Disposable sensor for measuring respiration and method of forming the same

• US 20020032388A1
• Filed: 02/20/2001
• Published: 03/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Flaga Hf
• Original Assignee: Flaga Hf
• Inventors: Hermannson, Kormakur, Kristbjarnarson, Helgi, Gudjonsson, Eggert
• Application Number:
  US09/785,553
• Publication Number:
  US 20020032388A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/538
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1135 by monitoring thoracic expansion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a disposable sensor for monitoring and measuring the respiration of a patient. The disposable sensor includes at least one flexible woven ribbon adapted to encircle a portion (e.g., the chest or abdomen) of the patient. The woven flexible ribbon includes a plurality of elastic threads extending in a lengthwise direction. The elastic threads are interconnected by an inelastic thread extending in a widthwise direction. Each flexible ribbon includes a conductor strip secured thereto. The conductor strip extends in a zig-zag or other predetermined pattern. The disposable sensor also includes a connector assembly for connecting and securing a first free end of the ribbon to a second free end of the ribbon.

Claims

1. A disposable sensor for monitoring changes in volume of an expandable organ of a patient, comprising:

at least one flexible ribbon adapted to encircle a portion of the patient, wherein each flexible ribbon comprises;

a plurality of elastic threads extending along a longitudinal axis of the ribbon;

at least one non-elastic thread traversing the plurality of elastic threads in a woven pattern to interconnect the plurality of elastic threads, wherein the plurality of elastic threads and the at least one non-elastic thread form a woven flexible ribbon; and

a conductor secured to the woven flexible ribbon.

2. The disposable sensor according to claim 1, wherein the conductor is secured to the woven flexible ribbon in a zig-zag pattern.

3. The disposable sensor according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elastic threads comprises:

an inner elastic strand; and

an outer cover strand surround the elastic strand.

4. The disposable sensor according to claim 1, wherein the conductor is secured to the at least one non-elastic thread.

5. The disposable sensor according to claim 4, wherein the conductor is secured to the woven flexible ribbon in a zig-zag pattern.

6. A method of forming a disposable '"'"'sensor ribbon, comprising:

providing a plurality of expandable threads, wherein the plurality of expandable threads extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ribbon;

providing at least one thread for interconnecting the plurality of expandable threads;

interconnecting the at least one thread and the plurality of expandable threads to form a flexible ribbon; and

securing a conductor strip to the ribbon.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein interconnecting the at least one thread and the plurality of expandable threads includes weaving the at least one thread to the plurality of expandable threads.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein securing the conductor strip to the ribbon includes securing the ribbon in a zig-zag pattern.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein securing the conductor strip to the ribbon includes securing the ribbon to the at least one thread.