Light-guiding devices and monitoring devices incorporating same
US8788002B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/091
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.