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Continuous temperature monitor

  • US 5,469,855 A
  • Filed: 07/28/1994
  • Issued: 11/28/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/08/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A tympanic temperature monitor comprising:

  • a radiation detector mounted to view a tympanic membrane for monitoring temperature;

    a plug structure shaped to fit in and remain in an ear concha region; and

    a flexible extension connecting the radiation detector with the plug structure, the extension having a center axis along its length which bends upon insertion into the ear canal so as to conform to contours of the ear canal such that the ear canal substantially retains its natural shape along its full length;

    wherein the radiation detector comprises;

    a rigid structure of high thermal conductivity material;

    a thermopile mounted to a film suspended across an opening in the rigid structure of high thermal conductivity material;

    a window mounted on the rigid structure over one end of the opening in the rigid structure; and

    a temperature sensor for sensing the cold junction temperature of the thermopile mounted on the rigid structure in close thermal contact with a junction of the thermopile.

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