Apparatus and method for detecting an abdominal electrophysiological signal

Abstract

The invention concerns a multi-electrode patch for abdominal electrophysiological detection. The patch has a flexible substrate interconnecting multiple electrodes and a module unit for removably engaging with an electronic readout device for detecting a maternal and/or fetal electrophysiological signal from the electrodes. The module has a mechanical module unit for removable mechanical engagement with a housing of the readout device, and an electrical module unit for making an electrical connection from the electrodes to the readout device. Engaging the patch with the readout device comprises engaging both the mechanical module unit and the electrical module unit. The patch may be flexible in a manner that allows variation in the relative positioning between the electrodes. The patch and/or electronic readout device may comprise a security device for communication of an authentication code.

1 - 71 . (canceled) 
     
     
         72 . A multi-electrode patch for abdominal detection of maternal and/or fetal electrophysiological signals, the patch comprising:
 a flexible substrate interconnecting a plurality of electrodes; and   a module unit connected to the flexible substrate and configured to removably engage an electronic readout device for detecting a maternal and/or fetal electrophysiological signal from the electrodes;   wherein the module unit comprises a mechanical module unit for removable mechanical engagement with a housing of the readout device, and an electrical module unit comprising at least one resiliently deformable contact for making an electrical connection from the electrodes to the readout device.   
     
     
         73 . The patch of  claim 72 , wherein the at least one resiliently deformable contact is a spring-loaded contact pin. 
     
     
         74 . The patch of  claim 73 , wherein each spring-loaded contact pin is configured to contact a corresponding connection on the housing of the readout device when the module unit is fully engaged with the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         75 . The patch of  claim 72 , further comprising an O ring seal around the electrical module that engages the housing of the readout device when the module unit is fully engaged with the housing of the readout device to prevent the ingress of fluid. 
     
     
         76 . The patch of  claim 75 , wherein the electrical module unit includes a plurality of resiliently deformable contacts arranged within the O ring. 
     
     
         77 . The patch of  claim 72 , wherein the module unit further comprises a waterproof seal that isolates the at least one resiliently deformable contact to prevent the ingress of fluid. 
     
     
         78 . The patch of  claim 77 , wherein the waterproof seal surrounds the electrical module unit. 
     
     
         79 . The patch of  claim 78 , wherein the waterproof seal surrounds each of the at least one resiliently deformable contact. 
     
     
         80 . The patch of  claim 77 , wherein the waterproof seal is a compression seal configured such that mechanical engagement of the readout device by the module unit compresses the waterproof seal against the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         81 . The patch of  claim 80 , wherein the mechanical module unit comprises a cradle that slidably engages the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         82 . The patch of  claim 80 , wherein the mechanical module unit further comprises a magnet that engages a corresponding magnet on the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         83 . A system for abdominal detection of maternal and/or fetal electrophysiological signals, the system comprising:
 a plurality of electrodes;   a flexible substrate interconnecting the plurality of electrodes;   an electronic readout device for receiving a maternal and/or fetal electrophysiological signal from the electrodes; and   a module unit connected to the flexible substrate and configured to removably engage the readout device, wherein the module unit comprises a mechanical module unit for removable mechanical engagement with a housing of the readout device, and an electrical module unit comprising at least one resiliently deformable contact for making an electrical connection from the electrodes to the readout device.   
     
     
         84 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein the readout device is configured to amplify and filter at least one signal from the electrodes and comprises:
 an electrical power source for storing and providing electrical power to the readout device;   a housing having a mechanical module unit for mechanical engagement with the mechanical module unit connected to the patch; and   an electrical module unit for electrical engagement with the electrical module unit connected to the patch.   
     
     
         85 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the at least one resiliently deformable contact is configured to contact a connection on the electrical module unit of the readout device when the module unit is fully engaged with the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         86 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein the at least one resiliently deformable contact includes at least one contact point mounted on a resiliently deformable element. 
     
     
         87 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein the at least one resiliently deformable contact is a spring-loaded contact pin. 
     
     
         88 . The system of  claim 83 , further comprising an O ring seal around the electrical module that engages the housing of the readout device when the module unit is fully engaged with the housing of the readout device to prevent the ingress of fluid. 
     
     
         89 . The system of  claim 88 , wherein the electrical module unit includes a plurality of resiliently deformable contacts arranged within the O ring. 
     
     
         90 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein the mechanical module unit comprises a cradle that slidably engages the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         91 . The patch of  claim 83 , wherein the mechanical module unit comprises a magnet that engages a corresponding magnet on the housing of the readout device. 
     
     
         92 . The system of  claim 91 , wherein the module unit further comprises a waterproof seal that isolates the at least one resiliently deformable contact to prevent the ingress of fluid. 
     
     
         93 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein the waterproof seal is a compression seal configured such that mechanical engagement of the readout device by the module unit compresses the waterproof seal against the housing of the readout device.