CALIBRATION ARRANGEMENT FOR BREATH TESTING EQUIPMENT

Claim of Priority

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application

Serial No. 60/765,631, filed on February 6, 2006, and which is fully incorporated by

reference herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to alcohol detection equipment, such as in the

context of breath testing in DUI enforcement. Particularly, the present invention

relates to the calibration of breath testing equipment.

Background Art

Breath testing equipment, or "breathalyzers", are very widely known. Air from an individual is typically passed through a breathalyzer to determine the

percentage alcohol content. However, problems have long been presented in terms of

the accuracy of such equipment, meaning that proper calibration is extremely vital. In

the absence of properly calibrated breathalyzer equipment, the validity and reliability

of any associated breath tests will come into question and may present difficulties in

terms of adequately "making a case" in a court of law

This is where calibration arrangements, often known as "simulators", play a

role. These arrangements will accommodate a given breathalyzer for testing, and a

sample will normally be used that is not from human breath. For the latter purpose, a

solution with a known alcohol concentration is typically used.

Calibration arrangements have been developed over the years, but still tend not

to be as reliable as might be desired in many settings. For instance, a perennial

problem is encountered in connection with the re-use of a single jar or container of

alcohol solution; since the alcohol percentage in the solution will change over time, it

eventually becomes unreliable. Accordingly, a need has been recognized in

connection with providing an even more reliable calibration arrangement for breath

testing equipment than has hitherto been the norm.

The present invention puts some controls on the calibrations (or simulations).

Think of the solution in the calibrator (or simulator) as the reference standard to which

all other breathalyzers are compared; if your standard if off, so is everything else.

Disclosure of the Invention

Broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently

preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a calibration arrangement for

breathalyzers wherein a heightened degree of control and management is applied.

In summary, one aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for calibrating

breath analyzing equipment, the apparatus comprising: an operator interface which

apprises an operator of at least one condition of the apparatus; a data input

arrangement which accepts data regarding at least one of: the operator and a solution

for simulating alcoholized breath; a receiving portion which is adapted to receive new

solution for simulating alcoholized breath; and an arrangement for preventing usage

of solution beyond at least one predetermined threshold parameter.

Furthermore, an additional aspect of the invention provides a method of

calibrating breath analyzing equipment, the method comprising the steps of: apprising

an operator of at least one condition; accepting data regarding at least one of: the

operator and a solution for simulating alcoholized breath; receiving new solution for

simulating alcoholized breath; and preventing usage of solution beyond at least one

predetermined threshold parameter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention

will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in

conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a first elevational view of a breath detection apparatus .

Fig. 2 illustrates a second elevational view of a breath detection apparatus.

Fig. 3 provides a sample datalogger report.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Figs. 1 and 2 respectively illustrate first and second elevational views,

orthogonally distinct from one another, of a calibration apparatus in accordance with a

preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the discussion herebelow,

reference may be made to both figures simultaneously.

The calibration apparatus (alternatively termed a "simulator" or "unit" herein)

includes a top portion 10, rear portion 12 and front portion 11. At the front portion

11, edges 16 and 17, as shown, preferably define an angled portion which

accommodates a GUI (or graphical user interface) touch screen display 1. (Other

corners and edges such as that indicated at 18 are preferably rounded as shown.) In

terms of basic functional components, a power switch 2 is configured for activating

the unit while a pump switch 3 is configured for receiving an input of air from a non-

human sample. A power inlet 13 may be provided at rear portion 12, along with a heated tube plug-in 14.

The "left" side of the unit (with respect to display 1) includes a top portion 5,

left and right portions 7 and 6 (respectively) and bottom portions 8 and 9

(respectively). Portions 7/8 and 6/9, as shown, are preferably configured to flank a

space sufficient for accommodating a solution container (e.g., and most preferably, a

500 ml glass jar or container) 4, while top portion 5 provides sufficient clearance

therefor. A threaded connection or collar 15 on the unit is preferably provided for

securely accommodating jar or container 4. Though normally this jar/container 4 will

serve as a receptacle for solution that is introduced from above, it should be

appreciated that the connection/collar 15 will ensure that it can be removed, as

needed, for replacement, or simply for "dumping" out old solution.

The unit preferably further includes a vapor output tube 20 which, e.g., may

extend from a "right" side of the unit. Atop the unit, as shown, there are also

preferably provided an air-in tube 24 and, optionally, a thermometer 23 (such as an

NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology] approved thermometer).

Tubes 20 and 24, and thermometer 23, preferably function in similar manner to known

calibration units and thus will not be discussed in significant detail herein; essentially

incoming air is exposed to solution in jar/container 4, and outgoing "vapor",

simulating human breath, will proceed to a breathalyzer that is being calibrated.

For the purposes of scanning in various types of information (as discussed

below), such as from barcodes, essentially any suitable input arrangement can be

provided. For example, a conventional barcode scanning reader, as indicated at 30

(albeit not to scale), may be provided. (Alternatives to an integral barcode reader are

of course possible, such as a "pen" barcode reader or even a magnetic stripe reader.

The functioning of a unit as just described will now be better appreciated from

the discussion below, as will components that have not yet been specifically

mentioned.

Preferably, a unit in accordance with the present invention will offer at least

two operating choices, "systems on" and "run". Thus, on/off switch 2 will power up

the unit to enable access to menu options and add or change solution (as described

below). On the other hand, the pump switch 3 will put the unit in full operating

mode, as will be appreciated below.

Preferably, in "systems on", the operator will be prompted to provide or scan

in a "tech ID" (e.g., from a barcode on a card or badge). This will draw on operation

information contained in a database or other data storage (such as in a datalogger

internal to the unit), and operator information will be displayed on screen 1, as well as

be recorded for a "report" (see further below). "Test counter" and "day counter"

records will then be consulted to determine if the corresponding counters have

exceeded predetermined values set for the solution within the unit (i.e., within

jar/container 4). In other words, if a given solution (in container 4) has been used for

at least one "too many" tests or at least one "too many" days, the "run" mode will be

disabled and the operator will be prompted (e.g. via a message on screen 1) to change

the alcohol solution.

At that point (assuming a new container is needed), the operator will

preferably be prompted to scan - e.g., via a conventional reader 30 at right side 21 -

both the "tech ID" and an identifier for the new container (such as a barcode on the

container), whereupon the following will now preferably be displayed on screen 1 and

recorded: complete "tech ID" information and the date that the solution was scanned.

Once the alcohol solution has been changed (per below), the "test counter" and "day

counter" parameters will revert to zero.

Preferably, once the bar code or other identifier of the solution has been

scanned, a provision will ensure that the same container cannot be scanned in again.

If the same container is scanned twice, preferably it will be displayed and recorded

that the container has already been scanned and that the solution involved may not be

used again. Then, "run" mode preferably will not be enabled until an acceptable "tech

ID" and new solution bar code or identifier have been received or scanned.

It should be understood that if, during this scanning process, the upper limits

for "test counter" and "day counter" have not been exceeded, then there is no need to

scan in a new bottle or container before performing a calibration test. Solution

container 4 will thus already contain solution that can be used.

As such, solution container 4, as shown, is preferably a "receptacle" for

holding existing solution or accepting new solution. After solution contained therein

has exceeded its useful life (e.g., with the "test counter" and/or "day counter"

parameters being exceeded), the solution is preferably drained in preparation for the

introduction of new solution, as discussed below

Indicated at 45 in Fig. 1 is a region where a fresh solution jar or container, can

be introduced, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Preferably, region 45 will be embodied by a depression or recession, e.g. of generally

circular cross-sectional shape, for accepting an overturned solution jar or container.

Preferably protruding from region 45 is a male inlet port 47 for accepting fresh

solution.

As such, inlet port 47 could initially be protected by a sealing cap or other

suitable protection arrangement. A new jar/container of fresh solution, if needed, and

after having been "scanned in" as described above, will itself preferably contain a

female port, e.g., initially sealed off w/ a pierceable membrane or cap. By inverting

the new jar/container onto the inlet port 47, a fluid connection will thus initiate

between the new jar/container and inlet port 47. Though not shown, a suitable

internal fluid conduit will then preferably direct this new solution downwards into

jar/container 4, now acting as a "receptacle". (It should be clearly understood that

ahead of time the jar/container 4 will have been drained or emptied, e.g., by removing

the jar and dumping out the contents or via a drain valve or the like at the bottom of

jar/container 4.)

Preferably also included is a data coupling 49, configured for integrating with

a mating data port on the new jar/container, for receiving information from the

jar/container such as: the solution's manufacturing date, its expiration date, alcohol

concentration, lot number, lot volume, bottle number from the lot, and a laboratory

that may have approved the solution. A unique identifier such as an overall "bottle

number" (as opposed to a bottle number from a lot) could also be included in this

information. This might help ensure that only "authorized" bottles are being used.

Preferably, the mating data port on the jar/container being introduced will be in

communication with a RFID tag or the like on (or associated with) the jar/container,

on which the aforementioned information is stored and from which can then progress

through to the coupling 49. As one example, an RFID tag can be attached to or at a

cap portion of the "incoming" jar/container. Such an arrangement is available from

Colder Products, Inc., of St. Paul, Minn. Of course, this is but one example of an

arrangement via which information regarding ajar/container of solution can be made

available to a simulator. As such, such information could conceivably - alternatively

or in addition - be availed through barcode reader 30 or analogous device (e.g., a

magnetic stripe reader which reads a magnetic stripe on the incoming jar/container or

on a card associated with the incoming jar/container).

With the jar/container 4 newly filled, the operator can replace a sealing cap (if

any) on inlet port 47. The "run" mode may now be initiated.

It should be understood, again, that a test may be immediately run, and many

of the above steps bypassed, if the solution in jar/container 4 is not yet "old" and thus

does not need to be dumped. However, a suitable sensor will preferably be configured

for detecting when the jar/container 4 is indeed removed from connector 15

(ostensibly for dumping). Preferably, to ensure the functionality and accuracy of the

device, if jar/container 4 is removed for any reason between solution changes, the

operator will dump the entire solution. The sensor, in this case, would thus preferably

relay a prompt to produce a message on screen 1 (or through some other means) to the

effect that the solution must be dumped, whereby "run" mode will be temporarily

disabled.

Among the standard components preferably extending into jar/container 4 are

an agitator 32, temperature sensor 34, heater 36 and liquid sensor 38. These all

preferably function in a manner well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and

thus will not be further described herein. These four components (32/34/36/38) are

preferably disabled whenever "run" mode is deactivated or disabled.

The "test counter" described hereabove may be embodied by essentially any

suitable means, including an internal flow meter which is configured for counting the

number of tests run, until new solution is introduced. Optionally, there may be an

internal air input pump whereby the "test counter" would sense voltage and thus make

a count based on an air pump trigger. If "too many" tests have been run, an operator

prompt will preferably be provided as discussed heretofore.

The "day counter" described hereabove will preferably be configured to

disable "run" mode, and thus components 32/34/36/38, after a predetermined number

of days (such as 45), while providing an operator prompt as discussed heretofore.

In accordance with a variant refinement of the present invention, the operator

could be queried (e.g. via screen 1) as to whether he/she wants to scan his/her "tech

ID" at those times when a test is being run but solution is not being changed. Via a

touch screen or button, "yes" could be selected if he/she wishes to scan in the ID, and

"no" if not. Either way, the test may proceed but the fact that the operator did or

didn't scan in could be recorded in the datalogger. Of course, preferably, the operator

will always be prompted to scan in the "tech ID" when solution is being changed.

In accordance with another variant refinement of the present invention, a

"maintenance mode" can engage after a given number of tests (which may or may not

coincide with the upper limit defined by the "test counter") or a predetermined time

frame (which may or may not coincide with the upper limit defined by the "day

counter"). Preferably, when a "maintenance" prompt is activated, the operator will be

directed to insert into recession/depression 47 not ajar/container of solution but a

jar/container of cleaning fluid, followed by ajar/container of rinse fluid. (Or, rather

than the use of jars/containers for these purposes, it is conceivable to successively

connect one or more fluid connections, such as a tube or hose for each of the cleaning

fluid and rinsing solution, to inlet port 47, or to connect just one such tube/hose which

could by itself successively admit cleaning fluid then rinsing solution.) As can be

appreciated, jars/containers of cleaning fluid and rinsing solution can preferably be

"scanned" in similarly to the jars/containers of solution described above.

A data port 40 (such as an RS232) may preferably be provided at a rear of the

unit, as shown, for uploading internal data to an external source such as a PC. For

instance, when the internal memory (essentially constituted by the datalogger) nears

capacity, a prompt could be provided (e.g. via screen 1) to upload the data. Suitable

software on the PC may preferably be specifically configured for this purpose. At the

same time, port 40 can also be configured for downloading into the unit any suitable

external data, such as product software updates. Data uploaded to a PC can of course

be stored and printed locally for record keeping and future reference. Alternatively, a

print port could be provided on the unit via which to directly export data from the

unit's internal datalogger to a printer.

As such, preferably, a bar code can be put on each evidentiary breath tester or

breathalyzer that the unit is involved in calibrating. The bar code can be scanned with

reader 30 and thereby inputted into the datalogger. A record can then be produced to

the effect that a given breathalyzer was indeed calibrated at a certain time and date

with a certain solution, that itself has been shown to be reliable within a given time

window and given number of tests.

Fig. 3 shows a sample datalogger report that could be generated and produced

in accordance with the process steps described hereinabove. The recorded steps

shown progress as far as enabling "run" mode, subsequent to verifying that an

acceptable bottle of solution has been used to fill jar/container 4.

If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all patents, patent

applications, patent publications and other publications (including web-based

publications) mentioned and cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference

herein as if set forth in their entirety herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been

described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood

that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other

changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without

departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.