System for indicating the expiration of the useful operating life of a pulse oximetry sensor
AssigneeMasimo Corporation
InventorAmmar Al-Ali
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and a method monitor the useful and safe life of a pulse oximetry sensor. According to one embodiment, the system includes a sensor having a timer and a sensor life indicator. The sensor life indicator may advantageously include a visual alarm, an audio alarm, a vibrational alarm, a power down function, or the like. According to another embodiment, the system includes a sensor having a memory device storing a unique identifier. According to another embodiment, the system employs the oximeter for aspects of the timer or sensor life indicator.
Claims13
A pulse oximetry sensor which includes an indicator for indicating when the pulse oximetry sensor reaches a point of overuse, the pulse oximetry sensor comprising:
- a first conductor carrying a drive signal, wherein the drive signal comprises pulses;
- a timer connected to the first conductor, which generates a timer output signal when the pulse oximetry sensor reaches a predetermined point of use;
- an indicator connected to the timer output signal, which provides an indication when the timer output signal is generated;
- an LED network connected to the first conductor, which projects light toward a measurement site when pulsed by the drive signal;
- a second conductor carrying a return signal representative of constituents or characteristics of the measurement site;
- and
- a detector connected to the second conductor, which detects the projected light and outputs the return signal.
A method of indicating that a sensor has been used beyond a predetermined amount, the method comprising:
- monitoring one of a drive signal and a return signal of sensor, wherein the drive signal and the return signal comprises transitions;
- and
- when a predetermined amount of transitions are reached, activating an indicator to indicate that the predetermined amount of transitions has occurred on the one of the drive signal and the return signal.
A sensor which indicates when it reaches a point of overuse, the sensor comprising:
- at least one emitter connected to a sensor drive signal and which irradiates a measurement side;
- a detector which detects the irradiation and produces an return signal;
- a timer connected to the sensor drive signal which measures at least one parameter related to an amount of use of the sensor;
- and
- an indicator connected to the timer, which provides an indication of when the sensor reaches a point of overuse independent of the status of the return signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.