VEHICLE SOBRIETY INTERLOCK DEVICE

摘要

An interlock device for measuring the sobriety of a potential vehicle operator is coupled to the starting mechanism of the vehicle. The interlock device includes a microprocessor controlled handset and base unit (138). The base unit encloses relays to preclude the starting mechanism from engaging if a predetermined acceptable threshold level of blood alcohol content has been exceeded. A breath sampling housing (30) is enclosed within the handset in axial alignment with an intake port (34) of the handset. A water filter (72) and valve (98) are positioned upstream from an electrochemical fuel cell (64). The fuel cell is coupled to the microprocessor. A pressure transducer (46) measures the pressure of the breath sample. The handset microprocessor calculates a pressure offset variable reading across the fuel cell to provide a normalized blood alcohol content measurement.