Infant bed and apnea alarm
US4146885A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1977 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2503/06
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hospital bed or mattress for neonatal infants with a respiration monitor and alarm to detect apnea. No sensor or other appliance is attached to the infant. The bed comprises a base or frame structure with a soft resilient membranous top or cover, e.g., of sheet rubber. The closed air space below the pan is vented to the outside as by a small hole or tube, the average air pressure inside being about atmospheric. The baby's breathing causes slight rhythmic displacements of portions of the body, which in turn transmit small dynamic "recoil" forces proportional to acceleration to the flexible membrane on which the baby rests. The resulting diaphragm-like displacements modulate the air pressure inside. Breathing is sensed by monitoring this acoustic signal by a vented pressure microphone or by sensitive anemometer means connected to the vent. Acoustic and electrical filtering are used to discriminate against higher-frequency signals from the heart-beat and from ambient vibration. Cessation of the respiration signal for a predetermined period of time actuates an alarm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.