Alcotek, Inc.

Karl R Wolf

Joe Fodor

John Mitchell

Patrick Clifford

Fuel cell gas sensors using an aperture in a fuel cell gas sensor that allows for determination of a gas proportion in a sample that includes more gas than could otherwise be safely sampled. The aperture is adjustable between an open and a closed state. The amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of time that the aperture is in the open state. Alternatively, the amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the aperture.

Gas sensor

A new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector, and the fuel cell created by the method. The fuel cell is constructed in two pieces, a mounting chip comprising a porous uncompressed substrate and an active element designed to fit within the mounting chip. Constructed in this way, electrolyte can flow from the mounting chip into the active element via near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.

Alcohol detecting fuel cell

An electrode element and fuel cell and a new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector. This new element includes a reservoir for extra electrolyte that can allow near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode and can be integrally formed with the electrode element to eliminate or reduce loss due to connective surfaces. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.

Method of compressing fuel cell electrodes, resultant fuel cell, and a housing for the fuel cell which utilizes electrolyte reservoirs

A wet standard calibration system which utilizes a heat conducting foam with the liquid therein to serve as a primary heating device to avoid the need to include mechanical agitation. The system is particularly useful for generating a vapor comprising water and ethanol which can be used for the calibration of breath alcohol testers.

Systems and methods for an equilibrium wet bath

An improved alcohol fuel cell sensor and alcohol breath tester assembly where wires for connection to the electrodes are bent to have a generally planar base portion which may be positioned toward the center of the electrodes and an upright that then extends to the outside of the case. The uprights are generally perpendicular to the base allowing the wires to exit the housing toward the center, as opposed to toward an edge.

Fuel cell for use in an alcohol breath tester

An alcohol fuel cell sensor and the resultant alcohol breath tester assembly. The disclosed housing creates an alcohol breath tester assembly that protects the electrode sensor from liquid ingress, maximizes the sample contact with the platinum electrode surface, and provides a smooth path facilitating laminar flow of the sample through the sensor. This, in turn, provides good flushing of the volume without creating eddies or other turbulence. Additionally, the housing can utilize a vapor barrier layer in the assembly and restricts the layer from touching the electrode surface.

Fuel cell housing for use in an alcohol breath tester

Systems and methods for implementing an automated process which calculates the current specific gravity of a liquid by using the original gravity of a fermenting liquid and a measurement of the percent alcohol by volume.

Fuel cell fermentation monitor

In a breath alcohol testing device, including a breath-receiving tube, a fuel cell chamber communicating with the tube, a fuel cell within the chamber and a movable wall, for example, a diaphragm, mounted adjacent the fuel cell, to be moved reciprocably between a down position at which the wall is relatively close to the fuel cell and an up position at which the wall is relatively far from the fuel cell, the movement of the wall acting to pump breath to and from the fuel cell, the movable wall defines one wall of the fuel cell chamber, breath in the space between the movable wall and the fuel cell being in substantially unrestricted communication with the fuel cell.

Growing community of inventors

Eureka, MO, United States of America

Karl R Wolf