System for monitoring health, wellness and fitness having a method and apparatus for improved measurement of heat flow

• US 20020183646A1
• Filed: 03/30/2001
• Published: 12/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JB IP Acquisitions LLC
• Original Assignee: BodyMedia Incorporated (AliphCom Corp.)
• Inventors: Sica, Vanessa, Zaremsky, Mark, Stivoric, John M., Kasabach, Christopher D., Moss, John L., Boehmke, Scott K.
• Granted Patent: US 6,595,929 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/549
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/02 Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/01 Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6824 Arm or wrist
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 15/0241 the tubes being flexible
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/20 Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 17/00 Measuring quantity of heat measuring temperature by calorimetry G01K3/00 - G01K11/00; specially adapted for measuring thermal properties of materials, e.g. specific heat, heat of combustion G01N

Abstract

Means and methods for measuring heat flux between a living body and an ambient atmosphere and for generating information related thereto. Means include a heat pipe configuration comprising at least one heat conduit in thermal communication with a heat flux sensor and a surface of a living body. Methods include employing such a heat pipe configuration. Heat pipe configuration may be used in a device included in a system for detecting, monitoring and reporting human physiological information.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring heat flow between a living body and an ambient environment, comprising:

a heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side, said second side adapted to be in thermal communication with said ambient environment; and

ii) a heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said living body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first surface of said heat conduit is adapted to contact said living body.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first surface of said heat conduit comprises a hypoallergenic material.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said hypoallergenic material comprises stainless steel.

5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a ratio of the surface area of said first surface of said heat conduit to the surface area of said first side of said heat flux sensor is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 2.

6. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a heat conductor having a thermal conductivity that is at least as great as that of stainless steel, said heat conductor being adapted to contact said living body in the vicinity of said first surface of said heat conduit.

7. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said second surface of said heat conduit is biased away from being in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor when said first surface of said heat conduit is not in contact with said living body.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat conduit comprises a thermally anisotropic material.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said thermally anisotropic material is a thermally conductive plastic.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat pipe configuration includes a thermally conductive interface material layer, and wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer is in contact with at least one of said heat flux sensor and said heat conduit.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat conduit has at least one internal void.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat conduit has an inner passage.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said heat conduit has a cylindrical shape.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said heat conduit has an inner axial surface, a radial surface, and an outer axial surface, and wherein said second surface of said heat conduit is one selected from the group consisting of said inner axial surface, said radial surface, and said outer axial surface.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat pipe configuration has a thermal impedance that is less than about two times the thermal resistance of said heat flux sensor.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the thermal impedance of said heat pipe configuration is in the range of from about 1.1 to about 1.2 times the thermal resistance of said heat flux sensor.

19. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal impedance of said heat pipe configuration is in the range of from about 0.0006 to about 0.003°

C./(W/m²).

20. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat pipe configuration has a main heat flow path, and wherein said heat conduit has a thermal conductivity in the direction of said main heat flow path that is in the range of from about the thermal conductivity of stainless steel to about the thermal conductivity of aluminum.

21. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heat conduit comprises a plurality of individual heat conduits, each of said individual heat conduits having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said living body and a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor, and wherein at least one of said individual heat conduits has a surface adapted to contact said living body.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a thermally conductive interface material layer, and wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer is in contact with at least one of said individual heat conduits.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

25. An apparatus according to 21, wherein at least one of said individual heat conduits is biased away from being in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor when none of said individual heat conduits is in contact with said living body.

26. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said living body is a human body.

27. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processor, wherein said processor is adapted to receive an output from said heat flux sensor.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first surface of said first heat conduit is adapted to contact said living body.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said first surface of said first heat conduit comprises a hypoallergenic material.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said hypoallergenic material comprises stainless steel.

32. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein a ratio of the surface area of said first surface of said first heat conduit to the surface area of said first side of said heat flux sensor is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 2.

33. An apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a heat conductor having a thermal conductivity that is at least as great as that of stainless steel, said heat conductor being adapted to contact said living body in the vicinity of said first surface of said first heat conduit.

34. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said second surface of said first heat conduit is biased away from being in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor when said first surface of said first heat conduit is not in contact with said living body.

35. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first heat conduit comprises a thermally anisotropic material.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said thermally anisotropic material is a thermally conductive plastic.

37. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said heat pipe configuration includes a thermally conductive interface material layer, and wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer is in contact with at least one of said heat flux sensor and said first heat conduit.

38. An apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

39. An apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

40. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first heat conduit has at least one internal void.

41. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first heat conduit has an inner passage.

42. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said first heat conduit has a cylindrical shape.

43. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said first heat conduit has an inner axial surface, a radial surface, and an outer axial surface, and wherein said second surface of said first heat conduit is one selected from the group consisting of said inner axial surface, said radial surface, and said outer axial surface.

44. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said heat pipe configuration has a thermal impedance that is less than about two times the thermal resistance of said heat flux sensor.

45. An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the thermal impedance of said heat pipe configuration is in the range of from about 1.1 to about 1.2 times the thermal resistance of said heat flux sensor.

46. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the thermal impedance of said heat pipe configuration is in the range of from about 0.0006 to about 0.003°

C./(W/m²).

47. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said heat pipe configuration has a main heat flow path, and wherein said first heat conduit has a thermal conductivity in the direction of said main heat flow path that is in the range of from about the thermal conductivity of stainless steel to about the thermal conductivity of aluminum.

48. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first heat conduit comprises a plurality of individual heat conduits, each of said individual heat conduits having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said living body and a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor, and wherein at least one of said individual heat conduits has a surface adapted to contact said living body.

49. An apparatus according to claim 48, further comprising a thermally conductive interface material layer, and wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer is in contact with at least one of said individual heat conduits.

50. An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

51. An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

52. An apparatus according to 48, wherein at least one of said individual heat conduits is biased away from being in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor when none of said individual heat conduits is in contact with said living body.

53. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said second surface of said second heat conduit is adapted to contact said ambient environment.

54. An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein a ratio of the surface area of said second surface of said second heat conduit to the surface area of said second side of said heat flux sensor is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 1.

55. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said first surface of said second heat conduit is biased away from being in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor when said first surface of said first heat conduit is not in contact with said living body.

56. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said second heat conduit comprises a thermally anisotropic material.

57. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said thermally anisotropic material is a thermally conductive plastic.

58. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said heat pipe configuration includes a thermally conductive interface material layer, and wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer is in contact with at least one of said heat flux sensor and said second heat conduit.

59. An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

60. An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

61. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said second heat conduit has at least one internal void.

62. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said second heat conduit has an inner passage.

63. An apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said second heat conduit has a cylindrical shape.

64. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said second heat conduit has an inner axial surface, a radial surface, and an outer axial surface, and wherein said first surface of said second heat conduit is one selected from the group consisting of said inner axial surface, said radial surface, and said outer axial surface.

65. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said heat pipe configuration has a main heat flow path, and wherein said second heat conduit has a thermal conductivity in the direction of said main heat flow path that is in the range of from about the thermal conductivity of stainless steel to about the thermal conductivity of aluminum.

66. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said second heat conduit comprises a plurality of individual heat conduits, each of said individual heat conduits having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor and a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said ambient environment, and wherein at least one of said individual heat conduits has a surface adapted to contact said ambient environment.

67. An apparatus according to claim 66, further comprising a thermally conductive interface material layer, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer is in contact with at least one of said individual heat conduits.

68. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

69. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said thermally conductive interface material layer comprises a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

70. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein at least one of said individual heat conduits is biased away from being in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor when said first side of said first heat conduit is not in contact with said living body.

71. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said living body is a human body.

72. An apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a processor, wherein said processor is adapted to receive an output from said heat flux sensor.

28. An apparatus for measuring heat flow between a living body and an ambient environment, comprising:

a heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side;

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said living body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor; and

iii) a second heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said ambient environment.

73. A system for detecting, monitoring and reporting human physiological information, comprising:

a) a sensor device adapted to be placed in contact with an individual'"'"'s body, said sensor device including a heat pipe configuration, said sensor device being adapted to generate data indicative of heat flow from said individual and derived data from said data indicative of said heat flow, said heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side, said second side adapted to be in thermal communication with an ambient environment; and

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor;

b) a central monitoring unit remote from said sensor device adapted for the generation of analytical status data from at least a portion of at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said analytical status data, said central monitoring unit including a data storage device for retrievably storing at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said analytical status data;

c) data transfer means for establishing at least temporary electronic communication between said sensor device and said central monitoring unit; and

d) means for transmitting at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said analytical status data to a recipient.

74. A system according to claim 73, wherein said sensor device has a first surface adapted to contact said body, said first surface of said sensor device having an outer perimeter, and wherein said first surface of said heat conduit is positioned to contact said body near said outer perimeter.

75. A system according to claim 73, wherein said sensor device has a first surface adapted to contact said body, said first surface of said sensor device having an area covered by a thermally conductive material, and wherein said first surface of said heat conduit is positioned to contact said body near said area.

76. A system according to claim 75, wherein said thermally conductive material is stainless steel.

77. A system according to claim 73, wherein said sensor device generates data indicative of one or more contextual parameters associated with said individual, and wherein said analytical status data is also generated from selected portions of said data indicative of one or more contextual parameters.

78. A system according to claim 73, wherein said sensor device further comprises a processor adapted to generate said derived data.

79. A system according to claim 78, said sensor device comprising a computer housing for containing said processor and a flexible wing body having first and second wings adapted to wrap around a portion of an upper arm of said individual.

80. A system according to claim 79, further comprising means for removably affixing said sensor device to said upper arm.

81. A system according to claim 73, wherein said sensor device further comprises a wireless receiver for receiving data from a wireless device worn by or located near said individual.

82. A system according to claim 81, wherein said wireless device comprises a heart rate monitor, said data received from said wireless device comprises data indicative of heart rate of said individual, and said derived data and said analytical status data are also generated from at least a portion of said data indicative of heart rate.

83. A system according to claim 73, wherein said derived data comprises at least one of calories burned, sleep onset and wake, stress level and relaxation level.

84. A system for monitoring the degree to which an individual has followed a suggested routine, comprising:

a) a sensor device adapted to be placed in contact with said individual'"'"'s body, said sensor device including a heat pipe configuration, said sensor device being adapted to generate data indicative of heat flow from said individual and derived data from said data indicative of said heat flow, said heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side, said second side adapted to be in thermal communication with an ambient environment; and

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor;

b) means for transmitting at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow and said derived data from said sensor device to a central monitoring unit remote from said sensor device; and

c) means for providing life activities data of said individual to said central monitoring unit;

wherein said central monitoring unit is adapted to generate and provide feedback to a recipient relating to the degree to which said individual has followed said suggested routine, said feedback being generated from at least a portion of at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said life activities data.

85. A system according to claim 84, wherein said routine comprises a plurality of categories.

86. A system according to claim 85, wherein said feedback is generated and provided with respect to each of said categories.

87. A system according to claim 86, wherein said categories include two or more of nutrition, activity level, mind centering, sleep, and daily activities.

88. A system according to claim 86, wherein at least a portion of said feedback is in graphical form.

89. A system according to claim 88, wherein said central monitoring unit is adapted to generate one or more web pages containing said feedback, said web pages being accessible by said recipient over the Internet.

90. A system according to claim 84, wherein said central monitoring unit is adapted to generate one or more web pages containing said feedback, said web pages being accessible by said recipient over the Internet.

91. A system according to claim 84, wherein said sensor device further comprises a processor adapted to generate said derived data.

92. A system according to claim 91, said sensor device comprising a computer housing for containing said processor and a flexible wing body having first and second wings adapted to wrap around a portion of an upper arm of said individual.

93. A system according to claim 84, wherein said sensor device further comprises a wireless receiver for receiving data from a wireless device worn by or located near said individual.

94. A system according to claim 93, wherein said wireless device comprises a heart rate monitor, said data received from said wireless device comprises data indicative of heart rate of said individual, and said derived data and said feedback are also generated from at least a portion of said data indicative of heart rate.

95. A system according to claim 84, said sensor device comprising a rechargeable battery, said sensor device being adapted to be placed in a battery charger unit for recharging said rechargeable battery.

96. A system according to claim 84, wherein said derived data comprises at least one of calories burned, sleep onset and wake, stress level and relaxation level.

97. A system for detecting, monitoring and reporting human physiological information, comprising:

a) a sensor device adapted to be placed in contact with an individual'"'"'s body, said sensor device including a heat pipe configuration, said sensor device being adapted to generate data indicative of heat flow from said individual and derived data from said data indicative of said heat flow, said heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side;

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor; and

iii) a second heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with an ambient environment;

b) a central monitoring unit remote from said sensor device adapted for the generation of analytical status data from at least a portion of at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said analytical status data, said central monitoring unit including a data storage device for retrievably storing at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said analytical status data;

c) data transfer means for establishing at least temporary electronic communication between said sensor device and said central monitoring unit; and

d) means for transmitting at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said analytical status data to a recipient.

98. A system according to claim 97, wherein said sensor device has a first surface adapted to contact said body, said first surface of said sensor device having an outer perimeter, and wherein said first surface of said first heat conduit is positioned to contact said body near said outer perimeter.

99. A system according to claim 97, wherein said sensor device has a first surface adapted to contact said body, said first surface of said sensor device having an area covered by a thermally conductive material, and wherein said first surface of said first heat conduit is positioned to contact said body near said area.

100. A system according to claim 99, wherein said thermally conductive material is stainless steel.

101. A system according to claim 97, wherein said sensor device generates data indicative of one or more contextual parameters associated with said individual, and wherein said analytical status data is also generated from selected portions of said data indicative of one or more contextual parameters.

102. A system according to claim 97, wherein said sensor device further comprises a processor adapted to generate said derived data.

103. A system according to claim 102, said sensor device comprising a computer housing for containing said processor and a flexible wing body having first and second wings adapted to wrap around a portion of an upper arm of said individual.

104. A system according to claim 103, further comprising means for removably affixing said sensor device to said upper arm.

105. A system according to claim 97, wherein said sensor device further comprises a wireless receiver for receiving data from a wireless device worn by or located near said individual.

106. A system according to claim 105, wherein said wireless device comprises a heart rate monitor, said data received from said wireless device comprises data indicative of heart rate of said individual, and said derived data and said analytical status data are also generated from at least a portion of said data indicative of heart rate.

107. A system according to claim 97, wherein said derived data comprises at least one of calories burned, sleep onset and wake, stress level and relaxation level.

108. A system for monitoring the degree to which an individual has followed a suggested routine, comprising:

a) a sensor device adapted to be placed in contact with said individual'"'"'s body, said sensor device including a heat pipe configuration, said sensor device being adapted to generate data indicative of heat flow from said individual and derived data from said data indicative of said heat flow, said heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side;

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor; and

iii) a second heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with an ambient environment;

b) means for transmitting at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow and said derived data from said sensor device to a central monitoring unit remote from said sensor device; and

c) means for providing life activities data of said individual to said central monitoring unit;

wherein said central monitoring unit is adapted to generate and provide feedback to a recipient relating to the degree to which said individual has followed said suggested routine, said feedback being generated from at least a portion of at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow, said derived data and said life activities data.

109. A system according to claim 108, wherein said routine comprises a plurality of categories.

110. A system according to claim 109, wherein said feedback is generated and provided with respect to each of said categories.

111. A system according to claim 110, wherein said categories include two or more of nutrition, activity level, mind centering, sleep, and daily activities.

112. A system according to claim 110, wherein at least a portion of said feedback is in graphical form.

113. A system according to claim 112, wherein said central monitoring unit is adapted to generate one or more web pages containing said feedback, said web pages being accessible by said recipient over the Internet.

114. A system according to claim 108, wherein said central monitoring unit is adapted to generate one or more web pages containing said feedback, said web pages being accessible by said recipient over the Internet.

115. A system according to claim 108, wherein said sensor device further comprises a processor adapted to generate said derived data.

116. A system according to claim 115, said sensor device comprising a computer housing for containing said processor and a flexible wing body having first and second wings adapted to wrap around a portion of an upper arm of said individual.

117. A system according to claim 108, wherein said sensor device further comprises a wireless receiver for receiving data from a wireless device worn by or located near said individual.

118. A system according to claim 117, wherein said wireless device comprises a heart rate monitor, said data received from said wireless device comprises data indicative of heart rate of said individual, and said derived data and said feedback are also generated from at least a portion of said data indicative of heart rate.

119. A system according to claim 108, said sensor device comprising a rechargeable battery, said sensor device being adapted to be placed in a battery charger unit for recharging said rechargeable battery.

120. A system according to claim 108, wherein said derived data comprises at least one of calories burned, sleep onset and wake, stress level and relaxation level.

122. A method according to claim 121, further comprising the steps of:

d) coupling said heat flux sensor to a processor; and

e) processing an output of said heat flux sensor with said processor.

123. A method according to claim 121, wherein step (a) includes placing said first surface of said heat conduit into contact with said living body.

124. A method according to claim 123, wherein said first surface of said first heat conduit is selected to comprise a hypoallergenic material.

125. A method according to claim 121, wherein step (b) includes placing said second surface of said heat conduit into contact with said first side of said heat flux sensor.

126. A method according to claim 121, wherein step (a) includes providing said first heat conduit in the form of a plurality of individual heat conduits.

127. A method according to claim 121, wherein step (a) includes placing a thermally conductive interface material layer into contact with at least one of said heat flux sensor and said heat conduit.

128. A method according to claim 127, wherein step (a) includes selecting said thermally conductive interface material layer from a group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

129. A method according to claim 127, wherein step (a) includes selecting said thermally conductive interface material layer to comprise a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

130. A method according to claim 121, wherein step (a) includes selecting said heat conduit to have a thermal conductivity that is at least as great as that of stainless steel.

131. A method according to claim 121, wherein step (a) includes selecting said heat conduit to comprise a thermally anisotropic material.

132. A method according to claim 131, wherein said thermally anisotropic material is selected to comprise a thermally conductive plastic.

133. A method according to claim 121, further comprising the step of locating said second side of said heat flux sensor in a near-body zone.

134. A method according to claim 121, wherein said living body is a human body.

135. A method according to claim 134, wherein step (a) includes placing said first surface of said first heat conduit into thermal communication with a surface of at least one of said body'"'"'s foot, ankle, shin, calf, knee, upper leg, stomach, chest, back, neck, head, upper arm, elbow, lower arm, wrist, hand, and finger.

136. A method according to claim 121, further comprising the step of shielding said second surface of said heat flux sensor from drafts.

137. A method according to claim 121, further comprising the step of shading said second side of said heat flux sensor from direct sunlight.

138. A method according to claim 121, further comprising the step of situating said heat conduit, said heat flux sensor, and said processor within a device that is wearable on the living body.

140. A method according to claim 139, further comprising the steps of:

e) coupling said heat flux sensor to a processor; and

f) processing an output of said heat flux sensor with said processor.

141. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (a) includes placing said first surface of said first heat conduit into contact with said living body.

142. A method according to claim 141, wherein said first surface of said first heat conduit is selected to comprise a hypoallergenic material.

143. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (b) includes placing said second surface of said first heat conduit into contact with said first side of said heat flux sensor.

144. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (a) includes providing said first heat conduit in the form of a plurality of individual heat conduits and arranging each of said individual heat conduits to have a first surface in thermal communication with said living body, and wherein said step (b) includes arranging each of said individual heat conduits to have a second surface in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor.

145. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (c) includes providing said second heat conduit in the form of a plurality of individual heat conduits and arranging each of said individual heat conduits to have a first surface in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor, and wherein said step (d) includes arranging each of said individual heat conduits to have a second surface in thermal communication with said ambient environment.

146. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (b) includes placing a thermally conductive interface material layer into contact with at least one of said heat flux sensor and said first heat conduit.

147. A method according to claim 146, wherein step (b) includes selecting said thermally conductive interface material layer from a group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

148. A method according to claim 146, wherein step (b) includes selecting said thermally conductive interface material layer to comprise a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

149. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (c) includes placing a thermally conductive interface material layer into contact with at least one of said heat flux sensor and said second heat conduit.

150. A method according to claim 149, wherein step (c) includes selecting said thermally conductive interface material layer from a group consisting of a thermally conductive gap filler, a thermally conductive phase change interface material, a thermally conductive tape, a thermally conductive cure-in-place compound, a thermally conductive cure-in-place epoxy, and a thermal grease.

151. A method according to claim 149, wherein step (c) includes selecting said thermally conductive interface material layer to comprise a silicone elastomer containing boron nitride and alumina and having an aluminum foil carrier.

152. A method according to claim 139, further comprising the step of selecting at least one of said first heat conduit and said second heat conduit to have a thermal conductivity that is at least as great as that of stainless steel.

153. A method according to claim 139, further comprising the step of selecting at least one of said first heat conduit and said second heat conduit to comprise a thermally anisotropic material.

154. A method according to claim 153, wherein said thermally anisotropic material is selected to comprise a thermally conductive plastic.

155. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (c) includes placing said first surface of said second heat conduit into contact with said second side of said heat flux sensor.

156. A method according to claim 139, wherein step (d) includes placing said second surface of said second heat conduit into contact with said ambient environment.

157. A method according to claim 156, further comprising the step of locating said second surface of said second heat conduit in a near-body zone.

158. A method according to claim 157, further comprising the step of shielding said second surface of said heat conduit from drafts.

159. A method according to claim 157, further comprising the step of shading said second surface of said heat conduit from direct sunlight.

160. A method according to claim 139, wherein said living body is a human body.

161. A method according to claim 160, wherein step (a) includes placing said first surface of said first heat conduit into thermal communication with a surface of at least one of said body'"'"'s foot, ankle, shin, calf, knee, upper leg, stomach, chest, back, neck, head, upper arm, elbow, lower arm, wrist, hand, and finger.

162. A method according to claim 139, further comprising the step of situating said first heat conduit, said second heat conduit, said heat flux sensor, and said processor within a device that is wearable on said living body.

163. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of wearing said device on said body.

165. A method according to claim 164, further comprising the step of selecting said sensor device to be wearable on said living body.

166. A method according to claim 165, further comprising the step of wearing said sensor device on said body.

167. A method according to claim 164, further comprising the step of processing said output with said processor to produce at least one of data indicative of said heat flow and derived data.

168. A method according to claim 167, further comprising the step of transferring at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow and said derived data to at least one selected from the group consisting of a display, a printer, a data recording device, and a central monitoring unit.

169. A method according to claim 168, wherein the step of transferring includes transmitting at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow and said derived data by at least one selected from the group consisting of wire transmission and wireless transmission.

171. A method according to claim 170, further comprising the step of selecting said sensor device to be wearable on said living body.

172. A method according to claim 171, further comprising the step of wearing said sensor device on said body.

173. A method according to claim 170, further comprising the step of processing said output with said processor to produce at least one of data indicative of said heat flow and derived data.

174. A method according to claim 173, further comprising the step of transferring at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow and said derived data to at least one selected from the group consisting of a display, a printer, a data recording device, and a central monitoring unit.

175. A method according to claim 174, wherein the step of transferring includes transmitting at least one of said data indicative of said heat flow and said derived data by at least one selected from the group consisting of wire transmission and wireless transmission.

177. A system according to claim 176, wherein said sensor device has a first surface adapted to contact said body, said first surface of said sensor device having an outer perimeter, and wherein said first surface of said heat conduit is positioned to contact said body near said outer perimeter.

178. A system according to claim 176, wherein said sensor device has a first surface adapted to contact said body, said first surface of said sensor device having an area covered by a thermally conductive material, and wherein said first surface of said heat conduit is positioned to contact said body near said area.

179. A system according to claim 178, wherein said thermally conductive material is stainless steel.

180. A system according to claim 176, wherein said sensor device generates data indicative of one or more contextual parameters associated with said individual, and wherein said analytical status data is also generated from selected portions of said data indicative of one or more contextual parameters.

181. A system according to claim 176, wherein said sensor device further comprises a processor adapted to generate said derived data.

182. A system according to claim 181, said sensor device comprising a computer housing for containing said processor and a flexible wing body having first and second wings adapted to wrap around a portion of an upper arm of said individual.

183. A system according to claim 182, further comprising means for removably affixing said sensor device to said upper arm.

184. A system according to claim 176, wherein said sensor device further comprises a wireless receiver for receiving data from a wireless device worn by or located near said individual.

185. A system according to claim 184, wherein said wireless device comprises a heart rate monitor, said data received from said wireless device comprises data indicative of heart rate of said individual, and said derived data and said analytical status data are also generated from at least a portion of said data indicative of heart rate.

186. A system according to claim 176, wherein said derived data comprises at least one of calories burned, sleep onset and wake, stress level and relaxation level.

121. A method for measuring heat flow between a living body and an ambient environment, comprising:

a) placing a first surface of a heat conduit into thermal communication with said living body;

b) placing a second surface of said heat conduit into thermal communication with a first side of a heat flux sensor; and

c) placing a second side of said heat flux sensor into thermal communication with said ambient environment.

139. A method for measuring heat flow between a living body and an ambient environment, comprising:

a) placing a first surface of a first heat conduit into thermal communication with said living body;

b) placing a second surface of said first heat conduit into thermal communication with a first side of a heat flux sensor;

c) placing a first surface of a second heat conduit into thermal communication with a second side of said heat flux sensor; and

d) placing a second surface of said second heat conduit into thermal communication with said ambient environment.

164. A method of using a heat pipe configuration to measure the heat flow between a living body and an ambient atmosphere, comprising:

a) providing a heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side, said second side adapted to be in thermal communication with said ambient environment; and

ii) a heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said living body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor;

b) situating said heat pipe configuration in a sensor device having a processor so that said second side of said heat flux sensor is in thermal communication with said ambient environment and so that said processor receives an output from said heat flux sensor; and

c) positioning said sensor device so that said first surface of said first heat conduit is in thermal communication with said living body.

170. A method of using a heat pipe configuration to measure the heat flow between a living body and an ambient atmosphere, comprising:

a) providing a heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side;

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said living body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor; and

iii) a second heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said second side of said heat flux sensor and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said ambient environment;

b) situating said heat pipe configuration in a sensor device having a processor so that said second side of said heat flux sensor is in thermal communication with said ambient environment and so that said processor receives an output from said heat flux sensor; and

c) positioning said device so that said first surface of said first heat conduit is in thermal communication with said living body.

176. A system for detecting, monitoring and reporting human physiological information, comprising:

a) a sensor device adapted to be placed in contact with an individual'"'"'s body, said sensor device including a heat pipe configuration, said sensor device being adapted to generate data indicative of heat flow from said individual, said heat pipe configuration having;

i) a heat flux sensor having a first side and a second side, said second side adapted to be in thermal communication with an ambient environment; and

ii) a first heat conduit having a first surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said body and having a second surface adapted to be in thermal communication with said first side of said heat flux sensor;

b) a central monitoring unit remote from said sensor device, said central monitoring unit including a data storage device for retrievably storing said data indicative of said heat flow;

c) data transfer means for establishing at least temporary electronic communication between said sensor device and said central monitoring unit; and

d) means for transmitting said data indicative of said heat flow to a recipient.