Device and method to measure inhalation and exhalation air flows

• US 6,126,613 A
• Filed: 02/08/1999
• Issued: 10/03/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lucile D. Edwards, Raymond A. Edwards
• Original Assignee: Lucile D. Edwards, Raymond A. Edwards
• Inventors: Edwards, Lucile D., Edwards, Raymond A.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Connor, Cary
• Assistant Examiner(s): Natnithithadha, Navin
• Application Number:
  US09/245,589
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 600/539, 600/538, 600/533, 600/532, 600/531, 600/529, 73/1.16, 73/861, 73/861.352, 73/861.353, 73/861.77, 73/861.92
• US Class Current: 600/539
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/09 using an element rotated by the flow toys actuated by air current A63H33/40

Abstract

A spirometer is provided which has an air flow path comprising a mouthpiece, filter (such as an air filter or biostatic filter), and an air pathway in which a multiblade transparent windmill rotor rotates when air travels through same. Tips of the rotor are used to detect the rate of rotation providing a train of pulses linearly proportional to the volume of air flowing through the cylindrical air path.

Claims

1. A spirometer apparatus for measuring airflow therethrough generated by a user thereof, comprising:

a rotor comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

a mouthpiece enabling said user to breathe air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough;

an air outlet opening enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer;

at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

a rotation detector detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto;

a computerized device receiving said detection signal, and using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer; and

a rotor turbulence barrier surrounding said rotor, wherein a rotor cross-sectional area of said rotor occupies no more than 30% of a barrier cross-sectional area of said rotor turbulence barrier, and wherein air that does not flow through said rotor turbulence barrier is enabled to flow through a remaining cross-sectional area within said spirometer outside of said rotor turbulence barrier, thereby reducing turbulence of said airflow past said rotor while minimizing pressure drop across said rotor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section, allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rotor is aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric so as to provide greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, connected to and rotating integrally with said rotor;

upper and lower rotor support housings contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, within which said rotor spindle rotates, supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor; and

upper and lower humidity guards proximate contact points where said upper and lower spindle tips respectively contact said upper and lower rotor support housings, deterring moisture due to said user'"'"'s exhalation airflow from adversely lubricating said contact point and thereby undesirably causing the rotor to become more sensitive to any given airflow.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, connected to and rotating integrally with said rotor;

upper and lower rotor support housings contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, within which said rotor spindle rotates, supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor; and

bearing calibration means for adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

gross matter filter sack means proximate said mouthpiece, enabling air to flow freely while preventing particulate matter from passing therethrough into said spirometer, and providing indicator means activated in response to contact by moisture from a user'"'"'s breath to indicate if said filter has already been used.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section comprising at least one biostatic filter therein and integrally affixed thereto, providing means for a person to remove and replace said at least one filtration section and said at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said at least one biostatic filter is comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening are oriented and positioned with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising an air composition detector obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air, and providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising communications link means between said spirometer and a separate bedside receiver enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to said bedside receiver.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an information input device further comprising voice input means enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an information output device further comprising a voice output means for communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said computerized device uses said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of:

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

16. A method for measuring airflow generated by a spirometer user, comprising the steps of:

providing a rotor of said spirometer comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

said user breathing air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough, using a mouthpiece of said spirometer;

enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer through an air outlet opening of said spirometer;

providing at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto using a rotation detector;

receiving said detection signal using a computerized device;

said computerized device using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer;

providing a rotor turbulence barrier surrounding said rotor;

occupying no more than 30% of a barrier cross-sectional area of said rotor turbulence barrier with a rotor cross-sectional area of said rotor; and

enabling air that does not flow through said rotor turbulence barrier to flow through a remaining cross-sectional area within said spirometer outside of said rotor turbulence barrier;

thereby reducing turbulence of said airflow past said rotor while minimizing pressure drop across said rotor.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

providing a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

providing a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector, using boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section.

18. The method of claim 16, comprising the further steps of:

providing greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation by said rotor being aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, and rotating integrally with said rotor, to said rotor;

contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, and supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor, using upper and lower rotor support housings within which said rotor spindle rotates; and

deterring moisture due to said user'"'"'s exhalation airflow from adversely lubricating said contact point and thereby undesirably causing the rotor to become more sensitive to any given airflow, using upper and lower humidity guards proximate contact points where said upper and lower spindle tips respectively contact said upper and lower rotor support housings.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, and rotating integrally with said rotor, to said rotor;

contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, and supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor, using upper and lower rotor support housings within which said rotor spindle rotates; and

adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow, using bearing calibration means.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

enabling air to flow freely while preventing particulate matter from passing into said spirometer using gross matter filter sack means proximate said mouthpiece; and

indicating if said filter has already been used by providing indicator means activated in response to contact by moisture from a user'"'"'s breath.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

removing and replacing at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section and at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter, by integrally affixing said at least one biostatic filter to and within said filtration section.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight by providing said at least one biostatic filter being comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material.

24. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

orienting and positioning said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

25. The method of claim 16, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising the steps of:

obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air using an air composition detector; and

providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

26. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to a separate bedside receiver using communications link means between said spirometer and said bedside receiver.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device, using signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer.

28. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test, using voice input means of an information input device.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer, using voice output means of an information output device.

30. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

said computerized device using said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of;

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

31. A spirometer apparatus for measuring airflow therethrough generated by a user thereof, comprising:

a rotor comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

a mouthpiece enabling said user to breathe air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough;

an air outlet opening enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer;

at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

a rotation detector detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto;

a computerized device receiving said detection signal, and using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer;

a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, connected to and rotating integrally with said rotor;

upper and lower rotor support housings contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, within which said rotor spindle rotates, supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor; and

upper and lower humidity guards proximate contact points where said upper and lower spindle tips respectively contact said upper and lower rotor support housings, deterring moisture due to said user'"'"'s exhalation airflow from adversely lubricating said contact point and thereby undesirably causing the rotor to become more sensitive to any given airflow.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising:

a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section, allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said rotor is aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric so as to provide greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising:

a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, connected to and rotating integrally with said rotor;

upper and lower rotor support housings contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, within which said rotor spindle rotates, supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor; and

bearing calibration means for adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow.

35. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising:

gross matter filter sack means proximate said mouthpiece, enabling air to flow freely while preventing particulate matter from passing therethrough into said spirometer, and providing indicator means activated in response to contact by moisture from a user'"'"'s breath to indicate if said filter has already been used.

36. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section comprising at least one biostatic filter therein and integrally affixed thereto, providing means for a person to remove and replace said at least one filtration section and said at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said at least one biostatic filter is comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight.

38. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening are oriented and positioned with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said users lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

39. The apparatus of claim 31, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising an air composition detector obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air, and providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

40. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising communications link means between said spirometer and a separate bedside receiver enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to said bedside receiver.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device.

42. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising an information input device further comprising voice input means enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test.

43. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising an information output device further comprising a voice output means for communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer.

44. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said computerized device uses said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of:

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

45. A method for measuring airflow generated by a spirometer user, comprising the steps of:

providing a rotor of said spirometer comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

said user breathing air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough, using a mouthpiece of said spirometer;

enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer through an air outlet opening of said spirometer;

providing at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto using a rotation detector;

receiving said detection signal using a computerized device;

said computerized device using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer;

connecting a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, and rotating integrally with said rotor, to said rotor;

contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, and supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor, using upper and lower rotor support housings within which said rotor spindle rotates; and

deterring moisture due to said user'"'"'s exhalation airflow from adversely lubricating said contact point and thereby undesirably causing the rotor to become more sensitive to any given airflow, using upper and lower humidity guards proximate contact points where said upper and lower spindle tips respectively contact said upper and lower rotor support housings.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

providing a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

providing a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector, using boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section.

47. The method of claim 45, comprising the further steps of:

providing greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation by said rotor being aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric.

48. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, and rotating integrally with said rotor, to said rotor;

contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, and supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor, using upper and lower rotor support housings within which said rotor spindle rotates; and

adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow, using bearing calibration means.

49. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

enabling air to flow freely while preventing particulate matter from passing into said spirometer using gross matter filter sack means proximate said mouthpiece; and

indicating if said filter has already been used by providing indicator means activated in response to contact by moisture from a user'"'"'s breath.

50. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

removing and replacing at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section and at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter, by integrally affixing said at least one biostatic filter to and within said filtration section.

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight by providing said at least one biostatic filter being comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material.

52. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

orienting and positioning said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

53. The method of claim 45, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising the steps of:

obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air using an air composition detector; and

providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

54. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to a separate bedside receiver using communications link means between said spirometer and said bedside receiver.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising the steps of:

enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device, using signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer.

56. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test, using voice input means of an information input device.

57. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer, using voice output means of an information output device.

58. The method of claim 45, further comprising the steps of:

said computerized device using said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of;

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

59. A spirometer apparatus for measuring airflow therethrough generated by a user thereof, comprising:

a rotor comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

a mouthpiece enabling said user to breathe air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough;

an air outlet opening enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer;

at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

a rotation detector detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto;

a computerized device receiving said detection signal, and using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer; and

gross matter filter sack means proximate said mouthpiece, enabling air to flow freely while preventing particulate matter from passing therethrough into said spirometer, and providing indicator means activated in response to contact by moisture from a user'"'"'s breath to indicate if said filter has already been used.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising:

a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section, allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector.

61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said rotor is aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric so as to provide greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation.

62. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising:

a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, connected to and rotating integrally with said rotor;

upper and lower rotor support housings contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, within which said rotor spindle rotates, supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor; and

bearing calibration means for adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow.

63. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section comprising at least one biostatic filter therein and integrally affixed thereto, providing means for a person to remove and replace said at least one filtration section and said at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein said at least one biostatic filter is comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight.

65. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening are oriented and positioned with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

66. The apparatus of claim 59, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising an air composition detector obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air, and providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

67. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising communications link means between said spirometer and a separate bedside receiver enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to said bedside receiver.

68. The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device.

69. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising an information input device further comprising voice input means enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test.

70. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising an information output device further comprising a voice output means for communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer.

71. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said computerized device uses said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of:

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

72. A method for measuring airflow generated by a spirometer user, comprising the steps of:

providing a rotor of said spirometer comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

said user breathing air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough, using a mouthpiece of said spirometer;

enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer through an air outlet opening of said spirometer;

providing at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto using a rotation detector;

receiving said detection signal using a computerized device;

said computerized device using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer;

enabling air to flow freely while preventing particulate matter from passing into said spirometer using gross matter filter sack means proximate said mouthpiece; and

indicating if said filter has already been used by providing indicator means activated in response to contact by moisture from a user'"'"'s breath.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

providing a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

providing a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector, using boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section.

74. The method of claim 72, comprising the further steps of:

providing greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation by said rotor being aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric.

75. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, and rotating integrally with said rotor, to said rotor;

contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, and supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor, using upper and lower rotor support housings within which said rotor spindle rotates; and

adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow, using bearing calibration means.

76. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

removing and replacing at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section and at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter, by integrally affixing said at least one biostatic filter to and within said filtration section.

77. The method of claim 76, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight by providing said at least one biostatic filter being comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material.

78. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

orienting and positioning said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

79. The method of claim 72, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising the steps of:

obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air using an air composition detector; and

providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

80. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to a separate bedside receiver using communications link means between said spirometer and said bedside receiver.

81. The method of claim 80, further comprising the steps of:

enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device, using signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer.

82. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test, using voice input means of an information input device.

83. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer, using voice output means of an information output device.

84. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

said computerized device using said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of;

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

85. A spirometer apparatus for measuring airflow therethrough generated by a user thereof, comprising:

a rotor comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

a mouthpiece enabling said user to breathe air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough;

an air outlet opening enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer;

at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

a rotation detector detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto;

a computerized device receiving said detection signal, and using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer; and

at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section comprising at least one biostatic filter therein and integrally affixed thereto, providing means for a person to remove and replace said at least one filtration section and said at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter.

86. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising:

a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section, allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector.

87. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said rotor is aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric so as to provide greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation.

88. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising:

a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, connected to and rotating integrally with said rotor;

upper and lower rotor support housings contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, within which said rotor spindle rotates, supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor; and

bearing calibration means for adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow.

89. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said at least one biostatic filter is comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight.

90. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening are oriented and positioned with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

91. The apparatus of claim 85, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising an air composition detector obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air, and providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

92. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising communications link means between said spirometer and a separate bedside receiver enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to said bedside receiver.

93. The apparatus of claim 92, further comprising signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device.

94. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising an information input device further comprising voice input means enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test.

95. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising an information output device further comprising a voice output means for communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer.

96. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein said computerized device uses said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of:

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.

97. A method for measuring airflow generated by a spirometer user, comprising the steps of:

providing a rotor of said spirometer comprising a plurality of rotor blades;

said user breathing air through said spirometer thereby creating said airflow therethrough, using a mouthpiece of said spirometer;

enabling exhaled air to exit said spirometer and inhaled air to enter said spirometer through an air outlet opening of said spirometer;

providing at least one detection surface comprising part of at least one of said plurality of rotor blades;

detecting passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector and generating a detection signal in response thereto using a rotation detector;

receiving said detection signal using a computerized device;

said computerized device using said detection signal to measure said airflow through said spirometer; and

removing and replacing at least one removable and replaceable modular filtration section and at least one biostatic filter thereof without directly contacting said at least one biostatic filter, by integrally affixing said at least one biostatic filter to and within said filtration section.

98. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

providing a modular detection and electronics section comprising said rotation detector and said computerized device;

providing a modular rotor section separate from said modular detection and electronics section, and comprising said rotor and said at least one detection surface of said tip of at least one of said blades; and

allowing said rotation detector to so-detect, and not blocking said rotation detector from so-detecting, each said passage of said at least one detection surface past said rotation detector, using boundary means between said detection and electronics section, and said rotor section.

99. The method of claim 97, comprising the further steps of:

providing greater sensitivity to inhalation over exhalation by said rotor being aerodynamically flow-direction asymmetric.

100. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a rotor spindle further comprising upper and lower spindle tips, and rotating integrally with said rotor, to said rotor;

contacting said upper and lower spindle tips respectively, and supporting and providing a stable rotational origin for said rotor, using upper and lower rotor support housings within which said rotor spindle rotates; and

adjusting the tightness with which said spindle and said support housing contact one another and thus the sensitivity of said rotor with respect to any given airflow, using bearing calibration means.

101. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said spirometer to be compact and lightweight by providing said at least one biostatic filter being comprised of a compact, lightweight, microporous, accordion-type biostatic material.

102. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

orienting and positioning said mouthpiece and said air outlet opening with respect to said spirometer such that the exhalation airflow from the spirometer user exits said air outlet opening toward said user'"'"'s lower body, and does not exit away from the user and toward any other individuals who may be positioned in front of the user.

103. The method of claim 99, additionally for measuring the composition of said airflow, further comprising the steps of:

obtaining data regarding the composition of air exhaled into the spirometer in comparison to ambient air using an air composition detector; and

providing said data to said computerized device for any desired computation and subsequent output.

104. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

enabling airflow information from said computerized device of said spirometer to be provided to a separate bedside receiver using communications link means between said spirometer and said bedside receiver.

105. The method of claim 104, further comprising the steps of:

enabling information identifying said spirometer user to be provided to said computerized device of said spirometer, and to further be provided from said computerized device to said bedside receiver in connection and association with said airflow information from said computerized device, using signature link means from an electronic signature device to said spirometer.

106. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

enabling said user to specify by vocalized instruction, at least one type of breathing test to be performed and at least one type of breathing measurement to be output as a result of said at least one type of breathing test, using voice input means of an information input device.

107. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

communicating to said user, instructions for using said spirometer and at least one type of breathing measurement obtained from at least one type of breathing test performed by said spirometer, using voice output means of an information output device.

108. The method of claim 97, further comprising the steps of:

said computerized device using said calculation of at least at least one substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow through said spirometer to calculate and output at least one breathing measurement selected from the breathing measurement group consisting of;

a substantially instantaneous rate of said airflow at at least one predetermined time; and

a least one total volume of said airflow between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one substantially instantaneous peak flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

at least one average flow rate between at least one pair of different predetermined times; and

a plurality of substantially instantaneous rates of said airflow over a period of time between at least one pair of different predetermined times.