Reprocessing of a physiological sensor
US8584345B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4902
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Because reprocessing or refurbishing of physiological sensors reuses large portions of an existing sensor, the material costs for refurbishing sensors is significantly lower than the material costs for making an entirely new sensor. Typically, existing reprocessors replace only the adhesive portion of an adhesive physiological sensor and reuse the sensing components. However, re-using the sensing components can reduce the reliability of the refurbished sensor and/or reduce the number of sensors eligible for refurbishing due to out-of-specification sensor components. It is therefore desirable to provide a process for refurbishing physiological sensors that replaces the sensing components of the sensor. While sensing components are replaced, generally, sensor cable and/or patient monitor attachments are retained, resulting in cost savings over producing new sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.