Inflatable vest for respiratory assessment

Abstract

A lightweight inflatable vest is provided with embedded listening devices. Once inflated, the vest enables a physician to hear amplified lung sounds and heartbeat and rhythm of a patient wearing the vest via connection to a smartphone app, through a patient portal, or the like. By using the device on a patient, an accurate method is provided for a physician to perform a respiratory and cardiac health assessment of a patient during a telemedicine visit.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 953,810, filed November 20, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to telemedicine doctor appointments and respiratory assessments. Background Technology

[0004] For physicians, accurately assessing a patient's breathing during telemedicine visits is challenging. Accurate assessment is best performed face-to-face so that the physician can hear the patient's breathing and heartbeat while wearing a standard stethoscope. A device and system are needed that allows physicians to hear the lung sounds and heartbeat of home-based patients. A device, system, and method are also needed that enables physicians, nurses, or clinicians to accurately assess breathing via a smartphone app or portal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide physicians with an accurate method for performing respiratory assessments on home patients during online telemedicine visits.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a respiratory assessment device and system that is easy to use for both home patients and doctors, and uses low-cost components that are easy to manufacture.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a system and approach that enables data to be converted into free digital solutions and uploaded to smartphone applications or similar via patient center applications.

[0008] According to the present invention, an inflatable vest is provided, comprising one or more stethoscope-like listening devices, for example, in the back (rear) panel of the vest, connected via tubes to an output port. The output port may be a physical property output port, an electronic information output port, or a combination thereof. The number and location of the listening devices can be varied. The tubes near the stethoscope devices may contain a small microphone to amplify sound to a conductor relay. The relay may be connected to a USB port in the vest, for example, on the side, front, or bottom of the vest. The patient can use a USB cable to connect the vest to a mobile device, laptop, or other computer or processor. Wireless signal transmission may also be used. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The invention can be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to illustrate, and not to limit, the teachings.

[0010] Figure 1This is a front view of an inflatable vest with a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the open-configuration inflatable vest shown.

[0012] Figure 3 It can be used as Figure 1 and Figure 2 A magnified close-up view of a stethoscope on a portion of the inflatable vest shown.

[0013] Figure 4A This is a front view of the outer shell of a modular inflatable vest with a closed configuration according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The front view of the open-configuration shell is shown.

[0015] Figure 5A This is a front view of an inflatable liner with a closed configuration according to various embodiments of the present invention, which can be used with... Figure 4A and Figure 4B Use the casing shown.

[0016] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Rear view of the enclosed configuration of the inflatable liner shown.

[0017] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A The front view of the open-configuration inflatable liner shown illustrates stethoscope recesses and pressure tube channels for accommodating stethoscope components or matrices according to various embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Figure 5D It is along Figure 5C The line 5D-5D cut shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the stethoscope recess.

[0019] Figure 5E It is along Figure 5C The section taken by line 5E-5E shows a cross-sectional view through two adjacent pressure tube channels, with the pressure tubes shown in dashed lines.

[0020] Figure 6A This is a front view of a stethoscope matrix according to various embodiments of the present invention, which can be compared with... Figures 5A-5E Use with the inflatable pad shown.

[0021] Figure 6B Through Figure 6A The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a stethoscope 608 and its associated pressure tube with a microphone positioned therein.

[0022] Figure 7 It shows that it can be used with Figure 4A-6B The modular inflatable vest components shown are a collection of reusable parts used together. Detailed Implementation

[0023] According to various embodiments, the present invention provides an inflatable vest for respiratory assessment. This vest can be used in many applications, including, for example, telemedicine appointments. The inflatable vest may include a vest garment configured to be worn on a patient's torso. The vest garment includes a front, a back, and an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder may be incorporated at least inside or on the back of the garment. The back of the garment may include an inner surface configured to press against the patient's back and at least one stethoscope recess recessed into the inner surface. The inflatable vest may include at least one stethoscope. Each stethoscope may include a bell, a diaphragm spanning the bell, and a pressure tube extending away from the bell. The dimensions of one or more of the stethoscopes, or all or some of the stethoscopes, may be configured such that the bell fits within a corresponding stethoscope recess of the at least one stethoscope recess. This fit may cause the diaphragm to be flush with the inner surface of the back of the garment. At least one microphone is provided, positioned within at least one pressure tube of at least one of the stethoscopes. The inflatable vest is configured such that when the at least one stethoscope is recessed into the at least one stethoscope recess, the inflatable vest is worn by the patient, and the inflatable bladder is inflated, the diaphragm of the at least one stethoscope presses against the patient's back.

[0024] The inflatable vest can be modular, allowing at least one stethoscope to be detachably attached to the vest garment. For example, the inflatable vest may include an inflatable pad, a coupler, and a shell with an inner surface. The inflatable pad may define an inflatable bladder and has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the inflatable pad may define at least one stethoscope recess. The outer surface of the inflatable pad may be detachably attached to the inner surface of the shell via the coupler. The coupler may include, for example, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, ties, clips, magnetic buttons, buttons, pressure-sensitive adhesives, shoelaces, or combinations thereof, and the like.

[0025] A stethoscope may be part of a stethoscope matrix. The stethoscope matrix may be releasably attached to the inner surface of an inflatable liner. The inner surface of the inflatable liner may include a plurality of stethoscope recesses, including a plurality of stethoscope bell recesses and a plurality of stethoscope pressure tube channels. The stethoscope matrix may also include an electronic output port connected to the stethoscope matrix. The electronic output port may include a cable port, a wireless transmitter, or a combination thereof, and may be configured to transmit data captured by a microphone to a computing system, a recording system, a combination thereof, or the like. The inner surface of the inflatable liner may also include an electronic output port recess that receives and retains the electronic output port therein.

[0026] Each of the plurality of bell-shaped recesses may include an inner wall defining a bell shape and a lip extending radially inward from the periphery of the inner wall. The lip may include an elastically deformable material. Each of the pressure tube channels may include an inner wall defining a tubular shape, the inner wall having an opening along its length. The opening may be configured to receive a corresponding pressure tube in the channel. The inner wall may include an elastically deformable material. The opening may have a width smaller than the diameter of the pressure tube.

[0027] The coupler may include a first pair of zipper halves attached to the inner surface of the housing and a second pair of zipper halves attached to the outer surface of the inflatable pad. The first pair of zipper halves can be zipped into the second pair of zipper halves. The coupler may include one or more hook and loop patches attached to the outer surface of the inflatable pad, and one or more hook and loop patches attached to the inner surface of the housing. The inflatable pad may include an inflation port connected to an inflatable bladder and a pressure port connected to the inflatable bladder. The inflatable vest may also include a vest inflation ball shape, which includes a ball coupler. The ball coupler may be releasably attached to the inflation port. The inflatable vest may also include a liquid-free pressure gauge, which includes a gauge coupler. The gauge coupler may be releasably attached to the pressure port.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a method for assembling a modular inflatable vest as described herein is provided. The method may include coupling an inflatable liner to a housing using a coupler. The method may include positioning at least one stethoscope in at least one stethoscope recess. The method may include inflating the inflatable liner. The method may include transmitting a signal representing a respiratory assessment from the inflatable vest to a remote location.

[0029] The present invention also provides a method for assessing a patient's respiratory function. The method may include wearing an inflatable vest on the patient and inflating an inflatable bladder to press at least one stethoscope against the patient's back. The method may include transmitting a respiratory signal generated by the at least one stethoscope from the inflatable vest to a receiver located remotely from the inflatable vest. The inflatable vest may also include a heart rate monitor and a pulse oximeter. The method may further include transmitting heart rate and blood oxygenation signals from the inflatable vest to a receiver located remotely from the inflatable vest.

[0030] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 An inflatable vest 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The inflatable vest 100 includes a back panel 102, a right front panel 104, and a left front panel 108. The right front panel 104 terminates at a fold 105, and the left front panel 108 terminates at a fold 109. The inflatable vest 100 has a vest top 112, a vest bottom 116, a right side 120, a left side 124, three right straps 128, 129, and 130, and three left straps 132, 133, and 134. Each of the three right straps 128, 129, and 130 terminates at a corresponding fastener receiver. The fastener receiver for the right strap 128 is shown by reference numeral 136. Each of the three left straps 132, 133, and 134 terminates at a corresponding fastener. The fastener for the left strap 132 is shown by reference numeral 140. Although straps and buckles have been described, other vest fasteners such as zippers, buttons, hooks and loops, combinations thereof, and the like can also be used.

[0031] Along the left side 124 is a side pocket 144, into which a pressure tube 148 for a liquid-free pressure gauge 152 extends. A vest inflation balloon 156 can be squeezed to pump air through a pressure tube 160 to inflate the vest, for example, to one or more inflatable bladders within the back panel 102, right front panel 104, left front panel 108, or combinations thereof. An air release valve 164 is provided along the pressure tube 160 so that the inflatable vest 100 can be deflated, for example, when not in use, during storage, or when a patient wears the inflatable vest.

[0032] An output port 168 is provided, enabling the inflatable vest 100 to be electrically connected and / or transmit data to a signal transmitting device, such as a cellular phone, mobile device, laptop computer, desktop computer, smartwatch, tablet computer, router, modem, hub, smart speaker, or the like. For this purpose, a USB cable 172 or other suitable cable may be provided.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a first stethoscope 204 with a listening cup 205 is mounted on the inner surface 103 of the back panel 102, such that the flat listening bell surface 206 of the first stethoscope 204 is exposed and, for example, flush with the inner surface 103. A pneumatic pressure tube 220 extends from the first stethoscope 204 within the back panel 102 to propagate sound waves and pressure waves from the first stethoscope 204 toward a microphone (FIG. 4) within the pressure tube 220. Electrical signals from the microphone communicate via wires to an output port 168, one or more of which may be shielded or unshielded. A second stethoscope 208, a third stethoscope 212, and a fourth stethoscope 216 may also be similarly mounted in the inflatable vest 100, for example, also within the back panel 102. Each of the stethoscopes 208, 212, and 216 includes flat listening bell surfaces 210, 214, and 218, respectively. Stethoscopes 208, 212, and 216 can be mounted in the back panel 102, allowing the flat listening bell surfaces 210, 214, and 218 to be exposed and flush with the inner surface 103 of the back panel 102. Similar to the connections and microphone of the first stethoscope 204, each of stethoscopes 208, 212, and 216 can be connected to the output port 168 via, for example, a pneumatic tube, a pressure tube, a plastic tube, one or more wires, shielded wires, conduits, combinations thereof, or the like. Figure 2 As shown, each of the stethoscopes 208, 212, and 216 is connected to the output port 168 via a corresponding connector, such as pneumatic pressure tubes 222, 224, and 226 as shown. As described in more detail below, each of the pneumatic pressure tubes 222, 224, and 226 provides a corresponding microphone and corresponding wiring.

[0034] Connectors 220, 222, 224, and 226 need not be pressure tubes or any other type of conduit, but can simply include wires leading from each of stethoscopes 204, 208, 212, and 216 to output port 168. In this invention, a microphone can be included within each of stethoscopes 204, 208, 212, and 216, such that only wires for transmitting microphone signals from the stethoscopes to output port 168 are provided.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, sound waves, pressure pulses, electrical signals, combinations thereof, and the like, collectively referred to as "signals," can be transmitted along connectors 220, 222, 224, and 226. Signals transmitted along one or more of connectors 220, 222, 224, and 226 can be combined with signals transmitted along one or more of the other connectors. Thus, sound signals obtained from the respective microphones can be combined to form a single composite signal. For example, a microphone signal emitted or generated by the first stethoscope 204 can be combined or merged with a microphone signal emitted or generated by the third stethoscope 212 to form a combined signal, which can be transmitted along the common connector 232 to the output port 168. Similarly, a signal from the second stethoscope 208 can travel along connector 224 and can be merged with a signal from the fourth stethoscope 216 traveling along connector 226, or can be transmitted independently to the output port 168.

[0036] According to various embodiments, a corresponding signal transmitted along each of connectors 220, 222, 224, and 226 can be maintained as an independent signal that can be received at and transmitted from output port 168. If maintained independently, a physician, nurse, or clinician—hereinforcing the term "diagnostic physician"—can independently listen to the microphone signal generated by only one of the four different stethoscopes. For example, signals from the first stethoscope 204 and the third stethoscope 212 can travel independently to output port 168 without merging or combining. Signals traveling along connectors 220, 222, 224, and 226 can be combined or travel together along manifold 232, which in turn reports or provides signals to output port 168. By independently maintaining the microphone signals, the diagnostic physician can focus on sounds from the patient's left lung, the patient's right lung, the top of the patient's left lung, the bottom of the patient's left lung, the top of the patient's right lung, or the bottom of the patient's right lung.

[0037] Output port 168 may include wireless output signal transmitting hardware, firmware, software, combinations thereof, or the like. Output port 168 may include an Ethernet port, a USB port, a coaxial port, a FireWire port, or any other wired connection jack. Output port 168 may include or be part of an integrated circuit, which may include, for example, a signal processor, a signal amplifier, a noise gate, a signal compressor, a signal filter, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0038] Figure 4A-7An embodiment of the invention is illustrated, comprising a modular inflatable vest with detachable components. The modular inflatable vest includes a shell 400, an inflatable pad 500, and a stethoscope matrix 600. The invention may also include multiple additional components attachable to the modular inflatable vest. The modular inflatable vest with detachable components allows the vest to be disassembled, modified, partially or entirely reused, packaged, and easily cleaned.

[0039] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The housing 400 is shown. The housing 400 includes a back panel 402, a right front panel 404, and a left front panel 408. The right front panel 404 terminates at a fold 405, and the left front panel 408 terminates at a fold 407. The housing 400 has a top 412, a bottom 416, a right side 420, a left side 424, three right straps 428, 429, and 430, and three left straps 432, 433, and 434. Each of the three right straps 428, 429, and 430 terminates at a corresponding hook-and-loop receiver. The hook-and-loop receiver for the right strap 428 is shown by reference numeral 436. Each of the three left straps 432, 433, and 434 terminates at a corresponding hook-and-loop. The hook-and-loop for the left strap 432 is shown by reference numeral 440. Along the left side 424 is a first opening 444, which provides a clearance for connecting the pressure tube of a liquid-free pressure gauge to an inflatable liner. The second opening 468 is defined by the left front panel 408, which provides a gap for connecting a cable to the output port of the stethoscope matrix. The third opening 465 is defined by the right front panel 404, which provides a gap for connecting the vest's inflatable shape to the inflatable padding.

[0040] Figure 4B A housing 400 with a separate hook-and-loop receiver and hook in the open position is shown, and the inner surface 403 of the back panel 402, the inner surface of the right front panel 404, and the inner surface of the left front panel 408 are shown. The inner surface 403, and the inner surfaces of the right front panel 404 and the left front panel 408, may include a plurality of couplers releasably connected to couplers of an inflatable liner to releasably retain the inflatable liner to the inner surface 403 and the inner surfaces of the right front panel 404 and the left front panel 408 of the housing 400. Figure 4BAs shown, the first lower hook patch 482 and the second lower hook patch 484 may be sewn adjacent to and above the bottom 416 to the inner surface 403 of the back panel 402. The upper hook patch 480 may be adjacent to and below the top 412 to the inner surface 403 of the back panel 402. The coupler may also include a first pair of zipper halves 476, 478. For example, the right shell zipper half 476 may be sewn to the inner surface along the basic height of the right front panel 404, while the left shell zipper half 478 may be sewn to the inner surface along the basic height of the left front panel 408. The first lower hook patch 482, the second lower hook patch 484, and the upper hook patch 480 are releasably connected to corresponding loop patches of the inflatable liner.

[0041] Similarly, the right-side zipper half 476 and the left-side zipper half 478 can be zipped into the corresponding zipper half of the inflatable liner, thereby releasably attaching or coupling the inflatable liner to the housing 400. Although hook and loop fasteners and zippers are shown in specific locations, the same or other fasteners can be used in other locations. Other fasteners may include, but are not limited to, buttons, clasps, ties, snaps, clips, magnetic buttons, buttons, pressure-sensitive adhesives, straps, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0042] Figures 5A-5C An inflatable pad 500 is shown. The inflatable pad 500 includes a back panel 502, a right front panel 504, and a left front panel 508. The right front panel 504 terminates at a fold 505, and the left front panel 508 terminates at a fold 507. The inflatable pad 500 has a top 512, a bottom 516, a right side 520, and a left side 524. A first port 565 is located on the right front panel 504. The first port 565 may include a valve leading to an inflatable bladder. The inflatable pad 500 may have inner walls, outer walls, and an inflation space between these walls defining an inflatable bladder. Therefore, it can be said that the inflatable pad 500 has an inflatable bladder.

[0043] When the coupler for the vest-shaped inflatable device is connected to the first port 565, the valve at the first port 565 can be opened, allowing the vest-shaped inflatable device to pump air into the air bladder. This coupler may include, for example, a threaded connection of the type used to secure an air pump to a tire valve stem. Other couplers, such as those for connecting a pressure washer nozzle to a pressure washer spray bar, may be used, for example, including spring-loaded ball bearings and grooves. The second port 544 is located on the left front panel 508. The second port 544 may include a valve leading to the air bladder of the inflatable pad 500. When the coupler for a liquid-free pressure gauge is connected to the second port 544, the valve at the second port 544 can be opened, allowing the liquid-free pressure gauge to measure the gas pressure inside the air bladder. The inflatable pad 500 may include an opening 548 through the left panel 508 to provide clearance for connecting a cable to the output port of a stethoscope matrix.

[0044] Figure 5A and 5B The outer surface 503 of the back panel 502 of the inflatable pad 500, as well as the outer surfaces of the right front panel 504 and left front panel 508, are shown. The outer surfaces of the inflatable pad 500 may include multiple couplers for releasable connection to couplers of the housing. For example, Figure 5A A second pair of zipper halves 576, 578 are shown, which includes a right padded zipper half 576 sewn to the outer surface along the basic height of the right front panel 504 and a left padded zipper half 578 sewn to the outer surface along the basic height of the left front panel 508. Figure 5B A first lower loop patch 582 and a second lower loop patch 584 are shown adjacent to the bottom 516 and stitched to the outer surface 503 of the back panel 502 above the bottom 516. An upper loop patch 580 may be stitched adjacent to the top 512 and below the top 512 to the outer surface 503 of the back panel 502. As described above, the first lower loop patch 582, the second lower loop patch 584, and the upper loop patch 580 may be releasably connected to corresponding hook patches on the housing. Similarly, as described above, the right padded zipper half 576 and the left padded zipper half 578 may be zipped to corresponding zipper half on the housing. Although hook and loop fasteners and zippers are shown in specific locations, the same or other fasteners may be used in other locations. Other fasteners may include, but are not limited to, buttons, clasps, ties, snaps, clips, magnetic buttons, buttons, straps, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0045] Figure 5CThe inner surface 501 of the back panel 502 of the inflatable pad 500 is shown. The inner surface 501 includes recesses and channels to accommodate and retain a stethoscope matrix therein. Specifically, the inner surface 501 of the back panel 502 may include a first bell-shaped recess 511, a second bell-shaped recess 513, a third bell-shaped recess 515, and a fourth bell-shaped recess 517. Each bell-shaped recess 511, 513, 515, 517 is defined by an inner wall 598 shaped to receive a corresponding bell-shaped portion of the stethoscope matrix, and each bell-shaped recess 511, 513, 515, 517 includes a retaining lip 595 extending inwardly from the outer edge of the bell-shaped recess 511, 513, 515, 517 to retain the corresponding stethoscope therein. The inner surface of the left side panel may also include an output port recess 568 to accommodate and retain an output port therein. A first channel 520 extends from a first bell-shaped recess 511 to an output port recess 568; a second channel 524 extends from a second bell-shaped recess 513 to an output port recess 568; a third channel 522 extends from a third bell-shaped recess 515 to an output port recess 568; and a fourth channel 526 extends from a fourth bell-shaped recess 517 to an output port recess 568. Channels 520, 522, 524, and 526 respectively mate with and hold corresponding connectors, such as pressure tubes.

[0046] Figure 5D It is along Figure 5C The cross-sectional view taken along line 5D-5D shown in the figure illustrates the back panel 502 of the inflatable pad and the second bell-shaped recess 513. The back panel 502 of the inflatable pad 500 includes a front wall 594 defining an inner surface 503 of the pad and a rear wall 592 defining an outer surface 501 of the pad. An inflatable air bladder 590 is disposed between, and defined by, and includes, the front wall 594 and the rear wall 592. The second bell-shaped recess 513 is defined by an inner wall 598 recessed into the front wall 594.

[0047] As described above, the retaining lip 595 extends radially inward from the periphery of the inner wall 598 toward the center of the second bell-shaped recess 513. The retaining lip 595 may be made of a flexible and elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, or other flexible polymer materials. The stethoscope bell can be placed within the second bell-shaped recess 513 by stretching and deforming the retaining lip 595 to enlarge the opening leading to the second bell-shaped recess 513. The retaining lip 595 is elastically deformable and returns to its original shape after being stretched to accommodate the stethoscope bell to retain the bell within the second bell-shaped recess 513. The retaining lip 595 can then be stretched and deformed to remove the stethoscope bell from the second bell-shaped recess 513.

[0048] Figure 5EIt is along Figure 5C A cross-sectional view taken along line 5E-5E shows the back panel 502 of the inflatable liner 500 and a section passing through the first channel 520 and the third channel 522. Pressure tubes (not shown in the section) are indicated by dashed lines. The back panel 502 of the inflatable liner 500 includes a front wall 594 defining an inner liner surface 503 and a rear wall 592 defining an outer liner surface 501. A gas receiving cavity for the inflatable bladder 590 is disposed between the front wall 594 and the rear wall 592. The first channel 520 and the third channel 522 are defined by an inner wall 585 and each has a tubular shape. Each of the first channel 520 and the third channel 522 has a longitudinal opening along its length for stretching to receive corresponding first and third connectors of a stethoscope assembly or matrix. The connectors may include or may be pressure tubes. For example, the first channel 520 and the third channel 522 may be configured to be stretchable and receive... Figure 6A The stethoscope matrix 600 shown includes the corresponding first connector 620 and third connector 622.

[0049] The inner wall 585 and the front wall 594 may be made of an elastically deformable material, such as a flexible and elastic material, like rubber, silicone, or other elastic, flexible, and / or polymeric material. Figure 5E As shown, the inner wall 585 of the first channel 520 has a diameter 523 larger than the diameter 525 of the first connector 620, allowing the first connector 620 to fit inside the first channel 520. The opening of the first channel 520 has a width 521 smaller than the diameter 525 of the first connector 620, so that once the opening of the first channel 520 is stretched, allowing the connector or pressure tube to be inserted into the first channel 520, the material defining the first channel 520 can elastically rebound, allowing the first connector 620 to remain within the first channel 520.

[0050] As described above, the front wall 594 and inner wall 585 are made of a flexible and elastic material, so that the opening to the first channel 520 can be stretched and deformed to expand, allowing the first connector 620 to pass through the opening and engage with the first channel 520. The opening then elastically returns to its original shape, such that the width 521 is smaller than the diameter 525 of the first connector 620, thereby retaining the first connector 620 inside the first channel 520. To remove the first connector 620 from the first channel 520, the front wall 594 can be stretched and deformed to enlarge the opening, allowing the first connector 620 to be removed. Stretching and deformation may include pulling the first connector 620 out of the first channel 520.

[0051] Figure 6AA stethoscope matrix 600 is shown. The stethoscope matrix 600 may include multiple stethoscopes connected together. The stethoscope matrix 600 may include one, two, three, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, or more stethoscopes. The stethoscopes may be arranged in a straight line, a circle, an array, or a random arrangement, or the like. Each stethoscope may include a corresponding bell-shaped element having a corresponding flat listening surface. As shown, the stethoscope matrix 600 includes four stethoscopes, and these four stethoscopes may include a first bell-shaped element 604, a second bell-shaped element 608, a third bell-shaped element 612, and a fourth bell-shaped element 616. A first connector 620 extends from the first bell-shaped element 604 to an electronic output port 668, a second connector 624 extends from the second bell-shaped element 608 to an electronic output port 668, a third connector 622 extends from the third bell-shaped element 612 to an electronic output port 668, and a fourth connector 626 extends from the fourth bell-shaped element 616 to an electronic output port 668. As described above, the electronic output port 668 is matched with Figures 5A-5E The output port recess of the inflatable pad 500 is shown. Connectors 620, 622, 624, and 626 mate within corresponding channels of the inflatable pad 500, while bells 604, 608, 612, and 616 mate within corresponding bell-shaped recesses of the inflatable pad 500. Therefore, the flat listening bell surface can be configured to be flush with the inner surface 503 of the back panel 502.

[0052] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the second bell-shaped element 608 and the second connector 624. The second bell-shaped element 608 includes a bell-shaped body 644 having a bell-shaped edge 642 and a bell-shaped diaphragm 640. The second bell-shaped element 608 is connected to the second connector 624 at a mating structure 646. In this embodiment, the second connector 624 is a pneumatic pressure tube that transmits sound waves and pressure waves from the second bell-shaped element 608 toward a microphone 650 within the pneumatic pressure tube. (As shown in the diagram...) Figure 6A The electrical signal from the microphone 650 is communicated to the electronic output port 668 via the wire 652.

[0053] Figure 7 It shows that it can be attached to Figure 4A-6BVarious components of the modular inflatable vest system are shown. A vest inflation ball 156 can be connected to a port on or in the inflatable vest or padding via a ball coupler 165. The vest inflation ball 156 can be squeezed to pump air through a pressure tube 160 to inflate the vest or padding, for example, to inflate one or more air bladders within the back panel, right front panel, left front panel, or combinations thereof of the inflatable vest or padding. An air release valve 164 is disposed along the pressure tube 160 to allow the inflatable vest or padding to deflate, for example, when not in use, during storage, or when a patient wears the inflatable vest or padding. The air release valve 164 may include a pressure relief valve or component configured to prevent overinflation and damage to the air bladders. A one-way valve or component may be disposed downstream of the vest inflation ball 156 to prevent gas pumped into the inflatable vest or padding from immediately flowing out of the inflatable vest or padding.

[0054] The liquid-free pressure gauge 152 can be connected to a port in or on an inflatable vest or inflatable pad via a gauge coupler 149 connected to the pressure tube 148. The liquid-free pressure gauge 152 may include a constantly floating pointer that continuously indicates the pressure reading from within the pressure tube 148, thereby indicating the pressure reading from within the inflatable vest or inflatable pad. Alternatively, the liquid-free pressure gauge 152 may include a pointer system that only indicates the maximum pressure measured before the pointer position is reset. A digital liquid-free pressure gauge can also be used.

[0055] For example Figure 7 As shown, USB cable 172 can be used to connect the electronic output port of an inflatable vest or stethoscope matrix used with it to a computing device, for example, to transmit data generated by the stethoscope matrix to the computing device. Other types of cables, ports, and connectors can be used, such as Ethernet cables, FireWire cables, micro USB cables, coaxial cables, HDMI cables, video cables, or the like.

[0056] This invention can be used at home or elsewhere, away from a doctor's office. To use this invention, the patient places their arms through the arm openings, allowing the vest to surround their chest. The patient can then attach the straps with buckles, or otherwise fasten them together, or secure the vest to their body. The patient can then inflate the vest's air bladders using a ball pump or other gas pump, causing the vest to press against their body, with the stethoscope pressed against their back, chest, sides, above the shoulders, or other such body parts. One or more air bladders can be configured to hold air or gas, allowing the stethoscope to be pressed against the patient's body for a desired period of time. The inflatable vest can be in direct contact with the patient's skin or can be worn over clothing. The microphone can pick up sounds from the user's lungs, heart, cardiopulmonary cavities, peritoneal cavity, or combinations thereof. For example, the inflatable vest of this invention can be used to detect heartbeat, heart rate, lung sounds (wheezing, popping, and the like), excess fluid around the heart and lungs, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and the like.

[0057] Once the sound waves are digitized, for example, via a microphone or a microphone digitizer, the sound data can be transmitted to a computing device via a cable connection or a wireless connection. For wireless communication, the electronic output port of the inflatable vest can include a wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth module, a WiFi module, or the like. Data can be transmitted directly to a doctor, nurse, physician, or clinician, or first to a patient-controlled computing device before being sent to the doctor, nurse, physician, or clinician. Data transmission can occur via the internet, via an intranet, via telephone line, via satellite connection, via cable television line, or the like. Data can be sent directly from the vest to the computing device of a remote doctor, nurse, physician, or clinician.

[0058] Computing devices can process sound data by mapping it into graphs or similar structures. The processed sound data can be stored and presented in a structured format, allowing doctors to review it and diagnose patients. Multiple stethoscopes allow for monitoring and mapping of different areas of the patient's body, e.g., individually, together, or in any combination.

[0059] In some embodiments of the invention, a system is provided for storing and comparing sound data with past or future sound data. For example, a patient can use the inflatable vest of the invention to obtain first data on the first day. The first data can be sent to a telemedicine's computing device for processing. The patient can then use the inflatable vest to obtain second data for the second day, which can again be sent to the telemedicine's computing device for processing. The second data can be processed together with the first data and compared with it. This method can continue for days, weeks, months, or years, thereby continuously compiling and comparing patient data to monitor changes in the patient's condition. Trends can be identified and compared with treatments, such as with hemodialysis treatment protocols and parameters. Respiratory assessments can then be used to optimize the patient's health and well-being and adjust treatment and treatment schedules.

[0060] All references cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, when quantities, concentrations, or other values ​​or parameters are given as a list of ranges, preferred ranges, or upper and lower preferred values, this will be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed by any pair of any upper or preferred range value and any lower or preferred range value, regardless of whether such ranges are disclosed individually. Where numerical ranges are listed herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to include its endpoints and all integers and fractions within that range. This does not mean that the scope of the invention is limited to the specific values ​​listed when the range is defined.

[0061] Unless otherwise stated, all patents, patent applications and publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0062] Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification and examples of the invention disclosed herein. This specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An inflatable vest for respiratory assessment, the inflatable vest comprising: A vest garment configured to be worn on a patient's torso includes a shell having an inner surface, an inflatable pad defining an inflatable bladder and having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a coupler, wherein the inner surface of the inflatable pad defines at least one stethoscope recess, the outer surface of the inflatable pad is detachably attached to the inner surface of the shell via the coupler, and the inner surface of the inflatable pad is configured to press against the patient's back; At least one stethoscope, each of the at least one stethoscope comprising a bell shape, a diaphragm spanning the bell shape, and a pressure tube extending away from the bell shape, each stethoscope being sized such that when the bell shape fits within a corresponding stethoscope recess of the at least one stethoscope recess, the diaphragm is flush with the inner surface, and the at least one stethoscope is detachably attached to the inflatable liner; and At least one microphone, comprising a corresponding microphone positioned within the pressure tube of each of the at least one stethoscope, wherein... The inflatable vest is configured such that when the at least one stethoscope is recessed into the at least one stethoscope recess, the inflatable vest is worn by the patient, and the inflatable bladder is inflated, the diaphragm of the at least one stethoscope presses against the patient's back, and Each of the at least one stethoscope recess includes a bell-shaped recess and a lip, wherein the bell-shaped recess includes an inner wall defining a bell shape, the lip extends radially inward from the periphery of the inner wall and includes an elastically deformable material, and / or each stethoscope pressure tube has a diameter, each of the at least one stethoscope recess includes a pressure tube channel, each pressure tube channel includes an inner wall defined in a tubular shape, the inner wall having an opening along its length to receive the corresponding pressure tube in the pressure tube channel, the opening having a width smaller than the diameter of the pressure tube.

2. The inflatable vest according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one stethoscope includes a stethoscope matrix, the stethoscope matrix including at least a first bell, a first pressure tube extending from the first bell, a second bell, a second pressure tube extending from the second bell, and a manifold connected to the first pressure tube and the second pressure tube.

3. The inflatable vest according to claim 2, wherein, The inner surface of the inflatable liner includes multiple stethoscope recesses, each stethoscope recess including a bell-shaped recess and a pressure tube channel.

4. The inflatable vest according to claim 2, wherein, The stethoscope matrix also includes an electronic output port connected to the stethoscope matrix via the manifold.

5. The inflatable vest according to claim 4, wherein, The electronic output port includes a cable port, a wireless transmitter, or a combination thereof, and is configured to transmit data captured by the microphone to a computing system.

6. The inflatable vest according to claim 4, wherein, The inner surface of the inflatable liner also includes an electronic output port recess for receiving and retaining the electronic output port therein.

7. The inflatable vest according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one stethoscope includes a stethoscope matrix, each stethoscope in the stethoscope matrix including a bell shape, a diaphragm across the bell shape, and a pressure tube extending away from the bell shape, the size of each stethoscope in the stethoscope matrix being configured such that the bell shape fits within a corresponding stethoscope recess in the at least one stethoscope recess. as well as The inflatable vest includes at least one microphone, comprising a corresponding microphone positioned within the pressure tube of each of the at least one stethoscope, wherein... The stethoscope matrix is ​​releasably attached to the inner surface of the inflatable liner, and Each of the bell-shaped recesses includes an inner wall defining the shape of the bell and a lip extending radially inward from the periphery of the inner wall, the lip comprising an elastically deformable material.

8. The inflatable vest according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the pressure tube channels includes an inner wall defined in a tubular shape, the inner wall having an opening along its length to receive the corresponding pressure tube therein.

9. The inflatable vest according to claim 8, wherein, The inner wall comprises a material that can be elastically deformed.

10. The inflatable vest according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has an outer surface, and the inner surface of the inflatable liner defines a plurality of stethoscope recesses, each of the plurality of stethoscope recesses including a bell-shaped recess and a pressure tube channel; The at least one stethoscope includes a stethoscope matrix releasably attached to the inner surface of the inflatable liner, each stethoscope in the stethoscope matrix including a bell shape, a diaphragm spanning the bell shape, and a pressure tube extending away from the bell shape, each stethoscope being sized such that when the bell shape fits into a corresponding stethoscope recess in the at least one stethoscope recess, the diaphragm is flush with the inner surface, and each pressure tube has a diameter; The inflatable vest includes a plurality of microphones, comprising a corresponding microphone positioned within the pressure tube of each of the at least one stethoscope. Each pressure tube channel includes an inner wall defined in a tubular shape, the inner wall having an opening along its length to receive a corresponding pressure tube therein, and The opening has a width smaller than the diameter of the pressure tube.

11. The inflatable vest according to claim 1, wherein, The coupler includes a first pair of zipper halves attached to the inner surface of the housing and a second pair of zipper halves attached to the outer surface of the inflatable pad, the first pair of zipper halves being zipped into the second pair of zipper halves.

12. The inflatable vest according to claim 1, wherein, The coupler includes one or more hook and loop patches attached to the outer surface of the inflatable pad and one or more hook and loop patches attached to the inner surface of the housing.

13. The inflatable vest according to claim 1, wherein, The inflatable pad includes an inflation port connected to the inflatable airbag and a pressure port connected to the inflatable airbag.

14. The inflatable vest according to claim 13, wherein, The inflatable vest also includes a vest inflation ball shape, the vest inflation ball shape including a ball coupler, the ball coupler being releasably attached to the inflation port.

15. The inflatable vest according to claim 13, wherein, The inflatable vest also includes a liquid-free pressure gauge, which includes a gauge coupler that is releasably attached to the pressure port.

16. A method for assembling the inflatable vest of claim 1, comprising: The inflatable liner is coupled to the housing using the coupler; as well as Position the at least one stethoscope in the at least one stethoscope recess.

17. A method for assessing a patient's respiratory function, comprising: The inflatable vest as described in claim 1 is worn on the patient; Inflate the air bladder so that at least one stethoscope is pressed against the patient's back; as well as The respiratory signal generated by the at least one stethoscope is transmitted from the inflatable vest to a receiver located away from the inflatable vest.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The inflatable vest also includes a heart rate monitor and a pulse oximeter, and the method further includes transmitting heart rate and blood oxygen signals from the inflatable vest to a receiver located remotely from the inflatable vest.

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