Bi-stable medical sensor and technique for using the same
US7590439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53039
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bi-stable sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmold coating, provided about the frame. A resistance-providing component is provided integral with or external to the coated bi-stable sensor such that the bi-stable sensor has two mechanically stable configurations that may be transitioned between by overcoming the resistance provided by the resistance-providing component and/or the by the coating. In one embodiment, the resistance-providing component comprises an elastic band provided about a hinge of the frame, either within or external to the coating. In one embodiment, the sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.