TW436614B - Radiation thermometer with rounded probe head and protective cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to an infrared radiation thermometer, in particular an ear thermometer for taking a patient's temperature, which has a probe head (10) for detecting the infrared radiation to be measured, said probe head comprising a probe head tip (12) with a dome-shaped end face enabling the probe head (10) to be inserted into a user's auditory canal without any angle displacements being introduced. The process of insertion is facilitated by a preferably pliant configuration of at least a central portion (14) of the probe head. The central portion (14) is, for example, of a rod or conically shaped configuration and widened at its base (16) in such fashion that the penetration depth of the probe head (10) is limited, thereby preventing injuries to the tympanic membrane. The incoming infrared radiation is either collected by at least one infrared radiation sensor arranged in the probe head tip, or it is passed on through one or multiple infrared waveguide(s). (18) to one or multiple infrared radiation sensor(s) (20). To focus the incoming infrared radiation, an infrared lens (22) may be disposed upstream of the infrared waveguide(s). The invention further describes a protective cover conformed to the curved shape of the probe head tip (12).

Description

43661 4 V. Description of the invention (l) The present invention relates to an infrared thermometer for taking the temperature of a patient, one of which is shaped to conform to the protection of the probe head, and the probe head of the ear thermometer, an internal width. It is a tubular structure opening. Therefore, when the front end of the probe head is introduced with a diameter, it not only rubs the ear canal, but also causes the danger of deforming the wall. This may be one of the original fields of view of the probe head that the user will accurately read the probe eardrum temperature. A small percentage. A light thermometer, especially a supply, has a probe head and cover that can be introduced into the ear canal. Generally, it has a shape slightly smaller than the shape of the ear canal, and has a radiation inlet at the front end, a ring-shaped edge on the wall of the winding path of the ear canal, and it may not only be quite painful due to the applied pressure, but it may also be introduced into the head. ¥ The middle to deep depth is not enough because the low penetration depth has produced the eardrum only ', so the measured temperature must be lower than the low penetration depth of the eardrum. It also causes that the eardrum may be completely outside the field of view, or only partially in the field of view, because the probe head Not properly aligned in the ear canal. In this case, the determined temperature deviates significantly from the eardrum temperature. When the measurement is repeated with a slightly modified orientation, 'different temperature readings are often obtained', i.e. the user perceives an inappropriate repeat accuracy. Therefore, it is always necessary to negotiate a slightly different vector for most measurements. Although true accurate readings cannot be guaranteed, the measured temperature readings show a minimum deviation from the eardrum temperaturea. In order to allow the probe head to be introduced deep enough, JP 8_〗 07S841 recommends that the thickness of the probe tip should not exceed 5 mm. The length is about 10 millimeters. From this point, the probe head that is substantially conical is widened, so that it conforms to the shape of the external ear canal. To limit the penetration depth, the probe head has a stop at its rear end that is larger than the width of the external auditory meatus. also

4366 1 4 V. Description of Invention (2)

The protective cover of the ear thermometer is, for example, Ep = Knowledge. The main purpose is not to guarantee 2: before the amount of A ’-the new protective cover is installed on the probe; it is closed by a thin window hole pig. Protect Lu'an ;: 探 ::: 线 = ^ Enclose it. However, in fact, the window: ΐΪ: became a shrinkage that adversely affects the measurement accuracy. ^ ^ Is IK ::; to provide an infrared radiation thermometer, a special method such as an ear thermometer for temperature, which has a probe head design It is inserted into the ear canal of the user without pain, and it is possible to insert the foot into the ear canal or the eardrum. The other item of this case is to provide a protective cover for the probe head of the present invention. ^ According to the present invention, this object is achieved by using an infrared radiation thermometer. The probe head has a round front end, that is, the tip of the probe head terminates in a dome-shaped end surface, so the probe head can be inserted into the user's Ear canal without importing any angular displacement. The end face of the tip of the probe head is preferably at least partially curved to form a surface, parabolic or spherical configuration. In the first embodiment of the thermometer according to the present invention, the probe head has a dish-shaped base portion which prevents the probe head from being inserted too deep into the ear canal, thereby avoiding damage to the eardrum. _ A rod or shank-shaped central portion with a diameter significantly smaller than the internal width of the ear canal, extending between the base portion and the tip of a probe head. This also allows the probe head to enter the significant winding of the ear canal sufficiently deep without putting excessive pressure on the wall of the canal. 4366 1 4 x-9. Description of the invention (3) The diameter of the tip of the needle is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ear canal, and its rounded end allows it to slide effortlessly in the ear canal. In the second embodiment of the thermometer of the present invention, the probe head also includes a base portion that is constantly pinched larger than the diameter of the ear canal, and has a tapering direction adjacent to the central portion at the front end thereof. A probe tip is located here. In the third embodiment of the thermometer of the present invention, the probe head is integrally formed 'including a rod-shaped central portion, which terminates at the tip of the probe head at one end thereof, and terminates at a thickened base portion β at the other end thereof. The diameter of the central part is slightly smaller than the inner width of the ear canal. In all embodiments', especially at least the central part can be made of a flexible material *, and especially when the whole probe head is in an elastic configuration, the individual tissue that best fits each ear canal is obtained. The infrared surface can be used to fix the ear, whether it is necessary or not, and the number of probe heads and the radiation sensation relative to each other can be easily controlled in the ear canal. An infrared radiation sensor can be used to position the field of view. The measuring device is preferably arranged so as to be at least slightly inclined and distributed. You can be informed of the accurate measurement and realignment, so that the signal device is driven by it, and it is placed at the tip of the probe and head. However, the bending at the tip of the probe head is often used to widen the field of view and to determine whether the amount of audible and / or visual signal devices is possible, or the probe head is not only to enhance the accuracy of the measurement, but to receive infrared radiation sensing The temperature of the instrument's letter-and the tympanic membrane relative to otherwise, the probe head, one or more tips of the infrared or probe head to be measured can also have a pair of infrared radiation that can pass through its infrared radiation sensor line. Radiation transparent window hole is set inside the thermometer. The window hole can also be transparent

4366 1 4 V. Description of the invention (4) Mirror formation, which focuses infrared radiation entering the tip of the probe head to the infrared radiation sensor (s) * or one provided between the lens and the infrared radiation sensor (s) Or multiple infrared waveguides. A suitable infrared waveguide is, for example, a flexible AgCl / AgBr waveguide ', whose inner diameter is a silver-plated hollow waveguide, or a small metal tube with internal gold bonding. It is particularly advantageous that the end of the waveguide terminates directly on the surface of the probe tip, where the optical axis preferably forms a right angle with the surface. Because the surface of the tip of the probe is gluteal, a field of view of sufficient size is generated, and the geometry and distribution of the temperature in the ear can be determined using a properly set waveguide. Preferably, each infrared waveguide has a -r infrared radiation sensor assigned thereto. However, the waveguide can also terminate on a surface less than the tip of the probe tip, preventing it from touching the ear canal. The protective cover of the present invention for the infrared thermometer of the present invention is configured in such a manner that the front end thereof conforms to the round shape of the tip of the probe head, and thus can be used as a surface-supporting protective cover. This prevents the formation of shrinkage at the correspondingly thin front portion serving as a protective cover for the infrared transmission window. The variant of the tip of the probe head described above is provided with four parts on the surface, and the optical waveguide terminates in this recess. ′ During installation, a thermal insulation air cushion is produced between the protective cover and individual ends of the optical waveguide. In this way, a particularly good thermal insulation is formed between the ear canal and the infrared radiation detector. -From the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment, in conjunction with the associated drawings, many other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts. In the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the probe head of the present invention;

Page 9 丨 4366 1 4 ---------- V. Description of the invention (5) Figure 2 shows a modification of the probe head of Figure 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 shows the probe head of the present invention. The second embodiment includes a pair of infrared light-emitting transparent dome-shaped probe head tips and a tubular waveguide; FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the probe head of the present invention, which is integrally formed and includes A waveguide; FIG. 5 is a variation of the probe head of FIG. 4 of the present invention, in which an infrared radiation sensor is provided at the tip of the probe head; FIG. 6 shows a protective cover of the present invention; and FIGS. 7 to Fig. 12 shows probes and needles of Figs. 1 and 4 of the present invention, and other modifications of the first and third embodiments. The broadest embodiment of the probe tip 10 of the present invention, as shown in the ear thermometers 1 and 2, includes a substantially spherical probe tip 12 whose diameter is selected such as to make the probe The head 10 can be effortlessly introduced into the ear canal of the user, and the spherical configuration operation reliably prevents any painful angular displacement. 6 The tip of the probe head 12 is located in a shank-shaped central portion 14 of reduced thickness, which enables the probe head 10 to Deep through the ear canal 'without a portion of the ear canal wall being deformed by the application of pressure. The central portion 14 is preferably made of a flexible material. In the center, the section 4 extends up to a dish shape. Increase the base section 16 to limit the penetration depth of the probe head 10 in the channel. Therefore, the 'base portion 16 has a diameter larger than that of the external ear canal. In the variation exemplified in Figure 1, at least one infrared waveguide 18 extends through the central portion 14 and terminates at the end face of the tip 12 of the probe head. Other variations will be described in conjunction with Figs. The variation illustrated in 圏 2 ', the probe tip 12 houses an infrared radiation sensor 20, which detects incident infrared radiation and converts it into a

Page 10, 430s ί 4 V. Description of the invention (6) The electrical output signal is a measuring electronic device (not shown), and there is an associated temperature indicating device for evaluation. The tip of the probe head can also include most infrared radiation sensors 20 on its surface, which are set to be relatively inclined, enabling measurement of the ear temperature distribution. In this variant, the measurement electronics can be driven-an audible and / or visual signalling device (also not shown) to indicate proper alignment of the probe head with respect to the tympanic membrane "略 3 outlines the probe head 1 of the present invention. In the second embodiment, a dome-shaped infrared transparent probe tip 12 is located at one end of the central portion 14. The center portion from the tip of the probe head 12 gradually becomes thicker toward the other, so that the probe head 10 can be inserted deep enough into the ear canal without exposing the wall of the channel to excessive pressure. However, at the other end's central portion, a significant increase in a base portion 16 continues, making it useful as a stop when the probe head is introduced into the ear canal because its diameter exceeds that of the ear canal. In the form of a small metal tube, the inner diameter of the gold-plated infrared waveguide 18 extends from the tip 12 of the probe head in the longitudinal direction through the central portion 14 and the base portion 16. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the third embodiment of the probe head 10 of the present invention corresponds to the probe head shown in FIG. 3 in its outer shape, but the dome-shaped probe head tip 12 is integrally formed with a center. Part 14, not transparent to infrared radiation. The variation shown in circle 4, an pliable infrared waveguide 18, such as, for example, an AgCl / AgBr waveguide or a silver-plated hollow waveguide, extends in the longitudinal direction through the probe tip 10 and terminates in front end. Other modifications will be explained below with reference to Figs. 7 to 12. In the variation of the probe head 10 illustrated in FIG. 5, an infrared radiation sensor 20 is provided at the front end of the probe head tip 12 to detect the redness to be measured.

Page 11 ^ 366] 4 V. Description of the invention (7) --- External radiation, and convert it into electrical output signal, is very different from the probe head 10 in Figure 4, this variant therefore eliminates the need to provide an infrared waveguide 18, for detecting infrared radiation by rotation. In order to detect the geometric distribution of the temperature, most infrared radiation sensors 20 can also be provided at the front end of the tip 12 of the probe head. These sensors are preferably arranged in an inclined relationship with each other as explained above in conjunction with FIG. 2 »FIG. 6 shows a protective cover 24 suitable for the probe heads illustrated in FIGS.} To 5. The protective cover 24 has a bell-shaped configuration, and includes a central portion that tapers in the longitudinal direction. The reduced diameter end is closed, and the enlarged diameter end is opened. The protective cover conforms to the shape of the probe head 10. In particular, the closed end of the protective cover conforms to the configuration of the tip 12 of the dome-shaped probe head, which forms a curved conforming surface for the protective cover 24 in this area. The open end of the protective cover is sleeved on the base part of the probe head. The central part of the protective cover can be fitted to the probe. The central part of the needle (please refer to Figures 3 to 5 in particular), or a relative distance to it. Extends from the probe tip to the base portion (Figures 1 and 2). The protective cover is made of an infrared transparent plastic box material. At its closed end, the thickness of the drop is between about 0.05 and 0.005 mm. At its open end, the foil is thickened so as to form a circle, circling and crimping 'to ensure that it is firmly positioned and attached to the probe head. The examples of Figs. 7 to 12 show the probe head 10 made of a preferred flexible material and including a substantially rod-shaped central portion 14 ', an enlarged base portion 16, and a round probe tip. At least one infrared waveguide 18 extends longitudinally through the probe head 10 from the front end of the probe head tip 12 to a radiation sensor 20. A modification of the probe head 10 is illustrated in FIG. 7 t. An infrared waveguide 18 such as

4366 1 4 V. Description of the invention (8) For example, an easy-curve AgCl / AgBr waveguide 'or a silver-plated hollow waveguide extends from the tip 12 of the probe head to the infrared radiation detector 20. In a variation of the probe head 10 as exemplified in circle 8, the infrared radiation emitted at the tip 12 of the probe head is transmitted to the infrared radiation sensor 20 through a beam of mostly preferred flexible infrared waveguides 18. In the variation of the probe head of FIG. 7 as exemplified in FIG. 9, an infrared lens 22 is disposed at the front end of the tip 12 of the probe head to focus incident infrared radiation to an infrared waveguide that ends at the focal point of the infrared lens 22.丨 8. In the variation of the probe head shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 as illustrated in FIG. 10, an infrared lens 22 is arranged at the front end of the tip 12 of the probe head so that incident infrared light is focused to a point that ends at the focal point of the infrared lens 22. Beam Infrared Waveguide 18 »In a variant of the probe tip as shown in FIG. 11, the orientation. Most infrared waveguides 18 in different geometrical directions terminate at the surface of the probe tip 12. Although in the central portion 14 of the probe head 10, the infrared waveguides 18 are arranged in parallel to each other and extend ', they are fanned out in the base portion 16. Each infrared waveguide 18 leads to an associated infrared radiation sensor: 2 ^ Due to the different orientation of the end of the infrared waveguide 18 at the tip 12 of the probe head, this probe head is suitable for determining the geometry of the temperature in the ear distributed. The variation exemplified in circle 12, an infrared lens 22 arranged at the front end of the probe tip-tip 12 operates to focus incident infrared radiation to a majority of the infrared waveguide 18 'its focal plane from the infrared lens 22' in the longitudinal direction It extends through the probe head 10 to the associated infrared radiation sensor 20 at the base portion 16. In another variation not shown in the figure, most infrared radiation sensors 20

Page 13 ^ 36G t 4 Case No. 8115835 丨 Revise Zunda Z Rev. V. Description of the invention (9) These probe heads also enable the geometry of the temperature set in the focal plane ear of the infrared lens 22 distributed. Explanation of component symbols

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Claims (1)

• Consultation u correction --- Case No. 8811 Yang 6. Application for patent scope 1. An infrared radiation thermometer, especially an ear thermometer that takes the supply of the patient's ⑽ · degrees', which has a probe head (10) and at least one infrared The radiation sensor (20) is subject to infrared radiation for measurement and measurement, which is characterized in that the connector (10) includes a probe tip (12), and there is-basically a dome exhaust surface β,. For example, the infrared radiation thermometer of item 1 of the scope of patent application, at least part of the end surface of the + 2 probe head tip 02) is bent into an ellipsoidal, parabolic or spherical configuration. Tian 3 If the infrared radiation thermometer of item 1 or 2 of the patent application range, f, the probe head (10) includes a blinded central portion (14) adjacent to the probe tip (12). * ❿ I 4. Sign is the center 5. Yes' 6. Yes, 7. Sign is (16) If the infrared radiation thermometer of item 1 or 2 of the patent application scope, the probe head (10) includes an abutment The rod or shank portion (14) of the probe tip (12). ^ If the infrared radiation thermometer in item 3 of the patent application, its central part (14) is Yiqu β If the infrared radiation thermometer in item 4 of the patent application, its central part (14) is Yiqu. Infrared radiation thermometers such as those in item 1 or 2 of the scope of patent application, the special probe head (10) includes a base portion with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the boundary channel. The thermometer is characterized in that the base portion (16) is ~ a dish-shaped configuration β 9. The infrared radiation thermometer of item 5 of the patent application, which has the characteristics Page 1 '4366 1 4 ____ 索 号 February 115,835 B You don't ___ 夂 ·, the scope of patent application is' probe head (10) includes at least one infrared waveguide (18), can be operated to be incident on the probe The infrared radiation from the needle tip (12) is directed to at least one infrared light-emitting sensor (20). 10 If the infrared light thermometer of item 9 of the scope of the patent application, it is characterized in that the (infrared) waveguide (18) is a (number) easy-curve AgCi / AgBr waveguide, or an internal silver-plated hollow wave catheter. 1 1 The infrared radiation thermometer according to item 10 of the scope of patent application, characterized by 'a lens for focusing incident infrared radiation to the infrared waveguide (18), or the infrared radiation sensor (2) 0) It is set at the tip of the probe head. 12. The infrared radiation thermometer of item 10 in the scope of patent application, characterized in that the optical axis of the end of the 'infrared waveguide (18) is aligned at a right angle to the surface of the tip of the round probe. 13. The infrared radiation thermometer of item 9 of the patent application, characterized in that the infrared waveguide (I 8) is a small tube with gold plating inside. 14. If the infrared radiation thermometer of item 12 of the patent application scope is characterized in that each infrared waveguide (18) has an infrared radiation sensor 〇〇 associated with it. 15. The infrared radiation thermometer according to item 5 of the scope of patent application, characterized in that 'at least one infrared radiation sensor (20) is provided on the probe ^ (12). ^ ^ 1 6. If the infrared radiation thermometer of item 5 of the patent application scope, its characteristic is ‘most infrared radiation sensors (20) are set in a tilted relationship with each other’ O: \ 60 \ 60254.ptc Page 2 2001.02. 23.017 1 4366 1 4 q / _ Case No. 88115835 > Modification of Years and Months and Second Days _ 6. Application for Patent Scope 1 7. As for Application for Patent Scope 16 The infrared radiation thermometer is characterized by an evaluation unit for determining the geometric distribution of the temperature in the ear, and the position and temperature of the eardrum derived from the established temperature distribution. 1 8. The infrared radiation thermometer of item 17 in the scope of patent application is characterized by an audible and / or visual indicating device for signalling (10) the proper orientation of the probe head. 1 9. A protective cover for a probe head (1 0) of an infrared radiation thermometer, such as the one or 2 of the patent application scope, characterized in that the front end (26) of the protective cover (24) is a basic Dome-shaped configuration. O: \ 60 \ 60254.ptc Page 3 2001.02. 23.018