Sweat collection capsule

• US 4,190,060 A
• Filed: 04/19/1978
• Issued: 02/26/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration
• Original Assignee: United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration
• Inventors: Delaplaine, Robert W., Greenleaf, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Michell, Robert W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kruter, J. L.
• Application Number:
  US05/897,828
• Time in Patent Office: 678 Days
• Field of Search: 128/2 F, 128/280, 128/2 E, 128/2 H, 128/2 W, 128/2 R, 128/293, 128/172.1, 128/DIG. 15
• US Class Current: 600/573
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4261 Evaluating exocrine secretion production A61B3/101 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4266 sweat secretion

Abstract

Sweat collection capsule permitting quantitative collection of sweat, comprising a frame held immobile on the skin, a closure secured to the frame and absorbent material located next to the skin in a cavity formed by the frame and the closure. The absorbent material may be removed from the device by removing the closure from the frame while the frame is held immobile on the skin.

Claims

1. A capsule for collecting sweat from the skin of a human subject, which comprises:

(a) a frame;

(b) a removable closure adapted to mount on the frame and which, when mounted, leaves a cavity on one side of the frame;

said closure comprising (1) a circular base plate adapted to fit within the frame and having a rod protruding perpendicularly from its center;

(2) an O-ring for placement on the rod side of the base plate;

(3) a cover plate for placement on top of the O-ring and the base place, said cover plate being centrally perforated to accommodate the rod of the base plate; and

(4) a locking device operable to engage the rod of the base plate in such a way as to cause the O-ring to expand beyond the perimeter of the base plate and push against the frame in airtight cooperation;

(c) means for absorbing sweat, located within said cavity; and

(d) means for attaching the frame to the skin in an immobile and airtight manner.

2. The capsule of claim 1 wherein the rod of the base plate is a helically ribbed cylinder.

3. The capsule of claim 2 wherein the locking device comprises an internal screw.

4. The capsule of claim 1 wherein the cover plate has a perimeter larger than the inner boundary of the frame.