# US 7,608,047 B2 · Reusable snore/air flow sensor

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- Number: US 7,608,047 B2
- Document ID: US7608047B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/484,453
- Filed: 2006-07-11
- Published: 2007-01-18
- Granted: 2009-10-27
- Earliest claimed: 2005-07-18
- Assignees: Dymedix Corporation
- Inventors: Peter Stasz
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7608047B2

## CPC

- A61B 5/0878: {using temperature sensing means}
- A61B 5/4818: {Sleep apnoea}
- A61B 5/682: {Mouth, e.g., oral cavity; tongue; Lips; Teeth}
- G01F 1/00: Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow (measuring a proportion of the volume flow G01F5/00)
- A61B 5/0816: {Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency (measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00)}
- A61B 7/003: {Detecting lung or respiration noise}
- A61B 2560/0412: Low-profile patch shaped housings
- A61B 2562/247: Hygienic covers, i.e. for covering the sensor or apparatus during use
- Y10T 29/42: Piezoelectric device making
- Y10T 29/49174: Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- G01F: MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A sensor for use with a polysomnograph in a sleep lab setting is made reusable by laminating a PVDF film and associated lead contacts within a flexible, moisture-impervious plastic envelope that is hermetically sealed about its periphery. Lead terminals within the envelope are adhered to the metalized surfaces of the PVDP film using a conductive adhesive which inhibits dislodgement of the leads from the sensor even with rough handling and cleaning.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A reusable snore/air flow sensor comprising:
(a) a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film of a predetermined shape configuration and having a layer of metallization on opposed major surfaces of said film;
(b) a first and a second insulated lead wires each having a contact member affixed to an uninsulated end portion thereof;
(c) a conductive adhesive adhering the contact members on the first and the second lead wires to the layers of metallization of the opposed major surfaces of the PVDF film;
(d) a first layer of double-sided adhesive tape, the layers being of said predetermined shape configuration and overlaying said contact members and a portion of the insulated lead wires and adhered on a first side to the metalized PVDF film, forming a contiguous seal with the adhesive tape;
(e) a second layer of double-sided adhesive tape, the layers being of said predetermined shape configuration and overlaying said contact members and a portion of the insulated lead wires and adhered on a second side to the metalized PVDF film, forming a contiguous seal with the surface of the adhesive tape; and
(f) a first and a second outermost layers of a moisture impervious, flexible, thermoplastic material, the first outermost layer being adhered to the first layer of double-sided adhesive tape, forming a contiguous seal with the surface of the adhesive tape, and the second outermost layer being adhered to the second layer of double-sided adhesive tape, forming a contiguous seal with the surface of the adhesive tape, and with perimeter portions of the first and second outermost layers being bonded to one another forming a non-porous permanent encapsulation.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The reusable snore/air flow sensor of claim 1 wherein the predetermined shape configuration is generally Y-shaped.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The reusable snore/air flow sensor of claim 1 wherein the predetermined shape configuration is generally rectangular, but with a rounded end.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The reusable snore/air flow sensor as in claim 1 wherein the conductive adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive containing conductive carbon particles.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The reusable snore/air flow sensor as in claim 1 wherein the first and second outermost layers comprise polyurethane.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The reusable snore/air flow sensor as in claim 1 wherein the bonded perimeter portion of the first and second outermost layers preclude moisture form penetrating the sensor.