U.S. patent number 3,884,219 [Application Number 05/346,952] was granted by the patent office on 1975-05-20 for system for determining temperature and respiration rate.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Medical Monitor Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Allen D. Boger, Jr., Jerald P. Dykstra, Emmett L. Hudspeth, Philip C. Richardson.
United States Patent |
3,884,219 |
Richardson , et al. |
May 20, 1975 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
System for determining temperature and respiration rate
Abstract
A system for determining the temperature and the respiration
rate of a patient comprises an elongate cylindrical probe. A
thermistor is supported in the tip of the probe for positioning in
the mouth of a patient to generate an output signal indicative of
the patient's temperature. A respiration transducer is supported on
the probe in the path of air exhaled through the nose of the
patient and functions to generate an output signal indicative of
the patient's respiration rate. A disposable cover is provided for
enclosing the probe during use. The cover includes a plastic body
extending to a metal tip which engages the thermistor to promote
heat transfer thereto, and a cup-shaped member supported on the
body for directing air exhaled by the patient across the
respiration transducer.
Inventors: |
Richardson; Philip C. (Austin,
TX), Hudspeth; Emmett L. (Austin, TX), Boger, Jr.; Allen
D. (Austin, TX), Dykstra; Jerald P. (Austin, TX) |
Assignee: |
Medical Monitor Systems, Inc.
(Austin, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
23361715 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/346,952 |
Filed: |
April 2, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/537;
600/549 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
5/0816 (20130101); A61B 5/02055 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
5/0205 (20060101); A61B 5/08 (20060101); A61b
005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/2R,2C,2H,2M,DIG.13,409,407,2.5E,2.5F,2.1Z,2.08,DIG.4
;73/344R,345R,343R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gaudet; Richard A.
Assistant Examiner: Recla; Henry J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Richards, Harris & Medlock
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for determining the temperature and respiration rate
of a patient which comprises:
an elongate probe including one end adapted to be positioned in the
mouth of a patient;
a temperature responsive member supported at the tip of the one end
of said probe for positioning in the mouth of the patient;
said temperature responsive member being adapted to provide a
signal indicative of the temperature of the patient; and
a respiration responsive member supported on the probe at a point
substantially displaced from the tip and in an angular upwardly
extending relationship to said probe;
said respiration responsive member being adapted for actuation by
air exhaled through the nose of the patient to provide a signal
indicative of the respiration rate of the patient.
2. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rate
according to claim 1 wherein the respiration responsive member is a
temperature sensitive device.
3. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rate
according to claim 1 wherein the respiration responsive member is a
moisture sensitive device.
4. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rate
according to claim 1 wherein the respiration responsive member is a
pressure sensitive device.
5. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rate
according to claim 1 further including a cover extending over said
one end of the probe and including a portion having low thermal
impedance positioned in engagement with the temperature responsive
member so that the temperature responsive member is actuated by
heat transfer through the disposable cover.
6. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rate
according to claim 5 wherein the cover further includes a
dish-shaped portion surrounding the respiration responsive member
for directing air exhaled by the patient into engagement
therewith.
7. Apparatus for determing the temperature and the respiration rate
of a patient which comprises:
a probe including an elongate cylindrical end adapted to be
positioned in the mouth of the patient;
a temperature responsive member supported at the extreme tip of the
cylindrical end of the probe for generating an output signal
indicative of the temperature of the patient;
a respiration responsive member supported on the probe at a point
substantially displaced from the tip for actuation by air exhaled
through the nose of the patient to generate an output signal
indicative of the respiration rate of the patient;
a cover enclosing at least the cylindrical end of the probe during
the positioning thereof in the mouth of the patient;
said cover including means for directing air exhaled through the
nose of the patient into engagement with the respiration responsive
member and a low thermal impedance portion engaging the temperature
responsive member so that the temperature responsive member is
actuated by heat transfer through the cover.
8. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rates
according to claim 7 wherein the cover is formed substantially
entirely from plastic and includes a metal tip portion comprising
the low thermal impedance portion thereof.
9. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rates
according to claim 8 wherein the air directing means of the cover
comprises a dish-shaped member having a central aperture for
receiving the respiration responsive member on the probe.
10. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rates
according to claim 7 wherein the respiration responsive member
comprises a temperature sensitive device.
11. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rates
according to claim 7 wherein the respiration responsive member
comprises a moisture sensitive device.
12. The apparatus for determining temperature and respiration rates
according to claim 7 wherein the respiration responsive member
comprises a pressure sensitive device.
13. For use in conjunction with apparatus for determining the
temperature and the respiration rate of a patient of the type
comprising an elongate probe, a temperature responsive means
positioned at the tip of the probe for positioning in the mouth of
the patient, and a respiration responsive means supported on the
probe for engagement by air exhaled through the nose of the
patient, an at least semi-disposable cover comprising:
a plastic body portion having interior dimensions substantially
similar to the exterior dimensions of the probe for enclosing the
probe during the insertion thereof into the mouth of the
patient;
a tip at one end of the body portion and formed from a material
having low thermal impedance and supported on the body portion for
contact with the temperature responsive means so that the
temperature responsive means is actuated by heat transfer through
the disposable cover; and
deflector means for directing air exhaled through the nose of the
patient into engagement with the respiration responsive means, said
deflector means extending from the body portion at a point
displaced from one end of the body portion between the one end and
a second end of the body portion to be adjacent the respiration
responsive means.
14. The disposable cover according to claim 13 wherein the body
portion of the deflector means is formed form a plastic material
and wherein the tip is formed from metal.
15. The disposable cover according to claim 14 wherein the
deflector means comprises a dish-shaped member and cylindrical
portion extending form the dish-shaped member for receiving the
respiration responsive means.
16. Apparatus for use in the measurement of temperature and
respiration rate, which comprises:
an elongate probe having one end adapted to be positioned in the
mouth of a human;
temperature responsive means supported at the one end of said probe
for providing a temperature related signal; and
respiration responsive means supported on the probe at a point
displaced from the one end in an angularly extending relationship
to said probe for providing a respiration rate related signal.
17. Apparatus for use in the measurement of temperature and
respiration rate as set forth in claim 16 including a deflector
member surrounding the respiration responsive means for attachment
to said elongate probe to direct air exhaled by the human into
engagement with the respiration responsive means.
18. Apparatus for use in the measurement of temperature and
respiration rate as set forth in claim 16 including a cover
extending over the one end of said probe and including a portion
having a low thermal impedance positioned in engagement with the
temperature responsive means so that the temperature responsive
means is actuated by heat transferred through the portion having a
low thermal impedance.
19. Apparatus for use in the measurement of temperature and
respiration rate, which comprises:
an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and including one end
adapted to be positioned in the mouth of a human;
temperature responsive means supported at the one end of said probe
substantially along the longitudinal axis for providing a
temperature related signal; and
respiration responsive means supported on the probe at a point
displaced from the one end and positioned along an axis other than
the longitudinal axis of said probe for providing a respiration
rate related signal.
20. Apparatus for use in the measurement of temperature and
respiration rate as set forth in claim 19 including a deflector
member surrounding the respiration responsinve means and attached
to the elongate probe to direct air exhaled by the human into
engagement with the respiration responsive means.
21. Apparatus for use in the measurement of temperature and
respiration rate as set forth in claim 19 including:
a cover extending over said one end of the probe; and
said cover including means for directing air exhaled through the
nose of the human into engagement with the respiration responsive
means and a low thermal impedance portion engaging the temperature
responsive means so that the temperature responsive means is
actuated by heat transfer through the low thermal impedance
portion.
22. Apparatus for determining the temperature and respiration rate
of a patient, which comprises:
an elongate probe including one end adapted to be positioned in the
mouth of the patient;
temperature responsive means supported at said one end of the probe
for positioning in the mouth of the patient;
said temperature responsive means being adapted to provide a signal
indicative of the temperature of the patient;
respiration responsive means supported on the probe at a point
displaced from one end thereof in the path of air exhaled through
the nose of the patient when said one end of the probe is inserted
in the mouth of the patient;
said respiration responsive means being adapted for actuation by
air exhaled through the nose of the patient to provide a signal
indicative of the respiration rate of the patient; and
deflector means for directing air exhaled by the patient into
engagement with the respiration responsive means, said deflector
means surrounding the respiration responsive means and adapted for
attachment to the elongate probe.
23. Apparatus for determining the temperature and respiration rate
of a patient, which comprises:
an elongate probe including one end adapted to be positioned in the
mouth of the patient;
temperature responsive means supported at said one end of the probe
for positioning in the mouth of the patient;
said temperature responsive means being adapted to provide a signal
indicative of the temperature of the patient;
respiration responsive means supported on the probe at a point
displaced from one end thereof in the path of air exhaled through
the nose of the patient when said one end of the probe is inserted
in the mouth of the patient;
said respiration responsive means being adapted for actuation by
air exhaled through the nose of the patient to provide a signal
indicative of the respiration rate of the patient; and
a cover extending over said one end of the probe and terminating in
a portion having a low thermal impedance positioned in engagement
with the temperature responsive means so that the temperature
responsive means is actuated by heat transferred through said
portion and including a dish-shaped portion surrounding the
respiration responsive means for directing air exhaled by the
patient into engagement with the respiration responsive means.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to temperature and respiration rate
determining systems, and more particularly to an electronic system
for simultaneously determining the temperature and the respiration
rate of a patient.
At the present time, there is considerable interest in electronic
systems for gathering and processing medical data. One factor
underlying this activity is the spiraling costs of medical
services. Electronic systems typically operate very rapidly and are
often adapted for automatic or semi-automatic actuation. By this
means the time consuming manual operations which have heretofore
been involved in gathering and processing medical data are reduced
if not entirely eliminated. This in turn produces a substantial
reduction in the costs involved in gathering and processing such
data.
Another factor involved in the increasing use of electronic systems
in medical data gathering and processing functions involves the
accuracy and reliability of the resulting data. Electronic systems
are often considerably more accurate than corresponding manual
systems, and often are capable of obtaining data which is simply
not available from other sources. Moreover, electronic medical data
gathering and processing systems are often adapted for use in
conjunction with associated electronic computing and/or recording
apparatus. By this means the possibilities of error which are
always present in manual data gathering and processing procedures
are completely eliminated.
The present invention relates to an electronic system for
simultaneously determining the temperature and the respiration rate
of a patient. In accordance with the broader aspects of the
invention, there is provided an elongate probe having suitable
dimensions for positioning in the mouth of a patient. A temperature
responsive member is mounted at the tip of the probe and is
therefore adapted to produce an output indicative of the
temperature of the patient.
A respiration responsive member is mounted on the probe at a point
displaced from the tip. The respiration responsive member is
therefore positioned in the path of air exhaled through the nose of
the patient. By this means the respiration responsive member
produces an output indicative of the respiration rate of the
patient.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the probe is
enclosed during use by a removable cover which is disposable or at
least semi-disposable. The cover includes a plastic body extending
to a metal tip which contacts the temperature responsive member.
The temperature responsive member is therefore actuated by heat
transfer through the disposable cover. A cup-shaped member is
supported on the body of the cover and includes a cylindrical
portion which receives the respiration responsive member. The
cup-shaped member functions to direct air exhaled through the nose
of the patient across the respiration responsive member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by
referring to the following Detailed Description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an electronic medical data acquisition
system utilizing the invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the use of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system for determining
temperature and respiration rate incorporating a first embodiment
of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a system for determining temperature and
respiration rate incorporating a second embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 5--5 in
FIG. 4 in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged illustration of certain features of the
second embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 8 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof,
the present invention is utilized in conjunction with an electronic
medical data acquisition system 10. The data acquisition system 10
includes a data display and recording unit 12 comprising a
plurality of control keys 14 and a data display screen 18. A
temperature and respiration rate determining system 20
incorporating the present invention is connected to the display and
recording unit 12 by a cable 22. Similarly, a pulse rate
determining system 24 is connected to the display and recording
unit 12 by a cable 26.
In the use of the data acquisition system 10, the temperature and
respiration rate determining system 20 is utilized to generate
signals indicative of the temperature and the respiration rate of
the patient. These signals are fed to the display and recording
unit 12 through the cable 22. At the same time, the pulse rate
determining system 24 is utilized to generate signals indicative of
the pulse rate of the patient. These signals are fed to the display
and recording unit 12 through the cable 26.
Within the display and recording unit 12 the signals generated by
the temperature and respiration rate determining system 20 and by
the pulse rate determining system 24 are converted to temperature,
respiration, and pulse rate information. This information is stored
within the data display and recording unit 12, and is displayed on
the display screen 18 thereof either automatically or by actuating
appropriate control keys 14. The data display and recording unit 12
is further adapted to transfer the stored data to associated
computing and/or recording equipment, whereby the data may be
further processed, etc.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6, there is shown a temperature and
respiration rate determining system 30 incorporating a first
embodiment of the invention. The system 30 comprises an elongate
probe 32 including a holder 34. A barrel 36 is slidably received in
the holder 34 and is biased outwardly by a spring 38. A tube 40
extends rearwardly from the barrel 36 to a handle 42 having a cap
44 received therein. The component parts of the probe 32 other than
the tube may be formed from a suitable plastic such as "Delrin,"
"Lexan," polystyrene, etc., and the tube 40 may be formed from
stainless steel, or the like.
As is best shown in FIG. 8, a first transducer 45 is mounted in the
end of the barrel 36 of the probe 32 remote from the handle 42. The
transducer 45 is enclosed by a metal cover 46 which projects from
the end of the barrel 36 to define the tip of the probe 32.
Referring to FIG. 6 a second transducer 48 is mounted in the barrel
36 at a point substantially displaced from the tip of the probe 32.
The transducer 48 extends angularly upwardly relative to the
remaining components of the probe 32. The transducers 45 and 48 are
both connected to a cable 50 extending through the barrel 36, the
tube 40, the handle 42, and the cap 44, and serving to connect the
transducers 45 and 48 to associated apparatus, for example, the
data display and recording unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.
The first transducer 45 is preferably a temperature sensitive
transducer, and as such may comprise a thermistor or other
temperature sensitive component. The second transducer may also
comprise a temperature sensitive transducer, if desired. However,
as will become more apparent hereinafter, the transducer may also
comprise apparatus responsive to the moisture content of the
breath, apparatus responsive to pressure exerted by exhaled breath,
etc.
The temperature and respiration rate determining system 30 further
includes a probe cover 52. The cover 52 is removable, and
preferably is disposable, i.e., adapted for one-time use only, or
at least semi-disposable, i.e., adapted for use by a single patient
only. The cover 52 comprises a body 54 formed from a suitable
plastic material such as polystyrene, and having interior
dimensions substantially similar to the exterior dimensions of the
probe 32. A metal cap 56 is secured to the end of the body 54
corresponding to the tip of the probe 32. The cap 56 is preferably
rigidly secured to the body 54, such as by molding material of the
body 54 around the cap 56.
The probe cover 52 further includes a spherical disk 58 mounted on
the body 54. An aperture 60 is formed in the disk 58 and a
cylindrical portion 62 extends rearwardly from the disk. The
cylindrical portion 62 receives the second transducer 48 extending
from the probe 32.
The disposable cover 52 is positioned over the barrel 36 of the
probe 32 prior to the use of the temperature and respiration rate
determining system 30. Referring to FIG. 6, the cover 52 includes a
slot 64 and the probe 32 is provided with a projection 66 which
cooperate to assure proper registration between the second
transducer 48 and the disk 58 and the cylindrical portion 62. As
the cover 52 is slid into position, the spring 38 is compressed,
thereby maintaining an intimate springloaded contact between the
first transducer 45 and its surrounding cover 46 and the cap 56 of
the cover 52. Such contact is important in assuring a path of low
thermal impedance through the cover 52 to the first transducer
45.
The use of the temperature and respiration rate determining system
30 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The tip of the probe 32 as defined by
the first transducer 45 and the surrounding portion of the cover 52
is positioned within the mouth of a patient P. By this means the
first transducer 45 is actuated to generate a signal indicative of
the temperature of the patient. This signal is transferred to
associated apparatus through the cable 50.
The positioning of the barrel 36 and the surrounding portion of the
cover 52 within the mouth of the patient P automatically positions
the second transducer 48 in the path of air exhaled through the
nose of the patient. By this means the second thermistor 48 is
cyclically actuated in synchronism with the breathing of the
patient, and thereby generates a signal indicative of the
respiration rate of the patient. This signal is conveyed to
associated apparatus by the cable 50. The operation of the second
transducer 48 in determining the respiration rate of the patient is
facilitated by the disk 58 and the cylindrical portion 62 of the
disposable cover 52 which function to direct the air exhaled
through the nose of the patient across the second thermistor 48.
The disk 58 and the cylindrical portion 62 also prevent extraneous
drafts from contacting the second transducer 48.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a temperature and
respiration rate determining system 70 comprising a second
embodiment of the invention. The system 70 includes a one-piece
barrel 72 which may be formed from one of the various plastic
materials, such as "Lexan," etc. The barrel 72 includes a handle
portion 74 which receives a cap 76. As is best shown in FIG. 7, the
barrel 72 further comprises a pair of opposed cover retaining beads
80 which project outwardly from the barrel 72 at points indicated
by the line 82 in FIG. 4.
A first transducer 85 is mounted in the end of the barrel 72 remote
from the handle 74. Like the transducer 45, the transducer 85 is
enclosed by a metal cover 86 which serves to define the tip of the
barrel 72. A cable 88 extends from a first transducer 85 through
the barrel 72 and through the cap 76 and serves to connect the
temperature and respiration rate determining systems 70 to
associated apparatus. A second transducer 90 is mounted in the
barrel 72 at a point displaced from the tip thereof. The second
transducer 90 extends angularly upwardly relative to the remaining
components of the barrel 72. Like the first transducer 85, the
second transducer 90 is connected to associated apparatus by the
cable 88.
The first transducer 85 is temperature sensitive, and therefore
comprises a thermistor or similar temperature sensitive component.
The second transducer 90 may comprise a temperature sensitive
device, a moisture sensitive device, a pressure sensitive device,
depending on particular requirements.
It will be appreciated that the positioning of the transducers
comprising the temperature and respiration rate determining system
70 with respect to the barrel 72 is substantially identical to the
positioning of the transducers comprising the temperature and
respiration rate determining system 30 with respect to the probe
32. This fact permits the use of the same probe cover 52 in
conjunction with the temperature and respiration rate determining
system 70. One difference between the two embodiments of the
invention is that in the case of the temperature and respiration
rate determining system 70, the cap 56 of the cover 52 is
maintained in intimate contact with the cover 86 enclosing the
first transducer 85 by means of the beads 80 which receive a groove
92 formed in the interior of the cover 52. It has been found that
this construction serves equally as well as the spring loaded
construction of the probe 32 to maintain the necessary contact
between these component parts.
As is best shown in FIG. 4, the probe 70 includes a ridge 92 which
receives the slotted portion 64 of the cover 52. By this means
proper registration of the component parts of the cover 52 and the
second transducer 90 is assured.
The temperature and respiration rate determining system 70 is used
in the same manner as described hereinbefore in conjunction with
the system 30 and FIG. 2. The tip of the barrel 72 and the
surrounding portion of the cover 52 is positioned in the mouth of
the patient. Thereupon the first transducer 85 is actuated to
generate an output signal indicative of the temperature of the
patient. Actuation of the first transducer 85 is by means of heat
transfer through the cap 56 of the cover 52. The output signal from
the first transducer 85 is connected to associated apparatus by the
cable 88.
The positioning of the tip of the barrel 72 of the system in the
mouth of the patient assures the positioning of the second
transducer 90 in the path of air exhaled through the nose of the
patient. By this means the second transducer 90 is cyclically
actuated in accordance with the breathing of the patient, and
thereby generates an output signal indicative of the respiration
rate of the patient. Again, the disk 58 and the cylindrical portion
62 of the cover 52 functions to direct air exhaled through the nose
of the patient across the second transducer and to prevent
actuation of the transducer 90 by extraneous drafts.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the present
invention incorporates numerous advantages over the devices that
have heretofore been provided for determining the temperature and
the respiration rate of a patient. For example, by means of the
present invention, the temperature and the respiration rate of the
patient are simultaneously determined with no additional effort
over that which would be required to determine temperature only.
Another advantage relates to the construction of the probe of the
invention, whereby apparatus for determining respiration rate is
automatically correctly positioned whenever the probe is utilized
to determine temperature. An associated advantage involves the fact
that the positioning of the probe in the mouth of the patient to
determine temperature forces the mouth of the patient to be closed,
whereby breathing must take place through the nose of the patient.
Still another advantage involves the fact that securing means such
as adhesive tape, straps, clips, etc. are not necessary to the
practice of the invention.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *