Dry electrodes for electrophysiology measurements

Abstract

Apparatuses for making electrical connections in electrophysiological measurements and monitoring are disclosed. One such apparatus includes a first side having an electrical contact; a second side opposing the first side and having an electrode disposed over the second side; and a layer disposed between the first side and the second side. The layer is adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode. The apparatus also has an electrode line in electrical contact with the electrode disposed over the layer on the first side and extending over the layer on the second side. The electrode line is electrically connected to the electrical contact.

1 . An apparatus for making electrical connections in electrophysiological measurements and monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
 a first side comprising an electrical contact;   a second side opposing the first side comprising an electrode disposed over the second side;   a layer disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the layer is adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode; and   an electrode line in electrical contact with the electrode, the electrode line being disposed over the layer on the first side and extending over the layer on the second side, wherein the electrode line is electrically connected to the electrical contact.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the layer on the second side is in contact with skin. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein openings exist in the electrode, the openings being adapted to allow the layer to contact the skin. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein an area of the layer in contact with the skin has a greater magnitude of the electrode in contact with the skin. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the layer comprises a biocompatible material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the layer comprises an open cell foam material. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for making electrical connections in electrophysiological measurements and monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
 a first side comprising an electrical contact; and   a second side opposing the first side comprising an electrode disposed over the second side, wherein the electrode comprises a groove adapted to remove moisture from a region around the electrode.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the second side is in contact with skin. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the groove is one of a plurality of grooves. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of grooves is in a pattern to facilitate removing of the moisture. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the electrical contact comprises an area and the groove extends past a boundary of the area. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the groove provides a capillary action. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the groove comprises a venus valve. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for making electrical connections in electrophysiological measurements and monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
 a first side comprising an electrical contact;   a second side opposing the first side comprising an electrode disposed over the second side;   a layer comprising a gap and being disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the gap is adapted to remove moisture from a region beneath the electrical contact; and   a plurality of electrically conductive spokes extending radially from an outer boundary of the electrical contact.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of electrically conductive spokes provide electrical connection to the electrode on the second side. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the layer on the second side is in contact with skin. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the layer comprises a biocompatible material. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the layer comprises an open cell foam material.