Biomedical electrode

• US 6,480,731 B1
• Filed: 09/25/2000
• Issued: 11/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Altec Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Altec Incorporated
• Inventors: Gilmore, L. Donald, DeLuca, Carlo J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peffley, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ruddy, David M.
• Application Number:
  US09/668,982
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 600/372, 600/373, 600/374, 600/391, 600/392, 600/393, 607/152
• US Class Current: 600/393
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/296 for electromyography [EMG]

Abstract

A biomedical electrode including a flexible pad having a top surface and a bottom surface; an asymmetrical, linearly aligned array of signal contacts retained by the flexible pad and each having a contact surface projecting from the bottom surface and a coupling surface projecting above the top surface; and a connector including a plurality of connector contacts each being shaped and arranged for electrical connection to a different one of the coupling surfaces. The asymmetrical array of signal contacts facilitates proper positioning of the electrode on the skin.

Claims

1. A biomedical electrode comprising:

a non-conductive case having a top surface and a bottom surface for attachment to the skin;

an adhesive substance covering a portion of said bottom surface;

a plurality of contacts retained by said case and projecting outwardly from said bottom surface, each of said contacts having an outer surface portion for contacting the skin; and

wherein said bottom surface comprises a base portion inwardly displaced from said outer surface portions and transition portions sloping between said base portion and each of said outer surface portions.

2. A biomedical electrode according to claim 1 wherein each said outer surface portion is elongated with a pair of longitudinal edges at least one of which is intersected by one of said transition portions.

3. A biomedical electrode according to claim 2 wherein said elongated surface portions are arranged in a substantially parallel array disposed substantially parallel to said base portion.

4. A biomedical electrode according to claim 3 wherein each of said transition portions is concave.

5. A biomedical electrode according to claim 4 wherein each of said transition portions forms a catenary curve.

6. A biomedical electrode according to claim 3 wherein each of said contacts is cylindrical and disposed substantially parallel to said base portion.

7. A biomedical electrode according to claim 6 wherein each of said transition portions is concave.

8. A biomedical electrode according to claim 7 wherein each of said transition portions forms a catenary curve.

9. A biomedical electrode according to claim 2 wherein each of said edges is intersected by one of said transition portions.

10. A biomedical electrode according to claim 9 wherein said elongated surface portions are arranged in a substantially parallel array disposed substantially parallel to said base portion.

11. A biomedical electrode according to claim 10 wherein each of said transition portions is concave.

12. A biomedical electrode according to claim 11 wherein each of said transition portions forms a catenary curve.

13. A biomedical electrode according to claim 9 wherein each of said contacts is cylindrical and disposed substantially parallel to said base portion.

14. A biomedical electrode according to claim 10 wherein said elongated surface portions are arranged in a substantially parallel array disposed substantially parallel to said base portion.

15. A biomedical electrode according to claim 9 wherein each of said transition portions is concave.

16. A biomedical electrode according to claim 12 wherein each of said transition portions forms a catenary curve.

17. A biomedical electrode according to claim 1 wherein each of said transition portions is concave.

18. A biomedical electrode according to claim 14 wherein each of said transition portions forms a catenary curve.

19. A biomedical electrode according to claim 15 wherein each of said contacts is cylindrical and disposed substantially parallel to said base portion.