Abstract: The system of the present invention is intended to provide a simple, out-of-clinic sleep disorders testing tool. It can be used for pretest screening and diagnosis, and post therapy follow-up of patients. The hardware component comprises a disposable sensor pack containing a PVDF airflow sensor and a PVDF pulse wave sensor, each of which is permanently connected to a signal conditioning and communications module configured to communicate with a patient's smartphone via a Bluetooth circuit. An APP stored in the smartphone allows a patient to initiate a diagnostic recording, collect and store digitized data onto the phone and, subsequently, upload data to a secure server for analysis on a host computer following completion of the test.

Abstract: Circuits for rendering piezo-based respiratory belts compatible with polysomnograph (PSG) machines designed for use with respiratory induction belts (RIPs) comprise an instrumentation amplifier adapted to be connected to a piezoelectric transducer and providing an AC output signal to a low-pass filter. In a first embodiment, the low-pass filter output is applied to an input of a microcontroller's A to D converter and the resulting digitized samples are used to vary the resistance of a digital potentiometer whose wiper terminal is coupled in series with an inductor so as to emulate the presence of a RIP belt to the PSG machine. In a second embodiment, the low-pass filter output is used to drive the primary of a transformer so as to vary the permeability of the transformer's ferrite core in a way that emulates the performance of a RIP belt to the PSG.

Abstract: A multi sensor module especially designed for use in sleep-study applications includes a PVDF film piezoelectric transducer enclosed between an upper layer of a single-sided adhesive tape strip and a lower layer of a double-sided adhesive tape strip. Also adhesively affixed to the upper single-sided adhesive tape strip, but not overlaid by the lower double-sided adhesive tape strip are first and second conductive electrodes. The combination sensor module is adapted to be adhesively affixed to the chest area of a person and further included in an extension of the PVDF strip that is adapted to overlay the suprasternal notch of a person for producing signals responsive to respiratory activity of the person.

Abstract: A multi sensor module especially designed for use in sleep-study applications includes a PVDF film piezoelectric transducer enclosed between an upper layer of a single-sided adhesive tape strip and a lower layer of a double-sided adhesive tape strip. Also adhesively affixed to the upper single-sided adhesive tape strip, but not overlaid by the lower double-sided adhesive tape strip are first and second conductive electrodes. The combination sensor module is adapted to be adhesively affixed to the chest area of a person and further included in an extension of the PVDF strip that is adapted to overlay the suprasternal notch of a person for producing signals responsive to respiratory activity of the person.

Abstract: A respiratory effort sensing belt that incorporates a PVDF transducer is constructed such that the transducer is contained within an elastic, moisture impervious plastic envelope and affixed to the envelope are a pair of cam buckles adapted to receive opposed ends of a body-encircling, single-use band. Because of the construction of the sensor module, it may be sterilized for reuse.

Abstract: Circuits for rendering piezo-based respiratory belts compatible with polysomnograph (PSG) machines designed for use with respiratory induction belts (RIPs) comprise an instrumentation amplifier adapted to be connected to a piezoelectric transducer and providing an AC output signal to a low-pass filter. In a first embodiment, the low-pass filter output is applied to an input of a microcontroller's A to D converter and the resulting digitized samples are used to vary the resistance of a digital potentiometer whose wiper terminal is coupled in series with an inductor so as to emulate the presence of a RIP belt to the PSG machine. In a second embodiment, the low-pass filter output is used to drive the primary of a transformer so as to vary the permeability of the transformer's ferrite core in a way that emulates the performance of a RIP belt to the PSG.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for anti-habituating sleep therapy using a closed loop neuromodulator. A first sleep disorder event can be detected using first activity information, and a first series of stimuli can be provided, in response to the first sleep disorder event, using a set of stimulus parameters. A habituation event can be detected and anti-habituation stimulation parameter can be adjusted to avoid patient habituation to the stimuli.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for generating a sleep therapy stimulus waveform for a patient. Stimulus sequence information can be selected from a sequence memory array, and stimulus sequence information can be received from the sequence memory array at a stimulus generator selector. A generator select signal can be provided to a stimulus generator of a closed loop neuromodulator using the stimulus sequence information and a stimulus duration signal, wherein the generator select signal can include stimulus type information related to stimulus pulses generated using the closed loop neuromodulator.

Abstract: A tactile and audible sensation can be provided to a patient using a coiled or scrolled film in response to a received control signal. The tactile and audible sensation can be configured to stimulate the patient's central nervous system to sufficiently interrupt and undesirable sleep behavior of the patient, but avoid significantly changing a sleep state of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method can be configured to detect respiratory air temperature information and respiratory air pressure information from a patient using a first piezoelectric film and a second piezoelectric film, wherein at least a portion of the second piezoelectric film overlaps at least a portion of the first piezoelectric film. In an example, the first and second piezoelectric films can be sized and shaped to be disposed on an upper lip of a subject. In certain examples, the first piezoelectric film can include a non-overlap portion exposed to nasal respiration, and the second piezoelectric film can include a non-overlap portion exposed to oral respiration.

Abstract: System for storing pre-packaged sleep related sensors and facilitating effective, efficient, or error-free usage of the sleep related sensors for sleep diagnostic testing including a thoracic respiratory effort belt, an abdominal effort belt, an oxygen saturation sensor, and a nasal and oral airflow sensor, a receptacle for storing sleep-related sensors, and instruction for using the sleep-related sensors.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for receiving respiration information of a patient and for providing a stimulation to the patient using a hybrid circuit. The hybrid circuit includes a control input for receiving a control signal having a first and second state. A sense switch of the hybrid circuit can provide respiration information from a pyro/piezoelectric film sleep sensor and stimulator to a closed loop neuromodulator in response to the first state. A stimulation switch of the hybrid circuit can provide stimulation energy from the closed loop neuromodulator to the pyro/piezoelectric film sensor and stimulator in response to the second state. The hybrid circuit can couple to the pyro/piezoelectric film sensor and stimulator using a single wire pair.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for detecting respiration information of a patient and for providing a stimulation to the patient. A sleep sensor transducer includes a pyro/piezoelectric film. A first and second electrode can attach to the film to transmit the detected respiration information to a closed loop neuromodulator and to receive stimulation energy from the closed loop neuromodulator to provide the stimulation.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for transmitting biomedical data of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be transmitted using one or more wireless transceivers. The wireless transceiver can include a pyro/piezoelectric sensor for detecting the biomedical data of the patient. Examples include wirelessly communicating the biomedical data to a base station coupled to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine or a sleep therapy device.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting biomedical data of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be detected using one or more wireless sensors. The wireless sensor can include pyro electric and piezo electric properties and can be coupled to a wireless transceiver to receive the biomedical data. Examples include wirelessly communicating the biomedical data to a base station coupled to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine or a sleep therapy device.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for receiving biomedical data of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be wirelessly received using a wireless sensor base station including a transceiver to receive the biomedical data from a wireless sleep sensor. A demultiplexer of the wireless sensor base station can separate respiration information from the biomedical data. Examples include providing the biomedical data to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine or a sleep therapy device using an output of the wireless sensor base station.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting biomedical data for diagnosing sleep disorders of a patient. Biomedical data of the patient can be detected using one or more wireless sensors. The biomedical data can be processed to separate various information including respiration temperature and pressure information. The various information can be wirelessly communicated to a base station coupled to a polysomnograph (PSG) machine configured to display the information for diagnosing sleep disorders.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for generating a sleep therapy stimulus waveform for a patient. Stimulus sequence information can be selected from a sequence memory array, and stimulus sequence information can be received from the sequence memory array at a stimulus generator selector. A generator select signal can be provided to a stimulus generator of a closed loop neuromodulator using the stimulus sequence information and a stimulus duration signal, wherein the generator select signal can include stimulus type information related to stimulus pulses generated using the closed loop neuromodulator.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for anti-habituating sleep therapy using a closed loop neuromodulator. A first sleep disorder event can be detected using first activity information, and a first series of stimuli can be provided, in response to the first sleep disorder event, using a set of stimulus parameters. A habituation event can be detected and anti-habituation stimulation parameter can be adjusted to avoid patient habituation to the stimuli.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, method and apparatus for detecting abnormal respiration activity. Clock pulses can be passed through a first gate when digital airflow information indicates a first respiration state, summed, and compared to a first count threshold, and a respiration activity output can be generated using the comparison.