Method of determining when electrode pads are unsuitable for use by detecting relative humidity

• US 20020113606A1
• Filed: 02/22/2001
• Published: 08/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Agilent Technologies Europe BV (Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Agilent Technologies Europe BV (Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Solosko, Thomas A., Hansen, Kim J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,603,318 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/689
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/046 Specially adapted for shock therapy, e.g. defibrillation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2001/37294 Means for testing medical devices within the package prior to implantation
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2201/00 Means or constructions for testing or controlling the contents
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/66 Testing of connections, e.g. of plugs or non-disconnectable joints testing for incorrect line connections G01R31/55

Abstract

A sealed package for housing an electrical component. The package includes at least two package portions. Determining elements within the sealed package determine at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the package and/or an electrical function parameter of the component. An indicator is operatively connected to the determining elements to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package.

Claims

1. A sealed package for housing an electrical component, the package comprising:

at least two package portions;

determining means within the sealed package for determining at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the package; and

an indicator operatively connected to the determining means to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the ambient condition comprises humidity.

3. The package according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is visible from outside of the sealed package and at least a portion of at least one of the two package portions is at least partially transparent.

4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the parameter comprises humidity and the determining means and indicator are integral and comprise a humidity detector that includes humidity sensitive ink having a variable appearance with varying humidity levels

5. The package according to claim 4, wherein the humidity sensitive ink changes color as the humidity level changes.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein the indicator further comprises at least one reference region that indicates ink color corresponding to at least one of acceptable and unacceptable humidity levels.

7. The package according to claim 4, wherein the humidity sensitive ink is only visible when the humidity level is unacceptable.

8. The package according to claim 1, wherein the parameter comprises humidity and the determining means comprises a humidity sensor.

9. The package according to claim 8, wherein the indicator comprises a humidity meter or at least one visible light-producing element.

10. The package according to claim 9, wherein the humidity meter or at least one visible light-producing element is sealed within the package.

11. The package according to claim 8, wherein the humidity sensor at least one lead wire that extends from the sealed package for operatively connecting to an apparatus external to the package.

12. The package according to claim 11, wherein the component includes electrodes for contacting a patient'"'"'s skin, the electrodes comprising a hydro gel layer, wherein the external apparatus comprises a device that the electrodes are to be operatively connected to, the indicator being included with the device, and wherein the sensor transmits the humidity to the device.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein the device comprises a defibrillator, an electroencephalograph or an electrocardiograph.

14. The package according to claim 1, wherein the components comprise electrodes for contacting a patient'"'"'s skin, wherein the electrodes comprise a hydrogel.

15. The package according to claim 14, wherein the electrodes are for connection to a defibrillator, an electroencephalograph or an electrocardiograph.

16. The package according to claim 15, wherein at least two electrodes are packaged in one package

17. The package according to claim 1, wherein the determining means is initiated by a user, the indicator indicates functionality of the component in response to the user initiation.

18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the indicator produces an indication of the value of the at least one parameter.

19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the indicator produces an indication of whether the at least one component is functional.

20. A method for determining functionality of a component in a sealed package, the method comprising:

determining at least one parameter comprising at least one ambient condition within the package;

determining whether the parameter corresponds to an acceptable value at which the component functions; and

indicating whether the parameter corresponds to an acceptable operational value for the component.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the at least one ambient condition comprises humidity.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein determining the at least one parameter comprises operatively connecting the component to a device external to the package.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the component comprises electrodes for medical use.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein the at least one parameter is determined in response to user initiated inquiry.