Abstract: A respiratory effort belt to be worn by a person undergoing a sleep study comprises a PVDF piezo film transducer having opposite major surfaces metalized and electrical leads electronically connected to the metalized surfaces adhesively bonded to an inelastic cover layer that is, in turn, adhesively joined to an stretchable elastic band that functions as a belt to be secured to the person's chest or abdomen. The transducer produces a time-varying output voltage waveform due to rubbing contact between the elastic band and the PVDF film and not due to tensile forces acting on the film as the person's chest or abdomen rises and falls with inspiration and expiration.

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: 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 connectors adapted to receive opposed ends of a body-encircling, single-use band and which provide the ability to adjust belt tension. Because of the construction of the sensor module, it may be sterilized for reuse.

Abstract: A respiratory effort belt to be worn by a person undergoing a sleep study comprises a PVDF piezo film transducer having opposite major surfaces metalized and electrical leads electronically connected to the metalized surfaces adhesively bonded to an inelastic cover layer that is, in turn, adhesively joined to an stretchable elastic band that functions as a belt to be secured to the person's chest or abdomen. The transducer produces a time-varying output voltage waveform due to rubbing contact between the elastic band and the PVDF film and not due to tensile forces acting on the film as the person's chest or abdomen rises and falls with inspiration and expiration.

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: 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 connectors adapted to receive opposed ends of a body-encircling, single-use band and which provide the ability to adjust belt tension. Because of the construction of the sensor module, it may be sterilized for reuse.

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 home screening method for assessing whether a person is in need of a full sleep study in a sleep lab or is in need of immediate treatment for apnea and/or hypopnea. In carrying out the method, a screening service company provides a customer with a PVDF air flow sensor and an electronics module that connects to the sensor for filtering the sensor analog waveform due to temperature changes upon inspiration and expiration and due to mechanical stress due to snoring. The filtered signals are converted to a digital representation and stored during a period of sleep. The electronics module is then returned to the screening service where the stored information is analyzed in accordance with a program run on a host computer to identify the type, frequency, duration of detected events. The program further generates a report with recommendations for further action.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting sleep related autonomic nervous system arousals has a PVDF piezo component designed to be affixed to a body part exhibiting arterial pulse wave activity, such as a finger or toe. The signal from the PVDF piezo transducer due to pulse wave activity is signal processed and delivered to a PSG machine or a portable device for stowing digitized waveforms. It is found that the sensor output correlates well with EEG indications of cortical arousals.

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 method of measuring a patient's respiratory effort that does away with the need for body encircling belts comprises a PVDF sensor sandwiched between a covering layer of a single sided adhesive tape strip and a bottom layer of a double sided adhesive tape strip arranged such that the sensor may be adhesively affixed to a person undergoing a sleep study and where electrical leads cooperating with the PVDF sensor are adapted to be connected to a physiological data collection device such as a PSG machine or a HST monitor.

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.