US6622035B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrode for measurement of weak bioelectrical signals
Assignee: Instrumentarium Oyj
•
Filing: 2000-01-21
•
Granted: 2003-09-16
•
Expires: 2020-01-21
Abstract
Abstract An electrode for acquiring bioelectrical signals employs an array of spikes that penetrate the viable epidermis layer of the skin of a patient. The spikes may be conductive to provide the bioelectrical signal. Or, the spikes may extend through a conductive layer that provides the bioelectrical signal. The signal obtained from the patient may be amplified using an amplifier and battery circuit present on the electrode body. The electrode may be used with or without conductive paste or gel.
Inventors
- 👤 Pekka Merilainen
- 👤 Heli Tolvanen-Laakso
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6847; A61B5/685; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/251; A61B5/257; A61B5/263; A61B5/265; A61B5/266; A61B5/316; A61B5/318; A61B5/325; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 85
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject, said electrode comprising: a carrier having a surface positioned contiguous with the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin; a plurality of spikes extending from said surface of said carrier for being inserted into and below the surface of the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said carrier and spikes presenting electrically conductive surfaces to tissue of the subject's skin over essentially the entirety of the elements so as to optimize the extent of the conductive surface area, said spikes having a length of 50 -250 μm for extending into the viable epidermis layer of the skin when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said electrode having between 100 and 10,000 spikes on said carrier surface, the optimized conductive surface area of the carrier and spikes increasing the effective contact area with the subject's skin for reducing the biopotential signal impedance; and a connector for obtaining said biopotential signal and for making the signal available externally of the electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject, said electrode comprising: a carrier having a surface positioned contiguous with the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin; a plurality of spikes extending from said surface of said carrier for being inserted into and below the surface of the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said carrier and spikes presenting electrically conductive surfaces to tissue of the subject's skin over essentially the entirety of the elements so as to optimize the extent of the conductive surface area, said spikes having a length of 50 -250 μm for extending into the viable epidermis layer of the skin when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said electrode having between 100 and 10,000 spikes on said carrier surface, the optimized conductive surface area of the carrier and spikes increasing the effective contact area with the subject's skin for reducing the biopotential signal impedance; and a connector for obtaining said biopotential signal and for making the signal available externally of the electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein said spikes are arranged in an array and spaced 50 to 250 micrometers apart on said carrier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the length of the spikes is varied.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein spikes are tapered from a base to a tip to facilitate skin penetration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode of claim 4 wherein the spikes have bases adjacent said surface of said carrier and wherein said bases are up to 35 micrometers in width.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the length of the spikes ranges from 100 to 200 μm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the number of spikes is 400-2000 spikes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 1 further including adhesive for securing the electrode to the skin of the subject.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The electrode of claim 8 wherein the adhesive comprises an adhesive tape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrode of claim 8 wherein the adhesive is applied to said surface of the carrier.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electrode of claim 10 wherein the adhesive is electrically conductive.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the area of said surface of said carrier ranges from 4 to 25 square millimeters.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrode of claim 1 further including a conductive layer located on the surface of said spikes and carrier.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 13 further including a conductive medium located between said conductive layer and the skin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The electrode of claim 14 wherein the conductive medium contains antibacterial agents.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 14 further including a retainer for retaining the conductive medium on the conductive layer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 1 further including an amplifier for boosting the biopotential signal obtained from the subject.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 17 wherein the amplifier is powered by a battery.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 18 wherein said amplifier and battery are incorporated in said carrier.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electrode of claim 18 wherein an open electrical circuit between the amplifier and battery is maintained by placing a removable tape across the battery and the open electrical circuit.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrode of claim 20 wherein the open electrical circuit is closed with a connection means after said tape is removed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein said electrode is of unitary construction and the spikes and the carrier are made from a common material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
145 words
An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject, said electrode comprising: a carrier having a surface positioned contiguous with the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said carrier being electrically conductive on said surface; a plurality of spikes, each spike having a base joined to said carrier, said spikes extending from said surface of said carrier for being inserted into and below the surface of the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said spikes being electrically non-conductive and having a length of 50-250 μm for extending into a viable epidermis layer of the skin when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin; and a connector coupled to said conductive surface for obtaining said biopotential signal and for making the signal available externally of the electrode.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
145 words
An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject, said electrode comprising: a carrier having a surface positioned contiguous with the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said carrier being electrically conductive on said surface; a plurality of spikes, each spike having a base joined to said carrier, said spikes extending from said surface of said carrier for being inserted into and below the surface of the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said spikes being electrically non-conductive and having a length of 50-250 μm for extending into a viable epidermis layer of the skin when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin; and a connector coupled to said conductive surface for obtaining said biopotential signal and for making the signal available externally of the electrode.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein the plurality of spikes comprise 100 to 10,000 spikes.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein said plurality of spikes comprise 100 to 10,000 spikes and the area of said surface of the carrier is 4 to 25 square millimeters.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein said spikes are arranged in an array and spaced 50 to 250 micrometers apart on said carrier.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein the length of the spikes is varied.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrode according to claim 23 wherein spikes are tapered from a base to a tip to facilitate skin penetration.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode of claim 28 wherein the spikes have bases adjacent the surface of the carrier and wherein said bases are up to 35 micrometers in width.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 23 further including a conductive layer located on the surface of said carrier.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 30 further including a conductive medium located between said conductive layer and the skin.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The electrode of claim 31 wherein the conductive medium contains antibacterial agents.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 31 further including a retainer for retaining the conductive medium on the conductive layer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 24 wherein the plurality of spikes comprise 400-2000 spikes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein said carrier is electrically non-conductive.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein the area of said surface of the carrier ranges from 4 to 25 square millimeters.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein the spikes have a length of 100-200 μm.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 23 further including adhesive for securing the electrode to the skin of the subject.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode of claim 38 wherein said adhesive is disposed on the carrier for securing the electrode to the skin of the subject.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 39 wherein the adhesive disposed on the carrier is applied to the carrier.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electrode of claim 39 wherein the adhesive is electrically conductive.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrode of claim 39 wherein the adhesive disposed on the carrier comprises an adhesive tape.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 23 further including an amplifier for boosting the biopotential signal obtained from the subject.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 43 wherein the amplifier is powered by a battery.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 44 wherein said amplifier and battery are incorporated in said carrier.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electrode of claim 44 wherein an open electrical circuit between the amplifier and battery is maintained by placing a removable tape across the battery and the open electrical circuit.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrode of claim 46 wherein the open electrical circuit is closed with a connection means after said tape is removed.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrode of claim 23 wherein said electrode is of unitary construction and the spikes and the carrier are made from a common material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
132 words
An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject, said electrode comprising: a carrier having a surface positioned contiguous with the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said carrier having an area ranging from 4 to 25 square millimeters, said carrier being electrically conductive on said surface; a plurality of spikes extending from said surface of said carrier for being inserted into and below the surface of the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said spikes being electrically non-conductive, said electrode having between 100 and 10,000 spikes on said carrier surface; and a connector coupled to said conductive surface for obtaining said biopotential signal and for making the signal available externally of the electrode.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
132 words
An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject, said electrode comprising: a carrier having a surface positioned contiguous with the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said carrier having an area ranging from 4 to 25 square millimeters, said carrier being electrically conductive on said surface; a plurality of spikes extending from said surface of said carrier for being inserted into and below the surface of the skin of the subject when the electrode is applied to the subject's skin, said spikes being electrically non-conductive, said electrode having between 100 and 10,000 spikes on said carrier surface; and a connector coupled to said conductive surface for obtaining said biopotential signal and for making the signal available externally of the electrode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode of claim 49 wherein said spikes are arranged in an array and spaced 50 to 250 micrometers apart on said carrier.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 49 wherein the length of the spikes ranges from 50 to 250 micrometers.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 51 wherein the length of the spikes is varied.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 51 wherein the length of the spikes ranges from 100 to 200 μm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 49 wherein the length of the spikes is varied.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrode according to claim 49 wherein spikes are tapered from a base to a tip to facilitate skin penetration.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode of claim 55 wherein the spikes have bases adjacent the surface of the carrier and wherein said bases are up to 35 micrometers in width.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 49 further including a conductive layer located on the surface of said carrier.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 57 further including a conductive medium located between said conductive layer and the skin.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
The electrode of claim 58 wherein the conductive medium contains antibacterial agents.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 58 further including a retainer for retaining the conductive medium on the conductive layer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 49 wherein said carrier is formed of an electrically non-conductive material.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 49 wherein said electrode has between 400 and 2000 spikes on said carrier surface.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electrode of claim 49 further including adhesive for securing the electrode to the skin of the subject.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode of claim 63 wherein said adhesive is disposed on the carrier for securing the electrode to the skin of the subject.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrode of claim 64 wherein the adhesive disposed on the carrier comprises an adhesive tape.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 64 wherein the adhesive disposed on the carrier is applied to the carrier.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electrode of claim 64 wherein the adhesive is electrically conductive.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 49 further including an amplifier for boosting the biopotential signal obtained from the subject.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 61 wherein the amplifier is powered by a battery.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 69 wherein said amplifier and battery are incorporated in said carrier.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electrode of claim 69 wherein an open electrical circuit between the amplifier and battery is maintained by placing a removable tape across the battery and the open electrical circuit.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrode of claim 71 wherein the open electrical circuit is closed with a connection means after said tape is removed.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrode of claim 49 wherein said electrode is of unitary construction and the spikes and the carrier are made from a common material.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for obtaining biopotential signals from a subject comprising the steps of: (a) applying an electrode having an array of spikes to the subject's skin, the spikes being electrically non-conductive having a length of 50-250 μm for penetrating into the skin to the viable epidermis, the electrode having between 100 and 10,000 spikes mounted on a carrier, the carrier and spikes presenting electrically conductive surfaces to the subject's skin, the electrode having an electrical lead; (b) establishing an electrical signal path from the skin to the conductive surfaces of the electrode; and (c) obtaining the biopotential signals from the electrical lead.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for obtaining biopotential signals from a subject comprising the steps of: (a) applying an electrode having an array of spikes to the subject's skin, the spikes being electrically non-conductive having a length of 50-250 μm for penetrating into the skin to the viable epidermis, the electrode having between 100 and 10,000 spikes mounted on a carrier, the carrier and spikes presenting electrically conductive surfaces to the subject's skin, the electrode having an electrical lead; (b) establishing an electrical signal path from the skin to the conductive surfaces of the electrode; and (c) obtaining the biopotential signals from the electrical lead.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 74 further including the step of fastening the electrode to the subject's skin.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for obtaining biopotential signals from a subject comprising the steps of: (a) applying an electrode having an array of spikes to the subject's skin, the spikes having a length of 50-250 μm for penetrating into the skin to the viable epidermis, the spikes being electrically non-conductive and mounted on a carrier having a conductive surface positioned contiguous with the subject's skin, the electrode having an electrical lead; (b) establishing an electrical signal path from the skin to the conductive surface to the carrier; and (c) obtaining the biopotential signals from the electrical lead.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for obtaining biopotential signals from a subject comprising the steps of: (a) applying an electrode having an array of spikes to the subject's skin, the spikes having a length of 50-250 μm for penetrating into the skin to the viable epidermis, the spikes being electrically non-conductive and mounted on a carrier having a conductive surface positioned contiguous with the subject's skin, the electrode having an electrical lead; (b) establishing an electrical signal path from the skin to the conductive surface to the carrier; and (c) obtaining the biopotential signals from the electrical lead.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 76 further including the step of fastening the electrode to the subject's skin.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for obtaining biopotential signals from a subject comprising the steps of: (a) applying a electrode having an array of spikes to the subject's skin so that the spikes penetrate the skin to the viable epidermis, the electrode having between 100 and 10,000 electrically non-conductive spikes extending from an electrically conductive surface of a carrier, the surface having an area of 4 to 25 square millimeters, the electrode having an electrical lead; (b) establishing an electrical signal path from the skin to the conductive surface of the carrier; and (c) obtaining the biopotential signals from the electrical lead.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for obtaining biopotential signals from a subject comprising the steps of: (a) applying a electrode having an array of spikes to the subject's skin so that the spikes penetrate the skin to the viable epidermis, the electrode having between 100 and 10,000 electrically non-conductive spikes extending from an electrically conductive surface of a carrier, the surface having an area of 4 to 25 square millimeters, the electrode having an electrical lead; (b) establishing an electrical signal path from the skin to the conductive surface of the carrier; and (c) obtaining the biopotential signals from the electrical lead.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 78 further including the step of fastening the electrode to the subject's skin.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-09-15 | 2007-03-17 | 2007-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-09-15 | 2011-03-17 | 2011-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-09-15 | 2015-03-17 | 2015-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |