SEM scanner sensing apparatus, system and methodology for early detection of ulcers

US11253192B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Bruain Biometrics, LLC · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Majid Sarrafzadeh · Villa Park, US
• William J. Kaiser · Los Angeles, US
• Alireza Mehrnia · Los Angeles, US
• Barbara M. Bates-Jensen · Pasadena, US
• Frank Wang · Taipei, TW
• Michael Flesch · Beverly Hills, US
• Joseph Boystak · Santa Monica, US
• Yeung Lam · West Hollywood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 5, 2018
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2022
• Expiry date: Apr 20, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2562/164
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.