Specially grounded sensor for clinical spectrophotometric procedures
US5697367A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/182
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A specially grounded sensor for improving signal-to-noise ratios in clinical spectrometric procedures includes a sensor body carrying electrically actuated spectrometric signal-producing and receiving components, e.g., electro-optical components, for transmittal and reception of particular examination energy wavelengths, in which the sensor body has an electrically conductive portion or element associated therewith for contacting the patient. This electrically conductive, member is coupled to the signal ground potential of associated signal-processing apparatus to thereby equalize the electrical potential of the patient surface area to which the sensor is applied with the aforementioned signal ground potential. Preferably, an isolation preamplifier is utilized between the sensor and a microprocessor wherein the examination signals are analyzed, to provide the aforementioned signal ground, but in any event this signal ground is maintained separate from and preferably isolated from the primary ground conductor and potential of the processor and/or of the driver circuitry which provides excitation for the electro-optical components. In a particular preferred embodiment, conductive shi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.