Patent ID: 6899683
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. An indirect calorimeter, comprising: a disposable portion having a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with a subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases as said subject breathes; a flow pathway within said disposable portion operable to receive and pass said inhaled and exhaled gases, said flow pathway having a first end in fluid communication with said respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink for respiratory gases; a reusable portion having a housing with a recess defined therein for receiving said disposable portion; a flow meter within said housing configured to generate electrical signals as a function of an instantaneous flow volume of said inhaled and exhaled gases passing through said flow pathway; a component gas concentration sensor within said housing operable to generate electrical signals as a function of an instantaneous fraction of a predetermined component gas in said exhaled gases passing through said flow pathway; and a computation unit operable within said housing to receive said electrical signals from said flow meter and said concentration sensor and to calculate at least one respiratory parameter for said subject as said subject breathes through said calorimeter.