Earpiece with sensors to measure/monitor multiple physiological variables
US6556852B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/6817
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.