US4441505A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sensing device for human lung exhalation/inhalation air flow measurement
Assignee: KINETICS MEASUREMENT CORP
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Filing: 1982-01-11
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Granted: 1984-04-10
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Expires: 2002-01-11
Abstract
Abstract A spirometer is provided having an air flow path with a housing extending between the ends of a container. A paddle wheel rotor rotates within a cavity and partially cuts across the flow path to define an air gap. The ratio of the cross sectional area of the air gap to the inlet to the flow path is approximately 1:3. A light source/detector is activated by a chopper wheel coaxially mounted with the rotor and adapted to rotate therewith. The detector generates a train of pulses proportional to the rotation of the rotor which in turn is proportional to the volume of air flowing through the air path.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond A. Edwards
- 👤 Keith F. Edwards
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/06; G01F1/065; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/08; A61B5/087; A61B5/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A spirometer comprising: a container having a top end cap and a bottom end cap; an opening in said top end cap and an opening in said bottom end cap; an air flow housing positioned within said container extending between said end caps; an air flow path extending longitudinally through said housing, said path terminating at one end in an air inlet communicating with said opening in said top end cap and at the opposite end in an outlet communicating with said opening in said bottom end cap; an arcuate cavity in said housing communicating with said flow path and extending transversely thereto; a multi-blade paddle wheel type rotor mounted coaxially with said cavity for rotation within said housing with the blades of said rotor extending partially across said flow path; an air gap defined between the ends of the blades and the housing, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of said air gap to said inlet being approximately 1:3; and, means for counting the rotations of said rotor when air is inhaled or exhaled through said top end cap opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A spirometer comprising: a container having a top end cap and a bottom end cap; an opening in said top end cap and an opening in said bottom end cap; an air flow housing positioned within said container extending between said end caps; an air flow path extending longitudinally through said housing, said path terminating at one end in an air inlet communicating with said opening in said top end cap and at the opposite end in an outlet communicating with said opening in said bottom end cap; an arcuate cavity in said housing communicating with said flow path and extending transversely thereto; a multi-blade paddle wheel type rotor mounted coaxially with said cavity for rotation within said housing with the blades of said rotor extending partially across said flow path; an air gap defined between the ends of the blades and the housing, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of said air gap to said inlet being approximately 1:3; and, means for counting the rotations of said rotor when air is inhaled or exhaled through said top end cap opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
81 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said counting means comprises a shaft extending axially through said rotor for rotation therewith; an extension of said shaft extending beyond a sidewall of said housing; a light chopper wheel secured to said extension for rotation therewith; a light source and light detector mounted on opposite sides of said light chopper wheel, means for generating an electrical pulse in response to the output of said light detector, and means for counting said pulses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a mouthpiece stem communicating with said top end cap opening and a disposable mouthpiece mounted on said stem.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention in accordance with claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said arcuate cavity describes an arc greater than 180°.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention in accordance with claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said end caps are parallel to each other and said flow path extends perpendicular to said caps.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention in accordance with claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the blades of said rotor are identical and each of said blades tapers as it extends radially outwardly.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-04-10 | 1987-10-10 | 1988-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-04-10 | 1991-10-10 | 1992-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-04-10 | 1995-10-10 | 1996-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |