OPTICAL FIBER SENSORS
First Claim
1. A spectrophotometric sensor, comprising:
- a sensor body; and
at least one optically transmissive fiber disposed within the sensor body, wherein the optically transmissive fiber comprises an angled cut capable of reflecting light transmitted through the optically transmissive fiber outward from a patient facing surface or of reflecting light collected from the patient facing surface through the optically transmissive fiber.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure describes the use and the manufacture of a fiber optic sensor having an angled terminal portion of a fiber optic element. In one embodiment, an optical fiber is cut at an angle and a portion of the fiber'"'"'s jacket is removed near the angle so that the cladding is exposed. Light may then travel through the fiber, reflect off the angled portion, and emit through the exposed cladding into a patient. Light may also be collected from the patient using the same or a different fiber optic element having an angled terminal portion. In one embodiment, the emitted light can then be collected and analyzed to derive various physiological parameters. In certain embodiments, the fiber optic sensor may be used in environments where metallic and/or electronic sensors are not suitable.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A spectrophotometric sensor, comprising:
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a sensor body; and at least one optically transmissive fiber disposed within the sensor body, wherein the optically transmissive fiber comprises an angled cut capable of reflecting light transmitted through the optically transmissive fiber outward from a patient facing surface or of reflecting light collected from the patient facing surface through the optically transmissive fiber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A monitoring system, comprising:
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a monitor, comprising; one or more light sources; and one or more light detectors; and a sensor, comprising; a sensor body; at least one light transmission fiber optically connected to the one or more light sources, the at least one light transmission fiber comprising a first angled terminal portion capable of reflecting light transmitted through the light transmission fiber toward a patient facing surface of the sensor body; and at least one light reception fiber optically connected to the one or more light detectors, the at least one light reception fiber comprising a second angled terminal portion capable of reflecting light collected from the same or a different patient facing surface of the sensor body through the light reception fiber. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of manufacturing a sensor, comprising the acts of:
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cutting an optical fiber at an angle such that the optical fiber comprises an angled terminus; removing a portion of a jacket surrounding the optical fiber proximate to the angled terminus; and positioning the optical fiber within a sensor body such that the angled terminus will reflect light toward a patient facing surface of the sensor body or will collect light emanating from the patient facing surface. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification