Abstract: A non-invasive physiologic signs monitoring device includes a garment with electrocardiogram electrodes and various inductive plethysmographic sensors sewn, embroidered, embedded, or otherwise attached to the garment with an adhesive. The garment is in the form of a shirt. When the garment is fitted over the torso of the patient to be monitored, the electrodes and sensors generate signals in response to the physiologic signs of the patient. The signals are transmitted to a recording/alarm device where they are monitored for adverse conditions and logged. When an adverse condition or other preprogrammed condition occurs, a message is communicated to the patient by either an audio message or a display. The recording/alarm unit is also connectable to a remote receiving unit for monitoring by a health care professional or other machine.

Abstract: A method for measuring respiratory drive includes determining a peak inspiratory flow and a peak inspiratory acceleration from a breath waveform derived from rib cage motion and abdominal motion using a plethysmograph or other external respiratory measuring device. The respiratory drive is ascertainable even during complete blockage of the respiratory system. The peak inspiratory drive derived using the inventive method is used to initiate inspiration in a mechanical ventilator and for determining an index describing a shape of the waveform for controlling a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) device.

Abstract: A hooded tray and a blank for manufacturing such a tray. The hooded tray has two open topped trays having opposed product containing and enclosing side and end walls. The two trays are assembled together into a closed transport configuration, with the open top of one tray facing the open top of the other. Each of the trays presents an upstanding wall arranged, when the trays are assembled, to make wall-to-wall contact with a side or end wall of the other tray. This enables the two trays to be easily located relative to each other.