US 2006/0189859 A1 · Pulse oximetry sensor adapter

Abstract

An adapter allows the interconnection of a sensor originating from one manufacturer to be coupled with conventionally incompatible monitors originating from other manufacturers to form a properly functioning pulse oximetry system. The adapter matches a sensor driver in a monitor to the current requirements and light source configuration of a sensor. The adapter also matches a sensor's light detector signal level to the dynamic range requirements of a monitor preamplifier. Further, the adapter provides compatible sensor calibration, sensor type and security information to a monitor. The adapter may have a self-contained power source or it may derive power from the monitor, allowing both passive and active adapter components. The adapter is particular suited as an adapter cable, replacing a conventional patient cable or sensor cable as the interconnection between a sensor to a monitor in a pulse oximetry system.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A universal adapter configured to connect one sensor from a variety of possible sensors to one monitor from a variety of possible monitors to create a pulse oximetry system, the universal adapter comprising:

a first connector adapter configured for attachment to a monitor;
a second connector adapter configured for attachment to a sensor;
and
a sensor adapter cable coupled between the first connector adapter and the second connector adapter, wherein the sensor adapter cable comprises:
a monitor selector configured to sense a drive configuration or drive levels of the monitor;
a sensor selector configured to sense a light emitting diode configuration or presence of an information element in the sensor;
a plurality of adapter elements configured to modify signals between the monitor and the sensor for compatible operations;
a first switching circuit configured to couple a selected adapter element to the monitor based on outputs from the monitor selector and the sensor selector, wherein the selected adapter element is one of the plurality of adapter elements;
and
a second switching circuit configured to couple the selected adapter element to the sensor.

7 more elements

A method to connect one sensor from a variety of possible sensors to one monitor from a variety of possible monitors, the method comprising:

attaching a monitor to a first end of an adapter cable;
attaching a sensor to a second end of the adapter cable;
sensing a driver configuration of the monitor based on a first set of signal lines at the first end of the adapter cable;
sensing a light emitting diode configuration of the sensor based on a second set of signal lines at the second end of the adapter cable;
selecting an adapter element from a plurality of adapter elements in the adapter cable to interface the first set of signals with the second set of signals for compatible operation.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pulse oximetry sensor adapter

Life of this patent

Pulse oximetry sensor adapter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15