Patent ID: 7742794
Filing Date: 2010-06-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A probe adapted to be used with a pulse oximeter, comprising: a flexible first housing, adapted to be brought into contact with at least a nail of a finger or a toe of a subject; a flexible second housing, adapted to be brought into contact with at least a top of the finger or the toe; a flexible connecting part, connecting the first housing and the second housing, and adapted to cover a tip end of the nail; a light emitting element, provided on one of the first housing and the second housing; and a light receiving element, provided on the other one of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing, the second housing and the connecting part are monolithically formed with flexible material comprised of resin so that the first housing and the second housing are adapted to be elastically brought into contact with a tip end portion of the finger or the toe, the elasticity of the connecting part causing the first and second housings to exert a pressure on the finger or the toe, the pressure being within a range suitable for pulse oximetry, the second housing is formed with an inclined surface adapted to be brought into contact with a pulp of the finger or the toe, and the first housing, the second housing and the connecting part are connected so as to define openings at opposite sides thereof.