Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermometer for determining the temperature of an animal's ear drum. The thermometer includes a probe, an infrared-radiation detector adapted to receive infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum, and devices that help determine the probe's position in the ear canal so as to optimize the infrared radiation received from the ear drum, and to minimize the infrared radiation received from other ear parts. A method of using the thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Body temperature measurements are obtained by scanning a thermal radiation sensor across the side of the forehead over the temporal artery. A peak temperature measurement is processed to compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and the sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature through a minimum in the range of 96° F. and 100° F. The radiation sensor views the target surface through an emissivity compensating cup which is spaced from the skin by a circular lip of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A device and clinical techniques that can help healthcare workers locate and image the general outlines of blood vessels that are located either under or near to tissue or skin surfaces are described. The device involves a substrate formed from a self-cooling polymeric matrix that incorporates at least a thermo-chromic colorant, and can provide a means to distinguish between different temperature regions when applied to a heat-emitting object or body. The device can be used in certain therapeutic or healthcare-related applications.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe.

Abstract: An imaging element of a vein imaging apparatus according to the invention includes a vein image data generation region for generating image data of a vein based on a near-infrared light that was condensed by a lens array and that was scattered in the living body and transmitted through the vein, and a thermal noise output data generation region that includes a pixel shielded from light and generates a thermal noise output that is an output value output from the pixel shielded from light. The vein imaging apparatus according to the present invention measures thermal noise based on the thermal noise output data, and estimates an imaging temperature based on a measurement result of this thermal noise. The vein imaging apparatus according to the present invention performs interpolation processing of the image based on the estimated temperature during imaging process.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for remote monitoring a subject calibrates a permitted activity range of the electronic device and establishes an activity range of the subject. The electronic device captures a thermal image to calculate a current location of the subject, and determines whether the current location of the subject is within the activity range of the subject. The electronic device issues an alarm message if the current location of the subject is not within the activity range of the subject.

Abstract: A thermometer quick linkage apparatus comprises an elastic member, a button, a probe, and a chamber having one end provided with an opening for receiving the end portion of the probe, and the other end also provided with an opening for receiving the button. Within the chamber, one end of the elastic member connects with the button, and the other end thereof connects with the probe. The elastic member is configured such that, when the button is pressed to compress the elastic member to a certain degree, the end portion of the button comes into contact with the end portion of the probe, and when the button is pressed further down, the probe is pushed away from the chamber. The apparatus is simplified in structure, and allows quick replacement of the probe jacket, and therefore is cost-efficient.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an infrared thermometer with multiple probes for use at a variety of bodily sites. The thermometer automatically detects which of the multiple probes is currently attached, loads a predetermined program from memory that corresponds to the current probe, and thereafter obtains a temperature measurement from a patient using infrared radiation emitted therefrom. Each of the probes is comprised of an infrared target which provides a substantially consistent sources of infrared radiation for the thermometer to measure.

Abstract: Body temperature measurements are obtained by scanning a thermal radiation sensor across the side of the forehead over the temporal artery. A peak temperature measurement is processed to compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and the sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature through a minimum in the range of 96° F. and 100° F. The radiation sensor views the target surface through an emissivity compensating cup which is spaced from the skin by a circular lip of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer capable of high-precision measurement within a shorter period of time. The electronic clinical thermometer for predicting an equilibrium temperature based on a temporal change in actual measurement value of a measurement target temperature detected by a temperature detection element includes a prediction value derivation unit which derives a plurality of prediction values from actual measurement values in accordance with a plurality of prediction equations, a selection unit which selects one of the plurality of prediction equations based on the selected prediction equation, and a display output which displays a prediction value result based on the selected prediction equation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a volume of tumor mass destroyed. The present invention includes a temperature probe and a laser probe having a temperature sensor. The laser probe and temperature probe are inserted to measure a temperature of the tumor mass and a temperature of tissue mass surrounding the tumor mass. By determining the volume of tumor mass destroyed, a graphical representation of the volume of tumor mass destroyed is provided whereby real-time visual monitoring of the destruction of the tumor mass is achieved.

Abstract: A method of in-vivo fat measurement of humans or animals by scanning the ear of the subject using a fibre optic probe delivering a light beam of Near infrared wavelengths provided by a NIR source. Passing the beam through an interferometer to encode data from the whole spectral range simultaneously. Detecting reflected light by a detector and applying Fourier Transform techniques to determine the intensity of the light in at least one narrow wave band selected for its correspondence to a form of fat. Recording the NIR response and determining the fat content of the body by either comparison to known reference samples or by use of an empirical formula.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of a substance in a bodily fluid from the color of a tissue surface of a subject includes capturing an image including at least a portion-of-interest of the subject and at least a reference portion of a color reference, the image being a digital image of pixels of at least one color, the image including a component value for each pixel for each of the at least one color, obtaining a first value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the portion-of-interest of the subject, obtaining a second value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the reference portion, and calculating an estimated amount of the substance using the first and second values.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for fluorescence imaging using multiple excitation-emission pairs is revealed. A target object is illuminated by light in at least two spectral regions, causing fluorescence emission in at least two spectral regions. The emitted light is collected and separated for analysis.

Abstract: A conventional radiation thermometer encompasses an infrared radiation sensor and a heatable and/or coolable radiation incidence window. The method and radiation thermometer according to the invention use the established dependence of the sensor signal U of the infrared radiation sensor on the temperature Tw of the radiation incidence window W (or any other heatable or coolable optical element in the beam path) for verifying its proper functional operation. Applying the method according to the invention, the radiation incidence window (or perhaps another optical element in the beam path) is heated up or cooled by activating an associated electric heating or cooling device. The resulting change ?Uw in the sensor signal U is detected, preferably in continuous fashion, as a function of the window temperature Tw and analyzed or verified for any deviation from an acceptable value or permissible range.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing images of ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue produced by confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy, or ultrasound, is provided by applying to the tissue a solution or gel having an effective concentration of citric or other alpha-hydroxy acid which enhances tissue structures, such as cellular nuclei, in such images. Such concentration may be 3-20% acid, and preferably 5% acid.

Abstract: A device for locating target tissue within a living body, comprises an elongate member extending from a proximal end which, when in an operative position, remains outside the body to a distal end which, when in the operative position, extends into the body to a location proximate to a target portion of tissue, the elongate member defining a working channel extending therethrough to a distal opening in the distal end and a radiation delivery apparatus delivering infrared radiation to a target area distal of the distal end of the elongate member in combination with a radiation receiving apparatus at a distal end of the elongate member receiving radiation reflected from the target area.

Abstract: An approach is described for identifying sites of imminent skin breakdown in amputee prosthesis users. Thermal recovery time (TRT) for a limb is optically determined using an infrared camera. TRT is the time interval for the temperature of the skin to achieve 70% of its maximum value during a 10-minute recovery period after a subject has completed a standing/walk-in-place procedure. A limb tolerance map is produced in which 5×5 pixel squares are colored to indicate their TRT and labeled to indicate a temperature vs. time curve (indicative of blood flow characteristics) for the square. TRT data can also be used for prosthetic fitting and socket replacement, by locating tolerant/intolerant regions on a limb and providing a visual “limb tolerance map” for a proposed socket design and applied to other areas, such as the design of shoes for patients with insensate feet, cushions for wheelchair users, and mattresses for bedridden patients.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel multi-spectral contrast agent-enhanced polarized light imaging technique that enables rapid imaging of large tissue fields. The imaging device includes a tunable monochromatic light source and a CCD camera. Linear polarizers are placed into both the incident and collected light pathways in order to limit the measurement volume to the superficial tissue layers. To enhance the tumor contrast in the image, aqueous solutions of toluidine blue or methylene blue are topically applied.

Abstract: A bandage incorporates sensor arrays. The sensor arrays may measure temperature and are fixed to a person's temple in use, or other suitable body part. An estimate of core body temperature may be made using the arrays. The bandage may carry processing electronics and a transmitter. Processing may be done on the bandage or remotely from the bandage. Other physiological parameters may be measured depending on the type of sensor used.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A strain sensing assembly implements thermal management and/or temperature measurement techniques to adequately mitigate against and compensate for temperature changes in optical fiber strain sensors of a distal end of a catheter. In one embodiment, the distal end of the catheter includes an end effector such as an ablation head that introduces significant thermal temperature changes proximate the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a plurality of temperature sensors is utilized for accurate determination of each of a plurality of optical fiber strain sensors. In other embodiments, a single temperature sensor may be utilized by implementing thermal management techniques that adequately reduce temperature differences between the single temperature sensor and the plurality of optical fiber strain sensors.

Abstract: A method of objectively quantifying assessments of joints having arthritis for purposes of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The objective measurements utilize known imaging modalities including 3D scanning, thermal imaging, visible and near-infrared imaging and two-dimensional imaging to quantify swelling, heat distribution, erythema, and range or motion. The objective measurements can be combined in various ways to assess the extent of the disease and can be used to adjust treatment protocols.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described for the collection and analysis of thermographic data. An infrared sensor is described that is mounted at an end of a probe and, together with a filter that restricts infrared radiation received by the infrared sensor to a selected band of wavelengths, a signal representative of a temperature at various points on the skin surface can be collected. Systems, methods and apparatus are described that facilitate the identification of target locations on the skin of a subject. Systems methods and apparatus are disclosed that can process a plurality of temperatures measured at different test sites on the skin surface and which provide information that includes an analysis of the plurality of temperatures.

Abstract: A cassette of probe covers that can be removed from the set for covering a probe of a tympanic thermometer can be securely retained in a cassette holder, and readily removed when necessary. The cassette includes a retaining system that can have a detent on the cassette holder and a detent receptacle on the cassette. The detent snaps into the receptacle when the cassette is inserted into the holder. The holder is configured so that grips on the cassettes are readily accessed to grasp and hold the cassettes for removal from the holder.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for performing fever triage. At first, a thermal image-detecting unit is used to detect a testee at a time-point and a position so as to form thermal image data. Meanwhile, a visible light image-detecting unit is used to detect the testee at the same time-point and position so as to form visible light image data. Thereafter, thermal image data are analyzed to determine if at least one fever-temperature block thereof is within a predetermined temperature range. Then, the fever-temperature block is analyzed to determine if it is corresponding to the skin portions of the visible light image data. Thereafter, if the result of the previous step is yes, then a warning signal is issued to indicate that the testee has fever.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in determining one or more parameters of a subject. A region of interest of the subject is irradiated with acoustic tagging radiation, which comprises at least one acoustic tagging beam. At least a portion of the region of interest is irradiated with at least one electromagnetic beam of a predetermined frequency range. Electromagnetic radiation response of the at least portion of the region of interest is detected and measured data indicative thereof is generated. The detected response comprises electromagnetic radiation tagged by the acoustic radiation. This enables processing of the measured data indicative of the detected electromagnetic radiation response to determine at least one parameter of the subject in a region corresponding to the locations in the medium at which the electromagnetic radiation has been tagged by the acoustic radiation, and outputting data indicative of the at least one determined parameter.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue based upon infrared imaging in two different bands of infrared wavelengths is described. The use of two series of infrared images taken in two different bands of infrared wavelengths increases sensitivity to the subtle temperature changes caused by diseased skin and tissue, especially in the case of cancerous tissue. By sensing skin temperature, the homogeneity thereof, the time variations thereof and the correlation between the two series of infrared images, the present invention decreases the rate of false positives and false negatives. The increased discrimination due to two series of infrared images allows for reliable detection of diseased or cancerous tissue even in the presence of skin tone variations such as birthmarks, tattoos and freckles. The present invention finds special application in the field of breast cancer detection where subtle skin temperature variations may readily be sensed using two series of infrared images.

Abstract: A 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 second imager and with the second medical positioning system, the first medical positioning system being associated with and coupled with a first imager, the first imager acquiring the first image from the body, the first imager producing the first image by associating the first image with the first position and orientation, the second medical positioning system being associated with and coupled with the second imager, the second imager acquiring the second image and associating the second image with the second position and orientation, the registering module registering the first image with the second image, according to the first position and orientation and the second position and orientation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detecting body temperature of a live body. Firstly, an infrared thermometer is used to scan a testee to obtain a plurality of infrared signals. Next, the infrared signals are sequenced to obtain the greatest one thereof. Next, several infrared signals closest to the greatest infrared signal are selected from the sequenced infrared signals. Next, an average infrared signal is worked out from the selected infrared signals. Then, the average infrared signal is converted into a temperature. Thereby, not only the test result is more precise, but also the testee can learn the test result sooner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ear thermometer with a simple-structure and easy-operation probe-cover detaching mechanism, which comprises a body having a probe and a detaching element installed to the bottom of the probe. The detaching element can be directly operated by a finger. After measurement, the user can use the detaching element to exert an outward force on a probe cover sleeving the probe and reject the probe cover from the probe. Further, the detaching element may be made of a metallic material, and magnetic elements are arranged at the corresponding positions of the probe bottom; thereby, the detaching element can be automatically restored to its original position by the attractive force of the magnetic elements. Therefore, the present invention provides an ear thermometer, which can easily reject a probe cover from the probe and has the advantages of simple structure and easy operation.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue based upon infrared imaging in two different bands of infrared wavelengths is described. The use of two series of infrared images taken in two different bands of infrared wavelengths increases sensitivity to the subtle temperature changes caused by diseased skin and tissue, especially in the case of cancerous tissue. By sensing skin temperature, the homogeneity thereof, the time variations thereof and the correlation between the two series of infrared images, the present invention decreases the rate of false positives and false negatives. The increased discrimination due to two series of infrared images allows for reliable detection of diseased or cancerous tissue even in the presence of skin tone variations such as birthmarks, tattoos and freckles. The present invention finds special application in the field of breast cancer detection where subtle skin temperature variations may readily be sensed using two series of infrared images.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue based upon infrared imaging in two different bands of infrared wavelengths is described. The use of two series of infrared images taken in two different bands of infrared wavelengths increases sensitivity to the subtle temperature changes caused by diseased skin and tissue, especially in the case of cancerous tissue. By sensing skin temperature, the homogeneity thereof, the time variations thereof and the correlation between the two series of infrared images, the present invention decreases the rate of false positives and false negatives. The increased discrimination due to two series of infrared images allows for reliable detection of diseased or cancerous tissue even in the presence of skin tone variations such as birthmarks, tattoos and freckles. The present invention finds special application in the field of breast cancer detection where subtle skin temperature variations may readily be sensed using two series of infrared images.

Abstract: A probe for use in sensing body temperature includes a longitudinally elongated tubular member having a wall defining a hollow interior, a distal end having a closed tip, and a temperature sensing element mounted in the tip producing a signal indicative of the temperature of the tip. A lighted indicia is provided by one or more light passages disposed in the wall of the tubular member and a light emitting device is disposed in operative association therewith for illuminating the light transmissive indicia from interiorly of the tubular member. The lighted indicia is disposed at a selected distance longitudinally inwardly of the end of the tip portion of the probe commensurate with the desired depth of rectal insertion during use of the probe in rectal application. The region in front of the probe may be illuminated by light passing through a light passage in the probe tip.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue based upon infrared imaging in two different bands of infrared wavelengths is described. The use of two series of infrared images taken in two different bands of infrared wavelengths increases sensitivity to the subtle temperature changes caused by diseased skin and tissue, especially in the case of cancerous tissue. By sensing skin temperature, the homogeneity thereof, the time variations thereof and the correlation between the two series of infrared images, the present invention decreases the rate of false positives and false negatives. The increased discrimination due to two series of infrared images allows for reliable detection of diseased or cancerous tissue even in the presence of skin tone variations such as birthmarks, tattoos and freckles. The present invention finds special application in the field of breast cancer detection where subtle skin temperature variations may readily be sensed using two series of infrared images.

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 method for recalibrating a bilateral thermal scanner comprising a first thermal sensor and a second thermal sensor can comprise acquiring a first set of thermal scanning data with the thermal sensors in their normal positions; optionally analyzing the first set of thermal scanning data is analyzed to determine if the data has a one-sided bias; acquiring a second set of thermal scanning data with the positions of the thermal sensors reversed; determining a calibration from the first and second sets of thermal scanning data; and optionally correcting at least one of the first and/or second set of thermal scanning data using the calibration.

Abstract: An identification input device and a temperature detector that detects body temperature data. The identification input device may be an optical touch pen. The infrared touch pen may be affixed to the temperature detector using a hook and connector or a snap fit connector. In use, the temperature detector computes body temperature data and the identification input device determines an identifier. The identifier is unique to a user. After obtaining the body temperature data and identifier, a transmitter may transmit body temperature data and the identifier over a wireless communications path to a processing unit. By transmitting data over a wireless communications path, an individual's data or a large group of data may be analyzed and viewed via a display unit.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery, and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring baby's or partially disabled patient's level of thermal comfort during his/her rest in bed are provided. Preferably, the system comprises: a sensor of infrared (IR) radiation coupled to electric circuitry, the circuitry includes a transmitter of radio signal, and, as a separate unit, a receiver of this radio signal. The transmitter includes a circuit containing an alarm with an adjustable threshold that turns the alarm on whenever the heat flux radiated by the body of a patient or a baby rises above user-adjustable upper threshold value, or falls below lower threshold value. The system may be combined with a standard, advanced or video baby monitor.

Abstract: A first thermistor 8 and a second thermistor 9 are arranged forwardly and rearwardly of a thermopile sensor 5. A thermopile chip 55 is arranged and interposed between the first thermistor 8 and an integrated thermistor 57. A sensor cover is mounted in contact with front and side portions of a can portion 59 of a thermopile casing 56. A temperature or a radiant quantity of infrared rays on the front portion of the can portion is estimated from a temperature change of the integrated thermistor per second.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: Changes, increase or decrease, in the body fluid flow are passively detected by using a single pixel, non-linear blind de-mixing procedure, which can be extended to general biomedical measurement and diagnoses instruments. More specifically the single pixel, non-linear blind de-mixing procedure is applied on the hot spots of rheumatic arthritis or breast cancer detection problem using passive two-color infrared imaging as well as to passively detect blockages in the body fluid circulatory system that might be of importance for coronary artery bypass surgery, diabetes and deep vein thrombosis. Other applications of the mentioned algorithm include a pair of cameras for video, a pair of antennas for cell phones, and in situ data gathering or imaging using multiple mode fiberoptical sensing as well as selective amplification hearing aids through two-ear binaural processing for de-noise echo cancellation and signal classification.

Abstract: A method is provided for the contactless determination of the body core temperature of a person (7), wherein the surface temperature of the person (7) is detected at a measuring site (6) on the body by means of a temperature sensor unit (2) arranged at a spaced location therefrom. The sensor signal generated by the temperature sensor unit (2) is sent to an evaluating unit (3) for evaluating the sensor signal and for calculating the body core temperature, and the temperature signal generated in the evaluating unit (3) is sent to a display unit (4) for the optical display of the body core temperature determined. The temperature sensor unit (2) locally identifies a measuring area (8) on the body in a first step and the measuring area (8) on the body is resolved by the temperature sensor unit (2) in a second step such that the measuring site (6) on the body is detected and the detection is carried out by the temperature sensor unit (2) at this measuring site (6) on the body.

Abstract: The present specification relates to methods for assessing the physiological activity of a target site being evaluated for potential administration of a Clostridial toxin, methods for administering a Clostridial toxin to a particular target site, methods for assessing the effect of an administration of a Clostridial toxin in a mammal and methods assessing the extent of dispersal of a Clostridial toxin from a target area to a non-target area in a mammal.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the temperature of a sample, wherein a probing light beam is directed onto the sample whereby at least two partial beams of the probing light pass through paths of different lengths inside the sample by backscattering or reflecting the beams from at least two different depths in the sample, returning the partial beams to an analysis unit, and producing an interference pattern in the analysis unit by means of an interferometric device which uses one light beam as a reference for evaluating the interference pattern in an evaluating unit, wherein the signal intensity of the partial beam is determined counter to the optical path and the temperature displacement and temperature of the sample are determined by the temperature adjustment of the signal intensity.

Abstract: Body temperature measurements are obtained by scanning a thermal radiation sensor across the side of the forehead over the temporal artery. A peak temperature measurement is processed to compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and the sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature through a minimum in the range of 96° F. and 100° F. The radiation sensor views the target surface through an emissivity compensating cup which is spaced from the skin by a circular lip of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A dual-use thermometer including a main body and a probe secured thereto for receiving heat radiation emitted from a first area and a second area. A non-detachable cap which is secured to the main body and the probe are movable relative to each other, thereby allowing the non-detachable cap to surround the probe for receiving heat radiation emitted from the first area and reveal the probe for receiving heat radiation emitted from the second area by movement of the non-detachable cap or the probe.

Abstract: Body function measuring apparatus which provides: (1) an indication of the body function being measured, and (2) a loose probe condition by determining that the difference between the rate of change of a first body function signal, developed by a first sensor in the probe, and the rate of change of a second body function signal, developed by a second sensor in the probe, exceeds a predetermined threshold.