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. 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. The relays receive a signal, through
the base unit microprocessor, from the handset microprocessor which has
calculated the blood alcohol content of a breath sample introduced into
the handset by the vehicle operator. A breath sampling housing is
enclosed within the handset in axial alignment with an intake port of the
handset. A water filter and valve are positioned upstream from an
electrochemical fuel cell. The fuel cell is coupled to the
microprocessor. A pressure transducer measures the pressure of the breath
sample. The handset microprocessor calculates a pressure offset through
an algorithmic equation and applies the offset to the variable reading
across the fuel cell to provide a normalized blood alcohol content
measurement.