U.S. patent application number 10/068716 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for electrode structure for electric contactor.
Invention is credited to Evans, Donald John, Feucht, Hans-Peter, Harder, Albert Michael, Hastings, Mark J..
Application Number | 20020091313 10/068716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26796033 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020091313 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feucht, Hans-Peter ; et
al. |
July 11, 2002 |
Electrode structure for electric contactor
Abstract
A contactor for establishing electrical Communication with
organic tissue, the contactor including a cup-shaped housing of
one-piece rubbery material including a closing end-wall connected
across an annular sidewall with rice defining an open mouth into a
main recess. An electrode in the recess corgi a contact plate with
first side facing the mouth to contact organic tissue, and a second
side with a pair of leg-like extensions and a center limiter post
ail of one-piece molded plastics coated with a thin layer of
conductor preferably silver/silver chloride to be electrically
conductive on the exterior surface of the electrode. The legs of
the electrode snap fit against to physically and electrically
connect with an electrically conductive venturi tube mounted
extending through the housing, the venturi tube having a suction
port positioned such that when high pressure gas is passed through
the venturi tube, a vacuum is created within the housing recess.
Such vacuum in the recess capable of allowing tissue, the tissue
sealingly engaging the housing rim, and the housing to move toward
one another to bring the tissue into contact with the electrode
plate to establish electrical conductive contact. The venturi tube
is electrically conductive from the electrode extensions to a
threaded end thereof, the threaded end is exposed for connection to
a pressurized gas line which also includes an electrical conductor
connecting to the venturi tube to form part of a circuit of an
associated testing or monitoring instrument.
Inventors: |
Feucht, Hans-Peter;
(Blaustein, DE) ; Harder, Albert Michael;
(Dornstadt, DE) ; Hastings, Mark J.; (Castro
Valley, CA) ; Evans, Donald John; (Forest Ranch,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
1100 International Centre
900 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
26796033 |
Appl. No.: |
10/068716 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10068716 |
Feb 5, 2002 |
|
|
|
09386597 |
Aug 31, 1999 |
|
|
|
60099373 |
Sep 8, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/387 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/252 20210101;
A61B 2562/0215 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/387 |
International
Class: |
A61B 005/0408 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue comprising: a cup shaped housing, said housing of rubbery
material with a mouth bounded by a rim, the rim for engaging
organic tissue, said mouth opening into a main recess of said
housing; an electrode within said housing, said electrode
comprising a contact plate having a first side within said recess
toward said mouth and recessed below said rim, and a second side
with integrally connected resilient legs, said electrode contact
plate and legs of one-piece molded plastics and coated with an
outer layer of silver/silver chloride so as to have an electrically
conductive exterior surface; said resilient legs residing within a
leg well of said housing and clamping against a Venturi tube having
means for creating a suction at a suction port thereof upon passage
of pressurized gas through said Venturi tube, said Venturi tube
arranged with the suction port thereof positioned in communication
with the main recess of said housing, whereby suction at the
suction port can create low pressure in the housing recess, said
Venturi tube mounted to said housing with an exposed end of the
Venturi tube exposed for allowing connection of the Venturi tube
end to a pressurized gas supply fine and an output electrical wire,
said Venturi tube including gold plating so as to be electrically
conductive from at least the engagement of said resilient legs of
said electrode to the exposed end of the Venturi tube so as to
serve as an electrical conductor between said electrode and an
output electrical wire when the wire is electrically connected to
the Venturi tube end.
2. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue according to claim 1 wherein said resilient legs are a pair
of spaced apart legs, each of the legs includes a curved
indentation, and the legs are snap-attached to said Venturi tube
with the Venturi tube positioned between the pair of legs and
residing in the curved indentations, and further including a
movement limiting post connected to said second side of said
contact plate and extending therefrom and abutting against said
Venturi tube, whereby said limiting post aids in holding said
Venturi tube positioned and in contact with the resilient legs.
3. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue comprising: a housing, said housing including a mouth
bounded by a rim of rubbery material, the rim for engaging organic
tissue, said mouth opening into a main recess of said housing; an
electrode within said housing, said electrode comprising a contact
plate having a first side within said recess toward said mouth, and
a second side with integrally connected extending members, the
electrode contact plate and extending members of one-piece molded
plastics and coated with an outer layer of electrically conductive
silver containing material; said extending members engaging against
a Venturi tube having means for creating a suction at a suction
port thereof upon passage of pressurized gas through said Venturi
tube, said Venturi tube arranged with the suction port thereof
positioned in communication with the main recess of said housing,
whereby suction at the suction port can create low pressure in the
housing recess, said Venturi tube mounted to said housing with an
exposed end of the Venturi tube exposed for allowing connection of
the Venturi tube end to a pressurized gas supply line and an output
electrical wire, said Venturi tube electrically conductive from at
least the engagement of said extending members of said electrode to
the exposed end of the Venturi tube so as to serve as an electrical
conductor between said electrode and an output electrical wire when
connected to the Venturi tube end.
4. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue according to claim 3 wherein said Venturi tube is gold
plated for providing a non-corroding exterior conductive
surface.
5. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue according to claim 4 wherein said outer layer of
electrically conductive silver containing material is primarily
silver/silver chloride.
6. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue according to claim 5 wherein said housing is of silicone
rubber.
7. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue comprising: a housing defining a mouth opening into a main
recess of said housing; an electrode at least in part exposed
within the main recess of the housing, said electrode comprising a
conductive contact plate within said recess toward said mouth, said
electrode further including resilient holding means for
electrically connectively engaging a Venturi tube in an
electrically conductive area of said Venturi tube; said Venturi
tube having means for creating a suction at a suction sort venturi
tube arranged with the suction port thereof positioned in
communication with the main recess of said housing, said venturi
tube including means for allowing connection of the venturi tube to
a pressurized gas supply line and an output electrical wire.
8. A contactor for establishing electric communication with organic
tissue according to claim 7 wherein said resilient holding means
includes a pair of legs of resilient material in spaced
relationship with one another and sized, shad and positioned to
snap onto said venturi tube wherein the venturi tube is damped
between the pair of legs, and further wherein a movement limiting
post abuts against said venturi tube between the pair of legs.
Description
[0001] A priority claim is hereby made to our pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/386,597 filed Aug. 31, 1999, which is a
continuation of U.S. Provisional application, Serial No. 60/099,373
filed Sep. 8, 1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is an improved contactor with improved
electrode for diagnostic purposes, designed for establishing
electric communication between organic tissue, such as the skin of
a human or animal body, and circuitry of associated monitoring or
testing instrument.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of Prior Art
[0005] Prior art contactors related to the present invention are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,270 issued Feb. 8, 1972 and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,556,065 issued Dec. 3, 1985. Both patents name Heiner
Hoffmann as the inventor. As disclosed in these prior patents, the
typical prior art contactor of similar operation to the contactor
of the present invention has a generally cup-shaped housing of
non-metallic material with a mouth bounded by a tissue engaging
rim; the housing contains an electrode which is recessed within the
rim but accessible by way of its mouth so as to be able to make
contact with the skin of a human or animal to be tested. The mouth
of the cup communicates with a low air pressure zone or vacuum
inside a conduit, which is traversed by a flow of high-pressure
gas, generally air, and is embedded in the elastomeric material of
the housing. The low-pressure zone in the recess of the housing is
used to secure the contactor against organic tissue. The venturi
metal tube also forms part of a conductive connection between the
external conduit and the electrode. The contact electrode of U.S.
Pat. No. 4,556,065 uses a relatively expensive plate of coherent
particles-sintered or simply pressed of a mixture of silver and one
or more silver salts such as silver chloride, silver bromide,
silver rhodanide or silver cyanide. Such an electrode, which has
low electrical contact resistance, must be protected from
interaction with adjoining elements of different metallic
materials, which can give rise to detrimental local currents. It is
for this reason, as described in the U.S. patents referred to
above, a contact plate consisting of afore described compacted
mixture of a metallic silver and a silver salt is supported on a
metallic body coated with silver at least in its area adjoining the
plate. U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,065 also shows a retaining screw which
holds the contact plate onto the supporting body and consists at
least on an outer surface of nonconductive material; a titanium
screw, with an oxide layer on its surface. An electrode of this
prior art type, comprising a massive metallic supporting body made
at least partly of silver, is very expensive compared to the
electrode of the present invention. Reference may also be made to
prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,243, showing a contactor connected to
a diagnostic apparatus such as an electrocardiograph.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Disclosed is an improved contactor for establishing
electrically conductive communication with organic tissue, the
contactor including a cup-shaped housing of one-piece rubbery
material, the material impervious to air passage, the housing
including a closing end-wall connected across an annular sidewall.
The sidewall has a free terminal edge defining a rim, which defines
or bounds an open mouth into a main recess of the housing. An
electrode or improved electrode for contacting organic tissue is
positioned in the recess. The electrode comprises a contact plate
with first side facing the housing mouth, and a second side with a
pair of leg-like extensions and a limiter post centered between the
legs, the legs and limiter post coextensive away from the back side
of the contact plate. The electrode is an inexpensive and
lightweight one-piece molded plastics base or substrate, which is
coated with a thin and thus inexpensive exterior layer of
silver/silver chloride so as to be electrically conductive on the
exterior surface of the electrode. A coating of low resistance
electrically conductive material such as a silver based material
other than silver/silver chloride could be used on the exterior of
the electrode, although we prefer silver/silver chloride. The leg
extensions of the electrode are resilient and spaced apart for
receiving a venturi tube snapped or damped against by the legs to
physically and electrically connect with a venturi tube. The
venturi tube is mounted extending through the housing. The venturi
tube is electrically conductive at least on the exterior surface
thereof, and preferably is gold plated so corrosion will not occur
and the high electrical conductivity will remain over a long period
of time, although some other highly conductive non-corroding
material might be used instead of the gold. The inexpensive
electrode can be readily replaced, if ever needed due to wear with
only the human hand (no tools). The electrode snaps in and out of
place relative to the venturi and housing by hand. The electrode,
venturi tube and housing are quite durable and can be chemically
cleaned or sanitized, therefore our contactor is very inexpensive
to use such as in a hospital setting for along period of time, such
as years for example.
[0007] The Venturi tube has a suction port positioned such that
when high-pressure gas (gas can herein be the same as air) is
passed through the venturi tube, a low pressure or vacuum is
created within the recess of the housing. Such vacuum in the recess
is capable of allowing the tissue to engage and seal against the
housing rim, thus the tissue and the housing move toward one
another to bring the tissue into contact with the electrode plate
and establish electrical conductive contact with the tissue. The
vacuum also holds the contactor stationary against the tissue
regardless of orientation, with this good holding power (improved
over the prior art) aided by the fact the contactor is light in
weight. The venturi tube is electrically conductive from the
electrode legs to a threaded end of the tube; the threaded end is
exposed for connection to a pressurized gas line, which also
includes an electrical conductor. The conductor of the gas line is
connected to a conductive threaded end of the gas line which
connects to the venturi tube, and the other end of the gas line
conductor connects to or is part of a circuit of an associated
testing or monitoring instrument. Whereby the patient tissue is
electrically connected through the electrode plate to the electrode
legs to the venturi tube to the threaded ends (or equivalent
connectable ends) of the tube and gas supply line and the supply
line output conductor (wire) to the associated testing or
monitoring instrument such as an electrocardiograph for
example.
[0008] The general object of our present invention is to provide an
improved electrode structure useful for defining an improved
contactor, and which is far less expensive, lighter in weight and
thus more stable on tissue at a given vacuum, highly sensitive, and
safer than those of the prior art, and capable of being
disassembled and assembled such as for cleaning in a hospital
setting without requiring tools beyond the human hands. Our
contactor also retains and enhances the advantages of low contact
resistance and avoidance of local voltage differences, which can
give rise to destructive currents. Another object is to provide
structuring in the contactor for conveniently connecting our
improved electrode to an external circuit of an associated
instrument with the aid of a metallic venturi tube.
[0009] Our novel contactor with novel electrode is inexpensive to
provide improved functionality compared to the related prior art,
and thus advances the art.
[0010] These, as well as other objects and advantages will become
increasingly appreciated with continued reading and with an
examination of the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a contactor with
electrode in accordance with the present invention. Shown is our
new improved electrode structure in final operational position
within the housing with the legs and limiter post within the leg
well in the rubbery material of the closing end wall of the
housing, and with the pronged legs snapped onto opposite sides of
the venturi tube to clamp there against, and the limiter post
abutting the venturi tube and thereby preventing further movement
of the electrode toward the venturi tube while also making
additional electrical contact there against. A portion of the
housing end wall surrounding the leg well is shown firmly against
the backside of the plate of the electrode and adding stability
while aiding to prevent the electrode from moving too deeply into
the recess of the housing. Also shown is the electrode structure in
an unattached position with an arrow indicating direction of
movement for snapping the electrode onto the venturi tube. The
lower electrode is shown with a portion of the contact plate
cut-away and showing plastics having a thin outer coating of
silver/silver chloride.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the contactor of FIG. 1
and rotated 90 degrees.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the FIG. 1 contactor and showing
a plate of the electrode within the recess and at the mouth of the
housing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] Now with general reference to the drawings, our improved
contactor 00 with improved electrode 18 includes a cup-shaped
housing 1 of one-piece rubbery material, the material such as
silicone rubber being impervious to air passage, the housing 1
including a closing end-wall 14 connected across an annular
sidewall 15. The sidewall 15 has a free terminal edge defining a
rim 2 which defines or bounds an open mouth 3 into a main recess 16
of the housing 1. In use, due to low pressure or vacuum, organic
tissue 17 bows through mouth 3 to enter recess 16 and engages
contact plate 4 of electrode 18, see FIG. 2. Rim 2 is for engaging
tissue and creating a seal thereagainst, the sealing more easily
accomplished due to the rubbery or flexible nature of housing 1 or
rim 2. Within housing 1 is a central material extension 19
depending from the underside of closing end-wall 14 and defining a
leg well 20 exposing therein a portion of the venturi tube 8 for
the legs of the electrode to snap onto or damp about, as can be
ascertained from FIG. 2. The rubbery housing material defining the
leg well 20 is sized to engage the electrode legs on multiple sides
thereof and to thereby aid in holding the electrode 18 in proper
place. Housing 1 includes a transverse through passage 21 in which
venturi tube 8 resides. Generally passage 21 is smaller in diameter
than the exterior of venturi tube 8 and thereby the material
defining the passage 21 grips and frictionally holds venturi tube 8
in place after it has been forced into the passage 21. The tight
fitting rubbery material of housing 1 also seals in the appropriate
areas against venturi tube 8.
[0015] Through passage 21 is defined or bounded by the rubbery
material of housing 1, and therefore in addition to the previously
mentioned through passage 21 opening into leg well 20, housing 1
includes an opening 10 to through passage 21 aligned or alignable
with the suction port 6 of venturi tube 8 so vacuum can be created
in the main recess of housing 1; an output port 7 in through
passage 21 aligned with the gas output end of venturi tube 8
allowing the pressurized gas applied thereto to exhaust to the
exterior of housing 1; and further includes an opening 22 in
through passage 21 for the existing of the end 9 (threaded end) of
venturi tube 8 to be exposed for connecting to a pressurized gas
supply line 23 and an output electrical wire 24. Housing 1 can be
made of silicone rubber although other rubbery or elastomeric
materials which are also electrical insulators could be used to
define housing 1.
[0016] Our improved inexpensive, light-weight and snap-attach
electrode 18 is positioned in housing 1 and at least in part
exposed in recess 16 through mouth 3. Electrode 18 comprises a
contact plate 4 with first side facing the housing mouth 3 and
providing a surface for engaging organic tissue. The first side of
electrode 18 is shown circular in FIG. 3, and is generally flat and
smooth so as to not be abrasive to skin. For further comfort
against the skin (tissue) the lower comer is a rounded-over or
beveled corner 25 (see FIG. 1) so as to not be a sharp corner
against the skin. An opposite and a second side of electrode
contact plate 4 includes a pair of extensions or legs 5 and a
limiter post 12 centered between the legs 5, the legs 5 and limiter
post 12 coextensive away from the back side of the contact plate 4
and integrally molded of plastics therewith. The plastics 26 (see
FIG. 1) from which electrode 18 is molded can be ABS, although
other plastics could be utilized. Electrode 18 is a inexpensive
one-piece molded plastics base or substrate which is coated with a
thin and thus inexpensive exterior layer of silver/silver chloride
27 AgAgCl (again see FIG. 1) so as to be electrically conductive on
the exterior surface of the electrode 18. Silver/silver chloride 27
in a thickness of 0.004 inches functions well, but the thickness
can be varied widely within the scope of the invention. A coating
of low resistance electrically conductive material such as a silver
based material other than silver/silver chloride or equivalent
could be used on the exterior of the electrode within the scope of
the invention although the silver/silver chloride provides a
durable and resistance surfacing. The legs 5 of electrode 18 are
resilient because of the plastics and shape thereof, and are spaced
apart from one another for receiving venturi tube 8 in-between in a
snap fit or clamping thereagainst to physically and electrically
connect with venturi tube 8. The normal or non-loaded spacing
between legs 5 in the area where tube 8 is clamped is less than the
diameter or width of the venturi tube 8 so that the legs 5 are
continuously trying to move inward when the tube 8 is clamped,
thereby clapping pressure and thus good contact is maintained
between legs 5 and venturi tube 8. Each leg 5 includes what is in
effect a curved indentation 11 in which the venturi tube 8 resides,
the indention 11 as shown in FIG. 1 defined by the leg end curving
inward to form hook or prong like structure overhanging the top of
tube 8, thereby increase stability of the connection is provided,
as well as increased surface area contact between legs 5 and
venturi tube 8 for lower electrical resistant at the contact
points. Limit or limiter post 12 extends up to contact the
underside of venturi tube 8 and aid in supporting tube 8 and legs 5
properly positioned to one another. The terminal end of center
material extension 19 of housing 1 abuts the back side of contact
plate 4 and thereby provides further position stabilizing of the
electrode 18 relative to venturi tube 8. Legs 5 fit snugly into leg
well 20 and therefore rounded outer comers 28 as shown in FIG. 1
are applied to the distal outer ends of each leg 5 for prevent
hanging-up or snagging [bottom line cut off] are pushed into the
well 20 to engage venturi tube 8.
[0017] Venturi tube 8 is an elongate tube of brass, copper or
steel, which is electrically conductive at least on the exterior
surface thereof, and preferably is gold plated so corrosion will
not occur and the high or higher electrical conductivity provided
by the plating over the base or substrate material (brass) will
remain over a long period of time. Venturi tube 8 has an internal
venturi arrangement with a suction port 6 positioned such that when
fast moving or high pressure gas (gas can herein be the same as
air) is passed through the venturi tube 8, a low pressure or vacuum
is created by the venturi and is communicated with the recess 16 of
the housing 1. Such vacuum in the recess 16 is capable of allowing
tissue 17, the tissue sealingly engaging the housing 1 rim 2, and
the housing 1 to move toward one another to bring the tissue 17
into contact with the electrode plate 4 to establish electrical
conductive contact with the tissue. The vacuum also holds the
contactor 00 stationary against the tissue regardless of
orientation, i.e., vertical, up-side-down, with this good holding
power (improved over the prior art) aided by the fact the contactor
00 is light in weight. The venturi tube 8 is electrically
conductive from the electrode legs 5 to a threaded end 9 of the
tube 8, the threaded end 9 is exposed for connection to a
pressurized gas line 23 which also includes an output electrical
conductor 24. The conductor 24 of the gas line 23 is connected to a
conductive threaded end 29 of the gas line 23 which connects at end
9 to the venturi tube 8, and the other end of the gas line
conductor 24 (wire) connects to or is part of a circuit of an
associated testing or monitoring instrument 30'""" show in drawing
FIG. 5. Whereby the patient tissue 17 is electrically connected
through the electrode plate 4 to the electrode legs 5 to the
venturi tube 8 to the threaded ends 9, 29 (or equivalent
connectable ends) of the tube 8 and gas supply line 23 and the
supply line conductor 24 to the associated testing or monitoring
instrument such as an electrocardiograph for example. Venturi tube
8 fits tightly into passage 21 of housing 1, and includes one or
more collars 13 shown in FIG. 2 to aid in stabilizing the tube
relative to the housing.
[0018] We have found that the described contactor 00 can detect
bioelectric contact potentials of low magnitude on human or animal
tissue which can be transmitted to a variety of diagnostic
devices.
[0019] While we have described our invention in great detail, the
details are not to be used to unreasonably restrict the true scope
of the invention as determined by broad and reasonable
interpretation of the herewith included claims.
* * * * *