The Infant Metabolic Chamber System (IMS) is designed to non-invasively measure the metabolic rate of infants, up to 10 months old. The infant is placed inside a large, sealed, transparent enclosure, through which is pulled a constant stream of air. The system employs a differential sensing method to sample air at both chamber inlet and outlet. Sensors measure temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen to determine the metabolic rate of the infant. The IMS employs force transducers to detect infant movement, via changes in chamber center of gravity. Hand access ports allow caregivers to comfort the infant during the course of testing.
The IMS was co-developed with BIOPAC Engineer Harold Thompson, MSEE. Work performed in service of BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
