System for monitoring and encumbering use of a hand-operated machine by an impaired individual through detection of toxins in the individual
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring and encumbering use of a hand-operated machine by an impaired individual comprising:
- means for detecting a pH level of perspiration in the individual'"'"'s hand when the individual grasps an article for operating the machine;
means for detecting ethanol in perspiration from the individual'"'"'s hands; and
means for providing an electrical signal for energizing a mechanism for encumbering operation of the machine when said means for detecting ethanol detects an amount of ethanol which exceeds a predetermined level or when said means for detecting a pH level detects either no pH level or a pH level indicative of a toxin produced from the consumption of alcohol.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portion a the machine which the operator regularly engages with his or her hands has incorporated therein a plurality of passageways (14) through which a vacuum is applied to draw vapor which is emitted by the hands of the individual. Vapor from the individual'"'"'s hands is drawn through a sampling apparatus. The sampling apparatus contains an electrical coil (32, 36, 42, 46) which is coated with a composite metal-nonmetal catalytic substance which causes ethanol to oxidize at the coil. When ethanol-containing vapor passes over the coil, oxidation at the coil causes an electrical charge to build up on the coil. The charge build-up is detected and processed in a discriminating type of electrical circuit which incorporates a wheatstone bridge or a constant-current loop. The resulting signal is further processed then ultimately used to estimate the alcohol content of the individual.
43 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring and encumbering use of a hand-operated machine by an impaired individual comprising:
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means for detecting a pH level of perspiration in the individual'"'"'s hand when the individual grasps an article for operating the machine; means for detecting ethanol in perspiration from the individual'"'"'s hands; and means for providing an electrical signal for energizing a mechanism for encumbering operation of the machine when said means for detecting ethanol detects an amount of ethanol which exceeds a predetermined level or when said means for detecting a pH level detects either no pH level or a pH level indicative of a toxin produced from the consumption of alcohol. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A system for monitoring and encumbering use of a hand-operated machine by an impaired individual comprising:
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a detector for receiving fluidized perspiration and producing an output electrical signal in proportion to an amount of ethanol present in the fluidized perspiration; and apparatus for drawing the fluidized perspiration from the hands of an individual when an article for operating the machine is grasped by the individual through said detector. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification