Breath ketone analyzer

• US 20030208133A1
• Filed: 12/31/2002
• Published: 11/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: HealtheTech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: HealtheTech, Inc.
• Inventors: Mault, James R
• Application Number:
  US10/297,794
• Publication Number:
  US 20030208133A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/532
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0295 adapted for recording user messages or annotations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0462 Apparatus with built-in sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0468 Built-in electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0537 Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/083 Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0833 Measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/091 Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/097 Devices for facilitating collection of breath or for directing breath into or through measuring devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1112 Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/339 : Displays specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4866 : Evaluating metabolism A61B5/083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4872 : Body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 : Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 : Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 : Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6896 : Toys
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/00 : Instruments for auscultation
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/497 : of gaseous biological material, e.g. breath

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.

Claims

1. A respiratory analyzer for a person, the person having a metabolic rate and blood, comprising:

a flow path, through which the person breathes;

a metabolic rate meter, providing metabolic data correlated with the metabolic rate of the person;

a sensor, providing a ketone signal correlated with a concentration of a respiratory component in exhalations of the person, wherein the concentration of the respiratory component is correlated with a level of ketone bodies in the blood of the person;

a display;

an electronic circuit, receiving the ketone signal and the metabolic data, and providing a visual indication of the metabolic rate and the ketone signal on the display.

2. The respiratory analyzer of claim 1, wherein the metabolic rate meter comprises a pair of ultrasonic transducers.

3. The respiratory analyzer of claim 2, wherein the metabolic rate meter further comprises an oxygen sensor.

4. The respiratory analyzer of claim 2, wherein the metabolic rate meter further comprises a carbon dioxide sensor.

5. The respiratory analyzer of claim 1, wherein the ketone sensor comprises a radiation emitter and a radiation detector, and wherein radiation emitted by the radiation emitter passes through a part of the flow path.

6. The respiratory analyzer of claim 1, wherein the ketone sensor comprises a fluorescence film, wherein a fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence film is correlated with the concentration of the respiratory component.

7. A respiratory analyzer, comprising:

a flow path operable to receive and pass exhaled gases, the flow path having a first end in fluid communication with a respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink for respiratory gases, the respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with a subject so as to pass exhaled gases as the subject breathes, the flow path comprising a flow tube through which the exhaled gases pass, and a chamber disposed between the flow tube and the first end, the chamber being a concentric chamber surrounding one end of the flow tube; and

a ketone sensor, providing a ketone signal correlated with a ketone concentration in exhaled breath passing through the flow path.

8. The respiratory analyzer of claim 7, wherein the ketone sensor comprises:

a radiation emitter and a radiation detector, wherein radiation emitted by the radiation emitter passes through a part of the flow path and is detected by the radiation detector.

9. The respiratory analyzer of claim 7, wherein the ketone sensor comprises a fluorescent film, wherein a fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence film is correlated with the ketone concentration in the flow path.

10. The respiratory analyzer of claim 7, further comprising a flow rate sensor.

11. The respiratory analyzer of claim 10, wherein the flow rate sensor comprises a pair of ultrasonic transducers.

12. An improved method for exercise management for a person performing an activity, the method comprising:

providing an activity monitor;

providing a metabolic rate meter;

providing a respiratory analyzer having a ketone sensor;

monitoring an activity signal from the activity monitor;

monitoring a metabolic rate signal from the metabolic rate meter, wherein the metabolic rate signal is correlated with a metabolic rate of the person;

monitoring a ketone signal from the ketone sensor, wherein the ketone signal is correlated with a concentration of ketone bodies in blood of the person; and

correlating the activity signal with the metabolic rate signal and the ketone signal;

whereby the activity signal can then be used to determine a metabolic rate and an estimate of fat burning for the person during an exercise, allowing improved exercise management.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein a unitary device comprises the metabolic rate meter and the ketone sensor.