Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters

• US 8,721,562 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2007
• Issued: 05/13/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brain Tunnelgenix
• Original Assignee: Geelux Holdings, Ltd.
• Inventors: Abreu, Marcio Marc
• Primary Examiner(s): Towa, Rene
• Assistant Examiner(s): ABOUELELA, MAY A
• Application Number:
  US11/713,671
• Publication Number:
  US 20070219434A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,626 Days
• Field of Search: 600/549, 600/587, 600/595, 600/300, 600/301, 600/309, 600/310, 600/340
• US Class Current: 600/549
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0017 transmitting optical signals transmission by light H04B10/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0026 characterised by the transmission medium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0042 for the brain
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• 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 5/015 By temperature mapping of body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0537 Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14517 for sweat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14553 specially adapted for cerebral tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1486 using enzyme electrodes, e.g. with immobilised oxidase
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4064 Evaluating the brain A61B5/031, A61B5/369, A61B5/14553 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/412 Detecting or monitoring sepsis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6803 Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6821 : Eye
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/72 : Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes character recognition, recognising digital ink, document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/00; recognition or understanding of postal images G06V30/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7271 : Specific aspects of physiological measurement analysis A61B5/316, A61B5/349 and A61B5/374 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/746 : Alarms related to a physiological condition, e.g. details of setting alarm thresholds or avoiding false alarms alarms per se G08B
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/20 : Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 : Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 : using visible light sources

Abstract

Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Claims

1. A method of warning for thermal damage by thermal radiation in an individual exposed to said thermal radiation, said method comprising the steps of measuring temperature of said individual by measuring radiation emitted at a brain temperature tunnel, the location of measurement of the radiation being at the brain temperature tunnel located between an eyebrow and an eye of the individual on the skin at the end of the brain tunnel the radiation being detected by a sensor at said brain temperature tunnel located between the eyebrow and the eye of the individual, analyzing the measured temperature by comparing the measured temperature to a predetermined temperature by a microprocessor to determine whether the measured temperature fits a predetermined criteria of an elevated temperature capable of developing thermal damage to the brain, and notifying said individual of said condition by a warning device.

2. A method of enhancing safety and performance of an individual during physical activity, said method comprising the steps of measuring brain temperature by measuring radiation emitted at a brain temperature tunnel, the location of measurement of the radiation being at the brain temperature tunnel located between an eyebrow and an eye of the individual on the skin at the end of the brain tunnel, the radiation being detected by a sensor at said brain temperature tunnel located between the eyebrow and the eye of the individual, and determining a type, amount and time of fluid intake necessary for the individual to lower brain temperature according to a predetermined criteria of elevated brain temperature based on said measured brain temperature by comparison by a processor of the actual brain temperature and the predetermined criteria of elevated brain temperature so as to enhance safety and performance during said physical activity by avoiding conditions of elevated brain temperature of the individual.

3. A physical activity management device comprising

a housing for placement adjacent to the skin at the end of a brain temperature tunnel,

a temperature sensor contained in the housing being spaced by said housing so as to produce a field of contact of said temperature sensor for measuring signals produced on said skin at the end of the brain tunnel,

said housing including at least one of a patch, a clip, a medial canthal pad, a modified nose pad, head mounted gear and a contact structure,

a processor determining a thermal state of the body of said individual from said individual'"'"'s measured brain temperature as measured by the temperature sensor at the brain temperature tunnel located between an eyebrow and an eye of the individual, and

a reporting device signaling to said individual when said thermal state is above a predetermined value so as to warn the individual against elevated detrimental temperature conditions of the brain as measured at the brain temperature tunnel located between the eyebrow and the eye of the individual that would adversely affect the individual due to elevated brain temperature above the predetermined value.