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: 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: An interlock system for measuring the sobriety of a potential motorized apparatus operator is coupled to the starting mechanism of said motorized apparatus. The interlock system includes a microprocessor controlled handset, base unit and photographic device. The photographic device facilitates the identification process of the person taking the test by taking at least two consecutive pictures, one before and one during the test, which makes circumvention of the test a recordable event for later viewing by a monitoring person or facility. Further, rolling re-tests are used in the event the motorized apparatus was allowed to engage and operate and to once again verify the blood alcohol content of the person operating said apparatus and verify their identity during said test with said photographic device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining an infection condition in an organism by measuring the level of nitrous oxide present in a gas sample taken from the organism. In one embodiment the nitrous oxide content of a gas sample is measured to diagnose systemic inflammatory response in a living organism. In an alternative embodiment, the nitrous oxide level of a gas sample taken from a living organism may be compared the with an expected nitrous oxide level for a healthy organism or with a prior measured nitrous oxide level of the living organism to diagnose the presence or absence of an infection in the living organism. A method and apparatus for determining response to a course of therapy is provided. The method and apparatus compares the nitrous oxide levels of a living organism before and after the administration of a therapy to the living organism to determine a response to the therapy.

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: 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: Methods and systems for passenger monitoring and system control is provided. The system includes at least one sensor system configured to monitor an environment immediately surrounding the respective passenger and biometrics of the respective passenger and generate sensor data indicative of a state of the passenger. The system also includes a processing system configured to receive the sensor data. The processing system includes an ontology and reasoning module configured to model at least one of the plurality of passengers, reason about the received sensor data associated with the at least one of the plurality of passengers. The processing system also includes a contextual analyzer configured to transmit the received sensor data to said ontology and reasoning module and to store the information into a contextual information database.

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 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 breath analyzer detects the breath alcohol level of a vehicle operator and is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer “retests” after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The breath analyzer also includes a mouth contamination sensor that is configured to distinguish between contaminants in the mouth of a vehicle operator and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample of the vehicle operator. The controller may require a breath alcohol retest of the vehicle operator via the breath analyzer in response to detecting the presence of a contaminant within the mouth of the vehicle operator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.

Abstract: Device and method for non-invasively monitoring asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as non-respiratory diseases. The method includes collecting condensate from a subject's breath, testing the condensate to determine its acetic acid/acetate level or concentration, and evaluating these properties to determine the presence, absence or status of a respiratory or non-respiratory disease in the subject. The method may also include, prior to the testing step, standardizing the volatile substances that may be present within the condensate in a degassing or gas standardizing step. The device includes a mouthpiece apparatus configured to receive breath from a subject, a condensation apparatus to condense the subject's breath and produce a condensate, and a collection apparatus having a collection chamber containing means for testing the condensate to determine the acetic acid and/or acetate concentration.

Abstract: A sidestream sampling system includes a sidestream gas measurement assembly and a sample cell configured to be assembled therewith. The sidestream gas measurement assembly includes a receptacle for removably receiving at least a portion of the sample cell. The sample cell is coupled to a sampling tube that is configured to communicate with an airway of an individual. When the sample cell is assembled with the sidestream gas measurement assembly, a window of the sample cell is oriented toward a corresponding source and/or detector of the sidestream gas measurement assembly to facilitate monitoring of an amount of at least one gas or vaporized material in an individual's respiration.

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: An integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring any combination of respiratory flow, O2 concentration, and concentrations of one or more of CO2, N2O, and an anesthetic agent in real time, breath by breath. Respiratory flow may be monitored with differential pressure flow meters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway. Molecular oxygen concentration may be monitored by way of luminescence quenching techniques. Infrared absorption techniques may be used to monitor one or more of CO2, N2O, and anesthetic agents.

Abstract: A breath alcohol measuring device includes a flow chamber, for receiving exhaled breathing gas of a person, with a flow diaphragm. A differential pressure sensor has a first measuring connection via a first gas line (5) to the interior space of the flow chamber (2) upstream of the flow diaphragm (3), and a second measuring connection via second and third gas lines (12, 15) and a breath alcohol sensor (8) to the interior space of the flow chamber (2) downstream of the flow diaphragm (3). A throttling element (14) is present in the second gas line (12). The second gas line (12) is connected to a sampling system (9, 10), and an evaluating and control unit (6) is connected to the sensors (4, 8) and to the sampling system (9, 10) for controlling the sampling system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the analysis of exhaled breath by spectroscopy are disclosed. An optical cavity containing the exhaled breath, typically comprising a pair of opposing high reflectivity mirrors, is used to implement a cavity enhanced absorbtion technique. Pairs of 12CO2 and 13CO2 absorbtion lines suitable for use in spectroscopic breath analysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heater for a window of an optical gas sensor is provided. The heater may be positioned over a portion of the window or may form at least a portion of the window. Alternatively, the heater may be separate from the optical gas sensor and positionable over the window either in contact therewith or in close proximity thereto. In one embodiment, the heater is substantially transparent to the relevant wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are used in optical monitoring of respiratory gases, anesthetic agents, or the like. Alternatively, the heater may be configured so as to provide a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through the window. Optical gas sensors and complementary transducers that include the heater are also disclosed.

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: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain medical conditions, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. The system includes a mask apparatus or sensor module fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

Abstract: A sample cell, which is a component of a gas monitoring system, includes a sample cell body and a sample cell core installed therewith. The sample cell is coupled to a sampling tube that communicates with an airway of a patient. Gas from the sampling tube passes through the sample cell such that the flow profile remains substantially undisturbed. Within the sample cell, at least one optical aperture permits radiation to be emitted, pass through the gas in the sample cell core, and detected. In this manner, measurements of the partial pressure or concentration of a gas of interest are determined.

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 hand-held device detects the presence of a preselected substance in the breath. A deformable housing forms a test chamber for interacting an indicator reagent with the breath. An ampoule positioned inside the housing is ruptured by manual pressure through the walls of the housing. The contents of the ruptured ampoule are exposed to the breath introduced into the chamber. The presence of a substance in the breath causes the indicator reagent to undergo a visually ascertainable change. The ampoule is secured within the housing by a pair of filter plugs having inboard concavities to receive the rounded ends of the ampoule to center it within the housing, and plural detents prevent slippage of the filters. Additional embodiments lower the user's risk of being cut by glass shards, prevent reagent inhalation, enhance the visual aspects of the device, and physically indicate the presence of breath flowing through the device.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for being inconspicuous and on-board a vehicle, having a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode, for detecting a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectible level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. In an aspect, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for monitoring subject adherence in taking prescribed drugs by detecting markers in exhaled breath after a subject takes the prescribed drug. In particular, the present invention provides novel methods for making additives that are combined with the drug(s). Upon biological breakdown of the drug/additive formulation in a subject's body, markers resulting directly from the biological breakdown of the additives are detected in exhaled breath using sensor technology. In certain embodiments of the invention, the drug adherence monitoring systems and methods include a reporting system capable of tracking subject compliance (either remotely or proximately) and of providing necessary alerts to the subject, caregiver, healthcare provider, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention describes a replaceable breath alcohol sensor module that can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module or re-calibrated. The breath alcohol sensor module requiring calibration can be removed from the body of a Breath Alcohol Testing Device (commonly called “breathalyser” or “breathalyzer”). The breath alcohol sensor module can be separately calibrated for accurate calculation of “percent blood alcohol concentration” (% BAC) based on breath air samples and then re-installed into the breath alcohol tester or the old breath alcohol sensor module can be replaced with a new pre-calibrated breath alcohol sensor module. The present invention improves upon and/or replacing the current method of re-calibration at a breathalyzer service center.

Abstract: A measuring head for the analysis of respiratory gases to and from a patient connected to a respirator, includes an aperture (7) which is intended to be placed over an adapter (2) through which respiratory gases flow. The measuring head (1) has a light transmitter (9) which includes an IR-emitter (12) on one side of the aperture (7) and a light receiver (10) which includes an IR-detector on the other side of the aperture (7). The measuring head (1) also includes a signal processing unit (20) necessary for the gas analysis.

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 breath analyzer detects the breath alcohol level of a vehicle operator and is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer “retests” after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The breath analyzer also detects the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, such as alcohol emanating from an open container of alcohol. The controller may override one or more periodic retests if alcohol is not detected within the vehicle over a predetermined period of time. In addition, the controller may increase the frequency of periodic retests of the vehicle operator in response to detecting alcohol within the vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting the circadian state of a patient using an implantable medical device based on selected blood carbon dioxide (CO2) parameters. In one example, the implantable device tracks changes in end tidal CO2 (etCO2) levels and changes in maximum variations of pCO2 levels per breathing cycle (?cycleCO2) over the course of the day and determines the circadian state based thereon. It has been found that average etCO2 levels are generally highest and average ?cycleCO2 levels are generally lowest while a patient is asleep and opposite while a patient is awake. Hence, by tracking changes in average etCO2 and ?cycleCO2 levels over the course of the day, circadian states can be detected. Minute ventilation and activity levels are used to assist in the determination of the circadian state. Additional techniques are directed to detecting the stage of sleep.

Abstract: An interlock device for measuring the sobriety of a potential vehicle operator is coupled to the starting mechanism of the vehicle. The interlock device includes a microprocessor controlled handset and base unit. The base unit encloses relays to preclude the starting mechanism from engaging if a predetermined acceptable threshold level of blood alcohol content has been exceeded. The relays receive a signal, through the base unit microprocessor, from the handset microprocessor which has calculated the blood alcohol content of a breath sample introduced into the handset by the vehicle operator. A breath sampling housing is enclosed within the handset in axial alignment with an intake port of the handset. A water filter and valve are positioned upstream from an electrochemical fuel cell. The fuel cell is coupled to the microprocessor. A pressure transducer measures the pressure of the breath sample.

Abstract: A breath alcohol measuring device is provided with a pressure sensor (2) for detecting a signal representative of the breathing air flow and with an electrochemical sensor (1) for detecting a signal representative of the alcohol content in the breathing air and with evaluating means for processing the signals and for determining the breath alcohol concentration. Such a breath alcohol measuring device has a simple design and high measuring accuracy. The pressure sensor (1) and the electrochemical sensor (2) are connected for this purpose with a delta-sigma analog-digital converter (8), which converts the sensor signals directly into digital measured values for determining the alcohol concentration. The pre-amplifiers needed hitherto become unnecessary as a result, which has a number of advantages.

Abstract: Parametric characterization of nitric oxide (NO) gas exchange using a two-compartment model of the lungs is a non-invasive technique to characterize inflammatory lung diseases. The technique applies the two-compartment model to parametric characterization of NO gas exchange from a tidal breathing pattern. The model is used to estimate up to six flow-independent parameters, and to study alternate breathing patterns.

Abstract: This invention involves a device and method for ascertaining the functioning of the respiratory system and determining whether a pulmonary embolism is present. The device comprises an apparatus containing sensors which measure the amount of a particular gas expired from a patient's lungs, including a non-ambient gas which is previously provided to the patent. From this data, a processor computes the concentration of expired gas as a function of expired volume and displays the results on a screen. By comparing the results to predetermined values from afflicted and healthy patient populations, an accurate determination can be made regarding the presence of a pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic device for analyzing gases in expired breath. The device includes a spectroscopic analyzer component for obtaining a patient's breath concentration profile; a computer operably coupled to the analyzer component; a memory component operably coupled to the computer; and a database stored within the memory component containing spectroscopic breath analysis profiles. Each profile is characteristic of at least one of a plurality of medical conditions. A computer program compares the obtained patient's breath profile to the stored database of spectroscopic breath profiles, such that diagnosis of the presence or absence of a medical condition is facilitated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

Abstract: A detector (D) for detecting the volatile signature of one or more substances, e. g. alcohol and/or cannabis, on the breath (MG) of a consumer (P), using several sensors (CT1, CT2, CT3). The sensors can comprise semi-conductors or conductive polymers. The inventive detector is equipped with a filter (F) to remove nuisance substances, e. g. water vapour, which mask the signature. The detector is advantageously portable and can be used to perform a test to evaluate (E) the consumption of a substance by the driver of a motor vehicle in relation to a reference level (N). A network of formal neurones (RN) is used to generate a database (DB) that is used to calibrate the detector.

Abstract: Methods for estimating the volume of the carbon dioxide stores of an individual's respiratory tract include determining a carbon dioxide store volume at which a correlation between corresponding signals of carbon dioxide elimination and an indicator of the content of carbon dioxide in blood of the individual is optimized. The estimate of the volume of carbon dioxide stores, which comprises a model of the respiratory tract, or lungs, of the individual, may be used as a transformation to improve the accuracy of one or both of the carbon dioxide elimination and carbon dioxide content signals. Transformation, or filtering, algorithms are also disclosed, as are systems in which the methods and algorithms may be used. The methods, algorithms, and systems may be used to accurately and noninvasively determine one or both of the pulmonary capillary blood flow and cardiac output of the individual.

Abstract: The invention resides in a respiratory sonification monitoring method and system for monitoring respiration in a subject including the use of capnometric means for measuring carbon dioxide concentrations, flowmeter means for measuring gas flow and volume of gas; means adapted to process into digital information, signal output from the capnometric means and the flowmeter means, sound synthesizer means adapted to convert the digital information into synthesised audio output, wherein, changes in respiratory flow during inhalation and exhalation, and changes in end tidal carbon dioxide concentrations (ETC02) and cumulative tidal volume (cumVt) of the subject can be represented as changes in synthesised sound heard through a loudspeaker, headphone or ear piece.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and method for ascertaining the functioning of the respiratory system and, in particular, for measuring the efficiency of alveolar ventilation of a patient. The device comprises an apparatus containing sensors for measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations as well as the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by a patient. The patient is provided a mouthpiece for breathing into and out of the device, which subsequently measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures of inhaled and exhaled air. From these measurements, the efficiency of alveolar ventilation during each tidal volume breath may be calculated.

Abstract: An NDIR spectrometer based on the use of wavelength specific lamp sources, whose emission spectrum consists of discrete, narrow lines characteristic of the isotope present in the lamp, and which it is desired to measure with the spectrometer. This allows very high intrinsic sensitivity, enabling the use of an extremely compact absorption cell with a very short path length. In addition, the source can be self-modulated, such that problems associated with external choppers are avoided. Furthermore, there is insignificant cross sensitivity between the isotopes themselves and between the isotopes and other ambient gases in the operating environment.

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

Abstract: 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: A means of miniaturizing the rugged, spectroscopic gas analyzer for rapid, non-invasive, multicomponent analysis of breath described in application Ser. No. 09/891,106, Filed on Jun. 25, 2001. A significant (ca. 4×) reduction in analyzer dimensions is achieved through a redesign of the optical bench: single detectors of IR radiation are replaced by detector arrays. A number of embodiments are discussed.

Abstract: A method for noninvasively determining the pulmonary capillary blood flow or cardiac output of a patient includes measurement of respiratory flow and carbon dioxide pressure of the patient's breathing. These measurements are used to calculate carbon dioxide elimination and an indicator of the carbon dioxide content of the patient's blood. A geometric relationship between the carbon dioxide elimination data and the data of the indicator of carbon dioxide content is determined. At least one set of the data is modified and at least one other determination of a geometric relationship between the data is made to find the most accurate data set. The data may be modified by filtering or clustering. A slope of at least a portion of the geometric relationship is then used to determine the pulmonary capillary blood flow or cardiac output of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient using partial re-breathing techniques. The apparatus includes a substantially instantaneously adjustable deadspace volume for accommodating differences in sizes or breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus may be constructed of inexpensive elements, including one or more two-way valves, which render the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be employed as a disposable product. The method of the invention includes estimating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient based on partial pressure of alveolar CO2, rather than on the partial pressure of end tidal CO2, as previously practiced. A computer program for calculating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid, non-invasive breath-test method and device for diagnosing the presence or absence of H. pylori in a subject without administration of isotopic tracers is described. The device consists of a highly sensitive colorimetric ammonia sensor placed in contact with sampled subject breath. The sensor is measured using appropriate reflection spectroscopy instrumentation. The breath-test method consists of measuring a basal ammonia level with the device, administering non-isotopic urea and continuing measurement of the ammonia content in a plurality of consecutive breaths. Diagnostic differences in breath ammonia are identified between H. pylori infected and uninfected individuals.

Abstract: A method for detecting component concentrations in human gas emissions such as breath and gas emitted from skin. A gas sample containing a specified component is collected into a gas cell using a pump and a series of valves to draw the gas sample into the cell and control the gas pressure within the cell. A tunable optical radiation beam is passed through the gas cell and the amount of energy absorbed by the specified component may be measured indirectly by taking the difference between the incident and emerging beam energy or directly by optoacoustic methods. Concentrations of the specified component as small as 0.1 ppB may be determined. Additionally, the tunable optical radiation beam may be multiplexed for use with a plurality of systems utilizing the beam for medical purposes.

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for determining the proportion of a component of the air exhaled by a breathing living being that is characteristic of the metabolic function of such living being. The invention relates to a process for determination of a first component Aa,1 in the air exhaled by a patient that is characteristic of the metabolic function of the patient such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2), where the exhaled air having at least two components (i=1, 2, . . . ) each having a proportion Aa,i. The molecular weights M; and the adiabatic coefficients ki of the components are known. The process measures the velocity of sound vS in the exhaled air, and the portion Ai,1 of the first component in the exhaled air is calculated by use of the measured velocity, at a temperature T of the exhaled air. The proportion of the component is determined by the equation MG/kG=R×T/(vs2), where MG=sum(Aa,i×Mi), i=1, 2, . . .

Abstract: A calibration checking device, and methods of mandating its use at regular time intervals, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of gas analyzers, especially for use with breath tests, Each calibration checking device is designed to be used for a predetermined number of tests. After first connection of a new calibration checking device, a volume of known calibration checking gas is released into the instrument, and a calibration checking measurement is initiated. A signal is sent to a counting mechanism which both enables the use of the instrument, and commences a count of the number of tests performed by the breath tester. When the number of tests is exceeded, the instrument is disenabled. The device can include a moisture filter having an interface with the instrument, which prevents its operation if the filter is used beyond the recommended number of times, or if excess moisture renders it saturated.

Abstract: Methods for estimating the volume of the carbon dioxide stores of an individual's respiratory tract include determining a carbon dioxide store volume at which a correlation between corresponding signals of carbon dioxide elimination and an indicator of the content of carbon dioxide in blood of the individual is optimized. The estimate of the volume of carbon dioxide stores, which comprises a model of the respiratory tract, or lungs, of the individual, may be used as a transformation to improve the accuracy of one or both of the carbon dioxide elimination and carbon dioxide content signals. Transformation, or filtering, algorithms are also disclosed, as are systems in which the methods and algorithms may be used. The methods, algorithms, and systems may be used to accurately and noninvasively determine one or both of the pulmonary capillary blood flow and cardiac output of the individual.

Abstract: A personal alarm device for warning an individual of the presence of an unhealthy amount of carbon monoxide in the blood of the individual, comprising a mouthpiece, a carbon monoxide detector, and an alarm device. The mouthpiece is adapted to detect a minimum predetermined amount of carbon monoxide in the breath and to emit an alarm when the minimum predetermined amount is detected. The personal alarm device is particularly udeful in patient-controlled method of treatment to abate tobacco use.