Duo connector patient cable

Abstract

A patient cable has a duo sensor connector having a first socket section and a second socket section. The first socket section is configured to removably attach a two-wavelength sensor. The second socket section in conjunction with the first socket section is configured to removably attach a multiple wavelength sensor in lieu of the two-wavelength sensor. A circuit housed in the duo sensor connector converts emitter array drive signals adapted for the multiple wavelength sensor into back-to-back emitter drive signals adapted for the two-wavelength sensor when attached.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A patient cable for connecting a patient monitor to an optical sensor comprising:
 a duo connector means for establishing communications between a monitor and one of a two-wavelength sensor having a conventional connector and a multiple wavelength sensor connector; and   an information means for identifying which of the sensors is attached to the duo connector means.   
     
     
         2 . The patient cable according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a switching means for converting array drive signals from the monitor to back-to-back drive signals for the two-wavelength sensor; and 
 a housing means for mounting the switching means with the duo connector means. 
 
     
     
         3 . The patient cable according to  claim 2  further comprising a configuration means for achieving improved noise isolation for a sensor signal when the multiple wavelength is attached to the duo connector means. 
     
     
         4 . The patient cable according to  claim 3  further comprising an overmold means for housing the duo connector means and the switching means and for creating a bend relief means. 
     
     
         5 . A patient cable for connecting a patient monitor to an optical sensor comprising:
 a duo connector configured to establish communications between a monitor and one of a two-wavelength sensor having a conventional connector and a multiple wavelength sensor connector; and   a network line configured to carry an information element, wherein the information element identifies which of the sensors is attached to the duo connector.   
     
     
         6 . The patient cable according to  claim 5  further comprising:
 a plurality of switches for converting array drive signals from the monitor to back-to-back drive signals for the two-wavelength sensor; and 
 a housing assembly for mounting the plurality of switches with the duo connector. 
 
     
     
         7 . The patient cable according to  claim 6  further comprising drive signal pins housed in a first section, wherein the switches are configured to selectively ground the drive signal pins in the first section for achieving improved noise isolation for a sensor signal when the multiple wavelength is attached to the duo connector. 
     
     
         8 . The patient cable according to  claim 7  further comprising an overmold for housing the duo connector and the plurality of switches and for creating a bend relief. 
     
     
         9 . A patient cable method comprising the steps of:
 providing a duo connector configured to establish communications between a monitor and one of a two-wavelength sensor having a conventional connector and a multiple wavelength sensor connector; and   providing a network line configured to carry an information element, wherein the information element identifies which of the sensors is attached to the duo connector.   
     
     
         10 . The patient cable method according to  claim 9  comprising the further steps of:
 providing a plurality of switches for converting array drive signals from the monitor to back-to-back drive signals for the two-wavelength sensor; and 
 providing a housing assembly for mounting the plurality of switches with the duo connector. 
 
     
     
         11 . The patient cable according to  claim 10  comprising the further step of grounding drive signal pins so as to achieve improved noise isolation for a sensor signal when the multiple wavelength is attached to the duo connector. 
     
     
         12 . The patient cable according to  claim 11  comprising the further step of providing an overmold for housing the duo connector and the plurality of switches and for creating a bend relief.