GB2300925A

GB2300925A - Body temperature measurement device

Info

Publication number: GB2300925A
Application number: GB9610184A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shimon Dotan
Original assignee: TIUS ELCON Ltd
Current assignee: TIUS ELCON Ltd
Priority date: 1995-05-19
Filing date: 1996-05-15
Publication date: 1996-11-20
Also published as: DE19619667A1; GB9610184D0; IL113790A0

Description

2300925 1

TITLE: TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of human bodies. The instrument is especially - but by no means exclusively useful for application in the temperature measurement of infants and small children. it can also be used for measuring temperature of the environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally the body temperature of a patient Is measured by means of an analog or digital device. With both types of device, the probe has to be inserted Into a selected site of measurement, i.e. a body cavity, making measurement of temperatures of infants and small children rather difficult. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a device which makes it possible to measure automatically and at preset time intervals the body temperature of a patient, it is attachable to wearing apparel.

According to the invention the automatic temperature measurement system can be actuated at predetermined time 2 intervals. The device attaches to underwear or diaper by means of a clip and includes a suitable temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, thermocouple or the like for measuring temperature. The sensing means is In close contact with the body of the person to enable accurate and real time readings. The measured temperature may be either visually displayed, transmitted to an external device or stored in a memory for subsequent recall. it is also possible to define a specific temperature at which the device actuates a warning signal. If desired, the device can also be automatically actuated by an optional impedance sensor in the clip when a child urinates. It may record both said temperature and the exact time of measurement. The device generally measures temperature a number of times per day, and thus provides a good picture of the temperature variations as well as the maximum temperature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The invention will now be described in detail, having.reference to the accompanying schematic drawings not according to scale, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of the device partially in section, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the device, 3 Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show the mechanical external configuration of the device and the clip configuration.

Turning f irst to rig. 1, the novel device comprises a temperature sensor 6, located on the device clip 2 and connected with the measurement device 3. The optional polarization impedance (P.I) sensor 8, 9 is on the reverse side of the clip, also connected to the measurement device 3, where a lead passes through a layer 7 of clothing, a sheet or the like, the sensor 6 being in close contact with the body 1 of the patient. The device 3 comprises an LCD display 4 of the temperature and a keyboard 5, comprising the required number of keys for manual control of the device.

The components of the instrument are set out in Fig. 2 and comprise a thermosensor 10, optional impedance sensor 12 and 13, with P.1. sensor connected to the microcontroller 14, whereas the temperature sensor 10 Is connected to microcontroller 14. Signals from the.sensors, detected by microcontroller 14, which is controlled by key 15, an LCD display 17 for readouts display connected to memory 16 and to sound output means 18. The control unit 14 is in charge of all the 4 automatic functions of. the device, such as temperature measurement at preset intervals, automatic transfer to memory at preset intervals and automatic activation of alarm according to preset limits. The keyboard 15 used for actuation of the instrument, activates the device to the measurement mode, reads measurements stored in the memory to the LCD of the device, and switches the device to other modes.

The polarization impedance (P.I) probe comprises electrically conducting members, separate from each other, which are connected by electrical leads to other components of the system. The probe should be of a suitable material, such as stainless steel, which will not corrode under the conditions of use of the device. Current passing through the leads is measured, which current is a function of the impedance between the two electrodes. When the P.I. probe comes Into contact with sweat or urine, the impedance changes drastically and an indication of such change is readily observed.

For the temperature measurement, any suitable temperature sensor such as a thermistor, bimetal, thermocouple etc., can be used. It is advantageous to use also a P.I.

probe, which can be positioned in close proximity to the temperature probe on the same clip, attached to the underwear /diaper as shown in Fig. 1. The device of the invention can be provided with means of indicating either a minimum or a maximum temperature, or both. It can also be provided with means of indicating a change of impedance above a certain predetermined threshold. it can also be provided for temperature measurement when urination is detected.

When the temperature measurement by the thermosensor 10 is actuated by events such as pressing a suitable key on the keyboard 15 of the instrument or at a predetermined time, measured data are amplified and displayed on the LCD 17, while at the same time such data are transmitted by transmitter 19 to a remote receiver 20, where such data can be displayed or recorded.

The external configuration of the new device is clearly depicted by Figs. 3, 4 and 5. The device comprises a casing 10 which is composed of a main part 10a and a lid 10b.

6 The innovative system is located in part 10a. To the main part 10a is fixedly attached the clip 2 on the rear of which is located the sensor 6.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for measuring and indicating body temperature, including a clip permitting attachment of the system to wearing apparel of a person, including diapers, the reverse side of the mechanical clip containing a sensing element which is of minimal mass to enable very fast temperature stabilization, by utilizing the permanent contact between the device and the body, automatic constant measurement being implemented at intervals as short as the temperature stabilization perm,its, and new temperature being displayed each time, the automatic option, automatic temperature measurements being either displayed and/or transmitted andlor stored in a memory.

2. The system claimed In Claim 1, including also alarm means adapted to indicate preset temperature limits and/or wetting of wearing apparel or diapers.

3. The system claimed in claim 1 provided with means -for transmitting the data to a remote unit.

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4. A system according to claim 1, provided with means for measuring also open air temperature, displaying it and it desired transmitting it to a remote unit.

A device according to claim 1, housed in a waterproof housing, preventing damage by body flulds.

6. A system for measuring and indicating body temperature, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.