Electrode Attached To Or Positioned Relative To A Specific External Body Portion Patents (Class 600/382)
  • Patent number: 8583206
    Abstract: The invention refers to a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor and a method for monitoring physiological parameters of a person, a textile fabric and a use of a textile fabric. An sensor arrangement is described that is suited to improve signal quality and suppress noise, for instance in remote capacitive sensing of body parameters. To achieve this, certain textile fabrics are used, preferably integrated into textile used in a bed, e.g. the blanket, the bed cover, or the mattress. These textile fabrics allow for a suppression of electromagnetic interference from external sources and can be arranged to avoid charge build-up during measurements, in particular those caused by movements of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Brauers, Alexander Douglas, Harald Reiter, Xavier Aubert
  • Patent number: 8577446
    Abstract: Described herein are stress detection systems and methods of using such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Bobby Kyle, Vardis Benson, Gabe Abreo
  • Patent number: 8577439
    Abstract: A system for positioning electrodes on a patient body includes an image capturing system, a memory device, a processing system and an indicator system. The image capturing system generates an actual image of the patient body. The memory device stores a reference image, the reference image including a reference body and a reference position on the reference body. The processing system compares the actual image and the reference image and for determining an electrode position on the patient body by matching the reference position on the reference body. The indicator system indicates the electrode position on the patient body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Pinter, Jens Muehlsteff, Guido Josef Muesch
  • Publication number: 20130289361
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for fetal monitoring. An example fetal monitoring device includes a removably adherent connector to connect the device to a wearer and conform the device to a contour of the wearer. The example device includes a sensor including epidermal electronics to detect physical signal(s) from the wearer and/or the wearer's fetus and collect data related to the signal(s). The example device includes a communication interface to wirelessly transmit the collected data to an external processing device. The external processing device is to process the collected data to generate an output indicative of a processing of the collected data according to a guideline or standard. The fetal monitoring device is to adhere to the contour of the wearer so as to not interfere with clothing or movement of the wearer and to form a close bond to receive signals from the wearer and her fetus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lauren Renee Bridge, David Momont, Brian Dentino, Jiaqi Wu
  • Patent number: 8571627
    Abstract: An ECG lead set assembly including a lead set hub and a retractable reel assembly retained within the lead set hub. The retractable reel assembly includes a reel member adapted for rotation within the lead set hub and an electrode lead wrapped about the reel member and having an electrical conductor for connecting to an electrode for receiving biopotential signals from a patient. The electrode lead is extendable from the reel member upon rotation within the lead set hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kathleen Tremblay, Linda Davis, Heather Knight, Peter Meyer, Mark J Callahan, Mark Tauer
  • Publication number: 20130281813
    Abstract: An volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: H. Toby Markowitz, Eduardo N. Warman, Pooja Mehta, Phillip Falkner, loana Fleming, Chad Giese
  • Publication number: 20130281814
    Abstract: A sensor array system (10, 30) can include a substrate layer (12, 14) that includes a stretchable and conformable material that is configured to allow spaced apart and interconnected portions thereof to stretch and conform commensurate with movement of the substrate layer (12, 14), such as when attached to a patient's body. A plurality of electrodes (16) are disposed on a contact surface of the substrate layer (12, 14). Electrically conductive paths are also disposed on the substrate layer (14) and extending from each of the electrodes to which it is connected and terminating in an end thereof. The substrate layer may itself include more than one layer, such as including a flexible substrate layer (12) that is affixed to a stretchable material layer (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: CARDIOINSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Tilt, Jeffrey S. Taggart, Lindsey Tufts, JR., David L. Bacon, Paul Durant, JR., Harold Wodlinger, Charulatha Ramanathan, Steven G. Arless
  • Patent number: 8560044
    Abstract: A garment accessory includes a member having first and second ends, with the length of the member between the first and second ends being less than the circumference of a subject that the member is configured for and a pair of fastener mechanisms disposed in proximity to the first and second ends of the member, the fastener mechanisms configured to attach the member to an article of clothing worn by a subject. The garment accessory also includes at least a pair of sensors supported by the member with the sensors being at least one of ECG sensors, motion sensors, body temperature sensors and impedance plethysmography sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Medicomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Kurzweil, Paul Albrecht, Lucy Gibson, Amara Angelica, Aaron Kleiner
  • Patent number: 8560045
    Abstract: The present invention is an article of manufacture and method for using same, comprising at least two self adhesive sensors having a paired offset potential of consistently below about +/?1.0 mV; and a data gathering device connected to the sensors capable of measuring the voltage difference between the sensors. The sensors preferably are AgCl coated Silver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Biographs, LLC
    Inventor: John Burke
  • Patent number: 8560046
    Abstract: An electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal includes a housing with an electronic component. The electronic device may include a first wing and a second wing, each being integrally formed with the housing. An electrode is positioned on a bottom surface of each of the wings, the electrodes electrically connected to the electronic component. An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer may cover a portion of the bottom surfaces of the wings but generally does not cover the electrode or a bottom surface of the housing. A method of applying an electronic device to a mammal includes removing first and second adhesive covers from first and second wings of the electronic device to expose an electrode and an adhesive coated on a bottom surface of each wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Uday N. Kumar, Peter H. Livingston, Mark J. Day, Shena H. Park, William F. Willis, William H. Righter
  • Patent number: 8560043
    Abstract: An ECG lead set including an ECG electrode assembly and a lead set hub. ECG electrode includes at least one electrode configured to receive biopotential signals from a patient, a plug connector for connecting said ECG electrode assembly, a web, connected between the at least one electrode and the plug connector and configured to form an electrical connection therebetween. The lead set hub includes at least one receptacle configured to receive the plug connector of the ECG electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Selvitelli, Mark J Callahan, Mark Tauer, Kathleen Tremblay, Eliot Zaiken
  • Publication number: 20130267818
    Abstract: A measuring system for measuring electrocardiogram signals comprises a diagnostic garment with ECG electrodes that may assume the form of a sleeve or glove. A disposable version of the glove can be inflated. By using an inflatable glove, the contour of the body is automatically matched by the contour of the glove. Samples from the ECG electrodes positioned on a diagnostic garment are compensated so that the samples better approximate samples from EEG electrodes that are positioned at classical locations. Also, samples from ECG electrodes are compensated to reduce signal noise resulting from positioning the ECG electrodes on the diagnostic garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel David, Irving Levy
  • Patent number: 8548558
    Abstract: An electrode for selective attachment to at least one of a garment and a subject, is provided and includes a conductive member defining a first side and a second side; a conductive composition disposed on the first side of the conductive member, wherein the conductive composition has a first adhesive strength; a contact layer disposed on the second side of the conductive member, wherein the contact layer includes a pressure sensitive adhesive portion and a conductive hydrogel portion, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive portion has a second adhesive strength that is greater than the adhesive strength of the conductive composition; whereby the electrode is adherable to the garment and to the subject such that the conductive composition is adhered to the subject and the pressure sensitive adhesive portion is adhered to the garment, wherein removal of the garment from the subject results in removal of the electrode from the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Boyd Dunagan, Jay M. Dunagan, Erick Garstka, Keith J. Geolat, Charles A. Rowe
  • Patent number: 8543185
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, is an activity monitoring system comprising a fixture having size/shape adapted to couple to a location on the user's body and a particular signature; and a portable monitoring device adapted to detect the fixture's particular signature. The monitoring device includes a housing that is adapted to engage the fixture; an activity sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect activity of the user and to generate data which is representative of the activity of the user; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate an activity-related quantity of the user, wherein the processing circuitry determines the monitoring device is engaging the fixture by detecting the fixture's particular signature and calculates the activity-related quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Eric Nathan Friedman
  • Patent number: 8538503
    Abstract: An electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal includes a housing with an electronic component. The electronic device may include a first wing and a second wing, each being integrally formed with the housing. An electrode is positioned on a bottom surface of each of the wings, the electrodes electrically connected to the electronic component. An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer may cover a portion of the bottom surfaces of the wings but generally does not cover the electrode or a bottom surface of the housing. A method of applying an electronic device to a mammal includes removing first and second adhesive covers from first and second wings of the electronic device to expose an electrode and an adhesive coated on a bottom surface of each wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Uday N. Kumar, Peter H. Livingston, Mark J. Day, Shena H. Park, William F. Willis, William H. Righter, Tim Bahney
  • Patent number: 8538502
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring bioelectric potentials. In some instances, an electrode is applied to a patient's skin. The electrode may be at least partly inserted into the patient's skin, such as by inserting at least part of one or more teeth underneath the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Persyst Development Corporation
    Inventors: Scott B. Wilson, Mark L. Scheuer, Dale Johnson, Scott Clear
  • Patent number: 8526694
    Abstract: An image data subtraction system enhances visualization of vessels subject to movement using an imaging system. The imaging system acquires data representing first and second anatomical image sets comprising multiple temporally sequential individual mask (without contrast agent) and fill images (with contrast agent) of vessels respectively, during multiple heart cycles. An image data processor automatically identifies temporally corresponding pairs of images comprising a mask image and a contrast enhanced image and for the corresponding pairs, automatically determines a shift of a contrast enhanced image relative to a mask image to compensate for motion induced image mis-alignment. The image data processor automatically shifts a contrast enhanced image relative to a mask image in response to the determined shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Pajeau
  • Patent number: 8527028
    Abstract: A garment for ambulatory, physiological monitoring of a patient includes a belt, having first and second end portion with closures at the end portions to wrap around a user's chest, a strap having a first end coupled to a portion of the belt with the strap having a second end, a pair of shoulder strap portions each shoulder strap portion having a first end coupled together at the second end of the strap and a second end, and a back portion that joins the second ends of the pair of shoulder strap portions, with at least one of the belt, strap portions and back portion having an accommodation for carrying a sensor. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medicomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Kurzweil, Paul Albrecht, Brandon Craft, Lucy Gibson, Mark Lutwyche, Vishal Dua, Aaron Kleiner, Michelle Daniels
  • Patent number: 8521264
    Abstract: An ICG/ECG electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least one of the first or second electrode senses both an ICG signal and an ECG voltage signal. A physiologic parameter monitoring apparatus includes a set of electrodes, including an electrode for sensing both an ICG voltage signal and an ECG voltage signal corresponding to a patient. The apparatus further includes an ICG monitor for processing the ICG voltage signal sensed by the electrode and an ECG monitor for processing the ECG voltage signal sensed by the same electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis Norman Harrold, Anthony Ralph DiCiaccio
  • Publication number: 20130211223
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiograph electrode comprising one or more contact members (1; 1?; 1?) provided with a plurality of contact pads (3; 3?; 3?) suitable to establish an electrical contact with the body of a patient, wherein the contact members (1; 1?; 1?) and/or contact pads (3; 3?; 3?) are restrained to a supporting member (2) of the electrode by way of a plurality of elastic members (4; 4?; 4?). The invention also relates to an electrocardiograph chest belt (5) comprising a plurality of said electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Alberto Marcolongo
  • Patent number: 8498687
    Abstract: A body fat measurement device includes: hand electrodes that make contact with both hands; back area electrodes that makes contact with the surface of the back area side of the trunk area; foot electrodes that make contact with both feet; a body impedance measurement unit that measures a body impedance in a body using these multiple electrodes; and a body fat mass calculation unit that calculates a body fat mass based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measurement unit. The foot electrodes that make contact with both feet are provided on a platform unit in an exposed state, and the hand electrodes that make contact with both hands and the back area electrodes that make contact with the surface of the back area side of the trunk area are all provided on a fitting unit in an exposed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Karo, Takehiro Hamaguchi, Kazuhisa Tanabe, Yasuaki Murakawa, Tomoya Ijiri
  • Publication number: 20130190588
    Abstract: A body fat measurement device includes a back area electrode group support unit including back area electrodes arranged to contact a back area of a measurement subject, a trunk area dimension measurement unit that detects the width and depth of a trunk area of the measurement subject, a position detection unit that detects a relative positional relationship between the back area electrode group support unit and the trunk area dimension measurement unit, an electrode selection unit that selects specific electrodes, placed in contact with the back area at an area that corresponds to the location of the navel of the measurement subject, from a plurality of electrodes included in a trunk area electrode group, based on the position information detected by the position detection unit, and a body impedance measurement unit that measures a body impedance of the measurement subject using the selected back area electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.,
    Inventors: Hiromichi Karo, Takehiro Hamaguchi, Kazuhisa Tanabe, Yasuaki Murakawa
  • Patent number: 8494609
    Abstract: A body fat measurement device includes multiple electrodes, a trunk area width detection unit for measuring a trunk area width and a trunk area depth, a body impedance measurement unit that measures a body impedance of a body using the multiple electrodes, and a body fat mass calculation unit that calculates a body fat mass based on the measured body impedance and the trunk area width and trunk area depth. A frame-shaped fitting unit in which the trunk area width detection unit is provided and that is capable of being disposed so as to surround a measurement subject's trunk area can be mounted on and removed from a platform unit in which foot electrodes are provided, and is stored within the platform unit during a stored state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Karo, Takehiro Hamaguchi, Kazuhisa Tanabe, Yasuaki Murakawa, Tomoya Ijiri
  • Patent number: 8494620
    Abstract: An electrode patch (40, 40?) enables securing five electrodes (E?, A?, S?, I?, N?) or six electrodes (V1?, V6?, LA?, RA?, LL?, RL?) in a predefined pattern. The electrode patch is configured for disposal as a unit on a subject (SUBJ) in a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (8), and has a maximum electrodes separation (dmax) of at least 20 centimeters and not more than 50 centimeters. The predefined pattern enables 12-lead electrocardiographic signals to be synthesized from signals acquired by the five or six electrodes in the predefined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Eduardo M. Rey
  • Patent number: 8489169
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20130172718
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for improving imaging resolution of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). More specifically, the present disclosure forms virtual electrode(s) using an electric current steering technique, which is used to improve imaging resolution of an EIT system without physically increasing a number of conducting electrodes. The EIT system of the present disclosure may includes a plurality of conducting electrodes, at least one signal generator, at least one signal receiver and at least one electric current steering device. In other words, the present disclosure applies both the electric current steering technique and the virtual electrode technique to EIT. Consequently, imaging resolution of EIT can be improved without physically increasing the number of conducting electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: National Chiao Tung University
  • Publication number: 20130172719
    Abstract: A biometric information detecting apparatus including: a pair of electrodes coming into contact with a surface of a living body; and a circuit board to which a pair of the electrodes are connected and configured to detect biometric information on the basis of a potential difference generated between a pair of the electrodes, the circuit board including an electrode connecting pattern Co which a pair of the electrodes are electrically connected, and a detection circuit unit configured to detect the biometric information on the basis of the potential difference; and a GND pattern provided on the circuit board between the electrode connecting pattern and the detection circuit unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventor: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
  • Publication number: 20130172720
    Abstract: While remarkably reducing the botheration and burden on the subject, an apnea/hypopnea condition can be detected correctly and easily, and the type of the condition can be identified. A detecting apparatus for detecting an apnea/hypopnea condition of a living body, includes: an electric current applying electrode section to supply an electric current via electrodes into a cervical region of the living body; a measurement electrode section to measure an impedance of the cervical region by the electric current; an analysis section which detects an apnea/hypopnea condition based on the measured impedance; and an output section which outputs the result of detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130165761
    Abstract: Non-invasive devices and systems to determine tissue wetness/hydration based on relative changes in subsurface resistivities in tissue below an electrode array applied to a human body across different frequencies. For example, these a sensor including arrays of current-injecting and voltage-sensing electrodes may be placed on a subject's back to determine lung wetness. Systems and methods for determining tissue water content, systems and methods for determining lung wetness, sensors for determining relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies and systems and methods to determine which arrays of electrodes in a sensor to use to determine relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies are all described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Alfonso L. DE LIMON, Scott M. CHETHAM, Paul J. ERLINGER
  • Publication number: 20130165760
    Abstract: Sensors for non-invasively determining tissue wetness/hydration based on relative changes in subsurface resistivities in tissue below the sensor when applied to a human body across different frequencies. A sensor including arrays of current-injecting and voltage-sensing electrodes may be placed on a subject's back to determine lung wetness. Sensors may be used as part of a systems and method for determining tissue water content, systems and methods for determining lung wetness, or the like. Sensors for determining relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies and systems include arrays of electrodes used to determine relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies may include pairs of current-injecting and voltage sensing electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Paul J. ERLINGER, Scott M. CHETHAM, Alfonso L. DE LIMON
  • Publication number: 20130158380
    Abstract: A biological information detection device includes a main body portion, a heartbeat detection portion, provided integrally with the main body portion, which has electrodes that come into contact with a biological surface, and a fixing band, detachably provided to the main body portion, which mounts the main body portion and the heartbeat detection portion to a human body. The main body portion and the heartbeat detection portion are integrally provided through a mechanical connection convex portion that mechanically connects the main body portion and the heartbeat detection portion to each other, and an electrical connection portion that electrically connect the main body portion and the electrodes of the heartbeat detection portion. A relative positional relationship between the mechanical connection convex portion and the electrical connection portion is set so as not to be arranged alongside a load direction of external force acting on the mechanical connection convex portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventor: Seiko Instruments Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130131460
    Abstract: A physiological signal collection electrode comprises a signal collection pad having a skin contact portion, a signal output pad and an elongate bridging portion interconnecting the signal collection pad and the signal output pad. The signal collection pad, the signal output portion and the bridging portion are integrally moulded of a flexible, conductive and resilient material. The width of the bridging portion is substantially smaller than that of the skin contact portion. A narrowed bridging portion operates to concentrate collected physiological signals collected by the skin contact portion before the signals are output to the signal output pad. An elongate bridging portion reduces skin covering area for better wearer comfort as well as providing better resiliency to the electrode when the bridging portion is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DAYTON TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Yuen
  • Publication number: 20130102857
    Abstract: A non-invasive fetal monitoring system includes a plurality of contact elements, each of the contact elements comprising a plurality of electrodes configured in a unique pattern. The plurality of contact elements are configured for attachment to an external skin surface of a pregnant female for detecting fetal and/or maternal electrical activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Adam J. Wolfberg, Jay Ward, James K. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20130102856
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive method for diagnosing a biological condition in a pregnant female, or fetus therein, by measuring fetal electrical activity using a plurality of contact elements. Each contact element is configured for attachment to an external skin surface and includes a plurality of electrodes configured in a unique pattern. The measured fetal electrical activity is compared to one or more references to determine a biological condition in the pregnant female, the fetus, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Adam J. Wolfberg
  • Patent number: 8428683
    Abstract: Disclosed are a wearable monitoring apparatus and a driving method thereof. The wearable monitoring apparatus comprises: a sensor unit for measuring a biological signal from a human body, wherein the sensor unit is adhered to a skin; and a control unit for searching a location of the sensor unit, supplying power to the sensor unit, and receiving and processing the biological signal from the sensor unit, wherein the control unit is formed to be wearable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hoi-Jun Yoo, Jerald Yoo
  • Patent number: 8428681
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring bioelectric potentials. In some instances, an electrode is applied to a patient's skin. The electrode may be at least partly inserted into the patient's skin, such as by inserting at least part of one or more teeth underneath the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Persyst Development Corporation
    Inventors: Scott B. Wilson, Mark Scheuer, Dale Johnson, Scott Clear
  • Publication number: 20130090543
    Abstract: A body fat measurement device includes: a measurement unit for measuring a shape of a measurement subject's trunk area; a breathing estimation unit that detects a change over time in the measured trunk area shape and estimates the measurement subject's breathing based on the detected change; a breathing state determination unit that determines whether or not the estimated breathing of the measurement subject is in a state suited to measurement; a state output unit that outputs the estimated breathing state to the exterior in association with a result of the determination; and a fat mass calculation unit that calculates a trunk area fat mass using the body impedance measured by a body impedance measurement unit and a trunk area size based on the trunk area shape measured by the measurement unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Yasuaki MURAKAWA, Takehiro HAMAGUCHI, Kazuhisa TANABE, Hiromichi KARO
  • Patent number: 8417352
    Abstract: An electrotherapy system for stimulating sensory nerves within skin tissue includes a electrode carrier, a pulse generator, an array of skin-penetrating electrodes and surface skin electrodes, a pulse conditioning circuit, and a power source. The system administers biphasic pulsed current at the surface skin electrodes and monophasic pulsed current at each skin-penetrating electrode. The skin-penetrating surfaces and skin contact surfaces of the electrotherapy system may be sterilized or may be replaceable for outpatient reusability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Meagan Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Carroll, Erling Jensen Aune, Jr., Timothy J. Johnson, Jens Olaf Roe Schouenborg
  • Patent number: 8406842
    Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a second activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zoll Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, Emil Oskin
  • Patent number: 8396530
    Abstract: A biosensor is described which can obtain physiological data from an individual. The biosensor may collect electrodermal activity, skin temperature, and other information. The biosensor may be attached to the body through the use of a garment which may be fastened in multiple locations on the human body. The biosensor includes compensation for electrodermal activity measurements based on the amount of pressure applied to the electrodes that are in contact with the skin. As pressure is increased the electrodermal activity values typically increase. By compensating for the influence that pressure changes have on electrodermal activity, more accurate analysis of physiology and therefore mental state analysis may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Affectiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Orion Wilder-Smith, Rosalind Wright Picard, Tao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8386008
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, is an activity monitoring system comprising a fixture having size/shape adapted to couple to a location on the user's body and a particular signature; and a portable monitoring device adapted to detect the fixture's particular signature. The monitoring device includes a housing that is adapted to engage the fixture; activity sensors, disposed in the housing, to detect activity of the user and to generate data which is representative of the activity of the user; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate an activity-related quantity of the user using the data which is representative of the activity of the user, wherein the processing circuitry: determines the monitoring device is engaging the fixture by detecting the fixture's particular signature, and, in response thereto, calculates the activity-related quantity using data from a set of the activity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Eric Nathan Friedman
  • Publication number: 20130046150
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing motility disorders of a gastrointestinal tract of a body. The method can include measuring electrical signals from the gastrointestinal tract while the patient is engaged in normal daily activities, recording the measured electrical signals on a portable electronic device carried by the body, recording by the patient in real time one or more symptoms of the body and analyzing characteristics of the recorded electrical signals with the recorded symptoms of the body to diagnosis gastrointestinal disorders of the body. Apparatus for use therewith and methods for treatment thereof are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: G-TECH
    Inventor: Udaya Sankar Devanaboyina
  • Patent number: 8355770
    Abstract: A conductive silicone material for human skin electrode is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conductive silicone material comprises a mixture of silicone and carbon powder such that the mixture has a resistivity of 0.08 to 0.12 ?·m and a Shore A hardness of 50 to 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the mixture comprises 60 to 80 weight percent silicone and 20 to 40 weight percent carbon powder. A sensor for detecting human biological signal using a conductive silicone electrode is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: IDT Technology Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Chan, Mun Hoong Leong, Li Li
  • Publication number: 20120330124
    Abstract: A body fat measurement apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a current-applying electrode pair including two electrodes for applying a current, and a voltage-measuring electrode pair including two electrodes for measuring a voltage. The current-applying electrode pair is provided in such a way that a line which joins the two current-applying electrodes is inclined with respect to a trunk axis of a body to be measured. The voltage-measuring electrode pair is provided between the two current-applying electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fukuda, Tatsuya Takahashi, Yoshie Terazono
  • Patent number: 8340740
    Abstract: A garment enables the monitoring of physiological properties of a person wearing the garment. The measuring sensors are integrated into the garment and are positioned by wearing the garment to the correct position of the body of the person wearing the garment. The device for monitoring the physiological properties containing the measuring electronics is located in the back portion of the garment. This device is either fixedly integrated into the garment or it can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cairos Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christian Holzer, Thorsten Habel, Martin Gierich
  • Publication number: 20120323104
    Abstract: A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals includes a flexible substrate adapted for positioning relative to the torso of a patient. The flexible substrate includes a central segment defining a central axis and is adapted to generally conform to an area extending along the sternum of a patient. The flexible substrate further includes an upper segment extending traversal across the central segment and adapted to generally conform to the chest area of a patient and a lower segment extending traversal across the central segment and adapted to generally conform to the abdominal area of the patient. The apparatus further includes a medical electrode disposed on at least one of the segments and a connector in electrical communication with the medical electrode and adapted to connect to an electronic monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Lee Burnes, Scott Coggins, Dawn Moore, Mark Tauer
  • Patent number: 8332025
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the condition of selected regions of epithelial and stromal tissue. A plurality of electrodes are used to measure surface and transepithelial electropotential of tissue, especially breast tissue, as well as surface electropotential and impedance at one or more locations and at several defined frequencies, particularly low frequencies. An agent may be introduced into the region of tissue to enhance electrophysiological response characteristics. Measured and derived electrical properties facilitating diagnosis include DC potential, impedance, subepithelial resistance, epithelial resistance, capacitance, characteristic frequency, depression angle and transepithelial potential. Ambient and varying pressure measurements applied to epithelial tissue are also used for diagnosis. Improved diagnosis of tissue condition can be made based on the electrical properties and tissue electrophysiological response to altered ion transport and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Epi-Sci, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Davies, Mary K. Davies, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8326434
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Skubitz, Mary Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 8326394
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for obtaining physiological data from a patient. The system and apparatus comprising at least one electrode disposed to collect physiological data from the patient and an electrode connection device having a conductive array formed by a plurality of conductive regions and a plurality of nonconductive regions. The conductive regions are suitable to be connected to the at least one electrode. The electrode may be connected to a first conductive region of the electrode communication device and wherein upon movement by the patient or the conductive array, the electrode is connected to a second conductive region of the conductive array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gordon Ian Rowlandson, Joel Quizhen Xue, Robert Edward Henderson, Chepur Sudakar Rao
  • Patent number: 8311605
    Abstract: A biosensor is described which can obtain physiological data from an individual. The biosensor may collect electrodermal activity, skin temperature, and other information. The biosensor may be attached to the body through the use of a garment which may be fastened in multiple locations on the human body. The biosensor includes compensation for electrodermal activity measurements based on the amount of pressure applied to the electrodes that are in contact with the skin. As pressure is increased the electrodermal activity values typically increase. By compensating for the influence that pressure changes have on electrodermal activity, more accurate analysis of physiology and therefore mental state analysis may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Affectiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Orion Wilder-Smith, Rosalind Wright Picard, Tao Zhang