Karl P Wolf

Title: The Innovations of Karl P. Wolf

Introduction

Karl P. Wolf is a notable inventor based in Webster Groves, Missouri. He has made significant contributions to the field of breath alcohol testing, holding three patents that showcase his innovative spirit and technical expertise. His inventions have played a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of breath analysis devices.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a breath alcohol device that features a hand-held breath analyzer. This device is energized when a mouthpiece tube is positioned correctly. An ejector mechanism expels the mouthpiece, which de-energizes the system. The insertion of the mouthpiece not only cocks the ejector mechanism but also closes a cover on an exhaust manifold of a breath sample passage. The breath sample passage includes a sample chamber with a port for a sampling tube fitting and an auxiliary port. The exhaust manifold is designed to be long relative to the length of the sampling chamber and terminates in an orifice that draws ambient air across a thermistor. The sampling tube communicates with a fuel cell chamber, into which breath is drawn by a diaphragm pump. This pump is arranged to inhibit the entrance of contaminants into the chamber in its normal, uncocked condition. The diaphragm pump is actuated in response to the operation of the thermistor through a relay-tripped toggle linkage. A flag connected to one of the toggle members blocks the path of light from a photocell to a photoreceptor, ensuring that the diaphragm pump is properly cocked for use before a breath sample is taken.

Another significant patent is a method of and apparatus for testing breath alcohol. This apparatus measures breath alcohol content by oxidizing breath alcohol in a fuel cell and utilizing nearly all of the electrons produced by this oxidation as a measure of the alcohol amount in the sample. A working embodiment of this invention includes a resistor across the terminals of the fuel cell, with a resistance that allows for accurate voltage measurement while permitting the voltage to fall to a steady minimum within approximately two minutes. The method of measuring breath alcohol concentration involves integrating the entire area under the curve generated by the fuel cell output voltage from the beginning of oxidation of the alcohol until a substantially steady minimum is reached.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Karl P. Wolf has worked with various companies, including Alcotek, Inc. and Intoximeters, Inc. His work has significantly impacted the development of breath analysis technology, making