Electric field sensor
US6807438B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/902
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electric field sensor employs a capacitive pick-up electrode in a voltage divider network connected to a body emanating an electric field. The system is relatively insensitive to variations in the separation gap between electrode and body, reducing sensor motion artifacts in the output signal and stabilizing its low frequency response. The pick-up electrode may be positioned at a “stand off” location, spaced from intimate contact with the surface of the body. This is equivalent to providing low level capacitive values for the capacitive coupling between the pick-up electrode and the body whose electric field is to be monitored. Or a series limiting capacitor may be provided in the input stage. Human body-generated electrical signals may be acquired without use of conductive gels and suction-based electrodes, without direct electrical contact to the body, and even through thin layers of clothing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.