Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
REPLACEABLE ALCOHOL SENSOR MODULE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The claimed invention relates to a calibrated replaceable alcohol
sensor
module for use with a Breath Alcohol Testing Device. More specifically, this
invention
describes an alcohol sensor module that can be removed from the body of a
breathalyzer
and separately calibrated for the accurate calculation of "percent blood
alcohol
concentration" (%BAC) based on breath air samples, and then re-installed into
the breath
alcohol tester.
RELATED ART
[0002] The Breath Alcohol Testing Device is also commonly called a
"breathalyser" or a "breathalyzer" (hereinafter breathalyzer), and includes
both portable
(PBT or Portable Breath Tester) and stationary (coin-operated or similar)
units.
[0003] The availability and accessibility of the breathalyzer for both
professional
use (as in clinical, industrial, healthcare or workplace settings) and
personal use (as in the
domain of general consumers) has been expanding greatly, and with this
expansion the
necessity for all breathalyzers to be periodically recalibrated has created
many
interruptions in the market, as breathalyzers must currently be mailed or
delivered to
select service center locations where calibration can be done using a
simulation system,
making the breathalyzer unavailable to the user during this calibration
period, and
increasingly overwhelming the service centers as the market grows. The claimed
invention remedies this situation by providing a method to calibrate (or re-
calibrate) the
breathalyzer that greatly reduces or even eliminates the time and cost
involved in
shipping and handling of breathalyzers and maintenance of service centers, as
well as the
time and utility lost by the end user.
[0004] A typical breathalyzer consists primarily of an alcohol sensor
component,
signal processing unit (or CPU) 150, and a display unit 140 to show results.
Typically, a
breath alcohol sensor is calibrated to match select calibration points using
standard
specifications (controlled alcohol mixtures), and the signal processing unit
(or CPU)
determines BAC based on linear calculation using the calibration points. Over
time
(generally after several hundred tests), every breath alcohol sensor will
require re-
calibration as undesirable residue and foreign substances including, but not
limited to,
1
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
saliva, cigarette smoke residue and food particles, become trapped inside the
sensor. The
current system of calibration (or re-calibration) of breathalyzers by service
centers takes
place when a consumer or end user, with a breathalyzer in need of calibration,
contacts a
breathalyzer retailer. The retailer, in turn, directs the end user to ship the
breathalyzer to
an appropriate service center location. Upon receiving the breathalyzer, the
service center
uses controlled alcohol mixtures in order to re-calibrate the device according
to standard
specifications. When this re-calibration is complete, the breathalyzer is
shipped back to
the end user. This procedure for re-calibration is time-consuming and costly
in terms of
shipping and handling of packages, labor hours and lost utility for the end
user. There are
currently over 100 retailers (online and offline) and/or distributors sell
breathalyzer units
to consumers and end users, whereas fewer than ten (10) service center
locations exist to
perform traditional breathalyzer re-calibrations. Due to this discrepancy, the
overall
increase in sales of breathalyzer units are overwhelming the service centers
with requests
for re-calibration (which are both necessary and periodic for each
breathalyzer), causing
ever increasing delays in the processing and delivery of breathalyzers.
Another issue
resulting from the current system of re-calibration is that the sensor is not
actually
replaced, and residue buildup cannot be cleaned or removed from the sensor.
This results
in an increasing deterioration in overall sensor performance as residue
accumulates over
time, even as the sensor is re-calibrated multiple times.
[0005] In order to alleviate the time and utility lost when sending a
breathalyzer
for re-calibration, some end users purchase multiple breathalyzers so that at
least one
breathalyzer is available for use while one or more other devices are
undergoing service
for re-calibration. Some end users cannot afford the increase in budget in
order to
implement this type of stopgap measure, so compromises are made either in
terms of
temporary suspension of breath alcohol tests or over-taxing breathalyzer units
beyond the
point of necessary re-calibration (thereby allowing the breathalyzer to
display
increasingly inaccurate readings). In many cases, end users elect not to use
breathalyzers
altogether primarily due to the complications of re-calibration. Re-
calibration, though an
absolute necessity in the breathalyzer market, is one of the main impediments
to rapid
expansion of the market, especially in workplace, clinical or other
professional
environments where both accuracy and continuous utility are required.
[0006] Accordingly, the claimed invention proceeds upon the desirability of
providing significant benefits for both the breathalyzer service centers and
the end users
2
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
by practically eliminating the loss of time and utility for end users and
reducing the
number of labor hours and shipping costs for service centers, all while
introducing an
effective solution at a cost no greater than the current service center
system.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to provide a
significantly
improved replacement for the traditional method of breathalyzer re-calibration
that
supports market security by reducing or eliminating the time and utility lost
by the end
user and that also expands the market by addressing the specific needs of
industrial or
clinical breathalyzer applications. The claimed invention comprises a
calibrated (or
calibrate-able) alcohol sensor module, which comprises at least an alcohol
sensor and an
adapter to provide an electronic link to the breathalyzer to communicate
sensor readings.
The calibrated alcohol sensor module of the claimed invention is useable by
distributors,
retailers, sellers, buyers and end users to replace or eliminate traditional
methods of
breathalyzer re-calibration with a much more effective and efficient solution
at a cost no
greater and often less than any current method of re-calibration.
[0008] The alcohol sensor module of the claimed invention can be removed from
the body of a breathalyzer and separately calibrated for the accurate
calculation of "blood
alcohol concentration" (BAC) based on breath air samples, and then re-
installed into the
breath alcohol tester. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
claimed
invention, the sensor module comprises an alcohol sensor and an adapter to
provide an
electronic link to the breathalyzer to communicate sensor readings. The
claimed invention
brings significant benefits the breathalyzer industry by giving consumers
and/or other end
users a better solution for re-calibrating the breathalyzer.
[0009] The claimed invention essentially eliminates the loss of time and
utility for
end users and reduces the number of labor hours and shipping costs for
breathalyzer
service centers. The claimed invention brings these significant benefits and
solution to
both end users and breathalyzer service centers at a cost that is no greater
than the current
service center system. The calibrated, replaceable alcohol sensor modules of
the claimed
invention enables the end users to purchase new sensor modules when the need
arises at a
cost no more than (and often less than) the cost for re-calibration service.
New or
calibrated sensor modules of the claimed invention ship with simple
instructions for the
end user to follow in order to manually replace the old sensor module
requiring
3
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
calibration. Because the sensor modules are pre-calibrated, shipment to the
end user is
immediate and without delay. The end users can purchase sensor modules
simultaneously
with the purchase of a breathalyzer or prior to the time that the old sensor
requires re-
calibration. The process of re-calibration with the sensor module of the
claimed invention
is simpler and faster than the current calibration system of utilizing a
breathalyzer service
center since the end user only needs to spend a few seconds swapping the old
sensor
module with a new sensor module in order to return the breathalyzer to its
full functional
use without delay.
[0010] The claimed invention addresses all known and future breathalyzers (or
other breath alcohol testing devices) because the replaceable sensor module
can be made
compatible with current and future breathalyzers (or other breath alcohol
testing devices).
In accordance with an embodiment of the claimed invention, the replaceable
sensor
module can be applied with minimal modification to various other portable
electronic
devices, as long as such devices having a processing unit processing sensor
readings and
a display capable of showing %BAC readings (e.g. digital LED display), such as
portable
radar detectors, portable GPS devices, mobile phones, electronic key/keychain
devices,
etc.
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the claimed invention, a
breathalyzer user (general consumer, owner or operator of a breathalyzer
compatible with
the claimed invention) can purchase or otherwise acquire a new sensor module
in order to
replace the old sensor module at minimal cost and time lost for all parties
involved when
the breathalyzer's sensor requires re-calibration.
[0012] The traditional re-calibration system and procedure involves multiple
transactions and/or communications among several entities. Typically an end
user
(general consumer, owner or operator of a breathalyzer) contacts the retailer
from which
the breathalyzer was purchased in order to report that the breathalyzer is in
need of re-
calibration. Currently, the large majority of all breathalyzer retailers are
unable to
perform re-calibration themselves, so either the retailer accepts
breathalyzers requiring re-
calibration from end users and ships them in bulk to a breathalyzer service
center, or the
retailer directs the end user to ship the breathalyzer requiring re-
calibration directly to the
service center. When the service center receives breathalyzers requiring re-
calibration,
detailed records of receipts, shipments, customer and retailer (vendor) data
must be kept
4
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
and maintained in order to minimize errors in processing and shipping the re-
calibrated
breathalyzer. Further, any problems that may arise are complicated to resolve,
as these
problems involve several parties that are not current with the specific
situation of the end
user (e.g. a single re-calibration may involve a retailer, distributor,
service center and end
user). With the multiple communications, transactions, record-keeping,
processing and
shipping that may be involved with each re-calibration, a steady increase in
delays, costs
and other problems can be seen in the breathalyzer market, because re-
calibrations are
unavoidable and periodically necessary.
[0013] The claimed invention eliminates many of these aforementioned problems
associated with the current re-calibration system and methodology by removing
entirely
the need for record-keeping, processing and shipping of calibrated
breathalyzers beyond
the common retail practice of stocking the replaceable sensor modules by the
retailers
and/or distributors. Delays, costs and problems associated with the current re-
calibration
system can be greatly reduced and even eliminated with the claimed invention.
All
breathalyzer service centers operate primarily as either breathalyzer
distributors or
retailers, and the service center portion of business does not generally
generate significant
income for these distributors or retailers, often creating a loss in profit.
The claimed
invention seeks to either greatly reduce the strain on the operation of these
service centers
or eliminate the need for service centers altogether. In addition, by
streamlining the
transactions between distributors, retailers and end users into effectively
"retail only"
market channels, the breathalyzer market can be made more efficient and ready
for
uninterrupted growth. Calibrated replaceable sensor modules of the claimed
invention
will be made available to all parties involved in the breathalyzer
transactions, thereby
requiring only a single transaction (sale) with a single party for the end
user to re-
calibrate a breathalyzer, in most cases.
[0014] It is a further object of the claimed invention to afford simple,
straightforward instructions for the handling, installation and removal of
calibrated
replaceable breath alcohol sensor modules to the general consumer so that
these
operations can be performed with ease.
[0015] It is yet another object of the claimed invention to afford additional
breath
alcohol sensing functionality to a wide array of other portable electronic
devices that
comprises a processing unit and a display capable of showing BAC readings
(e.g. digital
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
LED display). With minimal modification, the claimed invention can be
incorporated
into such portable electronic devices as portable radar detectors, portable
GPS devices,
mobile phones, electronic key/keychain devices, etc.
[0016] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a
replaceable alcohol sensor module for use with a breathalyzer is provided. An
alcohol
sensor is calibrated to provide an electrical current proportional to an
amount of alcohol
detected in a breath sample. An adapter removably connects the replaceable
sensor
module to the breathalyzer and transmits the electrical current generated by
the alcohol
sensor to a processor of the breathalyzer for processing. The processor of the
breathalyzer
measures the electrical current and calculates a blood alcohol concentration
of the breath
sample based on the measured electrical current. The alcohol sensor and the
adapter is
mounted on a printed circuit board to provide the replaceable alcohol sensor
module for
use with the breathalyzer.
[0017] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid replaceable alcohol sensor module is installable in the
breathalyzer to
replace existing replaceable alcohol sensor module in the breathalyzer after
being used for
a predetermined number of times.
[0018] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid replaceable alcohol sensor module comprises a breath sampling
tube to
receive and direct the breath sample to the alcohol sensor.
[0019] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid alcohol sensor of the replaceable alcohol sensor module is
individually
calibrated prior to installation into the breathalyzer.
[0020] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid replaceable sensor module is replaced with a new replaceable
sensor module
in response to a determination that the alcohol sensor requires re-
calibration.
[0021] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid breathalyzer is one of the following: a portable breathalyzer, a
coin-operated
breathalyzer, a key-chain breathalyzer or a car ignition breathalyzer.
[0022] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid alcohol sensor of the replaceable sensor module is a fuel cell
sensor.
6
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
[0023] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a
replaceable alcohol sensor module for use with a breathalyzer is provided. An
alcohol
sensor that is calibrated to provide a change in its resistivity based an
amount of alcohol
detected in a breath sample. An adapter removably connects the replaceable
sensor
module to the breathalyzer and transmits the change in the resistivity of the
alcohol sensor
to a processor of the breathalyzer for processing. The processor of the
breathalyzer
calculates a blood alcohol concentration of the breath sample based on the
change in the
resistivity of the alcohol sensor. The alcohol sensor and the adapter is
mounted on a
printed circuit board to provide the replaceable alcohol sensor module for use
with the
breathalyzer.
[0024] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid replaceable alcohol sensor module is installable in the
breathalyzer to
replace existing replaceable alcohol sensor module in the breathalyzer after
being used for
a predetermined number of times.
[0025] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid alcohol sensor provides an electrical current based the change
in the
resistivity of the alcohol sensor. The processor of the breathalyzer measures
a change in
the conductivity of the alcohol sensor based on the electric current to
calculate the blood
alcohol concentration of the breath sample.
[0026] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid the alcohol sensor of the replaceable alcohol sensor module is a
semiconductor sensor.
[0027] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid replaceable alcohol sensor module comprises a heating unit to
warm up the
semiconductor sensor to a predetermined temperature.
[0028] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the aforesaid semiconductor sensor is warmed up to a predetermined temperature
by a
heating unit of the breathalyzer.
[0029] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a
breathalyzer comprises a processor, a replaceable alcohol sensor module, a
display and a
housing. An alcohol sensor of the replaceable alcohol sensor is calibrated to
provide an
electrical current proportional to an amount of alcohol detected in a breath
sample. An
7
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
adapter removably connects the replaceable sensor module to the breathalyzer
and
transmits the electrical current generated by the alcohol sensor to the
processor for
processing. The alcohol sensor and the adapter is mounted on a printed circuit
board to
provide the replaceable alcohol sensor module. The processor measures the
electrical
current and calculates a blood alcohol concentration of the breath sample
based on the
electrical current measured by the alcohol sensor. The calculated blood
alcohol
concentration is display on the display. The processor, the replaceable
alcohol sensor
module, and the display is housed in the housing to provide the breathalyzer.
[0030] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a
breathalyzer comprises a processor, a replaceable alcohol sensor module, a
display and a
housing. An alcohol sensor that is calibrated to provide a change in its
resistivity based
an amount of alcohol detected in a breath sample. An adapter removably
connects the
replaceable sensor module to the breathalyzer and transmits the change in the
resistivity
of the alcohol sensor to a processor of the breathalyzer for processing. The
alcohol sensor
and the adapter is mounted on a printed circuit board to provide the
replaceable sensor
module. The processor calculates a blood alcohol concentration of the breath
sample
based on the change in the resistivity of the alcohol sensor. The calculated
blood alcohol
concentration is displayed on the display. The processor, the replaceable
alcohol sensor
module, and the display is housed in the housing to provide the breathalyzer.
[0031] Various other objects, advantages and features of the claimed invention
will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the
novel features
will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0032] The following detailed descriptions, given by way of example, and not
intended to limit the claimed invention solely thereto, will be best be
understood in
conjunction with the accompanying figures:
[0033] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a breathalyzer unit incorporating a
calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the claimed invention;
[0034] Fig. 2 is a diagram of a calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module
in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;
8
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
[0035] Fig. 3 is a diagram of a calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor module
attached to a breath sampling tube in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the
claimed invention;
[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the primary circuitry of the sensor
module
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;
[0037] Fig 5 is block diagram of the breathalyzer incorporating a calibrated
alcohol sensor module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
claimed
invention.
[0038] Figs. 6A-6D are diagrams of a calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor
module as incorporated in a coin-operated breathalyzer in accordance with an
exemplary
embodiment of the claimed invention;
[0039] Figs. 7A-7C are diagrams of a calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor
module as incorporated in a car ignition breathalyzer in accordance with an
exemplary
embodiment of the claimed invention; and
[0040] Figs. 8A-8C are diagrams of a calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor
module as incorporated in a key-chain breathalyzer in accordance with an
exemplary
embodiment of the claimed invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] In order to eliminate the aforementioned problems with current
recalibration methods, the sensor module 60 of the claimed invention is made
compatible
with a wide assortment of breathalyzers 100, as shown in Fig. 1. Breathalyzers
100 can
be newly manufactured, or modified, with an easily accessible compartment 110
for both
the installation and removal of the calibrated breath alcohol sensor module 60
of the
claimed invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed
invention, the accessible compartment 110 comprises a system to attach and
secure the
sensor module to the body of the breathalyzer 100 (e.g. attachment slots or
fasteners 120),
an interface 40 to electronically link the breathalyzer 100 to the adapter 30
of the sensor
module 60, and a cover or faceplate 50 to enclose the sensor module 60 once it
is secured
within the body of the breathalyzer 100. In addition, a breath sampling tube
20 can be
attached to the sensor module 60, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, for those
breathalyzers 100
requiring the breath sampling tube 20 for the breath alcohol sensor 11 to
function
9
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
properly. As a matter of compatibility and convenience, the claimed invention
describes
the sensor module 60 and the breath sampling tube 20 as separate components,
because of
the inevitable variation in and/or non-use of the breath sampling tubes 20
across various
types of breathalyzer 100. However, "calibrated replaceable alcohol sensor
module" or
"sensor module" 60 may refer to the claimed invention with or without the
attached
breath sampling tube 20 and with or without the heating unit 13.
[0042] Turning now to Figs. 2-5, there is illustrated a sensor module 60, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, comprising a
printed circuit board (PCB) 10, an alcohol sensor 11 and an adapter 30 to
electrically/electronically link the sensor module to a breathalyzer 100. The
adapter 30 of
the sensor module 60 communicates the sensor reading from the alcohol sensor
11 to the
breathalyzer 100. In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed
invention, as
shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sensor module 60 can additional comprise a heating
unit 13
and/or a breath sampling tube 20.
[0043] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the circuitry of the alcohol sensor 11 of the sensor module 60 is operable to
detect
changes in conductivity according to varying levels of alcohol concentration.
The alcohol
sensor 11 can be a fuel cell sensor, a semiconductor sensor and the like. For
example, a
fuel cell sensor has a porous acid-electrolyte material between two platinum
electrodes.
As the breath sample flows past the fuel cell, the platinum oxidizes the
alcohol in the
breath sample to produce acetic acid, protons and electrons. The electrons
flows from the
platinum electrode of the alcohol sensor 11 to provide an electrical current,
which is
transmitted to the signal processing unit 150 of the breathalyzer 100 via the
adapter 30 of
the alcohol sensor 11. The electrical current produced by the alcohol sensor
11 is
proportional to the amount of alcohol in the breath sample that is oxidized by
the alcohol
sensor 11. The processor or signal processing unit 150 of the breathalyzer 100
measures
the electrical current and calculates BAC. The display 140 of the breathalyzer
displays the
calculated BAC.
[0044] A semiconductor sensor is generally formed from a metal oxide, e.g.,
tin
oxide. When a voltage is applied to the semiconductor sensor without any
sample, it
produces a small output current. But, when alcohol, i.e., ethanol molecules,
from the
breath sample contacts the metal oxide, it changes the resistivity of the
metal oxide,
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
thereby altering the current outputted by the semiconductor sensor. That is,
when the
ethanol molecules comes in contact with the metal oxide of the semiconductor
sensor, the
reaction changes the resistivity of the semiconductor sensor. The
semiconductor sensor
measures the changes in the resistivity caused by the breath sample. Such
changes in the
resistivity results in change in the output current, hence the semiconductor-
based
breathalyzer can measure the change in the resistivity or change in the
current to
calculate/estimate the BAC.
[0045] It is appreciated that certain alcohol sensor 11, e.g., a semiconductor
sensor, needs to be warmed up to a predetermined temperature before use to
provide
accurate readings. For those breathalyzers 100 with such alcohol sensor 11,
the optional
heating unit 13 to warm the alcohol sensor 11 can be provided on the sensor
module 60 or
the optional heater 170 to warm the alcohol sensor 11 can be equipped in the
breathalyzer
100. The adapter 30 communicates data and readings to the breathalyzer 100.
[0046] Returning to Fig. 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
claimed invention, signals from the sensor module 60 to the breathalyzer's
processor or
signal processing unit 150 is sent through the adapter 30. The adapter 30
connects the
sensor module 10 to the breathalyzer 100, or as shown in Fig. 1, the adapter
30 connects
the sensor module 10 to the breathalyzer 100 via the cable 40. In accordance
with an
exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the sensor module 60 can
include all
components of a breathalyzer 100 that may suffer from residue build-up and
other
problems requiring re-calibration. This advantageously enables the claimed
invention to
provide a breathalyzer 100 that is as accurate as and functionally equivalent
to a "new"
breathalyzer 100 by simply replacing the sensor module 60 of the claimed
invention.
[0047] The primary cause for breathalyzer inaccuracy is sensor pollution,
which
refers to the build-up of sensor contaminants such as saliva, cigarette smoke,
food
particles, etc. This build-up of contaminants does not only cause sensor
inaccuracy, but
also reduces the overall lifetime of the sensor 11, because the residue cannot
simply be
removed. This means that even if the sensor is re-calibrated or adjusted, it
can never be
as efficient or accurate as a new sensor 11. The buildup of contaminants
within the breath
sampling tube 20 can also affect functionality and accuracy of the breath
alcohol sensor
11, but to a lesser extent than sensor pollution.
11
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
[0048] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
the breath sampling tube 20 attaches to the sensor module 60, as shown in
Figs. 1 and 3.
The breath sampling tube 20 can be attached directly above the alcohol sensor
11, so that
the alcohol sensor 11 can process alcohol readings from a breath sample.
[0049] As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 3, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the claimed invention, the breath sampling tube 20 consists of a
long
cylindrical tube 21 for the blown air to travel through, a mouthpiece slot 27,
and a bent or
curved section 25 to direct air toward the alcohol sensor 11. Although, the
breath
sampling tube 20 is shown as long cylindrical bent tube, it is appreciated
that it can be
any shape or length to accommodate different types of breathalyzers.
[0050] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,
Fig. 1 shows how the calibrated replaceable breath alcohol sensor module 60
can be
installed into a compatible breathalyzer 100. The breath sampling tube 20 of
the
breathalyzer 100 is attached to the sensor 11 of the sensor module 60. The
breath
sampling tube 20 comprises an attachment slot 29 and the breathalyzer 100
comprises an
attachment slot 120 to secure the sensor module 60 in the accessible
compartment 110 of
the breathalyzer 100. Although a cable 40 is shown in Fig. 1 to link the
sensor module 60
to the breathalyzer's signal processing unit 150 via the adapter 30, the
adapter 30 can link
the sensor module 60 directly to the breathalyzer's signal processing unit
150. The
attachment slots 29, 120 can be secured using screws, pins or other known
fastening
means. The breathalyzer 100 also comprises a cover 50 for enclosing the sensor
module
60 after installation to maintain a consistent exterior appearance of the
breathalyzer 100.
[0051] Typically, the user purchases the breathalyzer 100 for work (e.g., a
police
officer can use it for sobriety testing), clinical studies, personal use, etc.
After many
repeated uses, the breathalyzer 100 generally requires re-calibration due to
residue build-
up and/or other problems discussed herein. If the breathalyzer 100 is requires
re-
calibration, the user contacts the retailer and the retailer directs the user
to an appropriate
service center. The user ships the breathalyzer 100 to the service center.
Upon receipt of
the breathalyzer 100, the service center calibrates the breathalyzer, e.g.,
using the
simulation system, and ships the re-calibrated breathalyzer back to the user,
thereby
enabling the user to use the breathalyzer 100 to calculate or measure BAC.
12
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
[0052] Typically, the breathalyzer 100 requires re-calibration after being
used for
200-300 times (varying depend on the factors noted herein). Alternatively, the
alcohol
sensor module 60 or the signal processing unit 150 of the breathalyzer 100 can
perform
tests periodically or upon request by the operator (i.e., pressing a button on
the housing
105 of the breathalyzer 100) to determine if the breath alcohol sensor 11
requires re-
calibration. If the breathalyzer 100 requires re-calibration, the user can
purchase
calibrated sensor module 60 of the claimed invention. Alternatively, the user
can purchase
the calibrated sensor module 60 over the phone or internet and the retailer
ships a new
calibrated sensor module 60 to the user. The user installs the new calibrated
sensor
module 60 in the breathalyzer 100, thereby enabling the user to use the
breathalyzer 100
to calculate or measure BAC. It is appreciated that the user can pre-purchase
the new
calibrated sensor module 60 to replace the existing replaceable sensor module,
thereby
eliminating any downtime with the breathalyzer 100.
[0053] It is appreciated that the user can purchase additional new calibrated
sensor module(s) 60 along with the breathalyzer 100. Also, the user can
purchase the new
calibrated sensor module 60 after the purchase of the breathalyzer 100 but
before the
breathalyzer 100 requires calibration. If the breathalyzer 100 requires re-
calibration, the
user installs the new calibrated sensor module 60 in the breathalyzer 100,
thereby
enabling the user to use the breathalyzer 100 to calculate or measure BAC.
[0054] It is appreciated that installation procedure will vary for different
types of
breathalyzers 100, e.g., breathalyzers without a breath sampling tube 100
and/or without a
cable 40. The user can prepare an exemplary breathalyzer 100 with the breath
sampling
tube 20 and cable 40, as shown in Fig. 1, for installation of a calibrated
alcohol sensor
module 60 in the breathalyzer 100. The user can use a flat, sharp tool to
carefully open
the top cover 50 of the breathalyzer 100, and lifts the breath sampling tube
20 to access
the alcohol sensor module 60. Next, the user removes the breath sampling tube
20, and
then carefully raises the alcohol sensor module 60 from the body of the
breathalyzer 100,
taking care not to detach the cable 40 from the body of the breathalyzer 100.
The cable
40 is removed from the adapter or slot 30 underneath the alcohol sensor module
60. It is
appreciated that certain type of breathalyzers do not require a cable 40 and
an adapter 40
connects directly to the breathalyzer without the cable 40. The cable 40 is
inserted into
the new alcohol sensor module 60 and the alcohol sensor module 60 is placed in
its
original position in the breathalyzer. The breath sampling tube 20 is then
reattached
13
CA 02999251 2018-03-20
WO 2017/062017
PCT/US2015/054769
directly on to the alcohol sensor module 60 and the cover 50 is reattached
onto the top of
the body of the breathalyzer 100.
[0055] The claimed invention, having been described, will make apparent to
those
skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing
from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended
to be
included within the scope of the following claims. For example, Fig. 1 shows
distinct and
defined locations for components such as attachment slots 29, 120 and cover
50, but as
breathalyzers 100 are manufactured in many different styles and shapes, only
one
example of how the calibrated sensor module 60 of the claimed invention is
installed in a
particular breathalyzer (or the fitment of the calibrated sensor module 60 to
a particular
breathalyzer) is shown for simplicity. It is appreciated that the claimed
invention is not
limited to the breathalyzer 100 example given in Fig. 1, either in terms of
fitment,
attachment methods or specific installation/removal procedures. Other types of
breathalyzers include, for example, portable breathalyzers, coin-operated
commercial
units (Figs. 6A-6D), key-chain breathalyzers (Figs. 8A-8C) and car ignition
breathalyzers
(Figs. 7A-7C). The replaceable breath alcohol sensor module 60 of the claimed
invention
is intended for use in all such varieties of breathalyzers.
14
