Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light, a resistor having a resistance value that is detectable by a monitor, and a memory storing a contact resistance value of a connector that is disposed between the monitor and the resistor when the monitor and the oximeter sensor are communicatively coupled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor, comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a memory device that stores data comprising drift parameters indicative of changes to operating properties of the oximeter sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor, comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a pressure switch that is sensitive to pressure present due to placement of the sensor on a patient, the pressure switch having a status indicative of sensor contact with the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light, and a memory storing an optical shunting measurement for the oximeter sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light a memory storing data, and a changeable encryption key to facilitate scrambling the data to make the data inaccessible to devices that are without an appropriate decryption mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and an accelerometer configured to detect motion of the oximeter sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to a sensor with memory. Specifically, one embodiment includes a sensor, comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detecting element configured to detect the light, and a memory storing data corresponding to algorithms used by an oximeter monitor, the memory providing access to the oximeter monitor to read the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory chip for use in an oximeter sensor, or an associated adapter or connector circuit. The memory chip allows the storing of patient related data, such as patient trending data or a patient ID, to provide enhanced capabilities for the oximeter sensor. In addition to providing unique data to store in such a memory, the present invention include unique uses of the data stored in such a memory.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor, comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a memory device that stores data, comprising an amount of wetness on the oximeter sensor.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sensor for facilitating detection of a physiological characteristic of a patient. Specifically, one embodiment includes a detector configured to obtain signals from the patient, the signals being indicative of the physiological characteristic, an interface configured to send the signals to a monitor, and a sensor memory coupled with the sensor and separate from the monitor, the sensor memory storing sensor expiration data.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a monitor, a multiple configuration sensor having a first configuration and a second configuration, and a sensor connector. The sensor connector includes a first memory device and a second memory device, such that the first memory device is accessible by the monitor in the first sensor configuration and the second memory device is accessible by the monitor in the second sensor configuration. Another system is provided that includes a sensor adaptor having a processing circuit that reads a memory of a multiple configuration sensor and provides a first set of calibration data of a first sensor configuration and a second set of calibration data for a second sensor configuration.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for detecting a blood characteristic in a patient. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise detecting a first modulating signal at a first wavelength, detecting a second modulating signal at a second wavelength, and determining a relative amplitude of the first and second modulating signals. Further, embodiments of the present invention may comprise regressing the first and second modulating signals relative to one another, wherein a first uncertainty value in the first modulating signal and a second uncertainty value in the second modulating signal are accommodated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to identifying and/or analyzing high resolution variations in a measured physiologic parameter, such as blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured using pulse oximetry. Present embodiments may include a system including a sensor comprising an emitter capable of emitting light at different wavelengths into a tissue bed, and a detector capable of detecting the light from the emitter after dispersion and/or reflection by the tissue bed. Further, the system may include a pulse oximeter capable of receiving signals from the sensor that are indicative of characteristics of the light detected by the detector, and utilizing the signals to estimate blood oxygen saturation values over time at a high resolution to facilitate detection of variations in the blood oxygen saturation values that are smaller in magnitude than an accuracy, display precision, and/or calibration of the blood oxygen saturation values.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to a sensor with memory. Specifically, one embodiment includes a sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detecting element configured to detect the light, and a memory storing at least one patient-specific parameter, the memory providing access to an oximeter monitor to read the at least one patient-specific parameter.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing crosstalk between wires is provided. The method includes spatially separating first and second sets of wires. A device is disposed relative to the first and second sets of wires to maintain the spatial separation. The method also comprises coupling pins to the first and second sets of wires. Additionally, the method includes covering the device with a connector housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to pulse oximeter systems and methods. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter system including an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light having a wavelength, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a memory storing signal quality data that facilitates determining a quality of signals sent from the light emitting element to the light detector via the light. Further, the oximeter system may comprise an oximeter monitor, comprising a receiving circuit configured to receive the signal quality data from the oximeter sensor, and a processor configured to use the signal quality data to calculate an optical transmissivity of a material for the wavelength.

Abstract: A memory in a sensor is used to store multiple coefficients for a physiological parameter. In one embodiment, not only are the sensor's specific calibration coefficients stored in a memory in the sensor for the formula to determine oxygen saturation, but multiple sets of coefficients are stored. The multiple sets apply to different ranges of saturation values to provide a better fit to occur by breaking the R to SpO2 relationship up into different pieces, each described by a different function. The different functions can also be according to different formulas for determining oxygen saturation.