Method and apparatus for monitoring respiration
US4308872A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B7/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are shown for monitoring respiration volumes by continuously measuring, while the patient breathes, variations in the patient's chest cross sectional area, or preferably, variations in both chest and abdomen areas. Each area is measured by measuring the inductance of an extensible electrical conductor closely looped around the body, by connecting the loop as the inductance in a variable frequency LC oscillator followed by a frequency-to-voltage converter and a voltage display. Calibration is made by measuring the area variations for a few breaths while directly measuring corresponding volumes of breath, preferably while the patient assumes at least two body positions, for example sitting and supine. The method and apparatus may also be used to monitor changes in area of any non-magnetic object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.