Abstract: A headset and system for taking EEG measurements on the head of a test subject. The headset has a plurality of electrode sensors in predetermined anatomical positions on the head of a subject to take EEG measurements, for example of the subject's response to certain stimuli. The electrode sensors are formed of dry conductive foam rubber pads attached to conductor elements. An individual shielded cable is attached to each sensor to carry the detected signal to a signal processor. The sensors may be formed of a carbon impregnated foam rubber pad that offers high conductivity. The sensors do not require wetting agent, and thus can be used in a very time efficient manner, and can be easily replaced for sanitary considerations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 6, 1998
Date of Patent:
November 28, 2000
Assignee:
Capita Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
David B. Hunter, Kenneth B. McCarraher, Kenneth P. Fratto, Richard M. Brueggman, Tomas J. Stenstrom, Harlan I. Gustafson, Jr.
Abstract: A method for carrying out endermic electrotherapeutic treatments by employing pulse-current generator (12) and a garment (11) adapted to be worn by a patient. The garment (11) is comprised of a plurality of electrically conductive discrete portions (13, 14, 15) for contact with relatively large areas of the patient's skin, and connected with insulating portions (16) intermediate between said conductive portions. The conductive portions (13, 14, 15) are provided with respective terminals (17, 18, 19) connected to the generator (12) by conductors (20, 21, 22).
Abstract: There is provided a current detecting sensor including (a) an insulating substrate, (b) a first electrode formed on the insulating substrate, the first electrode comprising an electrically conductive electrode and a metal layer formed on the electrically conductive electrode, the metal layer having a smaller area than a area of the electrically conductive electrode, (c) a second electrode formed on the insulating substrate, (d) a third electrode formed on the insulating substrate, (e) an insulating protective film covering the insulating substrate therewith and further covering at least edges of the first, second and third electrodes therewith, the insulating protective film being formed with first, second and third openings at upper surfaces of the first, second and third electrodes, respectively, and (f) an organic film covering the first to third electrodes and the insulating protective film therewith.
Abstract: A multi-functional, differing electrochemical potential biomedical electrode is disclosed. Several embodiments are described based on the difference in composition of multiple conductors, the difference in composition of fields of ionically conductive media, or both on a single insulative backing of a tab/pad style electrode. A galvanic circuit can be created from electrodes of the present invention, permitting self-restoration of defibrillation recovery of monitoring electrodes and the powering of iontophoretic delivery of pharmaceuticals, among other uses.
Abstract: An electrode assembly for application to a patient's skin comprises an electrically insulating substrate 13 bearing at least two spaced apart electrodes 18, and an electrically conductive layer 14 on the substrate which covers the electrodes and which in use of the assembly is applied to the patient's skin. The electrical impedence of the region of the layer 14 overlying each electrode 18 is less than the electrical impedence between the electrodes laterally through the layer.
Abstract: An electrode providing electrical contact with a patient's skin includes a conductive member adapted for connection to an external electrical apparatus and a non-liquid film for electrically interfacing to said patient's skin, the liquid film being electrically and mechanically connected to said conductive member. The non-liquid film includes an electrically conductive organic polymer plasticized with a polyhydric alcohol with said organic polymer being derived from a monomeric mixture comprising from about 15 to 30 pph acrylic acid, 0.5 to 30 pph N-vinylpyrrolidone and 0.01 to 2 pph of a crosslinking agent. The monomeric mixture may further comprise from about 0.5 to 8 pph of a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymers and N-vinylpyrrolidone/vinylacetate.
Abstract: A plurality of locally sensitive, far-field immune sensors are mounted in mutually spaced relation on the exterior of the body of a subject to detect electrical signals associated with voluntary skeletal muscle activity in the immediate physical vicinity of the sensors. The detected signals are used to determine which, if any, of a predetermined series of voluntary skeletal muscle maneuvers is performed by the subject. A signal bearing a predetermined relationship to the maneuver is then transmitted to a device to be controlled based on which maneuver the subject has performed. Also disclosed are a novel sensor and a method of making same.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 5, 1998
Date of Patent:
July 18, 2000
Assignee:
The University of Miami
Inventors:
Peter P Tarjan, Monica Kaufer-Braverman, Leonard L. Rasquinha
Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 17, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 16, 2000
Assignee:
NDM, Inc.
Inventors:
James Vernon Cartmell, Michael Lee Wolf, Wayne Robert Sturtevant
Abstract: A method of conditioning skin by passing electrical energy through a medical electrode and maintaining a desired chemical composition in the electrode by passing the electrical energy therethrough.
Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 17, 1998
Date of Patent:
February 8, 2000
Assignee:
NDM, Inc.
Inventors:
James Vernon Cartmell, Michael Lee Wolf, Wayne Robert Sturtevant
Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 17, 1996
Date of Patent:
July 27, 1999
Assignee:
NDM, Inc.
Inventors:
James Vernon Cartmell, Michael Lee Wolf, Wayne Robert Sturtevant
Abstract: An electrical conductor and a biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor are disclosed. The electrical conductor has a flexible, non-conductive film and two different carbon-containing coatings on a major surface of the film. The electrical conductor coatings are a low porous carbon-containing coating and a high porous carbon-containing coating. The low porous carbon-containing coating contacts the film and the high porous carbon-containing coating contacts the low porous carbon-containing coating. A tab/pad style of biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor has a field of ionically conductive media containing electrolyte contacting the high porous carbon-containing coating. The electrolyte diffuses into the high porous carbon-containing coating for electrochemical advantages.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 29, 1996
Date of Patent:
July 20, 1999
Assignee:
Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
Abstract: A bioelectrode having a backing, a conductive layer adjacent to the backing, and a layer of conductive adhesive adjacent to the conductive layer. This bioelectrode is designed to have two special configurations. It is originally manufactured in its first configuration wherein the backing forms a sealed protective enclosure for the layer of conductive adhesive. When a physician is ready to apply the electrode to a patient, the electrode is readily converted to its second configuration wherein the layer of conductive adhesive is exposed for contacting and adhering the bioelectrode to the body of the patient.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 29, 1995
Date of Patent:
October 27, 1998
Assignee:
Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
Abstract: A conductive medical electrode formed from a moldable, conductive material such as carbon-filled plastic. In one embodiment, the electrode is an integral, conductive electrode including a stud adapted to detachably couple the electrode to a lead wire and a body integral with the stud. The body has a face disposed opposite the stud, for contacting a patient, which has a grooved pattern formed therein. The grooved pattern increases the surface area of the electrode in contact with a conductive adhesive and increases the conductivity between the patient and the electrode. A second embodiment features a two-piece, conductive electrode including an electrically conductive stud and an electrically conductive substrate having an opening formed therein and attached to the stud. The opening formed in the body creates a cavity which aids in retaining the conductive adhesive. The substrate has a face disposed opposite the stud, adapted to contact a patient, which has a grooved pattern formed therein.