Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a thermocouple device comprising a flexible non-planar substrate, a first printed thermocouple element comprising a first metal containing ink composition applied to the flexible non-planar substrate, and a second printed thermocouple element in electrical contact with the first printed thermocouple element making a thermocouple junction. The second printed thermocouple element comprises a second metal containing ink composition with a Seebeck coefficient sufficiently different from the first metal containing ink composition for the first and second printed thermocouple elements to together produce a thermocouple effect. The present application further relates to medical devices comprising the thermocouple and methods of making such devices.

Abstract: The current invention provides an endotracheal tube fabricated with an array of electrodes disposed on an inflatable cuff on the tube. The array of electrodes includes multiple sense electrodes and a current electrode. The array of electrodes on the inflatable cuff is applied using a positive displacement dispensing system, such as a MicroPen®. A ground electrode is disposed on the tube approximately midway between the inflatable cuff and the midpoint of the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube is partially inserted into a mammalian subject's airway such that when the inflatable cuff is inflated, thereby fixing the tube in position, the array of electrodes is brought into close contact with the tracheal mucosa in relative proximity to the aorta. The endotracheal tube is useful in the measurement of cardiac parameters such as cardiac output.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pressure sensing/force generating device comprising a non-planar substrate, a printed pressure sensitive element comprising (a) a piezoelectric material containing ink composition capable of producing a piezoelectric effect/piezoresistive effect and/or (b) a dielectric material containing ink composition capable of producing a capacitive effect. It also includes a first printed electrode comprising a conductive ink composition, and a second printed electrode comprising a conductive ink composition. The first and second electrodes are in electrical contact with the printed pressure sensitive element. The first and second printed electrodes and the printed pressure sensitive element collectively form a pressure sensitive junction, which is coupled to the non-planar substrate. The present invention further relates to medical devices comprising the pressure sensing/force generating device and methods of making such devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thick film patterned resistor on a substrate and to a method of forming it. The method involves providing a substrate with opposed surfaces, where one surface is coated with a layer of a resistor composition. A photoresist is applied over the layer of the resistor composition, and a desired pattern in the photoresist is formed, where the pattern leaves certain regions of the resistor composition layer uncovered by the photoresist. The resistor composition layer which is uncovered by the photoresist is etched under conditions effective to leave a mass of loosely bound resistor particles at regions of the resistor composition which are not covered by photoresist. The mass of resistor particles is then removed from the substrate to produce a thick film patterned resistor on the substrate.