Abstract: Temperature of a subject is continuously monitored using a remote sensor assembly mounted in a subject's ear canal. The remote assembly connects to a display housing which contains the temperature display and supports electronics for responding to the sensed radiation. In one configuration, the major components of the remote assembly include a radiation detector, a plug structure and a flexible extension. The radiation detector has a thermopile and a first temperature sensor in close thermal contact with a thermopile junction. The flexible extension connects the radiation detector with the plug structure. Because the flexible extension bends to the contours of an ear canal, the remote sensor assembly extends well into a subject's ear canal without discomfort. The plug structure is molded to fit securely in the concha region of an ear canal and includes a second temperature sensor which senses the temperature therein.

Abstract: Tympanic temperature measurements are obtained from the output of a radiation sensor mounted in an extension from a housing. The housing has a temperature display and supports electronics for responding to sensed radiation. The sensor is mounted in an improved extension which is shaped to fit into smaller ear canals, such as a child's ear canal or a swollen adult ear canal. Within the extension, the sensor is positioned in a highly conductive environment and receives radiation from an external target through a tube. Electronics determine the target temperature based on the sensor output signal and a temperature sensor signal.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprises an extension shaped to be comfortably positioned in an outer ear area for obtaining temperature indications without discomfort to the subject. The extension increases non-linearly in diameter along a portion of its distal end forming a rounded distal tip. The extension is positioned in an ear canal such that the rounded tip is disposed at the opening to the ear canal. An infrared radiation sensor is positioned in the detector for receiving radiation emitted from the ear canal. An electronics unit converts the received radiation to a temperature indication.

Abstract: A patient's body temperature is regulated by using an enclosure to enclose a portion of the patient's body in an isolated environment. In accordance with one embodiment, the patient's entire body below his head is enclosed. Once enclosed, the patient is surrounded by heated vapor that is injected into the enclosure. The heated vapor condenses on the patient's skin to warm the patient quickly, efficiently and safely. This embodiment is well suited for the treatment of hypothermia patients. In accordance with alternative embodiments, only a portion of the patient's head is enclosed. In these embodiments, an enclosure is placed on the patient's head, and heated vapor is fed into the enclosure. Excess air and vapor are preferably dissipated by vents in the cap, whereas excess condensate is preferably absorbed by an absorbent layer provided in the cap. These embodiments are well suited for regulating a patient's body temperature in a surgical setting.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: Temperature of a subject is continuously monitored using a remote sensor assembly mounted in a subject's ear canal. The remote assembly connects to a display housing which contains the temperature display and supports electronics for responding to the sensed radiation. In one configuration, the major components of the remote assembly include a radiation detector, a plug structure and a flexible extension. The radiation detector has a thermopile and a first temperature sensor in close thermal contact with a thermopile junction. The flexible extension connects the radiation detector with the plug structure. Because the flexible extension bends to the contours of an ear canal, the remote sensor assembly extends well into a subject's ear canal without discomfort. The plug structure is molded to fit securely in the concha region of an ear canal and includes a second temperature sensor which senses the temperature therein.

Abstract: Tympanic temperature measurements are obtained from the output of a radiation sensor mounted in an extension from a housing. The housing has a temperature display and supports electronics for responding to sensed radiation. The sensor is mounted in an improved extension which is shaped to fit into smaller ear canals, such as a child's ear canal or a swollen adult ear canal. Within the extension, the sensor is positioned in a highly conductive environment and receives radiation from an external target through a tube. Electronics determine the target temperature based on the sensor output signal and a temperature sensor signal.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprises an extension shaped to be comfortably positioned in an outer ear area for obtaining temperature indications without discomfort to the subject. The extension increases non-linearly in diameter along a portion of its distal end forming a rounded distal tip. The extension is positioned in an ear canal such that the rounded tip is disposed at the opening to the ear canal. An infrared radiation sensor is positioned in the detector for receiving radiation emitted from the ear canal. An electronics unit converts the received radiation to a temperature indication.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprises a thermopile and a thermocouple connected in series. The cold junction of the thermocouple is connected to a remote temperature reference. A calibrator in the thermopile/thermocouple circuit weights the output signals of the two devices to provide a combined output signal which changes with both sensed radiation and ambient temperature. The device may be calibrated for an environmental control system to control heating or cooling based on both air temperature and radiant temperature of surrounding surfaces. In another application, the thermocouple and calibrator provide a simple signal adjustment to provide an internal temperature reading from a sensed surface temperature. For example, the circuit can provide a core temperature reading from detected ear temperature.

Abstract: In a tympanic temperature detector a thermopile is suspended in a rigid structure of high thermal conductivity having a window. That structure is positioned at the rear end of a high thermal conductivity duct through which the tympanic membrane is viewed. The duct is cantilevered within a shield to which it is coupled to a high thermal conductivity joint. Thermal paths to the thermopile and window are tuned to minimize response of the thermopile to thermal perturbations at the tip of the duct.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: A patient's body temperature is regulated by using an enclosure to enclose a portion of the patient's body in an isolated environment. In accordance with one embodiment, the patient's entire body below his head is enclosed. Once enclosed, the patient is surrounded by heated vapor that is injected into the enclosure. The heated vapor condenses on the patient's skin to warm the patient quickly, efficiently and safely. This embodiment is well suited for the treatment of hypothermia patients. In accordance with alternative embodiments, only a portion of the patient's head is enclosed. In these embodiments, an enclosure is placed on the patient's head, and heated vapor is fed into the enclosure. Excess air and vapor are preferably dissipated by vents in the cap, whereas excess condensate is preferably absorbed by an absorbent layer provided in the cap. These embodiments are well suited for regulating a patient's body temperature in a surgical setting.

Abstract: Tympanic temperature measurements are obtained from the output of a thermopile mounted in an extension from a housing. The housing has a temperature display thereon and supports the electronics for responding to sensed radiation. A disposable plastic sheet taken from a tape of such sheets stretches over the end of the extension between side posts. The thermopile is mounted in a highly conductive thermal mass which includes a waveguide tube. A low conductivity gaseous environment surrounding the thermopile extends through the tube. The electronics include an EEPROM in which both calibration and characterization information may be stored during a calibration procedure through an optical coupling. A capacitor and transistor associated with a switch form a simple watchdog circuit.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: Tympanic temperature measurements are obtained from the output of a thermopile mounted in an extension from a housing. The housing has a temperature display thereon and supports the electronics for responding to sensed radiation. The thermopile is mounted in a highly conductive can which includes a radiation guide and thermal mass. The guide provides a narrow field of view due to a fairly high emissivity. Electronics determine the target temperature as a function of the temperature of the hot junction of the thermopile determined from the cold junction temperature and a thermopile coefficient. The tympanic temperature is adjusted to provide an indication of core temperature.

Abstract: A black body for calibrating an infrared thermometer includes a cavity and is configured to float stably on a surface of a volume of liquid with the cavity in close thermal contact with the liquid and the opening exposed above the surface.

Abstract: A differential temperature sensor uses two different thermopiles each encased in its own can. The thermopiles are given a position and spatial orientation to best suit the measuring task. A connector of low thermal impedance thermally connects the cold junctions of the two thermopiles. The connector is adjusted, angled or pivoted to allow the proper relative orientation of the thermopiles. The thermopiles are placed close to the detected areas to keep the thermopile cold junctions and a detected reference area close in temperature. An automatic assembly process uses the present invention in conjunction with a photoelectric switch which confirms the presence of the subject being measured. An improved chiropractic measuring device also uses the differential sensor to accurately sense nerve damage near the spine.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining bleeding time includes a cutting assembly and a member for providing a compensation factor as a function of temperature of the subject. The cutting assembly provides an incision of predetermined dimensions for external bleeding therethrough. The compensation member measures temperature of the subject throughout the period of external bleeding and provides a compensation factor as a function of sensed temperature. The multiplicative product of measured time length of external bleeding and the compensation factor provide a normalized bleeding time of the subject.

Abstract: A radiation detector with temperature readout has a multicolored LED display divided into segments of zero degrees to 9 degrees centigrade colored green, 10 degrees to 19 degrees centigrade in yellow, and 20 degrees to 100 degrees centigrade in red. Alternatively, two red segments are provided for ranges of 20 degrees to 64 degrees centigrade and 65 degrees centigrade and above, respectively. The radiation detector is automatically zeroed at ambient upon use and provides a readout of temperature rise above ambient throughout a scan of a subject. In one design, only one LED for each segment of the display is illuminated at a time. An audible signal is sounded at an increasing pulse frequency as the display is illuminated from the green segment to the red segment of measured temperature rise above ambient with a constant tone for temperature rises above about 20 degrees centigrade. In an alternative design a timing circuit allows the detector to self operate for a predetermined length of time.