Patent · US Expired

Spirometer with multi-stage fixed orifice

US4991591A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
18References
8Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 22, 1989
Grant dateFeb 12, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 22, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B5/097
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A spirometer for measuring breathing functions of a human subject includes a housing and a hollow elongate body with a first opening through which the subject inhales or exhales, a second opening through which the breath enters the elongate body when the subject inhales or discharges from the body when the subject exhales, and a third opening disposed between said first and second openings. The spirometer also includes a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the third opening of the elongate body. This transducer measures the pressure of the breath moving through the elongate body. A plug member disposed proximate the second opening of the elongate body closes a predetermined portion of the second opening when the rate of flow of the breath through the elongate body reaches a predetermined level.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.