US 5,421,189 A · Electrical connection system for electrochemical sensors

Abstract

An electrochemical/gas analyzer providing a rugged contact system for removable sensors capable of withstanding inexpert sensor insertion or removal, providing protection for high impedance input electronics against electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, and providing automatic connection to diagnostic circuitry upon sensor removal has been developed. The contact system includes a plurality of stamped contacts electrically connecting a diagnostic circuit, including a source of diagnostic signals and a ground path, to analyzer signal processing circuitry. Removal of a sensor from this system electrically connects the sensor signal processing electronics to the diagnostic circuit. Insertion of the sensor interrupts electrical connection between the diagnostic circuit and the stamped contact, which connects the sensor terminals to the signal processing circuitry.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An electrochemical/gas analyzer having plural installable constituent sensors and providing diagnostic capability and electrostatic discharge protection, comprising:

a housing;
a mounting board disposed within said housing;
and
a plurality of contact stampings captured between said board and housing and electrically contacting input signal circuitry, each of said plurality of contact stampings further comprising a first portion in interruptable electrical communication with diagnostic circuitry and a second portion for receiving a sensor contact during sensor installation to provide electrical connection between said sensor and said input signal circuitry while maintaining connection to said diagnostic circuitry and to interrupt connection to said diagnostic circuitry when said sensor is fully installed.

1 more element

A blood gas analyzer having plural installable constituent sensors and providing diagnostic capability and electrostatic discharge protection, comprising:

a housing;
a mounting board, said board disposed within said housing and comprising:
signal processing circuitry, said signal processing circuitry receiving inputs from a plurality of input signal contacts, and
diagnostic circuitry, said diagnostic circuitry providing inputs to a plurality of diagnostic signal contacts;
and
a plurality of contact stampings each having an input interface portion electrically connected to a respective one of said plurality of input signal contacts, each of said plurality of contact stampings further having a remote portion in interruptable electrical connection with a respective one of said plurality of diagnostic signal contacts.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electrical connection system for electrochemical sensors

Life of this patent

Electrical connection system for electrochemical sensors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21