Apparatus and method to monitor body temperature

• US 20060235328A1
• Filed: 04/19/2006
• Published: 10/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Martha J. Willis Revokable Living Trust
• Original Assignee: Martha J. Willis Revokable Living Trust
• Inventors: Willis, Richard Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 7,448,874 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/549
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/015 By temperature mapping of body part
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/02 Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/022 for recording
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/20 Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals

Abstract

An apparatus is provided which is made of a garment having at least one connector to receive an electronic transmission module and an electronic monitor configured to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from the electronic transmission module. The garment includes a sensor to detect the temperature of the wearer. This invention also provides a connector for making an electrical connection. This invention also provides a method for monitoring the body temperature of the wearer.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

(a) a garment;

(b) at least one connector attached to said garment, said connector configured to receive an electronic transmission module; and

(c) an electronic transmission module connected to said connector, said electronic transmission module programmed for wireless transmission.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor positioned in said garment to obtain a temperature reading of a wearer of said garment.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a means to communicate said temperature reading to said electronic transmission module.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electronic monitor to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from said electronic transmission module.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said electronic monitor comprises a device wherein said device conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Standard.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic transmission module comprises a device wherein said device conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Standard.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means to extend electronic transmission range of said electronic transmission module.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means to extend electronic transmission range of said electronic transmission module is a range extender.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said range extender comprises a device, wherein said device conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Standard.

10. A connector for making an electrical connection upon insertion of said connector into a corresponding receiver, said receiver having a plurality of connecting pads, wherein at least one of said pads of said receiver is connected to a power source, said connector comprising:

(a) an extended body having an non-insertion portion and an insertion portion having a front connection edge, wherein said non-insertion portion has a plurality of solder points, wherein said insertion portion has a plurality of connecting pads on said front connecting edge;

wherein said plurality of connecting pads correspond to said plurality of connecting pads of said receiver;

(b) at least one wire attached to said solder points;

(c) at least one trace connecting said at least one wire to at least one of said pads of the connector; and

(d) at least one looping trace connecting at least two pads of said connector.

11. The connector of claim 10 further comprising two side members contiguous to said non-insertion portion of said body.

12. The connector of claim 10 wherein the extended body is a printed circuit board.

13. A method for monitoring the body temperature of an individual, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a garment on an individual wherein said garment has at least one sensor positioned to obtain a body temperature reading of the individual, wherein said garment has a connector configured to receive an electronic transmission module, wherein said electronic transmission module is programmed for electronic transmission;

(b) securing an electronic transmission module into said connector configured to receive an electronic transmission module;

(c) determining a body temperature from said sensor;

(d) communicating the body temperature from the individual to an electronic monitor over a local wireless connection, wherein said electronic monitor is configured to remotely receive and control electronic transmission from said electronic transmission module; and

(e) displaying the body temperature on said electronic monitor.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of extending electronic transmission range between the electronic transmission module and the electronic monitor with a range extender.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein step is (e) is replaced with the step of announcing the body temperature of said electronic monitor.