Medical electrode

Claim 1

An electrode to connect to the head of a lead wire which head has a male projecting portion of predetermined size and configuration having an enlarged distal end, said male projecting portion being of a first overall predetermined length, said electrode including: (A) a base of non-conductive, plastic, bendable and resilient material and comprising: (a) an annular plate portion with a central opening of predetermined companionate shape for tight passage of said enlarged distel end of said projecting portion and said opening being foreshortenly sized with respect to the cross-sectional area of said projecting portion to permit forced passage of the enlarged distal end through said opening, (b) a cylindrical portion extending away from said plate portion a first predetermined distance to a terminal end, and (c) an out-turned flange on the terminal end of the cylindrical portion spaced from the plane of said plate portion and in generally parallel relation thereto, and said flange having a distal surface about the cylindrical portion facing toward the plate portion and an annular proximal surface to abut the skin of a wearer, (B) conductive gel defining a cylindrical plug filling the cylindrical portion and extending axially from the proximal surface a distance slightly greater than the distance from said plate portion to said flange proximal surface, said plug having a terminal end generally parallel to said proximal surface and said plug including a portion coating said annular proximal surface, a linear means removably and normally protectively overlaying said terminal end of said plug, said terminal end of said plug including an adhesive means to removably apply the electrode to the skin of a person; said adhesive means and gel comprising a mixture, and (C) the axial distance from the plate portion through the axial length of the gel being greater than said first predetermined length.