System and method employing a thermocouple junction for monitoring of physiological parameters

摘要

Disclosed are systems and methods for enabling the acquisition of physiological parameters of a mammal or other specimen using thermo-mechanical responses (e.g., temperature, pressure and alternatively acceleration, pulse, position). In accordance with one example embodiment, a monitoring device for wired and/or wireless sensors is used to acquire a series of sensor signals that are attached to achieve the physiological measurements of a mammal vital signs is provided. The device includes a Temperature-Pressure (T-P) sensor configured to attach to respiration, vascular pressure and audio points of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining the acquired individual sensor electrical signal. The sensor system is configured to attach to alternative locations of the specimen in a manner suitable for obtaining electrical signals in communication with a signal receiver and transmitter. Physiological parameters, such as those associated with vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, etc.), can be obtained using the monitoring device and associated sensors.

主权项

1. A method for sensing physiological parameters of a specimen, comprising:
providing a thermo-mechanical sensor, said thermo-mechanical sensor consisting of two dissimilar metal wires, said wires having ends terminated by welding to produce a generally-spherical, micro-bead junction thereat wherein the entire micro-bead junction is available for direct exposure to physiological processes, and where said micro-bead junction is produced such that said thermo-mechanical sensor senses both thermal stimuli and pressure exerted on the micro-bead junction, thereby producing a signal including a component of the signal in response to a change in pressure applied to said micro-bead junction as one of said physiological parameters; exposing the bead-shaped junction to the physiological processes, whereby the junction produces the signal in response to the physiological parameters; receiving the signal; converting the signal to data representing at least two physiological parameters; and at least temporarily, storing data representing the at least two physiological parameters in memory.