Patent ID: 6843771

Claim:
An ultrasonic monitor for measuring pulse rate values in a living subject, comprising: a) at least one source of ultrasonic energy; b) a gel pad comprised of a polymer and from about 50 to about 95% by weight of an ultrasound conductive diluent, wherein said polymer is characterized by having i) needle penetration from about 5 to about 300 ({fraction (1/10)} mm) according to ASTM D15; ii) tensile strength from about 5 to about 500 psi according to ASTM D412; and iii) elongation from about 50% to about 800% according to ASTM D412; wherein said gel pad is positioned directly between the energy source and the living subject; c) an ultrasonic energy detector; and d) associated hardware and software for detecting, calculating and displaying a readout of the measured rate values.