Apparatus and method for respiratory monitoring
US5309921A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 10, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/925
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A passive, non-invasive, non-contacting apparatus and method for monitoring the respiration of a subject within a monitored environment is disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of sensors which detect changes in infrared energy. The first sensor detects changes in infrared energy which signifies and corresponds to changes in the monitored environments of a component to be monitored and generates a first signal. The second sensor detects changes in infrared energy which signifies reference infrared energy in the monitored environment and generates a second signal. A processing system converts the first and second signals into a third signal which signifies the concentration of the monitored component in the monitored environment. The monitored components may be CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O or a constituent of exhaled breath such as a ketone, amino acid, insulin or pintane. In another embodiment of the invention changes in blood pH may be monitored by adding an additional sensor. Micromotion of the subject's body may also be monitored in yet another embodiment through the use of a single sensor together with an appropriate processing system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.