Abstract: A pulse oximeter with changeable structure includes a first housing, having a light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted therein, and a second housing, electrically connected to the first housing, wherein the circuit needed by the pulse oximeter is distributed into the first and the second housings, and a corresponding pair of assembling mechanisms are further mounted on the first and the second housings, respectively, so that the first and the second housings are capable of being assembled together to form one single combination.

Abstract: An optical measurement instrument for a living body to measure dynamic change of blood of a brain includes light incident units for irradiating light on a head of a subject, a light detector for detecting a light irradiated from the light incident units and reflected within the subject, a signal processing unit for calculating a spacious distribution of signals from the subject to be measured from a signal detected by the light detector, and a display for displaying the spacious distribution of signals from the subject to be measured. Measurement points are arranged about a middle of the light incident units and the light detector, and the light incident units and the light detector are arranged such that the measurement points are arranged to form a lattice whose circumference is square.

Abstract: A measurement head has an objective for imaging of a target area such as including a capillary vessel in the skin. The measurement head does not require a lateral shifting of the optical axis of the objective. Transverse relative movements between the objective and a capillary vessel in the skin are performed by mechanically shifting the skin with respect to the objective of the measurement head. Moreover, the measurement head is adapted to host one or more pressure sensors for measuring the contact pressure between the measurement head and the skin. Pressure information may be exploited in order to calibrate a spectroscopic analyzer, and/or to regulate the contact pressure within predefined margins specifying an optimum range of contact pressure for spectroscopic examination of capillary vessels.

Abstract: A probe adapted to be used with a pulse oximeter is disclosed. A flexible first housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a nail of a finger or a toe of a subject. A flexible second housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a top of the finger or the toe. A flexible connecting part connects the first housing and the second housing, and is adapted to cover a tip end of the nail. A light emitting element is provided on one of the first housing and the second housing. A light receiving element is provided on the other one of the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a skeletal frame comprising first and second portions configured to move relative to one another. At least one physiological sensor is attached to the frame. A coating is provided over the frame and the at least one physiological sensor to form the sensor assembly. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. Methods for manufacturing and using a sensor are also provided as is a method for manufacturing a sensor body.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus uses a biological component sensor including a plate-shaped sensor chip having a biological component sensing function and a sensor chip holding frame surrounding and holding the sensor chip. The biological component sensor is disposed in a measuring apparatus main body housing. A fixed engaging member and movable engaging member disposed on a sensor chip support table fixed to the measuring apparatus main body housing fix and support the sensor chip holding frame, and the sensor chip can be thus replaced. The biological component sensor contacts a forearm portion of a human body, and a biological component exuded from a contact part of the forearm portion is caused to contact the sensor chip to change a physical or chemical surface property of the sensor chip, thereby measuring the change through an irradiation of an inspection light to calculate concentration of the biological component.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectroscopic evaluation of a subject's body fluids may be used at the interstitial region adjacent to or in between a subject's extremities using a spectroscopic probe. The spectroscopic probe may possess one or more of the movements such as rotational, translational, and/or vertical freedom necessary for the probe to contact the subject's tissue at a consistent angle and pressure while accommodating the different size of the subject's extremities, and may be housed in a device optimized for attaining reproducible blood flow to the region of the subject that is measured, and for minimizing the effects of the housing pulling, stretching, pressing, compressing the subject's skin. A pressure sensor may be used to ensure that measurements are taken at an optimal pressure. A touch sensor may be used to activate a system and/or to ensure flushness.

Abstract: A medical sensor may be adapted to account for factors that cause irregularities in pulse oximetry measurements or other spectrophotemetric measurements. Sensors are provided with surface features that reduce the amount of outside light or shunted light that impinge the detecting elements of the sensor. The sensor is adapted to reduce the effect of outside light or shunted light on pulse oximetry measurements.

Abstract: A NIRS sensor device for brain monitoring is small in size, provides reliable attachment to a patient, blocks ambient light, is easy to use, is hygienic, and supports data integration with surgical and monitoring systems. The sensor device is coupled to a remote near infrared light source via a hybrid cable. Since the light source is remotely located, a source adapted for providing high energy, short pulses can easily be used so that there is less chance of interference by superficial non-brain tissues and less interference from ambient light. In addition, the remote location avoids changes in output of local light sources experienced in the prior art during hypothermia procedures (e.g., bandwidth shifts in LEDs as a result of lowered temperature). The higher energy may be achieved by the use of laser diodes as opposed to locally-mounted LEDs typically used in the prior art.

Abstract: In a measuring probe, the distal ends of an irradiation optical fiber and a detection optical fiber on the subject side are held by a holder portion which is to be mounted on a subject. The optical fibers are led out from the side surface of the holder portion. Further, the optical fibers are bent in the holder portion so that the distal ends of the optical fibers are directed towards the subject when the holder portion is mounted on the subject.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame having two or more structural supports. A coating is provided over the frame. The coating has at least one deformable region disposed between the two or more structural supports. The sensor assembly includes at least one optical component disposed within the at least one deformable region such that the at least one optical component can move relative to the two or more structural supports. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. Methods of manufacture and use of the sensor assembly are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pulse oximetry measurements and, more particularly, relates to a combined sensor that includes a pulse oximetry (SpO2) sensor component and a continuous non-invasive blood pressure (CNIBP) sensor component. The combined sensor can be positioned such that the SpO2 sensor component is located over tissues where pulsatility is weak while the CNIBP sensor component may be located over tissues where pulsatility is strong. A second separate CNIBP sensor may be used to together with the CNIBP sensor component of the combined sensor in order to detect the differential pressure pulse transit time from the heart to two different locations on the body. A pulse signal detected by the CNIBP sensor component of the combined sensor can be used to trigger the SpO2 measurement from the SpO2 sensor component in order to improve SpO2 measurement fidelity.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device and method for securing a sensor to a wearer's head. According to embodiments, a headcovering, such as a stocking cap, includes an integral headband. The headband may have a generally inelastic segment capable of being placed about the wearer's head and a generally elastic portion capable of fastening the headband in a secure fashion. The headband may include an indicator that facilitates the determination of whether the headband has been fastened at an appropriate tension about the wearer's head. The headband may also include dimensional markings to facilitate the measurement of the circumference of the wearer's head.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a headcovering hat-based, and/or headband sensor assembly may provide an output to indicate when the sensor experiences abnormal forces or pressure. The sensor assembly may include features to increase the pressure against the tissue to allow the sensor to contact the tissue with sufficient force to obtain accurate measurement, but not so much force as to cause any discomfort for a patient.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame having two or more structural supports. A coating is provided over the frame. The coating has at least one deformable region disposed between the two or more structural supports. As least one optical component is disposed within the at least one deformable region such that the at least one optical component can move relative to the two or more structural supports. A biasing component is attached to an end of the frame such that at least two different portions of the coated frame are biased closed in the absence of a sufficient opening force. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. A skeletal frame and a method for manufacturing a skeletal framework are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pulse oximetry sensor. The pulse oximetry sensor may comprise an emitter configured to transmit a signal into tissue, a detector configured to detect the signal, and a quality assurance component coupled to a first sensor component and second sensor component. The quality assurance component may be configured to break and disable the sensor upon separation of the first sensor component from the second sensor component.

Abstract: A medical sensor may be adapted to account for factors that cause irregularities in pulse oximetry measurements or other spectrophotemetric measurements. Sensors are provided with surface features that reduce the amount of outside light or shunted light that impinge the detecting elements of the sensor. The sensor is adapted to reduce the effect of outside light or shunted light on pulse oximetry measurements.

Abstract: A physiological sensor is adapted to removably attach an emitter assembly and a detector assembly to a fingertip. The emitter assembly is adapted to transmit optical radiation having multiple wavelengths into fingertip tissue. The detector assembly is adapted to receive the optical radiation after attenuation by the fingertip tissue. The sensor has a first shell and a second shell hinged to the first shell. A spring is disposed between the shells and urges the shells together. An emitter pad is fixedly attached to the first shell and configured to retain the emitter assembly. A detector pad is fixedly attached to the second shell and configured to retain the detector assembly. A detector aperture is defined within the detector pad and adapted to pass optical radiation to the detector assembly. A contour is defined along the detector pad and generally shaped to conform to a fingertip positioned over the detector aperture.

Abstract: A unitary sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmolded coating provided about the frame. The unitary sensor includes one or more diaphragm structures formed from thin regions of the coating material and disposed generally about at least one of the optical components. The diaphragm structure or structures allow the optical components to be separated, such as by application of an opposing force to the lateral sides of the sensor, such that the sensor may be placed on a patient. The sensor may thereby be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion connected by a hinge. An emitter and a detector are disposed on the frame. A coating is provided over the frame, the emitter and the detector to form a unitary sensor assembly. The sensor assembly also includes a resistance-providing component disposed generally about the hinge. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. A method of manufacturing the sensor assembly is also provided as is a method of cleaning a fluid-tight sensor assembly.

Abstract: A unitary sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmolded coating provided about the frame. The unitary sensor includes a spring, such as a flat spring or torsion spring, provided on the frame that provides a closing force for the sensor. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an optical hemodynamic sensor comprising at least one optical emitter and at least one detector. In some examples, the at least one optical emitter may be optically coupled to at least one light transmission member that extends from a housing of the medical device. In addition, in some examples, the at least one detector may be optically coupled to at least one light transmission member that extends from the housing of the medical device. In other examples, an optical emitter and/or detector of a hemodynamic sensor may be carried by an elongated member that extends from a housing of the IMD. The elongated member may electrically couple the optical emitter and/or detector to a controller or other components within the IMD housing.

Abstract: A sensor for pulse oximetry or other applications utilizing spectrophotometry may be adapted to reduce motion artifacts by fixing the optical distance between an emitter and detector. A flexible sensor is provided with a stiffening member to hold the emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. Further, an annular or partially annular sensor is adapted to hold an emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. A clip-style sensor is provided with a spacer that controls the distance between the emitter and detector.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a skeletal frame comprising a loop structure. The sensor assembly includes at least one physiological sensor attached to the loop structure. A coating is provided over the skeletal frame and the at least one physiological sensor to form a sensor assembly. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. Methods of manufacturing the sensor and sensor body and of applying the sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A portable instrument for measuring a physiological quantity arranged to contact with the surface of organic tissue includes, essentially arranged in the same plane: an illumination device including at least one light source with an illumination surface for subjecting a portion of organic tissue to light emission in at least one wavelength range; and a detection device distant from the illumination device for detecting intensity of light emission produced by the illumination device after propagation in the organic tissue. The illumination device includes an optical element forming a guide coupled to the at least one light source for guiding light emission from the source by total internal reflection in a substantially parallel direction to the surface of the organic tissue and for distributing light emission into several illumination zones on the surface of the organic tissue over a substantially broader area than the illumination surface of the light source.

Abstract: A flexible sensor pad includes a cavity to hold a sensor unit with an attached cable. According to one aspect of the present invention, a light-shielding layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the sensor pad, surrounds the sensor unit, and extends past two sides of the sensor pad. A transparent adhesive layer is coupled to the light-shielding layer and extends past two sides of the light-shielding layer. Another light shielding layer is coupled to a top surface of the sensor pad and covers the sensor unit. The cable divides the sensor pad into a first side and a second side which are mirror images of each other.

Abstract: A patient interface and method of locating the patient interface for use particularly in spectroscopy applications. The patient interface includes a concave region and first and second convex regions. A wing extends from the concave region to help locate the patient interface properly. The convex regions provide additional adhesion support, particularly when used on the thenar eminence. The patient interface may be placed in a number of locations on a patient to determine an optimum location for measurement prior to affixing the interface to the patient.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame having a loop structure. An emitter and detector are disposed on opposite sides of the loop structure. A coating is provided over the frame. The coating includes at least one diaphragm structure disposed such that at least one of the emitter and detector can move along an axis running between the emitter and detector. The sensor may thereby be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. A sensor frame and method of manufacturing the frame are also provided.

Abstract: An optical sampling interface system is disclosed that minimizes and compensates for errors that result from sampling variations and measurement site state fluctuations. Embodiments of the invention use a guide that does at least one of, induce the formation of a tissue meniscus, minimize interference due to surface irregularities, control variation in the volume of tissue sampled, use a two-part guide system, use a guide that controls rotation of a sample probe and allows z-axis movement of the probe, use a separate base module and sample module in conjunction with a guide, and use a guide that controls rotation. Optional components include an occlusive element and a coupling fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for storing of a sensor cable used with a medical device. The medical device may include a retraction device that is activated by depressing a lever. Once the lever is depressed, the sensor cable may automatically wind itself around a spool inside of the medical device. Additionally, an automatic stop feature prevents a sensor cable from retracting without depression of the lever, thus maintaining the exact length of cable required to connect a monitor to the monitoring site on a patient. The retraction of the sensor cable may allow for storage of the cable in the monitor itself, or may allow for storage of the cable into the retraction device, which may be detachable from the monitor.

Abstract: A patient interface and method of locating the patient interface for use particularly in spectroscopy applications. The patient interface includes a concave region and first and second convex regions. A wing extends from the concave region to help locate the patient interface properly. The convex regions provide additional adhesion support, particularly when used on the thenar eminence. The patient interface may be placed in a number of locations on a patient to determine an optimum location for measurement prior to affixing the interface to the patient.

Abstract: A physiological sensor is adapted to removably attach an emitter assembly and a detector assembly to a fingertip. The emitter assembly is adapted to transmit optical radiation having multiple wavelengths into fingertip tissue. The detector assembly is adapted to receive the optical radiation after attenuation by the fingertip tissue. The sensor has a first shell and a second shell hinged to the first shell. A spring is disposed between the shells and urges the shells together. An emitter pad is fixedly attached to the first shell and configured to retain the emitter assembly. A detector pad is fixedly attached to the second shell and configured to retain the detector assembly. A detector aperture is defined within the detector pad and adapted to pass optical radiation to the detector assembly. A contour is defined along the detector pad and generally shaped to conform to a fingertip positioned over the detector aperture.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a covering, such as an overmold coating, provided about the frame. The frame may be moved between an open and a closed configuration, such as during the manufacture of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a retaining component configured to hold the sensor in the closed configuration when engaged. In one embodiment, the sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

Abstract: A bi-stable sensor is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a coating, such as an overmold coating, provided about the frame. A resistance-providing component is provided integral with or external to the coated bi-stable sensor such that the bi-stable sensor has two mechanically stable configurations that may be transitioned between by overcoming the resistance provided by the resistance-providing component and/or the by the coating. In one embodiment, the resistance-providing component comprises an elastic band provided about a hinge of the frame, either within or external to the coating. In one embodiment, the sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

Abstract: A new PPG/SpO2 based ear hook sensor was constructed with the PPG/SpO2 sensors are attached to the skin in the regions of superficial artery and vein (010) and posterior auricular artery and vein around the ear (011 of FIG. 1C). An ear wearable heart rate monitor is constructed with PPG/SpO2 sensors are attached to the skin in the regions of superficial artery and vein (010) and posterior auricular artery and vein around the ear (011 of FIG. 1C) (temporal region of the head). This sensor system is less vulnerable to motion artifacts hence capable of producing high quality PPG signals under motion conditions such as running and exercising.

Abstract: A probe which allows optical fiber fixing tools to be distributed substantially uniformly and symmetrically longitudinally or laterally and is easily fitted, even when a head part size of a subject changes is provided. A plurality of optical fiber fixing tools which fix incident optical fibers and detection optical fibers are arranged on a fixing part in a substantially straight line shape, a plurality of the fixing parts are included, the fixing parts are arranged so that its straight line direction is oriented in a substantially parietal direction, the optical fiber fixing tool on the fixing part and the optical fiber fixing tool on the adjacent different fixing part are connected by a connecting member, and the connecting member is made rotatable around the optical fiber fixing tool, whereby the probe can be fitted so that the optical fibers are arranged substantially symmetrically and uniformly longitudinally or laterally.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame having a loop structure. An emitter and detector are disposed on opposite sides of the loop structure. A coating is provided over the frame. The coating includes at least one diaphragm structure disposed such that at least one of the emitter and detector can move along an axis running between the emitter and detector. The sensor may thereby be placed on a patient's finger, toe, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. A sensor frame and method of manufacturing the frame are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that includes a flexible wrap enclosure which is folded about the sensor. The flexible wrap includes primary flaps and at least one reinforcement flap. The reinforcement flap may be used to enclose areas of the sensor not enclosed by the primary wrap and/or may be used to provide reinforcement of the enclosure to prevent tearing of the flexible wrap enclosure. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

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 method and apparatus for affixing a sensor adjacent a tissue site is disclosed. In an embodiment, the spectrophotometric sensor comprises, a sensor body, one or more light emitters, one or more photodetectors, and a light scattering medium capable of increasing at least one of the effective detection area of the one or more photodetectors or the effective emission area of the one or more light emitters.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a covering, such as an overmold coating, provided about the frame. The frame may be moved between an open and a closed configuration, such as during the manufacture of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a retaining component configured to hold the sensor in the closed configuration when engaged. In one embodiment, the sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.

Abstract: A ceramic emitter substrate has a substrate body with top and bottom sides and a cavity disposed on the top side. Bonding pads are disposed within the cavity and solder pads are disposed on the bottom side. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are electrically connected to the bonding pads. Low-resistance conductors are disposed within the ceramic substrate body so as to interconnect the bonding pads and the solder pads. The interconnect is configured so that the LEDs can be individually activated as an array via row and column drive signals applied to the solder pads.

Abstract: A sensor may be placed on a distal portion of a patient's finger or toe to obtain pulse oximetry measurements. The distal portion of a digit contains few if any large vascular structures that could adversely affect pulse oximetry measurements, but the distal portion does contain microvasculature that carries arterial blood that facilitates pulse oximetry measurements. The sensor may include an emitter and a detector that are spaced apart by an appropriate distance so that they may be located on the distal portion of a patient's digit during pulse oximetry measurements.

Abstract: A noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor platform for mobile animals such as small rodents, namely rats and mice is useful such as in a laboratory research environment. The noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor platform may be a collar which provides an easily affixed, adjustable attachment mechanism that encircles the animal, such as the neck. The neck of the animal provides several particular advantages as a sensor mounting platform for photoplethysmographic sensors. For pulse oximetry, the neck location will provide significant blood flow under all conditions. For small mammals, such as rats and mice, transmittance pulse oximetry through the neck of the subject remains possible. The neck mounted collar also offers inherent bite resistance to the sensor platform.

Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to reduce the effect of ambient noise.

Abstract: A physiological sensor is provided that includes an emitter and detector disposed on a frame such that the emitter and detector define an optical axis. The frame includes one or more pair of flexible elements disposed generally symmetric relative to the optical axis. In one embodiment, the emitter and detector remain aligned when moved relative to one another along the optical axis.

Abstract: A clip-style sensor may be constructed from materials having shape memory. A clip-style sensor is provided that is able to be flattened in order to simplify transport and storing. The sensors may be held flat by shipping restraints. Such a sensor is able to recover from being flattened and resume a curved shape.

Abstract: A placement guide apparatus with an improved hydration inducing plug used in coupling a noninvasive analyzer to a sampling site to determine analyte in the human body is disclosed. The hydration inducing plug includes at least one fluoropolymer that may be used as a coupling agent. The guide apparatus may further include an automated or semi-automated coupling fluid delivery system. Use of either of these couplers mitigates issues associated with related technology and enhances noninvasive analyte measurements, such as a near-IR diffuse reflectance based noninvasive glucose concentration analyzer.

Abstract: A physiological sensor is provided that includes an emitter and detector disposed on a frame such that the emitter and detector define an optical axis. The frame includes one or more pair of flexible elements disposed generally symmetric relative to the optical axis. In one embodiment, the emitter and detector remain aligned when moved relative to one another along the optical axis.

Abstract: A system and method of standardizing modular probe housings so that the standardized probe housings may be incorporated into probes adapted to work with at least one of a multiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters. The probe housings are adapted to matingly engage at least a disposable bandage apparatus and a reusable finger attachment device. A pulse oximeter system comprises a finger attachment device having first and second probe couplers, the first and second probe couplers are configured to be matingly engageable with probe housings of a pulse oximeter probe.