Patent ID: 6961603
Filing Date: 2005-11-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A unitary, multi-electrode sensor for detecting biopotential signals from the skin of a subject, said sensor comprising: a base member formed of a non-conductive material and having a surface suitable for being placed in contiguity with the skin of the subject; a plurality of electrode areas defined in said surface of said base member, each of said electrode areas having a plurality of spikes extending therefrom for penetrating the skin of the subject when the sensor is placed on the skin of the subject, said spikes and the electrode areas defined in said base member comprising an integral structure of a common material, said common material possessing structural properties and being formed such that said spikes have sufficient stiffness to penetrate the subject's skin, the electrode areas have sufficient stiffness to support and stabilize said spikes, and the portions of said base member not occupied by said electrode areas are more flexible than said electrode areas to facilitate placement of the sensor on the skin of the subject; an electrically conductive coating applied at least to said spikes of each of said electrode areas to form a biopotential signal electrode from each of said electrode areas on said surface of said base member; and an electrical lead electrically coupled to the spikes of each of said electrodes for providing biopotential signals from said electrodes.