Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a respiratory quotient are described. In one embodiment, a respiratory gas exchange monitor includes a respiratory gas conduit, a respiratory gas flow meter coupled to the respiratory gas conduit, and a respiratory gas sensor coupled to the respiratory gas conduit. The respiratory gas exchange monitor also includes a computation unit coupled to the respiratory gas flow meter and the respiratory gas sensor. The computation unit is configured to process outputs of the respiratory gas flow meter and the respiratory gas sensor to determine an amount of carbon dioxide produced by a subject and an amount of oxygen consumed by the subject, and the computation unit is configured to determine a respiratory quotient of the subject based on the amount of carbon dioxide produced and the amount of oxygen consumed.

Abstract: A respiratory analyzer comprises a flow module, having a flow tube through which the flow rate of gases is determined using a flow rate meter, and a computation module, in communication with the flow module, operable to determine a flow rate of respired gases. The computation module may also be operable to determine a metabolic rate of the subject.

Abstract: Various physiological monitor modules are provided for use with computing devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs). In some embodiments, the personal digital assistant provides the controls, display, and processing circuitry for the physiological monitor module. The personal digital assistant stores data from the physiological monitors so that the data may be used in various software applications. In other embodiments, the physiological monitor and the personal digital assistant include accessory slots sized to accept memory modules which may be used to transfer data therebetween. In yet other embodiments, the physiological monitors include data storage but do not include onboard processing capability, and data is transferred to a personal digital assistant either during or after use of the physiological monitor.

Abstract: A method of assisting a person to achieve a weight control goal comprises determining a resting energy expenditure for the person using an indirect calorimeter, and converting the resting energy expenditure of the person into a number of resting points. The activity level of the person can be monitored or estimated, and converted into a number of activity points. The sum of activity points and resting points can be compared with the number of diet points consumed by the person, wherein the diet points are calculated based on calorie content and other nutritional values. The balance of these weight control points can be presented to a person, so as to assist the person succeed in a weight control program.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an individualized drug dosage is provided. The system includes a metabolic rate sensing means for sensing the metabolic rate of the individual. The system also includes a computing device having a processor, a memory, an input device, and a display device. The system further includes a data storage means operatively in communication with the processor, and the data storage means includes a drug database containing drug dosage data. The method includes the steps of determining a standardized dosage for a drug. The method also includes the steps of measuring the actual metabolic rate of the individual and determining a metabolic comparison factor by comparing the measured actual metabolic rate to a predetermined standard metabolic rate. The method further includes the steps of adjusting the standardized drug dosage using the comparison factor.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic activity of a subject includes a respiratory connector operative to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases therethrough as the subject breathes, and a flow tube forming a flow pathway for passing inhaled and exhaled gases therethrough, wherein one end of the flow tube is operatively connected to the respiratory connector and the other end of the flow tube is open, and a wall of the flow tube includes an opening. The indirect calorimeter also includes a flow meter adapted to generate a signal as a function of the instantaneous volume of inhaled and exhaled gases in the flow pathway that is in fluid communication with the flow pathway via the opening in the flow tube, and an oxygen sensor operative to generate a signal as a function of the instantaneous fraction of oxygen in the inhaled and exhaled gases in the flow pathway that is in fluid communication with the flow pathway via the opening in the flow tube.

Abstract: A system for assisting a person to maintain a blood glucose level between predetermined limits comprises: an electronic device, comprising a display, a clock, a memory, and a processor; and a software program executable by the processor of the electronic device, adapted to receive nutritional data of food consumed by the person, adapted to calculate the blood glucose level for the person using the nutritional data and a glycemic response model for the person, and further adapted to present the blood glucose level to the person on the display of the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable computing device for assisting a person to locate a food retailer in view of a food preference of the person comprises a display; a wireless transceiver for communication with a communications network; a position location device; and a software application program adapted to transmit the food preference and the location of the person to a remote computer system over a communications network, to receive data from the remote computer, and to display food retail locations and menu lists complying with the food preference to the person on the display of the computing device.

Abstract: A respiratory analyzer for a person comprises a flow path through which the person breathes; a metabolic rate meter, providing a metabolic rate for the person; a ketone sensor, providing a ketone signal related to the concentration of respiratory components correlated with a level of ketone bodies in exhalations of the person; a display; and an electronic circuit, receiving the ketone signal and the metabolic data, and providing a visual indication of the metabolic rate and the ketone signal to the person on the display. The respiratory analyzer can be used in an improved exercise management program for the person.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted device for assisting a person to maintain a calorie balance goal comprises a processor; a display; a product identifier input mechanism; an activity level input receiving an activity level signal correlated with the physical activity level of the person; a resting metabolic rate input mechanism; a database correlating product identifiers with nutritional data; and a calorie management algorithm, adapted to calculate a calorie balance from the calorie values of foods consumed, the resting metabolic rate, and the activity level signal, and to present the calorie balance to the person on the display. Embodiments of the wirst-mounted device are also useful in blood glucose control.

Abstract: An improved respiratory analyzer comprises a disposable flow module and non-disposable electronics module. An improved ventilator system comprises a supply of respiratory gases, a ventilator line for directing the respiratory gases to a patient, a flow module holder located in series with the ventilator line into which a flow module can be inserted, and an electronics module which connects to the flow module. In a preferred embodiment, the flow module and electronics module operate in combination to provide the functionality of an indirect calorimeter, so as to determine the metabolic rate of the patient. Feeding of an intubated patient can be controlled using determined patient metabolic rates. Other respiratory parameters can be determined by the system, such as peak flow, tidal volume, end-tidal concentrations, and respiratory quotient. The system provides a non-invasive method of cardiac output determination. A flow module can also be inserted into the mouth or internal respiratory tube of a person.

Abstract: An indirect calorimetry system includes transducers sensitive to expired airflow that are enclosed within a calorimeter housing, and a microprocessor in communication with the transducers for calculating expiration characteristics. A graphical display displays the expiration characteristics. A communication link transmits expiration characteristics to external devices such as a computer, communication network, or PDA.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the subject's oxygen consumption per unit time employs a mouthpiece through which the subject breathes for a period of time. Conduits connect the mouthpiece to a flow meter and a capnometer so that the subject's inhalations and exhalations pass through the flow meter and the exhalations also pass through the capnometer. Electrical signals from the flow meter and capnometer are provided to a computer which calculates the CO2 exhaled by the subject during the test by integrating the instantaneous CO2 content of an exhalation as measured by the capnometer over the volume as measured by the flow meter and subtracts that quantity from the exhaled volume and subtracts their difference from the inhaled volume. In alternative embodiments the system can also measure the subject's Cardiac Output and Delivered Oxygen.

Abstract: A respiratory gas analyzer for measuring the cardiac output of a subject includes a flow meter and an oxygen sensor interconnected with one another between a mouthpiece and a source of respiratory gases which may be a controlled source or the atmosphere. An oximeter provides measurements of the oxygen saturation of the subject. A computer connected to receive the signals from the flow meter, oxygen sensor, and oximeter can then calculate the subject's cardiac output.

Abstract: A respiratory nitric oxide meter includes a respiratory connector designed to be supported in contact with a subject and to pass respiratory gases as the subject breathes. A flow pathway receives and passes the respiration gases. One end of the pathway is in fluid communication with the respiratory connector, and the other end is in fluid communication with a reservoir of respiratory gases. A nitric oxide concentration sensor generates electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous fraction of nitric oxide as the respiration gases pass through the flow pathway.

Abstract: A speech recognition module for a personal digital assistant comprises: a module housing designed to engage with an accessory feature of the PDA, such as an accessory slot; a microphone for receiving speech commands from the person; and a speech recognition system. A corresponding electrical speech command signal is communicated to the portable computing device, allowing control of the operation of a software application program running on the portable computing device. In particular, menu items can be selected for generation of a diet log for the person, for example during a weight control program.

Abstract: A system and method for remote pregnancy monitoring of a pregnant woman is provided. The system includes an ultrasound transducer positioned on a pregnant woman having a processor, a transmitter and a receiver, and a personal digital assistant operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer via a communication link. The system also includes a patient computer system operatively connected to the personal digital assistant via a second communication link. The system further includes a healthcare provider computer system operatively connected to the patient computer system via an internet, and activation of the ultrasound transducer generates a data signal transmitted to the personal digital assistant via the communication link, and transmission of the signal to the healthcare provider computer system via the second communication link, for monitoring the pregnant woman by a healthcare provider.

Abstract: A sensor system for diagnosing dental conditions includes a sensor unit which is in contact with an oral fluid such as saliva or gas, and which is operative to provide detectable signals indicative of at least two of hydrogen ion concentration, hydroxyl ion concentration, calcium, phosphate, sulfur, sulfur containing compounds, nitrogen containing compounds, microbial metabolites, and microbes. The system includes a signal processor which is in communication with the sensor unit and which operates to provide a processed signal indicative of one or more dental conditions. The signal processor transmits the processed signal to a storage and display device which displays a user detectable diagnostic message indicative of a dental condition, or suggestive of a remedial action.

Abstract: A caloric management system and method for assisting a plurality of users to implement a caloric management program personal to each user by providing a personal user device for each user, and a data processor at a remote location in communication with the personal user devices. Each personal user device includes a microphone, a personal identification device, a display, and a two-way communication system with respect to the data processor at the remote location. The data processor at the remote location includes a food lookup table containing data representing various quantified food items and the caloric intake value of each. A voice recognition circuit, preferably in the user data file for each personal user device in the data processor at the remote location, analyzes speech messages by the users to identify consumed food items.