Abstract: The universal pulse oximeter probe [of the present invention] utilizes an inexpensive sensor connector configuration to enable the cable section of the probe to be used numerous times. The [sensor connector is mechanically simple and electrically reliable to interconnect the sensor elements with the cable that connects the pulse oximeter system to the sensor elements. This sensor connector enables the user to obtain significant benefits due to the fact that the expensive cable segment of the probe is a separable element from the housing that contains the sensor elements. In particular, the] cable segment of the probe consists of a connector that is compatible with the pulse oximeter system and which functions to interconnect the pulse oximeter system with a plurality of conductors, the far end of which are terminated in the sensor connector [of the present invention].

Abstract: An infrared source which provides a miniature, highly stable and efficient source of infrared energy for use with infrared detectors and the like. The infrared source of the invention incorporates a platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) which is integrated with the heater element to provide a means of electronic servo control of the heater temperature. The heater element and the RTD are tightly coupled thermally to provide accurate, continuous tracking and control of the heater temperature. The infrared source design provides excellent infrared energy output with less than one watt input power to the heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated lead frame pulse oximetry sensor which includes a thin metal lead frame to which is connected light emitting diodes and a photodiode chip for the purpose of emitting light and detecting light respectively. The thin metal frame is deformable to attach to perfused tissue. The lead frame has a very low mass which diminishes its acceptability to motion induced artifact.

Abstract: A noncontact infrared tympanic thermometer which does not require environmental stabilization or waveguide temperature control because it utilizes an optically stabilized infrared detector for detecting the infrared energy emitted by the tympanic membrane. The optical stabilization renders the instrument insensitive to ambient temperature effects and allows it to read true tympanic membrane temperatures unaffected by the temperature of the side walls of the detector package. This selectivity is accomplished by locating a neutral density filter over half of the optical aperture of the detector package such that the neutral density filter "shadows" only one of two thermopile channels for detecting the infrared energy emitted by the tympanic membrane. The two thermopile channels are connected in series opposition such that any optical signal equally present in both channels will yield a zero net output.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system and method for detecting and displaying information of gases in a respiratory gas stream, comprising an optical bench including a gas pathway for the flow of a gas stream through the optical bench, a flow shaping inlet at the entrance to the optical bench's gas pathway, two infrared detection channel assemblies for measuring the partial pressures of the gases in the respiratory gas stream, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure within the gas pathway, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the optical bench, and a flow rate sensor for measuring the gas flow rate through the gas pathway, circuitry for processing the detected partial pressures of the gases and the measured values for pressure, temperature, and flow rate, and for providing output signals indicative of processed measured values, the detected partial pressures of the gasses, and characterization information with respect to the optical bench components; analog input circuitry for processing the signals

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing optically stabilized, shutterless infrared capnographs are disclosed. The capnographs of the present invention provide the absolute concentration of the constituents of the respiratory airstream of a patient, without the thermal drift problems normally associated with thermopile detectors, thereby providing a device with a high degree of accuracy. The present invention eliminates the need for a mechanical shutter to modulate the incident infrared beam and the need for a modulated source, thereby increasing the reliability and response time of the devices disclosed. Capnographs which are substantially unaffected by changes in the ambient temperature at which they operate are provided by connecting pairs of optically filtered thermopiles in series and processing the resulting differential pair.

Abstract: Improved infrared detectors for use in device such as capnographs are provided. A preferred embodiment of an infrared detector of the invention is comprised of paired thermopiles, connect in opposed relation to each other, which are preceded by an analytical or reference filter for passing a desired wavelength and a neutral density filter in the optical path of one of the thermopiles in the pair. The difference between the outputs can be used to eliminate the effects of background thermal noise, thereby improving performance of the detector. Preferably, a reference channel and an analytical channel are provided so that the respective differences between the detectors in each pair can be used to further cancel the effects of background thermal noise.

Abstract: A disposable endotracheal airway adapter for use in proximity of a patient's mouth in the measurement of the concentraton of respiratory gases. The disposable airway adapter of the invention provides a conduit for patient respiratory gases and allows the passage of infrared radiation through the gases for measuring the constituent concentration of the respiratory gases while keeping the patient gases from coming in contact with the analyzer mechanism. The body of the airway adapter is designed to connect in series with the airway tubing which connects a patient to a mechanical respirator or anesthesia breathing circuit. The body of the airway adapter is very light in weight and is formed of inexpensive material such as polyethylene or polypropylene so that it may be manufactured inexpensively and discarded after each use. An inexpensive optical window in the adapter is also formed of material such as polyethylene or polypropylene so that the gas analyzer can pass light into the sample for analysis.

Abstract: A backflushing system for an inlet filter in an airway adapter in a gas flow sampling and analyzing system includes a back flush fluid supply conduit and sampling conduit connected to the airway adapter by a single coupling element. Flow of back flush fluid causes material blocking the filter to be washed away into the respiratory conduit for disposal. Flow of backflush fluid is restricted to one way flow through the backflush conduit by a disk shaped valve member mounted in the air way adapter.

Abstract: An improved gas analyzer system (FIG.

Abstract: An improved gas analyzer system (FIG. 1) and method of use for detecting and displaying the constituent gases of a respiratory gas stream, the system comprising an optical bench (109) through which a respiratory gas flows and in which measurements of the gas are taken; analog input circuits (122) for receiving signals output from the optical bench (109); analog processing circuits (124) for processing signals output from the analog input circuits (122); display processing circuits (128) for processing the signals output from the analog processing circuits (124) and other system circuitry; pixel logic circuits/analog outputs (130) for processing signals output from the display processing circuitry (128) and providing analog output ports; a five button panel (148), an alarm-knob board (144), and a speaker driver (152) for operator interface and activation of audible and visual alarms; a CRT driver for driving the CRT; and a power supply (158) for powering the system.

Abstract: A sensor for use with instruments that non-invasively measure blood constituents, particularly oxygen saturation of arterial blood from the patient's tissue. The sensor has two rigid housings adapted for arrangement in opposition and secured about a patient's tissue. Each housing has a deformable pad adapted for receiving, conforming to, and securely gripping the patient's tissue without significantly affecting arterial blood flow. In one embodiment, the housings are pivotally mounted and biased closed under tension, one pad contains a light source for illuminating the tissue in its tissue contacting surface, and the other pad contains the light detector for use in measuring the amount of light absorbed by the blood constituent. In a second embodiment one or the other pad contains both the light source and light detector. The detected light can then be correlated to the amount of blood constituent present in the blood.