Earpiece with sensors to measure/monitor multiple physiological variables

• US 6,556,852 B1
• Filed: 03/27/2001
• Issued: 04/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: PhDx Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: I-Medik, Inc.
• Inventors: Schulze, Arthur E., Cooper, Tommy G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Walberg, Teresa
• Assistant Examiner(s): FUQUA, SHAWNTINA T
• Application Number:
  US09/818,035
• Time in Patent Office: 763 Days
• Field of Search: 600/459, 600/323, 600/344, 600/310, 600/322, 600/339, 600/340, 600/341
• US Class Current: 600/323
• 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 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 Ear canal

Abstract

An apparatus and method for positioning sensors relative to one another and anatomic features in a non-invasive device for measuring and monitoring multiple physiological variables from a single site uses an earpiece incorporating a shielded pulse oximetry sensor (POS) having a miniaturized set of LEDs and photosensors configured for pulse oximetry measurements in the reflectance mode and located in the earpiece so as to position the POS against a rear wall of an ear canal. The earpiece also includes a thermopile of no larger than 7 mm. in diameter located on the earpiece to so as to position the thermopile past a second turn of an external auditory meatus so as to view the tympanic membrane. The thermopile includes a reference temperature sensor attached to its base for ambient temperature compensation.

Claims

1. A configuration of sensors in a non-invasive emplacable device for continuously measuring and monitoring multiple physiological variables from a single site, comprising:

an earpiece having a curve;

a pulse oximetry sensor having a miniaturized set of LEDs and photosensors configured for pulse oximetry measurements in the reflectance mode and located in said earpiece so as to position said pulse oximetry sensor against a rear wall of an ear canal upon earpiece insertion to reduce noise from motion artifacts;

a thermopile of no larger than 7 mm. in diameter located on said earpiece beyond said curve in said earpiece so as to position said thermopile past a second turn of an external auditory meatus of said ear canal upon insertion so as to view a tympanic membrane, said thermopile further including a reference temperature sensor attached to a base portion of said thermopile for ambient temperature compensation; and

a shield positioned within said earpiece to block stray light and electromagnetic interference.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said earpiece is custom-fit and formed of acrylic.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said earpiece is universal and formed of silicone.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said earpiece includes a silicone shim.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said reference temperature sensor is a thermistor.