath condensate collection port. The central chamber has inner and outer side walls with a coolant material sealed in between. The breath input assembly is disposed on the side of the central chamber in fluid communication with the chamber interior. The plunger assembly has a piston, slidably disposed in the chamber, and a handle extending from a first end of the chamber. The collection port is disposed at the second end of the central chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber. Obstructive structures may be arranged in the chamber interior for increasing the surface area on which condensate may form. The apparatus may also include an outlet assembly that may be removed and replaced with a sampling well into which the condensate may be washed with a buffer solution.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for determining whether an individual has consumed, is intoxicated, or is otherwise impaired by alcohol is disclosed. Further, a device capable of positively identifying the person who provides the impairment test is disclosed. The impairment detection and interlock system disclosed accomplishes this with the use of a video camera that selectively saves images, and an attitude evaluator and, in some embodiments, an exposure evaluator, which ensures that the video camera captures the identity of the tester. A device holster may also be used to facilitate video surveillance.

Abstract: An arrangement for passive gas sampling of a breathing gas in a breathing system allows sampling during both inspiration and expiration. The arrangement has a tube-piece having a first connector for receiving an inspiratory gas flow, a second connector for delivering an expiratory gas flow and a third connector for delivering the inspiratory gas flow and receiving the expiratory gas flow, a first port arranged between the second connector and the third connector and connected to a measurement chamber, a second port arranged between the first connector and the third connector and connected to the measurement chamber and a third port arranged between the first connector and the second connector and connected to the measurement chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for the collection, concentration, and optional analysis of volatile organic components in alveolar breath includes a condensation unit which removes water vapor from the alveolar breath.

Abstract: A gas sample containing an inorganic constituent, such as a sample of exhaled air is collected in a bag (b 1) comprising an inlet/outlet (2) and a reagent chamber (3) which makes possible the storage and transport of said sample and thus enables efficient and repeatable off-line determinations of inorganic components in said sample. A sample collection device, a system comprising said device and a method of its use is disclosed.

Abstract: A breath-based diagnostic device. The device includes an array of multiple gas sensors, a database storage device and a microprocessor. The gas sensors contain material capable of reacting with volatile organic chemicals in the exhaled breath of the subject. The database storage device stores established responses to a variety of disease. The microprocessor compares the response detected by the gas sensors and the database so as to perform the diagnosis.

Abstract: A device for collecting alveolar breath. Breath is expired into the inlet of a hollow body. The hollow body has two outlets, with a valve disposed in each outlet. The concentration of a specific gaseous component of expired breath is monitored by a gas concentration monitor as the expired breath passes through the hollow body to determine when alveolar breath is present in the hollow body. When alveolar breath is present in the hollow body, the valve in the second outlet is actuated to an open position to collect the alveolar breath in the collection reservoir affixed to the hollow body at the second outlet.

Abstract: A method of analyzing alveolar breath. Breath is expired through an analysis chamber. The concentration of a first component of the breath is monitored as the breath is expired through the analysis chamber. When the concentration of the first component indicates that alveolar breath is in the analysis chamber, at least one concentration measurement of a second component of the breath is triggered. Concentration measurements of the second component are discontinued when the concentration of the first component indicates that alveolar breath is no longer passing through the analysis chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for the collection, concentration, and optional analysis of volatile organic components in alveolar breath includes a condensation unit which removes water vapor from the alveolar breath.

Abstract: A breath-based diagnostic device. The device includes an array of multiple gas sensors, a database storage device and a microprocessor. The gas sensors contain material capable of reacting with volatile organic chemicals in the exhaled breath of the subject. The database storage device stores established responses to a variety of disease. The microprocessor compares the response detected by the gas sensors and the database so as to perform the diagnosis.

Abstract: In a method for assessing pulmonary stress, a flow of respiratory gas is supplied to the lungs of a subject, an ensuing pressure is measured in relation to time and the pressure-time relationship is analyzed. In this analysis, the profile of the pressure-time relationship is determined. In summary, the profile is straight when no stress is present, is convex when there is a risk for over-distension, and is concave when alveolar units are opened up. Implemented in a breathing apparatus the method can be used to assist an operator in diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in relation to a patient.

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: The present invention discloses a general overall system 30 and a general overall method 10 for tracking, monitoring, and learning prisoner or parolee behavior. The system 30 and method 10 involve obtaining prisoner or parolee data and monitoring data for at least one individual prisoner or parolee 38, storing the prisoner or parolee data and monitoring data into a database, learning prisoner or parolee behavior from the prisoner or parolee data and the monitoring data in the database, and updating the prisoner or parolee data and the monitoring data in the database. The present invention involves learning both individual and aggregate prisoner or parolee behavior from the prisoner or parolee data and the monitoring data in the database. The present invention executes expert system (i.e. including but not limited to fuzzy logic, reinforcement learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence, etc.) algorithms for determining and analyzing deviated behavior by the prisoner or parolee 38.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the early detection and assessment of the severity of various pathological conditions in pregnancy including pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, premature uterine contractions and intrauterine growth retardation. The carbon monoxide or end-tidal carbon monoxide concentration is measured in a pregnant woman's breath and compared to thresholds for determining the likelihood of onset or actual onset of these pathological conditions. The measurements can be made in a clinic, hospital, physician's office, or any other location easily accessible to pregnant women using any of a number of devices for measuring breath carbon monoxide. One solution is to measure end-tidal breath carbon monoxide using the Natus® CO-Stat® End Tidal Breath Analyzer, manufactured and sold by Natus Medical Inc. of San Carlos, Calif.

Abstract: A nasal/oral cannula for the collection of exhaled gases from the nostrils of a patient, made up of two nasal prongs for insertion into the patient's nostrils and a collection tube for the collection of the exhaled gases, the nasal prongs and the collection tube being connected at a single junction, such that the exhaled gases flow freely from the nasal prongs to the collection tube. An oral prong can also be provided, whose end is placed near the oral cavity of the patient, the oral prong too being connected at the single junction of the nasal prongs and the collection tube.

Abstract: In a lung therapy method, hyperpolarized gas is administered for one breath to a subject, and a magnetic resonance scan of at least one lung of the subject is conducted. The data obtained from the scan are evaluated, specifically to determine the extent and distribution of infusion of hyperpolarized gas in the lung, as an indication of the alveolae in the lung which are open. Based on the evaluation of the data obtained in the magnetic resonance scan, a determination is made as to whether administration of a surfactant is necessary in order to improve opening of the lung. If a surfactant is administered, the procedure can be repeated to obtain an updated dataset, which can be evaluated to determine whether the administered surfactant has been effective.

Abstract: A tubular respiratory assistance device which forms the wall of a main channel and is intended to be connected by its distal end to a patient's airway, so that the main channel connects the patient's respiratory system to the outside, and which has at least one auxiliary channel which is associated with deflection means for injecting a respiratory gas jet which is deflected toward the interior of the main channel and is intended to ventilate the patient. The tubular respiratory assistance device also has an annular chamber arranged at the periphery of it, coaxially with it on its distal end, and a distal annular orifice, the annular chamber communicating with the patient's respiratory system by means of the distal annular orifice and being provided with means for connection to the outside. Also, a respiratory assistance mask intended to be fitted to a patient's face which has this tubular respiratory assistance device for inlet and outlet of respiratory gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for automatically collecting a sample of cow's breath. The apparatus comprises an inlet (5) in an animal stall, e.g. a cattle stall, which is connected to collecting or analysing apparatus. A sensor (16) is provided for sensing a flow of breath into the apparatus. A food incentive is automatically dispensed when the sensor is activated, thereby inducing the animal to provide a breath sample. A method for training an animal to use the apparatus is also described, comprising the distribution of food incentives in the locality of the apparatus at random time intervals, together with the gradual increasing of the length and/or strength of exhalation necessary to result in the dispensing of food incentive.

Abstract: The alkane profile, comprising the alveolar gradients of n-alkanes in breath having 2 to 20 carbons, and the alveolar gradients of methylated C3-C20 alkanes, is determined for the diagnosis of disease in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and procedure for deriving the blood gas content for a patient. The system measures the carbon dioxide concentration of the expiratory breath relative to volume. This data is then processed to derive arterial blood gas levels of carbon dioxide. If data sampling is in the time domain, the processing shifts the data from the time domain to the volume domain. The processing also iteratively assesses the significance of numerous variables. The resulting relationship provides a fast and accurate measure of blood gas content for both healthy and diseased lung patients.

Abstract: The present invention features test systems and methods for detecting a hepatic disorder in a mammal and especially a primate. Preferred use of the invention involves staging the hepatic disorder in a human patient.

Abstract: The directional baton with a breath analyzer according to this invention is divided into three sections. Three sections are head, neck, and handle, such that the head is attached to the neck and the neck is attached to the handle. The head is made from a partially transparent material, and the head houses a means for lighting the head and a means for displaying the varying levels of the alcohol content in the person's breath. The neck houses an alcohol sensor, and the handle houses the power source.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel breath test for assessing hepatic function. The test involves administration of a labeled methionine or methionine metabolite to a subject and measurement of the expired label.

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 sample reservoir comprises a container for storing a sample of breath, the container defining a sealable aperture through which the breath sample can be introduced into the container, the container being provided with a bactericidal material to inhibit reproduction of bacteria within the container.

Abstract: An airway humidity sensor incorporating a small, dry thermocouple and small, wet thermocouple to measure cyclical humidity in inspiration and expiration by the psychrometric principle, the psychrometric component incorporating dialysis micro-tubing in contact with the wet-bulb thermocouple junction, the thermocouples being offset from one another across the cross-sectional plane of the airway in a direction normal to the airflow.

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: Provided herein is a novel breath test for assessing hepatic function. The test involves administration of a labeled methionine or methionine metabolite to a subject and measurement of the expired label.

Abstract: A breath test for diagnosing the presence of Chlamydia species, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, in a subject is described. The method of diagnosing Chlamydia species in a subject is performed as follows. First, a safe and effective amount of a substrate, preferably appropriately labelled, is administered to the subject. Second, the exhaled breath of the subject is analyzed to detect the concentration of a cleavage product or products, produced when an enzyme from Chlamydia bacteria cleaves the substrate. The presence of the cleavage product or products indicates a positive diagnosis of Chlamydia species in the subject. 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 diagnosing Chlamydia species in a subject. For example, such a breath test kit could include a substrate to be administered to the subject.