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Breath volume monitoring system and method

  • US 10,123,724 B2
  • Filed: 04/05/2016
  • Issued: 11/13/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for monitoring tidal volume of an individual to diagnose a condition comprising:

  • providing a microprocessor component and an electrically-conductive, elastomeric band in electrical communication with the microprocessor component;

    wherein the microprocessor component comprises memory and a circuit for detecting postural orientation;

    wherein the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band comprises;

    an elasticity allowing a fifty percent change in elongation of the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band;

    a resistance that is linearly variable over a three to fifty percent change in elongation of the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band; and

    a first end and a second end;

    wherein the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band is physically connected with the microprocessor component in such a manner that, in conjunction with the elasticity of the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band, the microprocessor component and the first and second ends of the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band are maintained generally around the bottom of the individual'"'"'s sternum and the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band extends and is maintained around the individual'"'"'s thorax in a non-horizontal path that is higher at a front of the individual and lower along a back of the individual; and

    wherein, when so positioned, changes in measured resistance of the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band correspond to tidal volume of the individual;

    with the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band and the microprocessor component, monitoring respiratory activity of the individual during a period of time by causing said microprocessor component to collect raw resistance data from the electrically-conductive, elastomeric band a predetermined number of sample times per second;

    blurring the raw resistance data by averaging a given raw resistance data sample with raw resistance data over an immediately preceding 0.3 to 1.0 seconds of the raw resistance data to filter out artifacts;

    determining a beginning of a breath cycle and an end of a breath cycle based on the blurred data; and

    recording an adverse event if a pre-determined period of time has elapsed without a new breath cycle commencing.

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