Variable pressure reusable sensor

A variable pressure noninvasive pulse oximeter reusable sensor comprising:

• a first jaw having a first hinge and an emitter;
• an opposing second jaw having a second hinge and a detector;
• a pin disposed through said first and second hinges so as to rotatably attach said first and second jaws to form a sensor clip;
• said jaws adapted to attach to a tissue site so that said emitter transmits optical radiation into said tissue site and said detector receives said optical radiation after absorption by said tissue site;
• a spring having a plurality of legs, said spring disposed around said pin and configured so that said legs apply force to said jaws;
• and
• a tensioner disposed proximate at least one of said jaws and configured to cause said spring to exert variable pressure through said jaws on said tissue site responsive to varying tensioner positions or configurations with respect to said spring.