Respiration detector
US4648396A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/7239
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for apnea detection is disclosed which features an infrared source and detector pair disposed on opposite sides of a cuvette through which the gas stream inhaled and exhaled by a patient is passed. The amount of CO.sub.2 in the exhaled stream is compared with that in the inhaled stream. Where the difference is greater than a predetermined amount, a breath is taken to be detected, thus avoiding the necessity of calibration of the apparatus against any absolute reference standard. The apparatus is disclosed in an inexpensive, readily manufacturable embodiment which is nevertheless highly immune to noise and highly sophisticated in the signal processing circuitry employed in detection of breathing. The apparatus additionally provides signals indicating obstruction in or detachment of the lines connecting the patient to the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.