US3948604A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alcoholic breath simulation system
Assignee: ALCOHOL COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEMS CORP
•
Filing: 1974-01-02
•
Granted: 1976-04-06
•
Expires: 1994-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A simulated alcoholic breath sample is provided by circulating a known volume of a gas such as air or non-alcoholic breath over the outer surface of a container filled with ethyl alcohol and maintained at a given temperature, the container having a wall permeable by ethyl alcohol at a known permeation rate. Circulation of the volume of gas is continued until the gas has the desired alcohol concentration.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph P. Hoppesch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:26
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/0004; G01N33/0006; G01N33/48; G01N33/483; G01N33/497; G01N33/4972; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S436/00; Y10S436/90; Y10T; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/20; Y10T436/203332; Y10T436/204165
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An alcoholic breath simulation system comprising a wall defining an alcohol container, the wall having at least a portion thereof permeable by ethyl alcohol, the wall portion having an inner surface exposed to ethyl alcohol when ethyl alcohol is introduced into the container, the wall portion also having an outer surface, means surrounding the container to define an alcohol chamber with the container supported in the chamber and with the wall portion spaced from the chamber-defining means, means defining a gas reservoir adapted to enclose a predetermined volume of gas, the alcohol chamber and the gas reservoir being connected in a closed gas circuit, and pump means associated with the gas circuit and operable to circulate gas therein from the gas reservoir to the alcohol chamber, over the outer surface of the container wall portion, and from the alcohol chamber to the gas reservoir to complete the circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
An alcoholic breath simulation system comprising a wall defining an alcohol container, the wall having at least a portion thereof permeable by ethyl alcohol, the wall portion having an inner surface exposed to ethyl alcohol when ethyl alcohol is introduced into the container, the wall portion also having an outer surface, means surrounding the container to define an alcohol chamber with the container supported in the chamber and with the wall portion spaced from the chamber-defining means, means defining a gas reservoir adapted to enclose a predetermined volume of gas, the alcohol chamber and the gas reservoir being connected in a closed gas circuit, and pump means associated with the gas circuit and operable to circulate gas therein from the gas reservoir to the alcohol chamber, over the outer surface of the container wall portion, and from the alcohol chamber to the gas reservoir to complete the circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 1, including timing means associated with the pump means and operable to de-energize the pump means when a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 2, wherein the timing means is adjustable to vary said predetermined period of time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 1, including heating means and thermostat means associated with the heating means and cooperating therewith to maintain the container and its contents at a constant predetermined temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 1, including means for evacuating the predetermined volume of gas from the gas reservoir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 5, wherein the evacuating means includes piston-cylinder means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 1, wherein the container wall portion is formed of a fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 1, wherein the container wall portion is formed of a silicone elastomer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The alcoholic breath simulation system according to claim 1, wherein the container includes a removable closure positioned externally of the alcohol chamber to provide access to the interior of the container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-04-06 | 1979-10-06 | 1980-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-06 | 1983-10-06 | 1984-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-06 | 1987-10-06 | 1988-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |