94 results about "Blood alcohol content" patented technology

A sobriety interlock system having an alcohol detection device electrically connected to a computing device is provided. An electronic circuit is electrically connected between the computing device and an OBD-II port on a machine for receiving data related to operation of the machine. A breath sample is provided by an operator of the machine and the alcohol detection device determines the alcohol concentration of the breath sample. The computing device determines a blood alcohol concentration for the operator based on the breath alcohol concentration, and the computing device prevents or allows operation of the machine based on the level of the blood alcohol concentration. A memory device stores machine operation data received through the OBD-II port.

There is provided a blood alcohol content (BAC) level actuated lock box. The BAC level actuated lock box includes a housing, a breathalyzer, and a locking device. The housing has a lockable opening for allowing an item to pass there through. The housing is for securing the item therein when the lockable opening is in a locked position. The breathalyzer is for receiving a breath sample and determining a BAC level for the breath sample. The locking device is for maintaining the lockable opening in the locked position when the determined BAC level is greater than a pre-specified BAC threshold and for unlocking the lockable opening when the determined BAC is not greater than the pre-specified BAC threshold.

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. The handset microprocessor calculates a pressure offset through an algorithmic equation and applies the offset to the variable reading across the fuel cell to provide a normalized blood alcohol content measurement.

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.

The alcohol ignition interlock system and method has a transdermal blood alcohol concentration blood alcohol concentration reader in combination with a vehicle ignition interlock circuit that prevents an intoxicated person from operating a vehicle. The blood alcohol concentration reader utilizes a sensor that continuously measures very low levels of transdermal alcohol mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle beneath a porous cover. The readings are communicated to a microprocessor-controlled control unit and ignition interlock circuitry that either enables or disables start-up of the vehicle, as well as continued operation thereof. Not only does the system prevent an intoxicated person from starting the vehicle, but should the system detect the driver's subsequent intoxicated state while in operation of the vehicle, the driver is given a period of time and distance in which to pull off the road prior to the ignition system being disabled.

In a detecting device for detecting a fake test of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) that another testee different from an actual driver takes on behalf of the actual driver of a vehicle using an alcohol measurement device, the face image of the testee taking the BAC test is shot during measurement of the BAC and the face image of the driver of the vehicle is shot within a predetermined period of time before or after the measurement of the BAC. The testee and the driver are checked whether they are the same person based on the face images of the testee and the driver.

A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a suspect chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity, for use with safety systems. A vapor concentrator amplifies a suspect chemical vapor concentration to a detectible level, for use with an infrared detector. Compensation is provided for environmental variations that may influence the passive measurement of the chemical vapor sensor. Environmental variations may include extrinsic vapors in the surrounding air, or air currents that divert the sample vapor as it drifts from the suspect vapor source to a sampling intake. In an example, ethanol vapor is measured and carbon dioxide tracer measurements are used to calculate an ethanol vapor measurement that is adjusted for environmental variations. In an aspect, a time artifact filter sets the output of the carbon dioxide sensor to match the time dependence of the ethanol sensor, to calculate blood alcohol concentration.

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. The handset microprocessor calculates a pressure offset through an algorithmic equation and applies the offset to the variable reading across the fuel cell to provide a normalized blood alcohol content measurement.

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.

When a driver of a vehicle brings his / her detection part close to a case, a sensor detects a pulse of the driver at the detection part with an optical method, and takes an image of the detection part. An individual certification means determines whether the driver of the vehicle is an authorized person or not based on the image of the detection part taken by the sensor. An alcohol concentration determiner calculates an index value of a blood alcohol concentration of the driver based on the pulse detected at the detection part by the sensor, and determines whether the index value exceeds a criterial value of a drinking assessment. When it is determined that the driver of the vehicle is an authorized person and the index value does not exceed the criterial value of the drinking assessment, a permission means permits the driver to start an engine of the vehicle.

Disclosed is a hand-held device for analyzing the alcohol content found in expelled respiratory gas, the device comprising an outer analyzer housing, a gas analysis and readout assembly, and a control circuit. The expulsion of respiratory gas into the device rotates a fan member. The number of revolutions of the fan member generates a revolution signal that is compared to a predetermined revolution value programmed into the control circuit. When the comparison generates a positive result, alcohol detecting means sample and test the respiratory gas passing through the device. The device thus forces the user to expel so-called low-lung, residual respiratory gas, which gas typically comprises more accurate levels of alcohol as compared to the consumer's blood alcohol content. If the comparison results in a negative signal, the user is prompted to repeat the procedure until a reading of low-lung respiratory gas has been acquired.

The alcohol ignition interlock system and method has a transdermal blood alcohol concentration blood alcohol concentration reader in combination with a vehicle ignition interlock circuit that prevents an intoxicated person from operating a vehicle. The blood alcohol concentration reader utilizes a sensor that continuously measures very low levels of transdermal alcohol mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle beneath a porous cover. The readings are communicated to a microprocessor-controlled control unit and ignition interlock circuitry that either enables or disables start-up of the vehicle, as well as continued operation thereof. Not only does the system prevent an intoxicated person from starting the vehicle, but should the system detect the driver's subsequent intoxicated state while in operation of the vehicle, the driver is given a period of time and distance in which to pull off the road prior to the ignition system being disabled.

A system and method of measuring and analyzing a user's blood alcohol content are provided, the system comprising a wearable alcohol sensor that measures a user's blood alcohol content continuously or at random intervals, and a mobile device that receives blood alcohol content data from the wearable alcohol sensor, said mobile device being able to store and analyze the blood alcohol content data, to warn the user or others when the user's blood alcohol content is too high or when the user is unable to drive legally, and to use the stored data and the analysis results to predict the user's future blood alcohol content.

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.

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for performing an alcohol monitor in a vehicle based on a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The apparatus comprises an electronic device that is positioned within the vehicle. The electronic device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicating that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver. The electronic device is further configured to receive an alcohol content measurement from an alcohol monitoring device (AMD) indicative of blood alcohol content for the secondary driver. The electronic device is further configured to compare the alcohol content measurement to a predetermined alcohol content.

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.

According to various embodiments a mobile device is provided having resident thereon a mobile application for use in conjunction with an alcohol detection device. The mobile device comprises a memory and one or more processors configured to execute the mobile application. The mobile application is configured to: determine whether at least one communication pathway exists between the mobile application and the alcohol detection device; responsive to at least one communication pathway existing, generate an indication that the alcohol detection device is ready for conducting at least one blood alcohol content (BAC) level test therewith; receive formatted test data from the alcohol detection device; and provide, based at least in part upon the formatted test data and via an interface of the mobile device, one or more test results for consideration by a user of the mobile device. Associated computer-implemented methods and non-transitory computer program products are also provided.

Methods and systems for tracking a sale of an alcoholic beverage to an individual at a venue includes personalized information, such as height, weight, age, prescription medicines, etc., tied to a local or remote identifier of the individual. During use, the individual presents the identifier to an operator at the venue so that the personalized information can be accessed. In one instance, this includes the further accessing of a database of records. Once obtained, and in comparison to specifics about the type, volume, alcohol content, etc. of the alcoholic beverage, it is determined whether consumption of the alcoholic beverage will cause the individual to become intoxicated, especially according to a standard measurement, such as a blood alcohol content of the individual based on a formula. The denying or consummating of the sale occurs thereafter as does the updating of the personalized information and / or database of records.

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.

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.

The portable breathalyzer accessory combines a blood alcohol content measuring tool with a mobile device to measure, store, and send the blood alcohol content of the user. The portable breathalyzer device attaches to a mobile device, wired or wirelessly, to display the blood alcohol content of the user, which is measured through the portable breathalyzer attachment. The blood alcohol content is displayed as a percentage on the mobile device through the corresponding software application. The software application shows the user their blood alcohol content in comparison with the local blood alcohol content limit, which is found by determining the user's location through the GPS technology of the mobile device.

A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is measured, and sufficient sensitivity is provided to passively detect a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. The sensor can be situated in an inconspicuous vehicle cabin location and operate independently without requiring active involvement by a driver. 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, in comparison to conventional chemical sensors, the sensitivity of detection of ethanol vapor is increased by a factor of about 1,000. Further, a single channel of infrared detection is utilized avoiding spurious infrared absorption and making the chemical vapor sensor less costly to implement.

An apparatus includes a protective case for a portable computing device and an integrated alcohol sensor module for measuring the blood alcohol concentration of a user. The apparatus also includes a breath interface, a wireless communication device, an alcohol sensor module and a microcontroller. The protective case houses and protects the portable computing device and the internal electronic components. The breath interface allows the user to provide a breath sample to the alcohol sensor module. The alcohol sensor module measures the alcohol concentration of the breath sample. The microcontroller operates the alcohol sensor module and conveys the alcohol concentration measurements to the portable computing device via the wireless communication device. The microcontroller and the wireless communication device are both mounted within the protective case. The alcohol concentration measurement is used as input for a variety of software application which promote safe drinking and driving habits.

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.

The subject device and associated system relates generally to assessing impairment of an individual to determine whether to provide access to operate a motor vehicle, providing an ignition interlock that works without requiring modification in a motor vehicle and allowing an individual to start the vehicle only following measurement of blood alcohol content or following a series of cognitive tasks to determine the level of impairment. The systems and devices described herein relate incorporate a shielded case designed to disable communication between wireless car keys and the corresponding motor vehicles. This method of achieving an ignition interlock can be combined with a breathalyzer, or with a fingerprint alcohol sensor, or with cognitive tests running on a mobile computing device.

The present invention is an apparatus and method for quantifying an individual's level of impairment, whether due to infirmity, substance use or mental state. This is performed through a test which measures a test subject ability to perform hand-eye activity tasks over a period of time and relating those results to a blood alcohol content equivalence table. The results of the test, along with the test subject's identifying data are then secured and uploaded to a secure database.

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.

The present invention is directed to a composition for use in liver function improvement, blood alcohol level reduction and in-vivo antioxidant activity enhancement, comprising Lactobacillus brevis HY7401, Lactobacillus fermentum CS332, Lactobacillus acidophilus CSG, Bifidobacterium longum HY8001, an Alder tree extract, a Selfheal extract, a milk thistle extract, a green bean-rice bran fermentation extract, a turnip extract, a tomato extract, a broccoli extract, a pineapple extract, a colostrum powder, betaine, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, and E. The composition can improve declined liver functions and shows excellent hepatoprotective and hepatocurative activity against alcohol on excessive or habitual drinking with the ability to reduce blood alcohol levels. Its superior enhancement of in-vivo antioxidant activity also contributes to the use of the composition in the prevention of liver diseases and the improvement of liver functions. Also disclosed are fermented dairy foods, beverages, and health foods, containing the composition as an effective component.