Method and apparatus for improving the durability of a sensor

• US 5,910,108 A
• Filed: 08/19/1997
• Issued: 06/08/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Solenberger, Stephen D.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Connor, Cary E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WINAKUR, ERIC FRANK
• Application Number:
  US08/914,457
• Time in Patent Office: 658 Days
• Field of Search: 600/310-316, 600/322, 600/324, 600/326, 600/340, 600/344, 600/473, 600/476, 356/39-41, 206/305
• US Class Current: 600/310
• 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 an otherwise disposable sensor, wherein said disposable sensor includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one photocell detector, and an attached first adhesive material, comprising the steps of:

a) modifying the sensor by removing said first adhesive material;

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

c) laminating said sensor with said laminating material;

d) inserting said sensor into a sleeve;

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

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

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said laminating material comprises a clear 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 an otherwise disposable sensor for use with a pulse oximeter, wherein said disposable sensor includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one photocell detector, comprising:

a) a laminating material, wherein said laminating material enwraps said disposable sensor creating a laminated sensor;

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

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

8. A method for improving the durability of an otherwise disposable sensor, wherein said disposable sensor includes at least one light emitter and at least one light detector, and an attached first adhesive, comprising the steps of:

laminating said sensor with a laminating material to form a laminated casing;

attaching said laminated casing to an adhesive strip having a second adhesive and an appropriate shape for attaching to a patient; and

attaching said laminated casing to said patient with said adhesive strip.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of sterilizing said sensor before laminating said sensor.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of at least partially removing said first adhesive before laminating said sensor.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of inserting said laminated casing into a sleeve attached to said adhesive strip.

12. An improvement to an otherwise disposable sensor for use with a pulse oximeter, said sensor including a light emitter and a light detector, comprising:

a laminating material enwrapping said disposable sensor, including a surface of said disposable sensor originally having an adhesive attached, forming a laminated casing;

a strip attached to said laminated casing; and

a new adhesive attached to said strip.

13. The improvement of claim 12 wherein said strip includes a sleeve enclosing said laminated casing.