Perspiration indicating alarm for diabetics

• US 4,365,637 A
• Filed: 09/29/1980
• Issued: 12/28/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dia-Med Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Dia-Med Incorporated
• Inventors: Johnson, Wilton C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Kyle L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jaworski, Francis J.
• Application Number:
  US06/191,699
• Time in Patent Office: 820 Days
• Field of Search: 128/734-735, 128/639-644, 73/73, 324/61 R, 324/61 P, 324/65 R, 324/65 P, 340/573, 340/603-605
• US Class Current: 600/547
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0531 Measuring skin impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4266 sweat secretion

Abstract

A self-contained wearable device for use by diabetics to provide an audible indication of the onset of insulin shock. The device utilizes a sensor positioned to sense the buildup of perspiration on the skin of the user and an annunciator to provide an audible warning when the amount of perspiration on the skin of the wearer exceeds a predetermined threshold level. The distance between the sensor and the user'"'"'s skin is adjustable to prevent false operation of the device due to changes in the resistance of the user'"'"'s skin.

Claims

1. Apparatus for detecting the onset of insulin shock in a diabetic wherein the apparatus is contained in a wrist watch type case constructed and arranged for attachment to the wrist of the wearer, said case including a pair of apertures on the back face thereof, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

sensor means including a pair of electrodes mounted on a substrate enclosed within the case of the apparatus and positioned with said electrodes aligned within said apertures and insulated from each other and said case, the position of said substrate being variable to permit adjustment of the distance between said electrodes and the skin of the wearer;

detector means connected to said sensor means for providing an output when the amount of perspiration on the skin of the wearer exceeds a threshold level; and

annunciator means connected to said detector means to receive the output therefrom and provide an audible output indication.

3. The invention of claim 2 or 1 wherein said detector means comprises an audio oscillator normally operating on a quiescent mode and switched to an oscillating mode in the response to a change in the resistance between said sensor means.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the output of said audio oscillator at a first frequency is itself turned on and off at a lower frequency to provide a more pronounced audible indication.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the first frequency is approximately 2500 Hz and the lower frequency at which the first frequency is modulated is approximately 5 Hz.

2. Apparatus contained in a wrist watch type case constructed and arranged for attachment to the wrist of a diabetic for detecting the onset of insulin shock comprising, in combination:

sensor means constructed and arranged for application to the skin of the wearer;

said sensor means comprising a pair of planar electrodes mounted on the back of the case of the apparatus and insulated from each other and said case, said electrodes also being recessed into the back of said case, whereby said case when attached to the arm of the wearer does not bring said electrodes into direct contact with the skin of the wearer, and further whereby said electrodes come into direct contact with perspiration forming on the skin of said wearer in the event of the onset of insulin shock;

detector means connected to said sensor means for providing an output indicative of the onset of insulin shock when the electrodes come into contact with perspiration on the skin of the wearer; and

annunciator means connected to said detector means for receiving the output therefrom and providing an audible output indication of the onset of insulin shock.