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US 8,444,558 B2Granted
Apparatus for monitoring vital signs having fluid bladder beneath padding
AssigneeBam Labs, Inc.
InventorsSteven J. Young, Richard V. Rifredi, Yuri Zhovnirovsky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sleeping monitoring system includes a first padding layer. A fluid bladder is beneath the first padding layer. A sensor is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder. The sensor is configured to output a vital sign signal.
Claims19
A sleep monitoring system comprising:
- a mattress sized for use in a bed frame comprising:
- a first padding layer sized to fit to the bed frame;
- and
- a sensing layer sized smaller than and positioned below the first padding layer, the sensing layer comprising a fluid bladder and a sensor positioned within the fluid bladder and in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, the sensor configured to detect waves propagated within the fluid bladder;
- an inflation mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid;
- and
- a controller located within the mattress and configured to:
- receive signals from the sensor;
- analyze the signals using pattern recognition to differentiate the signals based on frequency;
- convert analysis results to vital signs of a subject on the mattress;
- and
- output the vital signs of the subject to a control unit, wherein the fluid bladder defines at least one aperture extending from a first surface of the fluid bladder adjacent the first padding layer to a second surface of the fluid bladder opposite the first surface configured to provide a pass-through for fluids.
9 more elements
A sleep monitoring system comprising:
- a mattress sized for use in a bed frame comprising:
- a first padding layer sized to fit to the bed frame;
- and
- a sensing layer sized smaller than and positioned below the first padding layer, the sensing layer comprising a fluid bladder and a sensor positioned within the fluid bladder and in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, the sensor configured to detect waves propagated within the fluid bladder;
- an inflation mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid;
- and
- a controller located within the mattress and configured to:
- receive signals from the sensor;
- analyze the signals using pattern recognition to differentiate the signals based on frequency;
- convert analysis results to vital signs of a subject on the mattress;
- and
- output the vital signs of the subject to a control unit, wherein the fluid bladder includes connectors extending between a top side of the fluid bladder upon which the first padding layer rests and a bottom side of the fluid bladder, the connectors at least partially defining pathways along which the waves move toward the sensor.
9 more elements
A mattress for determining a vital sign of a person lying thereon, the mattress comprising:
- a first foam layer;
- a second foam layer;
- a fluid bladder between the first and second foam layers, the fluid bladder defining at least one aperture extending between a top side of the fluid bladder that the first foam layer rests on and a bottom side that rests on the second foam layer, the at least one aperture configured as a pass-through for fluid;
- and
- a sensor in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, the sensor configured to detect waves propagated within the fluid bladder;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- receive signals from the sensor;
- and
- analyze the signals using pattern recognition to differentiate the signals based on strength and frequency, with one strength and frequency associated with a heart rate, a second strength and frequency associated with a respiration rate, and a third strength and frequency associated with limb movement.
7 more elements
A sleep monitoring system comprising:
- a fluid bladder;
- a sensor in fluid communication with the fluid bladder and operative to detect waves propagated within the fluid bladder;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- receive signals from the sensor;
- and
- analyze the signals using pattern recognition to differentiate the signals based on strength and frequency, with one strength and frequency associated with a heart rate, a second strength and frequency associated with a respiration rate, and a third strength and frequency associated with limb movement, wherein the fluid bladder defines at least one aperture extending from a first surface of the fluid bladder to a second surface of the fluid bladder opposite the first surface configured to provide a pass-through for fluids.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.