초록 ▼

A feeding monitor system provides data responsive to a human or animal subject sucking on a nipple or other outlet connected to a supply of feeding fluid stored in a reservoir. A hollow chamber provided in between the reservoir and the outlet includes a pressure sensor and/or a fluid flow meter to p

A feeding monitor system provides data responsive to a human or animal subject sucking on a nipple or other outlet connected to a supply of feeding fluid stored in a reservoir. A hollow chamber provided in between the reservoir and the outlet includes a pressure sensor and/or a fluid flow meter to provide electronic monitoring signals. These signals can be amplified or otherwise conditioned for display, transmission or storage, e.g. in digital form. The invention has wide application, including without limitation use in a neo-natal intensive care environment for diagnosis and screening of disease and disability, assessment of different feeding systems including nipple characteristics, gauging strength and oropharyngeal function, and evaluating response to therapy for feeding difficulties of infants.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An infant feeding monitor system comprising:a reservoir (21) for storing a supply of a fluid denser than air;a hollow chamber (24) having first and second open ends to allow the fluid to pass therethrough in use, the first end connected to the reservoir so as to receive t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An infant feeding monitor system comprising:a reservoir (21) for storing a supply of a fluid denser than air;a hollow chamber (24) having first and second open ends to allow the fluid to pass therethrough in use, the first end connected to the reservoir so as to receive the fluid;an outlet (26) connected to the second end of the chamber to allow the fluid to flow through the outlet responsive to a vacuum force applied to the outlet;flow restriction means interposed between the reservoir and the chamber to restrict flow of the fluid from the reservoir into the first end of the chamber; anda pressure sensor (25) coupled to the chamber for monitoring pressure within the chamber.