Abstract
Summary
An infra-red CO2 analyzer having a measurement rate of seven analyses per second is described for continuous C02 tension determination over the expiration time (or volume). The value recorded from the last portion of expired air is regarded as “the alveolar C02 tension” if a plateau has developed during expiration. Respiration in small animals is often so rapid (relative to the measurement rate) that forced prolongation of a single expiration is necessary in order to draw undiluted alveolar air into the analyzer. A simple method is described for accomplishing this by means of a valve whose closing is electronically initiated and timed.
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