The Marey Pneumograph was a pressure-sensing device and was used to measure respiration. Although it was sensitive it was not terribly accurate but it was the first device able to do what it did. The descriptions of the Marey Pneumograph from the late 1800’s implied that the diaphragm was a disk of thin metal but from this photograph it seems far more likely it was thin rubber or another similar material. Shown is a close-up of the diaphragm mechanism. This device was originally called a pneumograph but a later invention of Marey’s, which consisted of an elastic device strapped across the chest that directly measured the expansion and contraction of the thorax with breathing took that name and this is more correctly known as the Marey Tambour. Photograph is courtesy of Pierre Moutonnet.
Monthly Archives: January 2014
Marey Pneumograph, Late 1800’s
The Marey Pneumograph was a pressure-sensing device and was used to measure respiration. Although it was sensitive it was not terribly accurate but it was the first device able to do what it did. The descriptions of the Marey Pneumograph from the late 1800’s implied that the diaphragm was a disk of thin metal but from this photograph it seems far more likely it was thin rubber or another similar material. The stylus attached to the diaphragm traced a graph of its movement onto a smoked (carbon black) metal drum and is shown here with the diaphragm pressurized. This device was originally called a pneumograph but a later invention of Marey’s, which consisted of an elastic device strapped across the chest that directly measured the expansion and contraction of the thorax with breathing, took that name and this is more correctly known as the Marey Tambour. Photograph is courtesy of Pierre Moutonnet.
Marey Pneumograph, late 1800’s
The Marey Pneumograph was a pressure-sensing device and was used to measure respiration. Although it was sensitive it was not terribly accurate but it was the first device able to do what it did. The descriptions of the Marey Pneumograph from the late 1800’s implied that the diaphragm was a disk of thin metal but from this photograph it seems far more likely it was thin rubber or another similar material. The stylus attached to the diaphragm traced a graph of its movement onto a smoked (carbon black) metal drum and is shown with a relaxed diaphragm. This device was originally called a pneumograph but a later invention of Marey’s, which consisted of an elastic device strapped across the chest that directly measured the expansion and contraction of the thorax with breathing took that name, and this is more correctly known as the Marey Tambour. Photograph is courtesy of Pierre Moutonnet.
Spirometer, Micro Medical Turbine, 1987
Spirometer, Spengler, circa 1960, front panel
Designed to measure only vital capacity. Probably manufactured around 1960. Exhalation into the spirometer filled a rubber bladder which moved lever that turned the front dial. The accuracy of this instrument was probably very limited. From: http://db.aconit.org
Spirometer, Spengler, circa 1960, inside back panel
Designed to measure only vital capacity. Probably manufactured around 1960. Exhalation into the spirometer filled a rubber bladder which moved lever that turned the front dial. The accuracy of this instrument was probably very limited. From: http://db.aconit.org
Spirometer, Godart Pulmotest, circa 1975
Pulmonary Function testing system consisting of dual water-seal spirometers with a central kymograph. Performed spirometry, helium dilution FRC and DLCO. The purpose of the double spirometers is unclear but they may have been used to measure oxygen consumption. From: http://db.aconit.org
Spirometer, Godart Pulmotest, circa 1975
Pulmonary Function testing system consisting of dual water-seal spirometers with a central kymograph. Performed spirometry, helium dilution FRC and DLCO. The purpose of the double spirometers is unclear but they may have been used to measure oxygen consumption. From: http://db.aconit.org
Spirometer, Brentwood Spiroscan 2000
Brentwood Spiroscan 2000. Pneumotach based. Manufactured by Hoks Electronics Inc., Japan, for Brentwood Instruments Inc. around 1990. From: http://medused.com