Abstract: A device for measuring the body core temperature of a person contains a structure for firmly wrapping around the upper body of the person. A double temperature sensor is connected with the structure for wrapping around the upper body such that the double temperature sensor is pressed elastically onto the upper body in the state in which it is put on in the area of the sternum. The device for measuring the body core temperature is suitable for the integration of a body core temperature measurement in clothing or chest belt systems.

Abstract: This utility model patent makes public a remote health monitoring and tracking system. The system includes the product and the service end. The product includes wireless communication module(1), physiology sensor(2), physiological signal processing circuit(3) and microprocessor(4). Among these, (2) connects (3), (3) connects (4), and (4) connects (1). The service end includes server that can connect to Internet. The database, map software and physiological data analysis software are installed on the server. The wireless communication module, with integrated GPSone technology and embedded TCP/IP, connects to the server through TCP/IP. Compared with the current technologies, this utility model is easier to use, and can monitor and track the health conditions of users remotely. Any abnormal situation happens to the users, their families and emergency center will be noted. Besides, it has GPSone function; the stored physiological data can be used as reference for medical professionals.

Abstract: It is known in the art to use an apparatus to enhance the visual appearance of the veins and arteries in a patient to facilitate insertion of needles into those veins and arteries. This application discloses a number of inventions that add additional data collection and presentation capabilities to a handheld vein enhancement apparatus and a set of processes for the collection of blood and the delivery of IV medicines that use the handheld device to mediate the process.

Abstract: A breast cancer precursor evaluation system and a proactive breast wellness program is disclosed. The evaluation system combines a DNA oxidative stress and/or estrogen-DNA adduct screening test and a thermography screening test to provide an indication of whether the patient is developing or at a significantly higher risk for breast cancer. Moreover, the breast wellness program has components related to vascular health, immune balance, hormone balance, healthy food intake, elimination of toxins and waste and routine monitoring.

Abstract: A vessel pulse wave measurement system performs vessel pulse wave measurement using an optical probe circuit provided with an optical probe including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a drive circuit, and a detection circuit. A measurement device directly and synchronously feeds back an electrical signal from the optical probe to the drive circuit as a drive signal to generate a self-oscillation signal from the detection circuit, and measures the self-oscillation signal as a vessel pulse wave signal. A controller controls an operating point of at least one of the detection circuit and the drive circuit such that the self-oscillation signal substantially reaches a maximum level thereof.

Abstract: Measurements for medical diagnostic purposes measure the temperature of parts of the body to diagnose illnesses and for monitoring dynamics of an illness during treatment. This increases accuracy and clarity and simplifies technical implementation. An image of the region of the body of a biological subject under investigation is input into a computer database, with the image being output to a monitor of the computer, wherein the measurement points for measuring the temperature in the region of the subject under investigation are displayed in the image of the subject on the monitor screen and, once the measurements have been taken and the results of the measurements have been processed in the computer, an image of the temperature field is generated by a computer.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a non-contact thermometer determines a temperature of a subject from a carotid source point of the subject.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system includes a data processing system and a geometrical scanning system constructed to communicate with the data processing system. The geometrical scanning system is adapted to scan at least a section of a surface of a subject under observation. The thermal imaging system also includes an infrared imaging system constructed to communicate with the data processing system. The infrared imaging system is adapted to image at least a portion of the section of the surface of the subject under observation. The data processing system is configured to receive data from the geometrical scanning system and to construct a surface map of the section of the surface of the subject under observation and to identify geometrical markers on the surface map based on the data from the geometrical scanning system.

Abstract: An easily wearable noninvasive living body measurement apparatus is provided. The noninvasive living body measurement apparatus (1) is composed of an apparatus body (3) and a wristband (40). The apparatus body (3) is composed of a body section (31) and a body section retention member (4). The body section (31) is retained by the wristband (40) via the body section retention member (4). By allowing the wristband (40) to be attached to a position in the vicinity of a wrist of a forearm of a human, the apparatus body (3) is attached to a human body. An imaging section (5) is retained at a position protruding outside from a width D of the wristband (40). This allows, when the wristband (40) is worn around the arm, the imaging section (5) to be located at a position at which the imaging by the imaging section (5) can be performed.

Abstract: A non-contact, passive method for measurement of arterial pulse from areas such as the major superficial arteries of the body through analysis of thermal IR images acquired by passive thermal IR imaging sensors, and through the modeling of the pulsatile nature of the blood flow and arterial pulse propagation in the circulatory system. The method is automatic and does not need operator input. The output waveform readily contains the information on heart rate, cardiac interbeat intervals, heart-rate variability and other features inherent in arterial pulse.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detecting temple hot spot temperature of a live body. Firstly, an infrared thermometer is used to continuously scan a temple of testee's forehead to obtain a plurality of measured infrared signals. Next, the measured infrared signals are sequenced from a greatest to a smallest measured infrared signal. Two output infrared signals closest to the greatest measured infrared signal are selected from the sequenced infrared signals. An average signal value is worked out from the selected infrared signals. Then, the average signal value is converted into a temple hot spot temperature of the testee's forehead. Thereby, not only the test result is more precise, but also the testee can learn the test result sooner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to operate a surgical instrument in response to a thermal condition being detected that warrants curtailment of further operation. When the thermal condition is reached, command signals are generated that cause a needle of the surgical instrument to either have its vibrational speed slowed, have its vibrational movement stopped, or have it withdrawn from its relative position. The detection is of infrared radiation wavelengths and is carried out with either a thermal imaging device of a thermal recognition device. A corresponding temperature of the detected infrared radiation wavelengths is compared to a critical temperature to determine whether the thermal condition has been reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the elasticity and firmness of skin. The invention also relates to methods of measuring improvements in a person's skin health by measuring firmness and elasticity before, during and after a cosmetic treatment. The invention further relates to methods of measuring the improvement in a person's skin firmness and elasticity that a cosmetic agent may cause when applied on the skin.

Abstract: A temperature probe includes a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a tip disposed at the distal end. The probe also includes an infrared sensor configured to measure a temperature of a structure disposed proximate the shaft. The probe further includes a temperature sensor disposed distal to the infrared sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a body cavity temperature of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods, which comprise examination of an abnormality on a subject using a temperature stimulus applied to the subject, provide a non-invasive analysis technique. In an embodiment, a non-invasive infrared imaging technique can be used to observe the temporal response of a lesion to temperature stimuli to form a basis for evaluating the abnormality. A technique including applying temperature stimuli and detecting responses to the applied temperature stimuli provide a non-invasive technique that can be used to identify an abnormality on a subject and/or characteristics of the abnormality. In an embodiment, a non-invasive transient infrared imaging technique can be used to observe the temporal response of a lesion to temperature stimuli to form a basis for determining characteristics correlated to the lesion. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The technology provides an external device for estimating a core body temperature of a human subject, and a system for use in a local area, such as a school, hospital, workplace, and the like. The wrist monitor device includes a casing sized and shaped to fit onto a wrist of a human subject. The casing has a first face and a second face. In addition there is a cavity in the casing that houses a heat trap. The heat trap has an opening oriented to receive incoming thermal energy and a shell of a thermal-insulation material that has an inner thermal energy-reflective surface. Detected temperature data is compiled in a database and used to estimate whether an identified individual has a core body temperature indicative of a fever. There is also provided a system for identifying persons and screening the persons for a febrile condition.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. A sensor fitted on the support structures uses a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: An imaging element of a vein imaging apparatus includes a vein image data generation region generating image data of a vein based a near-infrared light that was condensed by a lens array and that was scattered in a living body and transmitted through the vein and a positional displacement detection data generation region that includes a shielded section in which pixels are shielded from the light and an opening section in which pixels are not shielded from the light, and generates data for detecting positional displacement that is used to detect, based on the light received via the opening section, variation in an image focus position according to an imaging temperature. The vein imaging apparatus detects the image focus position of the light and estimates the amount of positional displacement occurred in the apparatus. The vein imaging apparatus selects a pixel based on the obtained amount of positional displacement.

Abstract: An ear thermometer which includes a temperature detection element and infrared detection element arranged near the opening portion of a probe achieves a reduction in manufacturing cost while reducing the influence of thermal shock. This invention provides an ear thermometer incorporating, in a probe, a temperature detection element to detect an environmental temperature and an infrared detection element to detect infrared radiation emitted from a temperature measurement region in an earhole. The probe includes an end face portion having an opening in its distal end, an inner surface portion of a hollow cylindrical member, and an inwardly protruding engaging portion. A detection element housing is fixed to close the opening of the probe and to form an air layer between the detection element housing and the probe.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and devices for monitoring e.g., fatigue levels by measuring a subject's body core temperature. In one embodiment, microwave radiometry is used to measure such core temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating an apparatus for detecting if oestrus is imminent or present in a milking animal, the apparatus configured to be operated by the steps of: a) defining a processing area which encompasses two or more independent heat outputs including a portion of the rear of the milking animal; b) measuring an indicator of heat output from that area with at least one sensor; and c) using measurement obtained in b) to determine if an oestrus condition is imminent or present.

Abstract: A method of evaluating potential for discomfort of a patient (2) caused by an object (4) on the patient. The method includes acquiring (6) a first thermal image (20;40) of the patient, and wearing the object for a predetermined time. The object is removed and a plurality of thermal images (16, 24, 26, 28, 30, 44, 46, 48, 50) of the patient are acquired at predetermined times. The potential for a pressure sore or discomfort is evaluated (12) based upon at least one of the time (17) needed for one of the plurality of thermal images of the patient to return to the first thermal image, size (18) of a number of areas of an epidermis having a temperature change (19) between acquiring the first thermal image and acquiring a first one of the thermal images, and the temperature change.

Abstract: A method of evaluating dry eye in humans wherein the flow of naturally occurring secretion to the eye is reduced or stopped due to the presence of an obstruction of a meibomian gland in the eyelid involves applying a pressure to the eyelid that mimics pressure applied during blinking; and simultaneously imaging the glands to diagnose the condition of the meibomian gland. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Thermometric apparatus includes one or more temperature sensors, which are configured to provide respective temperature-dependent readings at two or more locations on a surface in a vicinity of a sub-surface heat source. A processing unit is configured to process the readings from the two or more locations so as to determine a temperature of the sub-surface heat source.

Abstract: An infrared imaging camera (4) acquires a plurality of frames (94) of infrared radiation from a patient (P) positioned in a field-of-view (92) of the camera (4). Each frame (94) is acquired during a corresponding frame sample interval and each frame (94) corresponds to the infrared radiation acquired from an array of optical elements (90) in the field-of-view (92) during its frame sample interval. Plural rates of change are determined from infrared radiation received from the array of optical elements (90), with each rate of change corresponding to a change of infrared radiation received from the same optical element (90) in at least two frames (94). Each rate of change is mapped to a color or a shade of gray and the color or shade of gray of each rate of change is mapped to a position in an image corresponding to the position of the corresponding optical element (90) in the field-of-view (92).

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator has an implantable cardiac lead that carries a temperature sensitive element with a surface thereof in contact with biological matter. The temperature sensitive element emits a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of biological matter, such as blood, in contact with the surface of the temperature sensitive element. Processing circuitry receives the temperature signal and determines a variability thereof within a selected time interval. A status signal is emitted dependent on this variability.

Abstract: A body temperature detector includes a body having a viewing end, a retaining end, and a disposable cap. The retaining end includes an inward protrusion that expands over a wider portion of an end of the detector and contracts after the retaining end has passed over the wider portion to snugly secure the cap on the detector. An operator can scan the detector across the forehead of the patient and behind at least one ear, and the detector selects a maximum peak temperature of the two scans. The operator can continuously scan the detector from the forehead to behind the ear. Measured temperature is processed to provide a body temperature approximation based on heat flow from the skin surface to ambient temperature.

Abstract: An imaging temperature sensing system having at least one imaging component and at least one temperature sensing component, thus providing means for implementing temperature sensing and imaging within a single device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring a thermal surgical procedure including a thermal camera for monitoring temperature at a plurality of locations within at least a portion of a surgical field undergoing thermal surgical treatment and generating a series of thermal images based on said monitoring, a processor for processing the thermal images, and a display for displaying, in real time, a series of display images indicative of temperature at the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A device for providing improved classification of breast tissue wherein the tissue is classified as one of cancerous and non-cancerous tissue includes sensors for sensing temperature of a subject breast tissue over a predetermined period and generating signals in response thereto and a computer operatively connected to the sensors for receiving and manipulating the signals operatively associated with a normalizer for applying a normalization to each the signal by a function of X/Y where X is one temperature reading of one of the signals for a particular subject and Y is the maximum temperature obtained from a predetermined number sets of temperature readings obtained a plurality of subject breast tissue from the subject to provide a set of normalized signals used by a trained artificial classifier to produce a signal indicative of cancerous and non-cancerous tissue of the subject.

Abstract: An imaging system for on-line imaging of a component in a gas turbine engine. The imaging system includes a flexible imaging bundle formed by a plurality of optical elements. An imaging end of the optical elements images a component in a hot gas path of the engine during operation of the engine and a viewing end provides an image of the component at a location displaced from the hot gas path. The optical elements are surrounded by a flexible metal sheath that is permeable to air to provide cooling air the optical elements from an air source surrounding the flexible imaging bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tissue-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-tissue contact. The device includes an element, having a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for applying a force to a soft tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the at least one sensor. In consequence, the accuracy of the sensing is improved. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of sensors is employed, arranged along a curved element, for providing three-dimensional information regarding the tissue, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography.

Abstract: A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a convergent parameter instrument and method for performing real-time imaging using multiple imaging techniques. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handheld convergent parameter instrument providing some or preferably all of real-time imaging, including surface mapping, color imaging, perfusion imaging, thermal imaging, and near infrared spectroscopy, and including a common control set and a common display.

Abstract: An IR tip assembly includes a shroud having at least one feature that permits releasable attachment of a disposable cover fitted to a shroud. When the disposable cover is fitted to the shroud, at least one air gap is defined between the shroud and the disposable cover. An IR sensor disposed within the IR tip assembly is mechanically and thermally coupled to a heat sink. The at least one defined air gap creates a thermal isolation between the disposable cover and the disposed IR sensor. There can also be airflow through the at least one air gap. Apparatus and methods to create the airflow are described.

Abstract: System for registering a first coordinate system with a second coordinate system, the system including a first medical positioning system for detecting a first position and orientation of the body of a patient, a second medical positioning system for detecting a second position and orientation of the body, and a registering module coupled with a medical intervention device and with the second medical positioning system, the first medical positioning system being associated with and coupled with an imager, the imager acquiring an image of the body, the registering module registering the first coordinate system with the second coordinate system, according to the first position and orientation and the second position and orientation.

Abstract: An ear-type thermometer which measures body temperature using a temperature detection element 21 that detects ambient temperature and an infrared detection element 22 that detects infrared radiation from a measurement site within the aural cavity, the 2 elements housed in a probe 3, wherein the ear-type thermometer comprises a probe cover 10 which can be detachably provided with the probe, a detection switch 60 which detects that the probe cover is attached or detached to the probe, and two temperature conversion coefficients 52a and 52b which corrects body temperature based on the detection result from the two detection elements.

Abstract: A probe cover for an infrared electronic thermometer including a generally tubular body having open first and second ends. The body is sized and shaped to receive a probe of the infrared electronic thermometer into the body through the first end. The probe cover further includes a film closing the second end of the body. The film has a metallic region defining a blackbody portion for rapidly equilibrating to a temperature corresponding to the temperature of an object for viewing by a sensor of the electronic thermometer to measure the temperature of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tissue-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-tissue contact. The device includes an element, having a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for applying a force to a soft tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the at least one sensor. In consequence, the accuracy of the sensing is improved. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of sensors is employed, arranged along a curved element, for providing three-dimensional information regarding the tissue, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography.

Abstract: A microwave handheld radiometer for measuring subsurface tissue temperature of a subject includes a microwave antenna disposed relative to a handheld radiometer housing and adapted to electromagnetically couple to a skin surface of a subject, a circulator having a first circulator input and a second circulator input, wherein the first circulator input is electrically coupled to said antenna via a microwave feedline. A switch is electrically disposed between the antenna and an microwave feedline, said switch having a calibrate state and a measure state. A noise source, electrically coupled to the circulator, is being configured to provide a first source of thermal noise at a first temperature and a second source of thermal noise at a second temperature, wherein the noise source is switched between the first source and second source upon external command wherein a detector provides an output wherein surface temperature effects are corrected for in the sub-surface measurement.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for the thermal imaging of cells with nanoparticles.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a device, system and method for determining the characteristics of deep tissue. The novel method includes measuring blood flow rate and oxygenation characteristics of the tissue, and determining oxygen metabolism of the tissue as a function of the measure blood flow rate and measure oxygenation. The blood flow rate characteristics are measured as a function of light fluctuations caused by the tissue, while the oxygenation characteristics are measured as a function of transmission of light through the tissue with respect to the wavelength of light. The tissue may be layered tissue, for example, a portion of a brain. The tissue characteristics may be measured during times of varying levels of exercise intensity.

Abstract: An insertion detector for monitoring a position of a medical probe relative to a body cavity of a patient, the probe incorporates a proximity sensor that is responsive to a predetermined property of the patient's body. The proximity sensor may include a light emitter and a light detector. When the medical probe is inserted into the body cavity, a light flux between the light emitter and light detector is changed due to either obstruction by the cavity walls or reflection by the patient's skin. A response from the proximity sensor may be used to adjust a temperature measured from the body cavity to correct for errors due to non-insertion or partial insertion of the probe into the body cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system and method for optical detection of the condition of a joint. The invention involves: an optical measurement unit (4, 5) for irradiating a subject's body part comprising at least one joint with light and locally detecting attenuation of the light at the at least one joint and at least one other portion of the body part; a thermographic measurement unit (3) for thermographically imaging the subject's body part comprising the at least one joint; a control unit (9) for controlling the device such that data obtained by one of the optical measurement unit (4, 5) and the thermographic measurement unit (3) is used to calibrate data obtained by the other of the optical measurement unit (4, 5) and the thermographic measurement unit (3).

Abstract: A topographic optical infrared tomography system for biophysical imaging includes a thermal camera operably disposed adjacent a body part equipped for obtaining thermal data readings from the body part and apparatus operably connected to the thermal camera for correcting thermal emissivity variations in the thermal data readings to provide corrected thermal data. A method for obtaining physiological data using the thermally corrected data is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved probe structure, which is installed in the body of an infrared clinical thermometer and comprises a plastic hollow casing having an opening; a curved block annularly arranged inside the opening; a hollow sleeve arranged inside the casing and along the perimeter of the opening; a temperature sensor arranged inside sleeve and below the curved block; a support element arranged inside the sleeve and supporting the temperature sensor; and a thermal insulation ring encircling the temperature sensor and pressing against the inner wall of the sleeve. The thermal insulation ring has an outer diameter larger than a width of the temperature sensor, and an air gap is thus formed between the temperature sensor and the inner wall of the sleeve; the top of the thermal insulation ring has an altitude higher than the top of the temperature sensor, and another air gap is thus formed between the temperature sensor and the curved block.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be relatively unobtrusive and operate during radiation without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of a temperature on a surface of a body is provided. The system includes a first IR camera system via which the temperature of a certain area of the surface is detectable in the form of a thermal image; a second camera system via which three-dimensional information is detectable regarding a position of a specific area of the body surface related to the first IR camera system; at least a first database in which at least for one body a corresponding model is stored by which at least one contour of the body is defined; and an analyzing unit connectable with the first database receiving the thermal image detected by the first IR camera system and the 3D information detected by the second camera system.