Apparatus for assessing responses of humans to stimulants
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for (i) stimulating the nose of a human subject in a controlled manner, and (ii) collecting data regarding the stimulation provided to the subject, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) source of stimulant;
(b) means for transferring controlled amounts of the stimulant within a gaseous medium to the nose of the subject;
(c) computer means for recording at least one psychophysical response of the subject to the stimulant; and
(d) means for recording at least one physiological response of the subject to the stimulant.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Two olfactometers can simultaneously but independently provide stimulation to the eyes and nose of a human subject. Thus, a sample of air containing an odorant is delivered to the eyes only, nose only, or both eyes and nose of the subject. Physiological responses such as eye blink rate and breathing rate are observed and automatically recorded. Psychophysical responses such as ratings of ocular or nasal irritation also are recorded. The apparatus is useful in collecting data regarding fragrances and environmental air quality.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. An apparatus for (i) stimulating the nose of a human subject in a controlled manner, and (ii) collecting data regarding the stimulation provided to the subject, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) source of stimulant; (b) means for transferring controlled amounts of the stimulant within a gaseous medium to the nose of the subject; (c) computer means for recording at least one psychophysical response of the subject to the stimulant; and (d) means for recording at least one physiological response of the subject to the stimulant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An apparatus for (i) stimulating the eyes of a human subject in a controlled manner, and (ii) collecting data regarding the stimulation provided to the subject, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) source of stimulant; (b) means for transferring controlled amounts of the stimulant within a gaseous medium to the eyes of the subject; (c) means for recording at least one psychophysical response of the subject to the stimulant; and (d) means for recording at least one physiological response of the subject to the stimulant. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for (i) simultaneously stimulating the eyes and nose of a human subject independently and in a controlled manner, and (ii) collecting data regarding the stimulation provided to the subject, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) source of stimulant; (b) means for transferring controlled amounts of the stimulant within a gaseous medium to the eyes and/or nose of the subject; and (c) means for recording physiological responses of the subject to the stimulant. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for (i) simultaneously stimulating the eyes and nose of a human subject independently in a controlled manner, and (ii) collecting data regarding the stimulation provided to the subject, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) source of stimulant; (b) means for transferring controlled amounts of the stimulant within a gaseous medium to the eyes and/or nose of the subject; and (c) means for recording psychophysical responses of the subject to the stimulant. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. An apparatus for (i) simultaneously stimulating the eyes and nose of a human subject independently and in a controlled manner, and (ii) collecting data regarding the stimulation provided to the subject, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) source of stimulant; (b) means for transferring controlled amounts of the stimulant within a gaseous medium to the eyes and/or nose of the subject; (c) means for recording psychophysical responses of the subject to the stimulant; and (d) means for recording physiological responses of the subject to the stimulant. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification