Portable unit for metabolic analysis

US11129546B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

• Daniel L. Dietrich · Westlake, US
• Jeffrey R. Juergens · Parma Heights, US
• Mark E. Lewis · Mansfield, US
• Nancy C. Piltch · Olmsted Falls, US
• Michael J. Lichter · Strongsville, US
• Russel W. Valentine · Wadsworth, US
• Dale M. Diedrick · Elyria, US
• Richard Pettegrew · Parma Heights, US
• Peter M. Struk · North Olmsted, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 2018
• Grant date: Sep 28, 2021
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N33/497
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A portable unit for metabolic analysis includes a manifold in fluid communication with a mouth of a test subject. A conduit extends from the manifold and defines a flow channel through which the breaths of the test subject travels. A carbon dioxide sensor is attached to the conduit. The carbon dioxide sensor includes an intermediate support housing enclosing a volume disposed along the flow channel to define a first part of the flow channel, an inner support housing attached to a first side of the intermediate support housing, a plurality of IR LEDs mounted to an interior surface of the inner support housing, an outer support housing attached to a second side of the intermediate support housing, and a photodetector attached to the outer support housing. The photodetector faces the flow channel and receives IR radiation emitted by the plurality of LEDs.