Cartridge based breath alcohol calibration device

A calibration device for a breath alcohol testing device, wherein the calibration device comprises:

• a pump configured to provide a controlled flow of air at a predetermined rate;
• a chamber in fluid communication with the pump and adapted to receive the flow of air from the pump;
• an outlet opening in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to allow the flow of air to exit the chamber;
• and
• heating means configured to heat the chamber and/or outlet opening to a predetermined temperature and to maintain the predetermined temperature during operation of the pump,
• wherein the calibration device is configured to be releasably connected to or brought in fluid communication with a breath alcohol testing device such that the flow of air exiting the outlet opening is passed into the breath alcohol testing device,
• wherein the calibration device is adapted to receive a sealed cartridge containing a predetermined concentration of alcohol in the chamber and further comprises a lid for opening/closing the chamber and co-operating with means for piercing the sealed cartridge to pierce the cartridge upon closing of the lid such that the flow of air provided by the pump to the chamber will pass through the cartridge, thereby providing a sample containing the predetermined concentration of alcohol to the breath alcohol testing device.

A method of calibrating a breath alcohol testing device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a calibration device configured to be releasably connected to or brought in fluid communication with a breath alcohol testing device;
• wherein the calibration device comprises:
• a pump configured to provide a controlled flow of air at a predetermined rate;
• a chamber in fluid communication with the pump and adapted to receive the flow of air from the pump;
• an outlet opening in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to allow the flow of air to exit the chamber;
• and
• a lid for opening/closing the chamber and co-operating with means for piercing a sealed cartridge;
• heating at least one of the chamber or outlet opening to a predetermined temperature;
• inserting a sealed cartridge containing a predetermined concentration of alcohol into the chamber of the calibration device and piercing the sealed cartridge by closing the lid such that the flow of air provided by the pump to the chamber will pass through the cartridge;
• operating the pump to provide a flow of air through the cartridge while maintaining the predetermined temperature during operation of the pump;
• and
• passing the flow of air, containing the predetermined concentration of alcohol, exiting the outlet opening into the breath alcohol testing device.