Chemical impairment detection system with an integrated, multi-function breath chamber
First Claim
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1. A chemical impairment detection system comprising:
- an intake adapted to receive an air sample from a source;
an alcohol sensor for detecting an alcohol level in the air sample;
an integrated breath chamber for channeling the air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor, wherein the integrated breath chamber is comprised of an internal cavity and an external shell;
a source evaluator means in the integrated breath chamber for measuring one or more characteristics of the received air sample for validating the air sample, the source evaluator means measuring characteristics of the air sample as the air sample flows through the integrated breath chamber,wherein the source evaluator means comprises a temperature measuring device and a heating element located in the internal cavity of the integrated breath chamber, and wherein the source evaluator means further comprises a pressure sensing means located in the internal cavity of the integrated breath chamber for measuring pressure of the air sample; and
a second pressure sensor located outside of the integrated breath chamber.
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Abstract
A chemical impairment detection system adaptable for use in a vehicle. The impairment detection system includes an intake adapted to receive an air sample from a source and an alcohol sensor for detecting an alcohol level in the air sample. An integrated breath chamber channels the air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor. Source evaluator means in the breath chamber measure one or more characteristics of the received air sample for validating the sample. The source evaluator means measures the air sample characteristics as the air sample flows through the breath chamber.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A chemical impairment detection system comprising:
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an intake adapted to receive an air sample from a source; an alcohol sensor for detecting an alcohol level in the air sample; an integrated breath chamber for channeling the air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor, wherein the integrated breath chamber is comprised of an internal cavity and an external shell; a source evaluator means in the integrated breath chamber for measuring one or more characteristics of the received air sample for validating the air sample, the source evaluator means measuring characteristics of the air sample as the air sample flows through the integrated breath chamber, wherein the source evaluator means comprises a temperature measuring device and a heating element located in the internal cavity of the integrated breath chamber, and wherein the source evaluator means further comprises a pressure sensing means located in the internal cavity of the integrated breath chamber for measuring pressure of the air sample; and a second pressure sensor located outside of the integrated breath chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A chemical impairment detection system comprising:
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an intake adapted to receive an air sample from a source; an alcohol sensor for detecting an alcohol level in the air sample; an integrated breath chamber for channeling the air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor, wherein the integrated breath chamber is comprised of an external shell and an internal cavity; a source evaluator means in the integrated breath chamber for measuring one or more characteristics of the received air sample for validating the air sample, the source evaluator means measuring characteristics of the air sample as the air sample flows through the integrated breath chamber, wherein the source evaluator means comprises a temperature measuring device and a heating element located in the internal cavity of the integrated breath chamber, wherein the source evaluator means further comprises a pressure sensing means located in the internal cavity of the integrated breath chamber for measuring pressure of the air sample, and a processor for determining an air sample volume from the measured air sample pressure, the processor comparing the air sample volume to an acceptable minimum volume to determine validity of the air sample, and wherein the pressure sensing means further comprises a Micro-Electromechanical System pressure and temperature sensor which digitally communicates the measured pressure of the air sample to the processor; and a second pressure sensor located outside of the integrated breath chamber for measuring pressure and temperature outside of the integrated breath chamber, the pressure sensing means within located in the integrated breath chamber and the second pressure sensor located outside of the integrated breath chamber combining to provide differential pressure and temperature measurements of the air sample.
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14. An integrated breath chamber assembly for an alcohol impairment detection device having an air sample intake and an alcohol sensor, the assembly comprising:
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a breath chamber housing further comprising an internal cavity and an external shell, the internal cavity formed therein for receiving and evaluating an air sample, the internal cavity extending between the intake and the alcohol sensor for channeling an air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor; a temperature measuring device and a heating element located in the internal cavity of the breath chamber; a pressure sensing means located in the internal cavity of the breath chamber for measuring pressure of the air sample in the internal cavity; a second pressure sensor located outside of the breath chamber; and a processor for calculating an air sample volume from the measured air pressure, the processor invalidating the air sample if the calculated air sample volume is below a minimum threshold volume. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A chemical impairment detection device comprising:
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an intake adapted to receive an air sample from a source; an alcohol sensor for detecting an alcohol level in the air sample; an integrated breath chamber for receiving the air sample and channeling the air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor, the breath chamber further comprising an internal cavity and an external shell, the breath chamber including a temperature measuring device located in the internal cavity of the breath chamber for measuring temperature in the breath chamber, a heating element located in the internal cavity of the breath chamber, a pressure sensing means located in the internal cavity of the breath chamber for measuring the pressure of the air sample, and an audio detector located on the external shell of the breath chamber for detecting sound waves associated with the air sample; a second pressure sensor located outside of the breath chamber; and a processor for receiving signals from one or more of the temperature sensing means, pressure sensing means, and audio detector, and determining validity of the air sample. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification