The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 30, 2007
Filed:
Apr. 25, 2005
Larry J. Mobley, Raleigh, NC (US);
Brian Mcmillin, Willoughby Hills, OH (US);
Jimmy H. Edwards, Wake Forest, NC (US);
James R. Lewis, Raleigh, NC (US);
Larry J. Mobley, Raleigh, NC (US);
Brian McMillin, Willoughby Hills, OH (US);
Jimmy H. Edwards, Wake Forest, NC (US);
James R. Lewis, Raleigh, NC (US);
Monitech, Inc., Morrisville, NC (US);
Abstract
A vehicle ignition interlock system includes a breath analyzer and a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle. The breath analyzer detects breath alcohol level of a vehicle operator and prevents vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer 'retests' after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The breath analyzer includes first and second alcohol sensors. The second alcohol sensor is a backup for the first alcohol sensor and becomes operational if the first alcohol sensor malfunctions. The first or second alcohol sensors may be a mouth contamination sensor that distinguishes between mouth contaminants and alcohol contained within a deep lung breath sample. The system also includes sensors configured to detect impact (abuse) and vehicle motion.