Non-contact, infrared sensing temperature-activated controller for abatement of effects of hot flashes in a human body

A directable, portable appliance in combination with an adjustable set-point digital temperature controller for non-contact remotely monitoring infrared temperatures of a selected area of human skin and activating an electrical fan for directing cooling air over the selected skin areas of individuals experiencing episodes of thermal chaos, i.e., hot flashes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to methods and apparatus for controlling a person's body temperature, and more particularly, to a non-contact system for detecting the onset of a hot flash in an individual and activating a proximal air conditioning device in response thereto for abatement thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 6,703,367 issued Mar. 9, 2004 to Garnick teaches methods for treating hot flashes and gynecomastia. This patent is directed to administration of chemical adjuncts but air cooling of the body following detection of the onset of a hot flash using a non-contact IR thermal detector is not described or anticipated.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,9908,688 issued Mar. 22, 2011 to Tompkins teaches a portable ventilation system. This patent is directed to use of a fan to blow air toward a bed to keep the body cool during rest but air cooling of the body following detection of the onset of a hot flash using a non-contact IR thermal detector is not described or anticipated.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,244 issued Nov. 24, 2015 to Rand teaches a tunnel generating bed cooling system. This patent is directed to the use of a ventilation system to create a tunnel of cool air in contact with a human body between a mattress and a top sheet but air cooling of the body following detection of the onset of a hot flash using a non-contact IR thermal detector is not described or anticipated.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,172,826 issued Jan. 8, 2019 to Minatelli et al teaches a composition and method to treat and alleviate symptoms of hot flashes in a female subject. This patent is directed to the use of a dietary supplement for treatment of hot flashes but air cooling of the body following detection of the onset of a hot flash using a non-contact IR thermal detector is not described or anticipated.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,179,064 issued Jan. 15, 2019 to Connor teaches wearable environmental control system for predicting and cooling hot flashes. This patent is directed to, inter alia, the use of various types of wearable sensors for modification of a person's environment but air cooling of the body following detection of the onset of a hot flash using a non-contact IR thermal detector is not described or anticipated.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,238,629 issued Mar. 26, 2019 to Set et al teaches methods for reducing the occurrence of hot flashes. This patent is directed to the administration of chemical adjuncts to inhibit the occurrence of hot flashes but air cooling of the body following detection of the onset of a hot flash using a non-contact IR thermal detector is not described or anticipated.

FIG. 1A(prior art) is a perspective view of a hand-held, non-contact infrared thermometer with laser pointer50.

One example of a non-contact temperature sensor50which can be used to detect the temperature of a human body is the hand-held Wide Range Mini Infrared Thermometer with Laser Pointer, Model No. 42510A made by Extech Instruments, a Flir company. This Infrared thermometer50measures and displays non-contact temperature readings up to 1200° F. (650° C.}. The adjustable emissivity feature allows the IR thermometer to measure the temperature of virtually any surface. The built-in laser pointer increases target accuracy while the backlit LCD and handy push buttons combine for convenient, ergonomic operation. Operational functions include adjustable emissivity, high-low alarms, MIN-MAX memory, and trigger-lock test mode. Typically these types of instruments50are fully tested and calibrated prior to delivery, and proper use and care of this equipment will typically provide years of reliable service.

FIG. 1B(prior art) is a perspective view of another example of a non-contact infrared temperature sensor and transmitter60.

Another example of a non-contact temperature sensor60which can be used to detect the temperature of a human body is the OS136 SERIES Miniature Low Cost Non-Contact Infrared Temperature Sensor/Transmitter. The model OS136 series temperature sensor60is a low-cost, super-compact infrared transmitter. It measures temperature via non-contact, and provides an analog output proportional to the measured temperature. The OS136 series sensor60is offered in two temperature ranges: −18 to 204° C. (0 to 400° F.) and 149 to 538° C. (300 to 1000° F.). The analog output is offered as 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 5 Vdc, 0 to 10 Vdc, 10 mV/Degree C. or F, or K type thermocouple. The unit60has a fixed Emissivity of 0.95 which makes it easy to measure temperature, requiring no adjustments during installation and use. The super-compact design, 19 mm OD×89 mm Length (0.75″ OD×3.5″ L) is ideal to measure temperature in confined, and hard to reach places. The Stainless Steel housing is NEMA-4 rated. The unit60comes with a 1.82 m (6′) shielded cable as standard.

While the prior art is replete with non-contact temperature scanners, sensors, displays and thermometers, there is nothing in the prior art that teaches or anticipates the use of infrared “non-contact” thermal sensors for automated temperature control of a human being undergoing a rapid increase in body temperature, i.e., for automatic abatement of the adverse effects of “hot flashes”.

FIG. 1C(prior art) is a perspective view of a typical, alternating current (AC) oscillating or stationary electric fan80.

Finally, electric fans80are well known and widely available in a variety of shapes and sizes. It will be understood that the fan80used in conjunctions with an embodiment of the present invention can either be portable or permanently mounted to a side table, wall, suspended from the ceiling, or otherwise. Typically electric fans80of the prior art have modes for oscillation or can be set up to direct air flow in a single, stationary position. Additionally, electric AC fans80can have revolving propellor-type blades, be tubeaxial or vaneaxial, i.e., configured in the shape of a box or tower, or fit within a duct-type space. In another type of electric fan80, the tube doesn't have any blades inside it, the pedestal of the fan80contains a brushless electric motor that takes in air and feeds it into a circular or other shaped emanating tube, and air flows along the inside of the device until it reaches a slit inside the emanating tube. In addition, it will be understood that the AC fan80can also have cooled-air and heated air options. Electric fans80that contain small air-conditioning and heating units that cool or warm the air being forced to a temperature below or above room-temperature are also well known in the prior art, and their use can be incorporated into the present invention as desired.

Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a device and associated method that gives automatic and symptomatic relief to a person experiencing thermal chaos, otherwise known as a “hot flash”, especially while sleeping.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

It would be desirable to have a device that automatically produces airflow when a person's body temperature rises above an adjustable set-point temperature which uses a non-contact, temperature sensing probe.

It would be a further advantage to have a device with a simple to use, adjustable digital thermostat for changing the on/off set-point/temperatures.

It would be a further advantage to have a simple to use, adjustable digital thermostat with an illuminated display to enable manual operation, such as temperature set point adjustment, in a dimly lit room or in complete darkness.

The present invention is a device that responds to an increase or decrease in the sensed body temperature to energize or de-energize an AC outlet.

More specifically, the present invention is intended turn-on a cooling fan whenever the user is feeling the effects of a “hot flash” or thermal chaos.

Thus, an embodiment of the present invention is a non-contact, infrared temperature sensing device which, upon sensing an increase or decrease in surface temperature, will activate or deactivate, respectively, an AC powered fan that produces air-flow.

An embodiment of the present invention is a portable, non-contact, infrared, temperature sensing, and power control device which energizes, or de-energizes an integral power relay relative to the temperature of a surface being monitored. The present invention was specifically designed to turn-on a fan to produce airflow in an effort to provide symptomatic relief for people suffering from thermal chaos or hot flashes.

More broadly, the device of the present invention can be used to provide cooling or heating for a person, animal, or object.

With respect to a method of the present invention, a non-contact infrared temperature sensor is pointed or directed toward a surface to be monitored. The temperature sensing electronics associated with an adjustable digital temperature controller are adjusted to a specific set-point temperature, optionally pre-determined by the user, that will activate a power relay in response to a rise in the temperature above the set-point.

With regard to hot flashes, relay activation will take place whenever an increase in temperature beyond the “set-point/temperature” is detected.

Benefits and features of the invention are made more apparent with the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are applied to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described herein.

The following is a list of reference numerals and associated elements of the present invention:50Hand-held, non-contact infrared thermometer with laser pointer (prior art)60Non-contact infrared temperature sensor and transmitter (prior art)80Portable or permanent duty alternating current (AC) electric fan or air blower (prior art)100Non-contact, infrared temperature controller with air blower102Main system housing104Base portion106AC power cord and plug108Power termination, fusing and distribution strip110Air inlet (filter)112Power on/off switch114Low voltage power supply for electronics, and on/off switching controls for blower/fan116Programmable thermal sensor (thermostat) electronics118Air outlet nozzle (fully adjustable)120Flexible goose-neck tubing conduit122Non-contact IR temperature probe housing124Laser/LED126Non-contact, infrared temperature probe128Probe sensing area130Laser or LED targeting pointer132Air outlet nozzle (fixed, non-adjustable)100Non-contact, infrared temperature controller with air blower160Non-contact, infrared temperature controller and display module162Scanned temperature read out164Set point read out166Set point increase168Set point decrease180Non-contact infrared temperature sensor and transmitter190Object person having temperature fluctuation in need of stabilization192Exposed body skin surface area200Non-contact, infrared temperature controller204Base portion208Switched AC power output with rising temperature (for cooling)210Switched AC power output with falling temperature (for heating)220USB port222AC power cord and plug232Fan cord/plug

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of an embodiment of the non-contact, infrared temperature controller with air blower device100of the present invention.FIG. 2Cis a view of an embodiment of a typical temperature controller and display module160of the present invention.FIG. 2Dis a perspective view of an embodiment of the non-contact infrared temperature sensor and transmitter180of the present invention.

The core components of the device100are main system housing102and base portion108, an AC power cord with plug106, push-buttons166and168for adjusting the digital temperature controller and display module160, flexible hollow-steel shaft or gooseneck120, non-contact infrared temperature sensor126, air inlet110, fully adjustable air outlet nozzle118and fixed air outlet nozzle132.

The digital temperature controller and display module160displays the scanned or detected temperature162as well as the temperature set-point164. Control buttons166and168can be manually operated to increase or decrease, respectively, the temperature set-point164.

The non-contact infrared temperature sensor and transmitter180of the present invention comprises the non-contact, infrared temperature sensor126, the housing122within which the temperature sensor126is housed, and a laser or LED pointing arrow output124. The temperature sensor126and housing122are mounted onto the flexible steel shaft gooseneck120so that the orientation of the temperature sensor and transmitter180can be selected manually to detect the desired portion of skin192on the object190.

Generally speaking, the non-contact infrared temperature sensor with air blower100is configured as follows: All components are mounted within the housing102of the device100. The power cord106enters the housing102and is intended to be plugged in to AC power from a common household outlet. The adjustable digital temperature controller and display module160is adjusted up or down by the user to a specific temperature set-point164. The adjustable digital temperature controller and display module160turns on and turns off air flow through the air outlet nozzles118and132relative to the set-point temperature164. The non-contact infrared temperature sensor126is mounted within a housing122which is attached to the main system housing102by the flexible, optimally spiral-wound, hollow steel gooseneck or shaft120that provides for a plurality of positioning of the non-contact infrared temperature sensor126. Additionally the flexible hollow-shaft gooseneck120provides a conduit for power and signal wiring between the non-contact infrared temperature sensor126and the adjustable digital temperature controller and display module160.

In use, the non-contact infrared temperature sensor126is directed towards exposed body skin surface area192of the object's body190and provides an analog signal, relative to detected skin162temperature, for use by the adjustable digital temperature controller100. An AC powered fan is located within the main system housing102such that when activated, air blows out the air outlet nozzle118. The adjustable digital temperature controller and display module160will turn on the internal fan to provide cooling/airflow from the nozzles118and132whenever the set-point temperature164is exceeded and, conversely, turn-off the fan when the scanned or detected temperature162falls below the set-point value164.

FIG. 2Bis a flowchart150showing the method of operation and use of the non-contact, infrared temperature controller with blower100of the present invention. The power cord106provides AC power to the entire device100. The frame housing102provides a mounting platform for components of the system100. Power to the device100is manually operated and controlled by the on-off switch112which connects power to and disconnects power from the device100. The line input fuse or circuit breaker108protects the power cord106and the rest of the non-contact, infrared temperature controller with blower100from an overload condition and the internal electronics/electrical components from over-current damage.

A power control relay applies power to the blower motor based on the control logic used. In other words, the blower-motor could be made to “turn-on” with a “rising” or a “falling” temperature.

The motorized fan assembly is a fan/blower-motor that produces air-flow. This is part of a larger assembly which allows for the directional control of the air-flow produced. The fully adjustable air-flow nozzle118allows a user or object to direct air-flow wherever desired, i.e., airflow emanating from the nozzle118in any desired direction, whereas activation of the fixed air-flow nozzle132allows a user or object to direct air-flow at a operative location in a fixed direction and at an operative distance from the nozzle132.

The “up” temperature button166and the “down” temperature button168of the digital temperature controller and display100adjusts the “turn-on” or “turn-off” temperature “set-point”164.

The flexible “gooseneck” electrical raceway120carries power and signal wiring to/from the temperature sensor126, and allows for unlimited positioning of the sensor126by the user190as it maintains whatever position it is set to.

The miniature non-contact, infrared temperature sensor126measures the temperature at the target skin area192using non-contact, infrared temperature sensing technology.

The red dot pointer130comprises a light source and optics124. This system allows for precise positioning in the “optical field of view”128of the sensor126. While not required, this dot pointer128allows for easy positioning of the sensor126on the surface192of a person or object190.

FIG. 3Ais a perspective view of an embodiment of another non-contact, infrared temperature controller200of the present invention.

The core components of the device200are main system housing and base portion204, an AC power cord with plug222power on/off switch223, flexible hollow-steel shaft or gooseneck120, sensor housing122, and non-contact infrared temperature sensor126. The digital temperature controller and display module260displays the scanned or detected temperature162as well as the temperature set-point164. Control buttons166and168can be manually operated to increase or decrease, respectively, the temperature set-point164.

The non-contact infrared temperature sensor126also optionally comprises a laser or LED dot pointer arrow output (not shown). The temperature sensor126and housing122are mounted onto the flexible steel shaft gooseneck120so that the orientation of the temperature sensor126can be adjusted manually to detect the temperature of a desired portion of skin192on the object190.

Finally, switched AC power outlet208is activated when the detected temperature162is greater than the set-point temperature164, and switched AC power outlet210is activated when the detected temperature162is lower than the set-point temperature164.

Generally speaking, the non-contact infrared temperature sensor200is configured as follows: Electronic components are mounted within the housing and base portion204of the device200. A power cord222enters the housing and base portion204and is intended to be plugged in to an AC power source such as from a common household outlet. The position of the flexible gooseneck120coupled to the digital temperature controller and display module260and a specific temperature set-point164is manually adjustable by the user. The adjustable digital temperature controller and display module260activates either switched AC power outlet208or switched AC power outlet210, depending upon the measured temperature of the object190and the value of the set-point temperature164. Thus, the controller electronics inside the main system base portion204simultaneously activates and deactivates, respectively, the switched AC power outlets208and210when the temperature detected by the sensor126rises above or falls below the set-point temperature164.

An AC powered fan or air-conditioning unit (not shown) can be plugged in to switched AC outlet208such that when activated, the fan or air conditioning unit will initiate cooling of the object190. Alternatively, when a heating unit such as a resistive heating coil or hot air blower is plugged into switched AC power outlet210and the outlet210is activated, the object190will be warmed.

The non-contact infrared temperature sensor126is directed towards exposed body skin surface area192of the object190and provides an analog signal, relative to detected skin162temperature, for use by the adjustable digital temperature controller200. An AC powered fan is plugged into the AC switched power outlet208of the main system housing204such that when activated, cooling air blows out the fan. The adjustable digital temperature controller260will turn on the fan to provide cooling/airflow whenever the set-point temperature164is exceeded and, conversely, turn-off the fan when the scanned or detected temperature162falls below the set-point value164.

As mentioned above, an embodiment of the present invention200has an illuminated digital temperature sensor controller and display module260. The illuminated display260makes it very convenient to turn the device on and off, to make a temperature set point adjustment, or otherwise adjust the temperature controlling device200in a dimly lit room or in complete darkness. Given the frequency of events of thermal chaos at night while sleeping or otherwise, an illuminated display module260is helpful for accurately operating the device in low light or other periods of darkness.

FIG. 3Bis a flowchart250showing the method of operation and use of the non-contact, infrared temperature controller200of the present invention. The power cord106provides power to the device200, and also supplies “line power” to any “load/fan” connected to the device200. The base housing204provides a mounting platform for components of the system200. Power to the device200is manually operated and controlled by the on-off switch which connects power to and disconnects power from the device200. The input fuse or circuit breaker automatically disconnects power from the device200and protects the power cord from an overload condition and the internal electronics/electrical components from over-current damage.

A power control relay applies power to the switched power outlets208and210based on the control logic used by a digital temperature controller. Switched power outlets208and210are available for use. One switched power outlet208is for cooling, i.e., power will be output with a rising measured temperature162. One switched power outlet210is for heating, i.e., power will be output when a falling temperature162is detected. It will be understood that a power cord attached to a third-party fan or heating unit can be plugged in to Switched Power Outlets208and210, depending upon desired use of the system200.

The adjustable digital temperature controller and display module260is part of the digital temperature controller. The module260consists of 2 displays. The display of the actual, real-time measured temperature162is obtained from the non-contact temperature probe126. The second display is the set-point temperature164. The set-point display164is adjustable using the integral increase166and decrease168push-buttons on the front face of module260.

The flexible “gooseneck” electrical raceway120carries power and signal wiring to/from the temperature sensor126, and optimally allows for unlimited positioning of the sensor126by the user/object190.

The miniature non-contact, infrared temperature sensor126measures the temperature at the target skin area192using non-contact, infrared temperature sensing technology.

The red dot pointer comprises an LED or laser light source124and optics. This system allows for precise positioning in the “optical field of view”128of the sensor126. While not required, this dot pointer124allows for easy positioning of the sensor on the surface of the object190.

In an embodiment of the present invention200, an indicator light such as a solid or flashing red light could indicate the condition where the measured temperature162of the object190is at or is greater than the setpoint temperature164and the switched power outlet208is activated. The indicator light could also be solid or flashing green light when the measured temperature162is at or is lower than the setpoint temperature164. In addition, it will be understood that an audible signal could indicate the condition where the measured temperature162of the object190is greater than, equal to or less than the setpoint temperature164.

It will be understood that the adjustable set-point, non-contact infrared sensing digital temperature controller100and200of the present invention is for non-contact remotely monitoring infrared temperatures of a selected area of human skin192and activating an electrical fan80for directing cooling air over the selected skin areas192of individuals190experiencing episodes of thermal chaos, i.e., hot flashes. However, the present invention can also be used for non-contact remotely monitoring infrared temperatures of a selected area of human skin and remotely activating the electrical fan80for directing heating air over the selected skin areas of individuals experiencing chills or other cold-flash episodes. The signal transmitted from the infrared sensing temperature probe126is an analog voltage. The digital temperature controller160converts this analog signal to a digital format for processing by the integral microcontroller. The resolved data is sent to the display driver for illuminating the LED display. Furthermore, the digital signal representing the detected temperature162, setpoint164and control command input and output can be made available through a 2-pin RS485 serial communication port and communication could also be accomplished using USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth or any appropriate communications protocol. Real-time programming changes to hi/low setpoints, setpoint alarms, and display attributes can be made via the communications port.

Additionally, in an embodiment of the non-contact infrared sensing digital temperature controller200of the present invention, the condition where the measured temperature162of the object190is greater than, equal to, or less than the setpoint temperature164could be monitored from a significant distance using Wifi, an RF coupled remote receiver or other wireless communications protocol that could activate an indicator light, an audible signal, or a tactile alert device. This embodiment would be useful for monitoring and manually controlling the temperature of the object190from a distant location, such as a nurse's station, doctor's office, caretaker's remote location, etc. In this case, digital signals corresponding to the measured temperature162and the setpoint temperature164of the sensor126of the non-contact infrared sensing digital temperature controller200can be transmitted a more significant distance away from the object190using Wifi, an RF coupled remote receiver or other wireless communications protocol so that a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare professional or caretaker can manually observe, monitor, adjust or otherwise control operation of the electric fan80or other temperature cooling or heating device.

FIG. 3Cis a graph300showing the relationship between the distance from the infrared temperature sensor and transmitter126of the present invention and the Object being measured190on the one hand, and the diameter of the spot128on the object190on the other hand. The data shown inFIG. 3Cis representative and would vary based upon the type of non-contact infrared thermometer probe selected for use with the present invention. Data representing the distance between the sensor126and the Object190is plotted on the x-axis, while data representing the diameter of the spot128is shown plotted along the y-axis. In the particular sensor126used in this graph, an output spot128having a diameter of 1 cm/0.4 inches expands to 20 cm/8 inches over the distance of 122 cm/48 inches.

FIG. 4is a perspective view showing a method of use of the non-contact, infrared temperature controller200of the present invention.

Method of Use

It should be noted that the present invention was developed for use by woman or men who suffer from hot flashes, i.e., thermal chaos, experienced at any time but particularly while at rest, in bed or asleep. It will be understood, however, that the present invention can be used for numerous purposes where “non-contact” temperature sensing and control applications are preferred.

With respect to the associated method of use of the non-contact, infrared temperature activated controller device200, the following core steps are followed:

In a first step, the power cord222of non-contact, infrared temperature activated controller device200is plugged into a common, household AC outlet.

In a second step, the plug232of any AC powered oscillating cooling fan or cooling air blower unit80is plugged in to switched outlet208of the device base-housing204.

In a third step, the cooling fan unit80can be adjusted to a desired speed and direction of air-flow.

In a fourth step, the non-contact, infrared temperature sensor126is pointed or directed towards any exposed surface192, which would typically be a portion of exposed bare skin of the torso, arm, or any other exposed area of a person or other subject190.

In a fifth step, the user190or other operator manually adjusts the digital temperature controller200to a desired set-point-temperature164until the cooling fan unit80turns on, and then the user190adjusts the set-point temperature164to just below the point at which the fan80turns on, typically 1 or 2 degrees lower. Thus, when the set-point temperature164is adjusted, any increase in measured temperature162of the subject190above the set-point temperature164will cause the cooling fan unit80to turn-on and provide air-flow cooling. Conversely, when the measured temperature162of the subject190falls below the set-point temperature164, the cooling fan unit80will again turn-off.

It will be understood that while the non-contact, infrared temperature activated controller device200of the present invention can be used for cooling the subject190upon the onset of a hot flash, the non-contact, infrared temperature activated controller device200can also be used for heating the subject190upon a decrease of the measured temperature162below the temperature set point164. In this case, the AC-cord of a heating unit (not shown) would be plugged into the switched outlet210. When the non-contact sensor126measures a temperature162at the skin surface area192of the subject190that is below the temperature set point164, the switched outlet210would be activated resulting in the operation of the heating unit to increase the body temperature of the subject190. At the time the measured temperature162of the subject190rises above the set point temperature164, the switched outlet210would be deactivated and the heating unit would turn off.

It will be understood that there are potentially many different applications in many different industries for the non-contact, infrared temperature activated controller device100or device200of the present invention. Various applications include cooling of cooked or raw food, meat, fruits and vegetables in storage, point of sale, restaurants, commercial or residential kitchens. Cooling of products or people in hot environments as well as heating of products or people in cool environments is possible. Industrial applications include but are not limited to manufacturing processes, agricultural processes, painting processes, semiconductor fabrication, biotechnology manufacturing processes, welding and soldering, biological systems control, medical and other therapeutic processes, etc.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patent documents referenced in the present invention are incorporated herein by reference.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.