Sensor and shape retainer

• US 9,844,342 B2
• Filed: 09/18/2014
• Issued: 12/19/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
• Inventors: Watanabe, Nobuyoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): WINAKUR, ERIC FRANK
• Application Number:
  US14/489,532
• Publication Number:
  US 20150105639A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,188 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/221 Arrangements of sensors with cables or leads, e.g. cable harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes 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 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6816 Ear lobe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips

Abstract

A sensor attached to a living body includes a sensor body that outputs a signal corresponding to biological information, and a cable that is connected to a sensor body and transmits the signal. The cable has a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility lower than the first flexibility. The second flexibility enables the second portion to be bent, and is able to retain a shape of the second portion in a bent state.

Claims

1. A sensor which is configured to be attached to a living body comprising:

a sensor body configured to output a signal corresponding to biological information; and

a cable configured to be connected to the sensor body and to transmit the signal,

wherein the cable has a first portion having a first flexibility and a first-portion maximum diameter, a second portion having a second flexibility which is lower than the first flexibility, and a third portion having a third flexibility which is higher than the first flexibility,

wherein the second flexibility enables the second portion to be bent and to retain a shape of the second portion in a bent state,

wherein the third portion includes a large-diameter part having a third-portion maximum diameter which is larger than the first-portion maximum diameter, and

wherein the second portion includes a small-diameter part having a second-portion maximum diameter which is smaller than the third-portion maximum diameter and larger than the first-portion maximum diameter.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is attachable to and detachable from the first portion.

3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second portion having a core line which is embedded in the whole length of the second portion in a longitudinal direction of the second portion.