Inhalation detection apparatus
US4727886A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/0813
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for detecting and indicating the commencement of inhalation by a patient under test includes a housing through which a gas flow due to the inhalation is directed. A light source and a light receptor positioned adjacent to transparent portions of the housing define a light path between them which transversely intersects the gas flow, the receptor being adapted to provide an output signal in response to incident light from the source. A movably positioned vane mounted inside the housing and normally biased to a position substantially clear of the light path, moves to a position progressively blocking the light path upon commencement of gas flow due to inhalation. Means responsive to a change in the receptor output signal resulting from blockage of the light path provides indication of the flow due to the inhalation commencement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.