Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost, disposable, flexure sensor with an active portion which includes first and second sensor elements formed from a piezoelectric polymer material. Each of the first and second sensor elements has a first surface and an opposed second surface. A first electrically conductive area is formed on the first surface of each sensor element and is connected to a second electrically conductive area on the second surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection is formed by a plated hole which extends through the sensor element from the first surface to the second surface. Still further, each of the first and second sensor elements has a third electrically conductive area on the first surface, which electrically conductive area is electrically isolated from the first electrically conductive area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic sensor having utility in biomedical applications. The sensor is applied to the skin of a patient and is capable of measuring the flexure of the skin caused by acoustic sounds beneath the skin and converting the skin flexure into electrical signals representative of the acoustic sounds. The sensor is formed from a single piece of piezoelectric material having electrically conductive areas on two spaced apart and opposed surfaces. The electrically conductive areas are electrically connected to electrical contacts or connector pins which may be used to hook up the sensor to a measuring device. A method for forming the sensor is also described.