Vehicle sobriety interlock device

• US 20050241871A1
• Filed: 10/31/2003
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Guardian Interlock, LLC
• Original Assignee: Sheram Enterprises Incorporated
• Inventors: Stewart, Jeffrey, Smith, Charles E., McClelland, James
• Granted Patent: US 7,204,335 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/272
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/4972 Determining alcohol content for vehicle safety devices B60K28/06

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. 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.

Claims

1. A sobriety interlock device having an output coupled to a starter mechanism of a motorized vehicle for detecting the presence of alcohol in a breath sample introduced into the device and for controlling the device output in response to a predetermined threshold level being exceeded, the sobriety interlock device comprising:

a) a handset having a gas intake channel for receiving the breath sample,

b) a breath sampling housing enclosed within the handset and having a gas sampling channel in axial alignment with the handset gas intake channel,

c) a fuel cell positioned along the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring an alcohol vapor value of the breath sample,

d) a pressure transducer located within the handset in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring a pressure value of the breath sample,

e) a microprocessor located within the handset in electrical communication with the fuel cell and the pressure transducer, the microprocessor containing an executable algorithm for determining a measured blood alcohol content of the breath sample through an offset adjustment of the measured alcohol vapor value in relation to the measured breath sample pressure value, the microprocessor applying a signal to the output of the interlock device dependent on the results of the measured blood alcohol content as compared to the predetermined threshold level; and

f) a power source coupled to the handset.

2. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising a solenoid valve positioned upstream from the fuel cell along the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for limiting the size of the breath sample across the fuel cell by opening for a finite period of time, the solenoid valve having a normally open state.

3. The sobriety interlock device of claim 2, wherein the solenoid valve is electrically coupled to the microprocessor and opens for a predetermined period of time in response to the microprocessor receiving a signal that a level of air pressure is present within the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing.

5. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising the handset having a top portion and a front and back housing member, the gas intake channel of the handset disposed along the top portion thereof and having an entrance port formed through the handset front housing member and an exhaust port formed through the handset back housing member.

6. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece attached to an entrance port of the handset gas intake channel.

7. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed within the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring the breath sample introduced into the interlock device, the temperature sensor electrically coupled to the microprocessor.

8. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising a water filter mounted within a passageway in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing upstream from the fuel cell, the water filter eliminating water from the breath sample while permitting alcohol vapors to pass through to the fuel cell.

9. The sobriety interlock device of claim 8, wherein the pressure value of the breath sample is measured by the pressure transducer after the breath sample has passed into the water filter.

10. The sobriety interlock device of claim 9, further comprising a capillary tube having a proximal and distal end, the capillary tube providing fluid communication between the breath sampling housing and the pressure transducer, the capillary tube proximal end inserted within an aperture formed in the breath sampling housing and the capillary tube distal end inserted within an entrance port of the pressure transducer.

11. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is a dry electrochemical fuel cell.

12. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising at least one accelerometer for measuring movement of the motorized vehicle.

13. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising a display screen electrically coupled to the microprocessor for displaying messages relative to the operation and test results of the interlock device.

14. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising:

a) a housing sensor for measuring the temperature of the breath sampling housing, the housing sensor mounted juxtaposed an outer side wall of the breath sampling housing and electrically coupled to the microprocessor, and

b) a housing heater for increasing the temperature of the breath sampling housing when the temperature of the housing falls below a predefined tolerant level temperature, the housing heater mounted along a bottom side of the breath sampling housing and electrically coupled to the microprocessor.

15. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising a base unit electrically coupled to the handset, the base unit including the output for the interlock device and having a microprocessor for interfacing with the handset microprocessor and receiving the signal dependent on the results of the measured blood alcohol content as compared to predetermined threshold level.

16. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, wherein the output of the interlock device comprises at least one relay.

17. The sobriety interlock device of claim 1, further comprising data interfacing means for coupling to a computing device, the data interfacing means electrically coupled to the microprocessor.

18. The sobriety interlock device of claim 17, further comprising a data log stored on a computing device readable storage medium of the handset, the data log accessible through the data interfacing means.

4. The sobriety interlock device of claim 4, wherein the predetermined period of time that the solenoid valve opens is in the range of 100 to 700 mS, the microprocessor sending a control signal to open and close the solenoid valve.

19. A sobriety interlock device having an output coupled to a starter mechanism of a motorized vehicle having a power source, the interlock device measuring the blood alcohol content of a vehicle operator by detecting the presence of alcohol in a breath sample introduced into the device by the operator, the interlock device output effected in response to a predetermined threshold level being exceeded, the interlock device coupled to the vehicle power source, the sobriety interlock device comprising:

a) a handset having a gas intake channel for receiving the breath sample of the vehicle operator, the gas intake channel having an entrance port and an exhaust port formed through the handset,

b) a breath sampling housing enclosed within the handset and having a gas sampling channel in axial alignment with the handset gas intake channel positioned intermediate the handset gas intake channel entrance and exhaust ports,

c) a fuel cell positioned along the gas sampling channel within the breath sampling housing for measuring an alcohol vapor value of the breath sample of the vehicle operator,

d) a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring a pressure value of the breath sample of the vehicle operator, the pressure transducer having an air entrance port,

e) a microprocessor coupled to the fuel cell and the pressure transducer, the microprocessor containing an executable algorithm for determining the blood alcohol content of the vehicle operator from the breath sample introduced into the interlock device wherein an offset adjustment is made to the measured alcohol vapor value in response to the measured breath sample pressure value, the microprocessor applying a signal to the output of the interlock device dependent on the results of the measured blood alcohol content as compared to the predetermined threshold level; and

f) a base unit enclosing the interlock device output coupled to the handset.

20. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising a solenoid valve positioned upstream from the fuel cell along the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing, the solenoid valve limiting the size of the breath sample across the fuel cell by remaining open for a predetermined time, the solenoid valve coupled to the microprocessor and changing states in response to receipt of a control signal from the microprocessor.

21. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed within the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring the breath sample of the vehicle operator introduced into the interlock device, the temperature sensor coupled to the microprocessor.

22. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising a water filter mounted within a passageway in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing upstream from the fuel cell, the water filter eliminating water from the breath sample while permitting alcohol vapors to pass through to the fuel cell.

23. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising a capillary tube having a proximal and distal end, the capillary tube providing fluid communication between the breath sampling housing and the pressure transducer, the capillary tube proximal end inserted within an aperture formed in the breath sampling housing, the capillary tube distal end inserted within the pressure transducer air entrance port.

24. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising at least one accelerometer for measuring movement of the motorized vehicle.

25. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising a display screen enclosed within the handset and coupled to the microprocessor, the display screen displaying messages relative to the operation and test results of the interlock device.

26. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising:

a) a temperature housing sensor for measuring a current temperature of the breath sampling housing, the temperature housing sensor mounted juxtaposed along an outer side wall of the breath sampling housing, the temperature housing sensor coupled to the microprocessor, and

b) a housing heater for increasing the temperature of the breath sampling housing when the temperature of the housing falls below a predefined tolerant level temperature as measured by the temperature housing sensor, the housing heater mounted along a bottom side of the breath sampling housing and coupled to the microprocessor.

27. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising:

a) data interfacing means for coupling to a computing device, the data interfacing means coupled to the microprocessor, and

b) a data log stored on a computing device readable storage medium of the handset, the data log accessible through the data interfacing means.

28. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, wherein the microprocessor is enclosed within the handset along a printed circuit board and communicates with the base unit by a high speed serial data interface.

29. The sobriety interlock device of claim 19, further comprising the breath sampling housing having a cut-away portion formed along a front side thereof, the cut-away portion seating and retaining the fuel cell within the breath sampling housing.

30. A vehicle sobriety interlock device for measuring the blood alcohol content of a vehicle operator by detecting the presence of alcohol in a breath sample introduced into the device by the operator, the interlock device mounted within close proximity of a driver'"'"'s seat of a vehicle, the interlock device comprising:

a) a handset having a gas intake channel for receiving the breath sample of the vehicle operator, the gas intake channel having an entrance port and an exhaust port formed through the handset,

b) a breath sampling housing enclosed within the handset and having a gas sampling channel in axial alignment with the handset gas intake channel positioned intermediate the handset gas intake channel entrance and exhaust ports,

c) an electrochemical fuel cell positioned along the gas sampling channel within the breath sampling housing for measuring an alcohol vapor value of the breath sample of the vehicle operator,

d) a pressure transducer connected along the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing by a capillary tube, the pressure transducer measuring a pressure value of the breath sample of the vehicle operator,

e) a solenoid valve positioned upstream from the fuel cell in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing, the solenoid valve limiting the size of the breath sample across the fuel cell by remaining open for a predetermined amount of time,

f) a microprocessor coupled to the fuel cell, the pressure transducer and solenoid valve, the microprocessor containing an executable algorithm for determining the blood alcohol content of the vehicle operator from the breath sample introduced into the interlock device wherein an offset adjustment is made to the measured alcohol vapor value in response to the measured breath sample pressure value, the microprocessor enclosed within the handset,

g) a base unit enclosing an output of the interlock device, the base unit communicating with the microprocessor within the handset, the output precluding a starter mechanism of the vehicle from engaging if a signal received from the handset microprocessor has determined that the blood alcohol content of the breath sample of the vehicle operator exceeds a predetermined threshold level; and

h) a power source coupled to the handset and the base unit.

31. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising a breath temperature sensor mounted within the gas sampling channel through a bore formed in the breath sampling housing, the breath temperature sensor measuring the breath sample of the vehicle operator introduced into the interlock device, the temperature sensor coupled to the microprocessor within the handset.

32. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising a water filter mounted within a passageway in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing upstream from the fuel cell and the solenoid valve such that the solenoid valve is positioned intermediate the water filter and the fuel cell, the water filter eliminating water from the breath sample while permitting alcohol vapors to pass thereby.

33. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising at a pair of accelerometers for measuring movement of the motorized vehicle along an X and Y axis.

34. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising a display screen mounted upon the handset and coupled to the microprocessor, the display screen displaying messages relative to the operation and test results of the interlock device.

35. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising:

a) the breath sampling housing including a body portion in which the gas sampling channel is formed, the body portion having first and second opposed outer side walls,

b) the solenoid valve mounted along the first outer side wall of the body portion,

c) an air entrance channel and an air exhaust channel formed through the body portion first outer side wall in fluid communication with solenoid valve,

d) the air entrance channel positioned between the water filter and the solenoid valve,

d) the air exhaust channel positioned between the solenoid valve and an entrance port of the fuel cell, and

e) the fuel cell including an exhaust port for expelling any unused breath sample introduced into the handset.

36. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising:

a) a temperature housing sensor for measuring a current temperature of the breath sampling housing, the temperature housing sensor mounted juxtaposed along an outer side wall of the breath sampling housing, the temperature housing sensor coupled to the microprocessor within the handset, and

b) a housing heater for increasing the temperature of the breath sampling housing when the temperature of the housing falls below a predefined tolerant level temperature as measured by the temperature housing sensor, the housing heater mounted along a bottom side of the breath sampling housing and coupled to the microprocessor.

37. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising:

a) data interfacing means for coupling to a computing device, the data interfacing means coupled to the microprocessor within the handset, and

b) a data log stored on a computing device readable storage medium of the handset, the data log accessible through the data interfacing means.

38. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising at least one auxiliary port disposed within the handset and coupled to the microprocessor.

39. The sobriety interlock device of claim 30, further comprising a speaker coupled to the microprocessor for providing audio signaling relative to operation of the interlock device.

40. A sobriety interlock device having an output coupled to a computing device, the sobriety interlock device detecting the presence of alcohol in a breath sample introduced into the device and for controlling the device output in response to a predetermined threshold level being exceeded, the sobriety interlock device comprising:

a) a handset having a gas intake channel for receiving the breath sample,

b) a breath sampling housing enclosed within the handset and having a gas sampling channel in axial alignment with the handset gas intake channel,

c) a fuel cell positioned along the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring an alcohol vapor value of the breath sample,

d) a pressure transducer located within the handset in fluid communication with the gas sampling channel of the breath sampling housing for measuring a pressure value of the breath sample,

e) a microprocessor located within the handset in electrical communication with the fuel cell and the pressure transducer, the microprocessor containing an executable algorithm for determining a measured blood alcohol content of the breath sample through an offset adjustment of the measured alcohol vapor value in relation to the measured breath sample pressure value, the microprocessor applying a signal to the output of the interlock device dependent on the results of the measured blood alcohol content as compared to the predetermined threshold level; and

f) a power source coupled to the handset.