Abstract: A calorimeter configured to determine a metabolic rate of an individual based on measurements of the individual's respiration. The calorimeter includes an inlet, a flow sensor, a mixing chamber, a gas sensor, and a calibrator. Each of these elements is located along a flow path through the calorimeter. The calibrator of the calorimeter includes a fan that is configured to force calibration gases, such as room air, through or past the gas sensor. A cardiac rate monitor is associated with a processor of the calorimeter. The processor is configured to substantially simultaneously determine and establish a relationship between the cardiac rate of the individual and the measured respiratory parameters or the metabolic rate of the individual. Data representative of this relationship may be communicated to a processor or memory of a portable calorimeter to be subsequently used by the individual.

Abstract: A peak flow monitoring system having a base unit and a flowhead. The flowhead is designed for roll and snap connection to the base unit so as to be easily removable therefrom after use for ease of cleaning and storage. A gasket compressed between the flowhead and a pressure transducer housed in the base unit forms a pneumatic seal between the two when the flowhead is connected to the base unit, providing a minimal dead volume therebetween. Pressure in the flowhead generated by patient exhalation therethrough is measured by the base unit pressure transducer and a microprocessor computes pulmonary function parameter values from the transducer output for storage and display. The base unit display function includes text-based, customizable, reconfigurable patient symptom and medication queries. Methods of system assembly, disassembly and operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using the pressure of the surgical cuff installed surrounding an endotracheal tubes or the flow rate therethrough in the calculation of parameters in lung mechanics.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor for measuring respiratory gas flow including a tubular housing having a bore containing a diametrically-oriented, longitudinally extending strut containing first and second lumens having longitudinally spaced pressure ports at axially spaced locations of the strut, the ports being located on opposite sides of a bore restriction.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor for measuring respiratory gas flow including a tubular housing containing a diametrically-oriented, longitudinally extending strut containing first and second lumens having longitudinally-spaced pressure ports opening into respective axially-located notches at each end of the strut.

Abstract: A pressure differential flowmeter for respiratory flow measurement having enhanced signal processing. The non-linear nature of the signal generated by the differential pressure transducer is accommodated over a wide range of flows via a bank of amplifiers having differing gains, while baseline drift is compensated for by a combined analog and digital auto-referencing technique.