Datex-ohmeda, Inc.

Christopher Hicks

Mark A Norris

Matti Veli Tapani Huiku

Scott James Charles Light

Norma M Prince

An inventive method and system are provided for identifying a compatible photoplethysmographic sensor when interconnected to a given photoplethysmographic monitor. The method and system may further provide for the identification of which of a plurality of compatible sensors is interconnected to allow for selective calibration of the photoplethysmographic monitor. In this regard, the system and method may entail provision of a predetermined drive or test signal to a light source and/or identification element (i.e., sensor elements) of a photoplethysmographic sensor, and the obtainment of a corresponding output signal for use in sensor identification. In one approach, an output signal is obtained from at least one of three sensor elements each of which is interconnected between a different pair of sensor terminals which is a unique combination of two of four sensor terminals on the sensor. In this regard, individual circuits may be formed through each sensor element allowing for enhanced flexibility in signal application.

Sensor identification method and system

The invention is directed to a disposable oximetry sensor having an integrally formed connector. In one aspect, the sensor includes a clear flexible substrate on which a light emitter and/or light detector (collectively active component(s)) are mounted to allow those components to emit/detect light though the clear substrate and a second patient-side surface of that substrate. The clear substrate will generally contain one or more electrically conductive traces, preferably formed through a printing process, for interconnection to the active components. In this regard, the clear substrate acts as the electrical connector and lens structure for the active components reducing the overall part count for the sensor's assembly. Additional materials/layers may be added to the sensor including an adhesive layer, a compressible material layer, a light blocking layer, and/or a heat sink for thermal management. Generally, any additional layers/materials applied the patient-side of the clear substrate will be substantially transparent to allow light curing of adhesives utilized to connect components to the sensor though the patient-side surface of the sensor during production.

Disposable oximetry sensor

A photoplethysmographic system and method is provided to identify compatible sensors to monitors and/or for determining sensor attributes. The improved system includes a signal generation means for providing an interrogation signal, an identifying means coupled between a first and second sensor terminal operable to produce multiple outputs upon application of the interrogation signal in two modes of operation, and a processor to interpret the outputs. When the interrogation signal is applied to a sensor terminal in a first mode, a first output is obtained. Upon applying the same interrogation signal to the sensor terminal in a second mode, a second output is obtained. The first and second outputs may then be utilized by the processor comprising, for example, a photoplethysmographic monitor to yield enhanced sensor information. The disclosed method may be carried out utilizing the inventive photoplethysmographic system.

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Boulder, CO, United States of America

Christopher Hicks