Abstract: A method for objectively reproducing a dysphagia diet comprising the steps of selecting a quantifiable food characteristic (QFC) having a numerical value that can be objectively measured; selecting a testing device capable of measuring the QFC value; selecting a sample food having a QFC value; using the testing device to measure the QFC value of the sample food; and determining whether the measured QFC value of the sample food fails within a quantifiable dysphagia diet range.

Abstract: A method for objectively reproducing a dysphagia diet comprising the steps of selecting a quantifiable food characteristic (QFC) having a numerical value that can be objectively measured; selecting a testing device capable of measuring the QFC value; selecting a sample food having a QFC value; using the testing device to measure the QFC value of the sample food; and determining whether the measured QFC value of the sample food fails within a quantifiable dysphagia diet range.

Abstract: A flow rate timing apparatus including a chute, planar surface, or tube with a first portion and a second portion enabling a flowable substance to flow between the first portion and the second portion. A first liquid detector located proximate the first portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the first liquid sensor, and a second liquid sensor located proximate the second portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the second liquid sensor. A timing circuit is connected to the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor, wherein the timing circuit determines amount of time for a flowable substance to flow between the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor.

Abstract: A flow rate timing apparatus including a chute, planar surface, or tube with a first portion and a second portion enabling a flowable substance to flow between the first portion and the second portion. A first liquid detector located proximate the first portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the first liquid sensor, and a second liquid sensor located proximate the second portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the second liquid sensor. A timing circuit is connected to the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor, wherein the timing circuit determines amount of time for a flowable substance to flow between the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring device having a housing for enclosing and preventing a removable ramp from being exposed to ambient light. The ramp includes an upper transparent section and a lower transparent section enabling a flowable substance to flow therebetween. A timing circuit connected to a first photo detector and a second photo detector below transparent sections of the ramp determines amount of time for a flowable substance to flow between the first photo detector and the second photo detector. Artificial light sources above the photo detectors are included within the housing.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring device having a housing for enclosing and preventing a removable ramp from being exposed to ambient light. The ramp includes an upper transparent section and a lower transparent section enabling a flowable substance to flow therebetween. A timing circuit connected to a first photo detector and a second photo detector below transparent sections of the ramp determines amount of time for a flowable substance to flow between the first photo detector and the second photo detector. Artificial light sources above the photo detectors are included within the housing.