Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for protecting electronics of a closed loop neuromodulator, configured to optimize sleep therapy for a patient, from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electrostatic discharge (ESD). A transducer signal can be provided, at an output of a hardened sensor interface, to a sleep therapy transducer. EMI can be reduced between the output and the electronics using an EMI filter and a grounded metal shield, and an ESD protection device, coupled to the grounded metal shield, can be provided to protect the electronics of the closed loop neuromodulator from an energy surge.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for providing diagnostic information from a closed loop neuromodulator, configured to provide sleep therapy for a patient, to a user or a polysomnograph (PSG). A first portion of the diagnostic information can be received at a diagnostic indicator register of the closed loop neuromodulator and an LED driver can be switched using the first portion of the diagnostic information. A second portion of the diagnostic information can be received at a PSG interface of the closed loop neuromodulator and provided to the PSG for display.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and mthiods for protecting an input and electronics of a closed loop neuromodulator. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be reduced using an EMI filter. Energy surges can be dissipated using a electrostatic discharge (ESD) device. An analog and a digital output can be produced using respiration information received at an input, each output indicative of resiration effort.

Abstract: A sensor for use with a polysomnograph in a sleep lab setting is made reusable by laminating a PVDF film and associated lead contacts within a flexible, moisture-impervious plastic envelope that is hermetically sealed about its periphery. Lead terminals within the envelope are adhered to the metalized surfaces of the PVDP film using a conductive adhesive which inhibits dislodgement of the leads from the sensor even with rough handling and cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus or method can be configured to receive information indicative of respiratory air temperature of a subject from a respiratory air temperature piezoelectric film sensor and information indicative of respiratory air pressure of the subject from a respiratory air pressure piezoelectric film sensor, and to simultaneously process the received respiratory air temperature information and the received respiratory air pressure information to produce a first electronic signal output indicative of respiratory air temperature and a second electronic signal output indicative of respiratory air pressure.

Abstract: A sensor for use with a polysomnograph in a sleep lab setting is made reusable by laminating a PVDF film and associated lead contacts within a flexible, moisture-impervious plastic envelope that is hermetically sealed about its periphery. Lead terminals within the envelope are adhered to the metalized surfaces of the PVDP film using a conductive adhesive which inhibits dislodgement of the leads from the sensor even with rough handling and cleaning.

Abstract: Multiple different output signals for a polysomnograph (PSG) machine, the multiple different output signals including a first output indicative of an upper airway restriction (UAR), a second output indicative of an airway pressure during respiration, and a third output indicative of an airway air temperature during respiration, can be produced using a single sensor input.

Abstract: An apparatus or method can be configured to receive first information indicative of respiratory effort of a subject from a first piezoelectric film sensor and second information indicative of respiratory effort of the subject from a second piezoelectric film sensor, and to process the received first and second information to produce an electronic signal output indicative of respiratory effort of the subject, the processing including averaging the received first information using a first differential amplifier and signal integrator with resistive reset to reduce differential noise and to attenuate common-mode noise, and averaging the received second information using a second differential amplifier and signal integrator with resistive reset to reduce differential noise and to attenuate common-mode noise.

Abstract: A respiratory belt sensing device to aid in monitoring breathing patterns of a user, particularly in diagnosis and treatment of persons with breathing disorders. The device includes a PVDF film member having first and second metalized major surfaces and a perimeter containing a plurality of spaced apart alignment features. It also includes a first tabbed lead and a second tabbed lead respectively attached to the first and second major surfaces of the PVDF film member by an electrically conductive adhesive. The resulting assembly is affixed to the surface of a body encircling belt member. Signals are generated when the PVDF film on the belt member is stressed due to stretching as a user breathes in and out. The generated signals can thereafter be used in diagnosis and analysis.

Abstract: A sensor for use with a polysomnograph in a sleep lab setting is made reusable by laminating a PVDF film and associated lead contacts within a flexible, moisture-impervious plastic envelope that is hermetically sealed about its periphery. Lead terminals within the envelope are adhered to the metalized surfaces of the PVDP film using a conductive adhesive which inhibits dislodgement of the leads from the sensor even with rough handling and cleaning.

Abstract: An adapter for interfacing a pyro/piezo sensor to a polysomnograph machine comprises a differential input amplifier coupled to receive the raw transducer signals from a PVDF film transducer to provide a requisite gain while rejecting common mode noise. The resulting amplified signal is filtered to separate the pyro signal from the piezo signal and the piezo signal is further applied to half-wave rectifier stages that function to remove baseline noise from the piezo signal before its being applied to a microphone channel of an existing PSG machine.

Abstract: A snore sensor incorporating a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film material adapted to be adhered to the skin of a sleeping patient on the patient's throat for detecting mechanical vibrations due to snoring. The PVDF film has a layer of metallization on opposed major surfaces thereof which are insulated from one another by the PVDF material itself and elongated electrical leads individually connect to the metallization layers. One major surface of the film layer is covered by a layer of adhesive tape and the opposite major surface with its metallization is underlayed by a thin layer of plastic film having an adhesive on opposed surfaces thereof. The adhesive on one side of the plastic film layer adheres it to the PVDF film while the adhesive on the opposed major surface of the plastic film is used to adhere the device to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A combination thermal and vibration sensor for use in sleep monitoring equipment comprises a thin film of a plastic exhibiting both pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. By providing a layer of foam material totally covering one major surface of the plastic film layer, it is found that the thermal mass of the sensor is changed to the point where the pyroelectric signal can more readily be isolated from the piezoelectric signal using conventional signal processing techniques.

Abstract: A combination thermal and vibration sensor for use in sleep monitoring equipment comprises a thin film of plastic exhibiting both pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. By providing a layer of foam material covering only a predetermined portion of one major surface of the film layer, it is found that the thermal mass of the sensor is changed to the point where the pyroelectric signal can be more readily isolated from the piezoelectric signal using conventional signal processing techniques. Because the layer of foam material is not present on a remaining portion of the piezo/pyro film, the signal output due to the film's piezoelectric properties is not unduly dampened and attenuated.

Abstract: A combination thermal and vibration sensor for use in sleep monitoring equipment comprises a thin film of a plastic exhibiting both pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. By providing a layer of foam material totally covering one major surface of the plastic film layer, it is found that the thermal mass of the sensor is changed to the point where the pyroelectric signal can more readily be isolated from the piezoelectric signal using conventional signal processing techniques.

Abstract: A plurality of flow sensors are fabricated on a single substrate. The substrate is laid out to provide the proper physical relationship of the individual sensors. The resulting multiple sensor structure may be effectively used as a respiration detector by positioning a different sensor element at each of the airflow orifices (i.e., two nostrils and mouth) of a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the sensors are thermoresistive elements, which are screened on the substrate using conductive ink. The change in temperature of the air flow in relation to the ambient at each orifice provides an indication of the flow and may be used to determine the extent of the flow. The substrate is packaged in a single piece adhesive strip which provides ease of proper attachment by the patient.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter suitable for use in light-powered electronic systems. The DC electrical output from a solar cell is stepped-up in a chopper-type inverter that is driven by a gated oscillator. The output from the inverter is then rectified and is adapted to be applied to a load through a series connected switch whose on/off state is determined by the output from a voltage regulator. Connected between the rectifier and the series switch are energy storage capacitors which become charged when the series switch is open and which provide energy to the load when the series switch is closed. Feedback from the regulator circuitry controls the on/off state of the gated oscillator and, therefore, the energy delivered by the inverter. Further circuitry is provided for signaling a light transmitting device that the fiber-optic link delivering energy to the photo cell is intact.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of monitoring respiration of a patient using impedance changes of the body to indicate respiration events. The impedance changes are measured by applying a carrier signal across the thorax of the patient. The carrier is periodically interrupted to produce a quiet period. A first level detector assumes the presence of EMI if the signal present during the quiet period exceeds a predetermined threshold. A second level detector senses the presence of substantial high frequency EMI. At initial power up, a third level detector checks for presence of signal before the carrier drive is applied. A fourth test circuit checks for the hang up of the differential amplification circuit.