Detecting Body Movement Attending Breathing Patents (Class 600/534)
  • Patent number: 8241211
    Abstract: An apparatus, and related method, for determining one or more association variables is described. The apparatus includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one program module. The program module is stored in the memory and is configurable to be executed by the processor. The program module includes instructions for determining a statistical relationship between one or more temporal onsets corresponding to one or more events and a pattern of occurrence of a compound variable. The compound variable corresponds at least to a pattern of occurrence of a first variable and a pattern of occurrence of a second variable. The determining includes contributions from presence and absence information in the pattern of occurrence of the compound variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Trigeminal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Elliot Stupp, Chris Carpenter, Lawrence Newman, Gert Lanckriet
  • Publication number: 20120203117
    Abstract: A vital signs detecting device and a method for detecting vital signs are provided. The vital signs detecting device comprises a detection unit; a multimode optical fiber configured to be connected to a light source and to the detection unit; a mechanical structure configured for receiving a pressure exerted by a person's body as a result of one or more of a group consisting of a movement of the person's body, a respiratory action of the person's body and a heart beat action of the person's body and to cause microbending of the multimode optical fiber under the exerted pressure and; wherein the multimode optical fiber is disposed between first and second sets of microbending elements of the mechanical structure substantially in a direction of the exerted pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Zhi Hao Chen, Ju Teng Teo, Xiufeng Yang
  • Patent number: 8233966
    Abstract: In a method and an x-ray diagnostic device for generation of an image of a body region of a living subject that executes a movement due to respiration, respiration signals of the subject are acquired and x-ray projections of the subject are acquired from different projection directions. The intensity of the x-ray radiation emanating from an x-ray source in the acquisition of the x-ray projections is modulated such that the intensity assumes a desired value, or a value decreased relative to the value, dependent on the value of the amplitude of the respiration signal and/or the respiration position of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Florian Wesse
  • Patent number: 8231541
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing the health status of a patient, such as the asthma status of a patient, provides an asthma status score and a confidence rating indicative of the score's reliability using continuous real-time data. In some embodiments, the assessment comprises a multidimensional analysis in which asthma status scores and respective confidence ratings are generated for multiple individual asthma health dimensions as well as a summary asthma health dimension indicative of overall asthma health. In some embodiments, the individual dimensions include an environmental trigger dimension based on sensor-based environmental data, a physiological burden dimension based on sensor-based physiological data, a medication adherence dimension based on patient diary data and a perceived symptom dimension based on patient diary data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nhedti Colquitt, Deepak Ayyagari
  • Publication number: 20120190998
    Abstract: Devices and systems provide methods for detecting respiratory related effort from movements associated with the head or face. In one embodiment, a strain signal is measured by one or more sensors. A processor may analyze the head strain signal to detect respiratory related effort. Detection of effort may serve as a basis for identifying sleep disordered breathing events. For example, the analysis may serve as part of a detector to identify central or obstructive apneas or central or obstructive hypopneas. Sensors may be integrated with headgear to support them at desired locations of the face or head. Strain from head movement may be detected by measuring, for example, tension of the headgear or force applied against the headgear. The headgear may serve as an independent support for the sensors or as a component of a respiratory treatment apparatus, such as a mask or cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Armitstead, Glenn Richards, Alicia Kristianne Wells
  • Patent number: 8226570
    Abstract: An implantable respiration monitor can be used to detect disordered breathing or periodic breathing events that can be categorized, such as according to one or more of sleep, exercise, and resting awake states. The categorized frequency of such events can be compared to independently specifiable thresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or to display one or more trends. The information can also be combined with detection of one or more other congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms to generate a CHF status indicator or to trigger an alarm or responsive therapy or to display one or more trends. The alert can notify the patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. The sleep state information can be further categorized according to central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yachuan Pu, Kent Lee, Jonathan Kwok, Quan Ni
  • Publication number: 20120172741
    Abstract: A device embodiment is configured to deliver vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of a patient. The device embodiment includes a neural stimulator, an implantable pressure sensor, and a pressure analyzer. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver the VST to the vagus nerve in a cervical region of the patient. The implantable pressure sensor is configured to be implanted in the cervical region and to detect pressure changes in the cervical region caused by laryngeal vibrations. The pressure sensor is configured to generate sensed pressure values. The pressure analyzer is configured to analyze the sensed pressure values generated by the pressure sensor. The analyzer is configured to detect laryngeal vibrations or cough from the sensed pressure values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Shantha Arcot-Krishnamurthy, Barun Maskara
  • Patent number: 8210173
    Abstract: A medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Douglas Vandine
  • Patent number: 8202226
    Abstract: Methods and systems that incorporate automated or manual control of ventilation and kinetic rotation therapy are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, an artificial ventilator is used to artificially ventilate one of the patient's lungs, the status of the artificially ventilated lung is determined by measuring one or more ventilation status measures, and one or more of the ventilation status measures is used to provide feedback for controlling the positioning of the patient. In some exemplary embodiments, the feedback is used for automated control of the positioning of the patient, while in other exemplary embodiments, the feedback is used as guidance for manual control of the positioning of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hutchinson, Royce W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8197417
    Abstract: A compact and wearable metabolic analyzer transducer comprising a housing containing a plurality of analog sensors, an A/D converter, a microcontroller, and a power source operatively coupled thereto where the microcontroller is programmed to compute minute ventilation, O2 uptake, and CO2 production of a subject. The transducer and its contents are of a size and weight that can either be easily supported from a facemask worn by a subject or incorporated in a respiratory circuit. The measured values can be wirelessly transmitted or transmitted, via a cable, to a remote personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other display devices such as digital watches or image projectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: C. Peter Howard, Joel Grimes
  • Patent number: 8187200
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting and monitoring obstructive sleep apnea. The apparatus includes an intracardiac impedance sensor to measure intracardiac impedance, a movement sensor to measure an amount of movement of a patient, and a controller operatively coupled to said intracardiac impedance sensor and said movement sensor, said controller adapted to receive at least one of an intracardiac impedance and the amount of movement of the patient and detect obstructive sleep apnea based upon said intracardiac impedance and said movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald N. Jensen, Catherine R. Condie, Yong Kyun Cho
  • Patent number: 8172766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device, and more particularly to an integrated apnea diagnosis and treatment device. The present invention additionally relates to method of sleep diagnosis and treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Cleveland Medical Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Hani Kayyali, Robert Schmidt, Mohammad Modarres-Zadeh, Brian Kolkowski
  • Patent number: 8172777
    Abstract: Implementations for sensor-based health monitoring systems are generally disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Hiroshi Goto
  • Publication number: 20120089042
    Abstract: An apparatus (200) for diagnosing asthma is disclosed. The apparatus (200) comprises a data acquisition module (210) configured to acquire at least one physical deformation feature associated with at least one of nasal flaring, neck retraction and inter-coastal retraction of a subject under examination and an analysis module (220) configured to analyze the acquired at least one physical deformation feature associated with at least one of the nasal flaring, the neck retraction and the inter-coastal retraction of the subject under examination and diagnose the asthma based on the analyzed at least one physical deformation feature associated with at least one of the nasal flaring, the neck retraction and the inter-coastal retraction of the subject under examination. The disclosed apparatus (200) can be used for monitoring asthma at home, at hospital or in ambulatory patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Nagaraju Bussa, Kumar Thirunellai Rajamani, Abhishek Jain
  • Patent number: 8152732
    Abstract: A system and method for organization and analysis of complex and dynamically interactive time series is disclosed. One example comprises a processor based system for relational analysis of physiologic signals for providing early recognition of catastrophic and pathologic events such as pathophysiologic divergence. The processor is programmed to identify pathophysiologic divergence of at least one of first and second physiologic parameters in relationship to the other and to output an indication of the divergence. An object-based method of iterative relational processing waveform fragments in the time domain is described wherein each more complex waveform object inherits the characteristics of the waveform objects from which it is derived. The first physiologic parameter can be the amplitude and frequency of the variation in chest wall impedance or nasal pressure and the second parameter can be a measure or indication of the arterial oxygen saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Lynn, Eric N. Lynn
  • Patent number: 8147407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dymedix Corporation
    Inventors: James Patrick Moore, Evan Stuart Johnston, Terry Joseph Lerach
  • Patent number: 8145291
    Abstract: A garment and system includes a monitoring fabric that exhibits a light reflection property and substantially no light transmission property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers. The amount of useful light reflected by the fabric into an aperture of acceptance defined with respect to an imaginary axis extending from the fabric relative to the amount of light lost to the aperture of acceptance detectably changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, with the detector disposed in the aperture of acceptance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Coulston
  • Publication number: 20120071771
    Abstract: This invention provides user interfaces that more intuitively display physiological data obtained from physiological monitoring of one or more subjects. Specifically, the user interfaces of this invention create and display one or more avatars having behaviors guided by physiological monitoring data. The monitoring data is preferably obtained when the subject is performing normal tasks without substantial restraint. This invention provides a range of implementations that accommodate user having varying processing and graphics capabilities, e.g., from handheld electronic devices to ordinary PC type computers and to systems with enhanced graphics capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: adidas AG
    Inventor: Andrew Behar
  • Patent number: 8137270
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for the analysis of data returned from monitoring multiple physiological parameters of a subject, especially from ambulatory multiple parameter monitoring. The methods and systems remove motion artifacts from signals and separate multiple components of single signals due to two or more physiological systems or processes. Each output signal is are preferably free from motion artifacts and reflects primarily functioning of only a single physiological system or process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Desmond B. Keenan, Michael Coyle
  • Patent number: 8123685
    Abstract: In order to provide a simple and reliable monitoring technique for a number of different parameters of a patient in a bed (2), a system (1) is provided, said system (1) comprising: at least one first sensor device (25) adapted to measure a first force component acting in a first direction (12), said first force component corresponding to a first parameter of the patient, at least one second sensor device (36) adapted to measure a second force component acting in a second direction (13, 14), said second force component corresponding to a second parameter of the patient, and a data device (16) adapted to acquire the measured data from the at least one first sensor device (25) and the at least one second sensor device (36) and to process those data in order to provide information about the number of parameters of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Brauers, Ralf Dorscheid, Frank Johnen
  • Publication number: 20120046567
    Abstract: A method of accounting for the movement of the lungs during an endoscopic procedure such that a previously acquired image may be dynamically registered with a display showing the position of a locatable guide. After an initial image set is acquired, an area of interest is identified and the movement thereof due to breathing is mathematically modeled. Patient movement sensors are then used to provide information on the patient's breathing patterns. This information is entered into the mathematical model in order to update the registration between the image set and a display showing the position of the locatable guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Dorian Averbuch
  • Publication number: 20120041279
    Abstract: This invention is directed to devices and methods for assessing a patient. The devices have at least one impedance measuring element functionally connected to a programmable element, programmed to analyze an impedance measurement, and to provide an assessment of at least one respiratory parameter of the patient. Preferably the device includes electronics which aid in calibration, signal acquisition, conditioning, and filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Respiratory Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Jenny E. Freeman, Michael Lalli, Alexander Mattfolk, Alexander Panasyuk, Charles Jahnke, Nathaniel Steiger, Svetlana V. Panasyuk, Arvil Nagpal, James F. Toy, IV, Roman Bokhenik, Anita Karcz
  • Patent number: 8115657
    Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and can be used for persons with paralysis of upper and lower limbs. The inventive device comprises a signal processing and transmitting module (1), a coordinate unit (2), functional contacts (3), control contacts (4) and an elastic base plate (5) which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis and is provided with an unbendable projection (6) on the front part thereof. The plate consists of a central circle (7), peripheral circles (8) which are radially spaced away from the central circle, connecting straps (9) mating with the central circle (7) by one end thereof, whilst the other end is coupled with the respective peripheral circle (8). The unbendable projection is made in a shape of an equilateral trapezoid adjacent to the central circle by the larger base thereof and is upwardly bent at about 20 to 60° angle with respect to the plate plane. The signal processing and transmitting module is arranged on the top surface of the central circle of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Gravitonus Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Andreevich Kosik, Aleksey Leonidovich Kosik, Taras Leonidovich Kosik
  • Patent number: 8112039
    Abstract: A system and method for providing radar signal detection in a communications system. In an example method, a raw energy detect signal is received and analyzed to determine if the raw energy detect signal contains a valid radar pulse. A bit is stored in a bit sequence storage device such that the bit has a first value if a valid radar pulse was detected or a second value indicating that a valid pulse was not detected. A set of bits in the bit sequence storage device are accessed to determine if a plurality of waveform-indicating locations in the bit sequence storage device includes valid pulses. In another aspect of the invention, a system detects a radar signal in a communications device. The system includes a pulse detector to detect pulses in a raw energy signal having a pulse width within a predetermined minimum and maximum pulse width. The system includes a frequency detector having a bit sequence storage device to store the bits output by the pulse detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Xirrus, Inc.
    Inventor: Drew Bertagna
  • Publication number: 20120029375
    Abstract: A system for estimating respirations includes an accelerometer configured to be coupled to an individual's torso, the accelerometer being configured to measure a tilt of the accelerometer as the individual breathes, and a processor connected to the accelerometer, the processor being programmed to process tilt data from the accelerometer and to estimate a respiration rate based on the tilt data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Lane, Henry Joseph Smith, III, David E. Quinn, Tyson B. Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20120016253
    Abstract: A method of filtering respiration noise from a localization signal includes acquiring a localization signal from at least one position measurement sensor within a localization field and acquiring an acceleration signal for at least one localization field generator (e.g., a patch electrode). A displacement signal for the field generator is calculated, for example by integrating the acceleration signal twice, and transformed into the frequency domain in order to calculate a fractional power indicative of patient respiration. The fractional power can then be compared to a threshold value, and the localization signal can be filtered if the fractional power exceeds the threshold value. Alternatively, the acquired acceleration signal can be used to gate collection of data points from the localization signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Steve Koh, Stuart Rosenberg, Kyungmoo Ryu
  • Publication number: 20110313260
    Abstract: Provided is a vital sign measuring apparatus capable of measuring vital signs such as a temperature of a human body, breathing, acceleration, oxygen saturation, voice, etc. to analyze and display a health index. The diaper-type vital sign measuring apparatus includes a vital sign measuring part for detecting variation in abdominal circumference according to breathing of a wearer to measure a vital sign of the breathing of the wearer, a vital sign analysis part for analyzing the vital sign measured by the vital sign measuring part to calculate a health index of the wearer, and a display part for displaying the health index calculated by the vital sign analysis part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: EULJI UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY COOPERATION, ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ji Wook JEONG, Yong Won Jang, Sung Yeup Hong, Soo Yeul Lee, Seung Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20110295083
    Abstract: Therapeutic and diagnostic systems and methods help an individual with a sleep disordered breathing condition, such as habitual snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), achieve deep, restorative sleep. The systems and methods include component that serve complementary sensing, monitoring, and corrective or diagnostic functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: ERIC N. DOELLING, Winfried Hohenhorst, Ryan P. Boucher
  • Publication number: 20110288431
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for monitoring, identifying and determining the breathing cycle of an individual from processed acoustic signal waveform data. The breathing sounds of an individual are recorded using a microphone and digitized such that the breathing sounds may be plotted. The data is segmented and transformed to form a plurality of segments representative of a frequency spectrum. The frequency spectrum data is transformed so as to produce magnitude bins and the sum of lower magnitude bins and the sum of higher magnitude bins are determined in a sampling of segments. A Bands Ratio is determined from the sum of lower magnitude bins and the sum of higher magnitude bins in the sampling of segments. A first bands ratio is then determined within a given segment and compared to the mean bands ratio. If the first bands ratio of the given segment is greater than the mean bands ratio by at least a predetermined multiplier, the given segment is labeled as inspiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: TORONTO REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hisham Alshaer, Geoffrey Roy Fernie, T. Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 8062219
    Abstract: An apparatus, and related method, for determining one or more association variables is described. The apparatus includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one program module stored in the memory configured to be executed by the processor. The program module includes instructions for selecting a subset of temporal onsets in a set of temporal onsets, instructions for determining a statistical relationship between the subset of temporal onsets and a pattern of occurrence of a variable, and instructions for identifying the variable as a migraine variable in accordance with the statistical relationship. The subset of temporal onsets includes one or more onsets corresponding to one or more migraines experienced by at least one individual, and the set of temporal onsets includes the subset of temporal onsets and one or more temporal onsets corresponding to one or more additional headaches experienced by at least the one individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Trigeminal Solutions
    Inventors: Steven Elliot Stupp, Lawrence Newman, Gert Lanckriet
  • Publication number: 20110282228
    Abstract: A method for determining at least one instantaneous pulmonary measurement. The method comprises providing a plurality of instantaneous mechanical pulmonary properties of a user in at least one identified respiratory instant during at least one respiration cycle, correlating between the plurality of instantaneous mechanical pulmonary properties, and determining at least one instantaneous pulmonary measurement in at least one identified respiratory instant according to the correlation during the at least one respiration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: PULMONE ADVANCED MEDICAL DEVICES, LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Shiner, Avi Lazar, Ori Adam
  • Patent number: 8052612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sleep respiration monitoring system for monitoring sleep quality of a user. The sleep respiration monitoring system has a sensing fabric, a detecting circuit and a judging and analysis circuit. The electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric vary with respiration status or extent of body movement of a user. The detecting circuit detects the electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric. The judging and analysis circuit performs signal processing, signal collection, signal classification and signal determination on output signals of the detecting circuit, so as to determine whether the user lies on the sensing fabric and the sleep quality of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Textile Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Fa Tang, Ching-Tang Huang
  • Publication number: 20110270115
    Abstract: A respiration sensing subsystem includes a band made of stretchable material and a pair of spaced conductors extending along the band in a flexible pattern. A moisture repellant compound is added to the stretchable material of the band between the pair of spaced conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Richard B. Streeter
  • Patent number: 8043225
    Abstract: An active implantable medical device comprising circuits for measuring trans-thoracic impedance and delivering an impedance signal varying with respiratory activity of a patient. A signal representative of the respiratory activity of the patient is delivered starting from the impedance signal, and circuits for diagnosing respiratory disorder analyze variations of the respiratory signal on a plurality of successive cycles to detect there a profile of predetermined variation in relation to a given respiratory disorder. The device also includes circuits for automatically controlling respiratory cycles with artifacts, able to identify in the impedance signal a jump of static impedance, and/or to identify in a respiratory cycle or in a sequence of respiratory cycles a predetermined singularity representative of a cycle with artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ELA Medical S.A.S.
    Inventor: Yann Poezevara
  • Publication number: 20110257552
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matt BANET, Marshal DHILLON, Devin McCOMBIE
  • Publication number: 20110257489
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matt BANET, Marshal DHILLON, Devin McCOMBIE
  • Publication number: 20110257551
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matt BANET, Marshal DHILLON, Devin McCOMBIE
  • Patent number: 8034001
    Abstract: This invention includes improved IP sensors that both have improved sensitivity, performance, and other properties and are multifunctional. The improved IP sensors have IP sensor conductors with waveforms having legs that are substantially parallel throughout the operating range of stretch. The multifunctional IP sensors include, in addition to IP sensors, accessory conductors, additional sensors, and other compatible modules. This inventions also includes embodiments of apparel incorporating the improved IP sensors. This apparel can range from band-like to shirt-like, and so forth, and include one or more IP sensors sensitive to expansions and contractions of underlying regions of a monitored subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Yoav Gal
  • Patent number: 8032199
    Abstract: A garment preferably in the form of a body suit which carries one or more sensors for sensing bodily functions of a wearer of the body suit. The body suit preferably has stretchable sections or belts upon which the sensors are carried such that the sensors are maintained in proper position on the body for reliable detection of the body functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: DITF Deutsche Institute fur Textil-und Faserforschung
    Inventors: Carsten Linti, Heinrich Planck, Hansjurgen Horter, Ursula Gutknecht
  • Patent number: 8027430
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for adapting a movement model based on an image captured during radiation treatment of a patient. The movement model may, for example, be used in radiotherapy to treat lung cancer. The movement model is typically based on a series of images of a patient captured over a period of time. The movement model and/or one or images included therein may be used to generate a reference image of the patient. The reference image is compared with an image of the patient optionally captured during treatment. The result of this comparison is used to adapt the movement model to conditions during the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne Ilmari Nord, Jarkko Yrjänä Peltola
  • Patent number: 8021309
    Abstract: An algorithm for measuring the breathing of a patient for diagnosing breathing disorders and for controlling a breathing aid device for treating a patient. Sensors record pressure and flow rates of air delivered to a patient. The data is statistically manipulated to find the start of a breath, the end of a breath, the duration of a breath, the shape of a breath, the volume of a breath, the breathing rates, flow rates, snoring index, flattening index, and other useful data to diagnose and treat a patient. The data is used to diagnose the condition of a patient and to control a breathing aide device for treating a patient at the most optimal pressures and flow rates for the patient's condition. Inspiration and expiration data are tracked separately and compared throughout the algorithm as a check the accuracy of the data manipulation by the algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Compumedics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eugene Zilberg
  • Publication number: 20110218452
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a detector to detect or generate measuring signals that are indicative of the respiration of a person, wherein said detector can be used advantageously in view of hygiene and stands out due to a simple and robust configuration. According to a first aspect, the detector detects a signal that is indicative of the activity of the respiratory muscles of a person to be examined, the detector comprising a band which, in the application position, is passed around a torso region which widens and narrows when the person to be examined breathes, as well as a structure that is included in the band and loaded in accordance with the narrowing or widening of the torso region. The structure is configured such that it causes a change in the volume of a measuring space device depending on a tensile force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MAP MEDIZIN-TECHNOLOGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd LANG, Stefan Schatzl
  • Publication number: 20110213228
    Abstract: An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: RUTH E. MARTIN, Frank Bihari, Julie A. Theurer, Rebecca C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8007443
    Abstract: The present invention includes an asymmetric inductive band that preferably has a conductor affixed from a first edge of a conductor substrate and looped across said substrate. A first and a second section of the conductor preferably is formed having “hairpin-like” features at some or all intermediate endpoints, or pivot locations, at discrete points along the length thereof. In addition, the first and the second section are arranged in an asymmetric relation to each other and, in general, each, of the hairpin-like features do not preferably directly oppose another of said features. The hairpins are preferably connected by a sawtooth shaped conductor that also contributes to the change in self-inductance when stretched, in addition to the apex, or hairpin, shape of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Compumedics Limited
    Inventor: Richard Newman
  • Patent number: 7998091
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing bioacoustic energy includes a housing comprising an interfacing portion configured to establish coupling with a body part during use. The sensor includes a transducer element coupled to the interfacing portion of the housing and configured to sense sounds produced by matter of biological origin. One or more conductors are coupled to the transducer element. A mass element is compliantly coupled to a surface of the transducer element. Intervening material is disposed between the transducer element surface and the mass element, and allows for differential motion between the transducer element surface and the mass element during excitation of the transducer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hatim M. Carim, Vivek Bharti, Fred L. DeRoos
  • Publication number: 20110190651
    Abstract: In an apnea detecting apparatus, a respiratory pace analyzer determines a respiratory pace of a user based on an ambient noise (including a breathing sound, a snore, and the like of the user) generated in a surrounding area and on information of a posture of the user in determining whether or not the user suffers from the apnea syndrome. Then, an apnea time extracting unit in the apnea detecting apparatus determines whether or not a silent time is included in a time period during which the user is estimated to be breathing based on the respiratory pace and the silent time in the ambient noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasuji Ota, Kaori Endo, Takeshi Otani, Taro Togawa
  • Publication number: 20110166470
    Abstract: Described is a system including a sensor and a processing arrangement. The sensor measures data corresponding to a patient's breathing patterns. The processing arrangement analyzes the breathing patterns to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of a REM sleep state. In another embodiment, the processing arrangement analyzes the breathing patterns to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of one of the following states: (i) a wake state and (ii) a sleep state. In another embodiment, a neural network analyzes the data to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of one of the following states: (i) a REM sleep state, (ii) a wake state and (iii) a sleep state. In another embodiment, the processing arrangement analyzes the data to determine whether the breathing pattern is indicative of an arousal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: New York University
    Inventors: David M. Rapoport, Robert G. Norman
  • Patent number: 7973666
    Abstract: A lack of patient movement monitor and method. The monitor and method patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a patient support to determine movement of a patient. An alarm is activated when patient movement over time is determined to be lacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Petrosenko, David Lokhorst, Mayur Yermaneni, Michael Z. Sleva, William L. Jacques, II, Karen Janoff, John A. Bobey, Jonathan H. Mueller, Richard B. Stacy, Andrew F. Skinner
  • Patent number: 7967759
    Abstract: The system 10 includes an endoscopic probe 20 and an expired air sampling device 24 functionally connected to a control console 28. In use, the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through a body lumen of a patient to, for example, visualize a selected region of a patient's body. As the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through the body lumens, the expired air sampling device 24 collects expired air from the patient, generates signals indicative of patient respiratory status, and outputs the generated signals to the control console 28. The control console 28 processes the signals and monitors the respiratory status of the patient. If the respiratory status of the patient changes based on the processed signals of the expired air sampling device 24, the control console 28 may output an audible or visual alert signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7967760
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a detector to detect or generate measuring signals that are indicative of the respiration of a person, wherein said detector can be used advantageously in view of hygiene and stands out due to a simple and robust configuration. According to a first aspect, the detector detects a signal that is indicative of the activity of the respiratory muscles of a person to be examined, the detector comprising a band which, in the application position, is passed around a torso region which widens and narrows when the person to be examined breathes, as well as a structure that is included in the band and loaded in accordance with the narrowing or widening of the torso region. The structure is configured such that it causes a change in the volume of a measuring space device depending on a tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Lang, Stefan Schatzl