Spring locked electrode connector device with multiple conductive contact and

Abstract

A novel ECG electrode connector is disclosed that is adapted to be attached to a biomedical patient electrode by a clamping or snap connection. The closed-end electrical connector includes a pair of pivotally connected members including a main connector body having two electrically conductive contacts located near one side of the ECG strut portion and a jaw pivotally connected to the main connector body and resiliently biased to a closed position. The ECG electrode connector according to the present disclosure may also be made of a radiopaque material.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 300,823, filed on January 19, 2022, entitled “SPRING LOCKING ELECTRODECONNECTOR APPARATUS WITH MULTICONDUCTIVE CONTACTIONS AND METHODS THEREOF,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electrode connectors and methods of using electrode connectors, and more particularly to electrocardiogram systems in which the electrode connectors are used to electrically connect signal conducting leads from an electrocardiogram patient monitoring system to biomedical electrodes secured to a patient.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrode connectors for attaching to biomedical patient electrodes using a closed-end electrode connector, the closed-end electrode connector comprising a main connector body and a manually actuated jaw member. The electrical connector is configured in a normally closed position, but can be adjusted to an open position by biasing the manually actuated jaw member toward the main connector body, at which time the electrode connector can be attached to the patient electrode.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrode connectors, wherein a body includes an opening to receive a post portion of a biomedical electrode therein. The jaw member in a preferred embodiment includes arcuate conductive side contacts, and in an alternative embodiment, includes a planar conductive top contact, both of which are electrically connected to a lead at one end and make optimal electrical contact with the biomedical electrode post portion when a manually actuated lever is biased to a closed position.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrode connectors, wherein in an alternative embodiment, a novel ECG electrode connector is configured to be manufactured using a radiolucent material so that the electrode connector has radiolucent properties. Background Art

[0007] When an individual is healthy, his or her heart performs an ordered sequence of steps that produce normal characteristics or properties. However, when an individual is unhealthy, these characteristics may be altered. By tracking and recording the heart's electrical activity, it is possible to potentially determine the cause or contributing factors to an individual's health problems.

[0008] To observe, measure and record the electrical activity of the heart, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) system is commonly used. An ECG system is a diagnostic tool that produces an electrocardiogram, or a graphical representation of electrical activity. An electrocardiogram records the voltage in the heart in the form of a continuous strip graph, which can be used to screen and detect cardiovascular disease.

[0009] To the trained eye, the ECG conveys considerable information about the structure of the heart and the function of its electrical conduction system. These electrocardiogram recordings are the primary tool in cardiac electrophysiology. Interpretation of these details allows for the diagnosis of a wide range of cardiac conditions. Among other things, the ECG can be used to measure the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, the effects of cardiac medications, and the function of implanted pacemakers.

[0010] In addition, the ECG can help determine whether the heart is functioning normally or has an abnormality, while also indicating acute or previous damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack, from insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle (such as angina), or from conduction abnormalities (such as heart or branch blockages). The ECG can also be used to detect potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other electrolyte disorders, and can be used as a screening tool for ischemic heart disease during exercise tolerance testing. Along these lines, the ECG can be used to provide information about the physical condition of the heart during stress testing, and can be used to diagnose other non-cardiac conditions.

[0011] Typically, an ECG is constructed by measuring the electrical potentials between various points on the body using a high impedance differential amplifier or some other measurement device and electrodes attached to locations on the patient's body.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, leads are placed for measurements on the limbs from right to left arm, right arm to left leg, and left arm to left leg, creating an imaginary point in the center of the chest above the heart. Other measurements are derived from the potentials between this chest location and the three limb leads and six precordial leads, resulting in up to twelve leads in total.

[0013] Typically, ECG systems typically rely on electrodes placed in these and other specific locations on the patient to detect the electrical pulses generated by the heart during each heartbeat. These electrical pulses are detected by the electrodes and transmitted to the ECG monitor via multiple leads, each of which terminates in a conductive electrode connector that physically connects to one of the electrodes, creating an electrical connection from the patient to the monitor. Since these electrical signals are weak, typically ranging from 0.5mV to 2.0mV, every aspect of the system must perform well, in other words, it must be able to acquire and send the signal without too much signal loss as it propagates across the system, it must be able to be less sensitive to noise caused by motion, etc., in order to accurately capture important information.

[0014] The electrode connector may be attached to a post portion of a biomedical patient electrode that is secured to the patient in one of two ways, by using a clamp connection or by using a snap or press connection.

[0015] Examples of connector electrodes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,226,680 and 10,010,257 to Kendricks, which disclose an improved ECG electrode connector adapted to be attached to a biomedical patient electrode by a clamping or snap-on connection. The closed-end electrical connector includes: a pair of pivotally connected members including a main connector body having a conductive plate defining an electrode post receiving aperture and disposed adjacent its bottom surface; and a clamp pivotally connected thereto and resiliently biased to a closed position. The clamp is adapted to have an inclined surface for urging the clamp to open by engagement of the top surface of the ECG post portion, thereby allowing the connector to be attached by snap-on engagement. The conductive plate defines an irregular, generally elliptical opening that allows the electrode post to be inserted through a wide portion of the opening and retained by a narrow portion of the opening. Positioning the conductive plate at the bottom of the connector allows the connector to maximize electrical contact with the electrode post. The ECG electrode connector according to the present disclosure may also be made of a radiolucent material.

[0016] Additional examples of ECG electrode connectors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,484 to Selvitelli et al. and its various continuation applications, which disclose an ECG electrode lead connector that provides an improved electrical and mechanical connection of an ECG electrode press post to a lead, provides enhanced ergonomics for clinicians, and can alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector can be engaged and disengaged with little or no force applied to the patient or ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of accidental displacement of the pad. In one embodiment, the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever that securely engages the press post to the connector and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a button to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector with the ECG post. The disclosed connector can also reduce clinician fatigue and can provide more reliable ECG results.

[0017] Another example of a clamping connector is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,178,052 to Ekbom, which discloses a medical terminal clamp having a main body member with a longitudinal axis and a pair of laterally spaced leg members extending generally in the longitudinal direction and pivotally connected for relative movement. Each spaced leg member forms a variable-spaced electrode container on one side of the pivot connection. A beryllium copper conductive member is embedded in the main body member and is formed by a metal strip bent into an approximately M-shape, with side flanges on the leg members to provide additional strength. A shielding member or blocking member extends between the approximate ends of the leg members at least on the other side of the pivot connection, while allowing relative movement of the leg members. The shielding member is designed to close the longitudinal passage leading to the space between the leg members, thereby preventing any misalignment of the terminal clamp member due to being stuck on an external object (such as other terminal wires).

[0018] Among other disadvantages, open-ended connectors have a tendency to snag or snag lead wires that happen to be between the openings between the jaws. When a wire becomes snagged, the connector or the entire connector and electrode assembly may be accidentally dislodged from the patient.

[0019] To avoid this problem, another class of electrode connectors is referred to as "closed end" electrode connectors. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,223 to Zenkich discloses an electrical connector for a cable and electrode assembly having a resilient conductive wire having two ends and an expandable polygonal ring therebetween, the ends of the conductive wire being embedded in a handle assembly consisting of two handles with a ring around a hinge between the two handles. The conductive cable is connected to one of the wire ends within one of the handles and has a plug on the other end for insertion into a monitoring instrument receptacle. Connection of the cable to the electrode is achieved by movement of the handles of the electrical connector toward each other, which causes the ring to expand so as to fit over the electrode, and releasing the handles causes the ring to contract and engage the electrode.

[0020] Depending on the healthcare environment, an open-ended or closed-ended clamp connector may be preferred. Either way, there continues to be a need for improvements in the field of electrode connectors for ECG and EKG systems that maximize the advantages of clamp connectors while minimizing or eliminating the disadvantages of existing electrode connectors. Summary of the invention

[0021] The present disclosure generally relates to electrode connectors and methods of patient monitoring and reporting using electrode connectors. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electrocardiogram systems in which the electrode connectors are used to electrically connect signal conducting leads from an electrocardiogram patient monitoring system to biomedical electrodes fixed to a patient.

[0022] The present disclosure improves the field of electrode connectors and overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art by providing an improved ECG electrode connector suitable for attachment to a biomedical patient electrode or post using a novel clamp-type connection. According to a preferred embodiment, a closed-end electrical connector includes a main connector body and a manually actuated clamp member, the manually actuated clamp member including a lever pivotally connected thereto. The electrode connector can be configured to an open position by applying a force on the lever of the manually actuated clamp member toward the main connector body, however the lever is typically biased to a closed configuration by a biasing member.

[0023] The main connector body includes an opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and is used to receive the pillar portion of the biomedical electrode therein. The main connector body of the connector electrode includes a clamping fork and a bottom surface defining a recessed portion. The jaw member includes an arc-shaped conductive side contact and a planar conductive top contact disposed within the jaw member. The conductive side contact and the conductive top contact are both electrically connected to the lead at one end and are positioned and configured to make optimal electrical contact with the pillar portion of the biomedical electrode when the manual actuation lever is biased to the closed position.

[0024] Positioning both the conductive side contacts and the conductive top contact within the jaw member, opposite the clamping fork, allows the connector to maximize electrical contact with the electrode post portion by increasing the number of electrical contact points between the electrode connector and the electrode post portion when the electrode connector is biased to the closed position. One of the goals of optimized electrical contact is to reduce signal artifacts associated with patient motion, among other things.

[0025] The preferred embodiment discloses a clamping clip arrangement, but alternative embodiments may include a beveled lower edge and a snap-fit ​​engagement. Various biasing members and structures are disclosed so that the electrode connector for ECG monitoring according to the present disclosure may also be made of a radiolucent material.

[0026] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an advancement in the art of ECG patient monitoring by providing an improved electrode connector for establishing optimal electrical communication with ECG biomedical electrodes to facilitate transmission of signals to an ECG monitoring device.

[0027] In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1A A top perspective view showing an electrode connector associated with a biomedical patient electrode shown according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 1Bshows a top perspective view showing an electrode connector associated with a biomedical patient electrode according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 1C shows a bottom perspective view showing an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 An electrode connector according to the present disclosure is shown attached in use to a biomedical electrode, the biomedical electrode being attached to a patient;

[0032] Figure 3A shows an exploded top perspective view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3B shows an exploded top perspective view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3C shows an exploded bottom perspective view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3D shows an exploded bottom perspective view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4A shows an exploded side view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4B shows an exploded side view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4C shows an exploded side view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4D shows an exploded side view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5A shows a top view of an end view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure showing actuation of a movable jaw in an open position;

[0041] Figure 5B shows a top view of an end view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure showing actuation of a movable jaw in a biased open position;

[0042] Figure 5C shows a top view of an end view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure showing actuation of a movable jaw in a closed position;

[0043] Figure 5D shows a top view of an end view of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure showing actuation of a movable jaw in a biased closed position;

[0044] Fig. 6A shows a bottom perspective view of a movable jaw member of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6B shows a bottom perspective view of a movable jaw member of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6C shows a bottom perspective view of a main connector body of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 7A shows a cutaway cross-sectional view illustrating electrical contact between contacts of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure and a post portion of a biomedical patient electrode;

[0048] Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional cutaway view illustrating electrical contact between a plurality of contacts of an electrode connector according to the present disclosure and a post portion of a biomedical patient electrode; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, conditions or parameters described and / or illustrated herein, and that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments by way of example and are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure. Any and all patents and other publications noted in this specification are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0050] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate preferred and alternative embodiments of an electrode or electrical connector, generally designated 10, for use with a biomedical patient electrode or post 12 of a type commonly used in EKG / ECG monitoring (hereinafter referred to as "ECG"). For ease of reference, Figure 1A , Figure 1C , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3C , Figure 4A , Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5C , Fig. 6A , Figure 6C and Fig. 7A Generally speaking, a preferred embodiment of an electrode connector including a single contact 64 is described. Figure 1B Figure 1D Figure 2 , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 4B , Figure 4D , Figure 5B , Figure 5D , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 7B Generally directed to alternative embodiments of electrode connectors including a plurality of contacts 64, 68. Another alternative embodiment disclosed herein is an electrode connector including a second conductive contact 68 without a first conductive contact 64.

[0051] For example, the Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Top view) and Figure 1B (bottom view), the present disclosure provides an improved closed-end ECG electrode connector 10 that is particularly suitable for attachment to a biomedical patient electrode 12, as more fully described herein.

[0052] Figure 1A , 1B 1C shows a biomedical electrode 12 having an upwardly protruding electrode post 14, which includes a radially enlarged electrode base 16, a post neck 18 and a post head 20. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the electrode connector 10 is in electrical communication with an elongated flexible conductive lead 22 extending therefrom and is used to transmit biomedical electrical signals to a patient monitoring system (not shown). The structure of the electrode connector 10 may alternatively be made of a radiolucent material, such as a suitable plastic, polymer or carbon, particularly if intended to be radiolucent.

[0053] 1-7 generally depict preferred and alternative embodiments of an electrode connector 10 according to the present disclosure. The electrode connector 10 preferably includes a main connector body 24 and a resiliently biased, movable lever-actuated jaw member 26 pivotally connected to the main connector body 24 via a pivot connection 28, such as a pivot pin. Figures 1A-1C Top and bottom views of the electrode connector are shown. Figures 3A-3D Exploded top and bottom views of the electrode connector are shown. Figures 4A-4D An exploded side view of the electrode connector is shown. Figures 5A-5D A top view of the electrode connector is shown when in an open position and a closed position. Figures 6A-6C A perspective view of the jaw member and connector body of an electrode connector is shown. Figure 7A-7B A cross-sectional view of the closed electrode connector around the post portion 12 is shown.

[0054] The main connector body 24 includes a first main connector opening 30 and a second main connector opening 32, which are configured to receive the pivot connection 28. Similarly, the jaw member 26 includes a first jaw member opening 34 and a second jaw member opening 36, which are configured to interleave with the first main connector body opening 30 and the second main connector body opening 32 and receive the pivot connection 28, thereby connecting the main connector body 24 and the jaw member 26. The pivot connection 28 can be configured to be press-fit into the rear opening at the bottom of the main connector body 24, or the pivot connection 28 can be configured to fit into the pivot connection end cap or molding 29.

[0055] The main connector body 24 also includes a clamping fork 62 that is configured and positioned to help optimize electrical connectivity with the electrode support portion 14. The retaining hole can be of different shapes, but in a preferred embodiment, the clamping fork 62 is arcuate. In use, when the electrode connector 10 is in the open position ( Figure 5A and 5B ), the electrode support portion 14 is located in the opening 46. When the electrode connector 10 is moved to the closed position ( Figure 5C and 5D ), the electrode post portion 14 is pushed or forced toward the first conductive contact 64 by the clamping fork, thereby holding the electrode post portion 14 against the first conductive contact 64 and maintaining the electrode post portion 14 in an optimal position for optimal electrical contact.

[0056] The movable jaw member 26 preferably includes a jaw member main portion 40 and a jaw member lever portion 42. The jaw member main portion 40 and the jaw member lever portion 42 may be separate to simplify assembly of the electrode connector 10, but may also be combined into an integral jaw member 26 depending on design or function. For ease of reference, the jaw member 26 will be described and referred to herein as two parts, the jaw member main portion 40 and the jaw member lever portion 42, unless specific reference is made to one or the other.

[0057] As described herein, the movable jaw member 26 is biased to the closed position such that if no force is applied to the lever portion 42 of the jaw member 26, the electrode connector 10 will be biased to its closed configuration, such as Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The main connector body 24 and the jaw member 26 pivot relative to each other about a pivot connection 28 .

[0058] The present disclosure also includes a bottom side 44 of the main connector body 24 having a closed end defining an opening 46 that extends completely through the connector, i.e., from top to bottom. The opening 46 is used to receive the post portion 14 of the biomedical patient electrode 12. Providing the electrode connector 10 with a closed end avoids potential entanglement with one or more leads 22, thereby preventing inadvertent separation of the patient electrode 12 and / or the electrode connector 10. The opening 46 can also be used to facilitate installation of the electrode connector 10 by providing a line of sight through the electrode connector 10 (around the alternative second conductive contact 68, if present) to help the user align the electrode connector 10 with the biomedical electrode post portion 14.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the jaw member 26 is biased to a closed position in which the electrode connector 10 engages the post portion 14 as described herein, and in which the jaw member 26 can be manually actuated to a closed position as described herein. Figure 5A and 5B Disengaged or open position shown. Figures 3A-3D 4A-4D are exploded perspective views of an electrode connector 10 as disclosed herein.

[0060] A biasing member 48, such as a torsion spring, is included within the electrode connector 10 to provide a biasing force for maintaining the electrode connector 10 in the closed configuration. The biasing member or spring 48 has opposing first and second legs 50, 52 that are connected to or abut each of the body 24 and the jaw member 26, respectively.

[0061] Although a coil-type spring 48 is shown, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable biasing device 48. In alternative embodiments where the electrode connector 10 is configured to be radiolucent, the spring 48 may be made of a radiolucent material, such as silicone, rubber, plastic, or other suitable radiolucent elastic material. More specifically, in contemplated alternative embodiments, a block of elastic material (e.g., silicone or another suitable elastic radiolucent material) may be used in place of the spring 48 to bias the jaw member 26 to a closed position or configuration.

[0062] Jaw member 26 includes a rear portion 54 defining a lever actuation structure (which may be part of a separate lever 42) and a front portion 56 forming a jaw that defines an interior concave surface forming a recess 58. Concave surface 58 is for receiving and engaging head 20 and / or neck 18 of electrode post portion 14.

[0063] As described above, the jaw member 26 further defines at least one and preferably a pair of aligned openings 34, 36 disposed between the respective front and rear portions 56, 54 for receiving the pivot connection 28. The rear portion 54 defines an outer concave surface and serves as a finger receiving actuation structure whereby a user can use a finger or thumb to actuate the jaw member 26 as shown in FIG. Figure 5C and 5D The shutdown configuration shown is similar to Figure 5A and 5B The lever member 54 is manually manipulated between the open configurations shown. The front portion 56 serves as a movable jaw and includes a recess 58 that functions in the closed configuration to secure the post portion 14 of the patient electrode 12 in mechanical and electrical engagement, as described more fully herein.

[0064] In addition, the recessed portion 60 terminates within the recess 58 at or near the clamping forks 62. The clamping forks 62 are used to engage the neck 18 of the patient electrode 12 when the jaws 26 are spring biased closed. As described above, the clamping forks 62 are positioned to engage and force the post portion 14 toward the first conductive contact 64 so that face-to-face electrical contact is made between the first conductive contact 64 and the neck 18 of the patient electrode 12, thereby significantly increasing the electrical surface area contact.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure allows for a front portion 56 having an inclined surface that acts to urge the jaw member 26 to an open configuration when engaged with the head 14 of the biomedical electrode 12, thereby allowing the electrode connector 10 to be secured to the patient electrode 12 by a snap connection. The inclined surface terminates at a radially protruding lip within the recess 58. The lip is used to engage the lower portion of the head 20 when the jaw 26 is spring biased closed. The lip can be positioned to engage the post portion 14 at the lower portion of the head 20 and thereby force the post portion 14 upward toward the first conductive contact 64, so that face-to-face electrical contact is made between the first conductive contact 64 and the patient electrode 12, thereby significantly increasing the electrical surface area contact.

[0066] At about the same time that the first conductive contact 64 makes electrical contact with the patient electrode 12, in an alternative embodiment, the second conductive contact 68 is positioned and configured to engage and contact the top side 70 of the post portion 14. In this way, the bottom side 72 of the second conductive contact 68 will slide over and make electrical connection with the top side 70 of the post portion 14. The fine-tuned overlapping post portion retention feature between the contact areas of the main connector body 24 and the movable jaw member 26 is designed to prevent the post portion 14 from easily disengaging if there is an incidental force on the clamping that causes the movable jaw member 26 to move (but not fully open).

[0067] As described herein, the main connector body 24 also includes a clamping fork 62 that is configured and positioned to help optimize the electrical connectivity between the electrode post portion 14 and the first conductive contact 64, and alternatively, to help optimize the electrical connectivity between the electrode post portion 14 and the second conductive contact 68. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping fork 62 is arc-shaped. When the electrode connector 10 is in the open position, the electrode post portion 14 can be inserted and positioned in the electrode connector opening 46.

[0068] When the electrode connector 10 is closed, the electrode post 14 is forced into its tightly held position for optimal electrical contact between the electrode post 14 and the first conductive contact 64, and in an alternative embodiment, for optimal electrical contact between the electrode post 14 and the second conductive contact 68. This configuration optimizes electrical conductivity when the electrode connector 10 is in the closed position.

[0069] The first conductive contact 64 and the alternative second conductive contact 68 are both disposed within the jaw member 26 of the electrode connector 10 and may be separate contact portions or may be a single contact with different contact ends. In either case, the first conductive contact 64 and the second conductive contact 68 are in electrical communication with the lead 22 when in use, and the lead 22 enters the electrode connector through the movable jaw member 26.

[0070] The first conductive contact 64 and the second conductive contact 68 are made of conductive material. The first conductive contact 64 terminates in an arc shape to make an optimal electrical connection with the neck 18 of the pillar portion 14. In addition to the arc shape, alternative shapes of the clamping fork 62 and the first conductive contact 64 include V-shape, square, triangle and any other shape, which will increase the engagement of the clamping fork 62 and the pillar portion 14 on the one hand, and increase the electrical connection between the first conductive contact 64 and the neck 18 of the pillar portion 14 on the other hand. The second conductive contact 68 can be alternatively configured in a flat shape to make an optimal electrical connection with the top of the head 20 of the pillar portion 14.

[0071] An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an electrode connector 10 adapted to engage a biomedical patient electrode 12 via a snap-fit ​​connection. According to this aspect of the present disclosure, the jaw member 26 includes an inclined lower surface along the peripheral edge of the recess 58, which serves to force the jaw member 26 open when in contact with the head 20 of the post portion 14, so that the electrode connector 10 can be secured to the electrode 12 via a press connection, wherein the user only uses the line of sight provided by the connector opening 46 to align the post portion 14 and only presses downward on the electrode connector 10, whereby the inclined surface minimizes the force required to move the jaw member 26 to overcome the spring biasing force 48 so that the post portion 14 can pass thereover. Minimizing the required pressing force is an important feature because it prevents patient discomfort.

[0072] Therefore, the present disclosure contemplates a variety of methods for securing the novel electrode connector 10 to the biomedical patient electrode 12. The first method, the clamping clamp method, utilizes the lever portion 42 of the jaw member 26. After the biomedical patient electrode 12 is applied to the human body, such as Figure 2 As shown, the user can hold the electrode connector 10 by placing the thumb and index finger on the lever portion 42 of the main connector body 24 and the jaw member 26 so that the bottom side 44 of the main connector body faces away from the user. The user can then align the electrode connector 10 with the electrode post portion 14 by viewing the head 20 of the electrode post portion 14 through the opening 46 in the main connector body 24.

[0073] Next, the user presses the lever portion 42 of the movable jaw member 26 toward the main connector body 24 to overcome the biasing force generated by the biasing member 48. Once the biasing force is overcome, the electrode connector 10 will be Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The shutdown configuration shown moves to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The user can now place the opening 46 over the head 20 of the electrode post 14 and release the lever portion 42, thereby reducing the force against the biasing member 48 and returning the electrode connector 10 to its closed position or configuration, but this time with the first conductive contact 64 and the second conductive contact 68 (if used) making optimal electrical contact with the post neck 18 and top side 70 of the electrode post 14, respectively.

[0074] An alternative method for securing the novel electrode connector 10 to the biomedical patient electrode 12, namely a snap or press method, utilizes the angled surface of the main connector body 24. Again, the user holds the electrode connector 10 so that the bottom side 44 of the main connector body 24 is aligned with the electrode post portion 14. The electrode connector 10 is then snapped or pressed onto the biomedical patient electrode 12 as described herein.

[0075] Next, the user presses the opening 46 over the head 20 of the electrode post 14 so that the inclined surface will help overcome the biasing force created by the biasing member 48, thereby pushing the electrode connector 10 into the open position. Once the biasing force is similarly overcome, the opening 46 in the electrode connector 10 will allow the electrode post 14 to enter the opening 46. The force against the biasing member 48 will then decrease, and the electrode connector 10 will return to its closed position, again with the first conductive contact 64 and the second conductive contact 68 (if used) making optimal electrical contact with the post neck 18 and top side 70 of the electrode post 14, respectively. Once completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, a biomedical patient electrode 12 may be applied to a patient.

[0076] To remove the electrode connector 10 from the electrode post portion 14, the user can press the lever portion 42 of the movable jaw member 26 toward the main connector body 24 to overcome the biasing force generated by the biasing member 48. Once the biasing force is overcome, the electrode connector 10 will again move from the closed configuration to the open configuration and can be easily removed from contact with the electrode post portion 14.

[0077] As described herein, an alternative embodiment of an electrode connector 10 according to the present disclosure includes the electrode connector 10 described above, wherein the electrode connector 10 includes the first conductive contact 64 and the second conductive contact 68. Another alternative embodiment of an electrode connector 10 according to the present disclosure includes the electrode connector 10 described above, wherein the electrode connector 10 includes only the second conductive contact 68.

[0078] Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure also include the possibility of providing a front portion 56 with an inclined surface that acts to urge the jaw member 26 to an open configuration when engaged with the head 14 of the biomedical electrode 12, thereby allowing the electrode connector 10 to be secured to the patient electrode 12 by a snap connection. Likewise, the inclined surface terminates at a radially protruding lip within the recess 58. The lip is used to engage the lower portion of the head 20 when the spring bias of the jaw 26 is closed. The lip can be positioned to engage the post portion 14 at the lower portion of the head 20, thereby forcing the post portion 14 upward toward the first conductive contact 64, thereby significantly increasing the electrical surface area contact.

[0079] The first conductive contact 64 is disposed within the electrode connector 10 and is in electrical communication with the lead 22. The first conductive contact 64 preferably comprises an arc-shaped contact made of a conductive material.

[0080] Another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure again includes the possibility of providing the front portion 56 with an inclined surface that acts to urge the jaw member 26 to an open configuration when engaged with the head 14 of the biomedical electrode 12, thereby allowing the electrode connector 10 to be secured to the patient electrode 12 by a clamping connection or a snap connection. The second alternative embodiment does not include the first conductive contact 64, but rather only includes the second conductive contact 68, which is positioned and configured to engage and contact the top side 70 of the post portion 14. In this way, the bottom side 72 of the second conductive contact 68 will slide over the top side 70 of the post portion 14 and make electrical connection with the top side 70 of the post portion 14.

[0081] The second conductive contact 68 is disposed within the electrode connector 10 and is in electrical communication with the lead 22. The second conductive contact 68 preferably comprises one or more plates made of a conductive material. In addition, the material used may include a compressible conductive material, such as a conductive foam or rubber material, which provides a wider contact area with the support column 14.

[0082] In another alternative embodiment, the electrode connector 10 is made of a radiolucent material and the electrode connector 10 is intended to be radiolucent. The main connector body 24 and all parts of the main connector body 24 can be made of a radiolucent material. In addition, the jaw member 26 and all parts of the jaw member 26 can be made of a radiolucent material. The first conductive contact 64 and the second conductive contact 68 can be made of a radiolucent material, otherwise they can be made of a suitable conductive metal material, such as steel or copper.

[0083] Another novel aspect and yet another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to providing an electrode connector 10 adapted for improved electrical connection with a biomedical electrode 12. This aspect is most important in embodiments where the entire electrode is made of radiolucent material, particularly including the first and second conductive contacts 64, 68 (or one or the other alone) that contact the patient electrode 12, because the electrical conductivity between the radiolucent contacts 64, 68 and the patient electrode 12 is less than the electrical conductivity between the metal plate and the patient electrode 12. Therefore, maximizing the surface contact area between the radiolucent contacts and the patient electrode 12 is critical to ensure optimal signal detection and transmission.

[0084] The present disclosure has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the present disclosure and obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art.

[0085] As used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural, and references to a particular value include at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from a particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about", it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0086] Various embodiments are described herein for various devices, systems and / or methods. Many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture and use of the embodiments described in the specification and shown in the drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known operations, parts and elements are not described in detail to avoid blurring the embodiments described in the specification. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and it will therefore be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, which are limited only by the appended claims.

[0087] Along these lines, references throughout the specification to "alternative embodiments," "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "in an alternative embodiment," "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment," etc., appearing throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0088] In addition, specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Therefore, specific features, structures or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part with features, structures or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation, as long as such combination is not illogical or non-functional.

[0089] Although many embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0090] All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting, especially with respect to the position, orientation, or use of any aspect of the present disclosure.

[0091] As used herein, the phrases "configured to," "configured for," and similar phrases indicate that a subject device, apparatus, or system is designed and / or constructed (e.g., by appropriate hardware, software, and / or components) to achieve one or more specific target purposes, rather than that the subject device, apparatus, or system is only capable of performing the target purposes. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0092] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0093] Any patent, publication or other public material, whether in whole or in part, allegedly incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other public materials set forth in this disclosure. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof allegedly incorporated herein by reference but conflicting with existing definitions, statements or other public materials described herein will be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated material and the existing public materials.

Claims

1. An electrode connector for establishing an electrical connection with a biomedical patient electrode, the biomedical patient electrode having an electrode post protruding upward from a top surface thereof, the post comprising a radially enlarged base, a post neck, a post head, and a top of the post head, the connector comprising: a main connector body including a retaining portion and having a first main connector opening and a second main connector opening, the main connector body defining an end closure structure having an opening extending through the main connector body; a jaw member pivotably connected to the main connector body, the jaw member having a first jaw member opening and a second jaw member opening; The jaw member further includes a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact, the first conductive contact being configured to be in conductive contact with a portion of the post portion when the connector is attached to the post portion, and the second conductive contact being configured to be in conductive contact with a portion of the post portion when the connector is attached to the post portion; the body and the jaw member being pivotably connected to each other through the first and second main connector openings and the first and second jaw member openings using a pivot connection; The body and the jaw member are configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; A biasing member engages the main connector body and the jaw member and biases the members to the closed configuration.

2. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive contact is an arc-shaped contact.

3. The electrode connector according to claim 2, wherein: The arcuate contact is configured to contact the post neck when the body and the jaw member are moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

4. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein: The second conductive contact is a planar contact.

5. The electrode connector according to claim 4, wherein: The planar contact is configured to contact the top of the post head when the body and jaw member are moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

6. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein: The biasing member includes a spring.

7. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein: The biasing member includes a resilient material.

8. The electrode connector according to claim 7, wherein: The elastic material is radiolucent.

9. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining aperture is oval in shape.

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