Breath sensing apparatus
OwnerPeter Staszinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A breathing sensor comprising a thin flexible compliant film transducer exhibiting piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. The transducer preferably comprises a thin film of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) having a pattern of metallization on the opposed surfaces thereof defining electrodes. The transducer is designed to be affixed proximate a person's airway such that the tidal flow of inspired and expired air will impinge upon the transducer. It is adapted to be coupled to electronic circuitry for indicating normal breathing, for providing an alarm in the event of sleep apnea and for providing an indication when sound related to respiratory distress is present.
Claims10
A breathing sensor comprising in combination:
- (a) a transducer adapted to be disposed relative to the respiratory passages of an animal or person to intercept the tidal flow of respiratory gases exiting said passages, said transducer comprising a flexible, compliant polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film substrate exhibiting piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, said film substrate having first and second major surfaces supporting electrodes having a pattern of flexible metallization thereon defining zones of sensitivity to thermal changes, said transducer producing a low frequency output voltage signal proportional to changes in temperature due to the impingement of respiratory gases thereon;
- (b) first and second flexible layers of insulation covering the flexible metallization on said first and second major surfaces;
- and
- (c) circuit means coupled to said electrodes for receiving said low frequency output voltage signal and producing one of a visual and audible indication when said output voltage signal is above a prescribed amplitude.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.