Sensing apparatus and process

Abstract

A sensing apparatus with a connector, a sensor lead and a sensor module with a spacer placed over electrodes that have been deposited on a substrate. The spacer may have a space for receiving an enzyme. End portions of the sensor module may be encapsulated, such as with molded beads. A sensor lead may attach to the sensor module and may have an outer tubing that passes over the module and attaches to the beads at the end of the sensor module. The sensor lead may also attach to the connector such that the sensing apparatus may be electrically coupled to a pump, electronics or other devices. The sensing apparatus may be implanted into a vein or artery.

1 . A sensing apparatus comprising: 
 a cable having a first end, a second end and a core, wherein the core extends from the first end of the cable to the second end of the cable and wherein the core defines an outer diameter within which no electrical conduction occurs;    a connector residing at the first end of the cable;    a sensor module residing at the second end of the cable;    a conductive element extending from the connector to the sensor module and electrically coupled to at least one of said connector and sensor module, wherein the conductive element is helically wrapped around at least a substantial length of the outer diameter of the core between the connector and the sensor.    
     
     
         2 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cable, and the sensor module are unidiametrical; and wherein the diameter of the connector is no greater than the diameter of the cable and sensor module.  
     
     
         3 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cable comprises 
 a first tubing covering the core and the conductive element.    
     
     
         4 . sensing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the core is polyester.  
     
     
         5 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the conductive element is a ribbon cable.  
     
     
         6 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the conductive element includes wires.  
     
     
         7 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the wires are welded to the connector and the sensor module.  
     
     
         8 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the wires are crimped to the connector.  
     
     
         9 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the wires are platinum.  
     
     
         10 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first tubing is radio opaque.  
     
     
         11 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 3 , further comprising a second tubing covering the first tubing.  
     
     
         12 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein a window is cut into the second tubing.  
     
     
         13 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor module comprises a first end and a second end.  
     
     
         14 - 16 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         17 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an enzyme within the sensor module.  
     
     
         18 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the enzyme is glucose oxidase.  
     
     
         19 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the enzyme is human serum albumin.  
     
     
         20 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the enzyme is a protein matrix.  
     
     
         21 . A method of making a sensing apparatus comprising 
 obtaining a connector;    obtaining a cable, wherein the cable has a core;    obtaining a sensor module;    attaching a first end of the cable to the connector;    attaching a second end of the cable to the sensor modules;    extending a conductive element from the connector to the sensor module, wherein the conductive element is electrically coupled to at least one of said connector and sensor module; and    helically wrapping the conductive element around a substantial lenth of the outer diameter of the core between the connector and the sensor module, wherein the core extends from the first end of the cable to the second end of the cable, and wherein the core defines an outer diameter within which no electrical conduction occurs.    
     
     
         22 - 23 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         24 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the core is made from shock absorptive material.  
     
     
         25 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 24 , wherein the shock absorptive material is selected from the following group: Kevlar®, Dacron® and polyester.  
     
     
         26 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least a substantial length of the core is the entire length of the core.  
     
     
         27 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor module further comprises a spacing element.  
     
     
         28 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor module further comprises a first spacing element and a second spacing element, the first spacing element being configured to couple with the second spacing element; and wherein the first spacing element comprises a floor, the floor of the first spacing element being configured to allow the passage of oxygen.  
     
     
         29 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the core further comprises an insulating material.  
     
     
         30 . A sensing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said core is solid.