Ignition interlock device and method

• US 7,256,700 B1
• Filed: 11/12/2004
• Issued: 08/14/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Ruocco, Michael Siem, Ronald Koppel
• Original Assignee: Interceptor Ignition Interlocks Incorporated (Interceptor Ignition Interlocking Incorporated)
• Inventors: Koppel, Ronald A., Ruocco, John T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass; Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Labbees; Edny
• Application Number:
  US10/987,507
• Time in Patent Office: 1,005 Days
• Field of Search: 340/576, 340/438, 340/339.12
• US Class Current: 340/576
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/097 Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/24 Drug level, e.g. alcohol

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring the alcohol content of an individual, preferably in connection with vehicle operation, has a sensor head coupled to a remote control module. The sensor head measures both breath pressure and breath alcohol levels. The data from the sensor head is processed by the control module to determine whether a valid breath sample exists and what action is to be taken based upon the alcohol level of the breath.

Claims

1. An ignition interlock device, comprising a sensor head coupled to a control module having a microprocessor, the sensor head including a breath sample passageway and breath pressure and breath alcohol-responsive sensors for generating a respective output as a continuous function of the parameter sensed coupled to the passageway, and an audible output generator, said control module including means for control of vehicle operation as a function of signal outputs generated by the sensor head, and a switch for alternatively selectively passing one of the outputs of the breath pressure and the alcohol-responsive sensors to the control module.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the switch is located in the sensor head and is controlled by the microprocessor.

3. An ignition interlock device, comprising a sensor head coupled to a control module having a microprocessor, the sensor head including a breath sample passageway and breath pressure and breath alcohol-responsive sensors for generating a respective output as a function of the parameter sensed coupled to the passageway and an audible output generator, said control module including means for control of vehicle operation as a function of signal output generated by the sensor head, and wireless means for real time reporting test results to a remote location during vehicle travel without otherwise affecting the operation of the vehicle.

4. The device of claim 3 further including means for monitoring vehicle brake operations during normal operation of the vehicle as an input to the control module.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the wireless means further comprises means for transmitting vehicle position data to the remote location.