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Using colored probes in patient monitoring

  • US 9,826,905 B2
  • Filed: 05/07/2009
  • Issued: 11/28/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A sensor for sensing physical characteristics of a patient, the sensor comprising:

  • a support structure; and

    a sensor component coupled to the support structure for sensing a physical characteristic of the patient, wherein the sensor component is configured to;

    generate a physiological signal indicative of the physical characteristic;

    transmit the physiological signal to a monitor external to the sensor, wherein the physiological signal is capable of being used by the external monitor to monitor first and second physiological parameters;

    receive a first drive signal from the external monitor indicating when the external monitor is using the physiological signal to monitor the first physiological parameter; and

    receive a second drive signal from the external monitor indicating when the external monitor is using the physiological signal to monitor the second physiological parameter, the sensor component comprising;

    an infrared light emitter, wherein the infrared light is used to sense the physical characteristic;

    a detector for detecting the infrared light after it passes within the tissue of the patient;

    a first visible light emitter that emits visible light of a first color, wherein;

    the first visible light emitter is not used to sense the physical characteristic;

    the first color is color-coded to the first physiological parameter; and

    the first visible light emitter emits visible light in response to the sensor component receiving the first drive signal indicating when the external monitor is using the physiological signal to monitor the first physiological parameter; and

    a second visible light emitter that emits visible light of a second color, wherein;

    the second visible light emitter is not used to sense the physical characteristic;

    the second color is color-coded to the second physiological parameter; and

    the second visible light emitter emits visible light in response to the sensor component receiving the second drive signal indicating when the external monitor is using the physiological signal to monitor the second physiological parameter.

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