Volume calculator for incentive spirometer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS.
1 through 5 show how the device of the present invention is intended to function in conjunction with a spirometer.
For convenience the device of the present invention may often be referred to herein as the counter.
This designation should be distinguished from the discussion at a later point, wherein reference is made to an electronic processing device or counting device used as a timing means, which is contained within the microprocessor.
The present invention comprises a counter 8, more particularly shown in FIG.
1.
The counter comprises primarily two portions.
The first portion is the main body 10, the second portion is the detector housing 12 which protrudes from the upper front portion of the main body 10.
Immediately above the detector housing are two display windows, a left display window 14 and a right display window 16.
In order that the data displayed within these windows is more easily readable, there is provided a light shield 17 which extends outward from the body 10 and reduces the amount of light striking the windows.
The detector housing 12 is provided with a downward opening cavity designed for mating engagement with a spirometer 18 which permits the counter 8 to be removably and matably mounted upon the spirometer 18.
The spirometer comprises a base 20, a vertically extending chamber 22 and, located within the chamber, a moveable indicator 24 which is free to rise to the top of the chamber 22 as a result of the air flow through the chamber.
This indicator 24 may comprise a ball or other device which, for purposes of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is not transparent to light.
By inhaling through orifice 25, a patient will cause air to flow through chamber 22 which will cause the indicator 24 to rise within the chamber 22.
When the rate of air flow inhaled by the patient is equal to or exceeds the flow rate setting of the regulator valve 26, the indicator 24 will be caused to rise to the top of the chamber 22, thus indicating that the patient has achieved an inhalation rate at least equal to the setting of the valve 26