Low-noise optical probes

• US 20020026109A1
• Filed: 07/03/2001
• Published: 02/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/1991
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Original Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Inventors: Gerhardt, Thomas J., Diab, Mohamed, Kiani-Azarbayjany, Esmaiel, Tobler, David R., Mills, Mike A., Mason, Eugene E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,792,300 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/344
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/08 Sensors provided with means for identification, e.g. barcodes or memory chips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/12 Manufacturing methods specially adapted for producing sensors for in-vivo measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02427 Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6829 Foot or ankle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/189 characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit H05K3/326 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

? An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment-of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to minimize light piping effects. Furthermore, a flex circuit acts as a spring to absorb shock which may misalign the emitter and detector. One embodiment of the adult probe includes a cushioning pocket formed for a fingertip to align the probe and to absorb motion of the probe due to contact. The neonatal probe is formed with a unique V-configuration which provides multiple advantages.

Claims

12. An optical probe for the non-invasive measurement of characteristics of a medium, said optical probe comprising:

an emitter which transmits optical radiation;

a detector configured to detect said optical radiation after attenuation through said medium;

a flexible circuit assembly extending between said emitter and said detector, said flexible circuit assembly having electrical circuit paths for said detector and said emitter; and

a cushion positioned between said detector and said emitter along said flexible circuit.

13. The optical probe of claim 12, further comprising a flexible backing supporting said flex circuit.

14. The optical probe of claim 12, said cushion being formed in said flexible circuit between said emitter and said detector so that said cushion abuts a patient'"'"'s fingertip when said optical probe is attached to said fingertip.

15. The optical probe of claim 12, further comprising an optical cavity containing said detector.

19. An optical probe for the non-invasive measurement of characteristics of a medium, said optical probe comprising:

an emitter which transmits optical radiation;

a detector configured to detect said optical radiation;

a flexible circuit assembly extending between said emitter and said detector; and

a substrate which forms a surface of said flex circuit assembly, said substrate constructed to have a V-configuration, said emitter and said detector positioned on opposite branches of said V-configuration.

20. The optical probe as defined in claim 19, flexible backing sized to affix to a member of a newborn baby.

21. the optical probe of claim 20, wherein said member is a foot.