Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor has an emitter adapted to transmit optical radiation of at least two wavelengths into a tissue site and a detector adapted to receive optical radiation from the emitter after tissue site absorption. A tape assembly is adapted to attach the emitter and detector to the tissue site. A flexible housing is disposed around and optically shields the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological measurement probe readily wearable on a biological surface having a large curvature and a measurement technique of simultaneously measuring the blood circulation dynamic change accompanying the auditory/language/visual function activities of a subject (especially baby) and brain waves. A biological measurement probe having illuminating means for illuminating a subject through a first optical waveguide and light collecting means for collecting light illuminated from the illuminating means and propagated through the subject through a second optical waveguide, has first and second guide members having passages through which the first and second optical waveguides are passed and fixing the first and second optical waveguides, and a base member connecting the first guide member to the second one, holding them, and forming a portion brought into contact with the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical sensor (1) for measuring pulse, blood, tissue and/or skin parameters using electromagnetic waves in the transmission method, comprising a carrier part (2) for pushing onto a patient's finger or toe. A first carrier leg (12) carries a transmitter unit (5) and a second carrier leg (13) carries a receiver unit (6). A carrier base (14) connects the two carrier legs (12, 13) to one another in the region of a tip of the finger or toe. A spring part (3) is arranged on the outside of the carrier part (2) such that a first spring leg (15) bears against the first carrier leg (12) and a second spring leg (16bear against the second carrier leg (13). The carrier part (2) is made of a more flexible material than the spring part (3), in which the spring legs (15, 16) prestress the carrier legs (12, 13) toward one another.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring physiological characteristics interfaces to a subject's ear. The sensor assembly has a projection that projects into the subject's concha. The projection may have a notch to accommodate the subject's anti-tragus. A clip connected to the projection holds a sensor against the subject's lobule. The sensor may comprise a pulse-oximetry-type sensor.

Abstract: A non-invasive optical sensor which uses the motion signal to calculate the physiological characteristic being measured. For pulse oximetry, a least squares or a ratio-of-ratios technique can be applied to the motion signal itself. This is made possible by selecting a site on the patient where variations in motion produce signals of two wavelengths which are sufficiently correlated. In particular, it has been determined that a sensor placed on a nail, in particular a thumbnail, exhibits the characteristics of having the red and infrared signals correlated when used for pulse oximetry, and the resulting signals correlate to arterial oxygen saturation.

Abstract: A variable pressure reusable sensor has a first jaw having a first hinge and an emitter and an opposing second jaw having a second hinge and a detector. A pin is disposed through the first and second hinges so as to rotatably attach the first and second jaws. The jaws are adapted to attach to a tissue site so that the emitter transmits optical radiation into the tissue site and the detector receives optical radiation after absorption by the tissue site. A spring having a plurality of legs is disposed around the pin and configured so that the legs apply force to the jaws. A tensioner is disposed proximate at least one of the jaws and configured to variably position at least one of the legs so as to adjust pressure exerted by the jaws on the tissue site.

Abstract: Disposable bandage apparatus for use in oximetry having adhesive on at least a portion of at least one face thereof, at least one plastic receptacle mounted thereon and a radiation transparent window bounded by said receptacle.

Abstract: An optical member for biological information measurement has a prism, which has a light incident surface being injected with emitted light, a living body tissue measuring section which a living body tissue contacts, and a light emitting surface which emits the light reflected by the living body tissue measuring section which the living body tissue contacts, or the light which has passed the living body tissue through the living body tissue measuring section which the living body tissue has contacted. A prism cover is provided so as to expose the living body tissue measuring section and to surround all or a part of the outer circumferential portion of the prism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe for biomeasurement by use of light capable of adjusting positions of incident points and detection points without changing the distance between the incident point and the detection point in accordance with the size of a subject's head, and an optical bioinstrumentation for living body using the probe. The distances between the incident points and the detection points are approximately the same. A gap is formed by removing part of connecting members, rotatable about the incident point and the detection point, around the subject head top portion. The size of the probe is changed by changing the distance between the incident points or the detection points around the gap.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor includes reusable and disposable elements. To assemble the sensor, the reusable element is snapped or slid within assembly mechanisms of the disposable element. In one embodiment, the reusable element includes protrusions while the disposable element includes tabs which receive the protrusions. In another embodiment, the reusable element includes neck portions and the disposable element includes straps which receive the neck portions. In any event, the assembly provides longitudinal movement between elements.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system, such as an oximetry system, applies an attachment for securing an optical probe to a measurement site. The attachment has an elongated support with a first end and a second end, and a dedicated area in proximity of the first end. The dedicated area receives an optical probe and includes a material that is transparent for light emitted and received by the optical probe. The dedicated area mountably receives the optical probe on the material so that in use, the material is positioned between the optical probe and a surface of a measurement site. The optical probe may be factory-mounted to the dedicated area of the attachment as a ready-to-use sensor. In the alternative, the attachment may be available as an individual component, or as a part of a kit including the attachment and the optical probe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying respiratory oxygen to a patient where the oxygen flow is monitored so as to be control and conserve in response to the patient's pulse rate and blood hemoglobin saturation.

Abstract: An optical sampling interface system minimizes and compensates error resulting from sampling variations and measurement site state fluctuations. Components include: An optical probe placement guide having an aperture wherein the optical probe is received, facilitates repeatable placement accuracy on surface of a tissue measurement site with minimal, repeatable disturbance to surface tissue. The aperture creates a tissue meniscus that minimizes interference due to surface irregularities and controls variation in tissue volume sampled; an occlusive element placed over the tissue meniscus isolates the meniscus from environmental fluctuations, stabilizing hydration at the site and thus, surface tension; an optical coupling medium eliminates air gaps between skin surface and optical probe; a bias correction element applies a bias correction to spectral measurements, and associated analyte measurements. When the guide is replaced, a new bias correction is determined for measurements done with the new placement.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-adhesive oximeter sensors for patients with sensitive skin. Sensors of the present invention include a light emitting diode (LED) and a photodetector. The LED and the photodetector may be covered by a reflective mask and a faraday shield. Sensors of the present invention have a non-adhesive laminated layer. The non-adhesive layer contacts, but does not stick to, the patient's skin. When the sensor is removed from the patient, the non-adhesive layer does not tear or irritate the patient's skin. The non-adhesive layer preferably has a large static coefficient of friction. Sensors of the present invention can also have hook-and-loop layers. The sensor can be attached to the patient's body by wrapping the sensor around the patient and engaging the hook layer to the loop layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a holder for use in positioning a pulse oximeter sensor in multiple selectable locations relative to a patient's extremities. The holder includes at least one flexible elongate member that is conformable to and, preferably, about a patient's extremity. A connector on the elongate member is utilized to secure the elongate member to the patient's extremity. Additionally, the elongate member's inside surface contains one or more recesses for selectively receiving a sensor and holding that sensor relative to one or more positions on the inside surface of the flexible sensor holder. The inclusion of multiple recesses allows medical personnel flexibility in positioning a medical sensor. In one embodiment, the holder includes two elongate members for conforming about two portions of a patient's extremity to reduce movement between the extremity and a sensor held by the sensor holder.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: An image generating methodology for displaying brain activation areas with improved accuracy in a living body light measurement system for generating an image of the changes in blood volume of the brain. A spatial intensity distribution of changes in blood volume can be generated by detecting brain activation in many sampling points, and a spatial interpolation process is executed on this data. A threshold process is executed on the distribution to extract the distribution of coordinates having a signal intensity of at least the predetermined threshold. The displacement between the brain activation area and the maximal location of the distribution is stored in a recording unit of the system in order to compensate for the distribution extracted by the threshold process. Accordingly, brain activation areas can be estimated with greater location accuracy, and the diagnosis and medial treatment for brain diseases can likewise be executed with greater accuracy.

Abstract: An optical noninvasive vital sign monitor comprising a reflectance-type optical sensor within a pressurizable capsule retained by a headband, the capsule having an optically transparent or translucent inner wall adapted for placement against a subject's forehead. The optical sensor is mounted on the inside surface of the pressurizable capsule's inner wall, which contacts the subject's forehead during use, and includes a light source and a photodetector aimed toward the inside surface of the inner capsule wall. One embodiment of the vital sign monitor includes optical oscillometric circuit means responsive to an output signal from the optical sensor for determining systolic pressure, mean pressure and diastolic pressure during a transition in capsule pressure between a pressure greater than normal systolic pressure and a pressure less than normal diastolic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical measurement device of biological tissue having a probe attachable to a moving part of a living body with a high curvature in biophotometry. A member having a high flexibility and a high friction coefficient is disposed on a surface for contact with the living body. In addition, a device for light irradiation and a device for collection of light are fixed with an elastic material for uniform pressure application. The resulting double structure or double layer has solved a problem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lip/cheek probes for detection of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or cheek of a patient. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, and/or to obtain other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined probe/cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel lip/cheek probes. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: Optical measuring apparatus is constructed to irradiate near infrared light to a desired portion, such as a head, of a person to be measured, receive arriving light from the desired portion and acquire information about a predetermined substance present in the desired portion on the basis of analysis of data related to the received arriving light. Measuring unit of the apparatus is provided on a cover member removably attachable to the person, and includes at least one light irradiation section for irradiating the near infrared light to the desired portion and at least one light reception section for receiving the arriving light from the desired portion. In a state where the cover member is attached to the person, the light irradiation and reception sections are positioned out of contact with the desired portion.

Abstract: An optical sensor having a cover layer, an emitter disposed on a first side of the cover, a detector disposed on the first side of said cover, and a plurality of stacked independent adhesive layers disposed on the same first side of the cover, wherein the top most exposed adhesive layer is attached to a patient's skin. Thus, when the sensor is removed to perform a site check of the tissue location, one of the adhesive layers may also be removed and discarded, exposing a fresh adhesive surface below for re-attachment to a patient's skin. The independent pieces of the adhesive layers can be serially used to extend the useful life of the product.

Abstract: A reflectance sensor which can be applied to a patient in a manner which reduces the light energy reaching the detector without first being attenuated by the tissue at the measurement site. Moreover, the reflectance sensor includes emitting devices adapted for use in legacy patient monitoring systems.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an optical housing including a substrate having a reflective side and an absorbing side. The substrate has a generally planar base portion and a protruding cover portion. The cover portion defines a pocket on the absorbing side. The substrate has an open position where the base portion is distal the cover and a closed position where the base portion is proximate the cover. The substrate is configured to enclosed a detector within the pocket in the closed position. The base portion defines an aperture generally centered within the base portion and aligned with the detector in the closed position so as to pass light through to the detector.

Abstract: A non-invasive near infrared spectrophotometric monitoring transducer assembly includes a housing member, which is adhered directly on a patient's skin. The housing member contains a prism coupled to a flexible and lightweight single core optical light guide, which provides a means of transferring narrow spectral bandwidth light from multiple distant laser diodes of different wavelengths by use of a multi-fiber optic light combining assembly. Different wavelengths are needed to monitor the level of blood oxygenation in the patient. The assembly also contains a planar light guide mounted on the prism located in the housing member, which light guide contacts the patient's skin when the housing member is adhered to the patient's skin. The light guide controls the spacing between the prism and the patient's skin, and therefore controls the intensity of the area on the patient's skin which is illuminated by the laser light.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor has both a reusable and a disposable portion. The reusable portion of the sensor preserves the relatively long-lived and costly emitter, detector and connector components. The disposable portion of the sensor is the relatively inexpensive adhesive tape component that is used to secure the sensor to a measurement site, typically a patient's finger or toe. The disposable portion of the sensor is removably attached to the reusable portion in a manner that allows the disposable portion to be readily replaced when the adhesive is expended or the tape becomes soiled or excessively worn. The disposable portion may also contain an information element useful for sensor identification or for security purposes to insure patient safety. A conductive element that allows a pulse oximeter monitor to read the information element is located on the disposable portion in such a way that continuity is broken when the adhesive tape become torn, such as upon removal from the measurement site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nasal pulse oximeter probes that are configured to be placed across the septum of the nose. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to obtain arterial oxygen saturation and other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined nasal pulse oximeter probe/nasal cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel nasal probe. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device as part of a measurement appliance with a measurement device for the measurement of vital parameters of a foetus during labor and delivery, in particular the oxygen content of the blood of the foetus. Such sensor devices should be applied to the tissue of the foetus in a secure and light-tight manner, and furthermore at least the carrier or sensor should be able to be fitted to the foetus gently and easily. According to the invention, the sensor device comprises a shell-type carrier, which is subdivided into an approximately centrally arranged attachment zone and a surrounding zone, which can be brought into contact with the tissue of the foetus, and the attachment zone is provided with a spiral-type attachment element for attaching the carrier to the leading part of the foetus, and the rotational axis of the attachment element is arranged approximately perpendicular to the surface of the carrier to be fitted to the leading part of the foetus.

Abstract: A flex circuit optical sensor has an integrated Faraday shield. A conductive trace layer disposed on a substrate is used to form a conductive grid which shields the face of a photodetector. A conductive ink layer is formed on a substrate side opposite the trace layer. The back and sides of the detector are shielded by flex circuit flaps that have the conductive ink layer but substantially exclude the trace layer so as to fold over and closely adhere to the detector body. The shielded substrate flaps advantageously eliminate a separate detector shield, which is typically fabricated with an etched copper part that must be attached to a flex circuit before mounting the detector.

Abstract: A probe device for use in non-invasive optical measurements of at least one parameter of the patient's blood. The probe device comprises a finger holder in the form of a clip member that secures a fingertip between its clamping legs. The probe device supports a measuring unit for applying optical measurements to a measurement location on the finger and carries a pressurizing assembly operable for applying controllably variable, substantially under-systolic pressure to the finger in the vicinity of the measurement location. Several measurement sessions are performed at the measurement location with at least two different 3 wavelength of incident light to detect light response of the medium and generate measured data indicative thereof, and the pressure applied to the vicinity of the measurement location is simultaneously varied during measurements. The light response of the medium corresponding to different wavelength of the incident light and different pressure values during measurements.

Abstract: A sensor has a connector adapted to electrically communicate with a physiological measurement instrument. A breakable conductor incorporated by the sensor transitions from a continuity state to a discontinuity state as the result of sensor wear. An isolation and communications element (ICE) has an instrument port and an electrically isolated loop port. The instrument port is in communications with the connector and the loop port is in communications with the breakable conductor. The ICE generates a control output responsive to the discontinuity state to render the sensor inoperable.

Abstract: An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e.g., an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliqué or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask that incorporates a series of physiologic sensors. These physiologic sensors are mounted on the interior of the SCBA mask in such a way as to contact the facial skin of an individual wearing the mask. The physiologic sensors monitor, among other things, heart rate and carbon monoxide and oxygen saturation levels. The physiologic sensors are connected to a transmitting apparatus attached to the SCBA. The SCBA transmitter sends output data from the physiologic sensors to a remote processor. The SCBA transmitter also sends location information of the individual wearing the SCBA mask to the remote processor. The remote processor compiles the physiologic and location data for the wearer of the SCBA and transmits a signal back to the SCBA receiver which, in turn, sends a signal to a display integrated into a SCBA mask. The display indicates to the individual his physiologic status.

Abstract: A physiological sensor combination has a flexible substrate configured to attach to a tissue site. Multiple sensors are disposed on the substrate, which generate physiological signals. Each of the signals is responsive to a different physiological parameter. Conductors are carried on the substrate and routed between the sensors and at least one connector. The connector is configured to communicate the physiological signals to at least one monitor, which derives measurements of the parameters.

Abstract: An alignment device and related systems and methods for aligning at least one apparatus with respect to a surface of a tissue. The alignment device comprises a tissue interface member suitable for positioning on the surface of the tissue and mating with the apparatus to maintain alignment of the apparatus during an operation of the apparatus. The alignment device is useful to align various apparatus that are part of a continuous analyte monitoring system.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor includes reusable and disposable elements. To assemble the sensor, the reusable element is snapped or slid within assembly mechanisms of the disposable element. In one embodiment, the reusable element includes protrusions while the disposable element includes tabs which receive the protrusions. In another embodiment, the reusable element includes neck portions and the disposable element includes straps which receive the neck portions. In any event, the assembly provides longitudinal movement between elements.

Abstract: Irradiated points and light receiving points are arranged such that sampling points are arranged over an entire spherical head with no vacant space. The sampling points are arranged to cover the entire spherical head by combining a plurality of rhombic shells and inverting the respective positions of irradiated points and light receiving points in the adjacent shells. As a result, a whole brain probe capable of covering the entire head is provided to allow an image of the whole brain to be viewed as a single image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducibly interfacing a living tissue sample to the measurement probe of a spectrometer instrument in-situ minimizes spectral interference related to sampling variations. A minimal contact subject interface includes supports replaceably mounted on a base. An optical coupling means, such as a fiber optic probe, contacts the measurement site through a probe aperture in the base. During use, a subject rests an extremity on the support elements, so that the extremity is reproducibly positioned and supported in relation to the optical coupling means. The supports have a small contact area, minimizing contact with the skin at the measurement site. The interface module is adjustable to fit any subject. By reproducibly positioning and supporting the body appendage using minimal contact supports, spectral interference due to variations in placement, applied pressure, and temperature transients secondary to contact with the interface module are greatly minimized.

Abstract: A holder for a sensor includes a body having a top wall and a side portion extending away from the top wall. The sensor is adapted to sense a parameter of an item. The top wall and the side portion of the body form an interior cavity. A flange is coupled to and extends away from an edge of the side portion. A pressure application portion is coupled to a surface of the interior cavity of the body and is adapted to apply force to the sensor when the holder is coupled to the surface of the item.

Abstract: A disposable tip adapted for use in connection with an optical probe of an instrument. The tip includes a one-piece molded elastomeric base member having a boot and an opaque tissue-engaging surface. The boot releasably mates with and provides an interference/friction fit to the probe. The tissue-engaging surface surrounds and extends from the boot. A window in the base member extends into the boot to transmit light between the probe and tissue. A layer of optically transparent material covers the window on the tissue-engaging surface. Adhesive on the tissue-engaging surface of the base member releasably secures the probe to the tissue being analyzed.

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: 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: An optical sensor having a cover layer, an emitter disposed on a first side of the cover, a detector disposed on the first side of said cover, and a plurality of stacked independent adhesive layers disposed on the same first side of the cover, wherein the top most exposed adhesive layer is attached to a patient's skin. Thus, when the sensor is removed to perform a site check of the tissue location, one of the adhesive layers may also be removed and discarded, exposing a fresh adhesive surface below for re-attachment to a patient's skin. The independent pieces of the adhesive layers can be serially used to extend the useful life of the product.

Abstract: A member-illuminating cuff for measurement of systolic, mean and diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse and respiratory rate in small body members, comprising a hinged cuff housing, one or more light sources mounted on a first section of the housing, a photodetector mounted on a second section of the housing, and a disposable, inflatable cuff adapted to fit within the cuff housing and around a body member placed therein.

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 minimize light piping effects. Furthermore, a flex circuit acts as a spring to absorb shock which may misalign the emitter and detector. One embodiment of the adult probe includes a cushioning pocket formed for a fingertip to align the probe and to absorb motion of the probe due to contact. The neonatal probe is formed with a unique V-configuration which provides multiple advantages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of improvements that can be incorporated into a pulse oximeter probe to detect when a probe has become dislodged from a patient and/or to prevent a probe-off condition. A probe-off condition occurs when the optical probe becomes partially or completely dislodged from the patient, but continues to detect an AC signal within the operating region of the pulse oximeter. In one aspect, the present invention provides electrical contacts that contact the skin of a patient when the probe is properly attached. In another aspect, the present invention provides a number of louvers placed in front of the sensor's photodetector to filter out oblique light rays that do not originate from a point in front of the detector. Accordingly, if the emitter and photodetector are not properly aligned, the photodetector will not produce a signal within the valid operating range of the pulse oximeter.

Abstract: An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e.g., an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliqué or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor has both a reusable and a disposable portion. The reusable portion of the sensor preserves the relatively long-lived and costly emitter, detector and connector components. The disposable portion of the sensor is the relatively inexpensive adhesive tape component that is used to secure the sensor to a measurement site, typically a patient's finger or toe. The disposable portion of the sensor is removably attached to the reusable portion in a manner that allows the disposable portion to be readily replaced when the adhesive is expended or the tape becomes soiled or excessively worn. The disposable portion may also contain an information element useful for sensor identification or for security purposes to insure patient safety. A conductive element that allows a pulse oximeter monitor to read the information element is located on the disposable portion in such a way that continuity is broken when the adhesive tape become torn, such as upon removal from the measurement site.

Abstract: A reflectance sensor which can be applied to a patient in a manner which reduces the light energy reaching the detector without first being attenuated by the tissue at the measurement site. Moreover, the reflectance sensor includes emitting devices adapted for use in legacy patient monitoring systems.