Method and apparatus for improving the durability of a sensor

• US 20030139657A1
• Filed: 12/03/2002
• Published: 07/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Solenberger, Stephen D.
• Granted Patent: US 6,681,126 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/323
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2046/205 Adhesive drapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 46/10 specially adapted for instruments, e.g. microscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the durability of a sensor, specifically one attached by an adhesive material to a subject. Specifically, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus for laminating a sensor and inserting the sensor into a protective shield for use. The shield includes some adhesive material to affix the sensor to the subject. A dirty, damaged, or worn out shield may be discarded and the sensor inserted into a new shield for continued use of the sensor.

Claims

1. A method for improving the durability of a sensor, wherein said sensor includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one photocell detector, comprising the steps of:

a) modifying the sensor to conform to a uniform size;

b) cutting a laminating material to the appropriate shape for its intended use;

c) creating a first aperture in said laminating material which is at least as large as the size of said diode;

d) creating a second aperture in said laminating material which is at least as large as the size of said detector;

e) laminating said sensor with said laminating material such that said first aperture is positioned homologously with said diode and wherein said second aperture is positioned homologously with said detector;

f) inserting said sensor into a sleeve

g) cutting an adhesive material to the appropriate shape for attachment to a subject'"'"'s finger; and

h) coupling said adhesive material to said sleeve and to said subject'"'"'s finger.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said laminating material comprises a clear mylar wrap.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said laminating material includes a tape seal at each end.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said adhesive material comprises a clear moisture vapor transmission tape.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said sleeve is comprised of polyethylene plastic.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said adhesive material includes a tab to facilitate said insertion of said sensor in said sleeve.

7. An improvement to a sensor for use with a pulse oximeter, wherein said sensor includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one photocell detector, comprising:

a) laminating material, including a first aperture at least as large as said diode and a second aperture at least as large as said detector, wherein said laminating material enwraps said sensor and said first aperture is homologously aligned with said diode and said second aperture is homologously aligned with said detector;

b) sleeve, into which said laminated sensor is inserted;

c) adhesive means, coupled to the exterior of said sleeve.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said laminating material comprises a clear mylar wrap.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said laminating material includes a tape seal at each, end.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said adhesive material comprises a clear moisture vapor transmission tape.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said adhesive material includes a tab to facilitate said insertion of said sensor in said sleeve.