Abstract: Disposable air tubes having tracking information disposed thereon or disclosed. Spirometers for reading the tracking information on the disposable air tubes are also disclosed. The tracking information automatically ensures that air tubes are not re-used among different patients. The tracking information thus reduces or eliminates cross-contamination between patients and increases the accuracy of spirometry readings by reducing condensation buildup within the disposable air tubes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 17, 1997
Date of Patent:
December 7, 1999
Assignee:
Desert Moon Development Limited Partnership
Abstract: Disclosed is an air tube for use in a spirometer. This air tube is disposable and is at least partially, preferably completely, biodegradable, so that is can be economically produced and discarded after use by a single spirometer user. Cross-patient contamination and expensive sterilization procedures are thus avoided. In addition, making this air tube biodegradable allows for the use of plentiful and inexpensive materials of construction, such as cardboard, paper, biodegradable polymers and the like, and reduces the environmental burden caused by disposing of this component.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 12, 1998
Date of Patent:
November 9, 1999
Assignee:
Desert Moon Development - Limited Partnership
Abstract: The present air tubes include a resistive element which is located in the hollow space of the tubular portion. This resistive element is adapted for providing a linear resistance-versus-pressure response is sized and adapted to cause a pressure difference or differential as air flows in the hollow space across this element. The resistive element includes a planar member having a first face and a second face, and a circular parameter connecting the first face to the second face. An aperture is formed in a center of the planar member for connecting the first face to the second face. A plurality of slots in the planar member extend radially from the aperture, thereby forming a plurality of hinged windows in the planar member. Each of the slots includes a central end and a distal end. The resistive element further includes a plurality of hinge slots. Each hinge slot is connected to a distal end of a slot, and extends generally perpendicularly to an axis of the slot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 1996
Date of Patent:
April 28, 1998
Assignee:
Desert Moon Development Limited Partnership
Abstract: Disclosed is an air tube for use in a spirometer. This air tube is disposable and is at least partially, preferably completely, biodegradable, so that is can be economically produced and discarded after use by a single spirometer user. Cross-patient contamination and expensive sterilization procedures are thus avoided. In addition, making this air tube biodegradable allows for the use of plentiful and inexpensive materials of construction, such as cardboard, paper, biodegradable polymers and the like, and reduces the environmental burden caused by disposing of this component.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 28, 1996
Date of Patent:
April 7, 1998
Assignee:
Desert Moon Development Limited Partnership
Abstract: The present air tubes include a resistive element which is located in the hollow space of the tubular portion. This resistive element is adapted for providing a linear resistance-versus-pressure response is sized and adapted to cause a pressure difference or differential as air flows in the hollow space across this element. The resistive element includes a planar member having a first face and a second face, and a circular parameter connecting the first face to the second face. An aperture is formed in a center of the planar member for connecting the first face to the second face. A plurality of slots in the planar member extend radially from the aperture, thereby forming a plurality of hinged windows in the planar member. Each of the slots includes a central end and a distal end. The resistive element further includes a plurality of hinge slots. Each hinge slot is connected to a distal end of a slot, and extends generally perpendicularly to an axis of the slot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 1996
Date of Patent:
February 10, 1998
Assignee:
Desert Moon Development Limited Partnership