Disposable Sleep And Breathing Monitor

• US 20080092898A1
• Filed: 08/26/2005
• Published: 04/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Key Technology, Inc. (Duravant LLC), Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Key Technology, Inc. (Duravant LLC), Johns Hopkins University
• Inventors: Smith, Philip, Lane, Benjamin, Regan, Jennifer, Schwartz, Alan, Schneider, Hartmut
• Granted Patent: US 9,415,182 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/206.28
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0878 using temperature sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/398 Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus; Electroretinography [ERG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4806 Sleep evaluation A61B5/4821 takes precedence; devices for inducing sleep A61M21/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/021 operated by electrical means A61M16/202 – A61M16/205 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0858 Pressure sampling ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0027 pressure meter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0036 in the breathing tube and used in both inspiratory and expiratory phase
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/62 Posture

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a mask, a sensor body configured to be attached to the mask, and an electronic module for producing an output in response to air flow through the sensor body.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a mask;

a sensor body configured to be attached to the mask; and

an electronic module for producing an output in response to air flow through the sensor body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor body includes an annular opening, and the mask includes a ring, wherein the ring forms a press fit in the annular opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein ring includes at least one groove and the annular opening includes at least one ridge configured to fit within the groove.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least two strap connections connected to the sensor body.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic module includes:

a micro-electromechanical sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an oximeter mounted in the mask.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor body defines an air passage and the apparatus further comprises:

a first tube having a first end mounted in the air passage with the first end facing away from the mask;

a second tube having a second end mounted in the air passage with the second end facing toward the mask; and

wherein the first and second tubes are connected to the electronic module.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic module is mounted on the sensor body.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional sensor for monitoring at least one of:

oxygen saturation, muscle activity, brain wave activity, eye movement, head position, head movement, and/or heart rate.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask is overmolded on the sensor body in a unitary construction.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a display for patient feedback.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask covers only a nose.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask covers a nose and mouth.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mask is made of molded rubber of silicone.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an air flow sensor for measuring leakage through the mouth.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermistor assembly snaps onto a ring on the mask with an adjustable arm to allow for placement of the thermistor directly over a patient'"'"'s mouth.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an inclinometer for measuring head orientation.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, the inclinometer is integrated directly into the electronic module.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a differential pressure measurement is made at the center of the flow stream.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a sensor body defining an air passage and configured to be inserted in a breathing tube, wherein the air passing includes a portion having a reduced cross-sectional area;

an upstream tube opening and a downstream tube opening positioned in the portion of the air passage having a reduced cross-sectional area; and

an electronic module for producing an output representative of air flow in response to differential pressure between pressure at the upstream tube opening and a downstream tube opening the sensor body.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the electronic module is mounted on the sensor body.