Metabolic gas monitoring apparatus and method
US4572208A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1985 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/083
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Metabolic gas monitoring apparatus and methods for measuring the metabolic rate in patients. The apparatus includes separate inlets for a calibration gas, inspired gas, and expired gas, and means for alternately introducing each gaseous sample into a thermoelectric cooler. The cooler is configured with relatively narrow passageways so as to contain a minimal amount of gaseous volume therein and thus provides for a more dynamic response time and for more accurate measurements. The apparatus further includes a carbon dioxide sensor and an oxygen sensor for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen, respectively, in the gaseous samples, and a microprocessor for comparing the measured concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the inspired gas and expired gas and for calculating the metabolic rate. Preferably, the oxygen sensor has a zirconium oxide differential electrode and a substantially equal pressure is maintained in a sample chamber and a reference chamber of the oxygen sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.