System and method for remote monitoring of animal temperature

• US 3,893,111 A
• Filed: 03/14/1974
• Issued: 07/01/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: John L. Cotter
• Original Assignee: John L. Cotter
• Inventors: Cotter, John L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hubler, Malcolm F.
• Application Number:
  US05/451,009
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 343/6.5R,6.5LC,718 128/2.1A,2H,2P
• US Class Current: 600/407
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/024 for remote indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 5/18 with electric conversion means for final indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/75 using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders , or using passive reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/40 Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/44 using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna , e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspectH01Q1/27 - H01Q1/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 19/09 wherein the primary active element is coated with or embedded in a dielectric or magnetic material protective material H01Q1/40, varying the electric or magnetic characteristics of refracting or diffracting devices H01Q3/44
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/01 varying the shape of the antenna or antenna system

Abstract

System for remotely monitoring the temperature of animals in which a capsule containing a variable length antenna which changes in length according to the animal'"'"''"'"'s temperature is embedded in the animal. Interrogating means are provided for transmitting a range of frequency signals to the capsule and for receiving reflected signals from the antenna. The system in addition has means for detecting a peak signal value from the antenna to indicate the animal'"'"''"'"'s temperature and to provide a read-out or display of the animal'"'"''"'"'s temperature.

Claims

1. A remote monitoring system for animal body temperature, comprising:

a. a variable length antenna means for being subcutaneously implanted in an animal, said antenna means being such that its length variations are proportional to changes in the animal'"'"''"'"'s body temperature, b. a remote interrogating unit which transmits a range of radio frequency signals bracketing the range through which the length of said antenna may vary, said range of signals including one which will constitute a resonating frequency corresponding to the antenna length and to which the antenna will respond and transmit back to the interrogating unit a peak amplitude reflected signal, said unit including additional means for receiving said peak amplitude signal and converting the same to a visual read out of the animal'"'"''"'"'s body temperature.

2. The system according to claim 1 and wherein said interrogating unit includes a transmitter and receiver both of which are connected to and controlled by a frequency controller.

3. The system according to claim 1 and wherein said antenna means comprises a reservoir and capillary tube containing metallic powder in suspension in a carrier liquid and wherein the antenna is contained in a non-metallic capsule.

4. The system according to claim 1 and wherein said antenna means is a solid metal with a high coefficient of expansion.

5. An antenna for a remote monitoring system for animal body temperature, comprising:

a. a variable length antenna means for being subcutaneously implanted in an animal, said antenna means being such that its length variations are proportional to changes in the animal'"'"''"'"'s body temperature, said antenna also being at least partially metallic in nature and encapsulated in a non-metallic substance.

6. A method for remote monitoring of the body temperature of animals, comprising:

a. implanting subcutaneously a variable length antenna in an animal which variations in length are directly responsive to the animal'"'"''"'"'s body temperature, b. transmitting a range of interrogating radio signals to said antenna to determine the length of said antenna, c. reflecting said signals from said antenna, d. receiving said signals in such a manner as to detect a peak amplitude reflected signal corresponding to a resonating frequency for the antenna length, and e. converting said peak amplitude reflected signal to a visual read out of the animal'"'"''"'"'s body temperature.