Inductive plethysmography vest for small mammals and method of making such a vest

By using elastic fabric tubes and strips in small mammal vests, combined with ultrasonic welding and other technologies, the manufacturing problem of induction plethysmograph vests in small mammals is solved, and low-cost and high-precision winding positioning and size reproducibility is achieved to meet the needs of animals of different body types.

CN113924040BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-22ETISENSE +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080027264.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-04-05
Filing Date
2020-04-06
Publication Date
2025-08-22
Estimated Expiration
2040-04-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art is difficult to provide small mammals with a low cost and good reproducibility of winding position and size for induction plethysmographic vest, especially due to small winding sizes, difficulty in sewing by hand, difficulty in weaving and device prone to damage by animal behavior.

Method used

The vest design consists of tubes and strips made of elastic fabrics. By forming multiple longitudinal rings on the circumference of the tube, the conductive wire harness forms wavelet windings in the ring and is fixed by ultrasonic welding, etc., to ensure that the winding and the tube are slidingly connected, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the low-cost and high-precision induction plethysmographic vest for small mammals, with good winding position reproducibility, reducing the stiffness and difficulty of replacement of the device, and adapting to the needs of animals of different body types.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an inductive plethysmography vest for mammals with a mass of less than 6 kg, comprising: a tube (10) made of elastic fabric, configured to surround the trunk of the mammal, the tube (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) parallel to the spinal column of the mammal; at least one inductive winding formed by a conductive wire bundle (20), arranged in the form of small waves along the circumference of the tube (10); the vest is characterized in that it comprises at least one strip (11) made of elastic fabric, the strip being arranged along the circumference of the tube and defining a plurality of longitudinal rings (111), each small wave being formed by a wire bundle (20) passing successively through each ring (111).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inductive plethysmography vest for small mammals and a method for making the same. Background Art

[0002] Induction plethysmography is a tool used to measure changes in the volume of a mammalian (human or animal) torso for respiratory and / or cardiac applications.

[0003] The principle of this measurement is to wrap at least one or more conductive wire bundles around the subject's torso to form inductive windings. Changes in the torso volume, in particular due to breathing and / or cardiac activity, lead to changes in the inductance of each winding, which is measured by the sensor.

[0004] Reliable measurements require ensuring that the position of the windings relative to the subject remains constant over time. In particular, any slippage of each winding relative to the subject's torso must be avoided. Furthermore, during multiple consecutive recordings, it is essential to position each winding at the same point on the subject's torso to ensure reproducible measurements.

[0005] For humans, it is known to sew each winding onto an elastic fabric band and wrap the band around the subject's torso. Alternatively, each winding or band can be sewn onto a garment, such as a T-shirt, that is configured to be slipped onto the subject's torso when lightly tightened, which facilitates placement of the plethysmograph. Reference is made to US Pat. No. 6,341,504 in this regard.

[0006] For animals of medium size (such as dogs, primates, pigs), it is also known to use straps that are held on the animal by means of snaps integrated into the clothing. Document US7762953 describes such a device.

[0007] These straps or garments need to be precisely tailored to ensure correct positioning of the windings and good repeatability of measurements over time and from one device to another. The windings must also be fixed in a way that does not stiffen the vest, preventing changes in the winding cross-section and minimizing stress on the subject's torso.

[0008] For those whose devices must be reusable, sewing is usually done manually, which results in high manufacturing costs, or by weaving techniques limited to producing elastic bands that can then be integrated into clothing, as described in the aforementioned document US Pat. No. 6,341,504.

[0009] However, for small laboratory mammals, this tailoring poses three major problems. "Small mammals" in this context refers to mammals typically used in laboratories that weigh less than 6 kg. These mammals include, in particular, rodents (mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets) and lagomorphs (rabbits).

[0010] First, the size of the windings is so small compared to that of an average-sized human or animal that manual sewing becomes difficult. Second, weaving and assembling the small elastic bands on such a device without reinforcing them is difficult. Third, the device is designed to be worn by mammals whose behavior is such that it degrades (punctures, tears, shedding, soiling). Its regular replacement is unavoidable, so its cost must be minimized.

[0011] For example, document WO 2017 / 037369 describes an inductive plethysmography device for non-invasive measurement of aortic blood flow in the subdiaphragmatic region of small laboratory mammals.

[0012] like Figure 1 As shown, a small mammal A is equipped with a chest induction plethysmography (TIP) vest 1 comprising two electrically conductive, stretchable windings 2, 3 integral with a tube made of elastic fabric that can be adjusted to the torso of the mammal. Optionally, the vest 1 may also include an additional winding 5 arranged in the abdominal area to enable respiratory induction plethysmography (RIP) measurements.

[0013] The windings 2 and 3 are connected to an acquisition device 4 which makes it possible to record the cross-section variation signal of each winding.

[0014] Windings 2 and 3 are shaped as wavelets to follow the deformation of the part they enclose and are placed in two areas of the animal's chest.

[0015] The positioning and configuration of the windings (wavelet amplitude and spatial period) are determined by a functional physiological model based on calculations of blood flow in the subdiaphragmatic aorta and standardized according to morphological criteria (weight range, relevant species). In small mammals, the diameter of the windings in their free state typically ranges from 2 to 15 cm. Furthermore, the space between the two windings typically ranges from 0.5 to 5 cm. As for the amplitude and spatial period of the winding wavelets, they range from 0.5 to 5 cm and 0.5 to 3 cm, respectively.

[0016] The apparatus also includes a processor configured to calculate instantaneous subdiaphragmatic aortic flow of the small mammal based on the cross-sectional change signal of each winding and based on a functional model of the cardiopulmonary system, according to which blood exchange between the thorax and the rest of the body of the mammal includes blood output through the abdominal aorta in the subdiaphragmatic region and blood input through the inferior vena cava.

[0017] There is currently no method for manufacturing vests with sufficiently precise quality and at a satisfactory cost. Summary of the Invention

[0018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to design an inductive plethysmography vest for small laboratory mammals which has good reproducibility of winding position and dimensions and is inexpensive to manufacture.

[0019] To this end, the present invention proposes an inductive plethysmography vest for small mammals, i.e. mammals with a mass of less than 6 kg, comprising:

[0020] a tube made of elastic fabric configured to surround the torso of a mammal, the tube extending along a longitudinal axis parallel to the spinal column of the mammal;

[0021] at least one inductive winding formed of a bundle of conductive wires arranged in the form of small waves along the circumference of the tube;

[0022] The vest is characterized in that it comprises at least one strip of elastic fabric arranged along the circumference of the tube, defining a plurality of longitudinal loops, each wavelet being formed by the successive passage of a wire bundle through each loop.

[0023] The circumference of the tube extends around the longitudinal axis of the tube. In other words, when the tube is flat, its circumference is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] Furthermore, the strips made of elastic fabric are distinct from the tube and are assembled to the tube in the manner detailed below.

[0025] Each ring thus presents a loop delimited on the one hand by the tube and on the other hand by the strip, extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube and having two opposite ends in said longitudinal direction suitable for passing a wire bundle inside said ring, holding it in the manner of a band between said ends.

[0026] The loop advantageously constitutes the only means for maintaining the wavelet shape and in particular makes it possible to fix the wire bundle to the tube without resorting to any other means such as sewing, braiding, gluing or the like.

[0027] Specifically, unlike previously cited technologies that create a rigid connection between the harness and the tube, the ring creates a sliding connection between the harness and the tube. This connection offers several advantages. Firstly, since the harness can slide within the ring when the tube deforms, it minimizes vest stiffness. Secondly, it allows for easy replacement of the harness, for example, if it becomes damaged.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous manner, each ring is delimited by two longitudinal assembly lines of the strip on the tube.

[0029] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent assembly lines is constant.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the tube further comprises two orifices adapted for passage of the front legs of the mammal, each orifice having an elongated shape along the circumference of the tube.

[0031] Advantageously, the tube also comprises a reinforcement formed by a flap of the tube on the side of the mammal's front leg, said orifice extending through said flap.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the vest further comprises a housing for a collection device connected to each induction winding, said housing being integrally formed with said tube or being directly fixed to said tube.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the vest further comprises a harness comprising a housing for a collection device connected to each induction winding and a strap adapted to hold the tubes around the abdomen of a mammal.

[0034] The strap may be provided with a plurality of hook and loop grips.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each conductive strand passes at least twice in each loop along the circumference of the tube to form the set of windings constituting the coil.

[0036] Another subject of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a vest. The method comprises:

[0037] providing a strap made of elastic fabric having a longitudinal axis;

[0038] assembling at least one strip of elastic fabric perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on said belt along a plurality of lines parallel to said longitudinal axis so as to define a plurality of loops between two adjacent lines of said strip;

[0039] closing the strip along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis to form a tube;

[0040] At least one inductive winding is formed along the circumference of the tube by successively passing a conductive strand through each loop of a respective strip to form a wavelet.

[0041] The strips may advantageously be assembled to the tube by ultrasonic welding, sewing and / or gluing.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises piercing two holes in the strap by means of a perforator, each hole being suitable for the passage of the front legs of the small mammal.

[0043] The method may further comprise, prior to piercing the orifice, assembling a tab of a tape on a surface of the tube, the aperture passing through the tab.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a set of inductive plethysmography vests for small mammals of different sizes, said mammals having a mass between 20 and 6000 grams, preferably between 100 and 6000 grams, wherein said method is implemented as described above for each of said vests, the distance between two adjacent assembly lines of each strip being the same for all vests. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mouse wearing an inductive plethysmography vest such as that described in document WO2017 / 037369;

[0047] Figure 2 is a view of a pattern (on one side of the inner surface thereof) of a vest according to an embodiment;

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 View of the pattern, on the outside side of the vest;

[0049] Figure 4 Here is a view of the assembled strap;

[0050] Figure 5 is a view of an assembled ribbon with multiple induction windings;

[0051] Figure 6 is a view of a pattern (on one side of its outer surface) of a shoulder strap according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 View of the pattern, on one side of the inner surface of the backstrap;

[0053] Figure 8 is a view of the assembled vest after the straps have been closed upon themselves to form a tube;

[0054] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a vest assembled according to another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 of vest pattern.

[0056] The same reference numerals in one drawing indicate the same elements or elements that perform the same function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] According to the present invention, an inductive plethysmography vest for a small mammal comprises a tube made of elastic fabric configured to surround the torso of the mammal.

[0058] The tube includes a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the animal's spinal column.

[0059] The tube may have a longitudinal closure, for example arranged along the animal's spine, to facilitate placement of the tube on the torso. Such closure may include hook-and-loop fasteners (better known as VELCRO™), snaps, zippers, and the like.

[0060] Alternatively, the tube is closed on itself in a permanent manner, for example by welding, gluing or sewing; it then has to be put on the animal's torso, the elasticity of the fabric being chosen so that it can be adjusted to slide over the animal's torso.

[0061] The tube serves as a support for at least one inductive winding formed by a bundle of conductive wires arranged in the form of small waves along the circumference of said tube.

[0062] To this end, the vest comprises at least one strip of elastic fabric arranged along the circumference of the tube, defining a plurality of longitudinal loops, each wavelet being formed by the successive passage of a bundle of wires through each loop.

[0063] The strips are assembled on the tube along longitudinal lines so that two adjacent lines define a loop. The assembly can be performed by welding, sewing, gluing or any other suitable means.

[0064] Welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, is particularly preferred because it can be performed on the outside of the strip (easily accessible) using a device of reduced bulk; moreover, the welding can be achieved by means of a template that serves to guide the welding along the longitudinal lines and that can define the width of the loop.

[0065] This longitudinal assembly does not affect the circumferential elasticity of the tube and each strip. Therefore, it does not hinder deformation of the windings during animal activity and does not disrupt plethysmographic measurements. Even if the assembly were to stiffen the tube in the longitudinal direction, this stiffening would not affect the measurements.

[0066] The width of the loop (the distance between two adjacent wires) defines the period of each winding. This width is typically chosen to adjust the number of small waves between a minimum value (e.g., 10) and a maximum value (e.g., 20), ensuring flexibility in each winding and limiting the time required to place the wire in all the loops. In practice, a width of 4 to 40 mm is preferred. This template ensures a constant winding period over the entire circumference of the tube.

[0067] In a particularly advantageous manner, this loop width can even be constant across vests of different sizes. Indeed, for small mammals with masses ranging from 20 grams to 6 kilograms, a limited number of vest sizes can be defined, each suited to a given range of small mammals. The conservation of the loop width from one size to another makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the vest, while maintaining the same period for each winding.

[0068] According to other embodiments, the vest may include two or more inductive windings, arranged at different locations on the animal's chest and / or abdomen. In this case, the vest comprises as many strips as windings, said strips being arranged parallel to one another over the length of the tube, each strip defining a plurality of longitudinal loops, wherein each conductive wire is arranged to form a wavelet.

[0069] According to an advantageous embodiment, each conductive strand passes at least twice along the circumference of the tube in a loop of the same strip to form the set of windings that make up the coil. This makes it possible to increase the sensitivity of the winding. The self-inductance L of the coil in air (in Henry (H)) is in fact defined by the following formula:

[0070]

[0071] Where μ0 is the magnetic constant, which is equal to 4π*10 -7 Hm -1 , N is the number of windings, S is the cross section of the coil, the unit is m 2 , l is the length of the coil, in meters.

[0072] For the same enclosing cross section, the self-inductance value is multiplied by the factor N 2 / l. Compared with a single winding, a coil consisting of N windings requires N times longer wire. Therefore, the self-inductance (L) of each sensor is N ) is theoretically equal to the self-inductance of the winding (L N=1 ) multiplied by the coefficient N.

[0073] Advantageously, the vest includes two openings for the animal's front legs. If the legs are not circular in cross-section, the openings are preferably non-circular. Preferably, the openings have an elongated shape (e.g., a teardrop shape) in the circumferential direction of the tube. This allows the vest to be adjusted closer to the animal's torso in the front leg area. This shape better adapts to the morphology of the animal's limbs; it prevents discomfort associated with wearing the vest and ensures better maintenance over time.

[0074] The front part of the tube (located on the side of the front leg) can be reinforced with a reinforcement. In a particularly advantageous manner, the reinforcement can consist of a tab on the outside of the tube, which is assembled onto the outer surface of the tube using one of the above-described assembly methods. Preferably, this reinforcement extends at least to the back of the animal's front leg; thus, the opening of the front leg extends through the double-thickness elastic fabric, which contributes to the mechanical strength of the tube in this area.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the vest further comprises a harness configured to support a connector electrically connected to the conductive wires and / or to increase retention of the tube on the animal's torso.

[0076] The harness advantageously comprises a pocket adapted to receive a connector adapted to electrically connect the conductive wires and the plethysmographic measurement chain.The pocket is configured to be located on the back of the animal.

[0077] Alternatively, the pocket may be formed directly on the outer surface of the tube.

[0078] The vest described above can be manufactured in a simple manner while ensuring good precision and reproducibility of the winding positioning.

[0079] The tube is formed by a band of elastic fabric which is closed on itself along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0080] The closure may be permanent, that is to say not removable without damaging the vest, for example by welding the strap to itself.

[0081] In another approach, the closure may be reversible, such as by a hook and loop type grip, buttons, or the like.

[0082] Before closing itself, the strap is assembled with at least one strap along the longitudinal lines defining the loops in the strap. As mentioned above, this assembly can be done by welding (especially ultrasonic welding), gluing, sewing, etc. The advantage of this operation is that it is carried out in a planar manner, and a template can be used to ensure a constant distance between the assembly lines.

[0083] Before or after the tube is closed, the conductive wire is successively threaded through all the loops of the same strip. Once the tube is closed, the wire forms an inductive winding. To facilitate placement of the wire in the narrow loop, it is advantageous to thread the wire through the eye of a needle and introduce it into the loop through the needle.

[0084] Each end of the wire is then crimped into a lug, and the lugs are inserted into a connector located on the animal's back, in a pocket provided for this purpose. The connector itself is connected to the plethysmography measurement chain.

[0085] Figures 2 to 7 The different parts of the vest are explained.

[0086] Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows an elastic fabric strap configured to form a tube, Figure 2 The inner surface (configured to come into contact with the animal's skin) is shown, Figure 3 The outer surface (as opposed to the animal's skin) is shown.

[0087] The belt 10 has a generally rectangular shape. 10a denotes its front edge (located on the side of the animal's front legs), and 10b denotes its rear edge (located on the side of the animal's hind legs).

[0088] In an advantageous manner, the strap is folded back on itself at the level of the leading edge to form a flap 14 assembled on the outer surface of the strap (see Figure 2 ). The flaps may reinforce the strap, especially when holes are pierced therein for the passage of the legs.

[0089] Two orifices 12 are formed in the front part of the strap, preferably through the flaps 14, if present. These orifices are cut, for example, by a punch. In a particularly advantageous manner, the orifices 12 have an elongated shape in the circumferential direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , each opening 12 has the shape of a teardrop with a semicircular portion on the inside of each leg and a tapered portion on the outside of each leg.

[0090] Two rectangular strips 11 are assembled on the inner surface of the belt 10 along assembly lines 110. The strips are perpendicular to the belt's longitudinal axis X, which is parallel to the animal's spine. Lines 110 are parallel to axis X. The distance d between two adjacent lines 110 is constant across the width of the belt (corresponding to the circumference of the tube). Each pair of adjacent lines defines a corresponding loop 111.

[0091] One or more holes 13, which may be circular, are arranged near the lateral edges of the band 10 to enable the conductive wires to pass through the tube. The holes are cut, for example, by a punch.

[0092] Figure 4shows the tape after threading the conductive strands 20 into the loops of each respective strip.

[0093] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which two identical conductive strands 20 have been threaded into the loop of each respective strip to form a coil with two windings after the tube is closed.

[0094] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The outer and inner surfaces of an embodiment of a harness are shown, respectively. The harness 30 includes a pocket 31, which is formed, for example, by a flap of extensible fabric forming the harness. The inner dimensions of the pocket are adapted to the inner dimensions of the connector described above. Straps 32 extend on either side of the pocket 31, and are of a length adapted to surround the animal's torso. The outer and inner surfaces of the straps 32 include complementary fasteners 33, 34, such as rectangular VELCRO™ extending over the length of the strap. Thus, regardless of the cross-section of the animal's torso, at least two complementary elements 33, 34 can be juxtaposed to adjust the strap to the animal's torso. The pocket and strap do not necessarily have to be one piece.

[0095] Figure 8 The vest is shown after the straps have been closed on themselves to form a tube. The vest comprises two parallel strips 11 holding two conductive windings, each formed from a conductive strand 20. The windings are formed inside the tube, the ends of the strands emerging from the tube via orifices 13 and connected to connectors. These strands are advantageously twisted together.

[0096] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another embodiment of a vest is shown, in which the pocket is integrated into the vest, either integral with the vest or directly fastened to the vest. This embodiment has the advantage of eliminating the strap, which prevents excessive pressure on the animal's abdomen. Furthermore, integrating the pocket into the vest prevents any slippage of the pocket around the animal's torso and ensures that the collection device is well centered relative to the animal's back.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the pocket is formed by assembling two parallel flaps 14 integral with the belt 10 at the level of the portion configured to form the collar of the vest.

[0098] During the manufacture of the vest, the flaps are folded back towards the rear of the animal and assembled by any suitable means (e.g. gluing, welding, sewing, etc.) to form a pocket of suitable dimensions for the collection assembly. The opening of the pocket is located at the level of the collar and is therefore not accessible when the pocket is folded down on the animal's back.

[0099] In other embodiments, the pocket is made integral with the tube by any suitable means (eg gluing, welding, sewing, etc.), preferably at the level of the end forming the collar.

[0100] In addition, the strap 10 can be extended backward to form a flap that folds back on the animal's back to cover the cables and electrodes of the collection device. Thus, the device is protected from fluid jets or mechanical attacks, especially when the animal is in the presence of conspecifics.

[0101] application

[0102] An application of the above-mentioned device is cardiac induction plethysmography, in order to implement, for example, the formation of a virtual aortic blood flow loop, which is the subject of document WO 2017 / 037369, according to different measurement configurations, including but not limited to:

[0103] chest belt, abdominal belt or diaphragm belt,

[0104] Two chest straps,

[0105] Two abdominal belts,

[0106] chest and diaphragm belts,

[0107] Diaphragm belt and abdominal belt.

[0108] Another application of this assembly is respiratory induction plethysmography, where the model has one or more compartments whose cross-sectional changes can be recorded by:

[0109] Chest or abdominal belt,

[0110] Abdominal and chest belts,

[0111] Chest belt, abdominal belt and diaphragm belt.

[0112] In general, the assembly is able to monitor the mechanical deformation of compartments with as many chest, diaphragm or abdominal belts as there are compartments to be monitored.

[0113] The vest should be available in different models depending on the animal species and weight, usually between 20 and 6000 grams, preferably between 100 and 6000 grams. Relevant species include in particular mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and young animals, such as piglets or puppies.

[0114] For example, for an application with Wistar or Sprague Dawley strain rats, the range might consist of 4 sizes of vests corresponding to the following weights:

[0115] Weight range Size 0 100 to 200 grams Size 1 200 to 300 grams Size 2 300 to 400 grams Size 3 More than 400 grams

[0116] The position of the abdomen, chest, and diaphragm depends on the morphology of the species and must be adjusted accordingly.

[0117] Reference Documents

[0118] WO2017 / 037369

[0119] US6341504

[0120] US7762953

Claims

1. An inductive plethysmography vest for a mammal having a mass less than 6 kg, comprising: - a tube (10) made of elastic fabric configured to surround the torso of the mammal, the tube (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) parallel to the spinal column of the mammal; - at least one inductive winding formed by a bundle of conductive wires (20) arranged in the form of small waves along the circumference of the tube (10); The vest is characterized in that it comprises at least one strip (11) made of elastic fabric, arranged along the circumference of the tube and assembled on the tube along longitudinal lines (110), defining a plurality of longitudinal loops (111), each longitudinal loop being delimited by two adjacent longitudinal lines, and each wavelet being formed by a conductive strand (20) passing successively through each longitudinal loop (111).

2. The vest according to claim 1, wherein the distance (d) between two adjacent longitudinal lines (110) is constant.

3. The vest according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the tube further comprises two openings (12) adapted for passage of the front legs of a mammal, each opening having an elongated shape along the circumference of the tube.

4. A vest according to claim 3, wherein the tube further comprises a reinforcement formed by a flap (14) of the tube on the side of the mammal's front leg, the aperture (12) extending through the flap.

5. The vest according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (31) for a collection device connected to each inductive winding, said housing being integrally formed with said tube (10) or being directly fixed to said tube.

6. The vest according to claim 1, further comprising a harness (30) comprising a housing (31) for connecting to a collection device of each inductive winding and a tie (32) suitable for holding the tube (10) around the abdomen of a mammal.

7. Vest according to claim 6, wherein the strap (32) is provided with a plurality of hook and loop grips (33).

8. The vest according to claim 1, wherein each conductive strand (20) passes at least twice in each longitudinal loop (111) along the circumference of the tube to form a set of windings constituting a coil.

9. A method of manufacturing an inductive plethysmography vest for a mammal having a mass less than 6 kg, comprising: - providing a belt made of elastic fabric having a longitudinal axis (X); - assembling on said belt at least one strip (11) of elastic fabric perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along a plurality of longitudinal lines (110) parallel to said longitudinal axis, so as to define a plurality of longitudinal loops (111) between two adjacent longitudinal lines (110) of said strip; - closing the strip along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) to form a tube; - forming at least one inductive winding along the circumference of the tube by successively passing a conductive strand (20) through each longitudinal loop (111) of the respective strip to form a wavelet.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein assembling the strip (11) to the tube is performed by ultrasonic welding, sewing and / or gluing.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising piercing two holes (12) in the belt by a perforator, each hole being suitable for the front legs of a small mammal to pass through.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising assembling a tab (14) of the tape on one face of the tube before piercing the orifice (12), the orifice (12) penetrating the tab (14).

13. A method for manufacturing a set of inductive plethysmographic vests for small mammals of different sizes, the mass of said mammals being between 20 and 6000 grams, wherein each vest in said set is manufactured according to the method for manufacturing an inductive plethysmographic vest according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the distance (d) between two adjacent longitudinal lines (110) of each strip being the same for all vests in said set.

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