Title of Invention

A DETECTOR FOR MEASURING PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PARAMATERS OF THE BODY OF A MAMMAL

Abstract The invention discloses a detector for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body of a mammal, said detector comprising : a housing for placement on the skin, and a fastener for removably holding the housing on the skin, wherein, said housing comprising hardware such as herein described for receiving radiation energy from the skin at a brain tunnel, and having a bulge for contacting the skin at the brain tunnel. The invention is also for a climate control apparatus incorporating said detector device.
Full Text A Detector for measuring Physical, Chemical and Biological
parameters of the body of a Mammal
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Serial No. 10/420,295, filed April 22, 2003, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number
60/374,133, filed April 22, 2002, and claims the benefit of
the priority of 60/449,800, filed February 26, 2003,
60/475,470, filed June 4, 2003 and 60/497,306, filed August
25, 2003, herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes support and sensing
structures positioned in a physiologic tunnel for measuring
bodily functions and to manage abnormal conditions
indicated by the measurements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Interfering constituents and variables can introduce
significant source of errors that prevent measured biologic
parameters from being of clinical value. In order to bypass
said interfering constituents and achieve undisturbed
signals, invasive and semi-invasive techniques have been
used. Such techniques have many drawbacks including

difficulties in providing continuous monitoring for long
periods of time. Non-invasive techniques also failed to
deliver the clinical usefulness needed. The placement of a
sensor on the skin characterized by the presence of
interfering constituents do not allow obtaining clinically
useful nor accurate signals due to the presence of said
interfering constituents and background noise which greatly
exceeds the signal related to the physiologic parameter
being measured.
The most precise, accurate, and clinically useful way
of evaluating thermal status of the body in humans and
animals is by measuring brain temperature. Brain
temperature measurement is the key and universal indicator
of both disease and health equally, and is the only vital
sign that cannot be artificially changed by emotional
states. The other vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure,
and respiratory rate) all can be influenced and
artificially changed by emotional states or voluntary
effort.
Body temperature is determined by the temperature of
blood, which emits heat as far-infrared radiation. Adipose
tissue (fat tissue) absorbs far-infrared and the body is
virtually completely protected with a layer of adipose
tissue adherent to the skin. Thus measurement of

temperature using the skin did not achieve precision nor
accuracy because previous techniques used sensors placed on
skin characterized by the presence of adipose tissue.
Because it appeared to be impossible with current
technology to non-invasively measure brain temperature,
attempts were made to determine internal body temperature,
also referred to as core temperature. An invasive,
artificial, inconvenient, and costly process is currently
used to measure internal (core) temperature consisting of
inserting a catheter with a temperature sensor in the
urinary canal, rectum or esophagus. But such methodology is
not suitable for routine measurement, it is painful, and
has potential fatal complications.
Semi-invasive techniques have also being tried. Abreu
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,120,460 apparatus and
methods for measuring core temperature continuously using a
contact lens in the eyelid pocket, but the contact lens is
a semi-invasive device which requires prescription by a
physician and sometimes it is not easy to place the contact
lens in the eye of an infant or even in adults and many
people are afraid of touching their eyes.
There are several drawbacks and limitations in the
prior art for continuous and/or core measurement of
temperature.

Measurement of temperature today is non-continuous,
non-core and nurse dependent. Nurses have to stick a
thermometer in the patient's mouth, rectum or ear. To get
core temperature nurses invasively place a tube inside the
body which can cause infection and costly complications.
Measurement of core temperature on a routine basis in
the hospital and/or continuously is very difficult and
risky because it requires an invasive procedure with
insertion of tubes inside the body or by ingesting a
thermometer pill. The thermometer pill can cause diarrhea,
measure temperature of the fluid/food ingested and not body
temperature, and have fatal complications if the pill
obstructs the pancreas or liver ducts. Placement of sensors
on the skin do not provide clinically useful measurements
because of the presence of many interfering constituents
including fat tissue.
It is not possible to acquire precise and clinically
useful measurements of not only brain temperature, but also
metabolic parameters, physical parameters, chemical
parameters, and the like by simply placing a sensor on the
skin. One key element is the presence of fat tissue. Fat
varies from person to person, fat varies with aging, fat
content varies from time to time in the same person, fat
attenuates a signal coming from a blood vessel, fat absorbs

heat, fat prevents delivery of undisturbed far-infrared
radiation, fat increases the distance traveled by the
element being measured inside the body and an external
sensor placed on the surface of the skin.
There is a need to identify a method and apparatus
that can non-invasively, conveniently and continuously
monitor brain temperature in a painless, simple, external
and safe manner with sensors placed on the skin.
There is further a need to identify a method and
apparatus that can conveniently, non-invasively, safely and
precisely monitor biological parameters including metabolic
parameters, physical parameters, chemical parameters, and
the like.
There is a need to identify an apparatus and method
capable of measuring biological parameters by positioning a
sensor on a physiologic tunnel for the acquisition of
undisturbed and continuous biological signals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides methods, apparatus and
systems that effectively address the needs of the prior
art.
In general, the invention provides a set of sensing
systems and reporting means which may be used individually

or in combination, which are designed to access a
physiologic tunnel to measure biological, physical and
chemical parameters. Anatomically and physiologically
speaking, the tunnel discovered by the present invention is
an anatomic path which conveys undisturbed physiologic
signals to the exterior. The tunnel consists of a direct
and undisturbed connection between the source of the
function (signal) within the body and an external point at
the end of the tunnel located on the skin. A physiologic
tunnel conveys continuous and integral data on the
physiology of the body. An undisturbed signal from within
the body is delivered to an external point at the end of
the tunnel. A sensor placed on the skin at the end of the
tunnel allows optimal signal acquisition without
interfering constituents and sources of error.
Included in the present invention are support
structures for positioning a sensor on the skin at the end
of the tunnel. The present invention discloses devices
directed at measuring brain temperature, brain function,
metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration
status, hemodynamic function, body chemistry and the like.
The components include devices and methods for evaluating
biological parameters using patches, clips, eyeglasses,
head mounted gear and the like with sensing systems adapted

to access physiologic tunnels to provide precise and
clinically useful information about the physiologic status
of the wearer and for enhancing the safety and performance
of said wearer, and helping to enhance and preserve the
life of said wearer by providing adequate reporting means
and alert means relating to the biological parameter being
monitored. Other components provide for producing direct or
indirect actions, acting on another device, or adjusting
another device or article of manufacture based on the
biological parameter measured.
The search for a better way to measure biological
parameters has resulted in long and careful research, which
included the discovery of a Brain Temperature Tunnel (BTT)
and other physiologic tunnels in humans and animals. The
present invention was the first to recognize the
physiologic tunnel in the body. The present invention was
yet the first to recognize the end of the tunnel on the
skin surface in which an optimal signal is acquired and
measurements can be done without the presence of
interfering constituents and background noise that exceeds
the signal being measured. The present invention was also
the first to recognize and precisely map the special
geometry and location of the tunnel including the main-
entry point. The present invention was yet first to

recognize the precise positioning of sensing systems at the
main entry point for optimal signal acquisition. Careful
studies have been undertaken including software development
for characterizing infrared radiation to precisely
determine the different aspects of the tunnel. This
research has determined that the measurement of brain
(core) • temperature and other body parameters can be
accomplished in a non-invasive and continuous manner in
humans and animals with sensors positioned in a confined
area of the skin at the end of a physiologic tunnel.
The key function and critical factor for life
preservation and human performance is brain temperature.
Brain tissue is the tissue in the body most susceptible to
thermal damage, by both high and low temperature. Brain
temperature is the most clinically relevant parameter to
determine the thermal status of the body and the human
brain is responsible for 18 to 20% of the heat produced in
the body, which is an extraordinary fact considering that
the brain represents only 2% of the body weight. The great
amount of thermal energy generated in the brain is kept in
a confined space and the scalp, skull, fat and CSF
(cerebral spinal fluid) form an insulating layer. The
recognition of the BTT by the present invention bypasses

the insulating barriers and provides a direct connection to
inside the brain physiology and physics.
Anatomically and physiologically speaking, a Brain
Temperature Tunnel consists of a continuous, direct, and
undisturbed connection between the heat source within the
brain and an external point at the end of the tunnel. The
physical and physiological events at one end of the tunnel
inside the brain are reproduced at the opposite end on the
skin. A BTT enables the integral and direct heat transfer
through the tunnel without interference by heat absorbing
elements, i.e., elements that can absorb far-infrared
radiation transmitted as heat by blood within the brain.
There are six characteristics needed to define a BTT. These
characteristics are:
1) area without heat absorbing elements, i.e., the area
must not contain adipose tissue (fat tissue) . This is
a key and needed characteristic for defining a
temperature tunnel,
2) area must have a terminal branch of a vessel in order
to deliver the integral amount of heat,
3) terminal branch has to be a direct branch of a blood
vessel from the brain,

4) terminal branch has to be superficially located to
avoid heat absorption by deep structures such as
muscles,
5) area must have a thin and negligible interface between
a sensor and the source of thermal energy to achieve
high heat flow, and
6) area must not have thermoregulatory arteriovenous
shunts'.
All six characteristics are present on the skin on the
medial canthal area adjacent to the medial corner of the
eye above the medial canthal tendon and in the medial third
of the upper eyelid. In more detail the end of BTT area on
the skin measures about 11 mm in diameter measured from the
medial corner of the eye at the medial canthal tendon and
extends superiorly for about 6 mm and then extends into the
upper eyelid in a horn like projection for another 22 mm.
The BTT area is the only area in the body without
adipose tissue, which is in addition supplied by a terminal
branch, which has a superficial blood vessel coming from
the brain vasculature, and which has a thin interface and
no thermoregulatory shunts. The BTT area is supplied by a
terminal branch of the superior ophthalmic vein which is a
direct connection to the cavernous sinus, said cavernous
sinus being an endothelium-lined system of venous channels

inside the brain which collects and stores thermal energy.
The blood vessel supplying the BTT area is void of
thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts and it ends on the
skin adjacent to the medial corner of the eye and in the
superior aspect of the medial canthal area right at the
beginning of the upper eyelid. The blood vessels deliver
undisturbed heat to the skin on the medial canthal area and
upper eyelid as can be seen in the color as well as black
and white photos of infrared images shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The undisturbed thermal radiation from the brain is
delivered to the surface of the skin at the end of the
tunnel. The heat is delivered to an area of skin without
fat located at the end of the tunnel. The blood vessel
delivering heat is located just below the skin and thus
there is no absorption of . infrared radiation by deep
structures.
If the blood vessel is located deep, other tissues and
chemical substances would absorb the heat, and that can
invalidate the clinical usefulness of the measurement.
There is direct heat transfer and the skin in the BTT area
is the thinnest skin in the body and is void of
thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts. A very important
aspect for optimal measurement of temperature is no
interference by fat tissue and direct heat transfer.

The absence of fat tissue in this particular and
unique area in the body at the end of the tunnel allows the
undisturbed acquisition of the signal. The combination of
those six elements allows the undisturbed and integral
emission of infrared radiation from the brain in the form
of direct heat transfer at the BTT area location, which can
be seen in the infrared image photographs (FIGS. 1 to 8) .
The BTT and physiologic tunnels are also referred in this
description as the "Target Area".
From a physical standpoint, the BTT is the equivalent
of a Brain Thermal Energy tunnel with high total radiant
power and high heat flow. The temperature of the brain is
determined by the balance between thermal energy produced
due to metabolic rate plus the thermal energy delivered by
the arterial supply to the brain minus the heat that is
removed by cerebral blood flow. Convection of heat between
tissue' and capillaries is high and the temperature of the
cerebral venous blood is in equilibrium with cerebral
tissue. Accordingly, parenchymal temperature and thermal
energy of the brain can be evaluated by measuring the
temperature and thermal energy of the cerebral venous
blood. The superior ophthalmic vein has a direct and
undisturbed connection to the cavernous sinus and carries
cerebral venous blood with a thermal energy capacity of 3.6

J.ml-1. (°C)-1 at hematocrit of 45%. Cerebral thermodynamic
response, thermal energy, and brain temperature can be
evaluated by placing a sensor to capture thermal energy
conveyed by the cerebral venous blood at the end of the
BTT.
The research concerning BTT and physiologic tunnels
involved various activities and studies including: 1) In-
vitro histologic analysis of mucosal and superficial body
areas; 2) In-vivo studies with temperature evaluation of
external areas in humans and animals; 3) In-vivo functional
angiographic evaluation of heat source; 4) Morphologic
studies of the histomorphometric features of the BTT area;
5) In-vivo evaluation of temperature in the BTT area using:
thermocouples, thermistors, and far-infrared; 6) Comparison
of the BTT area measurements with the internal eye anatomy
and current standard most used (oral) for temperature
measurement; 7) Cold and heat challenge to determine
temperature stability of BTT; and 8) Infrared imaging and
isotherm determination. Software for evaluating geometry of
tunnel was also developed and used. Simultaneous
measurement of a reference temperature and temperature in
the BTT area were done using pre-equally calibrated
thermistors. A specific circuit with multiple channels was
designed for the experiments and data collection.

The measurement of temperature in the BTT area showed
almost identical temperature signal between the BTT area
and the internal conjunctival anatomy of the eye, which is
a continuation of the central nervous system. Measurement
of the temperature in the internal conjunctival anatomy of
eye as used in the experiment was described by Abreu in
U.S. Patents No. 6,12 0,460 and 6,312,3 93. The averaged
temperature levels for BTT and internal eye were within 0.1
°C (0.18 °F) with an average normothermia value equivalent
of 37.1°C (98.8 °F) for the BTT and 37°C (98.6 °F) for the
internal eye. Comparison with the standard most used, oral
temperature, was also performed. The temperature voltage
signal of the BTT area showed an average higher temperature
level in the BTT area of an equivalent of 0.3 °C (0.5 °F)
when compared to oral.
Subjects underwent cold challenge and heat challenge
through exercising and heat room. The lowering and rising
of temperature in the BTT area was proportional to the
lowering and rising in the oral cavity. However, the rate
of temperature change was faster in the BTT area than for
oral by about 1.2 minutes, and temperature at the BTT site
was 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) higher on few occasions. Subjects of
different race, gender, and age were evaluated to determine
the precise location of the BTT area across a different

population and identify any anatomic variation. The
location of the BTT was present at the same location in all
subjects with no significant anatomic variation, which can
be seen in a sample of infrared imaging of different
subjects.
The tunnel is located in a crowded anatomic area and
thus the positioning of the sensor requires special
geometry for optimal alignment with the end of the tunnel.
The clinical usefulness of the tunnel can only be achieved
with the special positioning of the sensor in relation to
anatomic landmarks and the support structure. The tunnel is
located in a unique position with distinctive anatomic
landmarks that help define the external geometry and
location of the end of the tunnel. The main entry point of
the tunnel, which is the preferred location for positioning
the sensor, requires the sensor to be preferably placed in
the outer edge of a support structure. The preferred
embodiment for the measurement of biological parameters by
accessing a physiologic tunnel includes sensors positioned
in a particular geometric position on the support
structure.
The support structure includes patches containing
sensors. For the purpose of the description any structure
containing an adhesive as means to secure said structure to

the skin at the end of the tunnel is referred to as a patch
including strips with adhesive surfaces such as a "BAND-
AID" adhesive bandage. It is understood that a variety of
attachment means can be used including adhesives, designs
incorporating spring tension pressure attachment, and
designs based on other attachment methods such as elastic,
rubber, jelly-pads and the like.
The patches are adapted to position sensors at the end
of the tunnel for optimal acquisition of the signal. The
patch is preferably secured to the area by having an
adhesive backing which lays against the skin, although a
combination of adhesive and other means for creating a
stable apposition of the sensor to the tunnel can be used
such as fastening or pressure.
Support structures also include clips or structures
that are positioned at the end of the tunnel with or
without adhesive and which are secured to the area by
pressure means. Any structure that uses pressure means to
secure said structure to the skin at the end of the tunnel
is referred as a clip.
Head-mounted structures are structures mounted on the
head or neck for positioning sensors on the end of the
tunnel and include head bands with accessories that are
adjacent to the tunnel, visors, helmets, headphone,

structures wrapping around the ear and the like. For the
purpose of this description TempAlert is referred herein as
a system that measures temperature in the BTT area and has
means to report the measured value and that can incorporate
alarm devices that are activated when certain levels are
reached. Support structures yet include any article that
has sensing devices in which said sensing devices are
positioned at the end of the tunnel.
Support structures further include medial canthal
pieces of eyeglasses. A medial canthal piece is also
referred to herein as a medial canthal pad and includes a
pad or a piece which positions sensing devices on the skin
at the medial canthal area on top of a tunnel, with said
medial canthal piece being permanently attached to or
mounted to an eyeglass. Any sensing devices incorporated in
an eyeglass (fixed or removable) for accessing a tunnel are
referred to herein as EyEXT including devices for sensing
physical and chemical parameters. Any article of
manufacture that has visual function, or ocular protection,
or face protection with a part in contact with the tunnel
is referred herein as eyeglasses and includes conventional
eyeglasses, prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses,
sunglasses, goggles of any type, masks (including gas

masks, surgical masks, cloth masks, diving masks, eyemask
for sleeping and Che like) safety glasses, and the like.
For brain temperature evaluation the tunnel area
consists of the medial canthal area and the superior aspect
of the medial corner of the eye. For brain function
evaluation the tunnel area consists of primarily the upper
eyelid area. For metabolic function evaluation the tunnel
area consists of an area adjacent to the medial corner of
the eye and both the upper and lower eyelids.
The measurement of metabolic function, brain function,
immunogenic function, physical parameters, physico-chemical
parameters and the like includes a variety of support
structures with sensors accessing the physiologic tunnels.
The sensors are placed in apposition to the skin
immediately adjacent to the medial corner of the eye
preferably in the superior aspect of the medial canthal
area. The sensor can also be positioned in the medial third
of the upper eyelid. The sensor is most preferably located
at the main entry point of the tunnel which is located on
the skin 2.5 mm medial to the corner of the eye and about 3
mm above the medial corner of the eye. The diameter of the
main entry point is about 6 to 7 mm. The positioning of the
sensor at the main entry point of the tunnel provides the

optimum site for measuring physical and chemical parameters
of the body.
Besides a sensor that makes contact with the skin at
the Target Area, it is understood that sensors which do not
make contact with the skin can be equally used. For
instance an infrared-based temperature measuring system can
be used. The measurement is based on the Stefan-Boltzman
law of physics in which the total radiation is proportional
to the fourth power of the absolute temperature, and the
Wien Displacement law in which the product of the peak
wavelength and the temperature are constant. The field of
view of the non-contact infrared apparatus of the invention
is adapted to match the size and geometry of the BTT area
on the skin.
A variety of lenses known in the art can be used for
achieving the field of view needed for the application. For
example, but not by way of limitation, a thermopile can be
adapted and positioned in a manner to have a field of view
aimed at the main entry point of the BTT area on the skin.
The signal is then amplified, converted into a voltage
output and digitized by a MCU (microcontroller).
This infrared-based system can be integrated into a
support structure that is in contact with the body such as
any of the support structures of the present invention. In

addition, it is understood that the infrared-based system
of the present invention can be integrated as a portable or
hand-held unit completely disconnected from the body. The
apparatus of the present invention can be held by an
operator that aims said apparatus at the BTT area to
perform the measurement. The apparatus further includes an
extension shaped to be comfortably positioned at the BTT
site for measuring biological parameters without discomfort
to the subject. The extension in contact with the skin at
the BTT is shaped in accordance with the anatomic landmarks
and the geometry and size of the BTT site. The infrared
radiation sensor is positioned in the extension in contact
with the skin for receiving radiation emitted from the BTT
site.
The present invention provides a method for measuring
biological parameters including the steps of positioning a
sensing device means on the skin area at the end of a
tunnel, producing a signal corresponding to the biological
parameter measured and reporting the value of the parameter
measured.
It is also includes a method to measure biological
parameters by non-contact infrared thermometry comprising
the steps of positioning an infrared detector at the BTT
site with a field of view that encompasses the BTT site and

producing a signal corresponding to the measured infrared
radiation. The biological parameters include temperature,
blood chemistry, metabolic function and the like.
Temperature and ability to do chemical analysis of
blood components is proportional to blood perfusion. The
present invention recognizes that the tunnel area, herein
also referred as a Target Area, has the highest superficial
blood perfusion in the head and has a direct communication
with the brain, and that the blood vessels are direct
branches of the cerebral vasculature and void of
thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts. It was also
recognized that the Target Area has the highest temperature
in the surface of the body as can be seen in the
photographs of experiments measuring infrared emission from
the body and the eye.
The Target Area discovered not only has the thinnest
and most homogeneous skin in the whole body but is the only
skin area without a fat layer. Since fat absorbs
significant amounts of radiation, there is a significant
reduction of signal. Furthermore other skin areas only
provide imprecise and inaccurate signals because of the
large variation of adipose tissue from person to person and
also great variability of fat tissue according to age. This
interference by a fat layer does not occur in the Target

Area. Furthermore, Che combined characteristics of the
Target Area, contrary to the skin in the rest of the body,
enable the acquisition of accurate signals and a good
signal to noise ratio which far exceeds background noise.
In addition, body temperature such as is found in the
surface of the skin in other parts of the body is variable
according to the environment.
Another important discovery of the present invention
was the demonstration that the Target Area is not affected
by changes in the environment (experiments included cold
and heat challenge). The Target Area provides an optimum
location for temperature measurement which has a stable
temperature and which is resistant to ambient conditions.
The Target Area discovered has a direct connection to the
brain, is not affected by the environment and provides a
natural, complete thermal seal and stable core temperature.
The apparatus and methods of the present invention achieve
precision and clinical usefulness needed with the non-
invasive placement of a temperature sensor on the skin in
direct contact with the heat source from the brain without
the interference of heat absorbing elements.
The Target Area is extremely vascularized and is the
only skin area in which a direct branch of the cerebral
vasculature is superficially located and covered by a thin

skin without a fat layer. The main trunk of the terminal
branch of the ophthalmic vein is located right at the BTT
area and just above the medial canthal tendon supplied by
the medial palpebral artery and medial orbital vein. The
BTT area on the skin supplied by a terminal and superficial
blood vessel ending in a particular area without fat and
void of thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts provides a
superficial source of undisturbed biological signals
including brain temperature, metabolic function, physical
signals, and body chemistry such as glucose level, and the
like.
Infrared spectroscopy is a technique based on the
absorption of infrared radiation by substances with the
identification of said substances according to its unique
molecular oscillatory pattern depicted as specific
resonance absorption peaks in the infrared region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Each chemical substance absorbs
infrared radiation in a unique manner and has its own
unique absorption spectra depending on its atomic and
molecular arrangement and vibrational and rotational
oscillatory pattern. This unique absorption spectra allows
each chemical substance to basically have its own infrared
spectrum, also referred to as fingerprint or signature
which can be used to identify each of such substances.

Radiation containing various infrared wavelengths is
emitted at the substance to be measured and the amount of
absorption of radiation is dependent upon the concentration
of said chemical substance being measured according to
Beer-Lambert's Law.
Interfering constituents and variables such as fat,
bone, muscle, ligaments and cartilage introduce significant
source of errors which are particularly critical since the
background noise greatly exceeds the signal of the
substance of interest. Since those interfering constituents
are not present on the skin at the BTT area, the sensing
systems positioned at said BTT area can acquire optimal
signal with minimal noise including spectroscopic-based
measurements.
Spectroscopic devices integrated into support
structures disclosed in the present invention can precisely
non-invasively measure blood components since the main
sources of variation and error, such as fat tissue, are not
present in the Target Area. In addition, other key
constituents which interfere with electromagnetic energy
emission such as muscle, cartilage and bones, are not
present in the Target Area either. The blood vessels
delivering the infrared radiation are superficially located
and the infrared radiation is delivered at the end of the

tunnel without interacting with other structures. The only
structure to be traversed by the infrared radiation is a
very thin skin, which does not absorb the infrared
wavelength. The present invention includes infrared
spectroscopy means to provide a clinically useful
measurement with the precise and accurate determination of
the concentration of the blood components at the end of the
tunnel.
In addition to spectroscopy in which electromagnetic
energy is delivered to the Target Area, the present
invention also discloses apparatus and methods for
measuring substances of interest through far infrared
thermal emission from the Target Area. Yet, besides near-
infrared spectroscopy and thermal emission, other devices
are disclosed for measurement of substances of interest at
the Target Area including electroosmosis as a flux
enhancement by iontophoresis or reverse iontophoresis with
increased passage of fluid through the skin through
application of electrical energy. Yet, transcutaneous
optical devices can also be integrated into support
structures including medial canthal pieces, modified nose
pads, and the frame of eyeglasses, with said devices
positioned to access the tunnel.

It is understood that application of current,
ultrasonic waves as well as chemical enhancers of flow,
electroporation and other devices can be used to increase
permeation at the tunnel site such as for example increased
flow of glucose with the use of alkali salts. In addition
creating micro holes in the target area with a laser, or
other means that penetrate the skin can be done with the
subsequent placement of sensing devices on the BTT site,
with said devices capable of measuring chemical compounds.
Furthermore, reservoirs mounted on or disposed within
support structures, such as the frame and pads of
eyeglasses, can deliver substances transdermally at the BTT
site by various devices including iontophoresis,
sonophoresis, electrocompression, electroporation, chemical
or physical permeation enhancers, hydrostatic pressure and
the like.
In addition to measure the actual amount of oxygen in
blood, the present invention also discloses devices to
measure oxygen saturation and the amount of oxygenated
hemoglobin. In this embodiment the medial canthal piece of
a support structure or the modified nose pads of eyeglasses
contain LEDs emitting at two wave lengths around 940 and
660 nanometers. As the blood oxygenation changes, the ratio
of the light transmitted by the two frequencies changes

indicating the oxygen saturation. Since the blood level is
measured at the end of a physiologic brain tunnel, the
amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the arterial blood of
the brain is measured, which is the most valuable and key
parameter for athletic purposes and health monitoring.
The present invention also provides a method for
measuring biological parameters with said method including
the steps of directing electromagnetic radiation at the BTT
area on the skin, producing a signal corresponding to the
resulting radiation and converting the signal into a value
of the biological parameter measured.
Besides using passive radio transmission or
communication by cable; active radio transmission with
active transmitters containing a microminiature battery
mounted in the support structure can also be used. Passive
transmitters act from energy supplied to it from an
external source. The transensor transmits signals to remote
locations using different frequencies indicative of the
levels of biological parameters. Ultrasonic micro-circuits
can also be mounted in the support structure and modulated
by sensors which are capable of detecting chemical and
physical changes at the Target Area. The signal may be
transmitted using modulated sound signals particularly

under water because sound is less attenuated by water than
are radio waves.
One preferred embodiment comprises a support structure
including a patch adapted to be worn on or attached with
adhesives to the tunnel and includes structural support, a
sensor for measuring biological parameters, power source,
microcontroller and transmitter. The parts can be
incorporated into one system or work as individual units.
The sensor is located preferably within 7 mm from the outer
edge of the patch. The apparatus of the invention can
include a temperature sensor located in the outer edge of
the patch for sensing temperature. The transmitter, power
source and other components can be of any size and can be
placed in any part of the patch or can be connected to the
patch as long as the sensing part is placed on the edge of
the patch in accordance with the principles of the
invention. The sensor in the patch is positioned on the
skin adjacent to the medial canthal area (medial corner of
the eye) and located about 2 mm from the medial canthal
tendon. The sensor can preferably include electrically-
based sensors, but non-electrical systems can be used such
as chemicals that respond to changes in temperature
including mylar.

Besides patches, another preferred embodiment for
measuring biological parameters at the physiologic tunnel
includes a medial canthal pad. The medial canthal piece is
a specialized structure containing sensors for accessing
the tunnel and adapted to be • worn on or attached to
eyeglasses in apposition to the tunnel and includes
structural support, a sensor for measuring biological
parameters, power source, microcontroller and transmitter.
The parts can be incorporated into one system or work as
individual units. The sensors are positioned on the BTT
area. The transmitter, power source, and other components
can be placed in the medial canthal pad or in any part of
the eyeglasses. A medial canthal piece or extension of nose
pads of eyeglasses allow accessing the physiologic tunnel
with sensing devices laying in apposition to the BTT area.
The apparatus of the invention include a temperature
sensor located in the medial canthal pad. For temperature
measurement the sensing system is located on a skin area
that includes the medial- canthal corner of the eye and
upper eyelid. The sensor in the medial canthal pad is
preferably positioned on the skin adjacent to the medial
canthal area (medial corner of the eye) . Although one of
the preferred embodiments for measurement of brain
temperature consists of medial canthal pads, it is

understood that also included in the scope of the invention
are nose pads of a geometry and size that reach the tunnel
and that are equipped with temperature sensors preferably
in the outer edge of said nose pads for measuring brain
temperature and other functions. An oversized and modified
nose pad containing sensors using a special geometry for
adequate positioning at the BTT area is also included in
the invention.
With the disclosure of the present invention and by
using anatomic landmarks in accordance with the invention
the sensor can be precisely positioned on the skin at the
end of the tunnel. However, since there is no external
visible indication on the skin relating to the size or
geometry of the tunnel, accessory means can be used to
visualize, map or measure the end of the tunnel on the
skin. These accessory means may be particularly useful for
fitting medial canthal pads or modified nose pads of
eyeglasses.
Accordingly, an infrared detector using thermocouple
or thermopiles can be used as an accessory for identifying
the point of maximum thermal emission and to map the area.
An infrared imaging system or thermography system may be
preferably used. In this instance, an optical store
selling the eyeglasses can have a thermal imaging system.

The optician, technician and the like take an infrared
image picture or film the area, and in real time localize
the tunnel of the particular user. The medial canthal pads
or modified nose pads can then be adjusted to fit the
particular user based on the thermal infrared imaging. The
eyeglasses are fitted based on the thermal image created.
This will allow customized fitting according to the
individual needs of the user. Any thermography-based system
can be used including some with great visual impact and
resolution as a tri-dimensional color thermal wave imaging.
It is also a feature of the invention to provide a
method to be used for example in optical stores for
locating the tunnel including the steps of measuring
thermal infrared emission, producing an image based on the
infrared emission, and detecting the area with the highest
amount of infrared emission. Another step that can be
included is adjusting sensors in support structures to
match the area of highest infrared emission.
One of said support structures includes the medial
canthal pieces or nose pads of eyeglasses. The thermal
imaging method can be used for fitting a patch, but said
patch can be positioned at the tunnel by having an external
indicator for lining up said indicator with a permanent ,
anatomic landmark such as the medial corner of the eye.

Although medial canthal pieces of eyeglasses can have an
external indicator for precise positioning, since opticians
are used to fit eyeglasses according to the anatomy of the
user, the thermal imaging method can be a better fit for
eyeglasses than an external indicator on the medial canthal
pieces or modified nose pads of eyeglasses.
The source of the signal is key for the clinical
usefulness of the measurement. The brain is the key and
universal indicator of the health status of. the body. The
signal coming from the brain or brain area provides the
most clinically useful data. In accordance with another
embodiment, the measurement of biological parameters will
be described. The amount of sodium and other elements in
sweat is a key factor for safety and performance of
athletes and military, as well as health monitoring.
For instance hyponatremia (decreased amount of sodium)
can lead to reduced performance and even death.
Hyponatremia can occur due to excess water intake, commonly
occurring with intense physical activity and military
training. Sweat can be considered as an ultrafiltrate of
blood. The blood vessels supplying the skin on the head are
branches of the central nervous system vasculature. The
amount of chemical substances present in the sweat coming
from those blood vessels is indicative of the amount of

chemical substances present in the cerebral vasculature.
For instance, sodium concentration of sweat from blood
vessels in the head changes in relation to the rates of
sweating. The apparatus and methods of the present
invention can prevent death • or harm due to water
intoxication, by providing alert signals when the levels of
sodium in sweat reach a certain threshold for that
particular wearer. The presence of various chemical
elements, gases, electrolytes and pH of sweat and the
surface of the skin can be determined by the use of
suitable electrodes and suitable sensors integrated in the
eyeglasses and other support structures mounted on the head
or fitted on the head or face. These electrodes, preferably
microelectrodes, can be sensitized by several reacting
chemicals which are in the sweat or the surface of the
skin. The different chemicals and substances can diffuse
through suitable permeable membranes sensitizing suitable
sensors.
For example but not by way of limitation,
electrochemical sensors can be used to measure various
analytes such as glucose using a glucose oxidase sensor and
the pilocarpine iontophoresis method can be used to measure
electrolytes in sweat alone or in conjunction with
microfluidics system. Besides the support structures of the

present invention, it is also understood that other
articles such as watches, clothing, footwear and the like
can be adapted to measure concentration of substances such
as electrolytes present in sweat, however there is reduced
clinical relevance for evaluating metabolic state of an
individual outside the central nervous system.
Body abnormalities may cause a change in the pH,
osmolarity, and temperature of the sweat derived from brain
and neck blood vessels as well as change in the
concentration of substances such as acid-lactic, glucose,
lipids, hormones, gases, markers, infectious agents,
antigens, antibody, enzymes, electrolytes such as sodium,
potassium and chloride, and the like. Eyeglasses and any
head gear can be adapted to measure the concentration of
substances in sweat. Microminiature glass electrodes
mounted in the end portion of the temple of eyeglasses
sitting behind the ear or alternatively mounted on the lens
rim against the forehead can be used to detect divalent
cations such as calcium, as well as sodium and potassium
ion and pH. Chloride-ion detectors can be used to detect
the salt concentration in the sweat and the surface of the
skin.
Many agents including biological warfare agents and
HIV virus are present in sweat and could be detected with

the eyeglasses or support structure on the head or face
using sensors coated with antibodies against the agent
which can create a photochemical reaction with appearance
of colorimetric reaction and/or potential shift with
subsequent change in voltage or temperature that can be
detected and transmitted to a monitoring station or
reported locally by audio or visual means. Electrocatalytic
antibodies also can generate an electrical signal when
there is an antigen-antibody interaction. It is also
understood that other articles such as watches, clothing,
footwear, and the like or any article capturing sweat can
be adapted to identify antigens, antibody, infectious
agents, markers (cancer, heart, genetic, metabolic, drugs,
and the like) in accordance with the present invention.
However, identification of those elements away from the
central nervous system is of reduced clinical relevance.
The different amounts of fluid encountered in sweat
can be easily quantified and the concentration of
substances calibrated according to the amount of fluid in
sweat. The relationship between the concentration of
chemical substances and molecules in the blood and the
amount of said chemical substances in the sweat can be
described mathematically and programmed in a computer.

The present invention also includes eyeglasses or
support structures in which a radio frequency transensor
capable of measuring the negative resistance of nerve
fibers is mounted in the eyeglasses or support structure.
By measuring the electrical resistance, the effects of
microorganisms, drugs, and poisons can be detected. The
system also comprises eyeglasses in which a microminiature
radiation-sensitive transensor is mounted in said
eyeglasses or support structure.
The brain has a rich vasculature and receives about
15% of the resting cardiac output and due to the absence of
fat the tunnel offers an area for optimal signal
acquisition for evaluating hemodynamics. Accordingly,
change in the viscosity of blood can be evaluated from a
change in damping on a vibrating quartz micro-crystal
mounted in the eyeglasses or support structure and the
invention can be adapted to measure blood pressure and to
provide instantaneous and continuous monitoring of blood
pressure through an intact wall of a blood vessel from the
brain and to evaluate hemodynamics and hydrodynamics. Also,
by providing a contact microphone, arterial pressure can be
measured using sonic devices.
Pressure can be applied to a blood vessel through a
micro cuff mounted in the medial canthal pads, or

alternatively by the temples of eyeglasses. Pressure can
also be applied by a rigid structure, and the preferred end
point is reached when sound related to blood turbulence is
generated. The characteristic sound of systole (contraction
of the heart) and diastole (relaxation of the heart) can be
captured by the microphone. A microphone integrated into
the medial canthal pad can be adapted to identify the heart
sounds. Pressure transducers such as a capacitive pressure
transducer with integral electronics for signal processing
and a microphone can be incorporated in the same silicon
structure and can be mounted in the medial canthal pad.
Motion sensors and/or pressure sensors can be mounted in
the medial canthal pad to measure pulse.
Reversible mechanical expansion methods, photometric,
or electrochemical methods and electrodes can be mounted in
the eyeglasses or support structures of the present
invention and used to detect acidity, gases, analyte
concentration, and the like. Oxygen gas can also be
evaluated according to its magnetic properties or be
analyzed by micro-polarographic sensors mounted in the
eyeglasses or other support structure. A microminiature
microphone mounted in the eyeglasses or other support
structure can also be adapted to detect sounds from the
heart, respiration, flow, vocal and the environment, which

can be sensed and transmitted to a remote receiver or
reported by local audio and visual means. The sensors are
adapted and positioned to monitor the biological parameters
at the end of the tunnel.
The eyeglasses or other support structures can also
have elements which produce and radiate recognizable
signals and this procedure could be used to locate and
track individuals, particularly in military operations. A
permanent magnet can also be mounted in the eyeglasses and
used for tracking as described above. A fixed frequency
transmitter can be mounted in the eyeglasses and used as a
tracking device which utilizes a satellite tracking system
by noting the frequency received from the fixed frequency
transmitter to a passing satellite, or via Global
Positioning Systems. Motion and deceleration can be
detected by mounting an accelerometer in the eyeglasses.
The use of eyeglasses as tracking devices can be useful for
locating a kidnapped individual or for rescue operations in
the military, since eyeglasses are normally unsuspecting
articles.
The use of integrated circuits and advances occurring
in transducer, power source, and signal processing
technology allow for extreme miniaturization of the

components which permits several sensors to be mounted in
one unit.
The present invention provides continuous automated
brain temperature monitoring without the need for a nurse.
The present invention can identify a spike in temperature.
Thus, proper diagnosis is made and therapy started in a
timely fashion. Time is critical for identifying the
temperature spike and organism causing the infection. Delay
in identifying spike and starting therapy for the infection
can lead to demise of the patient. The invention timely and
automatically identifies the temperature spike and prevents
the occurrence of complications.
The present invention also alerts the user about
overheating or hypothermia to allow:
1. Proper hydration;
2. Increased performance;
3 . Increased safety; and
4. Feed back control in treadmills and other exercise
machines for keeping proper hydration and performance.
Annually many athletes, construction workers, college
students and the general public unnecessarily die due to
heatstrokes. Once the brain reaches a certain temperature
level such as 40° C, an almost irreversible process ensues.
Because there are no specific symptoms and after a certain

point there is rapid increase in brain temperature,
heatstroke has one of the highest fatality rates. The more
severe and more prolonged the episode, the worse the
predicted outcome, especially when cooling is delayed.
Without measuring core temperature and having an alert
system when the temperature falls outside safe levels it is
impossible to prevent hyperthermia and heatstroke. The
present invention provides a device for continuous
monitoring of temperature with alert systems that can
prevent dangerous levels to be reached and cooling measures
applied if needed. The apparatus can be adapted to be used
in an unobtrusive manner by athletes, military, workers and
the general population.
All chemical reactions in the body are dependent on
temperature. High temperature can lead to enzymatic changes
and protein denaturation and low temperature can slow down
vital chemical reactions. Hydration is dependent on brain
temperature and loss of fluid leads to a rise in brain
temperature. Minimal fluctuations in the body's temperature
can adversely affect performance and increase risk of
illness and of life threatening events. Therefore, it is
essential that athletes, sports participants, military
personnel, police officers, firefighters, forest rangers,
factory workers, farmers, construction workers and other

professionals have precise mechanisms to know exactly what
is their brain temperature.
When the core temperature rises, the blood that would
otherwise be available for the muscles is used for cooling
via respiration and perspiration. The body will do this
automatically as temperature moves out of the preferred
narrow range. It is this blood shifting that ultimately
impairs physical performance and thermal induced damage to
brain tissue interferes with normal cognitive function.
Intense exercise can increase heat production in muscles 20
fold. In order to prevent hyperthermia and death by heat
stroke athletes drink water. Because the ingestion of water
is done in a random fashion, many times there is water
intoxication which can lead to death as occurs to many
healthy people including marathon runners and military
personnel. Both, excess of water (overhydration) or lack of
water (dehydration) can lead to fatal events besides
reducing performance. Therefore, it is essential that
individuals have precise means to know exactly when and how
much to drink. By monitoring brain temperature with the
present invention proper hydration can be achieved and
athletes and military will know precisely when and how much
water to ingest.

Timely ingestion of fluids according to the core
temperature allows optimization of cardiovascular function
and avoidance of heat strain. Because there is a delay from
the time of ingestion of fluid to absorption of said fluid
by the body, the method of invention includes signaling the
need for ingestion at a lower core temperature such as 38.5°
C to account for that delay, and thus avoid the onset of
exhaustion. The temperature threshold can be adjusted
according to each individual, the physical activity, and
the ambient temperature.
In addition, software can be produced based on data
acquired at the BTT site for optimizing fitness, athletic
performance, and safety. The upper temperature limit of a
particular athlete for maintaining optimal performance can
be identified, and the data used to create software to
guide said athlete during a competition. For instance,• the
athlete can be informed on the need to drink cold fluid to
prevent reaching a certain temperature level which was
identified as reduced performance for said athlete. Brain
temperature level for optimal performance identified can be
used to guide the effort of an athlete during competition
and training. Hyperthermia also affects mental performance
and software based on data from the BTT can be produced to
optimize mental and physical performance of firefighters in

an individual manner. People can have different thresholds
for deleterious effects of hyperthermia and thus setting
one level for all users may lead to underutilization of
one's capabilities and putting others at risk of reduced
performance. Likewise, exercise endurance and mental
performance is markedly reduced by hypothermia and the same
settings can be applied for low temperature situations.
Determinations of brain temperature, oxygen and lactic acid
levels can also be used for endurance training of athletes,
fitness training, and to monitor the effects of training.
The system, method, and apparatus of the invention provides
a mechanism for enhancing safety and optimizing fitness for
athletes and recreational sports participants.
It is a feature of the invention to provide a method
for the precise and timely intake of fluids including the
steps of measuring brain temperature, reporting the signal
measured, and ingesting an amount of fluid based on the
signal measured. Other steps can be included such as
reporting devices using voice reproduction or visual
devices to instruct on what beverage to drink and how much
to drink to reduce core temperature. It is understood that
the method of the present invention can combine measurement
of temperature associated with measurement of sodium in

sweat or blood, in accordance with the principles of the
invention.
Children do not tolerate heat as well as adults
because their bodies generate more heat relative to their
size than adults do. Children are also not as quick to
adjust to changes in temperatures. In addition, children
have more skin surface relative to their body size which
means they lose more water through evaporation from the
skin. It is understood that different sizes, shapes, and
designs of medial canthal pads including children size can
be used in the present invention. Children eyeglasses
equipped with sensors can have a booster radio transmitter
that will transmit the signal to a remote receiver and
alert parents about dangerous temperature levels. The
eyeglasses can be incorporated with a detecting system to
send a signal if the eyeglasses were removed or if the
temperature sensor is not capturing signals in a proper
manner. By way of illustration, but not of limitation,
pressuse sensing devices can be incorporated in the end of
the temples to detect if the sunglasses are being worn, and
an abrupt drop in the pressure signal indicates glasses
were removed or misplacement of the sensor can also
generate an identifiable signal. An adhesive, a double-
sided adhesive tape, or other devices for increasing grip

can be used in Che medial canthal pads to ensure more
stable position. It is understood that the eyeglasses can
come equipped with sensors to detect ambient temperature
and humidty, which allows for precisely alerting the wearer
about any aspect affecting heat conditions.
In the current industrial, nuclear and military
settings, personnel may be required to wear protective
clothing. Although the protective clothing prevent harm by
hazardous agents, the garments increase the rate of heat
storage. It is understood that the present invention can
be coupled with garments with adjustable permeability to
automatically keep the core temperature within safe limits.
In addition, the present invention alerts an
individual about risk of thermal damage (risk of wrinkles
and cancer) at the beach or during outdoor activities. When
one is at the beach, watching a game in a stadium, camping
or being exposed to the sun, the radiant energy of the sun
is absorbed and transformed into thermal energy. The
combination of the different ways of heat transfer to the
body lead to an increase in body temperature, which is
reflected by the brain temperature. Convection and
conduction can also lead to an increase in body temperature
through heat transfer in the absence of sun light. The
absorption of heat from the environment leads to a rise in

the average kinetic energy of the molecules with subsequent
increase in core temperature.
The levels of core temperature is related to the risk
of thermal damage to the skin. After certain levels of heat
there is an increased risk of denaturing protein and
breaking of collagen in the skin. This can be compared with
changes that occur when frying an egg. After a certain
amount of thermal radiation is delivered the egg white
changes from fluidic and transparent to a hard and white
structure. After the egg white reaches a certain level of
temperature the structural change becomes permanent. After
a certain level of increase in core temperature during sun
exposure, such as a level of 37.7° Celsius to 37.9° Celsius
at rest (e.g.; sun bathing), thermal damage may ensue and
due to the disruption of proteins and collagen there is an
increased risk for wrinkle formation. The increased brain
temperature correlates to the amount of thermal radiation
absorbed by the body, and the duration of exposure of the
temperature level times the level of temperature is an
indicator of the risk of thermal damage, wrinkle formation,
and skin cancer.
The present invention provides an alarm system that
can be set up to alert in real time when it is time to ,
avoid sun exposure in order to prevent further absorption

of thermal radiation and reduce the risk of dermatologic
changes, as can occur during outdoor activities or at the
beach. In addition, thermal damage to the skin prevents the
skin from adequately cooling itself and can result in
increasing the risk of dehydration which further increases
the temperature. The present invention helps preserve the
beauty and health of people exposed to sun light and during
outdoor activities while allowing full enjoyment of the sun
and the benefits of sun light.
By the present invention, a method for timing sun
exposure includes the steps of measuring body temperature,
reporting the value measured and avoiding sun exposure for
a certain period of time based on the level measured.
Hypothermia is the number one killer in outdoor
activities in the U.S. and Europe. Hypothermia also
decreases athletic performance and leads to injuries. It is
very difficult to detect hypothermia because the symptoms
are completely vague such as loss of orientation and
clumsiness which are indistinguishable from general
behavior. Without measuring core temperature and having an
alert system when the temperature falls outside safe levels
it is impossible to prevent hypothermia due to the vague
symptoms. The present invention can alert an individual
about hypothermia during skiing, scuba diving, mountain

climbing and hiking. The present invention provides means
to precisely inform when certain temperature thresholds are
met, either too high or too low temperature.
The present invention continuously monitors the brain
temperature and as soon as a temperature spike or fever
occurs it activates diagnostics systems to detect the
presence of infectious agents, which can be done locally in
the BTT site, or the infectious agents can be identified in
other parts of the body such as the blood stream or the
eyelid pocket. The present invention can be also coupled to
drug dispensing devices for the automated delivery of
medications in accordance with the signal produced at the
BTT site including transcutaneous devices, iontophoresis or
by injection using a pump.
The invention also includes a tool for family
planning. The system can detect spike and changes in basal
temperature and identify moment of ovulation and phases of
the menstrual cycle. This allows a woman to plan pregnancy
or avoid pregnancy. This eliminates the need for invasive
devices used for monitoring time for artificial
insemination not only for humans but also animals. The
invention can yet detect the start of uterine contractions
(parturition) and allow a safer birth for animals. Support
structures can be equally used in the BTT of animals.

The present invention also includes Automated Climate
control according to the value measured at the BTT. The
temperature of the user controls the temperature in a car.
When the body starts to warm up, the signal from the
apparatus of the invention automatically activates the air
conditioner according to the user settings, alternatively
it activates heat when the body is cold. This automation
allows drivers to concentrate on the road and thus can
reduce the risk for car crashes. It is understood that
other articles that can affect body temperature can be
controlled by the present invention including vehicle
seats.
Current vehicle climate control systems are
dramatically overpowered because they are designed to
heat/cool the vehicle cabin air mass from an extreme
initial temperature to a standard temperature within a
certain period of time. Because people have different
thermal needs for comfort, there is a consistent manual
change of the temperature settings and said manual further
increase consumption of energy. For instance, car
temperature is set to remain at 73 F. Some people after 15
minutes may feel that it is too cold and some people may
feel it is too hot. Subsequently the passenger changes the
setting to 77 and then feels hot after another 10 minutes,

and needs to manually change the set points again, and the
process goes on. In addition the needs differ for people of
different age, people with diabetes and other diseases, and
male and female.
Manual frequent adjusting of a vehicle's climate
control may increase fuel consumption 20% and increase
emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and
nitrogen oxides.
The present invention provides an automated climate control
in which the brain temperature controls the air conditioner
and vehicle seats which maximizes comfort and minimizes
fuel consumption. The improved fuel economy provided by the
present invention protects the environment due to less
pollutants affecting the ozone layer; improves public
health by decreasing emission of toxic fumes, and increases
driver's comfort and safety by less distractions with
manually controlling a car's climate control.
Thermal environment inside transportation vehicles can
be adjusted according to the temperature at the BTT site
including contact sensor measurement and non-contact sensor
measurement such as an infrared sensor or thermal image.
The temperature at the BTT adjusts any article or device in
the car that changes the temperature inside the cabin
including air conditioner and heater, vehicle seats, doors,

windows, steering wheels, carpets on the floor of the
vehicle, and the like. Exemplarily, the temperature at the
BTT site adjusts the amount of thermal radiation going
through a window of a vehicle, if the BTT sends a signal
indicating hot sensation then the windows for instance will
darken to prevent further heat from entering the car, and
vice versa if cold is perceived the window changing its
light transmissibility to allow more heat waves to
penetrate the vehicle's cabin. Any article touching the
body or in the vicinity of the body can be adapted to
change its temperature to achieve thermal comfort for the
occupants of the vehicle.
Besides the support structures and thermal imaging
systems described in the present invention to monitor and
adjust temperature of a cabin of a transportation vehicle,
it is understood that a contact lens inside the eyelid
pocket with a temperature sensor can also be adapted to
adjust the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle.
Exemplary transportation vehicles include cars, trucks,
trains, airplanes, ships, boats, and the like.
It is also understood that the sensing system can
include sensors in other parts of the body working in
conjunction with the temperature sensor measuring
temperature and/or thermal radiation at the BTT site.

Thermal energy transfer from an article to an occupant of a
vehicle can occur by any of radiation, convection, and the
like, and any mechanism to transfer deliver, or remove
thermal energy can be adjusted based on a temperature
signal measured at the BTT.
The present invention provides a more energy-efficient
system to achieve thermal comfort of the passengers in any
type of transportation vehicle in existence or being
developed with any type of sensor alone at the BTT site or
in conjunction with sensors in other parts of the body.
Likewise, automated climate control at home, work, or
any confined area can be achieved by activating the
thermostat directly or via BlueTooth technology based on
the temperature measured at the BTT in accordance with the
present invention. Besides convenience and comfort, this
automation allows saving energy since gross changes
manually done in the thermostat leads to great energy
expenditure.
It is understood that any body temperature measuring
system can provide automated climate control or adjust
temperature of articles in accordance with the principles
of the present invention.
The present invention yet includes methods for
reducing weight. It includes monitoring of temperature

during programs for weight reduction based on increasing
body heat to reduce said weight. The system alerts athletes
on a weight losing program to prevent injury or death by
overheating. The system can monitor temperature of people
in sauna, steam rooms, spas and the like as part of weight
reduction programs in order to prevent injuries and enhance
results.
Yet, methods to enhance memory and performance besides
preserving health is achieved by providing an automated
mechanism to control ambient temperature and surrounding
body temperature based on the brain temperature measured by
the present invention. Human beings spend about one third
of their lives sleeping. Many changes in body temperature
occur during sleep. All of the metabolism and enzymatic
reactions in the body are dependent on adequate level of
temperature. The adequate control of ambient temperature
which matches the needs of body temperature such as during
sleeping have a key effect on metabolism. Adequate ambient
temperature and surrounding temperature of objects which
matches body temperature allow not only for people to sleep
better, but also to achieve improved efficiency of
enzymatic reactions which leads to improved mental ability
and improved immune response. A variety of devices such as
blankets, clothing, hats, mattress, pillows, or any article

touching the body or in the vicinity of the body can be
adapted to automatically increase or decrease temperature
of said articles according to the temperature signal from
the present invention.
The body naturally becomes cooler during the night and
many people have restless sleep and turn continuously in
bed because of that temperature effect. Since the tossing
and turning occurs as involuntary movements and the person
is not awake, said person cannot change the stimuli such as
for instance increasing room temperature or increasing
temperature of an electric blanket. The present invention
automatically changes the ambient temperature or
temperature of articles to match the temperature needs of
the person. This is particularly useful for infants,
elderly, diabetics, neuro-disorders, heart disease, and a
variety of other conditions, since this population has
reduced neurogenic response to changes in body temperature,
and said population could suffer more during the night,
have increased risk of complications besides decreased
productivity due to sleep deprivation. Accordingly, the
temperature of an electrical blanket or the ambient
temperature is adjusted automatically in accordance with
the temperature at the BTT. When low temperature at the BTT
is detected by the apparatus of the invention a wireless or

wired signal is transmitted to the article to increase its
temperature, and in the case of an electrical blanket or
heating system, the thermostat is automatically adjusted to
deliver more heat.
The invention also provides-devices and methods to be
used with bio feedback activities. A brain temperature
signal from the sensor at the BTT site produces a feedback
signal as an audio tone or visual display indicating
temperature and a series of tones or colors identify if the
brain temperature is increasing (faster frequency and red)
or decreasing (lower frequency and blue). The display
devices can be connected by wires to the support structure
holding the sensor at the BTT site.
Head cooling does not change brain temperature.
Athletes, military, firefighters, construction workers and
others are at risk of heatstroke despite pouring cold water
on their head or using a fan. Medically speaking that is a
dangerous situation because the cool feeling sensed in the
head is interpreted as internal cooling and the physical
activity is maintained, when in reality the brain remains
at risk of thermal induced damage and heatstroke. Other
medical challenges related to temperature disturbances
concern response time. The brain has a slower recovery
response to temperature changes than core temperature

(internal temperature measured in rectum, bladder,
esophagus, and other internal mechanisms). Thus, internal
measurement may indicate stable temperature while the brain
temperature remains outside safe levels, with risk of
induced damage to cerebral tissue, either due to
hypothermia or hyperthermia. The only medically acceptable
way to prevent cerebral tissue damage due to temperature
disturbances is by continuous monitoring brain temperature
as provided by the present invention.
The present invention utilizes a plurality of active
or passive sensors incorporated in support structures for
accessing a physiologic tunnel for measuring biological
parameters. The present invention preferably includes all
functions in a miniature semiconductor chip, which as an
integrated circuit, incorporates sensor, processing and
transmitting units and control circuits.
Additional embodiments include temperature measurement
and mass screening for fever and temperature disturbances
(hyperthermia and hypothermia) comprising a body radiation
detector, herein referred as a BTT ThermoScan, which
comprises a thermal imaging system acquiring a thermal
image of the end of the BTT. The BTT ThermoScan of the
present invention has sufficient temperature and isotherm
discrimination for monitoring temperature at all times and

without the possibility of the measurement to be
manipulated by artificial influences.
The BTT ThermoScan detects the brain temperature and
provides an image corresponding to the BTT area or an image
that includes the BTT area.
The BTT ThermoScan comprises a camera that converts
thermal radiation into a video image that can be displayed
on a screen, such as the images seen in FIGS. 1A, IB, 3A,
4A, 5A, 5C, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B (for animals), and
most preferably the image seen in FIG. 1B. The radiant
energy emitted from the body and the BTT area is detected
and imaged within the visible range.
Human skin at the BTT site has a high emissivity (e in
the Stefan-Boltzman formula) in the infrared range, nearly
equal to a black body. A video image of people walking by
and looking at the BTT ThermoScan lens is captured and a
customized software is adapted to display a colored plot of
isotherm lines, as the software used to acquire the image
of FIG. 1B in which any point at 99 degrees Fahrenheit is
seen as yellow. For detection of SARS the software is
adapted to display in yellow any point in the BTT area
above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When the yellow color appears
on the screen, the software is adapted to provide an
automatic alarm system. Therefore when the Brain

Temperature Tunnel area appears as yellow on the screen the
alarm is activated. It is understood that any color scheme
can be used. For instance, the threshold temperature can be
displayed as red color.
As shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, cold challenge
experiments were performed and demonstrated the stability
of thermal emission in the BTT area. The cold challenge
consisted of continuous capturing thermal infrared images
while a subject is exposed to cold including facing a cold
air generator (eg., air conditioner and fans), drinking
cold liquids, body immersion in cold water, and spraying
alcohol on the skin. Despite artificial means used to
artificially change the body temperature the radiation from
the BTT area remained intact, and can be seen as the bright
white spots in the BTT area. Contrary to that, the face
gradually became darker indicating cooling of the face
during the exposure to cold. FIG. 7B shows a darker face
compared to the face in FIG. 7A, but without any change in
the thermal radiation from the BTT area.
In addition to cold challenges, hot challenges was
performed in order to artificially increase body
temperature and included exercise, people with sunburn,
facing a heater, alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking and
body immersion in hot water. In all of those experiments

the BTT area remained stable, but the remaining of the face
had a change of temperature reflecting skin temperature,
not internal brain temperature. As seen in FIGs. 2A to 2C
the brain is completely insulated from the environment,
with the exception of the end • of the BTT. The current
technology will have too many false positives and someone
could be stopped at an airport or at customs just for
drinking some alcohol or smoking a cigarette, making the
devices in the prior art ineffective. Therefore, the
present invention provides a system and method that
eliminates or reduces both false negatives and false
positives when using thermal imaging detection systems.
Many useful applications can be achieved including
mass screening for fever, screening for hyperthermia in
athletes at the end of a sports event (e.g., marathon),
screening for hypothermia or hyperthermia for military
personnel so as to select the one best fit physiologically
for battle, and any other temperature disturbance in any
condition in which a BTT ThermoScan can be installed.
One particular application consists of prevention of a
terrorist attack by a terrorist getting infected with a
disease (e.g., SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
and deceiving thermometers to avert detection of fever when
entering the country target for the terrorist attack.

SARS could potentially become a high terrorist threat
because it cannot be destroyed. By being naturally created,
SARS could become a weapon of mass destruction that cannot
be eliminated despite use of military force or diplomatic
means. A terrorist can get the infection with the purpose
of spreading the infection in the target country. With
current technology any device can be deceived and current
devices would measure normal temperature when indeed fever
is present. Simple means can be used by a terrorist, such
as washing their face with cold water or ice or by
immersion in cold water, to manipulate any device in the
prior art used for measuring fever including current
infrared imaging systems and thermometers. The thermal
physiology of the body, as it is measured and evaluated by
the prior art, can be manipulated and the measurement
performed can give a false negative for fever.
A terrorist with SARS could easily spread the disease
by many ways including individually by shaking hands with
clerks on a daily basis on a mass scale by spending time in
confined environments such as movie theater, a concert,
grocery store, a government building, and others, or by
contaminating water or drinking fountains. All of those
people infected do not know they caught the disease and
start to spread SARS to family members, co-workers, friends

and others, who subsequently will infect others, leading to
an epidemic situation.
From a medical standpoint, intentional spread of SARS
can have immeasurable devastating effects. People not
knowing they have the disease may go to a hospital for
routine checks or people not feeling good may go to a
hospital for routine checks. Patients and others coming to
the hospital can then acquire the disease. Admitted
patients, who are debilitated, can easily acquire SARS.
Spread of SARS in a hospital environment can be devastating
and the hospital may need to shut down. Therefore, one
person with SARS can lead to the shut down of a whole
hospital. Considering that people infected with the disease
may go to different hospitals, several hospitals could get
contaminated and would have to be partially or completely
shut down. This could choke the health care system of a
whole area, and patients would have to be transported to
other hospitals. Those patients may have acquired SARS as
well as perpetuating the transmission cycle. If this is
done in several areas by a concerted terrorist effort, much
of the health care system of a country could be choked,
besides countless doctors and nurses could become infected
with SARS which would further cripple the health care
system by shortage of personnel.

The key to prevent the catastrophic effects of. a
terrorist attack is preparedness. The apparatus and methods
of the present invention can detect SARS and cannot be
manipulated by artificial means. Placement of the BTT
ThermoScan of the present invention at the borders, ports
and airports of a country can prevent the artificial

manipulation of the temperature measurement and a possible
terrorist attack. The system of the present invention can
identify at all times and under any circumstances the
presence of SARS and other diseases associated with fever.
In addition, mass screening of athletes could be
performed with a BTT ThermoScan installed at the finish
line. An alert is activated for any athlete who crosses the
finish line with a high level of hyperthermia. Therefore
immediate care can be delivered allowing for the best
clinical outcome since any delay in identifying
hyperthermia could lead to heatstroke and even death. The
BTT ThermoScan is adapted to view at least a portion of the
BTT area. BTT ThermoScan detects the brain temperature and
provides an image corresponding to or that includes the BTT
area. Despite athletes pouring water on their head, the BTT
ThermoScan precisely detects the thermal status of the body
by detecting the temperature at the BTT.

Temperature disturbances such as hyperthermia and
hypothermia can impair mental and physical function of any
worker. Drivers and pilots in particular can have reduced
performance and risk of accidents when affected by
temperature disturbances. The BTT ThermoScan can be mounted
in the visor of a vehicle or plane to monitor body
temperature with the camera of the BTT ThermoScan capturing
a thermal image of the BTT of the driver or pilot and
providing an alert whenever a disturbance is noticed. It is
understood that any thermal imaging system can be mounted
in a vehicle or airplane to monitor body temperature and
alert drivers and pilots.
The BTT ThermoScan also includes monitoring mass
screening of children and people at risk during flu season.
With the shortage of nurses an automated screening can
greatly enhance the delivery of health care to the ones in
need. When a student walking by the infrared camera is
identified as having a temperature disturbance (e.g.,
fever) a conventional digital camera is activated and takes
a picture of the student. The picture can be emailed to the
school nurse that can identify the student in need of care
or automatically by using stored digital pictures.
Hospitals, factories, homes, or any location that can
benefit from automated mass or individual screening of

temperature disturbances can use the thermal imaging
apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
It is understood that an apparatus comprised of a
radiation source emitting a wavelength around 556 nm at the
BTT site can be used for determining the concentration of
hemoglobin. The hemoglobin present in the red blood cells
at the terminal end of the BTT strongly absorbs the 556 nm
wavelength and the reflected radiation acquired by a
photodetector determines the amount of hemoglobin. Blood
flow can be evaluated by knowing the amount with thermal
radiation, the higher amount of the thermal radiation
indicating higher blood flow in accordance to a
mathematical model.
Positioning of contact sensors, non-contact sensors,
and thermal imaging camera are facilitated by external
visible anatomic aspects that may be present. The cerebral
venous blood can be seen under the skin in the medial
canthal area next to the corner of the eye. Therefore a
method for measuring temperature includes the step of
visually detecting the blue or bluish color of the skin at
the BTT area and positioning the sensor on or adjacent to
the blue or bluish area. For subjects of darker skin, a
distinctive feature of difference skin texture in the BTT

area next to the medial corner of the eye can be used as
the reference for measurement.
The present invention includes devices for collecting
thermal radiation from a BTT site, devices for positioning
temperature sensitive devices to receive thermal radiation
from the BTT site and devices for converting said thermal
radiation into the brain temperature. The present invention
also provides methods for determining brain temperature
with said methods including the steps of collecting the
thermal emission from the BTT site, producing a signal
corresponding to the thermal emission collected, processing
the signal and reporting the temperature level. The
invention also includes devices and methods for proper
positioning of the temperature sensor in a stable position
at the BTT site.
It is also an object of the present invention to
provide support structures adapted to position a sensor on
the end of a tunnel on the skin to measure biological
parameters.
It is an object of the present invention to provide
apparatus and methods to measure brain temperature
including patches, adhesives strips, elastic devices, clips
and the like containing sensors positioned on a physiologic
tunnel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide
apparatus and methods to measure brain temperature
including thermal imaging systems containing infrared
sensors sensing infrared radiation from the BTT.
It is an object of the present invention to provide
multipurpose eyeglasses equipped with medial canthal pads
containing sensors positioned on a physiologic tunnel for
measuring biological parameters
It is another object of the present invention to
provide new methods and apparatus for measuring at least
one of brain temperature, chemical function and physical
function.
It is yet an object of the invention to provide
apparatus that fit on both adults and children.
It is also an object of the invention to provide
apparatus that report the signal produced at the tunnel by
at least one of wired connection to reporting devices,
wireless transmission to reporting devices and local
reporting by audio, visual or tactile devices such as by
vibration incorporated in support structures.
It is yet another object of the present invention to
provide apparatus that allow the wearer to avoid
dehydration or overhydration (water intoxication).

It is a further object of the present invention to
provide methods and apparatus that allows athletes and
sports participants to increase their performance and
safety.
It is yet an object of the present invention to
provide support structure positioned sensors on a tunnel
which can be worn at least by one of athletes during
practice and competition, military during training and
combat, workers during labor and the general public during
regular activities.
It is another object of the present invention to
increase safety and comfort in vehicles by providing
automated climate control and vehicle seat control based on
the core temperature of the occupants of the vehicle.
It is an object of the present invention to provide
methods and apparatus that act on a second device based on
the level of the biological parameter measured.
It is another object of the invention to provide
methods and apparatus to preserve skin health, reduce risk
of wrinkles and reduce the risk of skin cancer by
preventing sun damage by thermal radiation and alerting the
wearer when the temperature has reached certain thresholds.

It is also an object of the invention to provide
methods and apparatus for achieving controlled weight loss
based on heat-based weight loss approach.
It is also an object of the invention to provide
methods and apparatus to alert athletes in a weight losing
program based on increasing body temperature to prevent
injury or death by overheating.
It is also an object of the invention to provide
methods and apparatus that allow monitoring fever and
spikes of temperature.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a
device for family planning by detecting time of ovulation.
It is a further object of the invention to provide
methods and apparatus for the delivery of medications in
accordance with the signal produced at the tunnel.
It is yet an object of the invention to provide
methods and apparatus that enhance occupational safety by
continually monitoring biological parameters.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an
article of manufacture with a sensing apparatus positioned
on a tunnel for monitoring biological parameters that can
be fitted or mounted in at least one of the frame of
eyeglasses, the nose pads of eyeglasses, the structure of a
head mounted gear and clothing.

The invention also features transmitting the signal
from the support structure to act on at least one of
exercise equipment, bikes, sports gear, protective
clothing, footwear and medical devices.
It is yet an object of the invention to provide
support structures that transmit the signal produced at the
tunnel to treadmills and other exercise machines for
keeping proper hydration and preventing temperature
disturbances of the user.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide
apparatus and methods for monitoring biological parameters
by accessing a physiologic tunnel using active or passive
devices.
The invention yet features transmission of the signal
from the support structures to watches, pagers, cell
phones, computers, and the like.
These and other objects of the invention, as well as
many of the intended advantages thereof, will become more
readily apparent when reference is made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.


ACCOMPANYING
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE/DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a thermal infrared image of the human face
showing the brain temperature tunnel.
FIG. 1B is a computer generated thermal infrared color
image of the human face showing the brain temperature
tunnel.
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a physiologic
tunnel.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the
human head showing the tunnel.
FIG. 2C is a coronal section schematic diagram showing
the cavernous sinus of FIG. 2B.
FIG. 3A is a thermal infrared image of the human face
showing the tunnel.
FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the image in FIG. 3A
showing the geometry at the end of the tunnel.
FIG. 4A is a thermal infrared image of the side of the
human face showing a general view of the main entry point
of the brain temperature cunnel.
FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the image in FIG.
4A.
FIG. 5A is a thermal infrared image of the front of
the human face showing the main entry point of the brain
temperature tunnel.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the image in FIG.
5A.
FIG. 5C is a thermal infrared image of the side of the
human face in FIG. 5A showing the main entry point of the
brain temperature tunnel.
FIG. 5D is a schematic view of the image in FIG. 5C.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the face showing the
general area of the main entry point of the tunnel and
peripheral parts.
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the brain
temperature tunnel and the metabolic tunnel.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are thermal infrared images of the
human face before and after cold challenge.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are thermal infrared images of the
human face of different subjects showing the tunnel.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are thermal infrared images of animals
showing a tunnel.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment showing a person wearing a support structure
comprised of a patch with a passive sensor positioned on
the skin at the end of the tunnel in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing a person wearing a support structure

comprised of a patch with a passive sensor positioned on
the skin at the end of the tunnel in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of a person
wearing a support structure comprised of a patch with an
active sensor positioned on the skin at the end of the
tunnel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 12B is a side schematic view showing the flexible
nature of the support structure shown in FIG. 12A.
FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of one preferred
embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of one preferred
embodiment of the invention interacting with devices and
articles of manufacture.
FIGS. 15A to 15E are schematic views showing preferred
embodiments of the invention using indicators.
FIGS. 16A to 16C are perspective views of a preferred
embodiment showing a person wearing support structures
incorporated as patches.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing a person wearing a support structure
incorporated as a clip with a sensor positioned on the skin
at the end of the tunnel in accordance with the present
invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing a person wearing a support structure
with a sensor positioned on the skin at the end of the
tunnel and connected by a wire.
FIGS. 19A1, 19A2, 19B, 19C and 19D are schematic
diagrams of preferred geometry and dimensions of support
structures and sensing devices.
FIGS. 20A to 20C are schematic diagrams of preferred
dimensions of the outer edge of support structures in
relation to the outer edge of sensing devices.
FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic diagrams of preferred
positions of sensing devices.
FIGS. 22A to 22C are perspective views of preferred
embodiments showing a person wearing a support structure
incorporated as a medial canthal pad with a sensor
positioned on the skin at the end of the tunnel in
accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of an
alternative embodiment showing a support structure
comprised of modified nose pads with a sensor positioned on
the skin at the end of the tunnel in accordance with the
present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment of support structure in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 2 5 is a perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of support structure showing additional
structures for including a sensor.
FIG. 26A is a rear perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of a support structure with a display device.
FIG. 26B is a front perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of a support structure with a display device.'
FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of another
preferred embodiment showing a three piece support
structure.
FIG. 28A is an exploded perspective view of one
preferred embodiment of support structure showing a
removable medial canthal piece.
FIG. 28B is a rear perspective view of the removable
medial canthal piece of FIG. 28A.
FIG. 2 8C is a front perspective view of the removable
medial canthal piece of FIG. 28B.
FIG. 2 9 is a rear perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of a support structure incorporated as a clip-on
for eyeglasses.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of one alternative
embodiment of a support structure with medial canthal pads
that uses an adhesive backing for securing to another
structure.
FIG. 31A is a top perspective view of one alternative
embodiment of a support structure with holes for securing
medial canthal pads.
FIG. 31B is a magnified perspective view of part of
the support structure of FIG. 31A.
FIG. 31C is a side perspective view of part of the
support structure of FIG. 3IB.
FIG. 31D is a side perspective view of a medial
canthal piece secured at the support structure.
FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a person wearing a
support structure comprised of medial canthal caps secured
on top of a regular nose pad of eyeglasses.
FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the medial canthal
cap of FIG. 32A.
FIG. 3 3A is an exploded perspective view of a medial
canthal cap being secured to the nose pad.
FIG. 33B is a perspective view of the end result of
the medial canthal cap secured to the nose pad.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a modified rotatable
nose pad Co position a sensor on the skin at the end of the
tunnel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 35 is a schematic view of another preferred
embodiment of the present invention using spectral
reflectance.
FIG. 3 6 is a schematic view of a person showing
another preferred embodiment in accordance with the present
invention using spectral transmission.
FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
preferred embodiment of the present invention using thermal
emission.
FIG. 3 8 is a side perspective view of an alternative
embodiment using head mounted gear as a support structure.
FIG. 3 9 is a schematic diagram of a preferred
embodiment for generating thermoelectric energy to power
the sensing system.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment for animal use.
FIGS. 41A and 41B are perspective views of an
alternative embodiment of a portable support structure with
a sensor positioned at the tunnel.

FIGs. 42A and 42B are schemacic diagrams showing a
non-contact sensor in accordance with the presenc
invention.
FIG. 43A to 43C are diagrams showing preferred
embodiments for the diameter of the cone extension
FIGs. 44A and 44B shows alternative geometries and
shapes of an end of the extension.
FIGs. 45A and 45B shows exemplary geometries and
shapes for a support structure containing a contact sensor.
FIGs. 46A to 46D shows exemplary geometries and shapes
for medial canthal pads or modified nose pads.
FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram showing a
preferred embodiment of the infrared imaging system of the
present invention.
FIGS. 48 to 51 are schematic views showing the
infrared imaging system of the present invention mounted in
a support structure in different locations for screening
people for temperature changes.
FIG. 52A is a schematic view showing the infrared
imaging system of the present invention mounted in a
vehicle.
FIG. 52B is a representation of an illustrative image
generated with the infrared imaging system of FIG.52A.

FIG. 53 shows a flowchart illustrating a method used
in the present invention.
FIGs. 54A and 54B are perspective views of a preferred
embodiment coupled to a head gear.
FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment comprised of a mask and an air pack.
FIGs. 56A and 56B are schematic diagrams showing a BTT
entry point detection system in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 57 is a schematic diagram showing an automated
BTT entry point detection system.
FIGs. 58A to 58C are schematic views showing
alternative support structures in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 5 9 is a schematic diagram showing bidirectional
flow of thermal energy in the BTT.
FIGs. 60A to 60C show diagrammatic views of a
preferred BTT thermal pack.
FIG. 61 is a schematic frontal view showing a
preferred BTT thermal pack in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 62 is a schematic cross sectional view of a BTT
thermal pack.

FIG. 63A is a schematic cross sectional view of a BTT
thermal pack in its relaxed state.
FIG. 63B is a schematic cross sectional view of a BTT
thermal pack of FIG. 63A in its compressed state conforming
to the BTT area.
FIG.64A is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a
head of a person with a BTT thermal pack.
FIG.64B is a frontal schematic view of the eye area
with BTT thermal pack of FIG. 64A.
FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of a BTT thermal pack
containing a rod 866.
FIG. 66 shows a schematic view of another embodiment
of dual bag BTT thermal pack.
FIG. 67A shows a frontal schematic view of a BTT
thermal mask.
FIG. 67B shows a side cross-sectional schematic view
of the BTT thermal mask of FIG 67A.
FIG. 67C shows a perspective frontal view of the BTT
thermal mask of FIG. 67A on the face and on the BTT.
FIG. 68A shows a perspective frontal view of a BTT
thermal pack supported by support structure comprised of
eyewear.

FIG. 68B shows a perspective frontal view of a BTT
thermal pack supported by support structure comprised of a
clip.
FIGs. 69A to 69C show perspective views of a preferred
BTT thermal pack.
FIG. 69D is a perspective view of a BTT thermal pack
of FIG. 69A positioned on the BTT.
FIG. 70 is a schematic diagram showing a hand held
non-contact BTT measuring device.
FIGs. 71A to 71C are schematic diagrams showing hand
held infrared BTT measuring devices.
FIG. 72 is a schematic diagram showing a hand held
contact sensor measuring device.
FIG. 73 is a schematic diagram showing heat transfer
devices coupled to BTT measuring devices.
FIG. 74 is a perspective diagram showing preferred BTT
measuring devices for animals.
FIGs. 75A to 75E are graphs showing thermal
signatures.
FIGs. 76A and 76B are schematic diagrams showing an
antenna arrangement.
FIGs. 77A to 77C are schematic diagrams showing a
support structure comprised of hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 78 is a schematic diagram showing a support
structure comprised of hook and loop fastener with attached
lenses.
FIGs. 79A and 79B are perspective images of
alternative support structures.
FIG. 80 is a schematic diagram showing a support
structure of FIG. 79A.
FIGs. 81A and 81D are schematic diagrams of a
preferred support structure.
FIGs. 81C and 81D are perspective diagrams showing a
support structure of FIG. 81A.
FIG. 82 is a schematic diagram showing electrical
arrangement of a support structure comprised of eyewear.
FIG. 83 is a perspective view showing an automated
climate control system.
FIG. 84 is a perspective frontal view showing an nasal
airway dilator as an. extension of a patch of the present
invention.
FIGs. 85A to 85C are schematic diagrams showing kits
in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention
illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be

resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific
terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific term includes all technical equivalents which
operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar
purpose.
FIG. 1A shows a thermal infrared image of the human
face showing a physiologic tunnel. The figure shows an
image of the end of the brain temperature tunnel (BTT)
depicted as white bright spots in the medial canthal area
and the medial half of the upper eyelid. The end of the BTT
on the skin has special geometry, borders, and internal
areas and the main entry point is located on the supero-
medial aspect of the medial canthal area diametrically in
position with the inferior portion of the upper eyelid and
4 mm medial to the medial corner of the eye. From there
the boundary goes down in the medial canthal area
diametrically in position with the medial corner of the eye
and within 5 mm down from the medial corner of the eye, and
proceeding up to the upper eyelid with the lateral boundary
beginning at the mid-part of the upper eyelid as a narrow
area and extending laterally in a fan-like shape with the
superior boundary beginning in the mid-half of the upper
eyelid.

The scale indicates the range of temperature found in
the human face. The hottest spots are indicated by the
brightest white spots and the coldest areas are black.
Temperature between the hottest and coldest areas are seen
in different hues in a gray scale. The nose is cold (seen
as black) since it is primarily composed of cartilage and
bones, and consequently has a lower blood volume. That is
the reason why frostbite is most common in the nose.
The surrounding periocular area of the upper and lower
eyelids (seen as gray) is hotter because of high
vascularization and the reduced amount of adipose tissue.
The skin underneath the eyelids is very thin and does not
have adipose tissue either. However, the other conditions
necessary to define a brain temperature tunnel are not
present in this area.
The BTT requirements also include the presence of a
terminal branch to deliver the total amount of heat, a
terminal branch that is a direct branch from a vessel from
the brain, a terminal branch that is superficially located
to avoid far-infrared radiation absorption by other
structures, and no thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts.
Thus, the BTT, i.e., the skin area in the medial corner of
the eye and upper eyelid, is the unique location that can
access a brain temperature tunnel. The skin around the

eyelids delivers undisturbed signals for chemical
measurements using spectroscopy and is defined as a
metabolic tunnel with optimal acquisition of signals for
chemical evaluation, but not for evaluation of the total
radiant power of the brain.
FIG. 1B is a computer generated thermal infrared color
plot image of the human face showing in detail the geometry
and different areas of the brain temperature tunnel and
surrounding areas. Only few creatures such as some beetles
and rattle snakes can see this type of radiation, but not
humans. The infrared images make the invisible into
visible. Thus the geometry and size of the tunnel can be
better quantified. The color plot of the isothermal lines
show the peripheral area of the tunnel in red and the
central area in yellow-white with the main entry point at
the end of the BTT located in the supero-medial aspect of
the medial canthal area above the medial canthal tendon.
The main entry point is the area of most optimal
signal acquisition. The image also shows the symmetry of
thermal energy between the two BTT sites. Since other areas
including the forehead do not have the aforementioned six
characteristics needed to define a BTT, said areas have
lower total radiant power seen as light and dark green.
Thus the forehead is not suitable to measure total radiant

power. The whole nose has very little radiant power seen as
blue and purple areas/ and the tip of the nose seen as
brown has the lowest temperature of the face. Thus, the
nose area is not suitable for measuring biological
parameters.
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a physiologic
tunnel, more particularly a Brain Temperature Tunnel. From
a physical standpoint, the BTT is a brain thermal energy
tunnel characterized by a high total radiant power and high
heat flow and can be characterized as a Brain Thermal
Energy tunnel. The tunnel stores thermal energy and
provides an undisturbed path for conveying thermal energy
from one end of the tunnel in the cavernous sinus inside of
the brain to the opposite end on the skin with the thermal
energy transferred to the surface of the skin at the end of
the tunnel in the form of far-infrared radiation. High heat
flow occurs at the end of tunnel which is characterized by
a thin interface, and the heat flow is inversely
proportional to the thickness of the interface.
The total radiated power (P) at the end of the tunnel
is defined by P = ơ*e*A*T4, where ơ is the Stefan-Boltzman
constant with a value ơ - 5.67 x 10-8 w.m-2.K-4 and e is the
emissivity of the area. Since the end of the tunnel
provides an optimal area for radiation, the total power

radiated grows rapidly as the temperature of the brain
increases because of the T4 term in the equation. As
demonstrated in the experiments in the present invention
mentioned, the radiated power in the BTT occurred at a
faster rate than the radiated power in the tongue and oral
cavity.
The BTT site on the skin is a very small area
measuring only less than 0.5% of the body surface area.
However, this very small skin region of the body provides
the area for the optimal signal acquisition for measuring
both physical and chemical parameters.
FIG. 2A shows the brain 10 with the thermal energy 12
stored in its body. The BTT 20 includes the brain. 10, the
thermal energy 12 stored in the brain 10, the thermal
energy stored in the tunnel 14 and the thermal energy 16
transferred, to the exterior at the end of . the tunnel. The
thermal energy 12, 14, 16 is represented by dark arrows of
same size and shape. The arrows have the same size
indicating undisturbed thermal energy from one end of the
tunnel to the other and characterized by equivalent
temperature within the tunnel.
Thermal energy from the sinus cavernous in the brain
10 is transferred to the end of the tunnel 16 and a rapid
rate of heat transfer occurs through the unimpeded cerebral

venous blood path. The tunnel also has a wall 18
representing the wall of the vasculature storing the
thermal energy with equivalent temperature and serving as a
conduit from the inside of the body 10 to the exterior
(skin surface) 19 which ends "as a terminal vessel 17
transferring the total amount of thermal energy to said
skin 19.
The skin 19 is very thin and allows high heat flow.
The thickness of skin 19 is negligible compared to the skin
39, 4 9 in non-tunnel areas 3 0 and 4 0 respectively. Due to
the characteristics of skin 19, high heat flow occurs and
thermal equilibrium is achieved rapidly when a sensor is
placed on the skin 19 at the end of the BTT 20.
In other areas of skin in the face and in the body in
general, and in the exemplary non-tunnel areas 30 and 40 of
FIG. 2 several interfering phenomena occur besides the lack
of direct vasculature connection to the brain, and includes
self-absorption and thermal gradient. 1. Self-absorption:
This relates to the phenomena that deep layers of tissue
selectively absorb wavelengths of infrared energy prior to
emission at the surface. The amount and type of infrared
energy self-absorbed is unknown. At the surface those
preferred emissions are weak due to self-absorption by the
other layers deriving disordered thermal emission and

insignificant spectral characteristic of the substance
being analyzed being illustratively represented by the
various size, shapes and orientations of arrows 34a to 3 6g
and 44a to 46g of FIG.2. Self-absorption in non-tunnel
areas thus naturally prevents useful thermal emission for
measurement to be delivered at the surface. 2. Thermal
gradient: there is a thermal gradient with the deeper
layers being warmer than the ' superficial layers,
illustratively represented by thicker arrows 36d and 46d in
the deeper layers compared to thinner arrows 3 6e and 4 6e
located more superficially. There is excessive and highly
variable scattering of photons when passing through various
layers such as fat and other tissues such as muscles
leading to thermal loss.
Contrary to that, the tunnel area 20 is homogeneous
with no absorption of infrared energy and the blood vessels
are located on the surface. This allows undisturbed
delivery of infrared energy to the surface of the skin 19
and to a temperature detector such as an infrared detector
placed in apposition to said skin 19. In the BTT area there
is no thermal gradient since there is only a thin layer of
skin 19 with terminal blood vessel 17 directly underneath
said thin interface skin 19. The thermal energy 16
generated by the terminal blood vessel 17 exiting to the

surface skin 19 corresponds to the undisturbed brain (true
core) temperature of the body. The preferred path for
achieving thermal equilibrium with brain tissue temperature
is through the central venous system which exits the brain
and enters the orbit as the superior ophthalmic vein. The
arterial blood is 0.2 to 0.3 degrees Celsius lower when
compared to the central venous blood, and said arterial
blood is not the actual equivalent of the brain
temperature. Thus although arterial blood may be of
interest in certain occasions, the venous system is the
preferred carrier of thermal energy for measurement of
brain temperature. Arterial blood temperature may be of
interest to determine . possible brain cooling by the
arterial blood in certain circumstances.
Non-tunnel areas 30 and 40 are characterized by the
presence of heat absorbing elements. The non-tunnel areas
30- and 40 are defined by broken lines characterizing the
vulnerability of interference by heat absorbing
constituents and by the disorganized transferring of heat
in said non-tunnel areas 30 and 40. Various layers and
other constituents in non-tunnel areas 30 and 40
selectively absorb infrared energy emitted by the deeper
layers before said energy reaches the surface of skin, and
the different thermal energy and the different areas are

represented by the different shapes and sizes of arrows and
arrow heads.
Non-tunnel area 3 0 can be representative of measuring
temperature with a sensor on top of the skin anatomically
located above the heart 32. White arrows 3 4 represent the
thermal energy in the heart 32. Non-tunnel area 30 includes
the heart 3 2 and the various blood vessels and its branches
3 6a, 3 6b, 3 6c, 3 6d storing thermal energy.
Different amounts of heat are transferred and
different temperatures measured depending on the location
and anatomy of blood vessels 36a, 36b, 36c. The blood
vessels branch out extensively from the main trunk 34a.
The non-tunnel area 30 also includes heat absorbing
structures 37 such as bone and muscles which thermal energy
34 from the heart 32 need to be traversed to reach the skin
39. The non-tunnel area 30 also includes a variable layer
of fat tissue 38 which further absorbs thermal energy. The
reduced amount of thermal energy reaching the skin surface
3 9 due to the presence of fat 3 8 is represented by the
arrows 3 6d and 3 6e, in which arrow 3 6d has higher
temperature than arrow 3 6e. Non-tunnel area 30 also
includes a thick skin 39 with low heat flow represented by
arrows 36f.

The thick skin 39 corresponds to the skin in the chest
area and fat layer 38 corresponds to the variable amount of
fat present in the chest area. Arrows 36g represent the
disordered and reduced total radiant power delivered after
said thermal energy traverses the interfering constituents
in the non-tunnel area including a thick interface and heat
absorbing structures. In addition, BTT 20 has no fat layer
as found in non-tunnel areas 30 and 40. Lack of a thick
interface, such as thick skin and fat, lack of thermal
barriers such as fat, and lack of heat absorbing elements
such as muscles allows undisturbed emission of radiation at
the end of the BTT. Lack of a thick interface such as
thick skin and fat, lack of thermal barriers such as fat,
and lack of heat absorbing elements such as muscles allowed
undisturbed emission of radiation at the end of the BTT.
Yet referring to FIG. 2, non-tunnel area 40 can be
representative of measuring temperature with a sensor on
top of the skin in the arm 42. The heat transfer in non-
tunnel area 40 has some similarity with non-tunnel area 30
in which the end result is a disordered and reduced total
radiant power not representative of the temperature at the
opposite end internally. The blood vessels branch out
extensively from the main trunk 44a. Thermal energy and
temperature in blood vessels 46a, 46b, 46c is different

than in areas 36a, 36b, 36c. The structures that thermal
energy 44 needs to traverse to reach the skin are also
different compared to non-tunnel 30. The amount of heat
absorbing structures 47 is different and thus the end
temperature at non-tunnel 40 is also different when
compared to non-tunnel area 30. The amount of fat 48 also
varies which changes the energy in areas 46d and 46e,
wherein area 46d is deeper than area 46e. Thick skin 49
also reduces heat flow and the temperature of the area 46f.
Reduction of radiant power indicated by arrow 46g when
compared to radiant power 36g is usually quite different,
so different skin temperature is measured depending on the
area of the body. This applies to the whole skin surface of
the body, with the exception of the skin at the end of the
BTT.
Measurements of internal temperature such as rectal do
not have the same clinical relevance as measurement in the
brain. Selective brain cooling has been demonstrated in a
number of mammalian species under laboratory conditions and
the same process could occur in humans. For instance the
temperature in bladder and rectum may be quite different
than the brain. High or low temperature in the brain may
not be reflected in the temperature measured in other
internal organs.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the
human head 9 showing the brain 10, spinal cord 10a, the
tunnel 2 0 represented by the superior ophthalmic vein, the
cavernous sinus 1, which is the thermal energy storage
compartment for the brain, and the various insulating
barriers 2, 2a, 3, 4, 4a, 4b, 5 that keep the brain as a
completely thermally insulated structure. Insulating
barriers include skin 2 corresponding to the scalp, skin 2a
corresponding to the skin covering the face, fat 3 covering
the whole surface of the skull and face, skull bone 4, .
spinal bone 4a surrounding spinal, cord 10a, facial bone 4b
covering the face, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) 5. The
combined thickness of barriers 2,3,4,5 insulating the brain
can reach 1.5 cm to 2.0 cm, which is a notable thickness
and the largest single barrier against the environment in
the whole body. Due to this completely confined environment
the brain cannot remove heat efficiently and heat loss
occurs at a very low rate. Skin 2 corresponds to the scalp
which is the skin . and associated structure covering the
skull and which has low thermal conductivity and works as
an insulator. Fat tissue 3 absorbs the majority of the.far-
infrared wavelength and works as a thermal buffer. Skull
bone 4 has low thermal conductivity and' the CSF works as a
physical buffer and has zero heat production.

The heat generated by metabolic rate in the brain
corresponds to 20% of the total heat produced by the body
and this enormous amount of heat is kept in a confined and
thermally sealed space. Brain tissue is the most
susceptible tissue to thermal energy induced damage, both
high and low levels of thermal energy Because of the
thermal insulation and physical inability of the brain to
gain heat or lose heat, both hypothermic (cold) and
hyperthermic (hot) states can lead to brain damage and
death can rapidly ensue, as occur to thousands of healthy
people annually besides seizures and death due to high
fever in sick people. Unless appropriate and timely warning
is provided by continuously monitoring brain temperature
anyone affected by cold or hot disturbances is at risk of
thermal induced damage to the brain.
FIG. 2B also shows a notably small entry point 20a
measuring less than 0.5% of the body surface which
corresponds to the end of the tunnel 20 on the skin 2b. The
skin 2b is extremely thin with a thickness of 1 mm or less
compared to the skin 2 and 2a which are five fold or more,
thicker than skin 2b.
The tunnel 20 starts at the cavernous sinus 1 which is
a conduit for venous drainage for the brain and for heat,
transfer at the end of the tunnel 20 as a radiant energy.

Tunnel 20 provides an unobstructed passage to the cavernous
sinus 1, a structure located in the middle of the brain,
and which is in direct contact with the two sources of heat
to the brain: 1) thermal energy produced due to metabolic
rate by the brain and carried by the venous system; and 2)
thermal energy delivered by the arterial supply from the
rest of the body to the brain. This direct contact
arrangement is showed in detail in FIG. 2C, which is a
coronal section of FIG. 2B corresponding to the line marked
"A"
FIG. 2C is a coronal section through the cavernous
sinus 1 which is a cavity-like structure with multiple
spaces la filled with venous blood from the veins 9 and
from the superior ophthalmic vein 6. Cavernous sinus 1
collects thermal energy from brain tissue 7, from arterial
blood of the right and left internal carotid arteries 8a,
8b, and from venous blood from vein 9. All of the
structures 7, 8a, 8b, 9 are disposed along and in intimate
contact with the cavernous sinus 1. A particular feature
that makes the cavernous sinus 1 of the tunnel a very
useful gauge for temperature disturbances is the intimate
association with the carotid arteries 8a, 8b. The carotid
arteries carry the blood from the body, and the amount of
thermal energy delivered to the brain by said vessels can

lead to a state of hypothermia or hyperthermia. For
instance during exposure to cold, the body is cold and cold
blood from the body is carried to the brain by internal
carotid arteries 8a, 8b, and the cavernous sinus 1 is the
entry point of those vessels 8a, 8b to the brain.
As soon as cold blood reaches the cavernous sinus 1
the corresponding thermal energy state is transferred to
the tunnel and to the skin- surface at the end of the
tunnel, providing therefore an immediate alert even before
the cold blood is distributed throughout the brain. The
same applies to hot blood for instance generated during
exercise which can lead to a 20 fold heat production
compared to baseline. This heat carried by vessels 8a, 8b
is transferred to the cavernous sinus l and can be measured
at the, end of the tunnel. In addition, the thermal energy
generated by the brain is carried by cerebral venous blood
and the cavernous sinus 1 is a structure filled with venous
blood.
FIG. 3A is a thermal infrared image of the human face
in which the geometry of the end of the tunnel on the skin
can be visualised. The white bright spots define the
central area of the tunnel. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram
of an exemplary geometry on the skin surface at the end of
the tunnel. The medial aspect 52 of the tunnel 50 has a

round shape. The lateral aspect 54 borders the upper lid
margin 58 and caruncle 56 of the eye 60. The tunnel extends
from the medial canthal area 52 into the upper eyelid 62 in
a horn like projection.
The internal areas of the tunnel 50 include the
general area for the main entry point and the main entry
point as shown in PIGS. 4A to 5D. FIG. 4A is a thermal
infrared image of the side of the human face showing a
general view of the main entry point of the brain
temperature tunnel, seen as white bright points located
medial and above the medial canthal corner. FIG. 4B is a
diagram showing the general area 70 of the main entry point
and its relationship to the eye 60, medial canthal corner
61, eyebrow 64, and nose 66. The general area 70 of the
main entry point provides an area with more faithful
reproduction of the brain temperature since the area 70 has
less interfering elements than the peripheral area of the
tunnel.
FIG. SA is a thermal infrared image of the front of
the human face with the right" eye closed showing the main
entry point of the brain temperature tunnel seen as white
bright spots above and medial to the medial canthal corner.
With closed eyes it is easy to observe that the radiant,
power is coming solely from the skin at the end of BTT.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the main entry point 80
and its relationship to the medial canthal corner 61 of
closed eye 60 and eyelids 62. The main entry point 80 of
the tunnel provides the area with the most faithful
reproduction of the brain, temperature since the area 80 has
the least amount of interfering elements and is universally
present in all human beings at an equivalent anatomical
position. The main entry point 80 has the highest total
radiant .power and has a surface with high emissivity. The
main entry point 80 is located on the skin in the superior
aspect of the medial canthal area 63, in the supero-medial
aspect of the medial canthal corner 61.
FIG. 5C is a thermal infrared image of the side of the
human face in FIG. 5A with the left eye closed showing a
side view of the main entry point of the brain temperature
tunnel, seen as bright white spots. It can be observed with
closed eyes that the radiant power is coming solely from
the skin at the end of BTT.
FIG. 5D shows the main entry point 80 in the superior
aspect of the medial canthal area above the medial canthal
corner 61, and also shows the position of main entry point
80 in relation to the eye 60, eyebrow 64 and nose 66.
Support structures can precisely position sensing devices
on top of the main entry point of the tunnel because the

main entry point is completely demarcated by anatomic
landmarks. In general the sensor is positioned on the
medial canthal skin area above the medial canthal corner
and adjacent to the eye. Although indicators can be placed
on support structures to better guide the positioning of
the sensor, the universal presence of the various permanent
anatomic landmarks allows the precise positioning by any
non-technical person.
The main entry point is the preferred location for the
positioning of the sensor by the support structure, but the
placement of a sensor in any part of the end of the tunnel
including the general entry point area and peripheral area
provides clinically useful measurements depending on the
application. The degree of precision needed for the
measurement will determine the positioning of the sensor.
In cases of neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, or other
surgical procedures in which the patient is at high risk of
hypothermia or malignant hyperthermia, the preferred
position of the sensor is at the main entry point. For
recreational or professional sports, military, workers,
fever detection at home, wrinkle protection in sunlight,
and the like, positioning the sensor in any part of the end
of the tunnel area provides the precision needed for,
clinical usefulness.

In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 6 is a
schematic view of the face showing the general area of the
main entry point of the tunnel 90 and the overall area of
the end of the tunnel and its relationship to the medial
canthal tendon 67. The end of the tunnel includes the
general main entry point area 90 and the upper eyelid area
94. The area 90 has a peripheral portion 92. Both medial
canthal areas have a medial canthal tendon and the left eye
is used to facilitate the illustration. The medial canthal
tendon 67 arises at the medial canthal corner 61 of eye 60.
The left medial canthal tendon 67 is diametrically opposed
to the right medial canthal tendon as shown by broken lines
61a which begins at the medial corner of the eye 61.
Although the main entry point is above the medial canthal
tendon 67, some of the peripheral area 92 of the tunnel is
located below tendon 67.
Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing two physiologic
tunnels. The upper figure shows the area corresponding to
the BTT 10 . The lower figure shows an area corresponding
to a metabolic tunnel 13 which includes the upper eyelid
area 13a and lower eyelid area 13b seen as light blue areas
in FIG. 1B. For measuring the concentration of chemical
substances the total radiant power is not mandatory. The
key aspect for clinical useful spectroscopic measurements

is signal coming from the cerebral area and the reduction
or elimination of interfering constituents, and the main
interfering constituent is adipose tissue. By removing
adipose tissue and receiving spectral information carried
by a vasculature from the brain, precise and clinical
measurements can be achieved. The sensors supported by
support structure are adapted to have a field of view that
matches in total or in part the metabolic tunnel 13 for
capturing thermal radiation from said tunnel 13.
To determine the thermal stability of the tunnel area
in relation to environmental changes, cold and heat
challenge tests were performed. FIGS. 7A and 7B are thermal
infrared images of an exemplary experiment showing the
human face before and after cold challenge. In FIG. 7A the
face has a lighter appearance when compared to FIG. 7B
which is darker indicating a lower temperature. The nose in
FIG. 7A has an overall whitish appearance as compared to
the nose in FIG. 7B which has an overall darker appearance.
Since the areas outside the tunnel have thermoregulatory
arteriovenous shunts and interfering constituents including
fat, the changes in the temperature of the environment are
reflected in said areas. Thus measurements in those non-
tunnel areas of the face reflect the environment instead of
the actual body temperature. The non-tunnel areas of the

skin in the face and body can change with the changes in
ambient temperature. The radiant power, of the tunnel area
remains stable and there is no change in the amount of
thermal energy demonstrating the stability of the thermal
emission of the BTT area. Changes of thermal radiation at
the tunnel area only occur when the brain temperature
changes, which provides the most reliable measurement, of
the thermal status of the body.
PIGS, 8A and 8B are thermal infrared images of the
human face of different subjects showing the tunnel seen as
bright white spots in the medial canthal area. The
physiologic tunnel is universally present in all
individuals despite anatomic variations and ethnic
differences. FIGS. 9A and 9B are thermal infrared image
showing that the tunnel seen as bright white spots are
equally present in animals, illustrated here by a cat (FIG:
9A) and a dog (FIG. 9B).
A preferred embodiment includes a temperature sensor
with measurement processing electronics housed in a patch-
like support structure which positions a passive sensor
directly in contact with the skin over the brain
temperature tunnel site. Accordingly, FIG. 10 is a
perspective view of a preferred embodiment showing a person
100 wearing a support structure comprised of a patch 72

with a passive sensor 74 positioned on the skin at the end
of the tunnel. Person 10 0 is laying on a mattress. 76 which
contains antenna 78. Wire 82 extends from antenna 78 to
controller unit 84 with said controller 84 communicating
with device 88 by communication line 86. Exemplary device
8 8 includes a decoding and display unit at the bedside or
at the nursing station. It is understood that controller
unit 84 besides communicating by cable 86, can also contain
a wireless transmission device to wirelessly transmit the
signal acquired to a remote station. This inductive radio
frequency powered telemetry system can use the same antenna
78 to transfer energy and to receive the signal.
The antenna 78 can be secured to a mattress, pillow,
frame of a bed, and the like in a removable or permanent
manner. The preferred embodiment includes a thin flat
antenna encapsulated by a flexible polymer that is secured
to a mattress and is not visible to the user. Alternatively
an antenna can be placed in any area surrounding the
patient, such as on a night stand.
The antenna 78 and controller unit 84 works as a
receiver/interrogator. A receiver/interrogator antenna 78
causes RF energy to radiate to the microcircuit in the
patch 72. This energy would be stored and converted for use
in the temperature measurement process and in the

transmission of the data from the patch 72 to the antenna
78. Once sufficient energy has been transferred, the
microcircuit makes the measurement and transmits that data
to the receiver/interrogator antenna 78 with said data
being processed at controller 84 and further communicated
to device 88 for display or further transmission. The
switching elements involved in the acquisition of the
sensor data (measurement of the energy) is done in a
sequence so that the quantitized answer is available and
stored prior to the activation of the noise-rich
transmission signal. Thus the two inherently incompatible
processes successfully coexist because they are not active
simultaneously.
The capability of the RF link to communicate in the
presence of noise is accomplished by "spreading" the
spectral content of the transmitted energy in a way that
would inherently add redundancy to the transmission while
reducing the probability that the transmission can ever be
interpreted by the receiver/interrogator 78 as another
transmission or noise that would cause the
receiver/interrogator 78 to transmit and display incorrect
information. This wireless transmission scheme can be
implemented with very few active elements. The modulation
purposely spreads the transmission energy across the

spectrum and thus provides noise immunity and the system
can be ultimately produced via batch processing and thus at
a very low cost.
Since the energy to operate sensor 74 in patch 72
comes from the antenna 78, the microcircuit in said patch
72 can be very small and ultra-thin. Size of the patch 72
would be further minimized to extremely small dimensions by
the design approach that places all the processing function
of the RF link in the controller unit 84 working as a
receiver. RF messaging protocol and the control of the
sensor 74 resides in the receiver/interrogator controller
84 powered by commercially available batteries or by AC
current. Thus the RF messaging protocol and the control of
the sensor 74 is directly controlled by the MCU of
controller 84. The circuit resident in the patch 72 is
preferably completely self-contained. The sensing system 74
in the patch 72 is preferably a silicon microcircuit
containing the circuits needed to support the sensor,
quantatize the data from the sensor, encode the data for
radio frequency transmission, and transmit the data,
besides power conditioning circuits and digital state
control. Sensor, support circuitry, RF power and
communications are all deposited on a micro-chip die
allowing the circuit to be built in large quantities and at

very low cost. This scheme is preferably used for both
passive and active devices.
The operational process can consist of two modes,
manual or automated. In the manual mode, an operator such
as a nurse activates the system and RF energy radiated to
the microcircuit in the patch 72 would be stored and
converted for use in the temperature measurement process
and in the transmission of the data from the end of the BTT
to the antenna 78. Once sufficient energy has been
transferred (less than 1 second) the microcircuit would
make the measurement and transmit the data to the antenna
78 receiver and controller 84 to be displayed for example
on a back-lit LCD display at the nursing station. An audio
"beep" will signal that the data had been received and is
ready for view. In the automated mode, the process is done
automatically and continuously by interrogation at preset
frequency and an alarm being activated when the reading is
outside the specified range. A tri-dimensional antenna can
also be used and the controller 84 set up to search the
three dimensions of the antenna to assure continued and
proper connection between antenna 78 and sensing means 74.
It is also understood that the sensor can modulate
reflected RF energy. Accordingly, the energy will trigger
the unit to acquire a temperature measurement, and then the

unit will modulate the reflected energy. This reflected
energy and information will be received at the interrogator
and displayed as above.
The present invention also provides a method for
monitoring biological parameters, which comprises the steps
of: securing a passive sensor to the body; generating
electromagnetic radiation from a device secured to at least
one of a mattress, a pillow and the frame of a bed;
generating a signal from said passive sensor; receiving
said signal by a device secured to at least one of a
mattress, a pillow and the frame of a bed; and determining
the value of the biological parameter based on said signal.
It is understood that a variety of external power
sources such as electromagnetic coupling can be used

including an ultra-capacitor charged externally through
electromagnetic induction coupling and cells that can be
recharged by an external oscillator. It is also understood
that the sensing system can be remotely driven by .
ultrasonic waves.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing in closer detail a person 100 wearing a
support structure comprised of patch 72 with a sensor 74,
transmitter 71, and digital converter and control 73
positioned on the skin at the end of the tunnel. Person 100

is wearing a necklace which works as antenna 78 and a
pendant in the necklace works as the controller unit and
transmitting unit 79. Solar cells and/or specialized
batteries power unit 79. Patients are used to carrying
Holter monitoring and cards with cords around their necks
and this embodiment can fit well with those currently used
systems. It is understood that, besides a necklace, a
variety of articles including clothing and electric devices
can be used as a receiver/interrogator and this capability
can be easily incorporated into cell phones, note book
computers, hand held computers, internet appliances for
connecting to the internet, and the like, so a patient
could use his/her cell phone or computer means to monitor
his/her brain temperature.
The preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can
preferably provide continuous monitoring of fever or
temperature spikes for any surgery, for any patient
admitted to a hospital, for nursing home patients, in
ambulances, and to prevent death or harm by hospital
infection. Hospital infection is an infection acquired
during a hospital stay. Hospital infection is the fourth
cause of death in the U.S. and kills more than 100,000
patients annually and occurs primarily due to lack of early
identification of fever or temperature spikes. The present

invention provides timely identification and therapy of an
infection due to 24 hour automated monitoring of
temperature. If there is a spike in temperature an alarm
can be activated. This will allow timely identification and
treatment of an infection and thus prevent death or costly
complications such as septic shock that can occur due to
delay in treating infectious processes. Besides, said
preferred embodiments provide means for continuous fever
monitoring at home including during sleeping for both
children and adults.
FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of a preferred
embodiment showing a person 100 wearing a support structure
comprised of a patch 109 with indicator lines 111 and
containing an active sensor 102 positioned on the skin at
the end of the tunnel. The preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 12 provides a transmitting device 104, a processing
device 106, AD converter 107 and a sensing device 102
connected by flexible circuit 110 to power source 108. For
example the transmitting module can include RF, sound or
light. FIG. 12B is a side schematic view showing the
flexible nature of the support structure in FIG, 12A with
flexible circuit 110 connecting microelectronic package 103
which contains a transmitting device means, a processing
device and a sensing device in the right side of the patch

109 and the power source 108 in the left side of said patch
109. Exemplary embodiments will be described.
In accordance with this exemplary embodiment for
temperature measurement, the thermal energy emitted by the
BTT is sensed by the temperature sensor 102 such as a
miniature thermistor which produces a signal representing
the thermal energy sensed. The signal is then converted to
digital information and processed by processor 106 using
standard processing for determining the temperature. An
exemplary sonic-based system for brain temperature
measurement comprises a temperature sensor, input coupling
circuit, signal processing circuit, output coupling circuit
and output display circuit. A temperature sensor 102 (e.g.,
thermistor) in a patch 109 placed on the surface of the
skin at the medial canthal area responds to variations in
brain temperature which is manifested as a DC voltage
signal.
This signal, coupled to a Signal Processor Circuit via
an Input Coupling Circuit is used to modulate the output of
an oscillator, e.g., a multivibrator circuit, piezoelectric
systems operating in or just above the audio frequency
range. The oscillator is a primary component of the Signal
Processor Circuit. The output of the oscillator is input to,

an amplifier, which is the second primary component of the
Signal Processor.
The amplifier increases the output level from the
oscillator so that the output of the Signal Processor is
sufficient to drive an Output Display Circuit. Depending
on the nature of the Output Display Circuit, e.g., an audio
speaker, a visual LED display, or other possible display
embodiment, an Output Coupling Circuit is utilized to match
the signal from the Signal Processor Circuit to the Output
Display Circuit. For an Output Display Circuit that
requires a digital input signal, the Output Coupling
Circuit might include an analog to digital (A/D) converter
circuit. A DC power supply circuit is the remaining
primary component in the Signal Processor Module. The DC
power supply is required to support the operation of the
oscillator and the amplifier in the Signal Processing
Circuit. Embodiments of the DC power supply can include
ultra miniature DC batteries, a light sensitive DC power
source, or some combination of the two, and the like. The
micro transducers, signal processing electronics,
transmitters and power source can be preferably constructed
as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit or as a
hybrid circuit alone or in combination with MEMS (micro
electrical mechanical systems) technology.

The thermistor voltage is input to a microcontroller
unit, i.e., a single chip microprocessor, which is pre-
programmed to process the thermistor voltage into a digital
signal which corresponds to the patient's measured
temperature in degrees C (or degrees F) at the BTT site. It
is understood that different programming and schemes can be
used. For example, the sensor voltage can be directly fed
into the microcontroller for conversion to a temperature
value and then displayed on a screen as a temperature
value, e.g., 98.6° F. On the other hand the voltage can be
processed through an analog to digital converter (ADC)
before it is input to the microcontroller.
The microcontroller output, after additional signal
conditioning, serves as the driver for a piezoelectric
audio frequency (ultrasonic) transmitter. The piezoelectric
transmitter wirelessly sends digital pulses that, can be
recognized by software in a clock radio sized receiver
module consisting of a microphone, low-pass audio filter,
amplifier, microcontroller unit, local temperature display
and pre-selected temperature level alert mechanism. The
signal processing software is pre-programmed into the
microcontroller unit of the receiver. Although the present
invention provides means for RF transmission in the
presence of noise, this particular embodiment using a

microphone as the receiving unit may offer additional
advantages in the hospital setting since there is zero RF
interference with the many other RF devices usually present
in said setting. The microcontroller unit drives a
temperature display for each patient being monitored. Each
transmitter is tagged with its own ID. Thus one receiver
module can be used for various patients. A watch, cell
phone, and the like adapted with a microphone can also work
as the receiver module.
In another embodiment the output of the
microcontroller is used to drive a piezo-electric buzzer.
The microcontroller output drives the piezo-electric buzzer
to alert the user of the health threatening situation. In
this design the output of the microcontroller may be fed
into a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that transforms
the digital data signal from the microcontroller to an
equivalent analog signal which is used to drive the buzzer.
In yet another embodiment the output from the (DAC) is
used to drive a speech synthesizer chip programmed to
output an appropriate audio warning to the user, for
instance an athlete at risk of heatstroke. For a sensed
temperature above 39 degrees Celsius the message might be:
"Your Body temperature is High. Seek shade. Drink cold
liquid. Rest." For temperature below 36 degrees Celsius

the message might be; "Your Body temperature is Low. Seek
shelter from the Cold. Drink warm liquid. Warm up."
In another embodiment the output is used to drive a
light transmitter programmed to output an appropriate light
signal. The transmitter consists of an infrared light that
is activated when the temperature reaches a certain level.
The light signal will work as a remote control unit that
activates a remote unit that sounds an alarm. This
embodiment for instance can alert the parents during the
night when the child is sleeping and has a temperature
spike.
An exemplary embodiment of the platform for local
reporting consists of three electronic modules mechanically
housed in a fabric or plastic holder such as patch 109,
which contain a sensor 102 positioned on the skin at the
BTT site. The modules are: Temperature Sensor Module,
Microcontroller Module, and Output Display Module in
addition to a battery, to electronic interface is used
between each module for the overall device to properly
function. The configuration of this system consists of a
strip such as patch 109 attached to the BTT area by a self-
adhesive pad. A thermistor coupled to a microcontroller
drives an audio frequency piezoelectric transmitter or LED.
The system provides local reporting of temperature without

a receiver. An audio tone or light will alert the user when
certain thresholds are met. The tone can work as a chime or
reproduction of human voice.
Another exemplary embodiment for remote reporting
consists of four electronic modules. Sensor Module,
Microcontroller Module, Output Transmitter Module and
Receiver/Monitor Module. From a mechanical viewpoint the
first three modules are virtually identical to the first
embodiment. Electronically the Temperature Sensor and
Microprocessor Modules are identical to the previous
embodiment. In this embodiment an Output Transmitter Module
replaces the previous local Output Display Module. Output
Transmitter Module is designed to transmit wirelessly the
temperature results determined by the Microprocessor Module
to a remotely located Receiver/Monitor Module. An
electronic interface is used between each module for proper
function. This device can be utilized by patients in a
hospital or home setting. On a continuous basis temperature
levels can be obtained by accessing data provided by the
Receiver/Monitor Module.
A variety of temperature sensing elements can be used
as a temperature sensor including a thermistor,
thermocouple, or RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector),
platinum wire, surface mounted sensors, semiconductors,

thermoelectric systems which measure surface temperature,
optic fiber which fluoresces, bimetallic devices, liquid
expansion devices, and change-of-state devices, heat flux
sensor, crystal thermometry and reversible temperature
indicators including liquid Crystal Mylar sheets. A
preferred temperature sensor includes thermistor model
104JT available from Shibaura of Japan.
FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention linking transmitter 120
to receiver 130. Transmitter 120 preferably includes a chip
112 incorporating a microcontroller (MCU) 114, a radio
frequency transmitter (RF) 116 and a A/D converter 118 in
addition to a power source 122, amplifier (A) 124, sensor
12 6, and antenna 12 8, preferably built-in in the chip.
Exemplary chips include: (1) rfPIC12F675F, (available from
Microchip Corporation, Arizona, USA) this is a MCU + ADC +
433Mhz Transmitter (2) CC1010, available from Chipcon
Corporation of Norway.
Receiver 130 preferably includes a chip RF transceiver
132 (e.g., CC1000 available from Chipcon Corporation), a
microcontroller unit (MCU) 134, amplifier and filtering
units (A/F) 136, display 138, clock 140, keypad 142, LED
144, speaker 146, in addition to a power source 150 and

input/output units (I/O) 148 and associated modem 152,
optical transceiver 154 and communication ports.156.
A. variety of devices can be used for the transmission
scheme besides the commercially available RF transmitter
chips previously mentioned. One simple transmission devices
include an apparatus with a single channel transmitter in
the 916.48 MHz band that sends the temperature readings to
a bed side receiver as a frequency proportional to the
reading. The thermistor's resistance would control the
frequency of an oscillator feeding the RF transmitter data
input. If the duty cycle is less than 1%, the 318 MHz band
would be usable. Rather than frequency, a period
measurement technique can be used. The model uses a simple
radio frequency carrier as the information transport and
modulating that carrier with the brain temperature
information derived from a transduction device capable of
changing its electrical characteristics as a function of
temperature (e.g.; thermistor). Either frequency or
amplitude of the carrier would be modulated, by the
temperature information so that a receiver tuned to that
frequency could demodulate the changing carrier and recover
the slowly moving temperature data.
Another transmission technique suitable to transmit;
the signal from a sensor in a support structure is a chirp

device. This means that when activated, the transmitter
outputs a carrier that starts at a lower frequency in the
ISM band and smoothly increases frequency with time until a
maximum frequency is reached. The brain temperature
information is used to modify the rate of change of
frequency of the chirp. The receiver is designed to
measure the chirp input very accurately by looking for two
or more specific frequencies. When the first of the
frequencies is detected, a clock measures the elapsed time
until the second frequency is received. Accordingly, a
third, fourth, etc., frequency could be added to aid in the
rejection of noise. Since virtually all the direct
sequence spread spectrum transmitters and frequency hopping
transmitters are spread randomly throughout their part of
the ISM band, the probability of them actually producing
the "right" sequence of frequencies at exactly the right
time is remote.
Once the receiver measured the timing between the
target frequencies, that time is the value that would
represent the brain temperature. If the expected second,
third, or fourth frequency is not received by the receiver
within a "known" time window, the receiver rejects the
initial inputs as noise. This provides a spread spectrum
system by using a wide spectrum for transmitting the

information while encoding the information in a way that is
unlike the expected noise from other users of the ISM
band. The chirp transmitter is low cost and simple to build
and the brain temperature transducer is one of the active
elements that controls the rate of change of frequency.
Other preferred embodiments for local reporting
include a sensor, an operational amplifier (LM3 58 available
from National Semicondutor Corporation) and a LED in
addition to a power source. It is understood that the
operational amplifier (Op Amp) can be substituted by a MCU
and the LED substituted by a piezoelectric component.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the support
structure 160 to a sensor 158, and MCU 164 controlling
and/or adjusting unit 162. Communication between MCU 164
and unit 162 is achieved by wires 168 or wirelessly 166. By
way of example, but not by limitation, exemplary units 162
include climate control units in cars, thermostats, vehicle
seats, furniture, exercise machines, clothing, footwear,
medical devices, drug pumps, and the like. For example, MCU
164 is programmed with transmit the temperature level to
receiver unit 162 in the exercise machine. MCU in the
exercising machine unit 162 is programmed to adjust speed
or other settings in accordance with the signal generated,
by MCU 164.

The preferred embodiment allows precise positioning of
the sensing apparatus by the support structure on the BTT
site. The support structure is designed to conform to the
anatomical landmarks of the BTT area which assures proper
placement of the sensor at all times. The corner of the eye
is considered a permanent anatomic landmark, i.e., it is
present in the same location in all human beings. The BTT
area is also a permanent anatomic landmark as demonstrated
by the present invention. To facilitate consistent
placement at the BTT site, an indicator in the support
structure can be used as shown in FIGS. 15A to 15E.
FIG. 15A shows a Guiding Line 170 placed on the
outside surface of the support structure 172. The Guiding
Line 170 is lined up with the medial corner of the eye 174.
The sensor 176 is located above the Guiding Line 170 and on
the outer edge of the support structure 172, so once the
Guiding Line 170 of the support structure 172 is lined up
with the medial corner of the eye 174, the sensor 176 is
positioned on the main entry point of the tunnel. Thus the
support structure 172 can be precisely and consistently
applied in a way to allow the sensor 176 to cover the BTT
area at all times.
FIG. 15B shows a different design of the patch 172 but-
with the same Guiding Line 170 lined up with the medial

corner of the eye 174, thus allowing consistent placement
of sensor 176 at the BTT site despite the difference in
design.
FIG. 15C is another preferred embodiment showing the
sensor 176 lined up with medial corner 174. Thus in this
embodiment a Guiding Line is not required and the sensor
176 itself guides the positioning.
In FIG. 15D the MCU 175 and cell 177 of patch 172 are
located outside of the BTT site while sensor 176 is
'precisely positioned at the BTT site. It is understood that
any type of indicator on the support structure can be used
to allow proper placement in the BTT area including
external marks, leaflets, cuts in the support structure,
different geometry that lines up with the corner of the
eye, and the like.
FIG. 15E is another preferred embodiment showing the
superior edge 176a of sensor 176 lined up with medial
corner 174 and located in the inferior aspect of the medial
cahthal area while microchip controller 175 is located in
the superior aspect of the medial canthal area. Support
structure 172 has a geometric indicator 179 comprised of a
small recess on the support structure 172. It is understood
that a strip working as support structure like an adhesive
bandage can have the side opposite- to the sensor and

hardware made with tear off pieces. The. sensor side is
first attached to the skin and any excess strip can be
easily torn off. Two sizes, adult and children cover all
potential users.
The material for the support structure working as a
patch can be soft and have insulating properties such as
are found in polyethylene. Depending on the application a
multilayer structure of the patch can include from the
external side to the skin side the following: thinsulate
layer; double foam adhesive (polyethylene) ; sensor
(thermistor); and a Mylar sheet. The sensor surface can be
covered by the Mylar sheet, which in turn is surrounded by
the adhesive side of the foam. Any soft thin material with
high thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity can be
preferably used as an interface between the sensor and the
exterior, such as. polyurethane foam (K =0.02 W/m.C). Any
support structure can incorporate the preferred insulation
material.
A preferred power source for the patch includes
natural thermoelectrics as disclosed by the present
invention. In addition, standard lightweight thin plastic
batteries using a combination of plastics such as
f luorophenylthiophenes as electrodes can be used, and are.
flexible allowing better conformation with the anatomy of

the BTT site. Another exemplary suitable power source
includes a light weight ultra-thin solid state lithium
battery comprised of a semisolid plastic electrolyte which
are about 300 microns thick.
The system can have two modes: at room temperature the
system is quiet and at body temperature the system is
activated. The system can also have an on/off switch by
creating a circuit using skin resistance, so only when the
sensor is. placed on the skin is the system activated. The
patch can also have a built-in switch in which peeling off
a conductive backing opens the circuit (pads) and turn the
system on. In addition, when removed from the body, the
patch can be placed in a case containing a magnet. The
magnet in the case acts as an off switch and transmission
is terminated when said patch is in the case.
FIG. ISA to 16C are perspective views of preferred
embodiments showing a person 100 wearing support structures
180 incorporated as patches. In a preferred embodiment
shown in FIG. 16A, the support structure 180 contains LED
184, cell 186, and sensor 182. Sensor 182 is positioned at
a main entry point on the superior aspect of the medial
canthal area adjacent to the medial corner of the eye 25.
LED 184 is activated when a signal reaches certain
thresholds in accordance with the principles of the

invention. FIG. 16B is another preferred embodiment showing
a person 100 wearing support structure 180 with sensor 182
positioned at the general area of the main entry point of
the tunnel with the superior edge 181 of support structure
180 being lined up with the corner of the eye 25. Support
structure 180 contains an extension that rests on the cheek
area 189 and houses transmitting means 183 for wireless
transmission, processing means 185 and power source 187.
FIG. 16C. is an exemplary preferred embodiment showing
person 100 wearing a two piece structure 180a comprised of
support structure 180b and housing -structure 180c connected
by wires 192, preferably a flexible circuit. Support
structure 180b contains the sensor 182 which is positioned
at the BTT site. Housing structure 180c which can comprise
an adhesive strip on the forehead 21 houses processing
device 183a, transmitting device 183b and power source 187
for transmitting the signal to unit 194, for example a cell
phone.
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of another preferred
embodiment showing the support structure 180 with sensor
182 being held at the nose 191 by a clip 19S. Support
structure 180 extends superiorly to the forehead 193.
Housing 195 of support structure 180 contains pressure
attachment means such as clip 196. Housing 197 on the

forehead contains the transmitting device and power source.
Clip 196 uses a spring based structure 196a to apply gentle
pressure to secure support structure 180 and sensor 182 in
a stable position. Housing 197 can also have a LCD display
19. The LCD 19 can have an inverted image to be viewed in a
mirror by the user, besides LCD 19 can have a hinge or be
foldable to allow proper positioning to allow the user to
easily view the numerical value displayed.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing a person .10 0 wearing a support structure
180 comprised of a patch with sensor 182 positioned on the
skin at the end of the tunnel and connected by a wire 199
to a decoding and display unit 200. Support structure 180
has a visible indicator 170 lined up with the medial corner
of the eye 174. Wire 199 includes an adhesive tape 201
within its first 20 cm, and most preferably adhesive tape
connected to wire 199 is in the first 10 cm of wire from
sensor 182.
FIGS. 19A1 to 19D are schematic views of preferred
geometry and dimensions of support structures 180 and
sensing device 182. Special geometry and dimension of
sensors and support structure is necessary for the optimal
functioning of the present invention. The dimensions and
design for the support structure 180 are made in order to

optimize function and in accordance with the geometry and
dimensions of the different parts of the tunnel.
FIG. 19A1 shows support structure 180 working as a
patch. The patch 180 contains sensor 182. The patch 180
may contain other hardware or solely the sensor 182.
Exemplary sensor 182 is a flat thermistor or surface mount
thermistor. The preferred longest dimension for the patch
referred to as "z" is equal or less than 12 mm, preferably
equal to or less than 8 mm, and most preferably equal to or
less than 5 mm. The shortest distance from the outer edge
of the sensor 182 to the outer edge of the patch 180 is
referred to as "x" . "x" is equal to or less than 11 mm,
preferably equal to or less than 6 mm and most preferably
equal to or less than 2.5 mm. For illustrative purposes the
sensor 182 has unequal sides, and distance "y" corresponds
to the longest distance from outer edge of the sensor to
outer edge of the patch 180. Despite having unequal sides,
the shortest distance "x" is the determining factor for the
preferred embodiment. It is understood that the whole
surface of the sensor 182 can be covered with an adhesive
and thus there is no distance between the sensor and an
outer edge of a support structure.
An exemplary embodiment for that includes a sensor in
which the surface touching the skin at the BTT site is made

with Mylar. The Mylar surface, which comprises the sensor
itself, can have an adhesive in the surface that touches
the skin. In this case, the support structure that can
include a piece of glue or an adhesive, may be constructed
flush in relation to the sensor itself. Accordingly in FIG.
19E support structure 171 comprised of a piece of glue
supports sensor 182 in position against the BTT area.
Sensor 182 can include a Mylar, a thermistor, thermocouple
and the like, and the sensor 182 can be preferably at the
edge of the support structure 171 such as a piece of glue
or any support structure, and said sensor 182 can be
preferably further insulated in its outer surface with a
piece of insulating material 173, such as polyethylene.
As shown in FIG. 19A2, the sensor 182 has adhesive in
its surface, to be secured to skin 11. The sensor then can
be applied to the BTT site in accordance with the
principles of the invention. The preferred distance "x"
equal to or less than 2.5 mm allows precise pinpoint
placement of sensor 182 at the main entry site of the
tunnel and thus allows the most optimal signal acquisition,
and it should be used for applications that require
greatest precision of measurements such as during
monitoring surgical procedures. Although a patch was used
as support structure for the description of the preferred

dimensions, it is understood that the same dimensions can
be applied to any support structure in accordance with the
principle of the invention including clips, medial can.thal
pads, head mounted gear, and the like.
FIG. 19B is an exemplary embodiment of a round patch
180 with a flat sensor 182. Preferred dimensions "x" and
"z" apply equally as for FIG. 19A1, FIG. 19C is an
exemplary embodiment of a patch 180 with a bead-type sensor
182. Preferred dimensions "x" and "z" apply equally as for
FIG. 19A1. FIG. 19D is an exemplary embodiment of a support
structure 180 with, a sensor-chip 15. Sensor chip 15
comprises a sensor that is integrated as part of a chip,
such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).
For example sensor chip 15 includes sensor 15a, processor
15b, and transmitter 15c. Preferred dimension "x" apply
equally as for FIG. 19A1. Other hardware such as power
source 2 7 may be housed in the support structure 180 which
can have a long dimension referred to as "d" that does not
affect performance as long as the dimension "x" is
preserved.
The support structure and sensor are adapted to match
the geometry and dimensions of the tunnel, for either
contact measurements or non-contact measurements, in which,
the sensor does not touch the skin at the BTT site.

FIGS. 20A to 20C show the preferred dimensions "x" for
any support structure in accordance with the present
invention. The distance from the outer edge 180a of the
support structure to outer edges of sensor 182a is 11 mm,
as shown in FIG. 20A. Preferably, the distance from the
outer edge 180a of support structure to outer edges of
sensor 182a is 6 mm, as shown in FIG. 20B. Most
preferably, the distance from the outer edge 180a of the
support structure to outer edges of sensor 182a is 2.5 mm,
as shown in FIG. 20C.
Preferred positions of sensors 182 in relation to the
medial corner of the eye 184 are shown in FIGs. 21A and
21B. Support structure 180 positions sensor 182 lined up
with medial corner 184 (FIG. 2133) . Preferably, as shown in
FIG. 21A, support structure 180 positions the sensor 182
above the medial' corner 184.
The preferred embodiments of support structures
incorporated as patches and clips are preferably used in
the hospital setting and in the health care field including
continuous monitoring of fever or temperature spikes.
Support structures incorporated as medial canthal pads or
head mounted gear are preferred for monitoring
hyperthermia, hypothermia and hydration status of
recreational athletes, professional athletes, military,

firefighters, construction workers and other physically-
intensive occupations, occupational safety, and for
preventing wrinkle formation due to thermal damage by sun
light.
FIGS. 22A to 22C are perspective views of preferred
embodiments showing a person 100 wearing support structures
incorporated as a medial canthal pad 204 of eyeglasses 206.
In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 22A, the medial
canthal pad 204 contains sensor 202. Connecting arm 208
connects medial canthal pad 204. to eyeglasses frame 206
next to regular nose pads 212. Sensor 202 is positioned on
the superior aspect of the medial canthal area adjacent to
the medial corner of the eye 210.
FIG. 22B is an exemplary preferred embodiment showing
person 100 wearing support structure incorporated as medial
canthal pads 204 with sensor 202 integrated into specially
constructed eyeglasses frame 216 and containing LEDs 228,
230. Connecting piece 220 which connects the left lens rim
222 and right lens rim 224 is constructed and positioned at
a higher position than customary eyeglasses construction in
relation to the lens rim 222, 224. Due to the higher
position of connecting piece 220 and the special
construction of frame 216, the upper edge 222a of left lens
rim 222 is positioned slightly above the eyebrow 226. This

construction allows medial canthal pad 204 to be positioned
at the BTT site while LEDs 228,230 are lined up with the
visual axis. Arm 232 of medial canthal pad 204 can be
flexible and adjustable for proper positioning of' sensor
202 on the skin at the BTT site and for moving away from
the BTT site when measurement is not required. The LED 228
is green and LED 230 is red, and said LEDs 228, 230 are
activated when a signal reaches certain thresholds.
FIG. 22C is an exemplary preferred embodiment showing
person 100 wearing support structure incorporated as medial
canthal pads 204 with sensor 202. Signal from sensor 202 is
transmitted wirelessly. from transmitter 234 housed in the
temple of eyeglasses 236. Receiving unit 238 receives a
signal from transmitter 234 for processing and displaying.
Exemplary receiving units 238 include watch, cell phone,
pagers, hand held computers, and the like.
FIGS. 23A to 23B are perspective views of alternative
embodiments showing support structures incorporated as a
modified nose pad 242 of eyeglasses 244. FIG. 23A is a
perspective view showing eyeglasses 244 containing a
modified nose pad 242 with sensor 240 and processor 241,
sweat sensor 246 and power source 248 supported by temple
250, and transmitter 252 supported by temple 254, all of
which are electrically connected. Modified nose pads 242

are comprised of oversized nose pads with a horn like
extension 243 superiorly which positions sensor 240 on top
of the end of the tunnel.
FIG. 23B is a perspective view showing eyeglasses 256
containing an oversized modified nose pad 258 with sensor
240, sweat sensor 260 supported by temple 262, and
transmitter 264 supported by temple 266. Modified oversized
nose pad 258 measures preferably 12 mm or more in its
superior aspect 258a and contains sensor 240 in its outer
edge in accordance with the dimensions and principles of
the present invention.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention, shown
in FIG. 24, provides goggles 268 supporting medial canthal
pads 260 adapted to position sensor 262, 264 at the tunnel
site on the skin. As shown, goggles 268 also support
transmitting device 261, power source 263, local reporting
device 2 65 such as LED and an antenna 2 67 for remote
reporting. Antenna 267 is preferably integrated as part of
the lens rim 269 of goggles 268.
As shown in FIG. 25, additional device related to the
signal generated by sensor 270 in medial canthal pad 272
include power switch 274, set switch 276 which denotes a
mode selector, transmitter 278 for wireless transmission of
signals, a speaker 282, piezoelectric device 283, input

device 284 and processing device 286. The device 274, 276,
278, 282, 284, and 286 are preferably supported by any
portion of the frame of eyeglasses 280. It is understood
that a variety of devices, switches and controlling devices
to allow storage of data, time and other multiple function
switches can be incorporated in the apparatus in addition
to wires for wired transmission of signals.
FIG. 26A is a rear perspective view of one preferred
embodiment showing sensors 299, 300 supported by medial
canthal pads 290, 289 of eyeglasses 292 and includes lens
rim 297 and display 298 in addition to transmitter 288,
sweat sensor 294 and wires 296 disposed within temple 295
and lens rim 293 of said eyeglasses 292 and connected to
display device 296.
FIG. 26B is a front perspective view of eyeglasses 2 92
including sweat sensor 294, transmitter 288 and wires 296
disposed within temple 295 and lens rim 293 of eyeglasses
292 and connected to a display device. In this embodiment
sweat sensor 2 94 produces a signal indicating the
concentration of substances in sweat (e.g., sodium of 9
mmol/L) which is displayed on' left side display 296 and
sensor 300 supported by medial canthal pad 290 produces a
signal indicative of, for example, brain temperature of 98
degrees F which is displayed on the right side display 298.

Sweat sensor can be porous or microporous in order to
optimize fluid passage to sensors when measuring chemical
components.
A variety of display devices and associated lenses for
proper focusing can be used including liquid crystal
display, LEDs, fiber optic, micro-projection, plasma
devices, and the like. It is understood that a display
device can be attached directly to the lens or be an
integral part of the lens. It is also understood that a
display device can include a separate portion contained in
the lens rim or outside of the lens rim. Further, the two
lenses and displays 296, 298 held within the lens rims 293,
297 can be replaced with a single unit which can be
attached directly to the frame of eyeglasses 292 with or
without the use of lens rim 293, 297.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing a three piece support structure 304 and
preferably providing a medial canthal pad connecting piece
303 adapted as an interchangeable connecting piece. This
embodiment comprises three pieces. Piece 301 comprises left
lens rim 301a and left temple 301b. Piece 302 comprises
right lens rim 302a and right temple 302b. Piece 303 called
the medial canthal piece connector comprises the connecting
bridge of eyeglasses 303a and the pad structure 303b of

eyeglasses. Pad piece 303 is particularly adapted to
provide medial canthal pads 306 for positioning a sensor
308 at the BTT site. In reference to this embodiment, the
user can buy three piece eyeglasses in accordance with the
invention in which, the connector 303 has no sensing
capabilities, and it is thus a lower cost. However, the
three piece eyeglasses 304 offers the versatility of
replacing the non-sensing connector 303 by a connector 303
with sensing capabilities. As shown in FIG. 27 connector
303 with medial canthal pads 306 and sensor 308 includes
also radio frequency transmitter 310 and cell 312.
Therefore, connector 303 provides all the necessary
hardware including devices for sensing, transmitting, and
reporting the signal. Any devices for attachment known in
the art can be used including pressure devices, sliding
devices, pins, and the like.
Another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 8A,
provides a removable medial canthal piece 314 supporting
sensor 316. As shown, connecting bridge 320 of eyeglasses
318 are attached to medial canthal piece 314 in a
releasable manner. Eyeglasses 318 further includes sweat
sensor . 322, 324 supported by front part 311 and
transmitting device 326 supported by temple 313. Front part
311 of eyeglasses 318 defines a front brow portion and

extends across the forehead of the wearer and contains
sweat sensor 322, 324. Sweat fluid goes through membranes
in the sensor 322, 324 and reaches an electrode with
generation of current proportional to the amount of analyte
found in the sweat fluid.
FIG. 28B is a rear perspective view of the removable
medial canthal piece 314 showing visual reporting devices
323, 325 such as a green LED and a red LED in left arm 328
and sensor 316 adapted to be positioned at the end of the
tunnel, and wire 326 for electrically connecting right arm
329 and left arm 328 of medial canthal piece 314. FIG. 28C
is a front perspective view of the removable medial canthal
piece 314 showing power source 330, transmitter 332 and
sensor 316 in right arm 329 and wire 326 for electrically
connecting right arm 329 and left arm 328 of medial canthal
piece 314. Medial canthal piece 314 can be replaced by a
non-sensing regular nose pad which would have the same size
and dimension as medial canthal piece 314 for adequate
fitting with connecting bridge 320 of eyeglasses 318 of
FIG. 28A. The removable medial canthal piece can have,
besides LED, a built-in LCD display for displaying a
numerical value and/or RF transmitter. Therefore, the
removable medial canthal piece can have one or various

reporting devices integrated as a single sensing and
reporting unit.
FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of a support structure incorporated as a clip-on
340 for eyeglasses and includes attachment device 338 such
as a hook or a magnet, transmitting device 342, processing
device 344, power source 346, medial canthal pad 348
mounted on a three axis rotatable structure 349 for proper
positioning at the BTT site, and sensor 350. Clip-on 340 is
adapted to be mounted on regular eyeglasses and to fit the
medial canthal pad 348 above the regular nose pads of
eyeglasses.
Sensing medial canthal pads can be preferably
connected to attachment structure such as eyeglasses
independent of the presence of specialized connecting or
attachment devices mounted in said eyeglasses such as
grooves, pins, and the like. This embodiment provides means
for the universal use of sensing medial canthal pads in any
type or brand of attachment structure. FIG. 30 shows a
front perspective view of medial canthal pads 352
comprising an adhesive backing 354 for securing pad 352 to
an attachment structure such as eyeglasses or another
support structure. Adhesive surface 354 is adapted to match
an area of eyeglasses that allow securing medial canthal

pad 352 to said eyeglasses, such as for instance the area
corresponding to regular nose pads of eyeglasses. Medial
canthal pad 352 works as a completely independent unit and
contains sensor 356, power source 358 and reporting device
360 electrically connected by wire 361,362. Reporting
device 360 includes local reporting with visual devices
(e.g., LED), audio devices (e.g., piezoelectric, voice chip
or speaker) and remote reporting with wireless
transmission.
TIG. 31A is a top perspective view of one alternative
embodiment of a support structure incorporated as
eyeglasses 380 with holes 364, 365 in regular nose pads
366, 376 for securing specialized medial canthal pads.
Eyeglasses 380 includes wire 368 disposed within the right
lens rim 371 of the frame of eyeglasses 380 with said wire
368 connecting transmitter 370 housed inside the right
temple 369 to nose pad 366. Eyeglasses 380 further includes
wire 363 mounted on top of left lens rim 365 with said wire
363 connecting transmitter 372 mounted on top of the left
temple 374 to nose pad 376. FIG. 31B is a magnified
perspective view of part of the support structure 380 with
hole 365 in regular nose pad 376. FIG. 31C is a side
perspective view of regular nose pad 366 with hole 364.

FIG. 31D is a side perspective view of a medial canthal
piece 382 secured to hole 364 of regular nose pad 366.
FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a person 100 wearing
a support structure comprised of medial canthal caps 390
secured on top of a regular nose pad 392 of eyeglasses 394.
FIG. 3 2B is a perspective rear view of the medial canthal
cap 390 showing sensor 396, transmitter chip 398 and
opening 397 for securing cap 390 to nose pads.
FIG. ,33A is a perspective view of a medial canthal cap
390 being secured to the nose pad 392. Medial canthal cap
390 contains sensor 396, transmitter chip 398 and opening
397. FIG. 33B is a perspective view showing the end result
of the medial canthal cap 390 secured to the nose pad 392.
Special nose pads are provided by the present
invention for proper positioning a sensor at the BTT site.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a modified left side
rotatable nose pad 400 adapted to position a sensor on the
skin at the end of the tunnel and includes nose pad 402
with sensor 401, arm 404, house 406 which houses a gear
that allows rotation of a nose pad as a dial for
positioning sensor 401 on different regions of the tunnel
identified as 1 and 2. Position 1 places the sensor in line
with the medial canthal corner and reaches the general area
of the main entry point of the tunnel and position 2 places

the sensor above the medial canthal corner right at the
main entry point of the tunnel. This embodiment allows
automated activation of the sensing system and takes
advantage of the fact that the nose bridge is cold as seen
in FIG. 1 (nose is dark) and FIG. 2 (nose is purple and
blue). When the pad is in its resting position ("zero"),
the sensor 401 rests in a cold place with temperature of
35.7° C corresponding to the regular position of nose pads
on the nose. In position "zero" the sensor is in Sleep Mode
(temperature of 35.8° C or less) . Changing the sensor to a
hot region such as the general area (position 1) or the
main entry point (position 2) automatically activates the
sensor which goes into Active Mode and start sensing
function.
It is understood that numerous special nose pads and
medial canthal pads can be used in accordance with the
principles of the invention including a pivotal hinge that
allows pads to be foldable in total or in part, self-
adjusting pads using a spring, pivoting, sliding in a
groove, and the like as well as self-adjusting mechanisms
which are adaptable to anatomic variations found in
different races. It is understood that the modified nose
pads are preferably positioned high in the frame, most

preferably by connecting to the upper part of the lens rim
or within 6 mm from the upper edge of the lens rim.
A variety of materials can be used including materials
with super-adherent properties to allow intimate apposition
of sensing devices to the BTT site. A variety of metallic
wires exhibiting super-elastic properties can be used as
the hinge assembly mechanism for allowing proper
positioning of a sensing device with the BTT site. Medial
canthal pads can be made of a flexible synthetic resin
material such as a silicon rubber, conductive plastic,
conductive elastomeric material, metal, pliable material,
and the like so that appropriate apposition to the BTT site
at the medial canthal area and proper functioning is
achieved. It is also understood that the medial canthal
pads can exhibit elastic and moldable properties and
include material which when stressed is able to remain in
the stressed shape upon removal of the stress. Any type of
rubber, silicone, and the like with shape memory can also
be used in the medial canthal pads and modified nose pad.
By greatly reducing or eliminating the interfering
constituents and providing a high signal to noise ratio
with a sensor adapted to capture thermal radiation from the
BTT, the present invention provides the devices needed for
accurate and precise measurement of biological parameters

including chemical components in vivo using optical devices
such as infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the apparatus and
methods of the present invention by enhancing the signal
allows clinical useful readings to be obtained with various
techniques and using different types of electromagnetic
radiation. Besides near-infrared spectroscopy, the present
invention provides superior results and higher signal to
noise ratio when using other forms of electromagnetic
radiation such as for example mid-infrared radiation, radio
wave impedance, photoacoustic spectroscopy, Raman
spectroscopy, visible spectroscopy, ultraviolet
spectroscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy, scattering
spectroscopy and optical rotation of polarized light as
well as other techniques such as fluorescent (including
Maillard reaction, light induced fluorescence' and induction
of glucose fluorescence by ultraviolet light),
colorimetric, refractive index, light reflection, thermal
gradient, Attenuated Total Internal Reflection, molecular
imprinting, and the like. A sensor adapted to capture
thermal energy at the BTE (Brain Thermal Energy) tunnel
site provides optimal means for measurement of biological
parameters using electromagnetic devices. The BTE tunnel is
the physical equivalent to the physiologic BTT and is used
herein to characterize the physics of the tunnel. The

geometry and dimension on the skin surface are the same for
the BTT and BTE tunnel.
The following characteristics of the BTE tunnel allow
optimal signal acquisition. Skin at the end of the BTE
tunnel is thin. With a thick s-kin radiation may fail to
penetrate and reach the substance to be measured. Skin at
the BTE tunnel is homogenous with constant thickness along
its entire surface. Random thickness of skin as occurs in
other skin areas prevent achieving the precision needed.
The BTE tunnel has no fat. The intensity of the reflected
or transmitted signal can vary drastically from patient to
patient depending on the individual physical
characteristics such as the amount of fat. A blood vessel
in the end of the BTE is superficial, terminal and void of
thermoregulatory shunts. In other parts of the skin the
deep blood vessels are located deep and vary greatly in
position and depth from person to person. The BTE tunnel
has no light scattering elements covering its end such as
bone, cartilage and the like. Thermal radiation does not
have to go through cartilage or bone to reach the substance
to be measured. The end of the BTE tunnel on the skin has a
special but fixed geometry and is well demarcated by
permanent anatomic landmarks. In other skin surfaces of the
body, inconsistency in the location of the source and

detector can be an important source of error and
variability
Far-infrared radiation spectroscopy measures natural
thermal emissions after said emissions interact and are
absorbed by the substance being measured. The present
invention provides a thermally stable medium, insignificant
number of interfering constituents, and a thin skin is the
only structure to be traversed by the thermal emissions
from the BTE tunnel before- reaching the detector. Thus
there is high accuracy and precision when converting the
thermal energy emitted by the BTE tunnel into concentration
of the substance being measured.
The natural spectral emission by BTE tunnel changes
according to the presence and concentration of chemical
substances. The far-infrared thermal radiation emitted
follow Planck's Law and the predicted amount of thermal
radiation can be calculated. Reference intensity is
calculated by measuring thermal energy absorption outside
the substance of interest band. The thermal energy
absorption in the band of substance of interest can be
determined via spectroscopic means by comparing the
measured and predicted values at the BTE tunnel site. The
signal is then converted to concentration of the substance

measured according to the amount of thermal energy
absorbed.
A sensor adapted to view the BTE tunnel provides means
for measuring a substance of interest using natural brain
far-infrared emissions emitted at the BTE tunnel site and
for applying Beer-Lambert's law in-vivo. Spectral radiation
of infrared energy from the surface of the BTE tunnel site
corresponds to spectral information of chemical substances.
These thermal emissions irradiated at 38 degrees Celsius
can include the 4,000 to 14,000 nm wavelength range. For
example, glucose strongly absorbs light around the 9,400 nm
band. When far-infrared thermal radiation is emitted at the
BTE tunnel site, glucose will absorb part of the radiation
corresponding to its band of absorption. Absorption of the
thermal energy by glucose bands is related in a linear
fashion to blood glucose concentration in the thermally
sealed and thermally stable environment present in the BTS
tunnel.
The support structure includes at least one radiation
source from infrared to visible light which interacts with
the substance being measured at the BTE tunnel and a
detector for collecting the resulting radiation.
The present invention provides method for measuring
biological parameters comprising the steps of measuring

infrared thermal radiation at the BTE tunnel site,
producing output electrical signals representative of the
intensity of the radiation, converting the resulting input,
and sending the converted input to a processor. The
processor is adapted to provide the necessary analysis of
the signal to determine the concentration of the substance
measured and for displaying the results.
The present invention includes means for directing
preferably near-infrared energy into the surface of the
skin at the end of the BTE tunnel, means for analyzing and
converting the reflectance or back scattered spectrun into
the concentration of the substance measured and support
structure for positioning the light source and detector
device adjacent to the surface of the skin at the BTE
tunnel site.
The present invention also provides methods for
determining the concentration of a substance with said
methods including the steps of directing electromagnetic
radiation such as near-infrared at the skin at the BTE
tunnel site, detecting the near-infrared energy radiated
from said skin at the BTE tunnel site, taking the resulting
spectra and providing an electrical signal upon detection,
processing the signal and reporting concentration of the.
substance of interest according to said signal. The

invention also includes device and methods for positioning
the light sources and detectors in stable position and with
stable pressure and temperature in relation to the surface
to which radiation is directed to and received from.
The present invention further includes devices for
directing infrared energy through the nose using medial
canthal pads, devices for positioning radiation source and
detector diametrically opposed to each other, and devices
for analyzing and converting the transmitted resulting
spectrum into the concentration of the substance measured.
The present invention also provides methods for measuring
biological parameters with said methods including the steps
of directing electromagnetic radiation such as near-
infrared through the nose using medial canthal pads,
collecting the near-infrared energy radiated from said
nose, taking the resulting spectra and providing an
electrical signal upon detection, processing the signal and
reporting concentration of the substance measured according
to said signal. The invention also includes means and
methods for positioning the radiation sources and detectors
in a stable position and with stable pressure and
temperature in relation to the surface to which radiation
is directed through.

The present invention yet includes devices for
collecting natural far-infrared thermal radiation from the
BTE tunnel, devices for positioning a radiation collector
to receive said radiation, and devices for converting the
collected radiation from the BTE tunnel into the
concentration of the substance measured. The present
invention also provides methods for measuring biological
parameters with said methods including the steps of using
the natural far-infrared thermal emission from the BTE
tunnel as the resulting radiation for measuring the
substance of interest, collecting the resulting radiation
spectra, providing an electrical signal upon detection,
processing the signal and reporting the concentration of
the substance measured according to said signal.
A drug dispensing system including an infusion pump
can be activated according to the level of the substance
measured at the BTE tunnel, for example" insulin can be
injected automatically as needed to normalize glucose
levels as an artificial pancreas.
Any substance present in blood which is capable of
being analyzed by electromagnetic devices can be measured
at the BTE tunnel. For example but not by way of limitation
such substances can include exogenous chemicals such as
drugs and alcohol as well as endogenous chemicals such as

glucose, oxygen, lactic acid, cholesterol, bicarbonate,
hormones, glutamate, urea, fatty acids, triglycerides,
proteins, creatinine, aminoacids and the like. Values such
as pH can also be calculated as pH can be related to light
absorption using reflectance spectroscopy.
In accordance with FIG. 35 a schematic view of one
preferred reflectance measuring apparatus of the present
invention is shown. PIG. 35 shows a light source 420 such
as an infrared LED and a photodetector 422 located side-by
side and disposed within support structure 426 such as a
medial canthal pad or modified nose pads of eyeglasses
directing radiation 424 at the BTE tunnel 430 with said
light source 420 laying in apposition to the skin 428 at
the BTE tunnel 430. The light source 420 delivers the
radiation 424 to the skin 428 at the BTE tunnel which is
partially absorbed according to the interaction with the
substance 432 being measured resulting in attenuated
radiation 425. Part of the radiation 424 is then absorbed
by the substance 432 and the resulting radiation 425
emitted from BTE tunnel 430 is collected by the
photodetector 422 and converted by a processor into the
blood concentration of the substance 432. Thin skin 428 is
the only tissue interposed between radiation 424, 425 and
the substance 432 being measured. The concentration of the

substance 432 is accomplished by detecting the magnitude of
light attenuation collected which is caused by the
absorption signature of the substance being measured.
Infrared LEDs (wavelength-specific LEDs) are the
preferred light source for this embodiment because they can
emit light of known intensity and wavelength, are very
small in size, low-cost, and the light can be precisely
delivered to the site. The light source 420 emits
preferably at least one near-infrared wavelength, but
alternatively a plurality of different wavelengths can be
used. The -light source emits radiation 424, preferably
between 750 and 3000 nm, including a wavelength typical of
the absorption spectrum for the substance 432 being
measured. The preferred photodetector includes a
semiconductor photodiode with a 400 micron diameter
photosensitive area coupled to an amplifier as an
integrated circuit.
FIG. 36 shows a schematic view of a person 100 wearing
a support structure 43 4 and light source 436 and detector
438 adapted to measure biological parameters using spectral
transmission device. The light source 436 and photodetector
438 are positioned diametrically opposed to each other so
that the output of the radiation source 436 goes through
the nasal interface 442 containing the substance 440 being

measured before being received by the detector 438.
Photodetector 438 collects the resulting transmitted
radiation which was directed through the nasal interface
442. A variety of LEDs and optical fibers disposed within
the support structure 43 4 such as the medial canthal pads,
nose pads and frames of eyeglasses are preferably used as a
light delivery for the light source 436 and the light
detector 438.
Arms. of support structures 434 such as medial canthal
pads are moveable, and can be adjusted into different
positions for creating a fixed or changeable optical path.
Preferred substances measured include oxygen and glucose.
The brain maintains constant blood flow, whereas flow in
extremities change according to cardiac output and ambient
conditions. The oxygen levels found in the physiologic
tunnel reflects central oxygenation. The oxygen monitoring
in a physiologic tunnel is representative of the general
hemodynamic state of the body. Many critical conditions
such as sepsis (disseminated infection) or heart problems
which alter perfusion in most of the body can be monitored.
Oxygen in the BTE tunnel can continuously monitor perfusion
and detect early hemodynamic changes.
FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
preferred embodiment of the present invention using thermal

emission from the BTE tunnel. FIG 37 shows a support
structure 450 housing a thermal infrared detector 444 which
has a. filter 446 and a sensing element 443 with said
sensing element 448 being preferably a thermopile and
responding to thermal infrared radiation 452 naturally
emitted by the BTE tunnel 454. The support structure 450 is
adapted to have sensing device 448 with a field of view
that corresponds to the geometry and dimension of the skin
462 at the end of the BTE tunnel 4S4. Support structure 450
provides walls 456, 458 which are in contact with the skin
462 with said walls creating a cavity 460 which contains
thermal radiation 453 which has already passed through thin
skin 462.
For example in the thermally sealed and thermally
stable environment in the BTE tunnel 454, at 38° Celsius
spectral radiation 453 emitted as 9,400 nm band is absorbed
by glucose in a linear fashion according to the amount of
the concentration of glucose due to the carbon-oxygen-
carbon bond in the pyrane ring present in the glucose
molecule. The resulting radiation 453 is the thermal
emission 4 52 minus the absorbed radiation by the substance
464. The resulting radiation 453 enters the infrared
detector 444 which generates an electrical signal
corresponding to the spectral characteristic and intensity

of said resulting radiation 453. The resulting radiation
453 is then converted into the concentration of the
substance 464 according to the amount of thermal energy
absorbed in relation to the reference intensity absorption
outside the substance 464 band.
The same principles disclosed in the present invention
can be used for near-infrared transmission measurements as
well as for continuous wave tissue oximeters, evaluation of
hematocrit, blood cells and other blood components. The
substance measured can be endogenous such as glucose or
exogenous such as alcohol and drugs including
photosensitizing drugs.
Numerous support structures can position sensors at
the BTT site for measuring biological parameters.
Accordingly, FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of an
alternative embodiment showing a person 100 using head
mounted gear 470 as a support structure positioning with
wires 478 and sensor 476 on the skin at the BTT site. A
microelectronic package 472 containing transmitting means,
processing means, and power source is disposed within or
mounted on head band 470, with said head band 470 providing
wire 478 from microelectronic package 472 for connection
with sensing device 476 on the skin at the BTT site.

It is understood that the sensing device can be an
integral part of the support structure or be connected to
any support structures such as using conventional
fasteners including screw, pins, a clip, a tongue-groove
relationship, interlocking pieces, direct attachment,
adhesives, mechanical joining, and. the like; and said
support structures include patches, clips, eyeglasses, head
mounted gear, and the like.
Various means to provide electrical energy to the
sensing system were disclosed. The BTE tunnel offers yet a
new way for natural generation of electrical energy.
Accordingly, FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a preferred
embodiment for generating thermoelectric energy from the
BTE tunnel to power the sensing system. The generator of
the invention converts heat from the tunnel into
electricity needed to power the system. A thermoelectric
module is integrated into the support structure to power
the sensing system. The thermoelectric module preferably
includes a thermopile or a thermocouple which comprises
dissimilar metallic wires forming a junction. As heat moves
from the tunnel through the thermoelectric module an
electric current is generated. Since the BTE tunnel is
surrounded by cold regions, the Seebeck effect can provide,
means for generating power by inducing electromotive force

(emf) in the presence of a temperature gradient due to
distribution of electric charges at the surface, and
interface of the thermoelectric circuit generated by the
temperature at the BTE tunnel.
Accordingly, FIG. 39 shows the junctions Tl and T2 of
metallic wire A 470 and metallic wire B 472 kept at
different temperatures by placing junction Tl at the main
entry point of the tunnel and junction T2 in a cold area
such as the nose bridge (denoted in blue or purple in FIG.
1B, and referred herein as blue-purple nose). Metallic
wires A 470 and B 472 are made of different materials and
electric current flows from the hot to the cold region due
to the thermal gradient with a magnitude given by the ratio
of the thermoelectric potential. The potential U is given
by U = (Qa - Q b) * ( T1 - T 2), where Qa and Q b denote the
Seebeck coefficient (thermoelectric power) of metal A and
metal B2 and T1 denotes temperature at the entry point of
the BTE tunnel and T 2 denotes temperature at the blue-
purple nose. The thermoelectric potential generated can
power the sensing system and a capacitor 474 inserted into
the system can be used to collect and store the energy and
MCU 476 is adapted to control the delivery of energy as
needed for measuring, processing and transmitting the
signal.

It is understood that other means to convert thermal
energy from the BTE tunnel into electricity can be used. It
is also understood that the surface of the eye and caruncle
in the eye can provide a thermal gradient and Seebeck
effect, however it is much less desirable than using the
skin at the end of the BTE tunnel since hardware and wires
touching the surface of the eye and/or coming out of the
eye can be quite uncomfortable and cause infection. It is
yet understood that the cold end can include any relatively
cold article including the frame of the glasses as well as
the air.
Contrary to that numerous support structures disclosed
in the present invention including eyeglasses can easily be
adapted to provide in an unobtrusive manner the power
generating system of the invention, for example by using a
support structure such as eyeglasses for positioning the
hot junction at the BTE site using medial canthal pads and
positioning the cold junction on the nose using regular
nose pads of eyeglasses. It is also understood that
although the power generating system using Brain Thermal
Energy was designed for powering the sensing system of the
present invention, any other electrical device could be
adapted to be supplied with energy derived from the Braid
Thermal Energy tunnel.

Additional embodiments include support structures to
position the sensor at the BTT site of animals. Many useful
applications can be achieved, including enhancing
artificial insemination for mammalian species by detecting
moment of ovulation, monitoring - herd health by' continuous
monitoring of brain temperature, detection of parturition
and the like.
Accordingly, FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a
preferred embodiment showing an animal 101 with sensor 480
positioned at the BTT site with wire 482 connecting sensor
480 with a microelectronic, package 484 containing a
transmitting device, a- processing device, and power source
in the eyelid pocket 486 of animal 101. Signal from
microelectronic package 484 is preferably transmitted as
radio waves 489. The signal from the transmitter in package
484 can be conveyed to a GPS collar allowing the
identification of the animal having a 'high temperature
associated with the localization of said animal by GPS
means. Whenever there is an increase in brain temperature
identified by the sensing device 480, the signal. of high
temperature activates ' the GPS collar to provide the
localization of the affected animal. Alternatively the
remote radio station receiving waves 48 9 activate the GPS
system when the abnormal signal is received. In this case,

the transmitter in package 484 only sends the signal to the
remote station, but not to the GPS collar.
FIG. 41A is a perspective view of a portable support
structure 490 positioning sensor 492 in contact with the
skin 494 at the BTT site -for measuring biological
parameters. Support structure 490 incorporated as a
thermometer with a contact sensor 492 is held by a second
person 17 for positioning the sensor 492 on the skin 494
and performing the measurement. FIG. 41B is a perspective
view of a portable support structure 496 with walls 500
positioning non-contact sensor 498 such as a thermopile
with a field of view that matches in total or in part the
geometry and dimension of the skin area at the end of the
BTT. Support structure 496 incorporated as an infrared
thermometer is held by a second person 105 for positioning
the sensor 498 and measuring biological parameters.
Although it is understood that pointing an infrared
detector to the BTT site can be used in accordance with the
invention, the temperature measured is not as clinically
useful because of the ambient temperature. Therefore, the
support structure 496 contains walls 500 that create a
confined environment for thermal radiation to reach sensor
498 from the skin over the tunnel. Walls 500 of the support-
structure are adapted to match the geometry of the tunnel

and to provide a cavity 499 with the boundaries consisting
of the sensor surface 492 and the skin area 493 viewed by
said sensor 498, in a similar manner as described for FIG.
37.
Now, with reference to FIGs. 42A and 42B, FIG. 42A is
a schematic diagram showing the support structure 496, also
referred to herein as a housing, a window 502 and radiation
sensor 504 contained in the housing 496 and an extension
510 secured to the housing adapted for temperature
measurement at the BTT area. In a preferred embodiment, the
extension 510 has walls 500 and is substantially conical in
shape and secured to a. housing 496 adapted to be held by a
hand 105 as shown in FIG. 41B. To measure the temperature,
a user 105 positions the extension 510 adjacent to the BTT
site such that the walls 500 of the extension 510 lie on'
the skin at the BTT area and the radiation sensor 504 views
the BTT area. FIG. 42B is a schematic view showing the
walls 500 of extension 510 creating a cavity 499 wherein
thermal radiation 506 emitted from the skin 508 at the BTT
area 518 is received by the radiation sensor 504. BTT area
506 is surrounded by the thick skin and fat in non-BTT
areas 512. BTT temperature measurements are obtained from
the output of the radiation sensor 504 contained in the
housing 496. Electronics 514 within the housing 496 convert

the received radiation to a temperature level which is
displayed on a housing display 516 as illustratively shown
in FIG. 41B.
The radiation sensor 504 views at least a portion of
the BTT surface skin area 508 through an infrared
radiation transparent window 502 and detect infrared
radiation 506 from the BTT skin surface 508. The radiation
sensor 504 is preferably a thermopile, but other radiation
sensors may also be used such as pyroelectric detectors or
any other radiation sensors that detect heat flux from the
surface being evaluated. Exemplary window 502 materials
include silicon and germanium. The sensor 504 is preferably
mounted in an extension 510 which is shaped to match the
dimension and geometry of the BTT area 508. The extension
510 can easily be positioned such that only the skin area
508 at the end of the BTT 518 may be viewed by the
radiation sensor 504 wherein the skin area 508 is at
substantially the same temperature as the brain
temperature. Once in a position for the sensor 504 to view
the BTT skin area 508, a button 522 is pressed to begin a
measurement and the processing 514 within the housing 496
determines the brain temperature and display the value in a
liquid crystal display 516 coupled to a sound device 524
for emitting an audio signal. A disposable cover may be

used to cover any part of the apparatus in contact with the
skin.
Although the temperature at the end of the BTT is
substantially equivalent to the brain temperature based on
the temperature of the cavernous- sinus and cerebral blood,
a variety of mathematical calculations and means can be
used to determine the temperature at the BTT area including
arterial heat balance, venous heat balance, and ambient
temperature. It is understood that the BTT detector can
contain a sensor for measuring ambient temperature and"said
measured ambient temperature be used for calculating
temperature of the subject.
The temperature at the BTT area can be used as a
reference for adjusting measurement acquired in other parts
of the body outside the BTT area. The electrical equivalent
of the BTT tunnel is an area of high voltage but low
current, in which the voltage representing the temperature
is virtually equal at the two ends of the tunnel.
The high perfusion in the end of the BTT keeps a high
temperature at the skin at the end of said end of the BTT.
The present invention also provides a method for
detecting body temperature including the steps of providing
a temperature detector positioned adjacent to the BTT
during temperature detection and determining the

temperature based on the radiation sensed at the BTT area.
It is understood that the detector can remain in one
position or move around the BTT area to identify the
surface with the highest temperature.
A further method of detecting body temperature
includes the steps of scanning a temperature detector
across the BTT area and other areas in the head or in the
contra-lateral BTT area and selecting the highest
temperature, preferably selecting the highest temperature
by scanning the right and the left BTT areas with the
processor in the BTT detector determining and selecting the
highest temperature.
Another method for identifying the highest temperature
point in the BTT area can be found by scanning a radiation
detector over the BTT area and having a processor adapted
to select the highest reading and indicate that with an
audio signal. The temperature detector 20 provides an
audible beep with each peak reading.
FIG. 43A to 43C are diagrams showing preferred
embodiments for the diameter of the cone extension 510 at
the end of the housing 496 in contact with the skin 508 at
the BTT site 518. It is understood that although any shape
can be used for the extension, the extension takes
preferably the form of a cone with a radiation sensor

positioned to view the BTT area. The cup 520 has an outer
diameter at its end which is equal to or less than the BTT
area. In FIG. 43A, for the radiation sensor 504 viewing
the general area of the BTT site 508 the preferred outer
diameter of the end 524 of the cup 520 is equal to or less
than 13 mm. In FIG. 43B for the radiation sensor 504
viewing the general main entry point of the BTT site 508
the preferred outer diameter of the end 524 of the cup is
equal to or less than 8 mm. In FIG. 43C, for the radiation
sensor 504 viewing the main entry point the preferred outer
diameter of the end 524 of the cup 520 is equal to or less
than 5 mm. It is understood that although the preferred
geometry of the radiation sensor and extension is round and
has a substantially conical shape, any other shape of the
radiation senor and/or extension can be used including
oval, square, rectangular, and the like. It is understood
that the diameter and geometry is preferably chosen to
match the geometry of the BTT area. It is also understood
that the dimension of the sensor 504 is adapted to match
the dimension of the cup 520 to the viewing area of the
skin 508.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, the extension is adapted to fit on top of the
eyelids. The portion of the extension 510 of the housing

496 in contact with the skin 508 can also have an inner
concave surface that matches the eyelid contour.
Alternatively, the portion of the conical extension 510 in
contact with the skin 508 can have a convex surface to
match the. medial canthal area - and upper lid above the
medial corner of the eye.
It is also understood that the dimensions for
pediatric use are about two thirds of the dimension for
adult size, or even half or less than half of adult size
especially in small children. Accordingly, the preferred
sizes of the outer diameter of the extension for children
are: for the radiation sensor viewing the general area the
preferred outer diameter of the extension is equal to or
less than 9 mm for viewing the general area of the BTT,
equal to or less than 6 mm for viewing the general main
entry point of the BTT, and equal to or less than 4 mm for
viewing the main entry point of the BTT.
Besides the preferred round shape for the end 524 of
extension 510, FIGs. 44A and 44B shows alternative
geometries and shapes of end 524 extension 510 for non-
contact sensor with said sensor viewing at least a portion
of the BTT area next to the corner 528 of the eye 526. In
FIG. 44A, the outer shape of the end 524 of extension 510
is shown as an oval shape. FIG. 44B shows an elliptical,

banana or- half moon shape of end 524 of extension 510 for
viewing the medial canthal area and the upper eye lid area.
FIGs. 45A and 45B shows exemplary geometries and
shapes for a support structure containing a contact sensor
with said sensor positioned on the skin at the BTT area.
FIG. 45 is a schematic frontal view showing a temperature
sensor 530 in the shape of a rod contained in a patch 532
and positioned vertically on the BTT area 534 next to the
corner of the eye 538 and nose 537 with a cord 536
extending from the distal end of the sensor 530. FIG. 45B
is a side view of FIG. 45A showing sensor 530 with cord 536
contained in patch 532 next to the eye 539. A sensor is
placed centrally in the patch, wherein the patch measures
less than 11 mm in diameter.
FIGs. 46A to 46D shows exemplary geometries and shapes
for medial canthal pads or modified nose pads and their
relation to the medial corner of the eye.'FIG. 46A, shows a
frontal view of a modified nose pad 540 containing a sensor
542 located centrally in said nose pad 540 wherein the
sensor 542 is positioned on the skin at the BTT area next
to the corner of the eye 544 and nose 546. FIGS. 46B is a
side view showing the eye 545 and nose 546 and the modified
nose pad 540 with the sensor 542 positioned at the BTT
site. FIG. 46C show a frontal view of a modified nose pad

550 having a sensor 552 located in its outer edge and
positioned on the skin area at the BTT site next to the
corner of the eye 554 and nose 556. FIG. 46D is a side view
showing the eye 555 and nose 556 and the modified nose pad
550 with the sensor 552 positioned at the BTT site.
It is understood that although an extension is the
preferred embodiment with the sensor not contacting the
skin, an infrared sensor probe adapted to touch the skin at
the BTT area can also be used.
Now in reference to the thermal imaging systems of the
present invention, FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram
showing a preferred embodiment of the infrared imaging
system of the present invention. FIG. 47 shows a BTT
ThermoScan 560 comprising a camera 562, a microprocessor.
564, a display 566, and a power source 568. The system
further includes proprietary software and software
customized for the precise measurement and mapping of the
BTT area. The BTT ThermoScan 560 includes a camera 562 with
a lens 574, an optical system 572 that can contain mirrors,
filters and lenses for optimizing image acquisition, and a
photodetector 570, also referred to herein as a radiation
sensor or a radiation detector, to quantify and record the
energy flux in the far infrared range. The display unit 566
displays the thermal image of the BTT being viewed by the

lens 574 in the camera. Radiation detector materials known
in the art can be used in the photodetector 570 including
alloys of indium-antimonide, mercury-cadmiun-telluride,
Copper doped Germanium, Platinum Silicide, Barium Strontium
Titanate, and the like.
The infrared radiation detector converts the incident
radiation that includes the BTT area into electrical energy
which is amplified. The detector 570 is responsive to
infrared radiation to provide an output signal and discrete
points related to the intensity of the thermal energy
received from the BTT area and the surrounding area around
the BTT area.
The discrete points are imaged and each point source
must have enough energy to excite the radiation detector
material to release electrons. Any point size can be used,
but preferably with a size between 1 and 2 mm in diameter.
When using an angle of 1.3 mrads, the BTT ThermoScan can
capture an instantaneous image from a point size of
approximately 1 mm diameter at a distance of 1 m from the
detector. It is understood that any spatial resolution for
optimal capturing of the BTT image can be used, but it is
preferably between 1.0 and 1.6 mrad. The camera 562 of the
BTT ThermoScan 560 has a field of view adapted to view the
BTT area. Discrete points are further converted into an

image of the face that includes the BTT area in the medial
corner of the eye and upper eyelid. The screening function
of the BTT ThermoScan is based on the temperature at the
BTT area, either absolute temperature or the differential
temperature of the BTT area in relation to a reference.
The electrical response to the thermal radiation can
be displayed on the monitor as intensity, with a strong
signal producing a bright (white) point as seen in FIG. 1A
with said, white point being representative of the highest
radiant energy from the source. In FIG. 1A the source is
the human face and the highest intensity of radiation is
found in the BTT area. Calibration of the display screen
result in a continuum shades of gray, from black (0
isotherm) to bright white (1 isotherm). Each point is
digitally stored for further processing and analysis.
It is understood that a variety of lenses, prisms,
filters, Fresnel lenses, and the like known in the art can
be used to change the angle of view or optimize signal
acquisition and capture of thermal energy flux from the
face and the BTT area. The lens of the BTT ThermoScan 560
is preferably perpendicular to the plane of the human face
or of the BTT area being viewed.
The radiation detector material in the BTT ThermoScan
560 is preferably sensitive to radiation with wavelength

ranging from 8 to 12 µm. The BTT ThermoScan 560 has a
temperature span set between 2 to 5 degrees Celsius and is
extremely sensitive and adapted to discern temperatures to
within 0.008 degrees Celsius to 0.02 at a range of 1 meter.
Temperature measurements can be -based on radiometric means
with built-in electronics or by differential using a
reference such as a black body. Although the system can be
uncooled, to maximize the efficiency of the detector and
achieve an optimum signal to noise ratio the detector can
be cooled using solid state means, liquid nitrogen,
evaporation of compressed argon gas, piezoelectric
components, and the like.
Many radiation detectors capable of detecting infrared
waves are being developed including silicon based, solid
state systems, and microbolometers, and all said systems
new or to be developed in the future can be used in the
apparatus of the present invention to detect thermal
radiation from the BTT with the display of a corresponding
image of the BTT in a monitor.
An exemplary infrared detector system includes a
microbolometer which is fabricated on silicon substrates or
integrated circuits containing temperature sensitive
resistive material that absorbs infrared radiation, such as
vanadium oxide. The incident infrared radiation from the

BTT area is absorbed by the microbolometer producing a
corresponding change in the resistance and temperature.
Each microbolometer functions as a pixel and the changes in
electrical resistance generate an electrical signal
corresponding to thermal radiation from the BTT area that
can be displayed in a screen of a computer.
The display of the image of the BTT is the preferred
embodiment of the invention, but the present invention can
be implemented without display of an image. Radiation
coming from the BTT can be acquired by the radiation
sensors aforementioned and the temperature of the BTT area
can be calculated based on the electrical signal generated
by the radiation sensor using a reference. Any means to
detect thermal radiation and/or temperature from the BTT
area can be used in accordance with the principles of the
invention.
Besides the. easy manipulation of temperature at the
skin level outside the BTT area, significantly lower
temperatures are found in the areas outside the BTT as
shown in the image on the screen, and depicted in the
photos of FIG. 1A and 1B. The lower and more unstable
temperature outside the BTT area results in generating a
non-clinically significant temperature level or thermal

image when said areas outside the BTT are used for sensing
thermal radiation and/or measuring temperature.
It is understood that a variety of signal conditioning
and processing can be used to match the temperature areas
outside the BTT area to a value that corresponds to the BTT
area, and those methods also fall in the scope of the
invention. Image outside the BTT area as seen more like a
blur compared to the BTT area and superimposition of images
that include the BTT area can also be used for achieving
'higher level of accuracy during temperature measurements.
Comparing a radiation pattern outside the BTT area with the
BTT area without necessarily creating an image of the BTT
area can also be used for accurate and precise temperature
measurement and evaluation of the thermal status of the
body in accordance with the principles of the invention.
Any method or device used for temperature evaluation or
evaluation of the thermal status that is based on the
temperature level or thermal radiation present in the BTT
area by generating or not generating an image falls within
the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 48 is a schematic view showing the thermal
imaging system 560 of the present invention adapted to be
used in an airport 580 including an infrared camera 582, a
processor 584, and a display 586 which are mounted in a

support structure 588 at an airport 580. Camera 582 scans
the BTT area present in the medial corner of the eye 590 in
a human face 591 and provides an output signal to a signal
processor 584. The output signal is an electronic signal
which is related to the characteristic of the thermal
infrared energy of the BTT 590 in the human face 591 when
people 592, 593 walking by look at or are viewed by the
camera 582. The processor 584 processes the output signal
so that an image of the BTT area 594 can be formed by the
display 586 such as a computer monitor.
Exemplarily, passenger 592 is looking at the camera
582 for sensing the thermal radiation from the BTT area
590, with said passenger 582 holding his/her eyeglasses
since for the camera 582 to precisely view the BTT area 590
the eyeglasses have to be removed. If someone goes by the
camera 5 82 without a thermal image of the BTT 5 90 being
acquired an alarm will be activated. Likewise, if someone
has a temperature disturbance an alert indicative of said
temperature disturbance is activated.
FIG. 4 9 is a schematic view showing the thermal
imaging system 560 of the present invention adapted to be
used in any facility that has a gathering of people such as
a movie theater, a convention, stadium, a concert, a trade
show, schools, and the like. In FIG. 49 the infrared camera

596 of the BTT Thermoscan 560 is located at the entrance of
the aforementioned facilities and while people 598 show
their identification or ticket to an agent 602 , the BTT
ThermoScan 560 scans the side of the face of the people 598
to capture a thermal image 60 0 and temperature at the BTT
tunnel which is displayed in a remote computer display 604.
The camera 596 has adjustable height and a tracking system
to track the heat, and therefore said camera 596 can
position itself for sensing thermal radiation from people
598 at different distances and of different height. It is
also understood that the BTT Thermoscan 560 can be used in
any facility including optical stores for adjusting
positioning of sensors in eyeglasses.
A facility that is of strategic importance such as a
government building, military bases, courts, certain
factories and the like can also benefit from screening for
temperature disturbances. As shown in FIG. 50, a guard 606
is standing by an infrared detector camera 608 for sensing
thermal radiation from the BTT area and preferably
including a card slot 610 in its housing 612. Although a
guard 606 is shown, the BTT ThermoScan of the present
invention can work in an unguarded entrance. In this
embodiment the BTT thermal image 560 works as a key to
automatically open a door 614. Accordingly, employee 616

scan her Company Identification card in the slot 610 which
then prompts the user to look at the camera 608 for
capturing the thermal image of the BTT area. If the
temperature of the BTT is within acceptable limits, the
processor of the ThermoScan 608 is adapted to open the door
614. If the BTT temperature shows fever indicating a
possible infection the employee is directed to a nurse.
This will greatly help safety procedures in facilities
dealing with food products in which one employee having a
contagious disease can contaminate the whole lot of food
products.
FIG. 51 is a schematic view of another embodiment of
the present invention to monitor temperature disturbances
during physical' activity such as sports events, military
training, and the like, showing infrared thermal detector
620 sensing thermal radiation 622 from an athlete 624. The
infrared thermal detector 620 includes a detector head 626
which contains an infrared sensor 628, a digital camera,
630 and a set of lights, red 632, yellow 634 and green 636
indicating the thermal status of the athlete with the red
light 632 indicating temperature that can reduce safety or
performance of the athlete, a red light 632 flashing that
indicates temperature outside safe levels, a yellow light
634 indicating borderline temperature, a green light 636

indicating safe temperature levels, and a green light 636
flashing indicating optimum thermal status for enhancing
performance. The infrared sensor 628 detects the thermal
radiation 622 and if the red light 632 is activated the
digital camera 626 takes a picture of the scene to identify
the number of the athlete at risk, for heatstroke or heat
illness. The infrared detector 620 further includes a
processor 638 to process and a transmitter 640 to transmit
the signal wired or wirelessly. It is understood that a
wider field of view can be implemented with multiple BTT
signals being acquired simultaneously as shown by BTT
radiation from a second athlete 642 being sensed by the
infrared detector head 626.
Now referring to FIG. 52A, the BTT ThermoScan of this
embodiment preferably includes a micro solid state infrared
detector 650 which is mounted on. a visor 652 of a vehicle
654 for sensing thermal radiation from the BTT of a driver
656 and of ambient radiation monitored by processor 658
mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle to determine
whether the driver 656 is at risk of temperature
disturbance (hyperthermia or hypothermia) which hampers
mental and physical function and can lead to accidents. In
addition the temperature at the BTT site of the driver 656
can be used for automated climate control and seat

temperature control of vehicle 654. When the image of the
BTT site indicates high body temperature the air
conditioner is automatically activated.
FIG. 52B is a representation of an image generated by
the detector 650 showing the BTT area 660 on a display 662.
FIG. 48 is a representation of an illustrative image
generated with the infrared imaging system of the present
invention. FIG. 52B shows a frontal view of the human face
and the BTT area 660 displayed on a screen 662 as well as
the other areas outside the BTT area present in the human
face such as forehead 664, nose 666, and cheeks 668. Please
note that FIG. 1B shows an actual photo of the geometry of
the general entry point of the BTT displayed on a screen
and FIG. 4A shows a side view of the human face and of the
BTT area displayed on a screen.
FIG. 53 shows an illustrative method of the present
invention represented in a flowchart. It is to be
understood that the method may be accomplished using
various signal processing and conditioning with various
hardware, firmware, and software configurations, so the
steps described herein are by way of illustration only, and
not to limit the scope of the invention. The preferred
embodiment includes detecting thermal radiation from a
source that includes at least a portion of the BTT area

(step 670) . At step 672 an image from a radiation source
that includes at least a portion of the BTT area is
generated. At step 674 the image generated at step 672 is
displayed. Step 676 identifies temperature levels from the
image displayed at step 674. Step 678 determines whether
the temperature identified at step 676 matches a
temperature target. The temperature target can be
indicative of a temperature disturbance or indicative of
the need to change the climate control level of the
vehicle. Considering a temperature disturbance, if yes and
there is a match between the detected temperature at the
BTT and the stored target temperature, then an alarm is
activated at step 680 informing the subject of the
temperature disturbance (e.g., fever, hyperthermia, and
hypothermia) and processing continues at step 670. If
there is. no match, step 678 proceeds to the next operation
at step 670.
To enhance the image generated by the BTT ThermoScan,
the method further includes aligning the BTT area with the
field of view of the infrared detector and by removing
eyeglasses during thermal detection of the BTT area.
FIG. 54A is a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment showing a person 100 wearing a support structure
680 comprised of a patch with sensor 682 positioned on the

skin at the end of the tunnel and connected by a wire 684
to a helmet 68 6 which contains the decoding and processing
hardware 688, transmitter 702 and display unit 704.
Exemplary helmets include ones known in the art for the
practice of sports, military, firefighters, and the like.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 54B the support structure
includes eyewear 700 with a warning light 702 and sensor
710 of eyewear 700 connected by wire 704 to the head
mounted gear, such as a helmet 706. Sensor 710 has an arm
708 with, a spring mechanism 709 for positioning and
pressing the sensor 710 against the skin at the BTT area.
Now in reference to FIG 55, the temperature sensor 710
can be mounted on nose pieces 712 of masks 714, for example
a mask for firefighters. Wire 716 from mask 714 is mounted
in an insulated manner, such as being positioned within the
structure of mask 714 and air tube 718 that connects mask
714 to air pack 722. Wire 716 connects sensor 710 to radio
transmitter 720 located in the air pack 722. Alternatively,
wire 716 can be mounted external to the air tube 718. A
warning light 724 in the mask 714 alerts the firefighter
about high or low temperature.
FIG. 56A is a diagram showing a BTT entry point
detection system, which corresponds to the area with the
highest temperature in the surface of the body, including

temperature sensor 730, amplifier 732, processor 734, and
pager 736. Processor 734 is adapted to drive the pager 736
to emit a high frequency tone for a high temperature and a
low frequency tone for a low temperature. Scanning of the
BTT area with the sensor 730 allows precise localization of
the main entry point of the BTT, which corresponds to the
highest frequency tone generated during the scanning.
Another preferred embodiment for detection of the main
entry point of the BTT includes replacing a buzzer or pager
emitting sound or vibration by a light warning system.
Exemplarily, FIG. 56B shows a pen 740, a LED 738 mounted on
a board 746 and a LED 739 mounted on said pen 740, a sensor
750, and a processor 742. Wire 744 connects the pen 740 to
board 746. The processor 742 is adapted to activate light
738, 739, when during scanning the BTT area, the highest
temperature is found. By way of example, as shown in FIG.
56B, this pen 740 can be mounted on a board 746 next to a
shelf 748 where TempAlert thermometers 752 are sold,
allowing a customer to precisely locate the main entry
point of the BTT. Sensor 750 of pen 740 can be for example
a non-contact sensor (e.g., Thermopile) or a contact sensor
(e.g., Thermistor).
The detection of the main entry point of the BTT can
also be done automatically. Accordingly, FIG. 57 shows a 4

by 4 sensor array 760 placed at Che BTT. The sensor array
760 contains 16 temperature sensors, which measure the
temperature at the BTT site. Each temperature sensor Tl to
T16 in the array 760 provides a temperature output. Sensor
array 760 is connected to microprocessor 754 which is
adapted to identify the sensor in sensor array 760 with the
highest temperature output, which corresponds to the main
entry point of the tunnel. For example temperature sensor
T6 761 is identified as providing the highest temperature
output, then the temperature of sensor T6 is displayed. The
processor 754 continually searches for the highest
temperature output of sensor array 760 in an automated
manner and the highest temperature is continuously
displayed.
FIG. 58A is an alternative embodiment showing support
structure 758 comprised of a piece of silicone molded to
fit the BTT area with said support structure 758 containing
wire 769 and sensor 770 in its structure. FIG. 58B shows
the support structure 758 with sensor 770 positioned at the
BTT area 775 with wire 769 exiting the molded piece of
silicone structure 758 toward the forehead 773. Now
referring to FIG. 58C, support structure 758 can
alternatively include a multilayer structure comprised of a
Mylar surface 762, sensor 770 with wire 769, and silicone

piece 774 in the shape of a cup Chat encapsulates sensor
770, allowing proper and stable positioning of sensor 770
at the BTT area.
It is also an object of the invention to provide
methods and devices for treating and/or preventing
temperature disturbances. As shown in FIG. 2B the brain is
completely insulated on all sides with the exception at the
entrance of the BTT. The BTT is a thermal energy tunnel in
which thermal energy can flow in a bidirectional manner and
therefore heat can be removed from the brain or delivered
to the brain by externally placing a device at the entrance
of the BTT that either delivers heat or removes heat.
Accordingly, FIG. 59 shows the bidirectional flow of
thermal energy represented by arrows 780 carrying heat to
the brain and arrow 782 removing heat from the brain with
the distribution of heat to and from the brain 784
occurring via the thermal storage area 786, with said
thermal storage area shown in FIG. 2B in the center of the
brain. From the thermal storage area 786 the thermal energy
represented as hot or cold blood is distributed throughout
the brain tissue 784 by the blood vessels 788, for treating
and/or preventing hyperthermia (heatstroke) or hypothermia.
Accordingly, another object of this invention is to
provide a new and novel BTT thermal pad for the application

of cold or heat to the BTT area for cooling or heating the
brain.
A further object of this invention is to provide a new
and novel BTT thermal pad which covers the entrance of the
BTT area, which may extend to other areas of the face.
However, since the brain is insulated on all other sides
but at the BTT entrance, the cooling is only external and
does not reach the brain, which could be at "frying"
temperature despite the external cooling sensation.
Considering that, a preferred embodiment includes an
extended BTT thermal pad covering the face in which only
the BTT area is exposed to the cold and the remainder of
the extended BTT thermal pad covering the face is
insulated, preventing the warming up of the gel or ice
placed inside the bag. The BTT thermal pad container can
include a radiant heat-reflecting film over various
portions thereof, and an insulator over the same or other
portions and which together facilitate directional cooling.
Thus, only heat conducted by the BTT is absorbed as the BTT
is cooled.
The BTT thermal device applied to the BTT area
promotes selective brain cooling or selective brain heating
for treating hyperthermia and hypothermia respectively. The
brain, which is the most sensitive organ to thermally

induced damage, can be protected by applying heat via the
BTT during hypothermia or removing heat during
hyperthermia. The cooling or heating is selective 9ince the
temperature of the remaining body may not need to be
changed, this is particularly important when cooling the
brain for treating patients with stroke or any brain
damage. The majority of the brain tissue is water and the
removal or application of heat necessary to cool or heat
the brain can be precisely calculated using well known
formulas based on BTU (British thermal unit) . A BTU is the
amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound
of water 1 degree F, when a pound of water cools 1 F, it
releases 1 BTU.
The BTT thermal pad for therapeutic treatment of
excessive heat or excessive cold in the brain preferably
includes a bag having a substantially comma, banana, or
boomerang shape, with said bag in complete overlying
relationship with the entire entrance of the BTT, said bag
including an outer wall and an inner wall defining a sealed
cavity to be filled with ice, gel-like material, solid
material, and the like, for cooling or heating the BTT skin
area overlying the entrance of the BTT.
An exemplary brain cooling or brain heating device
includes hot and cold pad or pack adapted to fit and match

the special geometry of the entrance of the BTT and
comprising a preferably flexible and sealed pad and a gel
within said pad, said gel being comprised of a mixture of
water, a freezing point depressant selected from the group
consisting of propylene glycol, glycerine, and mixtures
thereof associated with other compounds such as sodium
polyacrylate, benzoate of soda, hydroxibenzoate, and
mixtures thereof and a thickening agent. Any other cooling
or heating device or chemical compounds and gels including
a combination of ammonium nitrate and water can be used as
cooling agent as well as heating agents such as a
combination of iron powder, water, activated carbon,
vermiculite, salt and Purge natural mineral powder. Those
compounds are commercially available from many vendors
(e.g., trade name ACE from Becton-Dickson).
FIG. 60A shows a diagrammatic view of a preferred dual
BTT thermal pad also referred to herein as BTT cold/hot
pack 790 located next to eye 798, 802 including a dual bag
system 792, 794 for both the right and left sides connected
by connector 796. FIG. 60B shows in more detail a
perspective view of the single bag BTT cold/hot pack device
810, represented by a device to be applied to the left-
side, comprising preferably a generally comma-shape,
boomerang-shape or banana-shape pad which is sealed in a

conventional fashion at its ends 812 to enclose a quantity
of a gel-like material 800 which fills the pad 814
sufficiently to enable said pad 814 to be closely conformed
to the special topography of the BTT area in the recess
between the eye and nose. FIG. 60C is an opposite
perspective view showing an extension 816 that conforms to
the recess at the BTT area of pad 814 containing gel 800.
The device is referred to herein as BTT cold/hot pad or BTT
cold/hot pack. Still in reference to FIG. 60C, perspective
view is shown of the BTT cold/heat pack device and which is
shown as being formed in a pillow-like configuration which
permits the molding of the BTT cold/heat pack into the BTT
area.
In use the BTT thermal pad would be put into a freezer
or other chilling device for use as a cold compress or
would be put into hot water to be used as a hot compress.
The BTT thermal pad preferably comprises a tough flexible
envelope of plastic material. The material within the BTT
thermal pad is preferably a gel which will maintain its
gel-like consistency over a wide range of temperatures.
There exist many gels which can be cooled to freezing and
which absorb heat during warmup. There are a number of
different types of such gels. Some of them freeze solid,
and some are flexible even at 0 degrees F. Cold packs such

as a frozen water-alcohol mixture can also be used.
Alternatively, a BTT thermal pad includes a bag having
inner and outer walls lined interiorly with plastic which
define a cavity to be filled with ice through an opening in
the bag. In this instance the bag is preferably sealed with
a rubber material.
Although flexible plastic is described as a preferred
material for containing the gel, it is understood that any
material or fabric can be used including vinyl, cotton,
rayon, rubber, thermoplastic, synthetic polymers, mixtures
of materials, and the like. The size and shape of the BTT
pad structure is adapted to fit the special anatomy of the
recess between eye and nose and for matching the special
geometry of the entrance of the BTT.
Any cooling or heating device known in the art can be
used in the BTT pad treatment device including hot or cold
water flowing through tubes that are adapted to carry or
deliver heat to the BTT area. The tubes can be mounted in
any head gear or the frame of eyeglasses, pumping
mechanisms can be mounted in the head gear or eyeglasses
for providing a continuous flow of water through the tubes.
The BTT pad can be connected to tubes which have connectors
for joining to a water temperature control and circulating
unit in the head gear or eyeglasses. Hot or cold liquid is

circulated through tubes which are in communication with
each other and which deliver or remove heat from the BTT.
Elastic band or hook and loop fastener can be used for
securing the BTT pad in position. Any of the support
structures mentioned herein can -be used to secure the BTT
pad in position including a piece of glue. For example, the
BTT pad can include a clip like mechanism or the BTT
thermal pad can be secured to the frame of eyeglasses. Nose
pads of eyeglasses or modified nose pads of eyeglasses can
include cooling or heating devices for delivering or
removing heat from the BTT. A BTT thermal pad can include
a stick mounted in the pad that can held by hand and
manually placed in the BTT area, for example held by a
player during a break in the game to reduce the temperature
in the brain, or for warming up the brain of a skier during
a winter competition.
An alternative embodiment includes a BTT thermal pad
attached to a head gear for supplying water to
evaporatively cool the BTT area. In this instance the cold
water is generated by evaporative cooling in the headband
and forehead and upper portion of a wearer's head.
Any cooling or heating device can be used to cool or
heat the BTT area for selective brain cooling or brain
heating, preferably using a moldable device that conforms

to the anatomy of the region at the entrance of the BTT,
with directional temperature control properties for cooling
or heating the skin at the entrance of the BTT. Any of the
devices for heating or overheating or for cooling,
including electrical, chips, semiconductor, polymers, and
the like known in the art as well as described by Abreu in
U.S. Patent No. 6,120,460; No. No. 6,312,393 and 6,544,193,
herein incorporated in their entirety by reference, and
other pending applications by Abreu can be adapted in
support structures for positioning at the BTT entrance and
used for cooling or heating the brain.
The present invention provides a moldable BTT thermal
pad or BTT thermal pack in a packaging arrangement that can
provide surfaces of differing thermal conductivities and
heat reflecting properties so as to prolong the useful
cooling/heating time thereof. The construction and
materials of the BTT thermal pad or BTT thermal pack
permits the molding of its shape and the retention thereof
to the BTT site on the skin between the eye and nose. The
materials disclosed herein can remain flexible plastic for
temperatures in the range of -10° C. to 140° C.
Referring to FIG. 61, a frontal view of an alternative
embodiment of BTT thermal pack 820 is shown including a bag
822 with gel 800 with said bag having two parts with the

first part 824 positioned at the main portion of BTT 824
and containing the highest amount of gel 800 and a second
part 826 positioned at the peripheral portion of the BTT
and containing a smaller amount of gel.
FIG. 62 shows a cross sectional view of the bag 828 of
the BTT thermal pack containing gel 800 with said bag
sealed in its ends 832, 834.
It is understood that a ring shape surrounding the eye
can also be used or a shape that includes other parts of
the face/forehead as long as there is conformation and
apposition of part of the BTT thermal pack to the BTT area.
The preferred shape and dimension matches the special
geometry of the BTT area described herein.
FIG. 63A shows a preferred embodiment of the BTT
thermal pack 830 in its relaxed state that includes a hard
upper part 836 made preferably of hard rubber or plastic
attached to a bag 838 made of soft plastic with said bag
containing gel 800 and being deformable upon external
pressure. As depicted in FIG. 63B, the BTT thermal pack 830
is shown with a centrally formed convex shape 842 at the
opposite end of hard upper part 836 upon compression shown
by arrows 844 to conform to the BTT anatomy 840 between eye
852 and nose 854 of person 100.

The BTT thermal pack is preferably moldable and the
container or bag constructed with materials that are
deformable and otherwise pliable over the temperature range
of use so as to conform to the anatomy of the BTT area. A
central convex area in the pack allows for intimate
interaction and thermal energy transfer at the entrance of
the BTT, but it is to be recognized that the specific shape
of the convex area of the BTT cold/heat pack itself can be
slightly varied according to the ethnic group.
FIG.64A shows a side cross- sectional view of a head
856 of person 100 with BTT thermal pack 850 in a pillow-
like configuration located at the BTT site 858.
Construction of BTT thermal pack is performed so as to
maintain an intimate apposition to the BTT site. FIG. 64B
is a frontal view of BTT hot/cold pack 850 shown in FIG.
64A at the BTT site 858 located next to the left eye 862.
FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of a BTT thermal pack
860 that includes a bag 864 containing gel 800 and a rod
866 for manually holding said BTT pack 860 at the BTT site.
FIG. 66 shows a frontal view of a dual bag BTT thermal pack
870 with bags 872, 874 connected to a rod 880 by flexible
wires 876, 878.
FIG. 67A shows a BTT thermal mask 880 with openings
884 for the eyes and 886 for the nose and comprised of a

pouch containing gel 800, and including bags 888, 890 for
matching the anatomy of the BTT area. The remainder of the
mask 880 comprises flat area 892. The flat area 892 is
preferably insulated for allowing directional thermal
energy flow, so the gel 800 only touches the skin at the
BTT area. FIG. 67B is a cross-sectional side view of mask
880 showing pouch 894 with bags 888, 890 and the remaining
flat area 892.
FIG.67C is a schematic view of BTT thermal mask 898
with pouches 895, 896 which allow intimate apposition to
the BTT area being worn by user 897.
FIG. 68A is a perspective view showing the BTT thermal
pack 900 being applied to the BTT area by support structure
comprised of eyewear 902 being worn by user 903. FIG. 68B
is a perspective frontal view of a BTT hot/cold pack 930
with dual bags 93 2, 934 for right and left BTT and
connected by an arm 936 working as a clip to secure a
hot/cold pack in place on the BTT of user 938.
The brain cooling or brain heating device in
accordance with the principles of the invention includes
hot and cold pad or pack adapted to fit and match the
special geometry of the entrance of the BTT and comprising
a preferably flexible and sealed pad and a gel within said
pad, with the surface touching the skin having a

substantially convex shape. Accordingly, FIG. 69A is a
perspective side view of BTT thermal pack 910 and bulging
substantially convex part 906 which rests against the skin
and conforms to the anatomy of the BTT. FIG. 6 9B is a
perspective inferior view of BTT hot/cold pack 910 and
bulging substantially convex part 906 which rests against
the skin and conforms to the anatomy of the BTT. FIG. 69C
is a perspective planar view of BTT hot/cold pack 910 and
substantially flat part 912 which faces the outside and
' does not touch the skin. FIG. 69D is a perspective view of
hot/cold pack 910 with gel 909 being applied to the BTT
area of user 911.
A tube fit to match the special geometry of the BTT
site and anatomy of the region with circulating water can
also be use for selectively cooling or heating the brain.
The BTT thermal pack can include a bag so as to avoid
direct contact with the skin depending on the chemical
compound used, such as heating agent to prevent any thermal
injury to the skin.
It is understood that a combination temperature sensor
and BTT cold/heat pack can be implemented and positioned in
place using the support structures described herein such as
eyeglasses and any head mounted gear. The nose pads of
eyeglasses can have a combination of a heat flow sensor to

determine how fast heat is being pulled. The gradient for
instance across a thin piece of Mylar indicates the
direction of heat flow. It is also understood that the
right nose pad of the eyeglasses have a temperature sensor
and the left side has the cooling/heating device that
applies or removes heat according to the temperature
measured on the opposite side.
It is also understood that many variations are
evident to one of ordinary skill in the art and are within
the scope of the invention. For instance, one can place a
sensor on the skin at the BTT site and subsequently place
an adhesive tape on top of said sensor to secure the sensor
in position at the BTT site. Thus in this embodiment the
sensor does not need to have an adhesive surface nor a
support structure permanently connected to said sensor.
A plurality of hand held devices with non-contact or
contact sensors can measure the brain temperature at the
BTT for single or continuous measurement and are referred
to herein as Brain Thermometers or BrainTemp devices.
Accordingly, FIG. 70 shows an array 1000 of infrared
sensors 1002 viewing the BTT entrance 1004 which are
mounted in a housing 1006 containing a lens 100B to focus
the radiation 1010 on sensor array 1000 in a manner such as
that the sensor array 1000 views only the skin at the

entrance of the BTT 1004 and a microprocessor 1012 adapted
to select the highest temperature value read by an infrared
sensor 1002 in the array 1000 with the highest value being
displayed on display 1014. Exemplary infrared sensors for
the array 100 0 include thermopile, thermocouples,
pyroelectric sensors, and the like. Processor 1012
processes the signal and displays in display 1014 the
highest temperature value measured by the sensor 1002 in
the array 1000. FIG. 71A shows another embodiment
comprising of a non-contact measuring system that includes
a housing 1022 containing a single infrared sensor 1018
(e.g., thermopile), a lens 1016 to focus the radiation 1010
of the BTT area 1004 into the sensor 1018, a transmitter
1019, and an ambient temperature sensor 1020 used to adjust
the temperature reading according to the ambient
temperature, and processing 1012 and display means 1014 to
process the signal and display a temperature value in
addition to wire 1015 connected to an external module 1017
with said module including a processor 1013 adapted to
further process the signal such as processing spectroscopic
measurements, chemical measurements, and temperature
measurements with said module 1017 adapted yet to display
and transmit the value calculated by processor 1013
including wireless transmission and transmission over a

distributed computer network such as the internet. An
alternative for the pen-like systems in accordance with the
invention and in accordance to FIG. 71A, as shown in FIG.
71B, includes a bulging part 1024 with a substantially
convex shape at the end 1030 that touches the skin 1026 and
matches the concave anatomy of the skin 1026 entrance of
the BTT 1028. The bulging convex end 1024 touching the skin
1026 helps to stretch the skin 1026 and allow better
emissivity of radiation in certain skin conditions,
allowing the system to measure temperature in the skin of
the BTT area at optimal conditions and with any type of
skin.
An exemplary lens system for viewing thermal radiation
coming from the BTT can include exemplarily 2 5 sensors for
reading at 1 inch from the tip of the sensor to the skin at
the BTT entrance and 100 sensor array for reading radiation
coming from a distance of 3 inches between skin at the BTT
and sensor tip. Preferably a five degree field of view, and
most preferably a two to three degree field of view, and
yet even a one degree of field view is used to see the main
entry point of the BTT. The spot size (view area) of the
infrared sensor is preferably between 1 and 20 mm in
diameter and most preferably between 3 and 15 mm in
diameter which allows the infrared sensor to receive

radiation from the BTT entrance area when said sensor is
aimed at the BTT entrance area which corresponds to the
bright spots in FIG. 1A and the red-yellow area in FIG. 1B.
It is understood that an infrared device (thermopile) can
be placed at any distance and read the temperature of the
BTT entrance area, as long as the sensor is positioned in a
manner to view the BTT entrance area and a lens is used
focus the radiation on to the temperature sensor.
The array is adapted to receive the temperature of the
BTT area. The temperature signal received is less than the
whole face and is not the temperature of the face, nor the
temperature of the forehead. The temperature signal comes
from the BTT, one particular area of special geometry
around the medial corner of the eye and medial aspect of
the upper eyelid below the eyebrow. This said temperature
signal from the BTT can be acquired by contact sensors
(e.g., thermistors), non contact sensors (e.g.,
thermopile), and infrared thermal imaging. This said
temperature signal can be fed into a processor to act upon
an article of manufacturing that can remove or transfer
heat as shown in FIG. 73. With said article being
activated by the temperature level measured at the BTT by a
hand held single measuring device, a continuous temperature
measuring device, and any of the devices of the present

invention. In addition, the temperature level signal can
activate another device and activate a function of said
device. The temperature level measured by the hand held
devices can be automatically transmitted by wireless or
wired transmission means to a receiver.
FIG. 71C shows another embodiment comprising a non-
contact measuring system that includes a housing 1032
containing a single infrared sensor 1034 (e.g.,
thermopile), a columnar extension 103 S housing a window
1039 and cavity 1038 to focus the radiation 1010 of the BTT
area 1004 into the sensor 1034 which is located about 3 cm
from the window 1039 of columnar extension 1036 in addition
to an amplifier 1040, processing device 1042 and display
device 1044 to process the signal and display the
temperature value. The columnar extension may have a
widthwise dimension, either as a cylinder, rectangle, or
square, of less than 3mm, preferably less than 2.5 mm and
most preferably less than 2.0 mm.
A retractable ruler 1046 is mounted in the housing
1032 and the tip of said ruler can rest on the face and
used for assuring proper distance and direction of the
housing in relation to the BTT for optimal view of the BTT
area. It is understood that any measuring and positioning
means for optimizing view of the BTT by the sensor can be

used and are within the scope of the present invention. It
is understood that any positioning device to establish a
fixed relationship between the sensor and BTT are within
the scope of the invention.
FIG. 72 is a schematic view of another embodiment
preferably used as a single measurement by touching the
skin at the BTT with a contact temperature sensor.
Accordingly, FIG. 72 shows a pen-like housing 1050 with a
sensor 1052 (e.g., thermistor) encapsulated by an
insulating tip 1054 with a substantially convex external
shape to conform to the BTT area and further including wire
1055 connecting sensor 1052 to processor 1056, which is in
electrical connection to LCD display 1058, LED 1060, and
piezoelectric device 1062. In use the sensor 1052 touches
the skin at the BTT entrance area 1004 generating a voltage
corresponding to the temperature, which is fed into the
processor 1056 which in turn activates LED 1060 and device
1062 when the highest temperature over the time of
measurement is achieved, and subsequently displays the
temperature in display. The sensor 1052 and encapsulating
tip 1054 can be covered by the disposable cap with a convex
external surface that conforms to the convex tip 1054.
The temperature signal from sensor 1052 can be
converted to an audio signal emitted by the piezoelectric

device 1062 with said audio frequency proportional to the
temperature level measured. In addition processor 1056 in
the housing 1050 is adapted to lock in the highest
frequency audio signal (which represents the highest
temperature) while the user scans the BTT area.
Furthermore, LED 1060 in the housing 1050 can be activated
when the highest temperature level is reached, and then the
value is displayed in display 1058.
It is understood that any article of manufacture that
transfers heat or removes heat from the body in a direct or
indirect fashion can be used in accordance with the
principles of the invention. Accordingly FIG.73 shows other
exemplary embodiments including a sensing device
represented by a non-contact sensing device 1070 such a
thermopile housed in a hand held device or a contact
sensing device 1072 such as a thermistor housed in a patch
measuring temperature in the BTT area which are coupled by
wires or wireless transmission means shown previously to an
article of manufacture such as mattress 1078 or a collar
1080 which can alter its own temperature or the temperature
in the vicinity of said articles 1078 and 1080. Exemplary
embodiments include a mattress 1078. which is adapted by
electrical means to change its temperature in accordance
with the signal received from the temperature sensor 1070

and 1072 measuring temperature . in the BTT area and an
article around the neck such as a collar 1080. Articles
1078 and 1080 are provided with a serpentine tube 1074 and
1076 respectively, which run cold or hot water for removing
or delivering heat to the body by mattress 1078 or to the
neck and head by collar 1080, with said water system of
mattress 1078 having a valve 1082 and of collar 1080 having
valve 1083 which is controlled by a processor 1084 and 1085
respectively. Processor 1084 of mattress 1078 and processor
1085 of collar 1080 are adapted to open or close the valve
1082 or 1083 based on the temperature level at the BTT
measured by sensor 1070 and 1072. The signal of the
temperature sensor 1070 and 1072 controls the valves 1082
and 1083 that will open to allow cold fluid to fill a
mattress when the signal from the sensor 1070 or 1072
indicates high body temperature (e.g., temperature equal or
higher than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Likewise, when the
signal from the sensor 1070 or 1072 indicates low body
temperature (e.g., temperature lower than 96.8 degrees
Fahrenheit) the signal from said sensors 1070 and 1072
opens the valve 1082 and 1083 that allows warm fluid to
fill the mattress 1078 and collar 1080. It is understood
that any garment, gear, clothing, helmets, head mounted
gear, eyewear, hats, and the like can function as an

article of manufacture in which heat is removed or
transferred to achieve thermal comfort of the wearer based
on the temperature of the BTT area. It is also understood
that any sensor, contact (e.g., thermistor) or non-contact
(e.g., thermopile or thermal image sensing system),
measuring temperature at the BTT can be used to control an
article of manufacture removing or transferring heat to a
body or physical matter. It is further understood that the
article of manufacturing includes infusion lines capable of
delivering warm or cold fluid into a vein of a patient in
accordance with the temperature at the skin around the
medial corner of the eye and eyelid, which corresponds to
the entrance of the BTT. Other exemplary articles of
manufacture include shoes, floor with heating or cooling
systems, electrical draping, in-line fluid warmers, and the
like.
In the embodiment in which a contact sensor touching
the skin is used, the probe head can be covered with a
disposable cap, such as a piece of polymer preferably with
good thermal conductivity, with the shape of the disposable
cap to match the shape of the various probes in accordance
with the principles and disclosure of the present
invention.

In addition to measuring, storing, and transmitting
biological parameters, the various apparatus of the present
invention such as patches, eyewear, rings, contact lens,
and the like include an identification and historical
record acquisition and storage device for storing the
user's identification and historical data preferably using
a programmable rewritable electronic module in which data
can be changed, added, or deleted from the module. The
identification and historical data alone or in conjunction
with the biological data (such as brain temperature and
chemical measurements as glucose level and presence of
antibodies) are transmitted preferably by wireless
transmission to a monitoring station. Accordingly FIG.74
shows a schematic view of the apparatus and system for
biological monitoring, identification, and historical data
used by an animal. It is understood that the system
disclosed is applicable to humans as well as animals.
FIG. 74 is the schematic of a preferred embodiment for
four legged creatures showing an exemplary comprehensive
system that includes: an eye ring transmitter device 1501
with said eye loop or eye ring 1501 preferably including
antenna 1500, sensor 1502, microprocessing, transmitting
and memory module 1504, and power source 1503 with said
ring placed on the eye preferably in the periphery of the

eye in the eyelid pocket 1516; a collar 1520 with said
collar 1520 preferably containing power source 1506,
microprocessing, transmitting, and memory module 1508, and
GPS transmission system 1510 coupled by wireless waves 1512
to orbiting satellites 1514 and module 1508 in
bidirectional communication by wireless waves 1522 to
module 1504 of ring 1501 to power ring 1501 and collect
data from ring 1501 with said module 1508 in communication
by radio waves 1511 to external radio receiving station
1509 and receiving antenna 1513; an externally placed
receiver 1518 and antenna 1519 which receives the signal
from module 1504 of ring 1501; and an external antenna 1524
located for instance in a feed lot connected to computer
1526 with said antenna 1524 in bidirectional communication
with module 1504 of ring 1501.
Each eye ring 1501 has a unique serial number
permanently or temporarily embedded to identify the animal
remotely. A 24 hour temperature log is sent at each
transmission, most preferably 6-12 times per day. A unique
one-way statistical broadcast network architecture allows
all members of the herd to share one frequency and one set
of data receivers. The receiver is designed to receive
temperature telemetry data from a network of livestock eye

ring telemetry units and forward it to a collection
computer for storage, display, and monitoring.
Although various communication and power systems are
shown in FIG. 74, it is understood that the system can work
with only one apparatus, for instance ring 1501 sending a
signal to receiver 1518 and antenna 1519 for further
processing and display, or preferably ring 1501
transmitting data to module 1508 of collar 1520 which
working as a booster radio transmitter transmits the signal
to antenna 1513 and remote station 1509 for processing,
monitoring, and displaying the data.
It is understood that besides an active system with a
battery working as the power source, a passive system in
which the ring 1501 is- powered by an external source such
as electromagnetic induction provided by collar 1520 or
antenna 1524 can be used. It is further understood that a
hybrid system that includes both a power source comprised
of battery 1503 and a passive system in module 1504 can be
used in which module 1504 contains an antenna for receiving
electromagnetic energy from module 1508 of collar 1520. In
this embodiment the active part of the system using the
memory in module 1504 powered by battery 1503 collects data
from a sensor 1502 (e.g., thermistor) and stores the data
in a memory chip in module 1504. The passive system

containing antenna in module 1504 can be also activated
when the four legged creature passes by a coupling antenna
1524, such as for instance an antenna placed in feed lots.
After there is a coupling between the passive system 1504
in the ring 1501 and the external antenna 1524 in the
feedlot, the data stored in the memory chip of module 1504
of the ring 1501 is received by the external antenna 1524
and transferred to a second memory chip 1523 that is part
of the module external antenna 1524. The processor of
module 1504 in the ring 1501 is adapted to transfer the
stored data any time that there is a coupling with the
external antenna 1524. A variety of inductive coupling
schemes previously mentioned can be used for powering and
collecting data from eye ring 1501 by antenna 1523 and
1509.
The data from a plurality of mammals (e.g., cattle) is
transmitted to a receiving system. Preferably only one
animal transmits at a specific time (equivalent to having
only one animal in the system) to avoid data collisions in
the form of interference that prevents successful wireless
transmission of the biological parameters. Two exemplary
schemes can be used, polling and broadcast. The polling
approach requires each animal to be equipped with a
receiver which receives an individual serial number request

for data from a central location and triggers that animal's
transmitter to send the data log. The other approach is a
broadcast system, whereby each animal independently
broadcasts its data log. The problem is to avoid
collisions, that is, more than one animal transmitting at a
time, which could prevent successful data transfer. Each
animal transmitter will preferably transmit at a certain
time and the receiver is adapted to receive the signal from
each animal at a time.
The ring 1501 can yet include a solar battery arranged
to capture sun light, digital transmission 16 bit ID# to
identify the animal and track the animal throughout life.
Preferred dimensions for outer diameter of ring 1501 for
use in livestock are between 40 and 45 mm, preferably
between 35 and 40 mm, and most preferably between 30 and 35
mm or less than 30 mm. For large animals such as an
elephant, such as to detect moment of ovulation for
artificial insemination and birth in captivity, the
preferred outer diameter is between 90 and 100 mm,
preferably between 75 and 90 mm, and most preferably
between 50 and 75 mm or less than 50 mm. Preferred largest
dimension of ring including circuit board and battery for
livestock is between 15 and 20 mm, preferably between 10
and 15 mm, and most preferably less than 10mm, and for

large animals a factor of 10 to 15 mm is added to achieve
optimal dimensions. The preferred height of the ring 1501
for livestock is between 9 and 12 mm, preferably 6 and 9
mm, and most preferably less than 5 mm, and for large
animals a factor of 5 mm is added to achieve optimal
dimensions. The preferred embodiment includes hardware
disposed in one quadrant of the ring which contains the
sensor and is located in the inferior eyelid pocket.
An alarm is activated when certain pre-set temperature
limits are reached. The system of the invention can also be
used with temperature being transmitted in real time for
detecting the moment of heat in animals, which starts when
the body temperature of the animal starts to rise. The
method includes detection of heat, and then inseminating
the animals preferably between 6 to 12 hours after initial
detection of heat, and most preferably between 4 and 8
hours after heat detection.
Preferably the temperature data stored over time
(e.g., 24 hours) by module 1504 or 1508 is then downloaded
to a computer system such as computer 1526 adapted to
identify thermal signatures. Thermal signatures are
representations of the temperature changes occurring over
time and that reflect a particular biological condition.
Exemplary thermal signatures are depicted in FIGs. 75A to

75E. FIG. 75A is a representation of a viral infection in
which there is a relatively rapid increase in temperature,
in this example there is a high temperature which
corresponds to a pox virus infection such as foot and mouth
disease. On the other hand a slow increase in temperature
over 6 to 8 hours can indicate a thermal signature for
hyperthermia due to hot weather, as shown in FIG. 75B. FIG.
75C shows a rapid increase in temperature reflecting
bacterial infection, with spikes followed by sustained high
temperature. FIG. 75D shows a thermal signature reflecting
mastitis with a double hump in which there is an initial
increase in temperature followed by a higher increase after
the first episode. FIG. 75E shows a thermal signature
indicating heat (arrow 1544) of animals, in which there is
a gradual but progressive increase of the basal
temperature. About 8 to 12 hours from beginning of heat
there is a further increase in temperature indicating the
moment of ovulation (arrow 1546), with a further sustained
increase in temperature in the post-ovulation period. It is
understood that a digital library of thermal signatures can
be stored and used to identify the type of biological
condition present based on the signal received from the
ring or any other sensor measuring temperature at the BTT,
for both humans and animals. The thermal signature acquired

by the temperature measuring system is matched by a
processing system to a thermal signature stored in the
memory of a computer and associated software for matching
and recognition of said thermal signatures. It is
understood that the thermal signatures system of the
present invention includes any temperature measuring system
for both animals or humans in which a temperature
disturbance is present, low or high temperature.
A plurality of antenna reception scheme can be used.
FIG. 76A shows an exemplary antenna schemes arrangement
1538 including 8 antennas numbered 1 to 8 in a pen which
can be used to cover a herd of 1000 to 2000 animals. At a
particular time Tl animal 1530 transmits the data which is
captured by the closest antenna, for instance antenna 1532.
For animal use and to preserve power the data can be stored
for 24 hours and when the animal goes by one of the
antennas at time Tl the data is downloaded. When there is
fever or a change in biological parameter the transmitting
ring transmits the data continuously. Otherwise the ring
only transmits data once a day. The antenna scheme also can
be used as a locator of the animal. The pen and antenna
scheme is plotted in a computer screen and depicted on the
screen, and by identifying the antennas receiving the
signal the animal can be located with the location

highlighted in the computer screen. In FIG. 76A antennas
1534 and 153 2 are receiving the signal whereas antenna 1536
is not receiving the signal since antenna 153S is distant
from the animal. Therefore animal 1530 is located in the
area covered by antenna 1532 and 1534. FIG. 76B shows the
precise location using a radio receiver direction finder,
in which a radio receiver 1540 is carried by a farmer or
located in the vicinity of the area covered by antennas
1532 and 1534 which contains animal with fever 1530 as well
as healthy animals 1542a, 1542b, 1542c. Since animal 1530
is the only one emitting signal continuously, radio
receiver 1540 can precisely identify sick animal 1530 among
healthy animals. The ID of animal 1530 is transmitted in
conjunction with the biological data for further
identification of animal 1530. Alternatively, a farmer uses
an electromagnetic hand held external power switch next to
the animal to activate the circuit in the eye ring 1501 in
order to manually initiate transmission of data to a
receiver for further processing. Any lost animal could also
be located with the present invention and an animal which
ran from the pen could be identified as not emitting a
signal within the pen.
Although a multiple antenna scheme is shown in FIG.
76A, the preferred embodiment includes an antenna 1513 or

alternatively antenna 1519, and a weatherproof metal cased
receiver unit with radio receiver module, computer
interface, and power source such as receiver 1509 or
alternatively receiver 1518.
When using a rewritable or programmable identification
serial number, the eye ring 1501 can be reused and a new
serial identification number programmed and written for
said eye loop or eye ring 1501.
Although a ring in the eyelid pocket is shown, it is
understood that another method and device includes a
temperature signal coming from the BTT of cattle external
to the eye which is located in the anterior corner of the
eye (corner of the eye in animals is located in the most
frontal part of the eye) with said signal being captured by
contact or non contact temperature sensors as well as
thermal imaging.
The signal from eye ring 1501 can preferably
automatically activate another device. By way of
illustration, a sprinkler system can be adapted to be
activated by a radio signal from eye ring 1501 with said
sprinkler system spraying cold water and cooling off the
animal when a high body temperature signal is transmitted
by eye ring 1501.

A variety of diseases can be monitored and detected by
the apparatus of the invention. By way of illustration, a
characteristic increase in brain temperature can detect
foot-and-mouth disease, babesiosis, botulism, rabies,
brucellosis, and any other disorder characterized by
changes in temperature as well as detection of disorders by
chemical and physical evaluation such as detection of
prions in the eyelid or eye surface of an infected animal
using antibodies against such prions and creating an
identifiable label such as fluorescence or by generating a
mechanical or electrical signal at the time of antigen-
antibody interaction. Prions can cause bovine spongiform
encephalopathy known also as "mad cow" disease and such
prions can be present in the eye and can be detected by
using an immobilized antibody contained in the eye ring
against such prion or a product of such prion. By detecting
mastitis (or an animal with fever) which is scheduled for
milking, the present invention provides a method to prevent
contaminating other animals being milked by generating a
sequence for milking in which the animal with fever is
milked last. This will avoid contaminating equipment with a
sick animal and with said equipment being sequentially used
in other healthy animals.

The present invention provides continuous monitoring
of animals 24 hours a day from birth to slaughter with
automatic analysis and detection of any disease that can
cause a threat to human health or animal health, besides
identification and location of the sick animal. Therefore
with the present invention an animal with disease would not
reach the consumer's table. The present invention therefore
includes a method to increase food safety and to increase
the value of the meat being consumed. The system of
continuous disease monitoring is called DM24/7 (disease
monitoring 24/7) and includes monitoring the biological
variable 24 hours seven days a week from birth to
slaughter, feeding the information into a computer system
and recording that information. Any meat coming from an
animal monitored with DM24/7 receives a seal called
"Monitored Meat". This seal implies that the animal was
monitored throughout life for the presence of infectious
diseases. Any user buying "Monitored Meat" can log on the
internet, and after entering the number (ID) of the meat
which can be found in the package of the meat being
purchased. Said user can have access to the thermal life
and biological monitoring of the animal and for the
presence of fever or disease of the animal which the meat
was derived from. The method and device includes a video

stream associated with the ID of the animal with said video
or pictures showing the farm and information on the farm
where the animal came from or the meat pack facility where
the animal was processed, providing therefore a complete
set of information about the animal and conditions in which
such animal was raised. Besides viewing over the internet,
at a private location such as at home, the system may also
provide information at the point of sale. Accordingly,
whenever the user purchases the product and a bar code for
the product for instance is scanned, a video or photos of
the farm or the company packing the meat appear on a screen
at the point of sale. This method can be used when
purchasing any other product and preferably allows the
consumer to use idle time in the cashier's station to
become more familiar with the product purchased.
Preferably the ring has a temperature sensor covered
by insulating material (eg. polyurethane) in one end and
with an exposed surface at the other end. The preferred
measuring method uses the measuring surface facing the
outer part of the anatomy of the eye pocket and the
insulating part facing the inner part of the eyelid pocket.
The eye ring contains memory means for storing on a
permanent or temporary basis a unique identification number
that identifies the animal being monitored. The ID code in

the processor of the ring is transmitted to a receiver as
an individual number only for identification and tracking
purposes or associated with a temperature value or other
biological variable value. The memory chip in the ring can
also contain the life history of- the animal and historical
data including weight, vaccines, birth date, birth
location, gender, diseases, genetic make up, and the like.
Range of the entrance of BTT area is about 30 square
cm and the general main entry point is 25 square cm and
encompasses the medial corner of the eye and the area of
the eyelid adjacent to' the eyelid margin. The correlation
coefficient between temperature at the BTT area and the
core temperature reflecting the thermal status of the brain
is 0.9. Instead of using the whole face, the method for
infrared or thermal imaging sensing as well as contact
sensor includes a temperature signal which comes
specifically from the BTT area, and the hottest spot in BTT
area is then located and used as a source signal to
activate another device or to deploy an action.
It is understood that an infrared thermal imaging
camera can also be used and the point source emitting the
highest amount of radiation from the entrance of the BTT is
selected by the processor in the camera and the temperature
level corresponding to the point source with highest

thermal energy is displayed in the display. Exemplary
infrared cameras include the BTT Thermoscan of the present
invention.
The BTT Thermoscan of the present invention is adapted
to view the entrance of the BTT around the medial corner of
the eye, with the view of the sensor, by way of a lens,
matching the entrance of the BTT area displayed in FIG. 1A
and 1B, and in FIGs. 3A to 9. Exemplary operational flow
for measuring the temperature at the BTT with a thermal
imaging system includes the first step of viewing the
entrance of the BTT by radiation detector in the camera and
a processor adapted to, after the first step, to search for
the point source in the thermal image of the BTT with the
highest emission of thermal radiation. In the following
step the temperature of the point source in the thermal
image of the BTT with the highest amount of radiation is
calculated, with said calculated temperature value
preferably displayed. In the next step, the calculated
temperature value is transmitted by wire or wireless means
to an article of manufacture that can remove heat or
transfer heat to the body in a direct or indirect manner.
In the following step, the temperature of the article of
manufacture is adjusted in accordance with the signal
received. Exemplary articles of manufacture that transfer

or remove heat from the body in an indirect manner includes
the air conditioner/heater systems of vehicles. Exemplary
articles of manufacture that transfer or removes heat from
the body in a direct manner includes vehicle seats. The
measuring system in accordance with the present invention
is adapted to seek for the hottest area around the corner
of the eye and eyelid. Once the hottest spot around the
medial corner of the eye and eyelid is found, a second step
includes finding the hottest spot in the area identified in
the first step, which means to find the hottest spot on the
entrance of the BTT as shown in FIGs lA and 1B.
Now in accordance with another preferred embodiment of
the present invention shown in FIG. 77A to 77C, an
apparatus comprised of a patch for use in biological
monitoring according to the invention comprises two parts:
a durable part containing the sensor, electronics, and
power source and a disposable part void of any hardware
with said two parts durable and disposable being detachably
coupled to each other preferably by a hook and loop
fastener material (commercially available under the trade
name VELCRO) . Accordingly FIG. 77A is a schematic view
showing a patch composed of two parts connected to each
other by a hook and loop arrangement herein referred as
VELCRO Patch with said VELCRO Patch 1591 including a

disposable piece 1730 and durable piece 1596 with said
durable, piece 1596 housing and electrically connecting
sensor 1590, power source 1594, and transmitter and
processor module 1592 with VELCRO surface 1598 of durable
piece 1596 detachably coupled to VELCRO surface of
disposable piece 1730 and the external surface of said
disposable piece 1730 covered by a liner 1732 which when
peeled off exposes an adhesive surface which is applied to
the skin. When in use the two parts 1730 and 1596 are
connected and held in place by the hook and loop material,
and liner 1732 is removed to expose the adhesive covering
the external surface of disposable piece 1730 with said
adhesive surface being applied to the skin in order to
secure said VELCRO Patch 1591 to said skin with sensor 1590
resting adjacent to the entrance of the BTT to produce a
signal representing by way of illustration the brain
temperature. Although VELCRO hook and loop fastener was
described as a preferred attachment between disposable and
durable parts, it is understood that any other attachment
device such as a disposable piece attached to a durable
piece by means of glue, pins, and the like can be used or
any other conventional fastening device.
FIG. 77B shows the two parts of a VELCRO Patch
comprised of a disposable part 1600 which contains only

VELCRO material and a durable part 1596 which contains
sensor 1590, power source 1594, module 1592 which includes
a transmitter, processor, piezoelectric piece, buzzer, and
speaker, transmitter and processor module 1592, and LED
1602 electrically connected by wires contained in the
VELCRO material with VELCRO surface 1598 of durable piece
1596 detachably coupled to VELCRO surface 1601 of
disposable piece 1600 and the external surface of said
disposable piece 1600 covered by a liner 1604 located on
the opposite side of loop surface 1601 of disposable piece
1600 which when peeled off exposes an adhesive surface
which is applied to the skin. Since the hardware housed in
the durable part 1596 is relatively expensive said durable
part 1596 with hardware is reusable while the disposable
part 1600 can be made relatively inexpensively since it
only comprises VELCRO loops and since said part is the part
in contact with the skin said part 1600 may be disposed of
after contacting the skin or when it is contaminated by
body fluids. It is understood that the durable part can
include a flexible plastic housing containing hardware and
a disposable part comprised of a double coated adhesive
tape. It is within the scope of the present invention to
include a support structure such as a patch comprised of
two parts in which a disposable part is in contact with the

skin and a durable part housing hardware and electrical
circuitry is not in contact with the skin. It is yet within
the scope of the invention to include a support structure
comprised of hook and loop material such as VELCRO
comprised of two parts one disposable and durable part in
which the disposable part is in contact with the skin and
the durable part containing pieces in addition to the
VELCRO material is durable and does not contact the skin.
By way of illustration, but not by limitation, the durable
part of the VELCRO can contain a spring load rod plate such
as found in airway dilators (trade name BreatheRight for
humans and Flair for animals) and the disposable part
contains a release liner and adhesive surface which goes in
contact with the skin of a human or animal. Another
illustration includes a durable part housing a container
with fluid or chemicals to be applied to the skin and
disposable part which goes in contact with the skin by
means of an adhesive surface or mechanical fasteners such
as elastic bands. Yet another illustration includes a watch
attached to a VELCRO material working as the durable part
which contains, for instance, a sensing part for measuring
glucose and a disposable part. Preferably the VELCRO part
containing the hooks work as the durable part and houses
pieces other than the VELCRO material while the Velcro part

containing the loops work as the disposable part which
preferably is in contact with the body part such as the
skin.
When applied to the skin the VELCRO Patch works as one
piece with durable and disposable parts connected by the
hook and loop material and no hardware is visible on the
surface of the durable part with the exception of a
reporting device such as a LED to alert the user when the
biological parameters are out of range. Accordingly FIG.
77C is a schematic view showing the VELCRO Patch of FIG.
77B, with said VELCRO Patch 1724 applied to the skin around
the eyes 1726 and with an external surface of durable part
1722 containing LED 1720 which is activated by processor
and driver module (not shown) housed in the durable part
1722 of VELCRO Patch 1724.
VELCRO Patch of the present invention can further
include attachment structure for attaching lenses to said
VELCRO Patch, herein referred as VELCRO Eyewear.
Accordingly FIG. 78 is a schematic view of VELCRO Eyewear
1710 comprised of the durable part 1712 which houses sensor
1700, power source 1706 and transmitter processor module
1704 in addition to groove 1708 adapted to receive lens
1702 which can slide in and be secured at groove 1708. The
groove mechanism of the invention allows for any type of

lens to be used and replaced as needed. However it is
understood that a permanent attachment of the lens 1702 to
the VELCRO durable part 1712 can be used. It is also
understood that the VELCRO material can be made in a way to
conform to the anatomy of the face and that a variety of
fastening devices previously described for attaching the
lens can be used. The VELCRO Eyewear can yet have temples
attached to its side for further securing to the face of
the user. It is also understood that any sensor can be used
including temperature, pressure, piezoelectric sensors for
detecting pulse of a blood vessel, glucose sensor, and the
like.
FIG. 79A is a perspective view showing another
exemplary embodiment of a support structure 1740 comprised
of a bowl-like structure with a substantially external
convex surface 1742 to conform to the anatomy of the BTT
entrance with said support structure 1740 housing sensor
1744 and electrical connection. FIG. 79B shows another
embodiment of a support structure 1748 with a substantially
convex outer surface 1750 to conform to the anatomy of the
BTT with structure 1748 being also substantially elongated
to match the geometry of the BTT entrance and further
housing sensor 1752 and electrical connection 1754.

FIG. 80 is a cross sectional diagram of a bowl shown
in FIG. 79A including a holder 175S in the shape of a bowl
with an external convex surface 1757 and a sensor 1758
protruding through the surface of the bowl holder 1756 with
said sensor being in close apposition to the skin 1759 at
the BTT and its terminal blood vessel 1755.
FIG. 81A is a schematic top view of another preferred
embodiment for the support structure comprised of a
boomerang, or banana shape patch 1760 comprised of a thin
insulating polyurethane layer 1766 housing a support
structure 1762 which houses sensor 1764 with support
structure 1762 having a different height than layer 1766
which makes sensor 1764 to protrude and be in higher
position in relation to layer 1766. Surface of layer 1766
contains a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive for securing
said patch to the skin. FIG. 81B is a schematic side view
of boomerang shape patch 1760 of FIG. 81A showing the
different height between structure 1762, which houses
sensor 1764 and wire 1765, and adhesive polyurethane layer
1766. The preferred height difference between the
structures 1766 and 1762 is 5 mm, and preferably between 3
and 4 mm, and most preferably between 1 and 3 mm. FIG. 81C
is a perspective view of patch 1760 with a release liner on
the sensor area 1768 and a release liner 1773 comprised of

two pices, a superior piece 1769 and an inferior piece
1771. FIG. 81C shows the superior piece 1769 being peeled
off to expose adhesive surface 1770. The release liner 1773
can comprise a single section or have a single or multiple
slits to make a multiple section release liner. Suitable
release liners for use with an adhesive layer are known in
the art. According to this embodiment, when applying patch
1760 to the BTT area, sensor liner piece 1768 can be
removed first and patch 1760 is then positioned with the
sensor area aligned with the entrance of the BTT. Once the
proper final position of the patch 1760 is determined,
inferior piece liner 1771 is removed and patch 1760 applied
to the nose area, and then superior piece liner 1769 can be
removed and applied to the skin above the eyelid margin.
FIG. 81D is a perspective view showing patch 1760 being
applied to the skin of user 1770 with external markings on
patch 1760 indicating sensor position 1768 and line 1772
for aligning with the corner of the eye. It is understood
that the present invention includes a sensor arrangement
within a support structure in which said sensor is located
at a different height than the basic larger support
structure comprising the patch.
FIG. 82 is a schematic top view of eyewear showing an
exemplary electrical arrangement for support structure

comprised of modified nose pads and frame of eyewear with
said frame of eyewear 1880 including electromagnetic switch
1774 in left lens rim 1776 and magnetic rod 1778 in left
temple 1882 for electrically turning the system on when in
electrical contact, transmitter and power source module
1884 in nose bridge 1886 is electrically connected by wire
1888 in lens rim 1776 to switch 1774, and antenna 1890 in
right lens rim 1892 connected to module 1884. When the
temples are opened for using the eyewear an electrical
connection is established between switch 1774 and magnetic
rod 1778 which automatically activates the system. It is
understood that a variety of spring mechanisms can be
integrated into a shaft holding the sensors for better
apposition of said sensors to the BTT area.
The present invention provides a method for optimizing
fluid intake to achieve euhydration and avoid dehydration
and overhydration. The present invention provides a
continuous noninvasive core temperature monitoring, and
when the temperature reaches certain pre-set levels such as
increased temperature which reflects increased heat stored
in the body, then by ingesting fluid the temperature can be
lowered. Brain temperature reflects the hydration status
and dehydration leads to an increase in the core (brain)
temperature. The method in accordance with the- present

invention includes an algorithm for use in the situation of
dehydrated, sedentary people exposed to heat (as
illustrated by the excess mortality during heat waves), and
people during physical activities. The invention showed
that ingestion of 4 ounces of water every hour after body
temperature reaches 100.4 degrees F will lower the body
temperature to 98.6 degrees F and will keep the body
temperature at lower than 9 9.5 degrees F thus preventing
the dangers of heat stroke. In case of athletes in athletic
activities such as cycling, the invention showed that
ingestion with fluid containing carbohydrates and minerals
(e.g., trade name PowerAde of the Coca-Cola Company) can
keep peak performance with ingestion of 6 to 8 ounces when
the temperature at the BTT reaches 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit
and performance is maintained with ingestion every 1 to 2
hours. A variety of algorithms for use in the situation of
athletes at risk of overheating, can be created based on
the principle of the invention. Special size containers for
fluid or water can be used by an athlete who is aware of
the fluid intake needed during a competition.
A method and algorithm to couple temperature
(hypothermia) to nourishment (malnutrition) in elderly and
in anorexia nervosa can be created, with the temperature
level indicating malnutrition and further indicating what

food to ingest to maintain adequate temperature. It is
further understood that foods can be developed based on
body temperature to achieve optimal nutritional value
fresh and frozen, or processed foods. It is yet understood
that temperature changes indicating ovulation can be used
as a method to create foods that increase fertility by
identifying what food articles increase ovulation.
The present invention also provides methods and
devices for evaluating diet such as caloric restriction in
which the temperature indicates the metabolism and
therefore a lower basal temperature indicates reduced
metabolism and metabolic waste products including
monitoring carbohydrate intake and metabolism. The present
invention also provides methods for monitoring hypoglycemia
in diabetes in which lowering of the temperature is a
predictor of a hypoglycemic event. The invention also
provides methods for detecting pulmonary infarction and
cardiac events which are associated with a particular
increase in temperature. Any condition which is associated
with a change in temperature can be predicted and detected
by the present invention from pregnancy disorders coupled
to hypothermia to hyperthermia in head trauma.
The present invention provides a variety of other
benefits. Other exemplary benefits include: 1. monitoring

Multiple Sclerosis since increase in brain temperature can
lead to worsening of the condition, and a corrective
measure can be taken when the present invention identifies
such increase in temperature, such as by drinking cold
liquids at the appropriate time or cooling off the brain as
previously described, 2. significant differences between
left and right BTT can indicate a pathological central
nervous system condition, 3. detecting increased brain
temperature to reinforce diagnosis of meningitis or
encephalitis and thus avoid excess use of lumbar tap in
people without the infection, and 4. Young babies cannot
regulate their body temperature in the same way that adults
do and can easily become too hot. Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS) is more common in babies who have become
overheated. By monitoring babies' temperature the present
invention can alert parents in case the baby's temperature
increases.
A receiver receiving signal from the sensor system of
the present invention can be external or implantable. When
implantable inside the body the receiver can be powered by
magnetic induction externally or batteries recharged
externally. The receiver receives the signal from a
temperature sensor, glucose sensor, or the like and
retransmits the signals for further display.

Any transmitter of the present invention can be
integrated with Bluetooth, GRPS data transmission, and the
like. The signal from the transmitter then can be captured
by any Bluetooth enabled device such as cell phones,
electronic organizers, computers, and the like. Software of
the cell phone can be modified to receive the coded signal
from a transmitter. Algorithm in the receiver will decript
the signal and display the value. A cell phone can have an
auto dial to call a doctor for example when fever is noted.
It is understood that the signal from a cell phone or a
signal directly from the transmitter of the support
structure can be transmitted to a computer connected to the
internet for further transmission over a distributed
computer network.
The prior art used facial skin temperature as
detecting means for monitoring body temperature. As seen in
Figs. 1A and 1B, temperature of the skin on the face varies
significantly from area to area and is not representative
of the core temperature. In addition facial skin
temperature does not deliver thermal energy in a stable
fashion. Any device or method that uses facial skin
temperature to activate another device or monitor
temperature of the body will not provide a precise nor
accurate response. In addition facial skin temperature does

not represent the thermal status of the body and has a poor
correlation with core and brain temperature. The only skin
surface of the body which is in direct and undisturbed
communication with inside the body is the specialized area
of special geometry located at the entrance of the BTT. Any
temperature sensing device placed on or adjacent to the BTT
entrance can measure core temperature in a precise and
accurate manner. It is understood that any sensor
including a colorimetric sticker such as with liquid
crystal colorimetric thermometers can be used and placed on
the skin at the entrance of the BTT area, and are within
the scope of the invention.
Now referring to the previously described automated
climate control system, an exemplary embodiment will be
described in more detail. Although this exemplary preferred
embodiment will be described for climate control in the
cabin of a transportation vehicle (e.g., car) it is
understood that the method, device and system can apply to
any confined environment such as home, work place, a hotel
room, and the like in which the temperature inside the
confined environment is adjusted based on the temperature
at the BTT for achieving thermal comfort for the subject
inside the confined environment.

The temperature measurement at the BTT represents the
thermal comfort of the body. Investigation by the present
invention showed that the thermal comfort of the body is
reduced as the temperature of the body increases or
decreases reflected by a change in brain temperature at the
BTT. Thermal comfort of a human being is reflected by the
skin temperature at the BTT, with higher skin temperature
at the BTT generating a hot body sensation, while a lower
skin temperature at the BTT generates a cold body
sensation. In order to achieve thermal comfort for the
occupants of a cabin the system of the invention manages
cabin thermal comfort from the temperature signal generated
at the BTT. The present invention preferably uses a
particular specialized area in the face, and not the whole
face to manage the cabin temperature and cabin thermal
comfort. The present invention system preferably monitors
temperature in less than the whole face which causes an
optimal control of the heating and cooling of the cabin to
achieve thermal comfort of the occupant of the cabin.
Since thermal comfort is reflected in the brain
temperature adjusting the climate cabin based on the
temperature of the BTT will provide a thermally comfortable
environment for the occupant of the cabin. The BTT
temperature is set for controlling the HVAC (heater-air

condicioner) and other parts of the vehicle previously
mentioned such as seats, carpets, and the like, which are
adjusted to maintain the occupant's thermal sensation in a
comfortable state. In particular, articles in contact or
adjacent to the body are used to automatically remove or
apply heat to the occupant's body based on the BTT signal.
To further improve thermal comfort, the system includes a
temperature sensor in the cabin for detecting cabin
temperature. Accordingly, FIG. 83 shows an exemplary
automated climate control system which includes BTT
temperature sensing device 1894 for contact measurements
(e.g., eyewear) and 1895 for non-contact measurements
(e.g., infrared detector) for monitoring temperature at the
BTT, control device 1896 adapted to automatically adjust
articles 1898 in the cabin 1900 for removing or delivering
heat based on the signal generated by BTT sensing device
1894, a cabin temperature sensor 1902 to detect the
temperature in the cabin 1900, and an article 1898 inside
the cabin adapted to remove heat when the signal from BTT
sensor 1894 indicates high temperature or to deliver heat
when the BTT sensor 1894 indicates low temperature.
Although for illustration purposes a vehicle seat will be
used as an article for removing/delivering heat, it is
understood that other articles such as HVAC, carpet,

steering wheel, and other articles previously mentioned can
be used. As soon as the vehicle is started, the cabin
sensor 1902 detects the cabin temperature and adjusts the
article 1898 for removing or delivering heat based on the
temperature signal from the cabin sensor 1902 . Next or
simultaneous with measurement of cabin temperature by
sensor 1902, the output of BTT sensor 1894 is fed into
control device 1896 which activates article 1898 to remove
or deliver heat based on the signal from the BTT sensor
1894. If the BTT sensor 1894 indicates HIGH (>98.8°F) then
article 1898 will remove heat, and if LOW ( detected by BTT sensor 1894 then article 1898 will deliver
heat, in order to achieve cabin thermal comfort. An
exemplary embodiment for cooling includes control means
1896 connected to an air-conditioning control system for
managing the amount of cool air being generated and blown
in a proportional manner according to the temperature level
output by BTT sensor 1894. For heating exemplarily the
control device 1896 can be connected to a control system
1906 which gradually adjusts heat delivery by an
electrically-based vehicle seat 1898 according to the
output level by BTT sensor 1894. Control device 1896 is
adapted to remain neutral and not to adjust article 1898
when temperature at the BTT is within97.5°F and 98.8°F.

Since thermal comfort can vary from person to person, the
system can be adapted for removing or delivering heat
according to specific temperature thresholds in accordance
with the occupant's individual needs, and not necessarily
in accordance to defaults set at97.5°F and 98.8°F. It is
understood that a combination of skin sensors placed in
other parts of the body can be used in conjunction with BTT
sensor 1894. It is yet understood that the rate of change
in the skin temperature can be accounted for and fed into
microcontroller which is adapted to adjust articles based
on a large variation of skin temperature at the BTT site,
with for instance a sudden cooling of the body of more than
0.6 degrees generating a corresponding decrease in the
amount of cool air being generated or even shutting off an
air conditioner system. It is also understood that BTT
sensing devices include contact device (e.g., patches and
eyewear of the present invention), non-contact devices
(e.g., infrared devices of the present invention), thermal
imaging (e.g., BTT Thermoscan of the present invention),
and the like.
Yet another embodiment according to the present
invention includes a support structure containing a sensor
to measure biological parameters connected to a nasal
strip for dilating airways of humans such as Breathe Right

(commercially available under Che trade name BreatheRight)
and for dilating airway passages of animals (commercially
available under the trade name Flair). Exemplary air
dilator nasal strips were described in U.S. Patent Nos.
5,533,503 and 5,913,873. The present invention incorporates
airway dilators into patches for biological monitoring. The
present invention can be an integral part of an airway
dilator. The airway dilators can be an extension of the
present invention. The coupling of a patch measuring
biological parameters and an air dilator is convenient and
beneficial since both are useful in the same activities.
Nasal airway dilators are beneficial during sleeping, in
athletic activities, or when suffering from a cold or
respiratory infections and the patch of the present
invention is used during sleeping, monitoring temperature
changes in athletic activities, and monitoring fever during
respiratory infections. Both nasal airway dilators and the
patch of the present invention use an adhesive in its
backing to secure to the skin and both are secured to the
skin over the nasal bones, the patch of BTT located in the
superior aspect of the nasal bone and the air dilator
preferably in the inferior aspect of the nasal bone. The
nasal airway dilator extension of the patch of the present
invention is referred to herein as BioMonitor Dilator

(BMD) . Accordingly, FIG. 84 is a front perspective view of
a preferred embodiment showing a person 100 wearing a BMD
1908 including a support structure comprised of a patch 109
connected by connecting arm 1907 to air dilator nasal strip
1909 with said BMD placed on the nose 1911 with patch 109
containing indicator lines 111 and containing an active
sensor 102 positioned on the skin at the end of the tunnel
on the upper part of the nose 1911 and air dilator nasal
strip 1909 positioned on the skin of the lower part of the
nose 1911 of user 100. The embodiment of the BMD 1908 shown
in FIG. 84 provides transmitting device 104, processing
device 106, AD converter 107 and sensing device 102
connected by flexible circuit 110 to power source 108
housed in patch 109. Although a connecting arm is shown it
is understood that the BMD can be made as one piece in
which the upper part houses the sensor and circuitry and
the part on the lower aspect of the nose includes a spring
loaded strip to act as nasal airway dilator. The present
invention discloses a method of simultaneous monitoring
biological parameters while dilating nasal airways.
Another embodiment includes a plurality of kits shown
in FIGS. 85A to 85D. Accordingly, FIG. 85A is a schematic
view of a kit 1910 containing an adhesive tape 1912 and a
free sensor 1914 attached to a wire 1916. The free sensor

1914 is unattached to a support structure and when in use
said sensor is preferably placed in contact with the
adhesive 1912 in order for the sensor 1914 to be secured to
the skin by the adhesive surface of adhesive 1912. Another
embodiment shown in FIG. 85B includes a kit 1918 containing
a support structure 1920 such as a patch, clip, eyewear
(e.g., eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles, and safety glasses)
and the like, and receiver 1922 illustrated as a watch, but
also cell phone, electronic organizer, and the like can be
used as a receiver and being part of the kit. Kit 1918 can
also house a magnet 1923 in its structure which acts as a
switch, as previously described. It is understood that kit
1918 can include only a patch with the magnet 1923 adjacent
to said patch 1922. The watch 1922 preferably has a slanted
surface for better viewing during athletic activities such
as during cycling with the field of view of the watch 1926
directed at an angle toward the face of the cyclist, so
just by looking down and without turning the head the user
can see the temperature level displayed on the watch 1926.
A further embodiment shown in FIG. 85C includes a kit 1932
containing specialized BMD patch 1928 and a receiver 1930
illustrated as a watch.
Another embodiment includes shoes with temperature
sensor for detecting cold and with a radio transmitter to

transmit the signal to a receiver (e.g., Watch). The signal
from the shoe in conjunction with the signal from the
TempAlert at the BTT provides a combination of preventive
device against both frostbite and hypothermia.
It is understood that the support structure such as a
patch may house vapors and when the outer surface of the
patch is scratched mentholated vapors can be released to
help soothe and relieve nasal congestion, which can be
convenient when monitoring fevers with the patch.
It is also understood that steel or cooper can be
placed on top of a sensor to increase thermal conductivity
as well as any other conventional means to increase heat
transfer to a sensor.
It is understood that any electrochemical sensor,
thermoelectric sensor, acoustic sensor, piezoelectric
sensor, optical sensor, and the like can be supported by
the support structure for measuring biological parameters
in accordance with the principles of the invention. It is
understood that sensors using amperometric, potentiometric,
conductometric, gravimetric, impedimetric, and fluorescent
systems, and the like can be used in the apparatus of the
invention for the measurement of biological parameters. It
is also understood that other forms for biosensing can be
used such as changes in ionic conductance, enthalpy, and

mass as well as immunobiointeractions and the like. It is
also understood that new materials and thermally conductive
liquid crystal polymers. that produce a response in
accordance to temperature can be used in the invention and
positioned at the BTT site.
The foregoing description should be considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since
numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to
those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the
invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of
the invention.

We claim:
1. A detector for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of
the body of a mammal, said detector comprising:
a housing for placement on the skin,and
a fastener for removably holding the housing on the skin,
wherein,
said housing comprising hardware such as herein described for receiving
radiation energy from the skin at a brain tunnel, and having a bulge for
contacting the skin at the brain tunnel.
2. The detector as claimed in 1, wherein the fastener is durable.
3.. The detector as claimed in 1, wherein the fastener is disposable.
4. The detector as claimed in 1, wherein the hardware comprises an electrical
circuitry.
5.. The detector as claimed in 1, wherein the hardware comprises at least one
of a sensor, transmitter, processor, LED, buzzer, speaker, piezoelectric piece
and power source.
7. The detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein a radiation energy probe is
provided for remotely receiving radiation energy from the skin at a brain
tunnel, said probe having a column for receiving radiation energy, said
column having a largest widthwise dimension of less than 3.0 mm.
8. A detector as claimed in claim 7, wherein said radiation energy probe for
remotely receiving radiation energy from the skin at a brain tunnel, is having a
lens for collimating radiation energy received from the brain tunnel.
9. The detector as claimed in claim 1, optionally comprising a thermal imaging
system for receiving radiation energy from the skin at a brain tunnel and the
sensor for converting the radiation energy into an electrical signal.

10. The detector as claimed in 9, wherein said sensor comprises a system for
focusing infrared radiation.
11. The radiation detector as claimed in 9, wherein said system is provided
with a lens.
12. The radiation detector as claimed in claim 9, wherein said system is
provided with a filter for filtering infrared radiation.

13. The radiation detector as claimed in 9, wherein said sensor is provided
with a processor.
14. The detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastener is a hook and
loop fastener.

The invention discloses a detector for measuring physical, chemical and biological
parameters of the body of a mammal, said detector comprising : a housing for placement
on the skin, and a fastener for removably holding the housing on the skin, wherein, said
housing comprising hardware such as herein described for receiving radiation energy from
the skin at a brain tunnel, and having a bulge for contacting the skin at the brain tunnel.
The invention is also for a climate control apparatus incorporating said detector device.

Documents:

1759-KOLNP-2005-(02-01-2012)--FORM-27.pdf

1759-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

1759-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1759-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27 1.1.pdf

1759-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1759-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

1759-KOLNP-2005-OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT.pdf

1759-KOLNP-2005-PA.pdf


Patent Number 228047
Indian Patent Application Number 1759/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 05/2009
Publication Date 30-Jan-2009
Grant Date 28-Jan-2009
Date of Filing 05-Sep-2005
Name of Patentee ABREU, MARCIO, MARC, AURELIO, MARTINS
Applicant Address 72 HIGHLAND PARK ROAD, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ABREU, MARCIO, MARC, AURELIO, MARTINS 72 HIGHLAND PARK ROAD, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473
PCT International Classification Number A61B 5/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2004/005496
PCT International Filing date 2004-02-26
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/497,306 2003-08-25 U.S.A.
2 60/449,800 2003-02-26 U.S.A.
3 60/475,470 2003-06-04 U.S.A.