| 摘要 |
An apparatus for performing volume measurement of a person, animal or object, and methods of making and using the same are described. The apparatus includes first and second chambers in gaseous communication, first and second pressure sensors that measure the air pressure inside the first and second chambers, a pump configured to move air from or to the first and/or second chambers, and a control system connected to the first and second pressure sensors and the pump. The first and second chambers have a volume that is substantially constant when the internal pressure changes. The control system stores values from the first and second pressure sensors, controls air movement to and/or from the first and second chambers, blocks air transfer between the first and second chambers, and determines the volume of the person, animal or object from pressure measurements before and after an air transfer between the first and second chambers. |
| 主权项 |
1. A system or apparatus for measuring a volume of a person, animal or object, comprising:
a) a first chamber having a door thereon or affixed thereto, a size sufficient to enclose the person, animal or object, and a first volume when the door is closed; b) a first pressure sensor that measures an air pressure inside the first chamber; c) a second, airtight chamber having a second volume; d) a second pressure sensor that measures an air pressure inside the second chamber; e) a pump configured to move air from or to at least one of the first and second chambers; and f) a control system operably connected to the first and second pressure sensors and the pump, the control system being configured to receive and store pressure values from the first and second pressure sensors, control air movement to and/or from the first and second chambers, block air transfer between the first and second chambers, and determine the volume of the person, animal or object in the first chamber from air pressure measurements in the first chamber and the second chamber before and after an air transfer between the first and second chambers,wherein each of the first volume and the second volume changes by less than 5% when the air pressure inside the chamber changes by 5000 Pascals, and an outside pressure on the chamber is fixed or constant. |
