A wearable breath analysis device is disclosed that may be worn, for example, around the neck or wrist of a user. The wearable device may be a stand-alone device (in which case it may include a display that provides a user interface), or may operate in conjunction with a smartphone or other mobile device. The wearable device may provide auditory and/or vibratory notifications or messages, such as a reminder to conduct a breath analyte measurement, instructions for conducting the measurement, and/or notifications of breath analyte measurement results.
Various systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a breath sample analysis device having a mouthpiece configured to facilitate engagement with a user's mouth to receive a breath sample. The disclosed devices also include a breath sample capture cartridge containing an interactant that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. Also disclosed are devices for routing the breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/52 - Use of compounds or compositions for colorimetric, spectrophotometric or fluorometric investigation, e.g. use of reagent paper
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
3.
BREATH ANALYSIS SYSTEM WITH PREDICTIVE SENSOR PREPARATION
A breath analysis system comprises a breath analysis device having an analyte sensor, such as a metal oxide semiconductor sensor, that needs to be heated or otherwise prepared before a breath test can be performed. To reduce or avoid a user-perceived delay (typically multiple minutes) associated with the sensor preparation operation, the system predictively initiates a sensor preparation operation based on a determination or prediction of whether the user is in an adequate state for performing a breath test. This prediction may be based on one or more factors, such as the current time, whether the breath analysis device is within wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) range of the user's smartphone, data reflective of the user's location and/or activity, etc.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/0205 - Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
G16H 40/67 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
G16H 10/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for data related to laboratory analysis, e.g. patient specimen analysis
A breath analyte capture device includes a breath input port into which a user exhales a breath sample, and a cartridge insertion port for receiving a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. During exhalation of a breath sample, at least a portion of the breath sample is routed through the cartridge such that the analyte (such as breath acetone) is captured by the interactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample is measured by monitoring a chemical reaction that occurs in the disposable cartridge. The chemical reaction may be monitored by illuminating the cartridge at each of multiple light wavelengths while measuring reflected light.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses primary and secondary process flows to collect from the participants information that is used to select or recommend health program modifications.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
G16H 10/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
6.
Breath analysis system with predictive sensor preparation
A breath analysis system comprises a breath analysis device having a semiconductor sensor, such as a metal oxide semiconductor sensor, that needs to be heated or otherwise prepared before a breath test can be performed. To reduce or avoid a user-perceived delay (typically multiple minutes) associated with the sensor preparation operation, the system predictively initiates a sensor preparation operation based on a determination or prediction of whether the user is in an adequate state to perform a breath test. This prediction may be based on one or more factors, such as the current time, whether the breath analysis device is within wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) range of the user's smartphone, data reflective of the user's location and/or activity, etc.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/0205 - Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
G16H 40/67 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
G16H 10/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for data related to laboratory analysis, e.g. patient specimen analysis
A portable system is provided for measuring an analyte, such as acetone, in the breath or other bodily fluid of a user. The system includes a portable measurement device that analyzes fluid samples and generates corresponding measurements. The portable measurement device communicates with an application which runs on a smartphone or other mobile device of the user, and the application reports measurement data to a remote system.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G06F 9/451 - Execution arrangements for user interfaces
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
H04L 43/045 - Processing captured monitoring data, e.g. for logfile generation for graphical visualisation of monitoring data
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
8.
BREATH ANALYSIS DEVICE WITH REGULATED FLOW DURING EXHALATION
A pump-less breath analysis device regulates the flow of breath past an analyte sensor, which may be a semiconductor sensor, by dynamically adjusting the state or position of a valve as the user exhales into the device. The valve controls the flow of incoming breath between two flow paths: a venting path through which breath exits the device without passing by the sensor, and a sensing path that includes the sensor. In some embodiments, the valve is controlled by a processor that monitors pressure produced by the user's exhalation force. Based on these real-time pressure measurements, the processor adjusts the valve to maintain the pressure, and thus the flow rate, in the sensing path within a desired range. The processor may also use the pressure measurements to determine whether the characteristics of the user's exhalation are sufficient to generate a valid measurement.
Various systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a breath sample analysis device having a mouthpiece configured to facilitate engagement with a user's mouth to receive a breath sample. The disclosed devices also include a breath sample capture cartridge containing an interactant that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. Also disclosed are devices for routing the breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.
A breath analyte capture device includes a breath input port into which a user exhales a breath sample, and a cartridge insertion port for receiving a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. During exhalation of a breath sample, at least a portion of the breath sample is routed through the cartridge such that the analyte (such as breath acetone) is captured by the interactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample is measured by monitoring a chemical reaction that occurs in the disposable cartridge. The chemical reaction may be monitored by illuminating the cartridge at each of multiple light wavelengths while measuring reflected light.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
11.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING ACETONE IN BREATH
Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level. The method also comprises using the breath analysis device to detect the change in the optical characteristic to sense the acetone in the breath. Apparatuses that use these methods are also described.
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
G01N 21/78 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour
12.
Systems, devices, components and methods for breath analysis
Various systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a breath sample analysis device having a mouthpiece configured to facilitate engagement with a user's mouth to receive a breath sample. The disclosed devices also include a breath sample capture cartridge containing an interactant that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. Also disclosed are devices for routing the breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/52 - Use of compounds or compositions for colorimetric, spectrophotometric or fluorometric investigation, e.g. use of reagent paper
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses artificial intelligence to classify and coach the participants.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment
G09B 19/00 - Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
14.
Breath analysis device with regulated flow during exhalation
A pump-less breath analysis device regulates the flow of breath past a nanoparticle sensor (or other semiconductor sensor) by dynamically adjusting the state or position of a valve as the user exhales into the device. The valve controls the flow of incoming breath between two flow paths: a venting path through which breath exits the device without passing by the nanoparticle sensor, and a sensing path that includes the nanoparticle sensor. In some embodiments, the valve is controlled by a processor that monitors pressure produced by the user's exhalation force. Based on these real-time pressure measurements, the processor adjusts the valve to maintain the pressure, and thus the flow rate, in the sensing path within a desired range. The processor may also use the pressure measurements to determine whether the characteristics of the user's exhalation are sufficient to generate a valid measurement.
A portable system is provided for measuring an analyte, such as acetone, in the breath or other bodily fluid of a user. The system includes a portable measurement device that analyzes fluid samples and generates corresponding measurements. The portable measurement device communicates with an application which runs on a smartphone or other mobile device of the user. The application tracks, and generates graphs of, the measurements, and may include various features for facilitating the analysis of the measurements.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G06F 9/451 - Execution arrangements for user interfaces
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
H04L 43/045 - Processing captured monitoring data, e.g. for logfile generation for graphical visualisation of monitoring data
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
16.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BASED HEALTH COACHING BASED ON BREATH ANALYTE LEVELS OF PARTICIPANTS
A system is disclosed that uses profiles of users, including monitored ketone levels of the users, to assess effectiveness levels of health programs (such as weight loss programs) assigned to the users, and to select health program modifications for the users. The system may use a machine learning (artificial intelligence) algorithm to adaptively learn how to classify users and to select messaging and behavioral modifications for the users. For example, in some embodiments the system classifies the users and provides associated health program recommendations using a computer model trained with expert-classified user data records. As another example, a set of rules may be used to generate the health program recommendations and related messaging, and the set of rules may automatically be modified over time based on feedback data reflective of health program effectiveness levels produced by such rules. In some embodiments the system includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of users and communicates wirelessly with breath analysis devices of the users. The mobile application may also communicate with a server-based system that generates the health program recommendations.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 20/70 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mental therapies, e.g. psychological therapy or autogenous training
G16H 50/70 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients
G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses artificial intelligence to classify and coach the participants.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment
G09B 19/00 - Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
A system is disclosed that monitors participants in health-related programs, such as weight loss or exercise programs, and that provides automated, personalized health coaching to the program participants. The system includes breath analysis devices that are used by the program participants to generate ketone measurements, and includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of the participants and communicates with corresponding breath analysis devices. The system operates generally by monitoring ketone levels (such as acetone levels) and other attributes of the participants and by making personalized, machine-generated changes or updates to such programs to maintain program effectiveness and engagement. In some embodiments the system uses primary and secondary process flows to collect from the participants information that is used to select or recommend health program modifications.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 20/30 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
G16H 10/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
19.
Extracting an analye from a breath sample using a solid porous structure containing a reactive material
Various devices are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a disposable cartridge containing a reactive material that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a solid, porous structure (such as a disk, bowl or puck) that contains the reactive material. The porous structure may be created by mixing reactive particles with resin particles, and then using a sintering process to transform the mixture into a solid structure. Also disclosed are devices for routing a breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.
A breath analyte capture device includes a breath input port into which a user exhales a breath sample, and a cartridge insertion port for receiving a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. During exhalation of a breath sample, at least a portion of the breath sample is routed through the cartridge such that the analyte (such as breath acetone) is captured by the interactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample is measured by monitoring a chemical reaction that occurs in the disposable cartridge. The chemical reaction may be monitored by illuminating the cartridge at each of multiple light wavelengths while measuring reflected light.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
21.
Breath analysis system, device and method employing nanoparticle-based sensor
A system is provided that includes a portable measurement device for measuring acetone in a breath sample of a user. The measurement device comprises a housing, a user-direct breath input device for engaging in direct fluid communication with a respiratory tract of the user and receiving the breath sample from the respiratory tract, a flow path disposed within the housing, a nanoparticle-based sensor disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the flow path and at an intermediate location between the upstream end and the downstream end, and a flow control device disposed in the housing and in the flow path between the upstream end and the nanoparticle-based sensor that prevents flow of the breath sample in an upstream direction opposite the downstream direction.
A ketone measurement and analysis system provides various features for enabling health program participants to interpret their ketone measurements, such as breath acetone measurements. One such feature breaks down ketone measurements into causal components. For example, the system may generate and display an estimate of how much of a participant's ketone measurement is attributable to stored fat metabolism versus consumption of a “confounding substance” such as dietary fat and/or exogenous ketones. The system may also estimate the contributions of specific confounding substances, and/or the contributions of other factors or events (such as exercise, interrupted sleep, a missed medication, etc.) that affect ketone levels. Another feature involves the generation and display of target ketone levels that are personalized for the participants. The system may generate the measurement breakdowns and target ketone levels by applying data mining algorithms to aggregated data of many program participants.
Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level. The method also comprises using the breath analysis device to detect the change in the optical characteristic to sense the acetone in the breath. Apparatuses that use these methods are also described.
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
G01N 21/78 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
24.
Measuring an analyte in breath using a porous structure containing a reactant
Various devices are disclosed for measuring the concentration of an analyte, such as acetone, in a breath sample. The disclosed devices include a disposable cartridge containing a reactive material that extracts the analyte from a breath sample passed through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge contains a solid, porous structure (such as a disk, bowl or puck) that contains the reactive material. To induce a chemical reaction for measuring the quantity of the extracted analyte, the porous structure may be brought into contact with a sponge or pad that dispenses developer solution to the porous structure. Also disclosed are devices for routing a breath sample through the cartridge during exhalation, and for analyzing a reaction in the cartridge to measure a concentration of the analyte.
A ketone measurement and analysis system provides various features for enabling health program participants to interpret their ketone measurements, such as breath acetone measurements. One such feature breaks down ketone measurements into causal components. For example, the system may generate and display an estimate of how much of a participant's ketone measurement is attributable to stored fat metabolism versus consumption of a “confounding substance” such as dietary fat and/or exogenous ketones. The system may also estimate the contributions of specific confounding substances, and/or the contributions of other factors or events (such as exercise, interrupted sleep, a missed medication, etc.) that affect ketone levels. Another feature involves the generation and display of target ketone levels that are personalized for the participants. The system may generate the measurement breakdowns and target ketone levels by applying data mining algorithms to aggregated data of many program participants.
An apparatus and associated method are provided for sensing an analyte, such as acetone, in breath. The apparatus includes a sorbent material that extracts the analyte from a dehumidified breath sample, and a nanoparticle-based sensor. The apparatus produces first and second gas streams that flow over the nanoparticle-based sensor. The first gas stream is used to generate a baseline signal, and the second gas stream is used to carry the extracted analyte from the sorbent material to the nanoparticle-based sensor. Various additional designs of analyte sensing devices are also disclosed.
C12Q 1/25 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving enzymes not classifiable in groups
G01N 33/98 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving alcohol, e.g. ethanol in breath
G01N 33/542 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with immune complex formed in liquid phase with steric inhibition or signal modification, e.g. fluorescent quenching
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
A wearable breath analysis device is disclosed that may be worn, for example, around the neck or wrist of a user. The wearable device may be a stand-along device (in which case it may include a display that provides a user interface), or may operate in conjunction with a smartphone or other command device. The wearable device may include auditory and/or vibratory notice and communications features or capabilities, for example, such as a reminder or notice to conduct a breath analyte measurement, instructions to the user in the course of conducting the measurement, and notice of the breath analyte measurement results. The auditory or vibratory notice may be provided at the wearable, and/or at the command device where a command device is used. Related methods also are provided.
A breath analysis device into which a user exhales a breath sample is capable of venting an initial portion of the breath sample from the device, and routing a second portion of the breath sample into a disposable cartridge containing an interactant. The device may include a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, for detecting the initiation of exhalation, and may include a controller that switches a valve during the exhalation process to route a desired portion of the breath sample into the cartridge. After the exhalation process, an LED/photodiode arrangement, or another type of optical sensor, may be used to measure a color change produced by a chemical reaction in the cartridge, to thereby measure a concentration of a ketone or other analyte in the breath sample.
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/091 - Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity
A portable system is provided for measuring a ketone, such as an acetone, in the breath or other bodily fluid of a user. The system includes a portable measurement device that analyzes fluid samples and generates corresponding ketone measurements. The portable measurement device communicates with an application which runs on a smartphone or other mobile device of the user. The application tracks, and generates graphs of, the ketone measurements, and may include various features for facilitating the analysis of the measurements. One such feature compares ketone measurements taken while the user is on a health program to a baseline level determined from pre-program-initiation ketone measurements.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/04842 - Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements
G06F 9/451 - Execution arrangements for user interfaces
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
H04L 43/045 - Processing captured monitoring data, e.g. for logfile generation for graphical visualisation of monitoring data
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
30.
Method and apparatus for sensing ammonia in breath
A method is provided for sensing ammonia in a breath sample. The method comprises conditioning the breath sample so that the conditioned breath sample has a relative humidity greater than a relative humidity corresponding to a first inflection point of a downwardly concave lowest ammonia iso-concentration curve. It also comprises contacting the conditioned breath sample with an interactant that interacts with the ammonia in the conditioned breath sample, wherein the interaction causes a change in an optical characteristic in relation to the amount of the ammonia in the breath sample. It further comprises using the change in the optical characteristic to sense the ammonia in the breath sample. Related apparatuses are also provided.
A system is disclosed that uses profiles of users, including monitored ketone levels of the users, to assess effectiveness levels of health programs (such as weight loss programs) assigned to the users, and to select health program modifications for the users. The system may use a machine learning (artificial intelligence) algorithm to adaptively learn how to classify users and to select messaging and behavioral modifications for the users. For example, in some embodiments the system classifies the users and provides associated health program recommendations using a computer model trained with expert-classified user data records. As another example, a set of rules may be used to generate the health program recommendations and related messaging, and the set of rules may automatically be modified over time based on feedback data reflective of health program effectiveness levels produced by such rules. In some embodiments the system includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of users and communicates wirelessly with breath analysis devices of the users. The mobile application may also communicate with a server-based system that generates the health program recommendations.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 20/70 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mental therapies, e.g. psychological therapy or autogenous training
G16H 50/70 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients
G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
A user device and a breath analysis device (or other types of portable devices) use a pairing and communication protocol that address user convenience and connectivity issues. For example, a breath analysis device is associated with a unique identifier and the unique identifier is associated with an account corresponding to the user. Likewise, a user device is associated with a user device identifier and the user device identifier is associated with the account corresponding to the user. The breath analysis device and the user device can use at least one of the identifiers to determine whether the user device is authorized to pair with the breath analysis device, and vice-versa. If authorized, the breath analysis device and user device can pair with one another. Once paired, the user device may wirelessly communicate with the breath analysis device for various purposes, such as to retrieve and display breath analysis test results.
H04W 76/11 - Allocation or use of connection identifiers
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A system is disclosed that uses profiles of users, including monitored ketone levels of the users, to assess effectiveness levels of health programs (such as weight loss programs) assigned to the users, and to select health program modifications for the users. The system may use a machine learning (artificial intelligence) algorithm to adaptively learn how to classify users and to select messaging and behavioral modifications for the users. For example, in some embodiments the system classifies the users and provides associated health program recommendations using a computer model trained with expert-classified user data records. As another example, a set of rules may be used to generate the health program recommendations and related messaging, and the set of rules may automatically be modified over time based on feedback data reflective of health program effectiveness levels produced by such rules. In some embodiments the system includes a mobile application that runs on mobile devices of users and communicates wirelessly with breath analysis devices of the users. The mobile application may also communicate with a server-based system that generates the health program recommendations.
According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte, such as acetone, in breath. The apparatus includes a conditioning device that dehumidifies a breath sample, a sorbent material that extracts the analyte from the dehumidified breath sample, and a nanoparticle-based sensor. The apparatus produces first and second gas streams that flow over the nanoparticle-based sensor. The first gas stream is used to generate a baseline signal, and the second gas stream is used to carry the extracted analyte from the sorbent material to the nanoparticle-based sensor. Various additional designs of analyte sensing devices are also disclosed.
G01N 33/98 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving alcohol, e.g. ethanol in breath
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
C12Q 1/25 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving enzymes not classifiable in groups
G01N 33/542 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with immune complex formed in liquid phase with steric inhibition or signal modification, e.g. fluorescent quenching
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
35.
Communication system for pairing user devices with medical devices
A user device and a breath analysis device (or other types of portable devices) use a pairing and communication protocol that address user convenience and connectivity issues. For example, a breath analysis device is associated with a unique identifier and the unique identifier is associated with an account corresponding to the user. Likewise, a user device is associated with a user device identifier and the user device identifier is associated with the account corresponding to the user. The breath analysis device and the user device can use at least one of the identifiers to determine whether the user device is authorized to pair with the breath analysis device, and vice-versa. If authorized, the breath analysis device and user device can pair with one another. Once paired, the user device may wirelessly communicate with the breath analysis device for various purposes, such as to retrieve and display breath analysis test results.
A portable system is provided for measuring a ketone, such as an acetone, in the breath or other bodily fluid of a user. The system includes a portable measurement device that analyzes fluid samples and generates corresponding ketone measurements. The portable measurement device communicates with an application which runs on a smartphone or other mobile device of the user. The application tracks, and generates graphs of, the ketone measurements, and may include various features for facilitating the analysis of the measurements.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value
A61B 5/093 - Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity the gases being exhaled into, or inhaled from, an expansible chamber, e.g. bellows or expansible bag
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
37.
Breath analysis device with watch band that holds breath analysis cartridges
A wearable breath analysis device is disclosed that may be worn, for example, around the neck or wrist of a user. The wearable device may be a stand-along device (in which case it may include a display that provides a user interface), or may operate in conjunction with a smartphone or other command device. The wearable device may include auditory and/or vibratory notice and communications features or capabilities, for example, such as a reminder or notice to conduct a breath analyte measurement, instructions to the user in the course of conducting the measurement, and notice of the breath analyte measurement results. The auditory or vibratory notice may be provided at the wearable, and/or at the command device where a command device is used. Related methods also are provided.
Methods and devices are provided for analyzing acetone in breath. One such method comprises disposing a reactant in a reaction zone within the breath analysis device, wherein the reactant comprises a primary amine disposed on a surface, and wherein the reaction zone has an optical characteristic that is at a reference level. It also comprises pre-storing a liquid nitroprusside solution within the breath analysis device separately from the reactant. The method further comprises using the breath analysis device to cause the breath to contact the reactant in the reaction zone so that the acetone in the breath reacts with the reactant to form a reaction product and, after the reaction product has been formed, using the breath analysis device to cause the nitroprusside solution to contact and react with the reaction product and to facilitate a change in the optical characteristic of the reaction zone relative to the reference level. The method also comprises using the breath analysis device to detect the change in the optical characteristic to sense the acetone in the breath. Apparatuses that use these methods are also described.
G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
G01N 21/78 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour
G01N 33/48 - Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
39.
Breath ketone measurement system with analysis unit that communicates with mobile application
A portable system is provided for measuring a ketone, such as an acetone, in the breath or other bodily fluid of a user. The system includes a portable measurement device that analyzes fluid samples and generates corresponding ketone measurements. The portable measurement device communicates with an application which runs on a smartphone or other mobile device of the user. The application tracks, and generates graphs of, the ketone measurements, and may include various features for facilitating the analysis of the measurements.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
G06F 9/451 - Execution arrangements for user interfaces
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G01N 33/64 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving ketones
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
A61B 5/097 - Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
40.
Flow regulation device for breath analysis and related method
A breath capture device for determining the concentration of acetone in a breath sample from a user. In some embodiments, the device includes a controller programmed to use stored data to control flow of a breath sample into an analysis chamber as the user exhales into a port. In other embodiments, the device includes a switch responsive to an action by the user that is operable between a first orientation in which breath entering the port preferentially travels through a second flow path and a second orientation in which breath entering the port preferentially travels through a first flow path. In still other embodiments, the device includes a flow regulator both responsive to user action and operable from a first position in which breath entering a port preferentially travels through a second flow path to a second position in which breath entering the port preferentially travels through a first flow path.
A61B 5/091 - Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
A system is provided that includes a portable measurement device for measuring acetone in a breath sample of a user. The measurement device comprises a housing, a user-direct breath input device for engaging in direct fluid communication with a respiratory tract of the user and receiving the breath sample from the respiratory tract, a flow path disposed within the housing, a nanoparticle-based sensor disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the flow path and at an intermediate location between the upstream end and the downstream end, and a flow control device disposed in the housing and in the flow path between the upstream end and the nanoparticle-based sensor that prevents flow of the breath sample in an upstream direction opposite the downstream direction.
Systems and related methods are provided for measuring a ketone in the fluid of a patient or other user. The systems include a portable measurement device for analyzing a plurality of fluid samples and for generating a corresponding plurality of ketone measurement results. The systems also include an electronic or communications device, for example, such as a cell phone or smartphone, configured to communicate with the measurement device. The system further includes a software application. The systems and related methods according to one aspect provide reminders, preferably interactive reminders that facilitate user compliance with a weight management or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) monitoring or prevention program. The systems and related methods according to another aspect incorporate ketone tags and/or trigger points to improve accuracy of results and to advance user compliance.
Systems and related methods are provided for measuring a ketone in the fluid of a patient or other user. The systems include a portable measurement device for analyzing a plurality of fluid samples and for generating a corresponding plurality of ketone measurement results. The systems also include an electronic or communications device, for example, such as a cell phone or smartphone, configured to communicate with the measurement device. The system further includes a software application. The systems and related methods according to one aspect provide reminders, preferably interactive reminders that facilitate user compliance with a weight management or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) monitoring or prevention program. The systems and related methods according to another aspect incorporate ketone tags and/or trigger points to improve accuracy of results and to advance user compliance.
A61B 5/08 - Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
G06F 9/44 - Arrangements for executing specific programs
G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
44.
Thermoelectric sensor for analytes in a fluid and related method
An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid collecting device configured to collect the fluid containing the analyte; a fluid input in fluid communication with the fluid collecting device configured to input the fluid containing the analyte into the fluid collecting device, an analyte interactant in fluid communication with the fluid collecting device, wherein the analyte interactant, when contacted by the analyte, reacts to cause a first change in thermal energy within the fluid collecting device; a modulator that causes a second change in thermal energy; a thermal sensing device comprising at least one pyroelectric device thermally coupled to the fluid collecting device to generate a first signal in response to at least one of the first change in thermal energy and the second change in thermal energy; a control device operatively coupled to the thermal sensing device and the modulator that generates a second signal, wherein the second signal comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte. A related method also is disclosed.
G01N 33/497 - Physical analysis of biological material of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath
G01N 21/35 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
G01N 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
G01N 15/02 - Investigating particle size or size distribution
G01N 1/22 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
G01N 31/22 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroups; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
G01N 21/78 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour
G01D 1/06 - Measuring arrangements giving results other than momentary value of variable, of general application giving integrated values by intermittent summation
An apparatus for sensing at least one analyte in a gas. The apparatus includes a thermoelectric sensor having a layer of at least one analyte interactant that increases or decreases in temperature and at least one thermopile having a first contact pad and a second contact pad, wherein the analyte contacts the interactant and produces or consumes heat, which is transmitted to the thermopile, produces a voltage difference and measures the analyte.
G01N 31/22 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroups; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
G01N 31/00 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroups; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods
46.
Enzyme-based system and sensor for measuring acetone
Described are enzyme systems specific for acetone and methods of using these enzyme systems to detect acetone in biological or environmental samples. Biosensors containing these enzyme systems are disclosed, in which detection of acetone may be achieved by linking electrochemical, photometric, or other detection means to one or more acetone-specific enzyme reactions or pathways. Methods of using such acetone-specific biosensors include subject management of weight loss, disease detection, and bioavailability monitoring of therapeutics.
C12N 9/04 - Oxidoreductases (1.), e.g. luciferase acting on CHOH groups as donors, e.g. glucose oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase (1.1)
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
C07H 21/04 - Compounds containing two or more mononucleotide units having separate phosphate or polyphosphate groups linked by saccharide radicals of nucleoside groups, e.g. nucleic acids with deoxyribosyl as saccharide radical
C12P 21/04 - Cyclic or bridged peptides or polypeptides, e.g. bacitracin
C12N 15/00 - Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
patents