Electrode sensor

• US 6,757,556 B2
• Filed: 10/04/2001
• Issued: 06/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ineedmd.Com, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ineedmd.Com, Inc.
• Inventors: Gopinathan, Govindan, Tilford, Arthur R.
• Primary Examiner(s): COHEN, LEE S
• Application Number:
  US09/971,204
• Publication Number:
  US 20020016538A1
• Time in Patent Office: 999 Days
• Field of Search: 600/372, 600/382, 600/383, 600/397, 607/139, 607/140, 607/149, 607/150, 607/153
• US Class Current: 600/372
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/168 Fluid filled sensor housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0006 ECG or EEG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6806 Gloves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/003 Detecting lung or respiration noise
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/04 Electric stethoscopes microphones, acoustic transducers therefor H04R

Abstract

The present invention involves an electrode sensor attachable to a substrate for sensing electrical activity of a patient. The electrode sensor comprises an elongated conductive body having first and second ends, wherein the first end is adapted to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient. The second end is configured to conductively attach to the substrate. The elongated conductive body is greater than about 2 millimeters in length and is configured to extend from the substrate.

Claims

1. An electrode sensor attachable to a substrate for sensing electrical activity of a patient, the electrode sensor comprising:

an elongated conductive resilient body having first and second ends and a conductive wire, the first end contactable with the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient, the second end being configured to attach to the substrate;

a conductive head connected to the first end of the elongated conductive body so that the head is in conductive communication with the elongated body, the connection of the conductive head to the elongated body defining an inner space within the head and the body, the inner space complementing the shapes of the head and the body, the conductive head being configured to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity and being permeable to allow conductive fluid to be absorbed therethrough; and

an absorbent material disposed in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head, the absorbent material being in contact with the conductive head and the elongated body.

2. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein a portion of the elongated body is permeable to allow fluid to be absorbed therethrough, the first end of the elongated conductive body is adapted to receive and absorb fluid thereon.

3. The electrode sensor of claim 2 wherein the elongated body includes a portion made of conductive mesh.

4. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the first end is arcuate.

5. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the elongated conductive body is tubular and the conductive wire is connected to the second end.

6. The electrode sensor of claim 5 wherein the conductive body is made of metal.

7. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the conductive head is connected to the first end of the elongated conductive body with conductive epoxy resin.

8. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the elongated conductive body is a metallic spring, the spring having a predetermined tension so that the spring compresses when pressure is applied on the head, facilitating absorption of conductive fluid by the absorbent material when fluid is disposed on the head and the head is in contact with the patient.

9. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the absorbent material is a sponge material.

10. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the conductive head is made of conductive mesh.

11. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the conductive head is arcuately connected to the first end of the elongated conductive body to define a arcuate surface of the conductive head, the arcuate surface configured to nestle upon contour surfaces of the patient.

12. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the elongated conductive body is a metallic spring.

13. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the conductive body is made of conductive mesh.

14. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the substrate is a wearable substrate.

15. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the substrate is a glove.

16. The electrode sensor of claim 1 wherein the elongated conductive body is adapted to extend from the substrate and is greater than about 2 millimeters in length.

17. The electrode sensor of claim 1 further comprising a base having an aperture in which the second end of the elongated body is disposed, the conductive wire being disposed through the aperture and adapted to be conductively adapted to pass to the substrate.

18. An electrode sensor attachable to a glove probe for sensing electrical activity of a patient and allowing a fluid to be permeated therethrough, the electrode sensor comprising:

a conductive body having first and second ends and a conductive wire, the first end being permeable to allow the fluid to be absorbed therethrough and adapted to receive the fluid thereon to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient, the second end being configured to be conductively attachable;

a conductive head connected to the first end of the conductive body so that the head is in conductive communication with the body, the connection of the conductive head to the body defining an inner space within the head and the body, the inner space complementing the shapes of the head and the body, the conductive head being configured to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity and being permeable to allow conductive fluid to be absorbed therethrough; and

an absorbent material disposed in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head, the absorbent material being in contact with the conductive head and the body.

19. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the conductive body is made of conductive mesh.

20. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the conductive body is tubular and the conductive wire is connected to the second end.

21. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the conductive head is connected to the first end of the conductive body with conductive epoxy resin.

22. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the conductive body is a metallic spring, the spring having a predetermined tension so that the spring compresses when pressure is applied on the head, facilitating absorption of conductive fluid by the absorbent material when fluid is disposed on the head and the head is in contact with the patient.

23. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the absorbent material is a sponge material.

24. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the conductive head is made of conductive mesh.

25. The electrode sensor of claim 18 wherein the conductive head is arcuately connected to the first end of the conductive body to define a arcuate surface of the conductive head, the arcuate surface configured to nestle upon contour surfaces of the patient.

26. The electrode sensor of claim 18 further comprising a base having an aperture in which the second end of the body is disposed, the conductive wire being disposed through the aperture and adapted to pass through the glove probe.

27. An electrode sensor assembly for sensing electrical activity of a patient, the electrode sensor assembly comprising:

an elongated conductive body having first and second ends and a conductive wire, the first end being adapted to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient;

a substrate to which the second end is attached, allowing the elongated conductive body to extend from the substrate to contact the patient;

a conductive head connected to the first end of the elongated conductive body so that the head is in conductive communication with the elongated body, the connection of the conductive head to the elongated body defining an inner space within the head and the body, the inner space complementing the shapes of the head and the body, the conductive head being configured to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity and being permeable to allow conductive fluid to be absorbed therethrough; and

an absorbent material disposed in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head, the absorbent material being in contact with the conductive head and the elongated body.

28. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the elongated body is permeable to allow fluid to be absorbed therethrough, the first end of the elongated conductive body is adapted to receive and absorb fluid thereon.

29. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 28 wherein the elongated body is made of conductive mesh.

30. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the first end is arched.

31. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the elongated conductive body is tubular and the conductive wire is connected to the second end.

32. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the conductive head is connected to the first end of the elongated conductive body with conductive epoxy resin.

33. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the elongated conductive body is a metallic spring, the spring having a predetermined tension so that the spring compresses when pressure is applied on the head, facilitating absorption of conductive fluid by the absorbent material when fluid is disposed on the head and the head is in contact with the patient.

34. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the absorbent material is a sponge material.

35. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the conductive head is made of conductive mesh.

36. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the conductive head is arcuately connected to the first end of the elongated conductive body to define a arcuate surface of the conductive head, the arcuate surface configured to nestle upon contour surfaces of the patient.

37. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 further comprising a base having an aperture in which the second end of the elongated body is disposed, the conductive wire being disposed through the aperture.

38. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 27 wherein the elongated conductive body comprises a metallic spring greater than about 2 millimeters in length.

39. An electrode sensor for sensing electrical activity of a patient and allowing a fluid to be permeated therethrough, the electrode sensor comprising:

a conductive body having first and second ends, the first end being adapted to receive the fluid thereon and to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient, the conductive body being a permeable metallic spring to allow the fluid to pass therethrough;

a substrate to which the second end is attached, allowing the elongated conductive body to extend from the substrate to contact the patient;

a conductive head connected to the first end of the conductive body so that the head is in conductive communication with the body, the connection of the conductive head to the body defining an inner space within the head and the body, the inner space complementing the shapes of the head and the body, the conductive head being configured to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity and being permeable to allow conductive fluid to be absorbed therethrough; and

an absorbent material disposed in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head, the absorbent material being in contact with the conductive head and the body.

40. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the conductive body is made of conductive mesh.

41. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the conductive body is tubular and a conductive wire is connected to the second end.

42. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the conductive head is connected to the first end of the conductive body with conductive epoxy resin.

43. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the spring has a predetermined tension so that the spring compresses when pressure is applied on the head, facilitating absorption of conductive fluid by the absorbent material when fluid is disposed on the head and the head is in contact with the patient.

44. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the absorbent material is a sponge material.

45. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the conductive head is made of conductive mesh.

46. The electrode sensor of claim 39 wherein the conductive head is arcuately connected to the first end of the conductive body to define a arcuate surface of the conductive head, the arcuate surface configured to nestle upon contour surfaces of the patient.

47. An electrode sensor for sensing electrical activity of a patient and sending signals to a processor, the electrode sensor comprising:

a conductive head to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity, the conductive head being permeable to allow fluid to be absorbed therethrough;

an elongated tubular body being greater than 2 millimeters and being permeable to allow fluid be absorbed therethrough, the elongated body having first and second ends and being made of conductive material, the first end being connected to the head so that the elongated body is in conductive communication with the head, the connection of the elongated tubular body to the conductive head defining an inner space within the body and the head, the elongated body having a conductive wire connected to the second end;

an absorbent material disposed in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head; and

a ceramic base having an aperture in which the second end of the elongated body is disposed, the conductive wire disposed through the aperture and adapted to be conductively connected to the processor.

48. A method of making an electrode sensor that is attachable to a substrate and usable for sensing electrical activity from a patient, the method comprising:

providing a conductive head to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity, the conductive head being permeable to allow fluid to pass therethrough;

providing an elongated tubular body being greater than 2 millimeters in length and having first and second ends and being made of conductive material, the conductive head being permeable to allow fluid to pass therethrough, the elongated body having a conductive wire connected to the second end;

providing an absorbent material and a ceramic base having an aperture;

connecting the first end of the elongated tubular body to the conductive head so that the elongated body is in conductive communication with the head, the connection of the elongated tubular body to the conductive head defining an inner space within the body and the head;

disposing the absorbent material in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head;

disposing the second end of the elongated body in the aperture, the conductive wire being disposed through the aperture and adapted to be conductively attachable.

49. A method of sensing electrical activity of a patient with an electrode sensor, the method comprising:

providing a conductive head to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity, the conductive head being permeable to allow conductive fluid to pass therethrough;

providing an elongated tubular body being greater than 2 millimeters in length and being permeable to allow fluid to pass therethrough, the elongated body having first and second ends and being made of conductive material, the first end being connected to the head so that the elongated body is in conductive communication with the head, the connection of the elongated tubular body to the conductive head defining an inner space within the body and the head, the elongated body having a conductive wire connected to the second end;

providing an absorbent material disposed in the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head; and

providing a ceramic base having an aperture in which the second end of the elongated body is disposed, the conductive wire disposed through the aperture and adapted to be conductively connected to a processor;

applying conductive fluid onto the conductive head;

contacting the conductive head to the patient; and

maintaining contact of the conductive head to the patient to sense electrical activity of the patient.

50. An electrode sensor assembly comprising:

a glove; and

an elongated conductive body having first and second ends and a conductive wire, the first end being adapted to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient, the elongated conductive body comprising a metallic spring greater than about 2 millimeters in length, and the second end being attached to the glove, allowing the elongated conductive body to extend from the glove to contact the patient.

51. An electrode sensor assembly for sensing electrical activity of a patient, the electrode sensor assembly comprising:

an elongated conductive body having first and second ends and a conductive wire, the first end being adapted to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient, the elongated conductive body comprising a metallic spring greater than about 2 millimeters in length; and

a glove probe to which the second end is attached, allowing the elongated conductive body to extend from the glove probe to contact the patient.

52. The electrode sensor assembly of claim 51 wherein the glove probe is made of an essentially non-conductive, insulative material.

53. An electrode sensor attachable to a substrate for sensing electrical activity of a patient, the electrode sensor comprising:

an elongated conductive resilient body having first and second ends and a conductive wire, the first end contactable with the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient, the second end being securable to the substrate;

a conductive head in conductive communication with the elongated body, the conductive head and the elongated body defining an inner space within the head and the body, the conductive head being configured to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity and being permeable to allow conductive fluid to be absorbed therethrough; and

an absorbent material within the inner space for absorbing fluid applied on the head, the absorbent material being in contact with the conductive head and the elongated body.