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Transducer for detecting apnea

  • US 4,971,065 A
  • Filed: 02/11/1985
  • Issued: 11/20/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A transducer element for monitoring movement of a subject mechanically interfaced therewith, comprising:

  • (a) a continuous electrically conductive path formed of resilient electrically resistive material, said conductive path having a width which is relatively narrow with respect to its length, said electrically resistive material being resiliently deformable in a direction perpendicular to the conductive path and having an electrical impedance which varies in response to variable resilient deformations of localized areas of said resilient material when said deformations have a directional component perpendicular to the conductive path, said conductive path being configured into a serpentine shape to form a series circuit of conductive path legs joined by turns, said serpentine conductive path covering a predetermined detection area;

    (b) a substrate for electrically insulating the legs of the serpentine conductive path from each other except through the conductive path turns, said conductive path being secured to said substrate to maintain a spacing between adjacent legs of the serpentine conductive path, said substrate having a non-uniform surface of peaks and valleys to enhance deformations of localized areas of the electrically resistive material in a direction perpendicular to the conductive path in response to motions of a subject supported on the transducer element; and

    (c) an electrical conductor connected to each end of the continuous path, said conductors being electrically connected with each other through the conductive path.

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