Method and apparatus for intelligent flow sensors
US10806373B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/28
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.