Abstract: A lightweight and portable volumetric spirometer for measuring the volume of and rate of flow of air inhaled by human lungs. The device includes a movable piston within a first transparent cylindrical chamber provided with calibrated markings along its surface for measuring the volume of air withdrawn from the chamber. The first chamber communicates with a breathing tube assembly through which the user inhales. The breathing tube assembly is uniquely adapted so that the inhaled air flow is divided into two fixed portions, one portion of which comes from the chamber, the other portion of which comes from a second chamber communicating with the outside atmosphere. As air is inhaled, the piston rises to a height that can be related to the total volume inhaled. Preferably, there is a counterweight in the second chamber which also rises during inhalation to counterbalance the resistance to movement of the piston and which gives an indication of the rate of inhalation.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable volumetric spirometer for measuring the volume of and rate of flow of air inhaled by human lungs. The device includes a movable piston within a first transparent cylindrical chamber provided with calibrated markings along its surface for measuring the volume of air withdrawn from the chamber. The first chamber communicates with a breathing tube assembly through which the user inhales. The breathing tube assembly is uniquely adapted so that the inhaled air flow is divided into two fixed portions, one portion of which comes from the chamber, the other portion of which comes from a second chamber communicating with the outside atmosphere. As air is inhaled, the piston rises to a height that can be related to the total volume inhaled. Preferably, there is a counterweight in the second chamber which also rises during inhalation to counter-balance the resistance to movement of the piston and which gives an indication of the rate of inhalation.

Abstract: A dual valve for an inhalation device which permits air to be withdrawn from the device upon inhalation but which prevents the flow of air into the device upon exhalation. The valve includes a central opening in communication with the device, and a plurality of openings about the central opening in communication with the surrounding environment. The valve also includes a central flexible flapper valve which extends across and controls the flow of air through the central opening, and a plurality of outer flexible flapper valves which extend across and control the flow of air through the outer openings.In use, inhalation by a user opens the central flexible flapper valve to allow the free flow of air from the inhalation device while the outer flapper valves remain closed. Correspondingly, exhalation by the user opens the outer flexible flapper valves from their seats to exhaust air to the surrounding atmosphere while the central flexible valve remains closed.

Abstract: A thermometer comprising: a molded plastic body member having a recess in one side forming a reservoir for a temperature indicating fluid and a relatively wide capillary passageway in fluid communication with the reservoir. Adjacent the capillary passageway is temperature indicating indicia. There is a relatively thin metal lid which seals the reservoir and conducts heat rapidly to the temperature indicating fluid when the thermometer is in use. The invention includes means for retaining the temperature indicating fluid in position so that the temperature can be read and recorded after the thermometer has been removed from a patient. There are several embodiments of the temperature indicating retaining means and these embodiments utilize air at atmospheric pressure to prevent the regression of the temperature indicating fluid into the reservoir after the thermometer has been removed from a patient.

Abstract: An absorbent strip of material is carried for movement between a blocking position and a clearance position relative to the discharge of a valve actuator to provide for prolonged evaporative dispensing or direct dispensing of aerosol product, such as room deodorizer, to the atmosphere. The absorbent strip is carried in an annular groove defined by a plurality of vertical ribs on a carrier member, which is rotatable for movement into and out of alignment with the discharge outlet.