Abstract: A photo acoustic sample detector (10) is provided for detecting a concentration of sample molecules in a sample mixture (1). The photo acoustic sample detector (10) comprises an input for receiving the sample mixture (1), an acoustic cavity (3) for containing the sample mixture (1), a light source (5) for sending light (50) into the acoustic cavity (3) for exciting the sample molecules and thereby causing sound waves in the acoustic cavity (3) and a pick up element (4) for converting the sound waves into electrical signals (12). The photo acoustic sample detector (10) also comprises a light guide (2) comprising a transparent inner wall (8) at an interface of the light guide (2) and the acoustic cavity (3) and a reflective outer wall (7) at an outside of the light guide (2). The light source (5) is arranged for illuminating the light guide (2). The light guide (2) serves for reflecting the light (50) back and forth through the light guide (2) and the acoustic cavity (3).

Abstract: A breath analyzer system and method for determining an estimate of blood alcohol concentration of a person. A light source projects light into a sampling region where breath from the person is expected. A first light detector and a second light detector are configured to detect light intensity of light having certain wavelengths at a first time and a second time. Signals from the light detectors at the first time and the second time are used to determine an estimate of the blood alcohol concentration of the person by determining a ratio of a first light detector signal change to a second light detector signal change.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a component gas in a gas stream in the presence of water vapor comprises introducing a gas stream into a gas analyzer, measuring in the gas analyzer the concentration of the component gas and storing a value representing the measured concentration, measuring the water vapor pressure in the gas analyzer and storing a value representing the measured water vapor pressure; and measuring the total pressure of the gas stream and storing a value representing the measured total pressure of the gas stream.

Abstract: A breath tester housing assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a housing having a base to be gripped by an operator, a display oriented to be in line with an operator's direct line of view while gripping the base, and a mouthpiece interface for interfacing with a removable mouthpiece so that when a subject blows into the mouthpiece, the display is not in the direct line of view of the subject. The assembly further comprises a mouthpiece for engaging to the mouthpiece interface. The mouthpiece comprises a body having a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include detecting in an exhalant at least one indication of bioactive agent use by an individual and altering at least one artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the at least one indication of bioactive agent use by an individual.

Abstract: One or more alcohol inputs are received at the interactive system. Each of the alcohol inputs corresponds to an alcoholic beverage to be consumed by a consumer. The system calculates an estimated blood-alcohol level of the consumer based on the alcohol inputs. The estimated blood-alcohol level is compared with one or more alcohol impairment limits retrieved from an electronic data store. If the comparison reveals that the consumer might be impaired, an alert is automatically signaled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting P aeruginosa infection and bacterial burden in the lungs of patients who are at risk for P. aeruginosa infections, especially including patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The present method provides numerous tests (breath, blood, urine) which are readily administered to a patient that will sensitively and specifically detect the presence and extent of lung infection P. aeruginosa (both mucoid and non-mucoid), and allow monitoring of bacterial load as a parameter in monitoring treatment.

Abstract: A volumetric flow of an analyte, including exhaled air, is fed to a gas sensor unit by used of gas flow device, which can include various sensors for the determination of nitrogen oxides. An oxidation catalyst is used when using an NO2 sensor, which converts nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide and the gas sensor unit measures the content of nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen monoxide content is calculated from the nitrogen dioxide content. In order to eliminate cross-sensitivity moisture and ethanol are also measured. The device can be applied to the determination of nitrogen monoxide content of exhaled air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gas measurements, and more specifically to the field of testing the measuring function of a measuring device (7) for gas measurements, the measuring device (7) including a gas sensor (9) generating at least one output signal. The method includes connecting at least one simulation signal to the measuring device (7) and/or feeding a gas mixture to the measuring device wherein the magnitude of the concentration of a gas to be measured in the gas mixture is known. The invention also relates to a simulation device (1) for connection to the measuring device (7) for gas measurements when testing the measuring function of the measuring device (7). The simulation device (1) generates at least one simulation signal which can attain at least one signal level, wherein a certain signal value corresponds to a certain gas concentration.

Abstract: Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such as anesthesia gases, CO2 and the like in human breath. An integrated monitor system and disposable sensor unit is described which permits a number of different anesthetic agents to be identified and monitored, as well as concurrent monitoring of other breath species, such as CO2. The sensor unit may be configured to be compact, light weight, and inexpensive. Wireless embodiments provide such enhancements as remote monitoring. A simulator system for modeling the contents and conditions of human inhalation and exhalation with a selected mixture of a treatment agent is also described, particularly suited to the testing of sensors to be used in airway sampling.

Abstract: The radiation emitted by the various components in a sample of a fluid wherein the radiation emitted by activated molecules within the sample of the fluid is used to determine the nature of and quantities of materials present in the fluid and a fluid analyser system comprising a receptacle(s) and an analysis apparatus containing a consistent light condition compartment containing temperature detection device(s) into which the receptacle containing the fluid sample may be placed and means are provided for activating the molecules within the sample so that the radiation emitted by the sample may be detected and amplified.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing a target substance in a gas stream is provided, the sensor comprising: a sensing element disposed to be exposed to the gas stream, the sensing element comprising: a working electrode; a counter electrode; and a layer of ion exchange material extending between the working electrode and the counter electrode; whereby contact of the ion exchange layer with the gas stream forms an electrical contact between the working and counter electrodes.

Abstract: A photo, acoustic detector (200) for detecting a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture. The photo acoustic detector (200) comprises a light source (101 ) for producing a light beam for exciting molecules of the sample and a light modulator (102) for modulating the light beam for generating pressure variations in the sample mixture, an amplitude of the pressure variations being a measure of the concentration. The photo acoustic detector (200) further comprises a detector element (103) for converting the pressure variations into a detector current and a processing section (106) for processing the detector current to generate an output signal representing the concentration.

Abstract: A method for testing the measuring accuracy of a measuring device (7) for gas measurements, comprising a gas inlet opening (70), comprising the steps; connecting a special reference gas, having a known concentration and having a controlled flow rate and pressure, where the flow rate and the pressure are controlled to be within certain limits, to the gas inlet opening (70); and evaluating the reading in relation to the known concentration of the special reference gas. A control device (1), for use in the method, for controlling the pressure and flow rate of a gas source connected the control device (1) so as to assure a controlled pressure and flow rate at a gas output (17) of the control device (1), which comprises a flow rate controlling element (11) and a pressure controlling element (13) connected between the gas input (10) and the gas output (17).

Abstract: An alcohol detection system for a vehicle has an alcohol sensor, for which alcohol measurement preparation processing such as heating the alcohol sensor to a predetermined temperature is performed, so that the alcohol sensor operates under the stable operation state. The alcohol measurement preparation processing is started, before a driver actually gets in the vehicle. For example, the preparation processing is started, when a predetermined manipulation of a driver on the vehicle before entering the vehicle is detected. The manipulation may be unlocking or opening of a vehicle door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the ammonia content in a gas mixture. The device comprises at least one inlet and one outlet for the gas mixture, between which is situated an ammonia measuring system connected thereto. The device also comprises first regulating means for regulating the gas mixture flow through the inlet, and second means which are adapted such that they allow a measurement of the ammonia content which is substantially independent of the gas mixture flow rate. The device is preferably applied for measuring the ammonia content in exhaled air.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel cells. A fuel cell 10 defines a space 11 having an air/ethanol inlet 12 and an outlet source 13. The operative part of the fuel cell, 14, includes a pvc substrate 15, a working electrode 16 and a counter electrode 17. A working electrode current collector 20 extends over the working electrode 16, whilst a counter electrode current collector 21 extends across the counter electrode 17. The electrodes formed from tantalum. At least one of the current collector electrodes 20, 21 are non-conformably depressed into their associated electrode to define a channel for containing electrolyte whereby charge can be transferred to the current collector by ionic exchange.

Abstract: A concentration of ethanol is detected without using any light source such as a lamp by utilizing a face of a human being as a light source.

Abstract: A measurement gas vessel (3) for the measurement of the concentration of gas components of a stream of breath from a patient has a thin-walled inner part (11) which has two opposite facing walls limiting the breath stream. The walls are transparent to infrared light. An outer part (10) which in the central region (7) has two recesses on opposite sides which, with the walls (16) of the inner part (11), each form a window (9). A region of the inner part (11) outside the windows (9) is thermally connected to the outer part (10), and the outer part (10) surrounds the inner part (11).

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of identification or evaluation of compounds useful in the field of fragrances and aromas (the volatile part of a flavor). Methods according to the invention take into account the occurrence of enzymatic metabolism in the human respiratory tract, including the oral and in particular the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A chemical impairment detection system and method of use comprising a video surveillance system adapted to record a facial image of a tester, the video surveillance system having a camera with a lens having a field of view from which the camera views images and distinguishes whether those images have appropriate construction or contrast of light intensity. The invention further comprises a control and relay module having a proper view and position determiner adapted to determine whether the facial image of the tester is properly positioned within the field of view during a chemical impairment detection test, and a test prompter to alert the tester when to begin the chemical impairment detection test. The present invention further comprises a chemical impairment detection sampling device in operable communication with and responsive to the video surveillance system, the sampling device adapted to receive a chemical impairment detection test sample from the tester.

Abstract: A breathing tube for a sensor (9) with a horizontally extending grip element (11) shall be improved such that the sensor (9) assumes a preferred position in relation to the connecting component (1). To accomplish the object, a wall section (7), which extends flush and at the level of grip element (11), is provided at the connecting component.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor system and method are provided, wherein the system includes an air input device, a light source, a detector, a sample chamber, and a processor. The air input device includes at least a sample input port, a reference input port, and an output port. The light source emits light, and the detector receives at least a portion of the emitted light. The sample chamber is in fluid communication with the output port, wherein the air alternatively enters the air input device from the sample input port and the reference input port and enters the sample chamber. The processor receives an output signal from the detector based upon a detection of at least carbon dioxide and ethanol in the air in the sample chamber, wherein the processor determines a blood alcohol content of a person whose breath was received in the sample input port.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: A breath alcohol-measuring device for breathing gas sampling has a mouthpiece (2), for receiving the exhaled breathing air (1) of a test subject, provided with a first flow diaphragm (3). A first pressure sensor (6) is connected to the mouthpiece via a first gas line upstream of the flow diaphragm (3). An alcohol sensor (4) is connected to the mouthpiece (2) via an inlet channel downstream of the flow diaphragm (3) and to a sampling system (5) for a breathing gas sample from the breathing air (1) via a second gas line. The second gas line between the alcohol sensor (4) and the sampling system (5) has a second flow restriction (diaphragm 7) and is connected to a second pressure sensor (9). An evaluating and control unit (8) receives the measured signals of the pressure sensors (6, 9) and of the alcohol sensor (4) and actuates the sampling system (5).

Abstract: A device, a system and a process is provided for the use of a breath alcohol-measuring device (1) with improved personal identification. The breath alcohol-measuring device (1) is combined with a pulse oscillometer (4) such that the initially measured values of the complex airway resistance of a test subject are stored in an evaluating and control unit (3) connected to the breath alcohol-measuring device (1) and to the pulse oscillometer (4) and compared to subsequently measured values of a test subject. A breath alcohol measurement is released and/or a vehicle immobilizer (2) is actuated in case of agreement of stored values with subsequently measured values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for the analysis of respiratory gases to and from a patient, which is connected to a respirator. The arrangement comprises a holder unit (6) for a removably fitted water trap (4) that is adapted to receive said respiratory gases and the arrangement has a connection that is adapted to lead liquid-free gas from the water trap (4) to an analysing instrument (8). The holder unit is provided with an oxygen gas measuring unit (14) for measuring oxygen gas in the liquid-free gas which is removably attached to said holder unit (6). The present invention also relates to the above mentioned oxygen gas measuring unit (14).

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention relates to a method for identifying the presence of particular bacteria in a sample. The method includes collecting a sample that includes or has been exposed to the particular bacteria and detecting, in the sample, at least one volatile organic compound indicative of the presence of the bacteria.

Abstract: A method for testing the breath alcohol (ethanol) content with an embedded PC computer with a touch screen display uses software graphics with icons and graphs displaying an instant representation of the flow rate and breath alcohol concentration of the breath being delivered by the person taking the test. A software graphics using icons and graphs provides control panels by which a test administrator or technician is able to control fundamental operations and adjustments of the instrument. A geared, stepped, multiple optical component placement system having dual plates retains these components, and is capable of precision placement of all components using one electro-mechanical device. An infrared optical filter system operates between 3 and 10 microns. The results are stored in memory and are capable of comparisons to empirical tables for chemical identification.

Abstract: A multi-color cavity ringdown based spectrometer is housed in a light tight enclosure to detect the presence of trace quantities of gas phase molecules emanating from explosives, drugs, or hazardous materials being transported through the enclosure or compounds contained in a patient's breath. A method is also disclosed for detecting gas phase molecules emanating from explosives, drugs, hazardous materials, or a patient's breath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial throat for simulating aroma release comprising—a tube (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) and having an upper portion (4), a middle portion (5) and a lower portion (6);—a sample supply system (12) debouching at the upper portion of the tube;—an inlet closure (9) for closing and opening the inlet;—an outlet closure (10) for closing and opening the outlet;—a gas ventilation system (13) debauching at the lower portion of the tube for providing a gas flow, such as an air flow, through the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly for simulating and analyzing aroma release comprising an artificial throat and an analyzing apparatus, such as a mass-spectrometer. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for simulating and analyzing aroma release by means of an artificial throat. Aroma release according to the invention means the release of volatile compounds from substances such as food and drinks, which compounds are transported by means o a gas flow.

Abstract: A multifunctional portable electronic device (100) that easily allows a user to test their breath-alcohol level is described. A power module (10) supplies a working voltage to an alcohol-testing module (12) and an output voltage generated according to a test result from the alcohol-testing module. A signal processor converts the output voltage of the alcohol-testing module into a digital signal and calculates out a corresponding alcohol concentration value that can be displayed on a display module (18).

Abstract: A process is provided for distinguishing between wet from dry gas with a breath alcohol measuring device, in which a defined sample volume from a gas blown in is fed for sampling to an electrochemical sensor (6), which generates a sensor signal that depends on the reaction of ethyl alcohol. The sensor signal is sent to a control and evaluating unit (4) and is evaluated there to determine the alcohol concentration. To distinguish dry gas from wet gas, provisions are made for the sensor signal to be detected in its time dependence and for the presence of wet gas to be determined when it is observed that a sensor signal of a polarity opposite the polarity of the sensor signal caused by the reaction of ethyl alcohol appeared at first at the beginning of sampling. The process may be used, e.g., in conjunction with the calibration of breath alcohol measuring devices or in so-called interlock systems with a breath alcohol measuring device in order to recognize attempts at manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, means for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, means for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A multifunctional earphone includes an earphone body, and an alcohol-testing module provided in the earphone body. The alcohol-testing module includes an alcohol-testing unit provided with an alcohol concentration-measuring program to measure an alcohol concentration of a user of the multifunctional earphone to obtain a measured alcohol concentration value; and a communication unit to receive the measured alcohol concentration value from the alcohol-testing unit, and analyze the measured alcohol concentration value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a multi-moduled nanoparticle-structured sensing array and pattern recognition device for detection of acetone in breath.

Abstract: A breath simulator for supplying a breath test analyzer with a sample effluent of ethyl alcohol that controls headspace and adjacent effluent passageway temperature.

Abstract: A hollow container defining a sample chamber is formed of at least two parts which fit together and have apertures therein. One of the parts is displaceable relative to the other part between a first relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are open so as to provide a clear path for air to pass through the container and a second relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are closed so that there is no path for air to pass through and a volume of air is trapped in the chamber. In one embodiment part is axially moveable relative to the other part. In another embodiment where the parts are tubular, one of the parts is rotatable relative to the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly accurate method for monitoring patient or subject compliance with a medication prescription by collecting a sample of the exhaled air. The method of the present invention is easy and little burdens the patient or subject. The method comprises the steps of: (i) prescribing a patient or subject ingestion of at least one biologically active agent and at least one carbon isotope-labeled lipid, (ii) obtaining a sample of the patient's or subject's exhaled air, (iii) measuring the ratio of the carbon isotope-labeled CO2 relative to 12CO2 in the sample; and (iv) confirming the ingestion of the prescribed biologically active agent based on the ratio of the carbon isotope-labeled CO2 relative to 12CO2.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition interlock system includes a breath analyzer and a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle. The controller compares detected breath alcohol levels of the vehicle operator with a threshold value, and is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level detected by the breath analyzer is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller also requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer retests after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The controller can reduce the frequency of periodic retests in response to one or more retests when the breath alcohol level of the vehicle operator is below a threshold value. The system may include a transdermal alcohol sensor, a mouth contamination sensor, a mouth contamination sensor, and redundant alcohol sensors.

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.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the oxygen fraction in respiratory air, especially in aircraft, has an oxygen sensor to which an electrical, analog, sinusoidal input signal with a fixed base frequency is fed and which emits an electrical, analog output signal containing a useful signal component with a double-base frequency and at least one interference signal component with a base frequency, in addition to an evaluation circuit for determining a measured value as a measure of the oxygen fraction, the output signal being fed to the circuit. To improve measuring accuracy, while simultaneously reducing fluctuations in the measured values, the output signal and a sinusoidal reference signal with a base frequency are fed to an adder located between the oxygen sensor and evaluation circuit, the reference signal phase and amplitude being set such that the interference signal component is largely compensated for in the output signal of the adder.

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: 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 invention relates to methods and apparatus for checking compliance with disulfiram prescription regime. The apparatus includes a device for monitoring, on a regular basis the levels of volatiles in the users breath and a comparator for comparing the test results with anticipated results and producing a non-compliance output when a non-compliance event is detected. The apparatus includes an indicator for providing an indication that carbon disulphide is present in the measured volatiles. The detector of the apparatus detects, at least acetone and carbon disulphide.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for distinguishing whether an animal is experiencing a bacterial infection or a viral infection. One monitors breath taken from the animal over time to measure the relative amount of a first breath stable isotope to a second breath stable isotope therein over time. A quick change in the isotope ratios within several hours from the likely infection is indicative of a bacterial infection. A delayed change in the isotope ratios, followed by periodic repeated alterations in the ratios, is indicative of viral infection. The methods are particularly efficient when using cavity ringdown spectroscopy for the monitoring. They may be used for monitoring a patient already admitted to a hospital, or for monitoring a patient initially complaining of adverse symptoms, or for triage, or for collectively monitoring a population of animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring Functional Residual Capacity (CO). Further, it relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring cardiac output (CO). The method comprises the steps of determining the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide being inhaled and exhaled during at least two breathing cycles, identifying at least one difference between said breathing cycles, and estimating the FRC and/or CO based on the determined uptake of oxygen and excretion of carbon dioxide and said identified difference.