Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for measuring nasal air flow. The apparatus includes a head for interacting with at least one of the nasal cavities of a patient. The head has a measuring chamber through which air is inhaled into and exhaled from the nasal cavity. A resistance wire is positioned within the measuring chamber with the path of air flow. There is also a current generator electrically connected to the resistance wire for providing a constant current through the resistance wire such that the resistance wire is heated. The apparatus further includes means for analyzing change in voltage across the resistance wire over time such that air flow through the measuring chamber is determined. The analyzing means is electrically connected to the resistance wire. There are also means for displaying the determined air flow. The present invention is also a method for measuring nasal air flow.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 30, 1992
Date of Patent:
January 18, 1994
Assignees:
Robert K. Einhorn, Jerzy Einhorn, Yosef P. Krespi, Ansel M. Schwartz
Inventors:
Robert K. Einhorn, Istvan Szoke, Jerzy Einhorn, Yosef P. Krespi