ACOUSTIC SENSOR ASSEMBLY
First Claim
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1. An acoustic sensor assembly for non-invasively outputting a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations indicative of one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient, comprising:
- a frame;
a sensing element configured to output a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations and supported by the frame; and
an acoustic coupler supported by the frame and positioned to apply pressure to the sensing element to bias the sensing element at a predetermined tension, the acoustic coupler configured to transmit acoustic vibrations to the sensing element through the acoustic coupler when the acoustic sensor assembly is attached to a medical patient.
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Abstract
An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.
221 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An acoustic sensor assembly for non-invasively outputting a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations indicative of one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient, comprising:
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a frame; a sensing element configured to output a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations and supported by the frame; and an acoustic coupler supported by the frame and positioned to apply pressure to the sensing element to bias the sensing element at a predetermined tension, the acoustic coupler configured to transmit acoustic vibrations to the sensing element through the acoustic coupler when the acoustic sensor assembly is attached to a medical patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of non-invasively outputting a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations indicative of one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient, comprising:
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providing an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor comprising a frame, a sensing element configured to detect acoustic vibrations and supported by the frame, and an acoustic coupler supported by the frame and positioned to apply pressure to the sensing element so as to bias the sensing element to a predetermined tension prior to attachment to a medical patient; attaching the acoustic sensor to the medical patient, wherein the acoustic coupler is placed in contact with the medical patient; and outputting a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations indicative of a physiological parameter of the medical patient based on acoustic vibrations transmitted through the acoustic coupler and detected by the sensing element. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. A method of manufacturing an acoustic sensor, the method comprising:
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providing an acoustic coupler, a sensing element, and a frame, the frame defining an open cavity; attaching the sensing element to the frame such that the sensing layer extends across the open cavity; and attaching the acoustic coupler to the frame, wherein the acoustic coupler applies pressure to the sensing element to bias the sensing element at a predetermined tension, wherein the acoustic coupler is configured to transmit acoustic vibrations to the sensing element through the acoustic coupler when the acoustic sensor assembly is attached to a medical patient.
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Specification