Patent ID: 12253420

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS.1through6illustrate an embodiment of a wireless thermometer assembly that is indicated generally by reference numeral10. Broadly, the thermometer assembly10includes a sensor device12and a flexible carrier14engageable to the sensor device12, as described below. As depicted inFIGS.1and2, the sensor device12comprises a housing cover16that defines an aperture18for viewing of an LED indication of various states of the device12(described below) and a contoured portion forming an indented power button20. As shown inFIG.3, the sensor device12also comprises a housing base22, which includes a projection24that can be placed against a user's skin to obtain a temperature reading, as described below.

In an assembled state, as shown inFIG.4, the housing cover16is attachable to the housing base22to enclose the components of the sensor device12located therebetween the housing cover16and the housing base22. When assembled together, the housing base22and housing cover16define a peripheral channel26therebetween as shown inFIG.4. As depicted inFIG.5, the housing cover16includes a peripheral projection28that extends therefrom, and the housing base22has a groove30in which the peripheral projection28fittingly engages to define the peripheral channel26. In combination, the housing cover16and housing base22define a thickness of the assembled sensor device12(e.g., 3 mm to about 6 mm). In some embodiments, the housing cover16and housing base22are permanently attached to each other, e.g., by adhesive, welding, etc. Alternatively, the housing cover16and housing base22may be releasably attachable, e.g., a friction fit, in order to access the internal components of the sensor12, e.g. for service or replacement.

As shown inFIG.5, the carrier14, which can include a surface that adheres to a user's skin, e.g., adhesive layer36an underside of the carrier15, has an opening32therein, the periphery32aof which generally corresponds to the shape of the peripheral channel26. To releasably retain the sensor device12in the carrier14, the carrier14is moved over the housing cover16until it is received in the peripheral channel26, the sensor12engaged within the opening32(SeeFIG.4). As seen inFIG.4, the housing cover16is larger than the opening32, and thus interferes with the periphery32aupon installation of the carrier14. To install the carrier14, a force is applied to the carrier14relative to the housing cover16(downward inFIG.4), deflecting the periphery32aso as to elastically deform the opening32to the size of the housing cover16, allowing it to pass over the housing cover16and into the peripheral channel26. Once the carrier14passes by the enlarged portion of the housing cover16, the carrier14elastically returns to or nearly to its original shape, e.g., smaller than the housing cover16. In such manner, the carrier14can be retained in the peripheral channel26.

Conversely, to separate the carrier14from the peripheral channel26, an opposite force is applied to the carrier14relative to the housing cover16(upward inFIG.4), to deform the carrier14and opening32to be able to move the carder14over and past the housing cover16. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the carrier14can be made of a material and have a configuration that permits it to be sufficiently flexed to install it over the housing cover16, e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, metal, etc. The modulus of flexibility of the carrier14, e.g., as determined by the material and configuration, and/or the degree of interference between the carrier14and the housing cover16, can be selected to permit assembly of the carrier14and sensor12without excessive force (making it difficult for a user to install/disassemble). At the same time, these characteristics can be selected so that sufficient force is necessary to mitigate accidental or unintentional disassembly of the carrier14and sensor12.

In some embodiments, the carrier14can define a length within the range of about 1.50 inches to about 1.80 inches, and can be within the range of about 1.60 inches to about 1.70 inches. Also, in some such embodiments, the carrier14can define a width within the range of about 0.08 inch to about 1.2 inches and can be within the range of about 0.09 inch to about 1.10 inches. In some embodiments the carrier14may be reusable. In other embodiments the carrier may be disposable. Although various embodiments are described herein, it should be recognized that the carrier14can be of any desired length, width, and shape that can accommodate the sensor device12. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the sensor device may be placed on a user via any of numerous releasable attachment methods, currently known, or that later become known.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, various components are housed between the housing cover16and the base18of the sensor12. These components can include a temperature sensor38, such as, for example, a thermistor or thermocouple, a power supply40, a microprocessor42with embedded software and dynamic memory, a radio transmitter44and a receiver46with an antenna, a power switch48, and one or more light emitting diodes (LED)50, or alternatively, a multi-color LED. The antenna may consist of PCB antenna, or chip antenna, or integrated antenna in the radio IC/module. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous other internal components currently known, or that later become known, necessary for the integration and proper functioning of the aforementioned internal components may be included within the thermometer housing.

In some embodiments, the power supply40may be in the form of a rechargeable battery or batteries that may provide power for approximately 24 hours on a single charge. In other embodiments, the power supply40may be in the form of a disposable/replaceable battery or batteries. In yet other embodiments, the sensor device12may receive external AC or DC power via a power cord connectable in electrical communication with the sensor12in a known manner. In embodiments where the sensor device12is powered via rechargeable batteries that can be fully charged, for example, in approximately 1 hour, the thermometer assembly10may further include a plug (not shown) for connecting to an external power source and/or a charging antenna (not shown) for capturing energy from a charging system.

The LED(s)50indicate various states of the device through the aperture32of the housing cover12. Various states of the device may include ON, OFF, searching for wireless connection, connected, low battery, charging, and/or fully charged. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous states of the device, currently known, or that later become known, may also be indicated. In some embodiments, the LED(s) may indicate various states of the device via different colors. In some embodiments, the LED(s) may indicate various states of the device via a constant light and/or different blinking light patterns. In yet other embodiments, the LED(s) may indicate various states of the device via a combination of color and blinking patterns. In other embodiments, the LED(s) may indicate various states utilizing different light intensities (brightnesses), alone or in combination with colors and solid/blinking patterns. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous other light sources currently known, or that later become known, may be utilized to perform the function of indicating various states of a device.

FIGS.7a-7eillustrate an embodiment of a charging system54for charging the sensor device12, in embodiments where the power supply40includes a chargeable/rechargeable power supply, e.g. rechargeable batteries. More specifically,FIG.7adepicts a top view of the charging system54. The charging system54includes a charger base56to which is hingedly attached a charger cover58, and a storage unit62. Alternatively, the charger cover58can be removably attachable to the charger base56by other mechanisms, e.g., friction fit, snap fit, etc., as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The charger base56includes a power cord52protruding therefrom for attachment to a power source. As may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the power cord52may be configured and connectable to any of numerous power sources, currently known, or that later become known, such as, for example, a wall outlet, a transformer (such as a DC transformer), or a USB outlet. The charger base56may also include a notification light57, e.g., one or more LEDs, indicating via different colors, intensities and/or different blinking patterns the status of the sensor device12, e.g., whether the sensor device is discharged, charging or fully charged. The charger cover can be transparent or translucent to allow the status of the sensor device to be viewed while the cover is in the closed position. The charging system54can also include a storage unit62defining an interior storage space62afor storing one or more adhesive carriers14therein. As seen best inFIG.7b, which is a side view of the charging system54andFIG.7c, which shows separation of the charging base54from the storage unit62, the charger base56and storage unit62are substantially complementary configured so that the charger base56and storage unit can be removably assembled. In this manner, the interior storage space62acan be enclosed, as seen inFIG.7b. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage unit62includes a peripheral channel60in the sidewall of the storage unit62, which can be used to wrap the cord52around the storage unit62when not in use.FIG.7dillustrates a top view of the charger base56with the charger cover58in an open position. The charger base56defines a port63to fittingly receive the sensor device12for recharging thereof. Finally,FIG.7eillustrates a top view of the storage unit62with a carrier14stored therein.

As may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the thermometer may utilize any of numerous different charging units currently known, or that later become known, for charging thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor unit12has an electrical contact in electrical communication with the power supply and the port includes an electrical contact in electrical communication with power cord52. The electrical contacts of the sensor unit12and port are positioned relative to each other such that, when the charger base56is engaged with the port, the electrical contacts of the sensor and port are placed into electrical contact with each other. Power provided to port via the power cord52can then transfer to the sensor and charge/recharge the power supply40of the sensor unit12.

In other embodiments, for example, a charging system can be employed to ensure operability of the sensor device16providing wireless charging through the use of an inductive coupling of electrical energy from a charging source that is housed within the port63, which in such embodiments defines an external charging cradle (holder). The charging cradle can include an inductive coupling device that has a wire coil with or without a magnetic core or core material. The charging cradle is electrically connectable to the power cord52. To charge the sensor16, the sensor16can be placed into the cradle of the charging system54. An alternating current (AC) signal can be applied to the wire coil (e.g., from a wall outlet) in order to produce a field that will be applied to a receiving coil (not shown) housed within the sensor. The sensor L6may include electronics that regulate the received recharge energy as it is applied to the battery or batteries. The charging source may operate continuously, may only provide power to the inductive charging source when the sensor16is detected to be in the charging cradle, or when a cover58or other retention mechanism is in place. In another embodiment, the charging cradle can provide a constant inductive charging field without any communication or power level adjustment regardless of the state of charge present within the battery or batteries40of the sensor16. In a further embodiment, the charging cradle may also be able to regulate the charging field based on communication between the sensor and the charging cradle as described below. For example, the charging cradle can contain electrical controls adapted to alter the frequency and/or voltage and/or the current applied to the inductive element in the charging cradle depending on information provided regarding the state of charge, temperature, or condition of the battery or batteries40housed within the sensor16or the functional status of the sensor16.

In some embodiments, the sensor device16is capable of monitoring and regulating the state of the charge of a rechargeable battery or batteries using an overcharge regulation system or an over-discharge protection system.

Using an overcharge regulation system, externally supplied charging energy can be regulated internally by the sensor device16to prevent an overcharge of the battery or batteries40, which will prevent battery system damage. The overcharge regulation system can employ various mechanisms including, but not limited to: (1) over-voltage protection, where peak voltage of the battery is limited or “clamped” to prevent additional charge energy from being applied to the battery40; (2) temperature protection, where the temperature of the battery and/or the ambient environment may be monitored to reduce or prevent charging from occurring when temperatures exceed predetermined temperature specifications for property battery operation; or (3) an integrated charge tally (“Coulomb Counting”) where the current that is supplied to the battery40is measured.

Using the integrated charge tally mechanism, the amount of charge applied to the battery40during charging is measured by integrating the measured charge current over the time period that the charge is applied (charge=current+time). The applied charge can be added to a known starting state of charge (Amp-hours) to determine the charge state (in Amp-hour s) of the battery40. As is known, the starting charge can, for example, be stored in a memory, which can be non-volatile, in the sensor16. Prior to any charge, the state of charge is presumed zero, and the charge state is determined going forward on a cumulative basis (charge and discharge) When the sum of the measured integrated charge current-time product and the starting Amp-hour state of charge reach a maximum value, e.g., full battery charge, the recharge energy may be gradually reduced or the recharge can be terminated.

Alternatively, using an over-discharge protection system, the sensor device will stop functioning and prevent a further drain and ultimately damage to the battery or batteries. Over-discharge protection can be activated when certain criteria is met that indicates that the battery or batteries is fully depleted or has encountered other conditions that require battery discharge to terminate. When over-discharge protection is activated, warnings indicating a low battery condition could be sent to the user or other connected devices, which indicate that a cutoff is imminent. A low battery condition and, thus, an under-voltage condition might be met where the battery voltage drops below or equals a set voltage level indicating that the battery is fully depleted. Additionally, an indication that a battery or batteries may be nearing depletion could be met by measuring the integrated charge tally, which is determined by integrating the current over the time of the discharge or usage period. Moreover, increasing temperature can be used to indicate that the battery is nearing a depleted state. Furthermore, increasing internal resistance can additionally be used to indicate that the battery is nearing a depleted state.

In other embodiments, the state of charge of a battery or batteries within a sensor device can be provided using one or more techniques, which include: (1) integrated charge tally; (2) open circuit voltage; and (3) over-discharge protection, in combination. The integrated charge tally technique, where the current that is supplied to the battery or batteries is measured, has been discussed above. However, it should be noted that the capacity of the battery or batteries may change over time due to degradation that is typically associated with battery life. The available Amp-hour capacity of the battery or batteries may be reduced, requiring that the state of charge measurement be adjusted to reduce the point at which the battery or batteries is considered to be fully charged. This may be accomplished by comparing the amount of current that was drawn from the battery or batteries during operation to the amount of battery capacity supplied during recharge. An algorithm would be employed to determine if the battery or batteries capacity has been reduced and would then adjust the maximum capacity used for state-of-charge.

For the open-source voltage technique, using a low power microcontroller and associated measurement circuitry, the voltage of the battery or batteries40may be measured and compared to a lookup table or mathematical function, which may be stored in memory of the sensor16or even the charging system54, that will relate the open circuit, or lightly loaded battery voltage to the state of charge, since the state of charge of a battery or batteries is often con-elated to the measured open circuit voltage. Temperature may be used as a factor in the determination, since in many battery systems, the voltage apparent on the terminals may be significantly affected by the temperature of the battery. A lookup table relating the voltage at various stages of charge to the battery or batteries40of temperature may be included in the sensor16.

Using the discharge rate dependent capacity measurement technique, a high discharge slope may be obtained by applying a known discharge current to a battery or batteries. This may be due to factors such as dynamic internal impedance and diffusion rates of the electrolyte and active material s. As a battery or batteries become increasingly depleted, the internal impedance generally increases. This has the effect of creating a lower VUL (voltage under load). By evaluating the increasing internal resistance, this can be correlated to state of charge. Additionally, as the battery active materials react during a discharge, the diffusion rate of electrolytes or reaction rates of the active materials tend to decrease, which has the apparent effect of increasing slope of the VUL. This change in voltage can be expressed as a change in voltage over time, or dV/dt ratio. This value can additionally be used to determine the remaining available capacity by applying a known constant current load, or by measuring the current load as the device is operating over a fixed period of time. The dV/dt ratio can then be calculated and compared to a look up table or other function that will correlate the dV/dt ratio to the state of charge. In another embodiment, battery impedance can be measured and utilized as an indication of a battery condition. Battery impedance can be measured using various methods. One method could be to perform a dV/dl measurement. In this method, a battery is subjected to two short duration constant current discharge pulses. The duration of the pulses can be less than 100 ms, but longer than IO ms depending on the electrochemistry of the battery being measured, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The duration of the pulses should be equal. The first pulse is generally a low current pulse and is applied at a rate that is at least 10 times less than the peak expected current drain from the battery in the application. The second pulse is applied at a rate that is at least 10 times greater than the discharge current of the first low current pulse. Each pulse will require the measurement of the battery voltage just prior to the end of the pulse. The measured voltage on each pulse will be a measured VUL. The internal resistance of the battery is determined by the following equation:

Rb=Vp⁢1-Vp⁢1⁢0Ip⁢1⁢0-Ip⁢1

Once measured, the internal impedance can be used to aid in the determination of the state of charge during discharge or recharge functions. Increasing internal resistance can be used to indicate that the battery is nearing end of life.

In yet other embodiments, the transmission of the state of charge or general battery condition may be provided using several indication methods. In one such embodiment, a light or lights, such as an LED or LEDs, which are mounted on or within the sensor device, can be used to indicate state of charge. Various states of the device may include ON, OFF, searching for wireless connection, connected, low battery, charging, and/or fully charged. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous states of the device, currently known, or that later become known, may also be indicated. In some embodiments, the light or lights may indicate various states of the device via different colors. In other embodiments, the light or lights may indicate various states of the device via a constant light and/or different blinking light patterns. In yet other embodiments, the light or lights may indicate various states of the device via a combination of intensity, color and blinking patterns. In other embodiments, lights can also be used to indicate battery conditions such as over-temperature, high impedance or end of life. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, any of numerous other light sources currently known, or that later become known, may be utilized to perform the function of indicating various states of a device. In yet another embodiment, RF or wireless communication indicating the state of charge or other battery conditions such as internal impedance, temperature or capacity can be achieved using the radio communications capability within the sensor to an information display device such as a phone, computer or tablet that has a radio or wireless receiver. The display device can include an application or program that is programed to receive and process the transmitted information and display or otherwise communicate this information regarding battery status to the user. Additionally, in another embodiment, RF or other communication indicating the state of charge (gas gauge) or other battery conditions such as internal impedance, temperature or capacity can be achieved between a sensor device and a charging cradle. The cradle can utilize this information to adjust the parameters that control the charging power supplied to the sensor device. Additionally, indicators on the charging station, such as lights, LEDs, etc., via, for example, an intensity, color change, blinking patterns, audible transducers, or displays can be used to indicate the state of charge of the battery, charging state (charge, charge completed, error, etc.) or battery condition to the user.

FIG.8illustrates an embodiment of a thermometer assembly110, which includes a sensor device112and a carrier114. The thermometer assembly110is similar to assembly10described above, and like or similar parts are indicated using like numbers preceded by the number “1.” For example, a power button120, a housing base122, and a periphery132aof an opening132in the carrier114are shown. One difference between the assembly10and the assembly110is the carrier114. The carrier114has a raised surface114athat engages with the peripheral channel126, and a sloping contour to aid in securing the carrier114to the sensor device102while allowing a housing cover116of the sensor device112to protrude through the opening132in the carrier114. The sloping contour extends outwardly to a flange114b. The bottom surface of the flange114bcan include an adhesive surface136to adhere the carrier114, and thus the sensor unit112, to a user's body for temperature measurement. However, carrier114can also include any other known tactile surfaces that would allow the carrier114to adhere to a user's body. The configuration of the earlier114places the adhesive-containing bottom surface of the flange114bsubstantially flush with the skin-contacting bottom edge of the sensor unit112. This aids in establishing and maintaining securing contact of the carrier114and sensor unit112to the skin.

As shown in an embodiment inFIG.9, the thermometer assembly100can be wirelessly connectable to, e.g., placed into communication with, an electronic device200or multiple electronic devices for sending and receiving of data to be displayed in digital, analog, and/or graphical format. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device200is a smart phone. However, as may be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the electronic device may be any of numerous electronic devices currently known, or that later become known, such as, for example, a tablet, a mobile computer, a desktop computer, or other wireless devices. Data transmission may be achieved via any standard format, including, but not limited to, R-F, Infrared, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. In some embodiments, the thermometer assembly may be connected to an electronic device(s) from up to 200 feet away. Also, in some embodiments, thermometer assembly may connect directly to the electronic device(s) and/or may connect indirectly to the electronic device(s) via, for example, a router, server or network. In some embodiments, the assembly may communicate with the electronic device(s)200via a wired connected, e.g., a USB or other data-carrying cable.

In other embodiments, the data transmitted from the thermometer assembly100to the electronic device(s) can include user body temperature, device identification, and device status, such as, for example, low battery, charging, fully charged and/or powered ON or OFF, lost contact with a user's skin, and loss of contact between the electronic device and the thermometer assembly. The thermometer assembly100may also receive data from the electronic device(s)200such as, but not limited to, transmission conformation and programming instructions. Programming instructions may include, but are not limited to, instructions to sense and transmit the present temperature (instant temperature read), which allows the user to obtain the current temperature. Other programming instructions include temperature tracking for a specified period of time at specified time intervals. In some embodiments, in the instance where the thermometer assembly100detects a loss of connection with the electronic device(s)200, the sensor device can continue to implement the programming instructions and store data in dynamic memory until reconnection is obtained, at which time the stored data is transmitted to the electronic device(s)200. Although the electronic device200is illustrated herein with one embodiment of the thermometer assembly100, it should be understood that the electronic device200can be used in conjunction with any of temperature sensors disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the electronic device(s) may include an installed application or program that communicates with the thermometer assembly and provides a user interface, as shown inFIG.9. The application may include multiple device support, wherein multiple sensor units can be connected, either separately or at the same time, and each paired thermometer has its own data set in the form of a profile. The user may add information to each profile, such as user name, date of birth and a picture. Within any selected profile, the application may display, the profile information as well as current body temperature and/or temperature history, as shown inFIG.9. Temperature history may be displayed in the form of a graph and/or a chart. The application may also include notifications, such as, for example, connection notifications, battery notifications, as well as notifications to administer medications at specific times with the required dosage. Additionally the application may also include alarms in connection with the notifications. The application may include alarms in connection with sensed temperature that is out of the normal body temperature range, or surpasses a set threshold, which can include exceeding a temperature, indicating a rising fever, or falling below a temperature, indicating a reducing fever. The former can alert a user to a change in health condition or that additional treatment, e.g., a next medicine dose, is required. The latter can be useful, for example, to notify a user that a treatment has taken effect. The alarms and/or notifications may take various forms, including any of or combinations of visual (screen display, color change, blinking patterns, etc.) and audio notifications (sound, voice, etc.). Data transmitted to the application can also be exportable from the application. For example, the data may be exported from the application to a doctor's office or an insurance company. While the user uses the electronic device(s), the application may run in the background.

FIG.10schematically illustrates another embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly300, which, similarly to assemblies10,110includes a sensor device302and a carrier304. As shown inFIG.10, the sensor device302includes a temperature sensor306, such as a thermistor array or a thermocouple, a power supply308, such as a rechargeable or disposable batterie(s) or external DC or AC power via a power cord, a recharging area310, a display312, such as LEDs, to, e.g., indicate the various states of the device302, a power button314and other electronic components, which are used to integrate and allow the temperature sensor306, power supply308and display312to function. The recharging area310receives power from the charging system and routes that power to the battery for recharging. The recharging area310can, for example, contain the components described above (hardware, software, memory, circuits, etc.) for charging the power system104, e.g., by electric contact or inductive charging. The display312can be used to indicate the various states of the sensor device302. These states can include, but are not limited to, whether the device302is on or off, if the device302is searching for a wireless signal or connected to a wireless signal, has a low battery, is charging or is fully charged.

FIG.11aschematically depicts assembly of the sensor device302and the carrier304. The sensor device302can be connected to the carrier304, for example, by press-fit or snap-fit, as further described below. However, any other known method of connection can also be utilized to connect the sensor device302to the carrier304. In at least some embodiments, the connection ensures that the sensor device302and the carrier304will not be inadvertently separated from each other, e.g., without an intentional movement or application of force by a user.FIG.11bschematically illustrates the sensor device302and the carrier304in a final assembled arrangement.

FIGS.12,13, and15illustrate embodiments of the sensor device302, which may be formed to be flexible in one or multiple directions. The sensor device302can be of any height, width, or depth that will allow the sensor device302to be connectable with an associated carrier304(e.g., 2.5 inches in length and 0.72 inches in height). In the embodiments depicted inFIGS.12,13, and15, the sensor device302has curved contours, which define the outer edges of the device302. In the embodiment shown inFIG.13, the sensor device302can be manufactured so as to be substantially linear or uncurved in an originating position and flexible in an upward and/or downward manner, if desired, to contour toward the shape of a user's body.

Another embodiment of a sensor device700is shown inFIGS.14a-14g. The sensor device700includes a surface704that can be placed against a user's skin to obtain a temperature reading. The sensor device700can be manufactured so as to be curved in an originating position. The sensor device700can be provided with any desired radius (e.g., 5.00 inches) depending on the desired curvature of the shape.

Alternatively, the base702can have any desired one-, two- or three-dimensional shape or contour. If the base702is made of injection molded plastic, for example, the mold can be configured to produce a base702having the desired shape. As another example, a formable material, such as a thermoplastic sheet or metal, can be formed into the desired shape by using a die or former. The base702, and thereby the sensor device700, can therefore be shaped and/or contoured for a specific part of the body, if desired.

Embodiments of the carrier304, in which the sensor device302is arranged, are illustrated inFIGS.16-20. The carrier304can be of any height, width, or depth that can accommodate an associated sensor device302(e.g., 2.8 inches in length and 0.97 inches in height).

FIG.16illustrates an embodiment of a carrier frame322of the carrier304with contoured sidewalls324. The contoured sidewalls324define an outer periphery324aand an opening332in which the sensor device302is held. The frame322can be manufactured from any known material, e.g., plastic, metal, silicone or rubber that is bendable so as to conform to a user's temple, arm or other body part on which a temperature reading may be desired. Additionally, any known process, such as thermoforming, can be utilized to for the carrier frame322.

FIG.17illustrates an adhesive layer326that is fastenable to the carrier frame322. The adhesive layer326includes an opening328that can be, for example, punched thru the adhesive layer, either prior to or during (by) assembly of the sensor unit302into the carrier (which can be assisted by previously perforating the adhesive layer326), and a perforated strip330, which extends from the adhesive layer326into the opening328, engaging the sensor unit, helping maintain the sensor unit in the carrier340. The strip330can aid in removing the sensor device302from the carrier304after use by pulling the strip330, which in turn applies a force to the sensor device302and helps to force the sensor device302from the earlier304. The adhesive layer can contain an adhesive on the skin-contacting side thereof to adhere the earlier304to the skin. The adhesive layer326can also contain an adhesive on the side opposite the skin-contacting side to assist in holding the temperature sensor302in the carrier304.

FIG.18illustrates a peel-off backing332that is removably affixable to the structural adhesive layer326, e.g., over the adhesive on the skin-contacting side. The peel-off backing332ensures that the adhesive layer326is not contaminated and remains tacky prior to use.

FIG.19is a top view of an assembled carrier304that includes the frame324, the adhesive layer326affixed to the frame324, and the peel-off backing332affixed to the adhesive layer326. The adhesive layer326can be affixed or connected to the frame324by any suitable means, e.g., adhesive, welding, etc. to form the carrier304.

FIG.20illustrates a cross-sectional view of the carrier304. As shown, contoured sidewalls336of the frame324define a groove or opening332in which the sensor302is arranged and secured, for example, by press-fit, as shown inFIGS.11a-11b. For example, sidewalls336are configured so that the opening332is smaller than the base302aof the temperature sensor302. Thus, the sidewalls336define an interference with the base302a. In order to engage the temperature sensor302into thecarrier304, the sidewalls are configured with a flexibility, e.g., and elastically-deformable material such as plastic, metal, rubber, silicone, etc., so as to elastically deform the sidewalls336and the opening332to the size of the base302, e.g., by pressing the base302atoward the opening332, allowing the base302ato pass through the opening332and into the carrier304. As seen inFIGS.11aand11b, for the example, once the base302apasses into the opening332, the sidewalls336elastically return to or nearly to the original shape, retaining the base302abetween the adhesive layer326and the sidewalls336. Similar to as discussed above with respect to the carrier14, the sidewalls336can be formed of a material and configured so that the temperature sensor302and the carrier304can be assembled without excessive force but with sufficient force to securely retain the temperature sensor in the carrier.

FIG.21depicts the sensor assembly300affixed to a child for use. As discussed above, the assembly300can be contoured, either in an original configuration or through flexibility of the temperature sensor302and/or carrier304, to substantially conform to the child's body part—the temple in this embodiment.

FIGS.22-26depict another embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly400, which includes a sensor device402and a carrier404, similar to assembly300, sensor device302and carrier304. The carrier404is comprised of a frame405, a single-sided breathable fabric406arranged on a first side of the frame405, an adhesive layer408affixed to a second side of the frame, and a peel-off backing410affixed to the adhesive layer408. The carrier404also includes an opening therein configured for receiving the sensor device402therethrough. A transparent protrusion412that has ventilation openings413extends across the opening in the carrier404. The protrusion is configured to accommodate at least part of the sensor device402. The sensor device402includes a plurality of thermistors414extending from a base of the device402. As best seen inFIG.26, when arranged in the protrusion412of the carrier404, the thermistors414extend past the carrier404in order to engage the user's skin.

As shown in an embodiment inFIGS.27and28, the sensor device402is attachable to an adjustable armband416for attachment to a user's arm, to measure the body temperature at that location.

FIGS.29and30illustrate yet another embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly500. The assembly500comprises a sensor device502, similar to sensor devices302,402, which includes a plurality of thermistors504protruding therefrom and a carrier506, which has an opening508therein and is comprised of a frame510, a layer of soft, breathable material512arranged on a first side of the frame510, an adhesive layer514arranged on a second side of the frame510with a peel-off backing516protecting the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer514.FIGS.31-33depict an embodiment of a charging device518, similar to charging system54described above, that can be used to charge the sensor device502and store carrier504.

FIG.34depicts a further embodiment of a temperature sensor assembly600, which includes a sensor device602and a carrier604, similar to carrier506but having a different shape and color. The carrier604is shaped for use on a different part of the body as carrier506. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the carrier can be shaped and configured as desired, including, for example, as suitable for use on a particular body part.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims. In addition, like parts can be used in any and all embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiment. Furthermore, though the invention may be used for body temperature measurement, it should be understood that the invention may be utilized for other applications as well, such as, for example, measurement of body mass index, calories burned, or distance walked per day. Accordingly, this detailed description of embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative as opposed to a limiting sense.