Breath Analysis Patents (Class 73/23.3)
  • Patent number: 8176766
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Hector Ruiz, Ildefonso Gonzalez, Keith Lueck
  • Patent number: 8166798
    Abstract: Method of making a structure, a structure and a gas analyzer comprising cavities and volumes in which a multilayer structure is made by laminating single layers on top of each other to form the multilayer structure and combining them all together, in which method before the laminating step at least one layer is processed by cutting pneumatically constrictive openings therein to form pneumatic filters comprising constrictive cavities and volumes with the surfaces of the adjoining layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Heikki Haveri
  • Patent number: 8161793
    Abstract: This application discloses a system for detecting mouth alcohol which is integrated with a breath-measuring instrument. In an embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a single fuel cell system, wherein the single fuel cell measures an individual's alveolar breath as well as detection of any mouth alcohol. In a further embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, wherein the first fuel cell measures alveolar breath and the second fuel cell detects mouth alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventor: John Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120031165
    Abstract: An improved method of breath sampling, particularly adapted for use in connection with motor vehicle alcohol breath monitoring devices, comprises the sending of a drive signal to a piston pump to draw a breath sample into a sensing chamber, the pump being connected to the sensing chamber. The operational status of the pump is monitored by monitoring the condition of a switch associated with the pump which is adapted to change state when the pump piston is withdrawn into its pump housing as a proper reaction of the pump to its drive signal and return to its original state when the pump piston is no longer withdrawn. The state condition of the of the switch is used to confirm proper pump operation in drawing the breath sample into the chamber; if proper pump operation is confirmed, the breath sample can be accepted for further processing and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: John T. Ruocco, Ronald A. Koppel
  • Publication number: 20120031166
    Abstract: A breath alcohol ignition interlock device includes a mock beverage housing including at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer therein, a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an alcohol sensor associated with the at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer and a vent exhausting breath from the mock beverage housing. The mock beverage container housing can be disguised as a coffee cup, a fountain drink cup, a soda can and a soft drink bottle. The mouthpiece can be disguised as a coffee cup lid, a fountain drink cup straw, a soda can opening and a soft drink bottle top. A wireless communication module can support data synchronization and communications between the device and a base station installed within a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Davin E. Lopez, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20110314897
    Abstract: A sensor chip (1030) for gas has cells (200) for emitting and receiving ultrasound and is configured for a sufficiently large frequency range and for measuring concentration of at least one of the gas components based on at least two responses within the range. The frequency range can be achieved by varying the size of cell membranes (230), varying bias voltages, and/or varying air pressure for an array (205) of cMUTs or MEMS microphones. The sensor chip can be applied in, for example, capnography. A measurement air chamber (515) is implemented in the respiratory pathway (400), and it and/or the pathway may be designed to reduce turbulence in the exhaled breath (120) subject to ultrasound interrogation. The chip (1030) can be implemented as self-contained in the monitoring of parameters, obviating the need for off-chip sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Martijn Schellekens, Josephus Arnoldus Henricus Maria Kahlman, Martinus Gernardus Van Der Mark, Peter Dirksen
  • Publication number: 20110314896
    Abstract: The function of a measuring device can be tested using a healthy person as an external control, provided that this person fulfils certain criteria and that particular method steps are adhered to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Aerocrine AB
    Inventors: Mats Carlson, Tryggve Hemmingsson
  • Patent number: 8083684
    Abstract: A patient vital sign monitoring device and method thereof is described. According to an embodiment of the present invention there is a portable, lightweight, and small device which verifies intubation and monitors respiratory gas in a patient. The device comprises an electronic monitoring device portion and a disposable airway adapter, the disposable airway adapter having an integral display for indicating presence or levels of respiratory gas. A method for respiratory gas monitoring according to an embodiment is provided comprising connecting a disposable airway adapter to a tube in a patient's body, the adapter having an integrally attached display portion for displaying information; releasably attaching an electronic monitoring device portion to said airway adapter; determining proper tube insertion by measuring the respiratory gas of said patient through the monitoring device, as displayed through said display portion; and releasing said monitoring device portion from said airway adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene Palatnik
  • Publication number: 20110313677
    Abstract: A method for determining the liver performance of a living organism, in particular a human, comprising administering at least one 13C labelled substrate, which is converted by the liver by releasing at least one 13C labelled metabolization product, and determining the amount of the at least one 13C labelled metabolization product in the exhalation air over a definite time interval by the means of at least one measuring device with at least one evaluation unit is disclosed. Using this method, it is possible to describe the measured initial increase of the amount of the at least one 13C labelled metabolization product in the exhalation air using a differential equation of first order and to determine a value Amax (DOBmax) and a time constant tau of the increase of the amount of 13C labelled metabolization product from the solution of the differential equation of first order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: HUMEDICS GMBH
    Inventor: Karsten Heyne
  • Publication number: 20110308297
    Abstract: When a pressure of a breath is kept to fall within a valid range, a CPU of a breath alcohol measuring apparatus updates a breath amount accumulation value that is an accumulation value of the amount of the breath blown into a mouth piece; when the breath pressure reaches the range outside the valid range, the CPU resets the breath amount accumulation value; and when the breath amount accumulation value reaches a valid breath amount, the CPU measures the alcohol concentration by an alcohol sensor. A breath pressure display portion is arranged at the position that can visually be recognized by a to-be-measured person who is blowing into the mouth piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: TOKAI DENSHI, INC.
    Inventors: Hanzo Tsuzuki, Kentaro Sato, Yuji Yamazawa
  • Publication number: 20110302992
    Abstract: A device for measuring oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production by a respiring subject based on the use of absorption spectroscopy. An absorption spectrometer using cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy at 763 nm to measure oxygen concentration and direct absorption or wavelength modulation spectroscopy at 2.0035 ?m for carbon dioxide concentration is incorporated into a breathing tube in proximity to the respiring subject. This provides measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration with a good temporal resolution which can be combined with measurements of flow rate as a function of time to obtain oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production on a breath-by-breath basis. The device can also measure the concentration of water vapour and of anaesthetic gases in exhaled breath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Alistair Robbins, Graham Hancock, Robert Peverall, Grant Andrew Dedman Ritchie
  • Publication number: 20110297154
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of a potential or actual overpressure during assisted ventilation are described. A blower (10) supplies pressurised gas to a conduit (12), and in turn to a patient mask (11) for connection with the entrance of a patient's airways. A pressure sensor (17, 18) detects the delivered pressure in the mask (11), which is provided to a controller (16). The controller (16) has operation over the blower (10) by way of a servo (19) and motor (20). The controller (16) determines a relatively longterm average of the pressure signal, and compares it against a threshold value (40). If the threshold value is approached or exceeded, the controller (16) controls the blower (10) and thus the supplied pressure to the patient. The effect of the control can be to limit or reduce the supplied gas pressure. The relatively longterm average can be of the order of minutes, or taken over ten or more breaths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Michael BERTHON-JONES, Peter John D. Wickham, Nicola Frances Wickham
  • Publication number: 20110283770
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for breath analysis from a test person who may be incapable of delivering controlled forced expiration. Breath sampling may be essentially contactless and is provided by active air intake to measuring cell (4) via receptor (2) which exhibits concentration preserving effect based on partial reflow which prevents mixing with ambient air. The analysis is performed by IR spectroscopy, including the determination of concentration of a volatile organic substance, e g ethyl alcohol, and a physiological reference substance, e g carbon dioxide. The timing of sampling is controlled by starting command from operator, and the duration of air intake is controlled by sensor signal from the measuring cell. The apparatus includes one hand unit (1), an exchangeable receptor (2), and a docking station (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: HOK INSTRUMENT AB
    Inventor: Bertil Hok
  • Publication number: 20110277538
    Abstract: A set of volatile organic compounds is provided, comprising at least butylated hydroxy toluene or 4,6-di(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methyl-phenol for breath analysis. Methods of use thereof in diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing lung cancer are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
    Inventor: Hossam Haick
  • Publication number: 20110277537
    Abstract: A to-be-called side device includes an alcohol drinking state check means for performing an alcohol drinking state check of a user, a peripheral state obtaining means for obtaining peripheral states by sound and image to keep an illegal communication as to the check performed between a person who monitors the check and the user as evidence, a temporary record continuation means for continuing the temporary record of the peripheral states obtained by the peripheral state obtaining means, and a pre-check/post-check record means for recording the peripheral state for 10 minutes before the check and the peripheral state for 10 minutes after the check in the respective checks, wherein the pre-check/post-check record means obtains the record of the peripheral state at least before the check from the record by the temporarily record continuation means in the record of the peripheral states for 20 minutes before and after the check.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: TOKAI DENSHI, INC.
    Inventors: Hanzo Tsuzuki, Tetsuya Sugimoto, Hiroaki Takagi
  • Publication number: 20110277536
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring or assessing the homeostatic relationship between gases in the body, environment or water. The measured or assessed level of gases in the body, environment or air uses the interrelationships of the various components in order to establish guidelines for treating individuals, the environment or water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: WILLIAM J. McFAUL
  • Patent number: 8056395
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting easily and efficiently a chemical substance contained in a gas sample at an ultralow amount. The present invention is directed to detecting method of a chemical substance contained in a gas sample, using an analyzing device with electrostatic atomizer. The analyzing device comprises a vessel, a inlet, a cooling part, an atomizing electrode, a counter electrode, an intermediate electrode, a liquid detecting part, and a detecting electrode. According to a detecting method of the present invention, the gas sample is condensed as a first condensate liquid at the surface of the atomizing electrode. The first condensate liquid is configured to be electric-charged fine particles to obtain a second condensate liquid at the surface of the counter electrode. The resulted second condensate liquid is brought in contact with the detecting electrode and a current voltage is applied between the counter electrode and the detecting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Oki
  • Publication number: 20110239735
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device (1) for determining NO concentrations in fluids such as exhaled breath. The device (1) typically comprises a pair of electrodes (18) separated from each other to define a channel region (16) in an organic semiconductor (14), a gate structure (10) for controlling said channel region, and a receptor layer (22) at least partially overlapping said channel region, said receptor layer comprising a porphine or phtalocyanine coordination complex including a group III-XII transition metal ion or a lead (Pb) ion for complexing NO. Such a semiconductor device is capable of sensing NO concentrations in the ppb range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Sepas Setayesh, Nicolaas Petrus Willard, Dagobert Michel De Leeuw
  • Patent number: 8026103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelm Van Herpen
  • Publication number: 20110192213
    Abstract: A method and system for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by operating a hopper with supplement compartments. The unit can be monitored remotely and controlled through an Internet connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: C-LOCK INC.
    Inventors: PATRICK R. ZIMMERMAN, ROBERT SCOTT ZIMMERMAN
  • Patent number: 7992422
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Johna Leddy, Luke M. Haverhals
  • Patent number: 7993281
    Abstract: A breath alcohol measuring device (7) is provided with features for superior handling especially of the replaceable mouthpiece (1). A direct physical contact between the test subject being tested and the measuring device is practically ruled out by the combination. The mouthpiece (1) of the breath alcohol measuring device (7) has a trapezoidal cross section, which is complementary to a corresponding negative shape in a holder (6) of the breath alcohol measuring device (7) for the flush mounting of the mouthpiece (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Burkhard Stock, Jens Rekow, Rigobert Chrzan
  • Patent number: 7977103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Michelle Martin, RameshBabu Boga, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7967759
    Abstract: The system 10 includes an endoscopic probe 20 and an expired air sampling device 24 functionally connected to a control console 28. In use, the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through a body lumen of a patient to, for example, visualize a selected region of a patient's body. As the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through the body lumens, the expired air sampling device 24 collects expired air from the patient, generates signals indicative of patient respiratory status, and outputs the generated signals to the control console 28. The control console 28 processes the signals and monitors the respiratory status of the patient. If the respiratory status of the patient changes based on the processed signals of the expired air sampling device 24, the control console 28 may output an audible or visual alert signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110125413
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining travel history can be based on noninvasive analysis of stable isotope ratios in the body of an individual. A method for reconstructing a travel history for an individual can include collecting a sample of exhaled breath from the individual and analyzing the sample to obtain a breath isotope ratio. The breath isotope ratio can be transformed to a body water isotope ratio and compared to a map model correlating input isotope ratios to geographic locations so as to determine a travel origin for the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: David W. Podlesak, James R. Ehleringer, Thure E. Cerling
  • Publication number: 20110107813
    Abstract: A breath test simulator for supplying a breath test analyzer with a vapor including ethyl alcohol includes a heated thermal mass to heat an inlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Richard U. Guth, Shawn P. Barry
  • Publication number: 20110106448
    Abstract: A database system and method for obtaining and communicating data is provided, wherein the system includes a plurality of mobile nodes, wherein at least a first mobile node has an environmental data collection device, a location determination device configured to determine a geographical location that is associated with environmental data obtained by the environmental data collection device, and a memory device configured to store the environmental data and the associated geographical location. The first mobile node further includes a processor, and a communication device configured to transmit the environmental data and the associated geographical location to a database, wherein at least one of the database and the processor is configured to categorize the environmental data and the associated geographical location, and communicate data that is a function of the environmental data and the associated geographical location to a second mobile node of the plurality of mobile nodes based upon the categorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Widmann, William G. Shogren
  • Publication number: 20110105935
    Abstract: A ventilation analysis system comprising an interface module adapted to receive a carbon dioxide (CO2) signal and a breath flow dynamics signal, and control logic adapted to produce a ventilation indicator, based on a mutual analysis of the CO2 signal and the breath flow dynamics signal. The ventilation indicator may be, for example, an estimated CO2 waveform, an End-Tidal CO2 (ETCO2) value, and/or a minute CO2 value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ORIDION MEDICAL 1987 LTD.
    Inventors: Joshua Lewis Colman, Zion Botesazan
  • Publication number: 20110102182
    Abstract: An alcohol concentration detecting device for a vehicle includes an alcohol sensor to detect alcohol component contained in an expiration of an occupant of the vehicle, a gas sensor to detect gas components other than the alcohol component contained in the expiration, and a controller to calculate alcohol concentration based on detection value of the alcohol sensor. The controller corrects the calculated alcohol concentration based on detection value of the gas sensor. The alcohol sensor and the gas sensor are configured to further detect a state of air in a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoshi Ohya
  • Patent number: 7930923
    Abstract: A nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) facilitates detection of gaseous compounds emitted from an analyte. Adsorption of gas molecules onto the nanocrystalline ITO thin film changes the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal. Parameters such as the frequency of oscillation, surface resistance, integrated frequency response, integrated surface resistance response, initial response slope, average return to baseline slope, and/or return to baseline time/initial response time ratio of the quartz crystal with the nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed thereon are determined. Using the determined parameters and principal component analysis, principal components for the gaseous compounds are also determined. These determined principal components may be compared with known principal components corresponding to known analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: The University of North Florida Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Nirmalkumar G. Patel, Jay S. Huebner, Brian E. Stadelmaier, Jason J. Saredy
  • Publication number: 20110079073
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Brad Keays
  • Publication number: 20110072883
    Abstract: A multifunctional control valve for gas measurement instruments, e.g., for respiratory gas analysis, is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multifunctional control valve includes a first inlet opening, an outlet opening, a main line, and a bypass line, wherein a measurement chamber is in the main line, wherein the measurement chamber is arranged downstream of a first multiway valve which can selectively connect the main line or the bypass line with the inlet opening, and wherein the measurement chamber is arranged upstream of a second multiway valve which can selectively connect the main line or the bypass line with the outlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus Abraham-Fuchs, Maximilian Fleischer, Karsten Hiltawsky, Oliver Hornung, Thomas Krüger-Sundhaus, Erhard Magori, Peter Paulicka, Roland Pohle, Oliver Von Sicard
  • Publication number: 20110072884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, personal breath tester device for testing the blood alcohol content of the user of the device. The breath tester comprises a circuit board, wherein a sensor, a liquid crystal display, and a processing unit are installed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The processing unit receives a voltage signal from the sensor representing the blood alcohol content of the user and converts the voltage signal to a precise value that is displayed on the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Paul C. Burke, Chi Wing Wong
  • Publication number: 20110067480
    Abstract: A method for determining a sample flow volume is disclosed herein. The method includes withdrawing the sample flow at a first and second flow rate from a gas flow, measuring a concentration of at least one gas component and measuring at least one of an airway pressure and flow. The method also includes generating first measurement results based on the concentration, generating second measurement results based on the at least one of the airway pressure and flow and setting a suitable point of comparison. The method further includes determining a first and second time delay between the point of comparison of the first and second measurement results of the first and second flow rate, providing information about the first and second sample flow rate and determining the sample volume based on differences between the first and second time delay. A corresponding arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Mika HIETALA
  • Patent number: 7901632
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Chi Yung Fu
  • Publication number: 20110035158
    Abstract: Methods of and devices for detecting a measurable characteristic of the gas sample. The methods and devices are able to detect a value of or a change of measurable characteristic (e.g., such as chemical concentrations), a change of chemical compositions and/or biological responses of a living organism that are induced by a stressor. The biological responses are able to include cellular stress, damage, and immune responses. The stressor is able to include an exposure to ionizing radiation. The effects of the stressors are able to be monitored in terms of changes in the chemical concentrations and chemical compositions in an exhaled breath. The chemicals are able to function as bio-markers. The chemicals that are to be monitored are able to include nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethane, and other molecules related to specific disease resulting from the stressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Theophilos Banos, Robert Alfred Burmeister
  • Patent number: 7867171
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Exalenz Bioscience Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Ben-Oren, Julian Daich, Ephraim Carlebach, George Yariv
  • Publication number: 20110001625
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a breath analyzer which is capable of detecting toxic gas levels from breath analysis. The subject invention includes a mouthpiece which is in communication with a plurality of discrete chambers, such as first and second discrete chambers, each being provided with a separate probe for breath analysis. The probes are connected to analyzers for determining detected levels of gas. In a first embodiment, a first probe may be provided for carbon monoxide detection with a second probe being provided for hydrogen cyanide detection. Advantageously, with this arrangement, breath analysis may be conducted on-site, for example at the site of a fire, to quickly and simultaneously determine carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide levels in a person's blood stream. In a second embodiment, a first probe may be provided for detection of carbon monoxide and a second probe may be provided for detection of hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: FSP INSTRUMENTS, LLC.
    Inventors: Kevin John Reilly, JR., Mario Suttora
  • Patent number: 7855027
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell, a fuel cell housing, and a diaphragm. The fuel cell housing includes an endwall and an inlet port extending through said endwall. The inlet port is for admitting a breath sample into the housing. The diaphragm is coupled within the housing such that a cavity is defined between the housing and the diaphragm. The fuel cell is positioned within the cavity and is substantially concentrically aligned with respect to the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignees: Intoximeters, Inc., Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bayer, M. Rankine Forrester
  • Patent number: 7855081
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignees: Intoximeters, Inc., Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Lueck, M. Rankine Forrester, Gary L. Sibley, John Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100313887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a rebreather, wherein oxygen is metered to the breathing gas as a function of a signal of at least one oxygen sensor (11). The oxygen sensor (11) is checked automatically by rinsing it with a gas having a known oxygen concentration. The safety of the system is improved in that the check is triggered automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: DP SCANDINAVIA AB
    Inventor: Arne Sieber
  • Patent number: 7833481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: RedXDefense, LLC
    Inventors: Khaled F. Eltomi, Jack Kotowicz, Pratheev Sabaratnam Sreetharan, Regina Elvira Dugan
  • Patent number: 7833166
    Abstract: A breath alcohol-measuring device is provided, which includes a mouthpiece which can be inserted or attached, with a blow-in opening and with a blow-out opening and with a hole for breathing gas sampling in the breath alcohol-measuring device. The breath alcohol-measuring device (2) is equipped with a radiation source (3) and with a light guide (4) receiving the radiation of the radiation source (3). The light guide (4) is arranged extending from the housing of the breath alcohol-measuring device (2) up to the blow-out opening of the mouthpiece (1) such that the light guide (4) acts as an illuminating means for the mouthpiece (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Lutz Rüffert
  • Publication number: 20100269566
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method that can quickly and accurately detect and measure ethyl alcohol in the blood of a motorized vehicle driver transdermally and non-invasively within minutes of ethanol consumption and in the presence of interferents. The system includes an array of sensors embedded into the steering mechanism of a motorized vehicle, a data base of patterns produced through empirical testing of various analytes in various combinations and concentrations, neural net based pattern recognition algorithms to ascertain the driver's transdermal alcohol concentration and a database derived from human testing, correlating the driver's transdermal alcohol concentration with the driver's blood alcohol concentration. The detection system is integrated with a motor vehicle decision module which can prevent the operation of a motorized vehicle by a driver whose BAC exceeds a preset limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: John Carroll, Dennis Bellehumeur, Catherine Carroll
  • Patent number: 7820108
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for monitoring drug compliance by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after medication is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the medication itself or from an additive combined with the medication. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial noses” or “electronic noses,” to non-invasively monitor compliance. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking compliance (remote or proximate) and providing the necessary alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Samsun Lampotang, Richard J. Melker, David N. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20100251804
    Abstract: A device and a process are provided for recognizing a correct use of an alcohol measuring device by a test subject. At least one alcohol measuring device is provided with a signal transmitter, an analysis and control unit and a camera unit. An image field of the camera unit is divided into an inner image field area and an outer image field area. The inner image field area detects at least the face area of the test subject. The camera unit records changes at a boundary between the inner image field area and the outer image field area. A signal sent by the signal transmitter in the inner image field area can be detected by the camera unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Dräger Safety AG & Co., KGaA
    Inventors: Stefan Morley, Ulrich Köhler, Andreas Huth
  • Patent number: 7797982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, personal breath tester device for testing the blood alcohol content of the user of the device. The breath tester comprises a circuit board, wherein a sensor, a liquid crystal display, and a processing unit are installed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The processing unit receives a voltage signal from the sensor representing the blood alcohol content of the user and converts the voltage signal to a precise value that is displayed on the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Resource Management International, LLC, Honor Tone Limited
    Inventors: Paul C. Burke, Chi Wing Wong
  • Publication number: 20100223975
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Keith Lueck, Karl Wolf, JR.
  • Patent number: 7790467
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantifying ketone or alydehyde concentrations of gas. The invention includes passing a gas sample through a reactor and an optical cell and determining a concentration of a gaseous reaction product. Using the concentration of the gaseous reaction product and a predetermined reaction conversion efficiency, a ketone or aldehyde concentration is calculated. This invention can be used for diabetes screening, diabetes maintenance, identification and quantification of ketosis, explosives detection and formaldehyde detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Southwest Sciences Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven Michael Massick
  • Publication number: 20100208268
    Abstract: A gas analyzer is disclosed herein. The gas analyzer includes a light source for transmitting a radiation and a sampling chamber having a first opening for receiving a gas sample, a second opening for removing the gas sample, at least one optical window towards the radiation allowing the radiation to traverse the gas sample and also having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, the first wall and second wall edging the sampling chamber to guide the gas sample from the first opening to the second opening. The gas analyzer also includes at least one detector for receiving the radiation after traversing the gas sample. The first wall and the second wall of the sampling chamber is curved and at a predetermined distance from each other, an overall shape of the second wall being mostly similar to the first wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Heikki HAVERI