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: 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: 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: 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.

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.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor comprising an emitter and a detector disposed on a substrate layer with a thinned portion between the emitter and the detector. A partially transparent covering layer covers the substrate layer and comprises a corresponding thinned portion. The thinned portions attenuate light shunted via the substrate layer and the partially transparent covering layer from the emitter to the detector, and may be configured such that less than 10% of the light detectable by the detector is shunted light.

Abstract: A sensor has codes useful for a monitor which can be authenticated as accurate. The sensor produces a signal corresponding to a measured physiological characteristic and provides codes which can be assured of being accurate and authentic when used by a monitor. A memory associated with the sensor stores both data relating to the sensor and a digital signature. The digital signature authenticates the quality of the code by ensuring it was generated by an entity having predetermined quality controls, and ensures the code is accurate.

Abstract: A sensor has codes useful for a monitor which can be authenticated as accurate. The sensor produces a signal corresponding to a measured physiological characteristic and provides codes which can be assured of being accurate and authentic when used by a monitor. A memory associated with the sensor stores both data relating to the sensor and a digital signature. The digital signature authenticates the quality of the code by ensuring it was generated by an entity having predetermined quality controls, and ensure the code is accurate.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor comprising an emitter and a detector disposed on a substrate layer with a thinned portion between the emitter and the detector. A partially transparent covering layer covers the substrate layer and comprises a corresponding thinned portion. The thinned portions attenuate light shunted via the substrate layer and the partially transparent covering layer from the emitter to the detector, and may be configured such that less than 10% of the light detectable by the detector is shunted light.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor having an emitter(s) and a detector, with a layer having a first portion of the emitter and a second portion of layer over the detector is provided. A barrier is included between the first and second portions of the overlying layer to substantially block radiation of the wavelengths emitted by the emitter(s). Preferably, the barrier reduces the radiation shunted to less than 10% of the radiation detected, and more preferably to less than 1% of the radiation detected.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor comprising an emitter and a detector coupled to a substrate layer and a partially opaque layer located on a patient contact side of the sensor and covering the emitter. The partially opaque layer is configured to attenuate light shunted via the partially opaque layer from the emitter to the detector, and may be configured such that less than 10% of the light detected by the detector is shunted light.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor comprising an emitter and a detector disposed on a substrate layer with a thinned portion between the emitter and the detector. A partially transparent covering layer covers the substrate layer and comprises a corresponding thinned portion. The thinned portions attenuate light shunted via the substrate layer and the partially transparent covering layer from the emitter to the detector, and may be configured such that less than 10% of the light detectable by the detector is shunted light.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor comprising a light emitter and a detector disposed on a substrate layer with a plurality of perforations or variations in thickness between the light emitter and the detector. The plurality of perforations or variations in thickness blocks or scatters light shunted via the substrate layer from the light emitter to the detector, and may be configured such that less than 10% of the light detectable by the detector is shunted light.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor comprising an emitter and a detector disposed on a substrate layer with a thinned portion between the emitter and the detector. A partially transparent covering layer covers the substrate layer and comprises a corresponding thinned portion. The thinned portions attenuate light shunted via the substrate layer and the partially transparent covering layer from the emitter to the detector, and may be configured such that less than 10% of the light detectable by the detector is shunted light.