US5353793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Sensor apparatus
Assignee: OISHI-KOGYO Co
•
Filing: 1991-11-25
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Granted: 1994-10-11
•
Expires: 2011-11-25
Abstract
Abstract A stretchable harness-like apparatus enables physiological parameters of a patient to be measured while he or she is ambulatory or stationary. The invention has a chest band, an optional shoulder band(s), and an optional abdominal band that can house respiration, pulse and ECG sensors. The shoulder band(s) are attached to the chest band and all of the bands are worn on the body under a low tension. The apparatus is typically used in conjunction with on-body monitoring electronics and radio-linked to remote alerting modules or it can be hard-wired to on-body or remote monitoring and alerting equipment. The compliant nature of the device allows for accurate monitoring without sacrificing patient mobility or comfort.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Bornn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:41
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6801; A61B5/683; A61B5/6831; A61B5/0002; A61B5/0004; A61B5/0006; A61B5/103; A61B5/11; A61B5/113; A61B5/1135; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/28; A61B5/282; A61B5/41; A61B5/411; G; G16; G16H; G16H40/00; G16H40/60; G16H40/63; G16H40/67; G16Z; G16Z99/00; A61B2560/00; A61B2560/02; A61B2560/0204; A61B2560/0209; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/22; A61B2562/221; A61B2562/222; A61B5/74; A61B5/7465; A61B5/747; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/903; Y10S128/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
A sensor support apparatus, suitable for wearing by a patient, comprising: chest band means for forming a compliant loop having a selected circumference such that when said chest band means is worn around the patient's chest, substantially all of said chest band means elongates and produces a resilient tension, said chest band means formed of a gel-like core, and having a front portion and a back portion; shoulder band means for forming a compliant band having a first end connected to the back portion of said chest band means and a second end connected to the front portion of said chest band means, said shoulder band means having a selected length and being formed of a gel-like core, such that when said shoulder band means is worn over the patient's shoulder and said chest band means is worn around the patient's chest substantially all of said shoulder band means elongates and produces a resilient tension; and a plurality of sensor means for sensing at least one physiological parameter of the patient, wherein said sensor means are positioned on said chest and shoulder band means, and further wherein resilient tensioning provided by said chest and shoulder band means operates to maintain the sensor means in proper physical orientation with respect to the patient's body for proper operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
A sensor support apparatus, suitable for wearing by a patient, comprising: chest band means for forming a compliant loop having a selected circumference such that when said chest band means is worn around the patient's chest, substantially all of said chest band means elongates and produces a resilient tension, said chest band means formed of a gel-like core, and having a front portion and a back portion; shoulder band means for forming a compliant band having a first end connected to the back portion of said chest band means and a second end connected to the front portion of said chest band means, said shoulder band means having a selected length and being formed of a gel-like core, such that when said shoulder band means is worn over the patient's shoulder and said chest band means is worn around the patient's chest substantially all of said shoulder band means elongates and produces a resilient tension; and a plurality of sensor means for sensing at least one physiological parameter of the patient, wherein said sensor means are positioned on said chest and shoulder band means, and further wherein resilient tensioning provided by said chest and shoulder band means operates to maintain the sensor means in proper physical orientation with respect to the patient's body for proper operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chest band means and said shoulder band means are each comprised of an outer skin formed of and filled with a visco-elastic polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said visco-elastic polymer is a polyurethane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said chest and shoulder band means further contain recesses in said outer skin which extend into said visco-elastic polymer for housing said sensor means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of said recesses have a bottom of predetermined width and side walls, and each of said sensor means comprise a conductive substrate fastened to said recess bottom and having a width less than said predetermined width of said recess bottom; interface means communicating with the conductive substrate for forming a conductive and galvanically inert interface between the conductive substrate and the patient's skin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said interface means substantially fills the recess.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chest band means comprises a length of an outer skin formed of and filled with a visco-elastic polymer and having first and second ends; and fastening means for removably connecting the first end of said outer skin to the second end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said fastening means is adjustable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chest band means is formed of a continuous loop of an outer skin formed of and filled with a visco-elastic polymer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second ends of said shoulder band means is removably connected to said chest band means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said fastening means is adjustable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprise means for sensing ECG signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said ECG sensor means comprise: a conductive substrate; a thin layer of a conductive, galvanically inert substance enveloping said substrate; and means affixed to said thin layer for forming a conductive and inert interface between said ECG sensor means and the patient's skin.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said interface forming means include a hydrogel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said interface forming means include a striated surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said interface forming means include a layer of carbonized rubber affixed to said thin layer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said interface forming means include a striated surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said shoulder and chest band means each have a surface which comes in contact with the patient's skin, said surfaces further have recesses for housing said ECG sensor means, and said sensor means are adhesively attached to bottom of said recesses and are generally flush with said surfaces.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said ECG sensor each comprise a layer of carbonized rubber.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprise means for sensing changes in the tension in said chest band means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said means for sensing changes in tension comprise a strip of piezoelectric material positioned longitudinally in said chest band means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprise means for sensing changes in the tension in said shoulder band means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprise a strip of piezoelectric material positioned longitudinally in said chest band means for sensing small amounts of flexing caused by the patient's pulse.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor means comprise a strip of piezoelectric material positioned longitudinally in said shoulder band means for sensing small amounts of flexing caused by the patient's pulse.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including wiring means for providing electrical connection to said sensor means, said wiring means being formed in a manner which permits said wiring means to elongate when said chest band means and shoulder band means are placed under tension.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said wiring means are embedded within a visco-elastic polymer located in said chest and shoulder band means, and out of contact with the patient's skin.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said wiring means are snaked in an accordion fashion through the visco-elastic polymer to permit stretching of said chest and shoulder band means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said wiring means include a plurality of conductors which are woven together to form a structure that elongates when said chest and shoulder band means elongate.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said wiring means are formed on a skin of said chest band means and said shoulder band means in a manner which permits said wiring means to elongate when said chest band means and shoulder band means are placed under tension.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including a patient-activated switch positioned in the chest band means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the switch is located in the center of the front portion of the chest band means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the switch is located in the chest band means such that said switch is positioned under an arm of the patient.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
112 words
A sensor band, suitable for wearing by a patient, comprising: torso band means formed of a gel-like core, for forming a compliant loop having a selected circumference such that when said torso band means is worn around the patient's torso substantially all of said torso band means elongates and is placed under a resilient tension; and sensor means for sensing at least one physiological parameter of the patient, wherein said sensor means are positioned on and cushioned by said torso band means, and further wherein the resilient tension of said torso band means operates to maintain the sensor means in proper physical orientation with respect to the patient's body for proper operation.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
112 words
A sensor band, suitable for wearing by a patient, comprising: torso band means formed of a gel-like core, for forming a compliant loop having a selected circumference such that when said torso band means is worn around the patient's torso substantially all of said torso band means elongates and is placed under a resilient tension; and sensor means for sensing at least one physiological parameter of the patient, wherein said sensor means are positioned on and cushioned by said torso band means, and further wherein the resilient tension of said torso band means operates to maintain the sensor means in proper physical orientation with respect to the patient's body for proper operation.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said sensor means include a strip of piezoelectric material positioned longitudinally in said torso band means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said torso band means are comprised of an outer skin formed of and filled with a visco-elastic polymer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said visco-elastic polymer is a polyurethane.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said torso band means further contain recesses in said outer skin which extend into said visco-elastic polymer for housing said sensor means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus of claim 37, wherein each of said recesses have a bottom of predetermined width and side walls, and each of said sensor means comprise a conductive substrate fastened to said recess bottom and having a width less than said predetermined width of said recess bottom; interface means communicating with the conductive substrate for forming a conductive and galvanically inert interface between the conductive substrate and the patient's skin.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said interface means substantially fills the recess.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said sensor means comprise means for sensing ECG signals.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said ECG sensor means comprise: a conductive substrate; a thin layer of a conductive, galvanically inert substance enveloping said substrate; and means affixed to said thin layer for forming a conductive and inert interface between said ECG sensor means and the patient's skin.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said interface forming means include a hydrogel.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said interface forming means include a striated surface.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said interface forming means include a layer of carbonized rubber affixed to said thin layer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said interface forming means include a striated surface having a diamond pattern.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said torso band means has a surface which comes in contact with the patient's skin, said surface further has recesses for housing said ECG sensor means, and said sensor means are adhesively attached bottom of said recesses and are generally flush with said surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said ECG sensor each comprise a layer of carbonized rubber.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said sensor means comprise means for sensing changes in the tension in said torso band means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said means for sensing changes in tension comprise a strip of piezoelectric material positioned longitudinally in said torso band means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 33, further including wiring means for providing electrical connection to said sensor means, said wiring means being formed in a manner which permits said wiring means to elongate when said torso band means are placed under tension.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said wiring means are embedded within a visco-elastic polymer located in said torso band means, and out of contact with the patient's skin.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said wiring means are snaked in an accordion fashion through the visco-elastic polymer to permit stretching of said torso band means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said wiring means include a plurality of conductors which are woven together to form a structure that elongates when said torso band means elongate.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said wiring means are formed on a skin of said torso band means in a manner which permits said wiring means to elongate when said torso band means are placed under tension.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 33, further including a patient-activated switch positioned in the torso band means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the switch is located in the center of the front portion of the torso band means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the switch is located in said torso band means such that said switch is positioned under an arm of the patient.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-10-10 | 1998-04-11 | 1998-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-10 | 2002-04-11 | 2002-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-10 | 2006-04-11 | 2006-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |