Waterproof electrode device for a living body

• US 4,947,846 A
• Filed: 02/06/1989
• Issued: 08/14/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: TDK Corporation
• Original Assignee: TDK Corporation
• Inventors: Kitagawa, Toshiyuki, Katoh, Namio
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Application Number:
  US07/353,622
• Time in Patent Office: 554 Days
• Field of Search: 128/639-641, 128/802, 128/803
• US Class Current: 600/391
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/25 Bioelectric electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/257 using adhesive means, e.g. adhesive pads or tapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/263 characterised by the electrode materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/266 containing electrolytes, conductive gels or pastes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/273 Connection of cords, cables or leads to electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/274 using snap or button fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/28 for electrocardiography [ECG]

Abstract

The present invention is characterized by a construction wherein a magnet is provided either to the connector or the ECG electrode, and a magnetic material or a magnet to the other, and both are stuck by magnetic attraction. Subsequently, a water penetration prevention sealing material, comprising a closed-cell type foam material, is interposed between the electrode case and the connector. Due to this construction, electric signals do not leak into the water and the connector is not pressed against the electrode.

Claims

1. A water-proof electrode device comprising:

an ECG electrode including

an electrode,

an electrode base of a magnetic material, said electrode fixed on said electrode base, and

an electrode case accommodating said electrode and electrode base with said electrode exposed for detecting signals from a living body;

a connector for electrically connecting said electrode to a recording device including

a permanent magnet magnetically attracted to said electrode base, and

a connector main body accommodating said permanent magnetic; and

water penetration prevention seal members made of a closed-cell type foam material interposed between said electrode case and said connector main body to preclude entry of water between the case and main body.

2. A water-proof electrode device according to claim 1 wherein the seal members are fixed to the electrode case.

3. A water-proof electrode device according to claim 1 wherein the seal members are fixed to the connector main body.

4. A water-proof electrode device according to claim 1 wherein the electrode case has a circular projecting part projecting to a side of the connector main body, said circular projecting part surrounds a center opening part of said electrode case, the connector main body has a circular recessed part in which the circular projecting part fits, the seal members comprises a large diameter and a small diameter ring-shaped seal member, the large diameter ring seal member is fixed to an edge part of the electrode case, and the small diameter seal member is fixed to the circular recessed part.

5. A water-proof electrode device according any one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein a water-repellent material is applied on one or both of the seal members.

6. A water-proof electrode device according to claim 1 wherein the electrode has a non-water-permeable ring-shaped water-proof sheet fixed to an underside of a circumferential part of the electrode case, said electrode case having the electrode and having a sponge impregnated with conductive gel on the electrode, and an outer circumferential side of the waterproof sheet having fixed thereto an inner circumferential part of a gas-and-water-permeable adhesive sheet.

7. A water-proof ECG electrode device according to claim 6 wherein the gas-and-water-permeable adhesive sheet is non-woven fabric.

8. A water-proof electrode device according to claim 1 wherein the electrode case has a circular central opening part and the connector includes a circular yoke provided thereunder inserted into the central opening part.