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Publication Number
US-12433524-B2
Publication Date
2025-10-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrocardiogram device configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to a wearer's cardiac electrical activity can include a disposable portion and a reusable portion configured to mechanically and electrically mate with each other. The disposable portion can include a base having at least one mechanical connector portion, a plurality of cables and corresponding external ECG electrodes, and a first plurality of electrical connectors associated with the plurality of cables. The reusable portion can include a cover having at least one mechanical connector portion, a second plurality of electrical connectors configured to electrically connect with the first plurality of electrical connectors of the disposable portion, and an output connector port configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to one or more signals outputted by the external ECG electrodes of the disposable portion.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an electrocardiogram (ECG) device configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to a wearer's cardiac electrical activity. The ECG device includes a disposable portion and a reusable portion that mechanically and electrically mate, so signals pass from external ECG electrodes of the disposable portion to an output connector port of the reusable portion through corresponding electrical connectors.
The reusable portion includes first and second temperature sensors spaced apart from one another. The first temperature sensor measures temperature via skin of the wearer, and the second temperature sensor measures ambient temperature at least one of inside and outside an interior of the reusable portion, wherein the first and second temperature sensors are not in contact with the wearer's skin when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion and the disposable portion is placed on the wearer's body. The processor determines body temperature of the wearer based on signals received from both of the first and second temperature sensors.
The disposable portion includes a base configured for placement on the wearer's body, external ECG electrodes secured to the wearer's body, cables extending from the base, and a flexible circuit partially enclosed by a portion of the base. The base, the plurality of cables, and the flexible circuit form a unitary structure, and the disposable portion includes an opening configured to receive a temperature sensor housing of the reusable portion.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims are directed to an ECG device architecture with a disposable portion and a reusable portion, and to a disposable portion structure that integrates cables, a flexible circuit, and a temperature sensor interface. Across the independent claims, the inventive features include separable disposable/reusable portions with mechanical and electrical mating, signal transmission via an output connector port, dual temperature sensing with spaced sensors not contacting the skin when mated, and a disposable base opening configured to receive a reusable temperature sensor housing.
Disposable-to-reusable ECG signal-mating architecture
An ECG device comprising a disposable portion with a base configured for placement on the wearer's body, external ECG electrodes secured to the wearer's body and output one or more signals responsive to the wearer's cardiac electrical activity, first electrical connectors associated with plurality of cables, and a reusable portion configured to mechanically and electrically mate with the disposable portion via a cover with mechanical connector portion and second electrical connectors electrically connecting with the first electrical connectors, and an output connector port configured to transmit at least one signal responsive to the signals outputted by the external ECG electrodes.
Dual spaced temperature sensors with non-skin contact when mated
The ECG device including a processor, a first temperature sensor for measuring temperature via skin of the wearer and a second temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperature at least one of inside and outside an interior of the reusable portion, wherein the first and second temperature sensors are spaced apart from one another and not in contact with the wearer's skin when the reusable portion is mated with the disposable portion and the disposable portion is placed on the wearer's body, and wherein the processor is configured to determine body temperature of the wearer based on signals received from both of the first and second temperature sensors.
Disposable base with temperature-sensor opening and unitary flexible-circuit structure
An ECG device comprising a disposable portion having a base configured for placement on a wearer's body with at least one mechanical connector portion configured to mechanically mate with a reusable portion and an opening configured to receive a temperature sensor housing of the reusable portion, external ECG electrodes with corresponding cables configured to be secured to the wearer's body and detect electrical signals responsive to the wearer's cardiac activity, and a flexible circuit partially enclosed by a portion of the base and comprising a first plurality of conductive strips and a second plurality of conductive strips, wherein the first plurality of conductive strips are electrically connected to respective ones of the plurality of cables, the second plurality of conductive strips are configured to transmit the electrical signals responsive to the wearer's cardiac electrical activity, and wherein the base, the plurality of cables, and the flexible circuit form a unitary structure.
Across the independent claims, the disclosed invention centers on an ECG device that uses a disposable portion and a reusable portion that mechanically and electrically mate to route ECG signals to an output connector port, and integrates body-temperature determination using two spaced temperature sensors where neither sensor is in contact with the wearer's skin when the portions are mated.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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