DUI-DWI and Breathalyzer Machine Test

The first Breathalyzer machine was invented by Robert F. Borkenstein in the early 1950s. Introduced in 1954, the original Breathalyzer was the first breath test machine to gain widespread use and attention. Because of this, the generic term “breathalyzer” is widely used by the general public (and by some courts) as a moniker for breath testing instruments generally. In actuality, Breathalyzer is a brand name and a registered trademark, and is but one of several brands or makes of breath testing instruments used in the United States.Breathalyzer breath testing instruments were originally manufactured and sold by the Stevenson Chemical Corporation of Red Bank, New Jersey. The rights to such instruments were subsequently acquired by the Smith and Wesson Electronics Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, which manufactured and sold Breathalyzer breath testing instruments until 1984, when the rights to such instruments were acquired by National Draeger, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of Draegerwerke of West Germany. National Draeger, Inc. is the present manufacturer and distributor of Breathalyzer breath testing instruments in the United States.Five models of Breathalyzer machines are currently used in the United States. The earliest model now in use is the Model 900, followed in order by the Model 900A, the Model 1000, the Model 1100, and the Model 2000. The Models 900, 900A, 1000 and 1100 employ the wet chemical process, while Model 2000 employs infrared spectrophotometry (or infrared absorption). Of the wet chemical models, only the Model 900A is still in production. All other models have been discontinued. However, they are still in use in some jurisdictions.All Breathalyzer wet chemical breath testing instruments (i.e., the Models 900, 900A, 1000, and 1100) are similar in design and concept.

The principal difference between the models is the degree of automation incorporated into the instrument. The Model 900, being the earliest Breathalyzer machine, is the least automated, and the Model 1000 is the most automated. Automation, of course, reduces the functions of the instrument operator and thereby reduces the risk of operator error and manipulation. The detrimental aspects of automation are that the electronic gear necessary for automation renders an instrument more vulnerable to radio frequency interference, and automation tends to produce operators who are less likely to understand how an instrument functions and less able to detect malfunctions.An experienced DUI attorney will be familiar with all possible Breathalyzer defenses and how to best utilize them for ease case to fight for your legal rights. If you were arrested for DUI-DWI and took a breath test, contact a dedicated DUI trial attorney today for a free case obligation.