CA1078220A - Temperature, pulse and respiration detection apparatus - Google Patents
Temperature, pulse and respiration detection apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1078220A CA1078220A CA249,211A CA249211A CA1078220A CA 1078220 A CA1078220 A CA 1078220A CA 249211 A CA249211 A CA 249211A CA 1078220 A CA1078220 A CA 1078220A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- probe
- sensor means
- respiration
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
- A61B5/02444—Details of sensor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/0205—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
- A61B5/02055—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
- A61B5/0816—Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Physiology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
- Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
A temperature, pulse and respiration detector having a non-disposable sensor and a disposable cover. The sensor comprises a probe having a thermistor mounted at one end for insertion into the body to sense temperature. The sensor also comprises a thermistor spaced from the end of the probe and housed within the body of the sensor for sensing respiration.
Pulse is sensed by a photoelectric detector mounted in the sensor body. The disposable cover has at least one opening which associates with the respiration-sensing thermistor so that the thermistor is exposed to respiration and at least one radiation transmitting portion which associates with the photo-electric detector. In normal use, the patient places the probe in his mouth while holding the sensor in his hand so that his finger is over the photoelectric detector. The patient's temperature is sensed by the thermistor in his mouth, his respiration by the respiration-sensing thermistor in the sensor body and his pulse rate derived from the changes in the radia-tion transmission characteristics of his finger sensed by the photoelectric detector.
A temperature, pulse and respiration detector having a non-disposable sensor and a disposable cover. The sensor comprises a probe having a thermistor mounted at one end for insertion into the body to sense temperature. The sensor also comprises a thermistor spaced from the end of the probe and housed within the body of the sensor for sensing respiration.
Pulse is sensed by a photoelectric detector mounted in the sensor body. The disposable cover has at least one opening which associates with the respiration-sensing thermistor so that the thermistor is exposed to respiration and at least one radiation transmitting portion which associates with the photo-electric detector. In normal use, the patient places the probe in his mouth while holding the sensor in his hand so that his finger is over the photoelectric detector. The patient's temperature is sensed by the thermistor in his mouth, his respiration by the respiration-sensing thermistor in the sensor body and his pulse rate derived from the changes in the radia-tion transmission characteristics of his finger sensed by the photoelectric detector.
Description
1~17~22C~
This invention relates to a temperature, pulse and respiration detector. More particularly, this invention relates to a combined temperature, pulse and respiration detector in which a patient's temperature can be sensed simultaneously with his pulse and respiration rates.
It is well known to use a temperature sensor such as a thermistor to sense temperature or to detect respiration. It is also well known to detect pulse rate using the photoelec-tric measurement of changes in the radiation transmission characteristics of tissue through which blood is circulating.
One photoelectric method of pulse rate detection is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,139,086.
Techniques have been only recently developed for simultaneously sensing temperature, pulse rate and/or respira-tion by means suitable for economic wide spread use, as for instance, in hospital wards. These known temperature, pulse and/or respiration detectors comprise a disposable probe with a thermopile mounted thereon and are disclosed in Canadian patent application No. 211,779, filed October 18, 1974. These detectors represent a marked advance over the state of the art but have some disadvantages including the mounting of the temperature and/or respiration sensors on the disposable probe. For reasons of economy, it would be desirable to have a detector for simultaneously detecting temperature, pulse and respiration in which the sensor is non-disposable and adapted to associate with a disposable cover so that the sensor can be used in a hygienic manner.
It is known to determine respiratory activity by detecting the flow of air through the nostrils. A typical pneumograph employs a thermistor placed in the outer nasal passage to detect the temperature change of the thermistor due . ~
This invention relates to a temperature, pulse and respiration detector. More particularly, this invention relates to a combined temperature, pulse and respiration detector in which a patient's temperature can be sensed simultaneously with his pulse and respiration rates.
It is well known to use a temperature sensor such as a thermistor to sense temperature or to detect respiration. It is also well known to detect pulse rate using the photoelec-tric measurement of changes in the radiation transmission characteristics of tissue through which blood is circulating.
One photoelectric method of pulse rate detection is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,139,086.
Techniques have been only recently developed for simultaneously sensing temperature, pulse rate and/or respira-tion by means suitable for economic wide spread use, as for instance, in hospital wards. These known temperature, pulse and/or respiration detectors comprise a disposable probe with a thermopile mounted thereon and are disclosed in Canadian patent application No. 211,779, filed October 18, 1974. These detectors represent a marked advance over the state of the art but have some disadvantages including the mounting of the temperature and/or respiration sensors on the disposable probe. For reasons of economy, it would be desirable to have a detector for simultaneously detecting temperature, pulse and respiration in which the sensor is non-disposable and adapted to associate with a disposable cover so that the sensor can be used in a hygienic manner.
It is known to determine respiratory activity by detecting the flow of air through the nostrils. A typical pneumograph employs a thermistor placed in the outer nasal passage to detect the temperature change of the thermistor due . ~
2 --:
`` 1078Z~0 to the cooling effect of the flow of in-~pired and expired air, It is also known to place the thermistor in the mouth or in a position to detect flow from either the nose or the mouth. How-ever, if the thermistor is placed in the outer nasal passage or mouth, the thermistor cannot be reused without being sterilized.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a detector for de-tecting the flow of respiratory air which is reusable without being sterilized after each use. Furthermore, a suitable de- -tector is yet to be developed for housing the respiration sensor and for directing air flow to the sensor.
Known methods and apparatus for photoelectrically measuring the pulse rate by detecting changes in the radiation ; transmission characteristics of blood carrying tissue such as ~ disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,139,086 employ a detector in which ; the patient's thumb, for example, is placed over the end of a detector containing a suitable light source and photocell. In these devices, no provision is madè to avoid the transmission of bacteria from one patient to another, nor is the apparatus ; adapted to be used for the simultaneous detection of oral tem-perature, pulse and respiration. Accordingly, problems of hygiene may arise in a hospital environment from the use of these devices and their applicability is limited.
` An object of the present invention is to provide im-proved apparatus for sensing temperature and respiration of a patient.
According to this invention there is provided an ap-paratus for sensing body temperature and respiration of a patient, comprising a housing, a probe attached to the housing, temperature sensor means mounted on the probe for insertion into the mouth of the patient, respiration sensor means mounted in ,:
.
.
~ 1078Z20 the housing, and an opening in the housing for exposlng the respiration sensor means to nasal air flow when the probe is inserted into the mouth.
The invention facilitates the provision of apparatus in which temperature, pulse and respiration detectors are mem-bers of a unitary non-disposable sensor, in which the respiration sensor is shaped to direct respiratory air to the sensor and in which a disposable cover has a radiation transmitting portion for transmitting radiation to and from a photoelectric pulse 10 detector and has a heat-transmitting portion adapted to associate with an oral temperature sensor.
A temperature, pulse and respiration detector facili-tated by the present invention has a non-disposable sensor and a disposable cover. The sensor comprises a probe having a ther-mistor mounted at one end for insertion into the body to sense ; temperature. The sensor also comprises a thermistor spaced from the end of the probe for sensing respiration and a photoelectric detector for sensing pulse.
In normal use, the patient holds the sensor in his hand so that his finger is over the photoelectric detector and places the probe in his mouth. The patient's temperature is sensed by the temperature-sensing thermistor in his mouth, his respiration by the respiration-sensing thermistor which is ex-posed to his exhaled respiratory air flow and his pulse rate derived from the changes in the radiation transmission character-istics of his finger sensed by the photoelectric pulse detector.
The disposable cover is shaped to direct the respira-tory air to the respiration thermistor and preferably has at r ~'r I
least one opening which associates with the respiration therm-istor so that the thermistor is exposed to nasal exhaled respiration. The disposable cover also has a radiation-trans-mitting portion which associates with the photoelectric detec-tor. The disposable cover has a flexible heat-transmitting portion for covering the oral temperature-sensing thermistor.
Preferably, the inside of the tip of the flexible heat-trans-mitting portion of the disposable cover is moistened with a heat conducting fluid to provide better heat transfer between the cover and the temperature-sensing thermistor. This fluid also serves as a lubricant to facilitate the insertion of the temperature sensing portion of the probe.
Figure 1 is a plan view, partly in section, of the sensor of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the sensor taken along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a front end view of the sensor of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a perspective, exploded view of the sensor of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the probe of Figure l;
Figures 6A and 6B are side views of a portion of the sensor of Figure 1 showing other embodiments for mounting the photoelectric pulse detector;
Figure 7 is a perspecLive, exploded view of the disposable cover;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the sensor of Figure 1 associated with the disposable cover of Figure 7;
` Figure 9 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the sensor and associated disposable cover taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8;
~078'~ 0 Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of the sensor of Figure 1 associated with another embodiment of the disposable cover of Figure 7 shown in dotted lines;
Figure 11 is a side view of the sensor and associated disposable cover of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of the disposable cover of Figure 10.
Referring to Figures 1-4, the detector comprises sensor 12 which includes housing 14 and probe 16. Base 18, top 20 and center plate 22 of housing 14 are preferably fabricated from a rigid thermoplastic such as an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer and are secured together by adhesive. sase 18 has channel 24 formed at its forward end for receiving the rear end of probe 16. Probe 16 is preferably offset from the longitudinal center line of housing 14 in order to be more easily inserted under the tongue of a patient. However, probe 16 can also have its axis coincide with the longitudinal center-line of housing 14 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. Probe 16 is secured in channel 24 by adhesive or other suitable means and is also held in place by the bottom surface of center plate 22.
Top 20 of housing 14 houses photoelectric pulse detector 26 which comprises light bulb 28 and photocell 30.
Light bulb 28 is housed in an appropriately shaped opening (not shown) in ring 32 which is made of a suitable radiation trans-mitting material such as an acrylic sold under the trademark Plexiglas or Lucite. Radiation-transmitting ring 32 diffuses the light and heat transmitted from detector 26 to the patient's finger. Pulse detection is preferably accomplished using electromagnetic energy having infra-red wave lengths. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, photoelectric pulse detector 26 is mounted directly in resilient material 34 made of a 1C1 7B~ O
suitable rubber such as silicone rubber or Neoprene which is secured such as by the use of adhesive in opening 36 formed in top 20. The function of resilient material 34 is to cushion the portion of housing 14 gripped by the patient so that the patient will not grip the housing so tightly that the normal flow of blood through the digit being monitored is restricted.
Resilient material 34 extends from the top surface of top 20 to just above center plate 22 of housing 14 so that the finger of the patient directly contacts the resilient material.
As shown in the alternative embodiments of Figures 6A
and 6B, resilient material 34 can also be positioned to be contacted by the thumb or by both the finger and thumb. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6A, photoelectric pulse detec-tor 26 can be mounted directly in opening 36 in top 20 for association with the digit being monitored, and resilient material 34 mounted in opening 38 in base 18 so that it is positioned to be contacted by the thumb. Alternatively, resilient material 34 can extend through opening 40 in center plate 22 as shown in Figure 6B so that the respective portions of housing 14 gripped by the finger and the thumb are both cushioned.
Photocell 30 is preferably a cadmium selenide photo-cell having opaque sides and bottom portions so that the photo-cell is shielded from the direct radiation from bulb 28 and is responsive only to radiation emanating from the patient's finger. Photocell 30, as well as radiation-transmitting ring 32, is preferably mounted so that it is flush with the top surface of top 20. Photocell 30 is selected to provide a maximum response to electromagnetic energy having a wave length near 7,350 angstroms. The commercially available Clairex type CL-903L photocell has been found to be satisfactory. In general, ~
, - - 10~20 a photocell having a peak response between 7,100 and 7,500 angstroms is preferred since a peak response in this range substantially matches the radiated energy of bulb 28. Photocell 30 has leads 42 and 44 for appropriate electrical connection.
Light bulb 28 is of conventional type and has power leads 46 and 48. A main cable 50 electrically connects sensor 12 with remote circuitry.
Opening 52 in housing 14 communicates with wind tunnel 54. Wind tunnel 54 is formed by two vertical plates 56 and 58 which extend in the longitudinal direction of sensor 12 and comprise a portion of top 20. Thermistor 60 is mounted in opening 62 in plate 56 so that it is positioned in wind tunnel 54. Expired air is directed into wind tunnel 54 by vertical plates 64 and 66 which converge toward wind tunnel 54 and comprise a portion of top 20. Vent slot 68 is provided in the rear portion of top 20 and provides an exit for expired air.
Thermistor 60 has leads 70 and 72 for appropriate connection.
Thermistor 60 is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the respiration air, typically about 115F, by current flowing through the thermistor.
Thermistor 60 is typically a glass bead thermistor.
Suitable commercially available thermistors are sold by Fenwal Electronics, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, under the designa-tions GC32Jl and GC32J2. The characteristics of these thermistors are described in Fenwal's Manual EMC-6. The glass provides moisture protection which is desirable since the thermistor is exposed to nasal exhalation.
Probe 16 comprises hollow shaft 74 and end cap 76 mounted on the end of the shaft. Thermistor 78 is soldered in ,~
; the closed forward end of cap 76 and is connected to remote electrical circuitry through lead 80. Shaft 74 as shown in .
.
.
1~78Z~:O
Figures 1-4 is formed from a flexible plastic, preferably polyurethane or nylon. Since shaft 74 is not electrically conductive, a second lead 82 is also connected to cap 76 at solder joint 84. The open rear end of cap 76 is sealed by plug 86 which typically comprises an epoxy sealer or room tempera-ture vulcanizing silicone rubber which is impervious to mois-ture. Each of leads 80 and 82 extends through plug 86, hollow shaft 74 and into housing 14. In this embodiment, the exposed portion of probe 16 is typically about 2 inches long and end cap 76 about 1 1/4 inches long. Cap 76 typically comprises a nickel plated brass cylinder having a closed end and a 0.005 inch wall thickness. Thermistor 78 and leads 80 and 82 are soldered to cap 76 with a 60/40 solder.
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the probe in which shaft 74' is formed from metal such as stainless steel, typically a tube having a wall thickness of 0.003 inch.
The forward end of shaft 74' is soldered to cap 76' using a 60/40 solder. Lead 80' from thermistor 78' is insulated, typically a #40 coated wire, and is connected to an insulated i wire 90, typically a #32 insulated wire, at insulating sleeve 92. In this embodiment, plug 86' is used to seal the rear end of shaft 74 rather than cap 76 as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4. Since metal shaft 74' is electrically conduc-' tive, lead 82' can be soldered to the rear end of shaft 74' rather than to cap 76'. In this embodiment, cap 76' comprises about 1/2 inch of the length of probe 16'.
Thermistor 78 can be any thermistor with suitable temperature response characteristics for sensing clinical temperature values. A suitable commercially available therm-istor is the Type A thermistor sold by Fenwal Electronics, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts. The characteristics of the _ g _ :
11~78ZZO
Fenwal Type A thermistor are described in Fenwal's Manual EMC-6. Thermistor 78 is typically a 0.010 inch thick and 0.050 inch in diamter disc.
Referring now to Figures 79, the detector also com- `
prises disposable cover 100. As best seen in Figure 7, cover 100 basically comprises a flexible portion 102 and a rigid portion 104. Flexible portion 102 is formed from a thermo-plastic film such as a 0.001 or 0.002 inch thick film formed from polyethylene or ethylene compolymerized with ethyl vinyl acetate or ethyl methyl acetate. A thin film is used so as to minimize the degradation of the thermal response time of the probe. Rigid portion 104 is formed from a relatively rigid `
thermoplastic sheet such as a 0.020 to 0.040 inch thick styrene or polypropylene sheet to which is fastened flexible portion 102 by heat sealing or adhesive. Flexible portion 102 is a relatively good heat transmitter, and rigid portion 104 is a relatively good heat insulator. Flexible portion 102 has opening 106 for sleeving over probe 16 and housing 14.
Flexible portion 102 includes extension 108 which covers probe 16 and respiration opening 110 which allows respiration air to flow past thermistor 60 mounted in wind tunnel 54. The therm-istor 60 responds only to the air flow at expiration. Flexible portion 102 is typically formed by heat sealing two appropriately shaped top and bottom pieces 111 and 113, respectively, of thermoplastic film together along side seams 115. The inside tip of extension 108 is preferably coated with a heat-conduct-ing fluid, such as glycerin, light mineral oil, or a silicone fluid to increase the heat conductivity between disposable cover 100 and probe 16. Qnly sufficient heat conducting fluid should be used to wet the tip of extension 108 in order to .
provide the minimum heat capacity while maximizing the heat conductivity.
;' :
:::
1~78220 Rigid portion 104 has openings 112 which communicate with opening 110 in flexible portion 102. Respiration air is directed through openings 112 by saucer shaped sidewalls 114.
Front end 116 of rigid portion 104 is substantially flat and is adapted to be contacted by the patient's lips. Rigid portion 104 also comprises opening 118 which is approximately the same size and shape as opening 36 in top 20 of housing 14. When disposable cover 100 is placed over sensor 12, opening 118 will be aligned with opening 36.
Figures 10-12 show an alternative embodiment of the disposable cover and sensor. In this embodiment, disposable cover 100' consists of a 0.001 or 0.002 inch thick thermoplastic film. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 7-9, disposable cover 100' has opening 106' for sleeving over probe 16 and housing 14 and opening 110' for allowing respiratory air to contact thermistor 60 mounted in wind tunnel 54. In essence, disposable cover 100' is similar to flexible portion 102 in the embodiment shown in Figures 7-9 but opening 110 shown in Figure 7 has a somewhat modified shape as shown at 110' in Figure 10.
In this arrangement, the front end of housing 14 acts to direct respiration air into wind tunnel 54 and provides rigid portion 130 for contacting the patient's lips. More specifically, top 20 of housing 14 has openings 132 into which respiration air is directed by saucer-shaped side walls 134. Openings 132 and side walls 134 are functionally equivalent to openings 112 and side ~.
walls 114, respectively, of rigid portion 104 in the embodiment of Figures 7-9.
The normal use of the detector will be described with particular reference to the embodiment described in Figures 1-4 and 7-9. Disposable cover 100 is sleeved over probe 16 and housing 14 so that opening 118 is aligned with opening 36. The patient then holds sensor 12 in his hand so that his finger is .. ,, . : :
1C~78Z20 ~ , over photoelectric detector 26 and places probe 16 in his mouth, preferably with cap 76 well back under the tongue. In this position, the patient's lips contact front end 116 of disposable cover 100. The patient's temperature is directly ;
sensed by temperature-sensing thermistor 78.
As the patient breathes through his nose, the nasal exhalations pass through openings 112 and 110 in disposable cover 100, through opening 52 and wind tunnel 54 in housing 14 and exit sensor 12 through vent hole 68. Self-heated therm-istor 60 in wind tunnel 54 is cooled by the flow of expired air and the patient's respiration rate is derived by this periodic cooling of the thermistor.
The patient's pulse rate is derived from the changes in the light transmission characteristics of his finger sensed by photoelectric pulse detector 26. More specifically, radia-tion emitted by bulb 28 is modulated by the patient's finger and detected by photoelectric detector 30. The change in the radiation received by detector 30 is converted into a pulse rate reading.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be appreciated that there are many modifications falling within the scope of the present invention. For example, it should be recognized that the detector can be used for sensing either temperature, respiration or pulse without simultaneously detecting the other body functions. Additionally, although a preferred shape for the disposable cover and sensor have been described, it should be recognized that different configurations can be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, the sensor could be proportioned to detect rectal temperature and pulse.
In this case the photoelectric pulse detector would sense - : ~
: , . , . : ~ -:, ' . , ' '~ ,,: . :
1al782ZO
changes in the radiation transmission characteristics of the tissue of the buttocks adjacent to the rectum. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by the above, but should be limited only as defined in the appended claims.
~ .
`` 1078Z~0 to the cooling effect of the flow of in-~pired and expired air, It is also known to place the thermistor in the mouth or in a position to detect flow from either the nose or the mouth. How-ever, if the thermistor is placed in the outer nasal passage or mouth, the thermistor cannot be reused without being sterilized.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a detector for de-tecting the flow of respiratory air which is reusable without being sterilized after each use. Furthermore, a suitable de- -tector is yet to be developed for housing the respiration sensor and for directing air flow to the sensor.
Known methods and apparatus for photoelectrically measuring the pulse rate by detecting changes in the radiation ; transmission characteristics of blood carrying tissue such as ~ disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,139,086 employ a detector in which ; the patient's thumb, for example, is placed over the end of a detector containing a suitable light source and photocell. In these devices, no provision is madè to avoid the transmission of bacteria from one patient to another, nor is the apparatus ; adapted to be used for the simultaneous detection of oral tem-perature, pulse and respiration. Accordingly, problems of hygiene may arise in a hospital environment from the use of these devices and their applicability is limited.
` An object of the present invention is to provide im-proved apparatus for sensing temperature and respiration of a patient.
According to this invention there is provided an ap-paratus for sensing body temperature and respiration of a patient, comprising a housing, a probe attached to the housing, temperature sensor means mounted on the probe for insertion into the mouth of the patient, respiration sensor means mounted in ,:
.
.
~ 1078Z20 the housing, and an opening in the housing for exposlng the respiration sensor means to nasal air flow when the probe is inserted into the mouth.
The invention facilitates the provision of apparatus in which temperature, pulse and respiration detectors are mem-bers of a unitary non-disposable sensor, in which the respiration sensor is shaped to direct respiratory air to the sensor and in which a disposable cover has a radiation transmitting portion for transmitting radiation to and from a photoelectric pulse 10 detector and has a heat-transmitting portion adapted to associate with an oral temperature sensor.
A temperature, pulse and respiration detector facili-tated by the present invention has a non-disposable sensor and a disposable cover. The sensor comprises a probe having a ther-mistor mounted at one end for insertion into the body to sense ; temperature. The sensor also comprises a thermistor spaced from the end of the probe for sensing respiration and a photoelectric detector for sensing pulse.
In normal use, the patient holds the sensor in his hand so that his finger is over the photoelectric detector and places the probe in his mouth. The patient's temperature is sensed by the temperature-sensing thermistor in his mouth, his respiration by the respiration-sensing thermistor which is ex-posed to his exhaled respiratory air flow and his pulse rate derived from the changes in the radiation transmission character-istics of his finger sensed by the photoelectric pulse detector.
The disposable cover is shaped to direct the respira-tory air to the respiration thermistor and preferably has at r ~'r I
least one opening which associates with the respiration therm-istor so that the thermistor is exposed to nasal exhaled respiration. The disposable cover also has a radiation-trans-mitting portion which associates with the photoelectric detec-tor. The disposable cover has a flexible heat-transmitting portion for covering the oral temperature-sensing thermistor.
Preferably, the inside of the tip of the flexible heat-trans-mitting portion of the disposable cover is moistened with a heat conducting fluid to provide better heat transfer between the cover and the temperature-sensing thermistor. This fluid also serves as a lubricant to facilitate the insertion of the temperature sensing portion of the probe.
Figure 1 is a plan view, partly in section, of the sensor of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the sensor taken along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a front end view of the sensor of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a perspective, exploded view of the sensor of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the probe of Figure l;
Figures 6A and 6B are side views of a portion of the sensor of Figure 1 showing other embodiments for mounting the photoelectric pulse detector;
Figure 7 is a perspecLive, exploded view of the disposable cover;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the sensor of Figure 1 associated with the disposable cover of Figure 7;
` Figure 9 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the sensor and associated disposable cover taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8;
~078'~ 0 Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of the sensor of Figure 1 associated with another embodiment of the disposable cover of Figure 7 shown in dotted lines;
Figure 11 is a side view of the sensor and associated disposable cover of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of the disposable cover of Figure 10.
Referring to Figures 1-4, the detector comprises sensor 12 which includes housing 14 and probe 16. Base 18, top 20 and center plate 22 of housing 14 are preferably fabricated from a rigid thermoplastic such as an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer and are secured together by adhesive. sase 18 has channel 24 formed at its forward end for receiving the rear end of probe 16. Probe 16 is preferably offset from the longitudinal center line of housing 14 in order to be more easily inserted under the tongue of a patient. However, probe 16 can also have its axis coincide with the longitudinal center-line of housing 14 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. Probe 16 is secured in channel 24 by adhesive or other suitable means and is also held in place by the bottom surface of center plate 22.
Top 20 of housing 14 houses photoelectric pulse detector 26 which comprises light bulb 28 and photocell 30.
Light bulb 28 is housed in an appropriately shaped opening (not shown) in ring 32 which is made of a suitable radiation trans-mitting material such as an acrylic sold under the trademark Plexiglas or Lucite. Radiation-transmitting ring 32 diffuses the light and heat transmitted from detector 26 to the patient's finger. Pulse detection is preferably accomplished using electromagnetic energy having infra-red wave lengths. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, photoelectric pulse detector 26 is mounted directly in resilient material 34 made of a 1C1 7B~ O
suitable rubber such as silicone rubber or Neoprene which is secured such as by the use of adhesive in opening 36 formed in top 20. The function of resilient material 34 is to cushion the portion of housing 14 gripped by the patient so that the patient will not grip the housing so tightly that the normal flow of blood through the digit being monitored is restricted.
Resilient material 34 extends from the top surface of top 20 to just above center plate 22 of housing 14 so that the finger of the patient directly contacts the resilient material.
As shown in the alternative embodiments of Figures 6A
and 6B, resilient material 34 can also be positioned to be contacted by the thumb or by both the finger and thumb. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6A, photoelectric pulse detec-tor 26 can be mounted directly in opening 36 in top 20 for association with the digit being monitored, and resilient material 34 mounted in opening 38 in base 18 so that it is positioned to be contacted by the thumb. Alternatively, resilient material 34 can extend through opening 40 in center plate 22 as shown in Figure 6B so that the respective portions of housing 14 gripped by the finger and the thumb are both cushioned.
Photocell 30 is preferably a cadmium selenide photo-cell having opaque sides and bottom portions so that the photo-cell is shielded from the direct radiation from bulb 28 and is responsive only to radiation emanating from the patient's finger. Photocell 30, as well as radiation-transmitting ring 32, is preferably mounted so that it is flush with the top surface of top 20. Photocell 30 is selected to provide a maximum response to electromagnetic energy having a wave length near 7,350 angstroms. The commercially available Clairex type CL-903L photocell has been found to be satisfactory. In general, ~
, - - 10~20 a photocell having a peak response between 7,100 and 7,500 angstroms is preferred since a peak response in this range substantially matches the radiated energy of bulb 28. Photocell 30 has leads 42 and 44 for appropriate electrical connection.
Light bulb 28 is of conventional type and has power leads 46 and 48. A main cable 50 electrically connects sensor 12 with remote circuitry.
Opening 52 in housing 14 communicates with wind tunnel 54. Wind tunnel 54 is formed by two vertical plates 56 and 58 which extend in the longitudinal direction of sensor 12 and comprise a portion of top 20. Thermistor 60 is mounted in opening 62 in plate 56 so that it is positioned in wind tunnel 54. Expired air is directed into wind tunnel 54 by vertical plates 64 and 66 which converge toward wind tunnel 54 and comprise a portion of top 20. Vent slot 68 is provided in the rear portion of top 20 and provides an exit for expired air.
Thermistor 60 has leads 70 and 72 for appropriate connection.
Thermistor 60 is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the respiration air, typically about 115F, by current flowing through the thermistor.
Thermistor 60 is typically a glass bead thermistor.
Suitable commercially available thermistors are sold by Fenwal Electronics, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, under the designa-tions GC32Jl and GC32J2. The characteristics of these thermistors are described in Fenwal's Manual EMC-6. The glass provides moisture protection which is desirable since the thermistor is exposed to nasal exhalation.
Probe 16 comprises hollow shaft 74 and end cap 76 mounted on the end of the shaft. Thermistor 78 is soldered in ,~
; the closed forward end of cap 76 and is connected to remote electrical circuitry through lead 80. Shaft 74 as shown in .
.
.
1~78Z~:O
Figures 1-4 is formed from a flexible plastic, preferably polyurethane or nylon. Since shaft 74 is not electrically conductive, a second lead 82 is also connected to cap 76 at solder joint 84. The open rear end of cap 76 is sealed by plug 86 which typically comprises an epoxy sealer or room tempera-ture vulcanizing silicone rubber which is impervious to mois-ture. Each of leads 80 and 82 extends through plug 86, hollow shaft 74 and into housing 14. In this embodiment, the exposed portion of probe 16 is typically about 2 inches long and end cap 76 about 1 1/4 inches long. Cap 76 typically comprises a nickel plated brass cylinder having a closed end and a 0.005 inch wall thickness. Thermistor 78 and leads 80 and 82 are soldered to cap 76 with a 60/40 solder.
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the probe in which shaft 74' is formed from metal such as stainless steel, typically a tube having a wall thickness of 0.003 inch.
The forward end of shaft 74' is soldered to cap 76' using a 60/40 solder. Lead 80' from thermistor 78' is insulated, typically a #40 coated wire, and is connected to an insulated i wire 90, typically a #32 insulated wire, at insulating sleeve 92. In this embodiment, plug 86' is used to seal the rear end of shaft 74 rather than cap 76 as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4. Since metal shaft 74' is electrically conduc-' tive, lead 82' can be soldered to the rear end of shaft 74' rather than to cap 76'. In this embodiment, cap 76' comprises about 1/2 inch of the length of probe 16'.
Thermistor 78 can be any thermistor with suitable temperature response characteristics for sensing clinical temperature values. A suitable commercially available therm-istor is the Type A thermistor sold by Fenwal Electronics, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts. The characteristics of the _ g _ :
11~78ZZO
Fenwal Type A thermistor are described in Fenwal's Manual EMC-6. Thermistor 78 is typically a 0.010 inch thick and 0.050 inch in diamter disc.
Referring now to Figures 79, the detector also com- `
prises disposable cover 100. As best seen in Figure 7, cover 100 basically comprises a flexible portion 102 and a rigid portion 104. Flexible portion 102 is formed from a thermo-plastic film such as a 0.001 or 0.002 inch thick film formed from polyethylene or ethylene compolymerized with ethyl vinyl acetate or ethyl methyl acetate. A thin film is used so as to minimize the degradation of the thermal response time of the probe. Rigid portion 104 is formed from a relatively rigid `
thermoplastic sheet such as a 0.020 to 0.040 inch thick styrene or polypropylene sheet to which is fastened flexible portion 102 by heat sealing or adhesive. Flexible portion 102 is a relatively good heat transmitter, and rigid portion 104 is a relatively good heat insulator. Flexible portion 102 has opening 106 for sleeving over probe 16 and housing 14.
Flexible portion 102 includes extension 108 which covers probe 16 and respiration opening 110 which allows respiration air to flow past thermistor 60 mounted in wind tunnel 54. The therm-istor 60 responds only to the air flow at expiration. Flexible portion 102 is typically formed by heat sealing two appropriately shaped top and bottom pieces 111 and 113, respectively, of thermoplastic film together along side seams 115. The inside tip of extension 108 is preferably coated with a heat-conduct-ing fluid, such as glycerin, light mineral oil, or a silicone fluid to increase the heat conductivity between disposable cover 100 and probe 16. Qnly sufficient heat conducting fluid should be used to wet the tip of extension 108 in order to .
provide the minimum heat capacity while maximizing the heat conductivity.
;' :
:::
1~78220 Rigid portion 104 has openings 112 which communicate with opening 110 in flexible portion 102. Respiration air is directed through openings 112 by saucer shaped sidewalls 114.
Front end 116 of rigid portion 104 is substantially flat and is adapted to be contacted by the patient's lips. Rigid portion 104 also comprises opening 118 which is approximately the same size and shape as opening 36 in top 20 of housing 14. When disposable cover 100 is placed over sensor 12, opening 118 will be aligned with opening 36.
Figures 10-12 show an alternative embodiment of the disposable cover and sensor. In this embodiment, disposable cover 100' consists of a 0.001 or 0.002 inch thick thermoplastic film. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 7-9, disposable cover 100' has opening 106' for sleeving over probe 16 and housing 14 and opening 110' for allowing respiratory air to contact thermistor 60 mounted in wind tunnel 54. In essence, disposable cover 100' is similar to flexible portion 102 in the embodiment shown in Figures 7-9 but opening 110 shown in Figure 7 has a somewhat modified shape as shown at 110' in Figure 10.
In this arrangement, the front end of housing 14 acts to direct respiration air into wind tunnel 54 and provides rigid portion 130 for contacting the patient's lips. More specifically, top 20 of housing 14 has openings 132 into which respiration air is directed by saucer-shaped side walls 134. Openings 132 and side walls 134 are functionally equivalent to openings 112 and side ~.
walls 114, respectively, of rigid portion 104 in the embodiment of Figures 7-9.
The normal use of the detector will be described with particular reference to the embodiment described in Figures 1-4 and 7-9. Disposable cover 100 is sleeved over probe 16 and housing 14 so that opening 118 is aligned with opening 36. The patient then holds sensor 12 in his hand so that his finger is .. ,, . : :
1C~78Z20 ~ , over photoelectric detector 26 and places probe 16 in his mouth, preferably with cap 76 well back under the tongue. In this position, the patient's lips contact front end 116 of disposable cover 100. The patient's temperature is directly ;
sensed by temperature-sensing thermistor 78.
As the patient breathes through his nose, the nasal exhalations pass through openings 112 and 110 in disposable cover 100, through opening 52 and wind tunnel 54 in housing 14 and exit sensor 12 through vent hole 68. Self-heated therm-istor 60 in wind tunnel 54 is cooled by the flow of expired air and the patient's respiration rate is derived by this periodic cooling of the thermistor.
The patient's pulse rate is derived from the changes in the light transmission characteristics of his finger sensed by photoelectric pulse detector 26. More specifically, radia-tion emitted by bulb 28 is modulated by the patient's finger and detected by photoelectric detector 30. The change in the radiation received by detector 30 is converted into a pulse rate reading.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be appreciated that there are many modifications falling within the scope of the present invention. For example, it should be recognized that the detector can be used for sensing either temperature, respiration or pulse without simultaneously detecting the other body functions. Additionally, although a preferred shape for the disposable cover and sensor have been described, it should be recognized that different configurations can be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, the sensor could be proportioned to detect rectal temperature and pulse.
In this case the photoelectric pulse detector would sense - : ~
: , . , . : ~ -:, ' . , ' '~ ,,: . :
1al782ZO
changes in the radiation transmission characteristics of the tissue of the buttocks adjacent to the rectum. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by the above, but should be limited only as defined in the appended claims.
~ .
Claims (64)
1. An apparatus for sensing body temperature and respiration of a patient, comprising a housing, a probe attached to said housing, temperature sensor means mounted on said probe for insertion into the mouth of the patient, respiration sensor means mounted in said housing, and an opening in said housing for exposing said respiration sensor means to nasal air flow when said probe is inserted into the mouth.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, including a disposable cover having a heat-transmitting portion for covering said tem-perature sensor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, in which said cover in-cludes a portion covering and cooperating with said nasal air flow directing means.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said respiration sensor means comprises a thermistor.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, in which said temperature sensor means comprises a thermistor.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, including means for passing a current through said respiration sensor thermistor to heat said thermistor to a temperature above the temperature of said nasal air.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said housing means includes a wind tunnel and said respiration sensor means is mounted in said wind tunnel.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, in which said opening for exposing said respiration sensor means to said nasal air flow is defined by first and second walls which converge toward said wind tunnel.
9. The apparatus of claim 4, in which said probe com-prises a hollow shaft and a heat-transmitting cap attached to one end of said shaft, said temperature sensor means being mounted in said heat-transmitting cap.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, in which said hollow shaft is composed of a flexible plastics material.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, in which said hollow shaft is composed of metal.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, and further comprising means for directing said nasal air flow through said opening in said housing.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, in which said probe comprises a hollow shaft and a heat-transmitting cap attached to one end of said shaft, said temperature sensing means being mounted in said heat-transmitting cap.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, in which said hollow shaft is composed of a flexible plastics material.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, in which said hollow shaft is composed of metal.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a disposable cover for removably covering said apparatus and having an opening adapted to associate with said opening in said housing.
17. An apparatus for sensing temperature, pulse, and respiration of a patient, comprising a housing, a probe attached to said housing, temperature sensor means mounted on said probe for insertion into the mouth of the patient, photoelectric pulse sensor means mounted on said apparatus and positioned to be con-tacted by tissue of the patient through which blood is circula-ting, and respiration sensor means mounted in said housing and an opening in said housing for exposing said respirator sensor means to nasal air flow when said probe is inserted into the mouth.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, in which said tempera-ture sensor means and said respiration sensor means each comprise a thermistor.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, and further including means for passing a current through said respiration sensor thermistor to heat said thermistor to a temperature above the temperature of said nasal air.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, in which said housing includes a wind tunnel and said respiration sensor means com-prises a thermistor mounted in said wind tunnel.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, in which said opening is defined by first and second walls which converge toward said wind tunnel.
22. The apparatus of claim 17, in which said photo-electric pulse sensor means comprises means for emitting radia-tion and photocell means for receiving radiation emanating from said tissue.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, in which said photo-electric pulse sensor means further comprises radiation trans-mitting means associated with said radiation emitting means.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, in which said probe comprises a hollow shaft and a heat-transmitting cap attached to one end of said shaft, said temperature sensor means being mounted in said heat-transmitting cap.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, in which said hollow shaft is composed of a flexible plastics material.
26. The apparatus of claim 24, in which said hollow shaft is composed of metal.
27. The apparatus of claim 24, in which said probe includes moisture impervious means positioned between said tem-perature sensor means and the other end of said shaft.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, in which said moisture-impervious means comprises an epoxy or a room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber.
29. The apparatus of claim 17, 18 or 19, and further comprising means for housing said photoelectric pulse sensor, said housing means having cushioning means positioned to be con-tacted by the hand of the patient so that the flow of blood circulating through said tissue is not restricted.
30. The apparatus of claim 17, 18 or 19, and further comprising a disposable cover for removably covering said ap-paratus, the cover comprising a radiation-transmitting portion adapted to associate with said photoelectric pulse sensor means and an opening adapted to associate with said respiration sensor means.
31. An apparatus for sensing temperature, pulse and respiration comprising a housing and a probe extending from said housing so that when the probe is placed in a patient's mouth the patient's lips are adapted to contact at least a por-tion of the housing, temperature sensor means mounted on said probe for insertion into the mouth, photoelectric pulse sensor means mounted on said housing and positioned to be contacted by tissue through which blood is circulating, resporation sensor means mounted in said housing and positioned to be in the path of nasal air flow when said probe is inserted into the mouth, said housing having an opening for exposing said respiration sensor means to said nasal air flow, and a disposable cover for removably covering said probe and at least a portion of said said housing comprising a radiation-transmitting portion adapted to associate with said photoelectric pulse sensor means and an opening adapted to associate with said respiration sensor means.
32. The apparatus for claim 31, in which said tem-perature sensor means and said respiration sensor means each comprise a thermistor.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, and further including means for passing a current through said respiration sensor thermistor to heat said thermistor to a temperature above the temperature of said nasal air.
34. The apparatus of claim 31, in which said housing includes a wind tunnel and said respiration sensor means com-prises a thermistor mounted in said wind tunnel.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, in which said opening for exposing said respiration sensor means to said nasal air flow is defined by first and second wall means which converge toward said wind tunnel.
36. The apparatus of claim 31, in which said photo-electric pulse sensor means comprises means for emitting radia-tion and photocell means for receiving radiation emanating from said tissue.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, in which said photo-electric pulse sensor means further comprises radiation trans-mitting means associated with said radiation emitting means.
38. The apparatus of claim 31, in which said probe comprises a hollow shaft and a heat-transmitting cap attached to one end of said shaft, said temperature sensor means being mounted in said heat-transmitting cap.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, in which said hollow shaft is composed of a flexible plastic.
40. The apparatus of claim 38, in which said hollow shaft is composed of metal.
41. The apparatus of claim 38, in which said probe includes the moisture-impervious means positioned between said temperature sensor means and the other end of said shaft.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, in which said moisture-impervious means comprises an epoxy or a room temperature vul-canizing silicone rubber.
43. The apparatus of claim 31, in which, said housing has cushioning means positioned to be contacted by the hand of a patient so that the flow of blood circulating through said tissue is not restricted.
44. The apparatus of claim 31, in which said dis-posable cover comprises a flexible sheath for said apparatus.
45. The apparatus of claim 31, in which said dis-posable cover comprises a sheath for said apparatus and which has a flexible portion and a rigid portion.
46. The apparatus of claim 31, in which said dis-posable cover further comprises means for directing nasal air flow to said respiration detection means.
47. An apparatus for sensing body temperature and respiration comprising a housing, a probe attached to said housing, temperature sensor means mounted on said probe for in-sertion into a patient's mouth, respiration sensor means mounted in a wind tunnel in said housing, an opening in said housing for exposing said respiration sensor means to nasal air flow when said probe is inserted into the mouth, said opening for exposing said respiration sensor means to said nasal air flow being de-fined by first and second wall means which converge toward said wind tunnel, and a disposable cover for removably covering said probe and at least a portion of said housing comprising an open-ing adapted to associate with said opening in said housing.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, in which said tem-perature sensor means and said respiration sensor means each comprise a thermistor.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, and further including means for passing a current through said respiration sensor thermistor to heat said thermistor to a temperature above the temperature of said nasal air.
50. The apparatus of claim 47, in which said respira-tion sensor means comprises a thermistor mounted in said wind tunnel.
51. The apparatus of claim 46, in which said appara-tus further comprises means for directing said nasal air flow through said opening in said housing.
52. The apparatus of claim 46, in which said probe comprises a hollow shaft and a heat-transmitting cap attached to one end of said shaft, said temperature sensing means being mounted in said heat-transmitting cap.
53. The apparatus of claim 52, in which said hollow shaft is composed of a flexible plastic.
54. The apparatus of claim 52, in which said hollow shaft is composed of metal.
55. An apparatus for sensing temperature and respira-tion comprising a housing and a probe extending from said housing, temperature sensor means mounted on said probe for insertion into a patient's mouth, respiration sensor means mounted in said housing, means associated with said housing for directing nasal air flow to said respiration sensor means when said probe is inserted into the mouth, and a disposable cover for removably covering said probe and at least a portion of said housing com-prising an opening adapted to associate with said respiration sensor means.
56. The apparatus of claim 55, in which the disposable cover has a heat-transmitting portion for covering said tempera-ture sensor.
57. The apparatus of claim 55, in which said cover includes a portion covering and cooperating with said nasal air flow directing means.
58. An apparatus for sensing temperature and respira-tion comprising a housing and a probe extending from said housing, temperature sensor means mounted on said probe for insertion into a patient's mouth, respiration sensor means mounted in a wind tunnel in said housing and positioned to be in the path of nasal air flow when said probe is inserted into the mouth, said housing having an opening for exposing said respiration sensor means to said nasal air flow, said opening for exposing said respiration sensor means to said nasal air flow being defined by first and second wall means which converge toward said wind tunnel and a disposable cover for removably covering said probe and at least a portion of said housing comprising an opening adapted to associate with said respiration sensor means.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, in which respiration and temperature sensor means comprise a thermistor.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, and further including means for passing a current through said respiration sensor thermistor to heat said thermistor to a temperature above the temperature of said nasal air.
61. The apparatus of claim 58, in which said probe comprises a hollow shaft and a heat-transmitting cap attached to one end of said shaft, said temperature sensor means being mounted in said heat-transmitting cap.
62. The apparatus of claim 61, in which said hollow shaft is composed of a flexible plastic.
63. The apparatus of claim 61, in which said hollow shaft is composed of metal.
64. An apparatus for sensing temperature and respira-tion rate comprising a housing, an elongate probe and an inter-mediate section connected at one side to said housing and at another side to said probe, said probe extending from the side of said intermediate connecting section which is remote from said housing, a temperature sensor mounted in the end of said probe remote from said intermediate connecting section, said housing having an interior defining a wind tunnel, a respiration sensor mounted in said wind tunnel, said housing defining an inlet opening communicating with the upstream end of said wind tunnel and an outlet opening communicating with the downstream end of said wind tunnel, said probe being dimensioned such that when it is inserted into a patient's mouth it is entirely con- .
tained within the patient's mouth and the patient's lips engage said intermediate connecting section, said intermediate connect-ing section having a non-circular cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis, the width of said non-circular cross-section along said major axis being substantially greater than the width of said non-circular cross-section along said minor axis whereby said major axis is oriented parallel to the line of joining of the patient's lips when said probe is inserted in the patient's mouth and the intermediate connecting section is engaged by the patient's lips so that the apparatus can be firmly held by the patient in a fixed non-rotating manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to enable proper posi-tioning of said inlet opening in relation to the patient's ex-pired nasal air flow.
tained within the patient's mouth and the patient's lips engage said intermediate connecting section, said intermediate connect-ing section having a non-circular cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis, the width of said non-circular cross-section along said major axis being substantially greater than the width of said non-circular cross-section along said minor axis whereby said major axis is oriented parallel to the line of joining of the patient's lips when said probe is inserted in the patient's mouth and the intermediate connecting section is engaged by the patient's lips so that the apparatus can be firmly held by the patient in a fixed non-rotating manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to enable proper posi-tioning of said inlet opening in relation to the patient's ex-pired nasal air flow.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA311,112A CA1081996A (en) | 1975-04-08 | 1978-09-12 | Disposable cover for temperature and respiration sensing apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/566,073 US4036211A (en) | 1975-04-08 | 1975-04-08 | Temperature, pulse and respiration detection apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1078220A true CA1078220A (en) | 1980-05-27 |
Family
ID=24261360
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA249,211A Expired CA1078220A (en) | 1975-04-08 | 1976-03-30 | Temperature, pulse and respiration detection apparatus |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4036211A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS51124080A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1078220A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2615113C3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1539286A (en) |
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1976
- 1976-03-30 CA CA249,211A patent/CA1078220A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-04-07 GB GB14123/76A patent/GB1539286A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-04-07 DE DE762615113A patent/DE2615113C3/en not_active Expired
- 1976-04-08 JP JP51040164A patent/JPS51124080A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2615113B2 (en) | 1978-07-06 |
| DE2615113C3 (en) | 1979-03-01 |
| DE2615113A1 (en) | 1976-10-14 |
| GB1539286A (en) | 1979-01-31 |
| US4036211A (en) | 1977-07-19 |
| JPS51124080A (en) | 1976-10-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |