Ear canal sensing device

• US 20050177034A1
• Filed: 03/03/2003
• Published: 08/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Terry Beaumont
• Original Assignee: Terry Beaumont
• Inventors: Beaumont, Terry
• Application Number:
  US10/506,340
• Publication Number:
  US 20050177034A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/323
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7465 Arrangements for interactive communication between patient and care services, e.g. by using a telephone network telemetry of measured physiological signal A61B5/0002

Abstract

A sensing device is suitable for the non-invasive monitoring of physiological factors and is particularly suitable for location within the ear canal. The sensing device can be used to facilitate duplex audio communication.

Claims

1. A sensing device comprising:

physiological sensing means; and

locating means to locate the sensing means inside an ear canal;

wherein the locating means is provided with an aperture which, when the sensing device is fitted in the ear canal, allows motion of the air in and out of the ear canal.

2. A sensing device according to claim 1 wherein the locating means is substantially U-shaped and the aperture is defined by a trough between each arm of the U.

3. A sensing device according to claim 1 or wherein the locating means is made of pliable material and can be adapted to fit comfortably within the ear canal.

4. A sensing device according to claim 3 wherein the locating means is made of silicone.

5. A sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the locating means comprises adjusting means such that the device can be comfortably accommodated by a multiplicity of different users.

6. A sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the physiological sensing means comprises pulse oximetry optical transmitters and a receiver.

7. A sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the locating means has a thermal conducting heat transfer tip.

8. A sensing device according to claim 7 wherein the physiological sensing means further comprises a temperature sensor in contact with said heat transfer tip on the locating means.

9. A sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device comprises securing means to secure the device to the ear of a user.

10. A sensing device according to claim 9 wherein the securing means comprises an ear clip which partially or completely surrounds the ear.

11. A sensing device according to claim 9 wherein the securing means is designed to go around the top or bottom of the ear.

12. A sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising audio communication means wherein the audio communication means comprise a speaker and a microphone and the speaker and/or microphone is located within a vibration absorbent material.

13. A sensing device according to claim 12 wherein the absorbent material is a soft silicone sealant type material.

14. A sensing device according to claim 13 wherein the absorbent material is a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoset silicone.

15. A sensing device according to claim 12 wherein the absorbent material has a sure hardness of 30 to 60%.