Physiological monitoring system

• US 5,394,882 A
• Filed: 07/21/1993
• Issued: 03/07/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC (Respironics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Respironics Incorporated
• Inventors: Mawhinney, Daniel D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GREEN, BRIAN
• Application Number:
  US08/095,290
• Time in Patent Office: 594 Days
• Field of Search: 128/721, 128/723, 128/687, 128/782, 128/903, 128/670, 128/671, 607/149, 607/154, 607/156, 340/539, 340/573
• US Class Current: 600/534
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/113 occurring during breathing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

A wireless monitoring system including at least one first unit for sensing motion and for directly radiating signals corresponding to the sensed motion. Additionally, the system includes a second unit for detecting signals radiated by the first unit and for converting the detected signals into electronic signals suitable for monitoring at compatible monitor apparatus.

Claims

1. A wireless system for monitoring motion associated with a subject, said system comprising:

at least one first unit means for generating and radiating signals corresponding to said motion, said first unit means having an oscillator adapted to be operably coupled to said subject and means for supplying a current to said oscillator, said oscillator including means to draw supply current in accordance with subject loading thereon associated with said motion and to generate signals corresponding to said motion responsive to said subject loading; and

a second unit means remote from said first unit means for receiving aid radiated signals and for converting said radiated signals into at least one signal suitable for monitoring.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one first unit means include a plurality of said first unit means.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said current is DC current.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said first unit means further comprises an antenna connected to said oscillator and operable to transmit said radiated signals.

5. The system of claim 4 further comprising means for attaching said first unit means to said subject.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said attaching means is a bio-compatible, non-allergenic adhesive.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said second unit means comprises an antenna for detecting said radiated signals.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said second unit means further comprises an output means for enabling monitoring of said at least one signal suitable for monitoring.

7. The system of claim wherein said oscillator is a radio frequency oscillator.

10. A wireless system for monitoring motion associated with a subject, said system comprising:

at least one first unit means for generating and radiating signals corresponding to said motion, said first unit means having an oscillator adapted to be operably coupled to said subject and means for supplying a current to said oscillator, said oscillator including means to draw supply current in accordance with subject loading thereon associated with said motion and to generate signals corresponding to said motion responsive to said subject loading wherein said motion is at least one physiological motion and said radiated signals are signals corresponding to physiological activity associated with said at least one physiological motion; and

a second unit means remote from said first unit means for receiving said radiated signals and for converting said radiated signals into at least one signal suitable for monitoring.

11. A wireless sensor for monitoring motion associated with a subject, said sensor comprising:

an oscillator adapted to be operably coupled to said subject and means for supplying a current to said oscillator, said oscillator including means to draw supply current in accordance with subject loading thereon associated with said motion and to generate signals corresponding to said motion responsive to said subject loading; and

antenna means connected to said oscillator for radiating said generated signals corresponding to said motion.

12. The sensor of claim 11 wherein said current is DC current.

13. The sensor of claim 11 further comprising means for attaching said sensor to said subject.

14. The sensor of claim 13 wherein said attaching means is a bio-compatible, non-allergenic adhesive.

15. The sensor of claim 11 wherein said oscillator is a radio frequency oscillator.