Body contact electrode structure for deriving electrical signals due to physiological activity
First Claim
1. For use with apparatus for deriving electrical signals associated with physiological activity, an electrode structure for deriving said signals when disposed upon a body surface, said electrode structure comprising a unitary body of moldable, flexible, soft, elastic, non-conductive material having faces on opposite sides thereof, one face of said opposite faces adapted to be disposed in contact with said body surface, said unitary body having at least one blind opening which extends therein from said one face and forms at least one well therein, an electrode member of flexible, soft, elastic material similar to the material of said unitary body disposed within said unitary body at the bottom of said well, said well being adapted to receive conductive jelly which is disposed in contact with said electrode member, and conductor means connected to the said electrode member for carrying said signals from said electrode member to said apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrode structure for use with medical electronics instruments such as electromyographs is described. A thin, flexible body of non-conductive material has one or more wells therein. A flexible conductive member which provides an electrode is disposed at the bottom of each well. The spacing between a plurality of electrodes, which can provide bipolar and ground inputs to the medical electronic instrument, is precisely determined by virtue of the disposition of the electrodes in the wells. The electrode structure provides contact with a body surface, usually the skin. To facilitate the contact a conductive jelly is used. This conductive jelly is received in the wells. It makes contact with the electrodes. Ribs are provided in the regions between the electrodes which form a seal at the skin so as to prevent the flow of conductive fluid between electrodes; thus preventing short circuits. The flexibility of the structure provides for comfort and reliable long term attachment and also for maintaining the contact of the electrodes and sealing ribs with the skin as the skin and muscle beneath, flex.
263 Citations
11 Claims
- 1. For use with apparatus for deriving electrical signals associated with physiological activity, an electrode structure for deriving said signals when disposed upon a body surface, said electrode structure comprising a unitary body of moldable, flexible, soft, elastic, non-conductive material having faces on opposite sides thereof, one face of said opposite faces adapted to be disposed in contact with said body surface, said unitary body having at least one blind opening which extends therein from said one face and forms at least one well therein, an electrode member of flexible, soft, elastic material similar to the material of said unitary body disposed within said unitary body at the bottom of said well, said well being adapted to receive conductive jelly which is disposed in contact with said electrode member, and conductor means connected to the said electrode member for carrying said signals from said electrode member to said apparatus.
Specification