Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner.

Abstract: A method of conducting clinical examination procedures by use of electrically actuated spectrometric apparatus, of the type which uses a sensor that is placed in contact with the patient to transmit and receive electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths for non-invasive in vivo examination of a selected area on the body, in which a conductive member is placed in contact with the patient near or at the location of the sensor and connected to the signal-processing circuitry of the processor for the spectrometric signals in a manner such that the examination signals have significantly less noise content than would otherwise be true. In so doing, the signal-processing circuitry is isolated from the power supply circuitry, and the sensor and conductive member are preferably coupled to the processor by use of an isolation preamplifier, such that the signal-processing ground potential reference is maintained separate and distinct from the power supply ground.

Abstract: A specially grounded sensor for improving signal-to-noise ratios in clinical spectrometric procedures includes a sensor body carrying electrically actuated spectrometric signal-producing and receiving components, e.g., electro-optical components, for transmittal and reception of particular examination energy wavelengths, in which the sensor body has an electrically conductive portion or element associated therewith for contacting the patient. This electrically conductive, member is coupled to the signal ground potential of associated signal-processing apparatus to thereby equalize the electrical potential of the patient surface area to which the sensor is applied with the aforementioned signal ground potential.

Abstract: An optical sensor for use in clinical patient examination by spectrophotometric apparatus, having a body with softly deformable material which is conformable to a selected area on the body of the patient and internally-mounted electro-optical source and receivers for obtaining patient pathology data by transmission of selected wavelengths through a tissue volume adjacent the selected area, including substantially non-deforming light-transfer members disposed in alignment with the source and detectors and between them and the patient, to provide substantially constant and unchanging light-transfer passages or conduits therebetween. In the most preferred form, the light-transfer members comprise generally tubular elements having light-reflective interior walls, and the sensor body comprises either a layered structure of opaque, soft polymeric foam or the like (e.g. , cellular urethane) or a substantially one-piece, molded or other such structure of generally comparable or analogous material and characteristics.

Abstract: An electro-optical sensor for spectrophotometric clinical examination devices includes a thin, flexible, lightweight, elongated support frame having at least a pair of integral mounting bases. Each base is shaped and located to separately receive and position structurally independent and relatively free-standing electro-optical components including a light source and a detector. Each mounting base includes cup-like walls defining sockets of predetermined configuration of varying diameter to receive a correspondingly configured electro-optical component. An attachment device secures each component in a nested position at its respective mounting base. A plurality of discrete flexible electrical conductors extends along the support frame, each conductor being connected to a component. A shield shields at least some of the conductors from ambient sources of electrical and/or magnetic noise. A softly compliant outer cover is disposed over the support frame, components, conductors and shield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination proceeding No. 90/010,128, filed Mar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner.