Combined electrical and audio anatomical signal sensor
First Claim
1. A combined electrical and audio anatomy-signal sensor comprisingconductive electrode structure having an anatomy-facing side conductively connectable to the anatomy for collecting an electrical signal and having a perimetered portion which carries a different-material, perimetrally-distributed conductive layer through which a collected electrical signal flows,an acoustic, sound-gathering cavity formed in and opening to said anatomy-facing sidea flexible skirt mounted on, and extending generally laterally outwardly from, said electrode structure adjacent said electrode structure'"'"'s anatomy-facing side, having an anatomy-facing side which is generally co-extensive with the electrode structure'"'"'s anatomy-facing, anda sticky, conductive gel formed as a layer on said skirt'"'"'s anatomy-facing side, and conductively connected to said electrode structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A combined audio and electrical anatomy-signal sensor which is designed to collect, essentially from a selected, common anatomical site, related audio and electrical anatomical signals, such as heart-produced signals. The sensor includes a unique body structure which is designed to function both as a part of the audio-information gathering structure, and as a part of electrical electrode structure for gathering electrical signals. Chamber space is provided within this body for receiving and containing desired electrical circuitry, in the form of circuit-board-supported electrical components, which may be designed to perform any one of a number of different functions relative to signal gathering and transferring at and from an anatomical site. The presence of such circuitry within the body of the proposed sensor enables use of the sensor for specialized signal gathering and processing purposes, under circumstances which can obviate the need for various, special retro-modifications of existing, external, signal-monitoring apparatus.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A combined electrical and audio anatomy-signal sensor comprising
conductive electrode structure having an anatomy-facing side conductively connectable to the anatomy for collecting an electrical signal and having a perimetered portion which carries a different-material, perimetrally-distributed conductive layer through which a collected electrical signal flows, an acoustic, sound-gathering cavity formed in and opening to said anatomy-facing side a flexible skirt mounted on, and extending generally laterally outwardly from, said electrode structure adjacent said electrode structure'"'"'s anatomy-facing side, having an anatomy-facing side which is generally co-extensive with the electrode structure'"'"'s anatomy-facing, and a sticky, conductive gel formed as a layer on said skirt'"'"'s anatomy-facing side, and conductively connected to said electrode structure.
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4. A combined electrical and audio anatomy-signal sensor having a signal-collection symmetry axis comprising
conductive electrode structure possessing a component chamber including a socket, and deployed electrically symmetrically with respect to said axis, an acousto-electric transducer disposed within a vibration-isolating boot seated in said socket, and positioned on said axis adjacent said electrode structure, and electrical circuitry including electrical circuit elements disposed within said chamber, and operatively connected both to said electrode structure and to said transducer.
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7. A combined electrical and audio anatomy-signal sensor having a signal-collection symmetry axis comprising
conductive electrode structure possessing a component chamber deployable electrically symmetrically with respect to said axis, an acousto-electric transducer disposed on said axis adjacent said electrode structure, electrical circuitry including electrical circuit elements supported on one side of a generally planar circuit board disposed within said chamber, said circuit elements being operatively connected both to said electrode structure and to said transducer, and a pattern of conductors disposed on the side of said circuit board which is opposite said one side, connected by way of vias through the board to selected ones of said circuit elements, said conductors enabling operative electrical connection to structure which is external to the sensor.
Specification