The rotameter and the waterwheel

Abstract

The publication imparts information about the personal life and professional sphere of activity of J.A. Segner, Karl Küppers, Maximilian Neu, Hans Bunte, and Felix Meyer, as far as they were involved with the invention of devices for measuring gas flow, especially their involvement in testing the introduction of Rotameters into the medical field. The knowledge that the threat of deportation in October 1940, due to his Jewish background and in view of the politics of the National Socialists at the time, led to Maximilian Neu's committing suicide, is of added historical interest. Together with biographical details, the role played by the Institute of Research in Karlsruhe and the establishment of the Rotameter site in Aachen is presented. The historical outline finishes with a short report of the author's first experience with Rotameters at the Nuffeld Department of Anaesthetics, Oxford University during the Second World War and with his subsequent efforts to introduce Rotameters into anesthesia equipment design in the United States.

Automated Oxygen Flow Titration to Maintain Constant Oxygenation

“…The first report of flow meter use by anesthesiologists was published in 1910. 41 Technological improvements have allowed the use of more sophisticated devices to deliver oxygen therapy to patients, with improved efficacy and better monitoring. These automated systems may be relevant in several clinical settings, and further evaluations will be required to determine their potential impact.…”

Inclined Wind Tunnel for the Study of Human and Large Animal Flight

“…Similar incidents have been reported from several areas of the world. 2,3 Although the danger of lead poisoning and the difficulty in solid waste management due to the nonbiodegradable nature of these containers was appreciated in the past, the effect of these cans upon our precious flora and fauna is generally overlooked.…”

“…The use of horizontal wind tunnels to simulate flight of anchored wing profiles has played a central role in the development of aircraft. Another type of wind tunnel is the vertical, in which gas flows directly opposite to the direction of gravitational acceleration, creating a force equilibrium at which untethered objects float on the pillar of ascending air; among applications are rotameters 2 and skydiving simulators. 3 Neither horizontal nor vertical wind tunnels can accommodate actual flight.…”

Automated versus manual oxygen titration in COPD exacerbation: machine or hands, this is the question

“…Oxygen manual titration with flowmeters is used in hospitals for more than one century, and certainly, there is room for improvement 7. As shown in several studies, compared to manual/hand titration, automated oxygen titration with the FreeO 2 system or similar devices might reduce the hypoxemia and hyperoxia rates and has the potential to reduce oxygen therapy duration as well as hospital length-of-stay 1,4,8.…”