DE19960257C1 - Ergospirometry system for animals, especially horses, camels or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an ergospirometry system for animals, especially horses, camels or the like, comprising a funnel-shaped, cylindrical or hemispherical breathing gas mask, gas volume flow or volume sensor and a measuring unit with sensors for determining the CO¶2¶ / O¶2¶ concentration in the breathing gas the mixing chamber or breath-by-breath principle and connection and / or signal transmission means for further processing, display and / or analysis of measured values in a base station. According to the invention, means for attaching a volume flow sensor housing that can be detached from the mask are provided on the breathing gas mask. The volume flow sensor housing has flow chambers, the flow chambers each comprising openings which, on the one hand, are in flow contact with associated openings in the mask and, on the other hand, are in the vicinity. Furthermore, flow channels are formed within the flow chambers by means of orifices arranged in the flow direction, arranged in parallel and at a distance, the orifices having staggered openings of predeterminable cross section, the centers of gravity or centers of which lie essentially on an imaginary connecting line. Ultrasonic transducers for determining the volume flow are located at the end points of the imaginary lines, the sound lobe of the transducers essentially running along the connecting line. In addition, a special pneumatic control for use with the mixing chamber principle and ...

Description

The invention relates to an ergospirometry system for animals, especially horses, camels or the like, comprising a funnel-shaped, cylindrical or hemispherical breathing gas mask, gas volume flow or quantity sensor and a measuring unit with sensors for determining the CO ₂ / O ₂ concentration in the breathing gas after the mixing chamber. or breath-by-breath principle and connection and / or signal transmission means for further processing, display and / or analysis of measured values in a base station, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Mobile ergospirometry devices, e.g. B. for stress tests in humans outside the laboratory for several years known. With the help of such mobile systems Analyzes directly on the sports or at the workplace perform natural conditions and stressful situations. The measurement data are displayed in real time via telemetry units transfer a personal computer or a notebook, where appropriate control of the training or exercise course after evaluation of the data is possible. Through such devices new areas of application in performance diagnostics, in Occupational, sports and rehabilitation medicine developed.

PCT-WO 98/53732 is a portable ergospirometry system known with a telemetry data transmission unit. With the The arrangement shown there is intended to indicate individual parameters visibly the oxygen uptake and the carbon dioxide production  detectable, d. H. a breath analysis in connection with the Bestim heart rhythm under natural environmental conditions of man be possible.

According to the known teaching, a portable unit, which is attached to the test subject, has, in addition to a breathing mask, a gas analysis device for determining the O ₂ and CO ₂ values of the measurement gas. A heart rate monitor is also provided there, the measured values being fed to a microprocessor which is part of the portable unit. The measured values are stored in an internal memory and transmitted via a telemetry route to a telemetry receiver, which in turn is connected to a personal computer system.

Mobile ergospirometry systems and the technology available there especially for determining the volume flow in human Subjects are not readily available for veterinary diagnosis Apply or transfer political purposes.

For example, the number of breaths changes in horses per minute based on a rest value in the range of 10 to 14 with a load of up to a maximum of 120 to 150 breaths with the Result of considerable, varying volume flows. Furthermore animals carry a much higher moisture content, whereby sensors used due to moisture deposits damaged or impaired in function, with the result of inadequate measurement results or insufficient Reliability of such devices.

Furthermore, when using the mixing chamber principle, a necessary pump for the pneumatic circuit of the much higher respiratory rate of the animals not or not out follow sufficiently, with the additional risk that the in the suction hose, which is between the volume flow sensor and Pump is arranged, resulting negative pressure because of Respiratory rate and the greater length reached critical values, where there is a risk that after termination of the Expiration phase is sucked in ambient air and a Falsification of measured values occurs.

From US Pat. No. 4,546,768 is an inhalation device for Animals, especially horses, are known. The device there includes a mask that is integrated with an evaporator Can be connected. The evaporator itself works in the rhythm of the breathing cycles. Such a breathing mask is not suitable for an ergospirometry system, however no reproducible flow conditions for the necessary sensors are given.

The breathing mask for horses according to US Pat. No. 4,273,119 is a filter to protect against insects. Such Mask is not for medical data collection suitable.

WO 94/11733 describes a system for measuring the Known gas emission from a large animal. One becomes concrete Gas analysis based on sampling. Ergospirometric measurements can be done with such However, the arrangement cannot be carried out.

In principle, ergospirometry systems are used for People based on an ultrasound measurement and for Analysis of the breathing gas known. Here, for example referred to US Pat. No. 5,645,071. The teaching shown there gives however no suggestions the known technology so to design that these can easily be used for large animals, especially horses can be used.

From the above, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide an ergospirometry system for animals, in particular horses, camels or the like, which is based on a measuring unit with sensors for determining the CO ₂ / O ₂ concentration in the breathing gas and a special gas volume or quantity sensor, connection and / or signal transmission means are further provided for further processing, display and / or analysis of measured values; where it is necessary to find a solution due to the special circumstances with regard in particular to the respiratory rate and the necessary distance between the arrangement of a volume sensor and the measuring unit with the sensors for determining the CO ₂ / O ₂ concentration, which then also provides exact measured values Care is to be taken if moisture and pollution, which come from the animal, get into a flow body which has the volume sensor when breathing, or if such pollution is absorbed during inhalation.

This object is achieved with the subject matter of claim 1, and the subclaims give expedient embodiments of the Invention, especially with a view to pneumatics control for a mixing chamber measuring principle.

The basic idea of the invention is that Ergospirometry system for animals on the breathing gas mask Attach one that is detachable from the mask To provide volume flow sensor housing. These fasteners can be positive and / or non-positive, e.g. B. after the snap-in Principle be designed so that on site first in simpler Way the mask can be fixed and sealed to the animal then in a next step the sensor housing with its electrical or pneumatic connections to the mask to fix.

Even without changing the breathing gas mask, a quick and easy simple replacement of the volume flow sensor housing accordingly the respective test conditions.

The application of the mixing chamber principle makes sure that not undesirable Ambient air is sucked in or that a per se a certain Pneumatic system with inertia for measured value Adulteration results when the respiratory rate during exercise Animal is elevated.

The volume flow sensor belonging to the ergospirometry system is therefore suitable under real environmental conditions both at rest and when the animal is moving a treadmill or natural movement over short and deliver exact measurements for longer times.  

The volume flow sensor housing presented has at least a flow chamber, the flow chamber each Includes openings that are in flow contact with the one hand or the associated openings of the mask and on the other hand for Stand around.

Within the flow chambers are in through flow direction, parallel and spaced panels Flow channels formed. The bezels are offset formed openings of predetermined cross-section, preferably circular or elliptical. The center of gravity or center of the openings run essentially on an imaginary connecting line, which in turn are preferably diagonal in the respective chamber aligns.

Ultrasonic transducers are located at the end points of the imaginary line to determine the volume flow, the sound club the transducers essentially along the connecting line runs.

The converters are alternately in one mode as Transmitter or receiver switched, whereby the influence of Interferences can be reduced and measurement errors can be eliminated.  

With the help of the diaphragms forming the flow channels, this becomes breathing gas flowing past is rectified or homogenized, remains turbulent, however, without unwanted turbulence occur. The apertures also serve with their openings a targeted influence on the spread of the ultrasound signals with the result that unwanted reflections are suppressed or hidden. By controlling the temporal Course of the ultrasound signals and one based thereon Signal analysis improves the accuracy of the information Volume flow information, which is a prerequisite for the are objective measured value acquisition.

By selecting the ultrasound frequency and applying one resistant, dirt and water repellent upper The surface coating of the transducers is sufficiently high To generate sound energy or the selectivity of the transducers secure so that inevitable contamination on the Ultra transducers do not or only insignificantly the measurement result distort. For example, such a coating can be made from Polytetrafluoroethylene, a partially aromatic polyamide or a similar material. The working frequency of the Converter is in the range of essentially 350 to 500 kHz, preferably at 400 to 450 KHz.

The breathing gas mask is sealed on the head in this way the animal attached that the respiratory gas flow exclusively to and over the provided in the volume flow sensor housing Flow chambers leads, being between the Volume flow sensor housing and the mask further sealant or sealing surfaces can be provided.

The ultrasonic transducers are connected to the surrounding housing Volume flow sensor connected in a material and / or form-fitting manner, preferably the converters used are low dimensioned transducer area with a small radiation lobe Have opening angle.  

The orifices within the flow chambers have one low, flow-optimized thickness and a largely flat, smooth surface. Stainless steel material preferably comes with a Width in the range of 0.15 to 0.45 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 mm for use.

There is a inside the volume flow sensor housing Signal preprocessing electronics to control the converter and arranged to determine the volume flow, the preprocessed in this way, now using less critical signals a corresponding electrical connection to the measuring unit are transferable.

There is a gas extraction connection piece on the volume flow sensor housing to establish a connection with the purpose of Gas transport into the remote measuring unit intended.

The volume flow sensor housing itself can be made of plastic be made and has a substantially symmetrical Basic shape with two adjacent flow chambers, the Flow chambers extend in the direction of the openings the breathing gas mask, preferably in the area of the animal's nostrils extend. The space remaining between the flow chambers can be used to accommodate the signal preprocessing electronics be educated.

Ultrasonic transducers are arranged in each flow chamber, the gas volumes through the associated evaluation electronics or the volume flow per chamber and the total flow can be determined are or is.

The measuring unit arranged on the body of the animal or on the body of a leading person with CO ₂ / O ₂ sensors has a telemetry module, the base station, which is arranged remotely, a telemetry unit for setting up a unidirectional or bidirectional data and / or command transmission path having.

With the help of telemetry there is the possibility of online data to capture, process, or at least partially remove values, but also control signals to the measuring unit or to send to the leader.

The base station's telemetry unit can still be a have automatic frequency selection facility to look for Scanning of the relevant frequency band and / or after one Test data transmission procedure using a telemetry frequency to determine the expected optimal transmission quality or to select.

Through a memory for data backup, which in the measuring unit is located, there is a possibility in this Store records in the defined format from breath-related Measurement data for each breath and / or for all or all selected measurands the complete measurement data courses over selectable Store intervals at selectable start times.

In addition, sensors for determining the Ambient temperature and / or the breathing gas humidity and / or other relevant sizes, such as B. differential pressure values, be provided, these sensor values e.g. B. for calibration and correction of the respiratory gas sensor values can be used can.

In one embodiment of the invention, a mixing chamber with a pneumatic control is present in the measuring unit, the CO ₂ / O ₂ sensors, which are in flow connection with the latter, being connected to the mixing chamber.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pump with a Suction hose provided, the suction hose for Volume flow sensor housing or the gas extraction Connection piece leads and with the pneumatic control two flow circuits for expiration and inspiration are switchable.  

The pump provided in the measuring unit works quasi in continuous operation, whereby during inspiration the Pump with a bypass flow circuit supplied, which allows penetration of ambient air into the Mixing chamber and / or the suction hose can be effectively prevented is.

During expiration, the pump is volume flow controlled and ver provides the mixing chamber with breathing gas, while during the over gait phase from expiration to inspiration of pressure equalization via a switch temporarily switched by the pneumatic control Connection between mixing chamber and pump inlet is made, which prevents the penetration of ambient air into the suction hose can be avoided.

Due to the continuous operation of the pump during the Inspiration with a defined resting value and with expiration controlled by the volume flow, there is no acceleration of the Pump from the quasi standstill required, so that also a correspondingly high breathing frequency, as is common in animals that Measured value acquisition not affected.

The measuring unit can also display and control means have, whereby certain measured value acquisition and -aus value modes can be selected, and in particular by a Animal leading person an initial evaluation of the results can be taken.

The one that is preferably supplied with data via a telemetry unit Base station is using a usual personal computer appropriate ergospirometry software for measured value processing processing and analysis possible. However, it is preferred provided that the measuring unit all functional units of an ergospirometry system including calculation and Storage of the measured values as well as control units and Has or contains communication functions. This is supposed to Evaluation of gas analyzes e.g. B. when moving the animal in Terrain or natural environment may be possible.  

With appropriate cabling including suction hose is available in stationary operation, the Set up the measuring unit next to the animal to be examined in order to to avoid disruptive influences.

The placement of the ultrasonic transducers within the flow chambers or the flow channels enables a direct direct contact with the gas flowing past, being through the geometric design is a self-cleaning and self drying effect is achieved. Intended panels with a circle round and / or elliptical openings optimize the out spread the ultrasonic signal and improve the interference immunity especially with a view to possible reflections of the Ultrasonic signal in the flow channel.

The breathing gas mask is sealed on the animal's head preferably by an integrally formed sealing collar that by applying air to the surface shape of the appropriate area of the animal and this tight encloses without the wearing properties of the mask deteriorate or cumbersome handling when creating the Mask is given. The mask itself can also be replaced by a Dishes can be fixed on the animal's head.

All in all, it succeeds with the one described above Invention, a new kind of ergospirometry system for animals to indicate that the special conditions, such as high breathability frequency during exercise, high degree of moisture in the breathing gas and possible contamination of the volume flow sensors is sufficient. The System itself also enables a longer, trouble-free Operation, allowing measurements at very different, on consecutive periods of stress and rest can.

The invention is based on the description of a Embodiment and with the help of figures closer are explained.  

Here show:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a befestig th at the animal breathing gas mask with a fixed flow rate sensor housing;

Fig. 2 is an illustration of the breathing gas mask with integrated sealing collar;

Figure 3 is a representation of the deployable flow sensor housing with suction hose and electrical wiring.

Figure 4 is a detail view of the flow sensor housing with recognizable flow chambers and the connection for the suction hose.

FIG. 5 shows various views of the fixed to the mask flow rate sensor housing;

Fig. 6 shows the system structure of the measuring unit, breathable gas mask and flow rate sensor housing;

Fig. 7 is a front view and sectional view of the flow sensor housing with recognizable flow chambers and formed therein flow channels including the proposed ultrasonic transducer;

Fig. 8 arrangement examples of the ultrasonic transducer in the respective flow chamber, or the flow channel;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the openings in the panels with an imaginary connecting line, at the ends of which the ultrasonic transducers are arranged within the housing. and

Fig. 10 is a pneumatic diagram with a pump and mixing chamber.

In the embodiment of an ergospirometry system for animals, especially for horses.

A breathing gas mask 1 is put over the front part of the animal head and fastened there by a harness 2 .

The breathing gas mask is attached so close to the animal head that breath gas can only flow in or out through the openings provided.  

A volume flow rate sensor housing 3 is fixed with fixing means 4 at the breathing gas mask. 1

A gas suction hose 5 is fastened in the upper region of the volume flow sensor housing 3 via a corresponding connecting piece, this leading to the measuring unit (not shown in FIG. 1). The same applies to the electrical connections 6 of the signal preprocessing electronics located in the volume flow sensor housing 3 . The fact that the suction hose 5 is attached in the upper part of the volume flow sensor housing 3 prevents an undesired penetration of moisture.

FIG. 2 shows how the breathing gas mask 1 can be fixed in a sealing manner. For this purpose, an integra ler, inflatable sealing collar 7 is located in the breathing gas mask 1 , which can be acted upon by a valve 8 with compressed air. This is done in a particularly simple manner with a commercially available air pump 10 .

Fig. 3 shows the volume flow sensor housing 3 with the aforementioned electrical connections 6 and the suction hose 5 . The gas outlet inlet openings 11 are also shown.

It is within the meaning of the invention that the system consists of breathing gas mask with the volume flow sensor housing attached there Calibration chamber or calibration pump before mounting on Head of the animal can be calibrated or calibrated. So that will Measurement and test time saved and a higher measurement accuracy guaranteed.

The already mentioned connection piece 13 for the gas suction hose can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 4. Likewise, Fig. 4 shows the flow chambers 14 formed in the chambers, including the flow channels 15.

In the middle, lying between the flow chambers 14 Be rich 16 , the signal preprocessing electronics can be arranged.

The basic system structure according to FIG. 6 thus consists of a measuring unit 17 which has the sensors for determining the CO ₂ / O ₂ concentration in the breathing gas and corresponding storage and computing units as well as operating and display elements. The measuring unit 17 is supplied with electrical energy via the battery pack 18 or a power pack.

The measuring unit 17 can be attached to the body of the animal, as well as operated or carried by a person guiding the animal. With appropriately designed lengths of the connecting means suction hose and electrical connection, there is the possibility of arranging the measuring unit next to the animal, e.g. B. when it moves on a treadmill.

The views according to FIG. 5 show the attachment of the volume flow sensor housing 3 to the breathing gas mask 1 . A bottom view is shown in the upper part, a side view in the middle part and a top view in the lower part of FIG. 5.

In the representation of Fig. 5 it is assumed that a rubber belt-supported press connection between the breathing gas mask 1 and the volume flow rate sensor housing 3, but with a snap-in connection is realized.

The basic structure of the volume flow sensor housing with flow chambers and flow channels will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

Within the volume flow sensor housing 3 there are two flow chambers 14 which are each divided into individual flow channels by orifices 19 .

The orifices 19 are arranged parallel to one another and almost uniformly spaced in the direction of flow, openings 20 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) being offset in the orifices 19 . These openings 20 can, for. B. have a circular, but also an elliptical cross-section.

The openings 20 lie on an imaginary connecting line 21 of the centers of gravity or center, ultrasonic transducers 22 being located at the end points of the imaginary line 21 (see FIG. 9). The sound lobe of the ultrasonic transducer 22 extends essentially along the imaginary line 21 and has a very narrow exit or selectivity angle.

As shown in FIG. 8, ultrasonic transducers 22 with a sound lobe emerging orthogonally to the surface, but also those with a sound lobe that emerges at an angle α to the surface can be used.

On the control side, the ultrasonic transducers become cyclical or acyclically alternating both in the transmitter and in the receiver mode operated, which largely suppresses interference can be achieved.

The diaphragms 19 with openings 20 shown in FIG. 9 have a small thickness, preferably in the range from 0.2 to 0.4 mm. The screens 19 themselves can be made of stainless steel with a polished, smooth surface, so that minimal flow losses occur due to the given flow resistance. The selected structure from the orifice 19 with openings 20 for forming the flow channels 15 , in conjunction with the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 22, ensures a high selectivity in the detection of the volume flow, with a self-cleaning effect with minimal contamination.

The active transducer area of the ultrasonic sensors is relative low and moves for example in the range of 2 × 2 mm, the working frequency of the converter between 400 and 450 kHz lies. The goal is to get a quite high sound energy with one small exit angle in the specified frequency range radiate to the desired selectivity properties for the To ensure volume flow detection.  

The arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers or ultrasound The sensor is located far outside the center of the flow channel Sensitivity to the volume flow to be measured increased and reduces the susceptibility to failure of the device.

A further improvement in the operation of the volume flow sensor system is achieved by a dirt and water-repellent upper surface coating or a coating of the impedance matching layer of the ultrasonic transducer 22 . This coating can consist, for example, of polytetrafluoroethylene or a similar material. It is preferred to use an injection-moldable material with about 50% by weight glass fiber reinforcement based on copolyamide PA 6T / 6I.

As can be seen in principle in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic transducers 22 are materially and / or positively connected to the surrounding surface of the volume flow sensor housing or to an intermediate wall arranged there.

The electronics for controlling the ultrasonic transducers are preferably part of the signal preprocessing module, which in turn is located in area 16 ( FIG. 7).

As can be seen from the illustrations, the basic shape of the volume flow sensor housing 3 is essentially symmetrical, two flow chambers 14 with corresponding flow channels 15 being provided, the openings of which are selected in the extended direction to the position of the openings in the breathing gas mask 1 , preferably in the area of the animal's nostrils .

The measuring unit 17 can carry out a data exchange with a base station, which also comprises a telemetry unit, via an antenna 23 , which is connected to a telemetry module located in the measuring unit. In addition to the unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange, commands, in particular for controlling the measurement sequence, can also be carried out over this distance.

With the help of Fig. 10, the basic principle of Pneumatiksteue tion when using the mixing chamber measurement method is explained.

Accordingly, in the measuring unit 17 there is a mixing chamber 24 which is connected to an O ₂ sensor 25 and a CO ₂ sensor 26 .

The mixing chamber 24 is provided via a pump 27 with breathing gas ver. A first valve 28 (V1) is connected between the pump 27 and the gas inlet of the mixing chamber 24 .

On the output side, the first valve 28 is connected to a distributor connection 29 , which also leads to the connection for the gas suction hose 5 , which is in flow connection with the pump inlet.

The pump 27 works continuously, namely during inspiration with a defined rest value and during expiration controlled by the volume flow, so that acceleration from standstill is not necessary, which offers considerable advantages at high breathing frequencies.

In order to prevent ambient air from getting into the mixing chamber 24 and that the suction hose 5 fills or enriches with ambient air, the pneumatic circuit B is effective during inspiration. That is to say, in this case the circuit B forms an input bypass via the first valve 28 in connection with the connecting piece 29 .

Circuit A is active during expiration.

At the transition from expiration to inspiration, the circuit C ensures that the pressure equalization in the suction hose 5 does not take place through the ambient air, but instead expiration gas flows in from the previous expiration phase. The circuit C is only activated during the short phase of this pressure compensation. To form the circuit C, there is a white further distributor connector 30 on the output side of the CO ₂ sensor 26 and there is a second valve 31 (V2) which establishes a connection between the distributor connector 30 and the pump inlet side. A defined length of a piece of hose 32 ensures that no ambient air flows into the circuit C during the pressure equalization phase.

The described pneumatic control solution avoids the otherwise given disadvantage that the pump of higher breath frequency in animals that are exposed to stress more can follow. Furthermore, the fact is taken into account that in the suction hose, which is between the volume flow sensor and pump is arranged, resulting negative pressure due to higher respiratory rate and the given longer length leads to a falsification of measured values, because usually below unchanged application of the state of the art after termination ambient air can be sucked in during the expiration phase it has to be prevented.  

Reference list

1

Breathing gas mask

2nd

dishes

3rd

Volume flow sensor housing

4th

Fasteners

5

Suction hose

6

electrical connections

7

Sealing collar

8th

Valve

10th

Air pump

11

Gas outlet and inlet opening

13

Connecting piece

14

Flow chamber

15

Flow channels

16

Area for arranging the signal preprocessing electronics

17th

Unit of measurement

18th

Battery pack or power supply

19th

cover

20th

opening

21

imaginary connecting line

22

Ultrasonic transducer

23

antenna

24th

Mixing chamber

25th

O ₂

-Sensor

26

CO ₂

-Sensor

27

pump

28

first valve

29

,

30th

Manifold

31

second valve

32

Hose piece

Claims (20)

1. Ergospirometry system for animals, especially horses or camels, comprising a funnel-shaped, cylindrical or hemispherical breathing gas mask ( 1 ), a gas volume flow or quantity sensor, and a measuring unit ( 17 ) with sensors ( 25 , 26 ) for determining the CO ₂ / O ₂ Concentration in the breathing gas according to the mixing chamber or breath-by-breath principle and with connection and / or signal transmission means ( 6 ) for further processing, display and / or analysis of measured values in a base station, characterized in that
that one is provided from the mask (1) releasably flow rate sensor housing (3) to the breathing gas mask (1) means (4) for fixing,
that the volume flow sensor housing ( 3 ) has at least one flow chamber, the at least one flow chamber ( 14 ) each comprising gas inlet and gas outlet openings ( 11 ), which are in flow contact with associated openings of the mask ( 1 ) on the one hand and on the other hand to the environment,
and in that within the flow chamber (14) in flow extending, parallel and spaced apart aperture direction (19) flow channels (15) are formed, wherein the diaphragm (19) displaced formed recesses or openings (20) have predetermined cross-section, whose heavy or center points lie essentially on an imaginary connecting line ( 21 ) and furthermore ultrasonic transducers ( 22 ) for determining the volume flow are located at the end points of the imaginary line ( 21 ), the sound lobe of the transducers ( 22 ) along the connecting line ( 21 ) or runs on this. 2. Ergospirometry system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutouts or openings in the panels are circular or have an elliptical cross-sectional shape, with the Aperture shape and staggered arrangement unwanted sound inflections can be suppressed.   3. Ergospirometry system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by such a seal of Breathing gas mask on the animal's head, that the breathing gas flow exclusively to or above the flow chambers provided in the volume flow sensor housing leads, between the volume flow sensor housing and the Respiratory gas mask further sealants or sealing surfaces formed, and the breathing gas mask is preferably an integral, has inflatable circumferential sealing collar. 4. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducers used have a small dimension active transducer area with a small radiation lobe Have opening angle. 5. Ergospirometry system according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface of the transducer with a dirt and water repellent coating is provided. 6. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the transducer with the surrounding housing part or the housing surface of the volume flow sensor housing material and / or are positively connected. 7. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the working frequency of the transducers in the range of essentially 350 to 500 kHz, preferably 400 to 450 kHz.   8. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the orifices have a small, flow-optimized thickness, the arrangement of the panels of the formation of the same directed turbulent but largely vortex-free flow serves within the flow chambers. 9. Ergospirometry system according to claim 8, characterized in that the thickness of the diaphragms in the range from 0.15 to 0.45 mm. 10. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that a signal preprocessing in the volume flow sensor housing Electronics for controlling the converter and for determining the Volume flow is arranged to preprocessed in such a way to transmit electrical signals to the measuring unit. 11. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that a gas extraction connection piece on the volume flow sensor housing Establishing a connection for gas transport into the measuring unit is provided. 12. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the volume flow sensor housing is essentially symmetrical Has basic form with two flow chambers, the Strö mung chambers in the extended direction of the openings in the Breathing gas mask, preferably in the area of the animal's nostrils, extend.   13. Ergospirometry system according to claim 12, characterized in that ultrasonic transducers are arranged in each flow chamber, the gas volumes through the associated evaluation electronics or the volume flow per chamber and a total volume flow can be determined. 14. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the measuring unit is a telemetry module and the base station is one Telemetry unit to build a unidirectional or bidirectional Have data and / or command transmission path. 15. Ergospirometry system according to claim 14, characterized in that the base station's telemetry unit, automatic Frequency selection device to after scanning the Frequency band and / or a test data transmission procedure a telemetry frequency with expected optimal transmission quality. 16. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, marked by a memory for data backup in the measuring unit, wherein in Store records in the defined format from breath-related Measurement data for each breath and / or for all or all selected measurands the complete measurement data courses over selectable Intervals are stored at selectable start times. 17. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the measuring unit sensors for determining the ambient temperature and / or the breathing gas humidity and / or other relevant Sizes such as B. has differential pressure values, these  Sensor values used to correct the respiratory gas sensor values become. 18. Ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Expectations, characterized in that the unit of measurement on the body of the animal or one of the animal leading person can be applied. 19. Ergospirometry system according to claim 11, characterized in that the measuring unit has a mixing chamber with a pneumatic control, the CO ₂ / O ₂ sensors connected to the mixing chamber in flow connection therewith, furthermore a pump with a connection for the suction hose is provided, the suction hose leading to the volume flow sensor housing and wherein two flow circuits for expiration and inspiration can be switched by means of the pneumatic control. 20. Ergospirometry system according to claim 19, characterized by a control device which causes the pump works in quasi continuous operation, whereby during the Inspiration the pump with a rest value an input flow supply circuit, which prevents intrusion of the environment prevent air into the mixing chamber and / or the suction hose bar, and that the pump is volume flow controlled during expiration the mixing chamber is supplied with breathing gas, whereby during the over gait phase from expiration to inspiration of pressure equalization via a switch temporarily switched by the pneumatic control Connection between mixing chamber and pump inlet is made, which prevents the penetration of ambient air into the suction hose is avoidable.