WO2000052662A1 - Electronic body temperature monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device (10) for detecting and monitoring body temperature that is semi-permanently affixed to a non-human animal is described. This device permits the evaluation of the animal's health status and accurate determination of treatment based on body temperature changes indicative of potential illnesses. The device includes an eartag type housing (11) in which is housed appropriate electronic circuitry, said circuitry functional combined with at least one remote temperature sensor (25) and a visible alarm (15). The invention may be used, for example, with any non-human animal, for example, livestock.

Description

ELECTRONIC BODY TEMPERATURE MONITORING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general field of temperature measurement,

and more specifically, to an electronic device for semi-permanent attachment to a

non-human animal that monitors body temperature and detects and indicates changes

therein based on predetermined and programmed thresholds by actuating a visible

signal. This application, thus, describes an electronic device useful for determination

of non-human animal temperature changes indicative of, for example, illness.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

It is well known that mammal core body temperature changes are indicative of

physiological states, for example, fertility or disease. More specifically, a prolonged

increase in body temperature is generally directly correlated to pathology. In non-

human animals, for example, cattle, there is a need to determine raised body

temperatures in order to determine potential illness prior to the onset of clinical

symptoms of pathology. Clinical symptoms are generally those subjective symptoms

involving direct observation and evidencing a disease, and thus, enabling disease

diagnosis by or based on clinical observation. Sick cattle go off feed, lose weight and

transfer the illness to other cattle. By the time evident clinical symptoms are

observed, e.g., hanging head, cough, weight loss, treatment is even more expensive

and time consuming than if caught in early stages. Further, delayed determination of

disease does little to prevent the spread of the disease through the herd, and in turn, subsequent treatment of other animals and corresponding monetary loss based

thereon.

Traditionally, cattleman test calves for sickness by grabbing their ears; hot

ears indicate oncoming illness. Animals determined to have raised body temperatures

may be observed and evaluated for treatment. To manually examine each steer in a

feedlot or each cow in a dairy at regular intervals is virtually impossible.

Furthermore, cattle, as well as other grazing animals, do not maintain their body

temperature within a narrow range; fluctuation in their body temperature may be 2-3

°F normally and 6-7 °F under stress. Adding to this complication is the fact that

cattle body temperature follows a diurnal pattern. That is, low temperatures in the

morning and high temperatures in the afternoon. Generally, by monitoring body

temperature and clinical symptoms, sick animals may be pulled (culled) from the herd

and treated accordingly. The basic need for accurate, continuous and cost effective

animal body temperature monitoring has been clearly identified in the field; the prior

art discloses many temperature sensing devices based on this need. U.S. Patent no.

3,661,142 to Flam, entitled TEMPERATURE SENSING PATCH, is directed to an

affixable temperature sensing patch based on the use of liquid crystal technology.

This patch is applied directly to, and measures the temperature of the skin, and

therefore, is not adapted for extreme environmental conditions.

A BELTED ELECTRONIC DISPLAY CLINICAL THERMOMETER WITH

ALARM is disclosed in U.S. Patent no. 4,904,997 to Chen et al. A non-invasive

thermal sensor is attached to the arm of a subject for temperature sensing and measuring. The unit triggers an alarm if the measured temperature is significantly

larger than a reference temperature. This system may be equipped with a transmitter

for signaling a remote receiver for alarm purposes.

Next, a battery powered transmitter for temperature monitoring is disclosed in

U.S. Patent No. 4,321 ,933 to Baessler, entitled TELEMETRY SYSTEM FOR

MONITORING HOSPITAL PATIENT TEMPERATURE. A transmitter is

positioned over a patient's carotid artery and transmits a signal to a receiver carried

by hospital personnel. It is a device intended for monitoring temperature in a

controlled, hospital environment.

A temperature radio telemetry system for sensing skin temperature, combined

with an alarm clock and intended for use in home settings is the subject matter of

U.S. Patent no. 5,844,862 to Cocatre-Zilgien, entitled SKIN TEMPERATURE

RADIO TELEMETRY AND ALARMS.

U.S. Patent no. 5,559,497 to Hong, entitled BODY TEMPERATURE

SENSING AND ALARMING DENICE, is directed to a device that may be strapped

to various body parts, for example, wrist or ankle, to detect the body temperature and

alarm if that temperature is increased for more than a predetermined value. The

device measures the skin temperature of a subject such as an infant, converts it to a

reference value and compares that value with a preset reference value to determine

actuation of an alarm.

The Pompei et al. patent, U.S. Patent no. 5,469,855, entitled A

CONTINUOUS TEMPERATURE MONITOR discloses a temperature monitor having a remote sensor assembly adapted for insertion into a subject's ear canal and

connected to a display housing containing the supporting electronics. The monitor is

useful for short-term, continuous temperature monitoring, such as, during exercise or

hospitalization. It is not intended or designed for semi-permanent attachment for

extended monitoring.

A non-electronic, invasive device for indicating temperature of cattle in excess

of a predetermined threshold, useful for determining potential illness in said cattle is

claimed in U.S. Patent no. 3,889,658 to Newhall, entitled VIVO TEMPERATURE

SENSING METHOD AND APPARATUS. The preferred point of implantation for

said device is orally, however, the throat and brisket areas are included as alternates.

An electronic ear-tag device adapted for temperature detection, animal

identification, and transmission of same to a remote receiver is disclosed in U.S.

Patent no. 4,865,044 to Wallace et al, entitled TEMPERATURE-SENSING

SYSTEM FOR CATTLE. Said device is not adapted for visual observation and

immediate identification of an animal with an elevated temperature. Another remote

transmission temperature sensing system for use with livestock is described in U.S.

Patent no. 5,474,085 to Hurnik et al, entitled REMOTE THERMOGRAPHIC

SENSING OF LIVESTOCK. This invention uses a thermographic image sensing

system within a specified surveillance area to observe and monitor livestock. Other

remote transmission temperature sensing devices include invasive boluses such as

CowTemp™ (Innotek, Inc., Garrett, Indiana), MagTrac™ (MagTrac Bolus, Inc.,

Columbus, Montana) and those described in PCT/US98/05645, that are inserted in a standard manner and remains in the animal's reticulum for life.

HEAD MOUNTED ANIMAL INFORMATION MEANS, U.S. Patent

4,083,364 to Kelly et al, describes an invasively mounted temperature actuated

warning assembly that provides a visual signal in case of a fever. Also invasively

mounted is the implanted transmitter for monitoring body temperature described in

U.S. Patent 4,854,328 to Pollack, entitled ANIMAL MONITORING TELLTALE

AND INFORMATION SYSTEM. The transmitter sends a signal to a receiver

attached to the animal, which may re-transmit to a remote location.

Despite these attempts to monitor body temperature, none of the prior art

satisfactorily solves the problem of how to accurately and efficiently detect increased

body temperature through monitoring and indicate it to an observer in the field or

feedlot. Shortcomings found in the prior art include, for example, invasive

procedures, information transfer to remote locations and skin rather than body

temperature determination. For these reasons, as well as others, visual observation of

cattle behavior continues to be the primary technique used for finding a sick animal in

among the healthy herd. The present invention overcomes these drawbacks, fulfilling

the need for accurate and economical body temperature monitoring and visual signal

indication of increased temperature. More specifically, certain embodiments of the

instant device may be accurate to within 1 degree Fahrenheit of true body

temperature, upper and lower temperature threshold adjustable, relative temperature

threshold adjustable, cost effective, reusable or disposable, non-invasive, semi¬

permanent, non-labor-intensive and employs LED signaling. The invention disclosed herein is directed to a non-invasive, temperature

monitor having a remote sensor assembly adapted for extended and/or semi¬

permanent insertion into an animal's ear canal, said sensor connected to a housing

containing the supporting electronics that activate a visible alarm thereon, thereby

enabling immediate identification of animal having temperature falling outside preset

thresholds. While prior art is suitable for some aspects of temperature monitoring,

none of the prior art monitors body temperature for an extended period of time

without being invasively attached to a live animal. The instant invention is a simple,

reliable, self-contained electronic device for body temperature monitoring that visibly

signals body temperatures that fall outside, for example, rise above, preset thresholds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on a novel concept for determination of non-human

animal body temperature in order to determine sick animals prior to clinical

pathology expression. The present invention is defined by a battery powered

electrical device having a remote temperature probe adapted for sensing the body

temperature of an animal. Based on preset temperature thresholds, visible or audible

alarms indicating, for example, a raised temperature greater or equal to 104 °F / 40

°C, are actuated. Alternatively, a difference of plus or minus 2 °F actuates a visible

alarm. The device is semi-permanently attached to a non-human animal, for example,

a cow, and positioned such that body temperature is accurately and/or consistently

determined by the temperature sensing probe. Temperature probes may include, for example, rectal or tissue type probes, and preferably, otic.

The present invention, when practiced as disclosed herein, accurately indicates

elevated body temperature via simple device observation. The instant invention is

applicable to all non-human animals, is useful with most livestock, and is particularly

useful in dairy and beef cattle, but is not intended to be limited thereto.

In broad terms, the instant device is a self-contained, battery operated,

electronic device that determines an animal's body temperature, and based on preset

thresholds, i.e., temperature and time, displays visible signals indicative of a change

in body temperature falling outside those thresholds.

In the preferred embodiments, the invention comprises a housing having

electronic componentry housed therein and displaying a visible LED alarm signal

when activated by temperature readings taken by a remote temperature sensing probe.

In one of the preferred embodiments, an alternate embodiment further

includes a microprocessor that may be substituted for certain components, for

example, comparator, regulator, flasher IC, transistor and/or resistor.

Another embodiment includes an invasive needle-type tissue temperature

probe. Said probes may be integrally combined with the housing of the preferred

embodiment of the instant invention. Alternatively, any of the embodiments

disclosed herein may be linked via telemetry to an automated system for data

processing and/or signaling. The latter enabling and facilitating small sizing and

placement flexibility of the device.

Yet, another embodiment may include more than a single temperature sensor for monitoring, for example, the ambient temperature in relation the body temperature

in order to determine relative body temperature.

All embodiments of the instant invention include the same general

methodologies, objects and elements; an electronic body temperature sensing device

for monitoring of same, said device comprised essentially of an internal controller

chip (IC), a power source and a visible indicator, all of which is encased in a

hermetically sealed housing adapted for semi-permanent attachment to a non-human

animal and functionally combined with at least one remote temperature sensing probe

functionally combined therewith. Said probes are combined in such a way as to

facilitate otic, rectal or tissue temperature sensing without out being invasive, and

may further comprise other customizing features and specifications. Other features

and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following

detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which

illustrate by way of example, the principles of the instant invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the body

temperature monitoring device of the instant invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternated preferred embodiment of the

body temperature monitoring device of the instant invention. Figure 3 is a plan and side view of the alternate embodiment of the instant

invention as set forth in Figure 2.

Figure 4 depicts an overall block diagram representation of the electronic

circuitry of the preferred embodiments of the instant invention.

Figure 5 is a detailed block diagram representation of the circuitry of a

preferred electronics of the instant invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry of a preferred embodiment of

the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the

following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not

restrictive of the invention as claimed. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the one

of the most costly problem facing cattle handlers, especially during transport and

subsequent feedlot handling. It is widely accepted that the number one indicator of

BRD is the onset of fever. The most widely used current method to detect sick cattle

is simple observation. Workmen, pen riders and the like, look for typical signs such

as lowered head, lethargy, or reduced appetite. Unfortunately, by the time these

readily apparent signs are exhibited, the disease is typically well advanced and other animals exposed thereto. The cost to the cattle industry is enormous, affecting as

many as 750,000 head of cattle per year in the United States alone. As a result of

BRD and like diseases, these animals are either lost completely or, if successfully

treated, lose the weight gain that an otherwise healthy animal would have achieved.

Either way, profits are reduced and sometimes not realized at all.

In body temperature monitoring, there are a number of complicating factors,

such as: normal body temperature fluctuations over a 24-hour period; stress induced

temperature rises; and, normal body temperature differences from one animal to

another. The most widely used current temperature measurement methods and

devices rely upon cumbersome and stressful approaches, such as, isolating the animal

in a restraining chute and taking rectal temperatures. These methods are impractical

for continuous monitoring regardless of the location of the animal. A desirable device

should be easy to install and use, reliable, lightweight, durable and low cost. The

device described herein allows easy and reliable temperature measurement on a more

or less continuous basis without physically isolating the animal or incurring extra

costs associated with labor and medical treatment.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art that a broad range of temperature

monitoring devices may be practiced in accordance with the presently disclosed

invention. The present invention provides an electronic body temperature monitoring

device useful for detecting changes in body temperature and indicating changes

falling outside preset thresholds. The present invention further reliably measures and

signals a change in body temperature based upon those preset thresholds. The instant temperature monitoring device is low cost, impervious to environmental exposure,

battery operated with an adequate useful life and is visible by simple observation.

More specifically, the present invention is a self-contained battery operated

device with a visible alarm signal, e.g., LED. This device may be mounted on

commercially available eartags, such as, Allflex™. These eartags are readily

available, widely used in the industry, and therefore, installation tools and techniques

are well known and available in the industry. However, any eartag may be adapted

for use with the instant invention, for example, one-piece eartags and pet control tags.

In one preferred embodiment, the instant invention incorporates at least one remote

temperature sensor, e.g., thermister, functionally and directly attached to a circuit

board that is attached to or embedded in an eartag and programmed to allow

temperature measurement. In another preferred embodiment, a temperature sensor is

attached to or embedded in the base portion if an eartag having preprogrammed

electronic circuitry, said sensor detecting ambient temperature. This embodiment

further comprises at least one additional or second temperature sensor employed as an

ear probe that is connected to the electronic circuitry via various length lead wires in

order to accommodate various depths of penetration into the subject animal's ear.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be installed on an animal by

hand with a conventional eartag hand applicator. The temperature sensor ear probe

mounted on lead wire is then inserted by hand into the animal's ear canal; said wires

must be flexible enough to accommodate individual ear canals while also being

sturdy enough to support the probe. To that end, the wires may be coated with plastic material or the like for purposes of rigidity, or alternatively, be encased in a flexible

housing.

In the preferred embodiments, actual temperature measurements are obtained

in volts via at least one thermister. Thermister voltage operates inversely to

temperature, so the higher the temperature, the lower the voltage. By way of

example, the voltage readings observed from both the ambient and ear thermister in

the second above-described embodiment are then calibrated to indicate observed

temperature. The devices are adjustable, so that a particular ear voltage reading, and

thus, temperature, may be chosen and preprogrammed to activate an LED signal.

Measurements obtained that fall above that preprogrammed temperature setting

activated an LED that flashes brightly; below that preprogrammed setting the LED

does not flash.

The details of the basic structure for the preferred embodiment of the

invention include 4 major portions: the housing, the electronic componentry, visible

alarm and the temperature sensing probe or probes. The injection molded housing is

constructed of plastic, or light-weight like material, in which is housed the electronics

and a visible alarm, e.g. LED. Said housing is adapted in the preferred embodiment

for attachment to a live animal's ear. Extending therefrom is at least one remote

temperature sensing probe comprising, for example a thermister, adapted in the

preferred embodiment for semi-permanent insertion into the animal's ear canal. The

housing of the instant device is, via injection molding techniques known in the art,

capable of being hermetically sealed, thereby facilitating water- and weather- resistance. A preferred embodiment is comprised essentially of a thermister,

comparator and LED. Another preferred embodiment substitutes a microcontroller

for the comparator and flasher circuits in order to reduce both cost and power source

drain.

Figure 1 shows a detailed external, view of a preferred embodiment of the

instant invention. Generally, an eartag 10 having a base portion 11 and an attachment

portion 12 is semi-permanently attached to the ear 5, preferably lobe, of an animal.

Mounted on or embedded within the based portion 11 is electronic componentry 30,

e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a power source, functionally combined with a

visible alarm 15 and at least one remote temperature sensor 25. Said sensor 25

extends from the PCB 30 via conventional lead wires 20, such that it may be inserted

as a temperature probe into the ear canal of an animal. The visible alarm 15 is

integrally mounted on the eartag base portion 11 in a position to optimize visibility.

Alternate embodiments, not shown, are directed to remote temperature sensing

probes adapted for rectal insertion and needle-type tissue probe temperature sensors.

Each, accordingly, semi-permanently attached to a live animal for temperature

monitoring.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, at least one additional temperature

sensor is integrated into the device. More specifically, eartag base 11 embedded

electronic componentry 30 is semi-permanently attached to the earlobe 5 of an animal

in similar fashion as that described above. Disposed between the eartag base portion

11 and the eartag attachment portion 12 is a probe guide 65, in which is embedded an ambient temperature sensor 45 and/or a remote temperature sensor 25 or sensors and

lead wire or wires 20 extending therefrom.

As more clearly depicted in Figure 3, the probe guide 65 is functionally

connected to the electronic componentry 30 via standard lead wires 20, thereby

facilitating moveability, including rotational movement, to insure proper placement

thereof. An ambient temperature sensor 45 may, alternatively, be separately

incorporated into the eartag base portion 11 of the instant device.

Figure 4 sets out basic portions of the electronic componentry for the preferred

embodiments of the instant invention, including a control circuit 50, a power source

35, a visible indicator 15, an animal temperature sensor 40 (alternatively a remote

temperature sensor 25) and in some embodiments, an ambient temperature sensor 45.

More specifically, the power source 35 of the instant device may include battery

power that supplies the necessary power to the control circuit electronics 50. Said

circuitry consisting of low-power electronics that measure the temperature of the

animal and may measure the ambient temperature. The instant device is intended for

outdoor use, and thus, the ambient temperature may be monitored, in some

embodiments, in order to compensate for changes in the animal's body temperature

due to, for example, fluctuations in ambient temperature. That is, the ambient

temperature sensor 45 acts to adjust the electronics 50 in order to compensate for an

increase in the animal's body temperature based solely on an increased ambient

temperature. After any necessary adjustment, as described above, the control

electronics 50 determine the animal's body temperature. By way of illustration, when an animal's temperature falls outside a preset and preprogrammed upper and/or lower

temperature threshold, the control circuitry 50 activates a visual alarm 15 or indicator,

for example, a light emitting diode (LED), the activation of which is easily and

simply visually observed. In addition to these basic components of the device,

additional resistors and/or capacitors may be added to the system as necessary.

Figure 5 illustrates the detailed electronic componentry of a preferred embodiment.

The electronic componentry, e.g., a PCB, may be pre-attached to the outside

of the eartag base portion 11, or alternatively embedded therein having the visible

alarm 15 extending therefrom. Thus, the visible alarm 15 is easily observed upon

activation. If the eartag is not manufactured with a hollow shaft, then an aperture

sufficient in diameter for the lead wires connecting the thermister to pass through

must be created. Alternatively, lead wires may loop around the outside of the

animal's ear. Moreover, depending upon the method of eartag attachment, an extra

long shaft may be employed to attach the probe after the standard eartag is in place.

Said probe is inserted so that the exposed side of the sensor is in contact with the

animal's skin and as close to the ear canal opening as possible. In the preferred

embodiments, the animal's body temperature and ambient temperature are monitored

by thermisters. Thermisters are historically proven, low-cost, and readily available.

Analog electronics, such as op-amps and comparators, present a variety of problems

such as noise, IC sensitivities to temperature, calibration issues, power supply

requirements, increased board space and cost. Using a microcontroller with built-in

analog to digital converters (ADC), for example, PIC16C72, the output of the thermisters is sensed and analog voltage converted to a digital number that is

internally processed. Any number of processing algorithms may be programmed into

the device using software, and thus, the algorithms may compensate for the ambient

temperature, sense daily temperature cycles, and may be updated based on feedback

and performance of the device.

Referring now to a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 6, a 3V lithium

battery operates the circuit. Raw battery voltage is fed to Ul the comparator, U2 the

regulator, U3 the LED flasher, and one end of the LED. Battery voltage changes as it

is drained during use and based on ambient temperature. Provided that the battery

voltage remains above approximately 2.2V, this voltage change does not affect the

comparator, regulator, or the LED flasher. This voltage change may affect the LED's

brightness, in that the LED may get dimmer as the battery voltage decreases.

In some of the preferred embodiments, there are two temperature-sensors in

the circuit as identified, TH1 and TH2, in Figure 6. Additional temperature sensors

may be included in other embodiments. These temperature sensors are negative

temperature coefficient (NTC) type thermisters. A thermister is a non-linear sensor

that decreases in resistance as the temperature increases. However, when connected

in a bridge circuit, as shown, the resulting voltage output is fairly linear with the

temperature. TH1 is the external or remote thermister used to sense the animal's

temperature, and TH2 is used to sense ambient temperature on the circuit board.

Since the battery voltage changes as described supra, a fixed, regulated voltage is

required for the bridge circuit. This voltage is provided by the regulator U2. Regulator U2 provides a fixed nominal 2.0V output that is fed to the

thermister bridge circuit, and on-board thermister circuit. The voltages Vth and Vtmp

are the output of the external thermister bridge circuit. Vth is adjustable using the

potentiometer PT1, and can be measured at test point TP4. The user adjusts PT1 until

Vth is set to the equivalent temperature that is desired to start the LED flashing. The

point Vtmp can be measured at TP1, and is the output of the external thermister.

Basically, Vtmp is normally greater than Vth. When the temperature on the external

thermister increases, the voltage Vtmp decreases, and eventually falls below Vth.

When this occurs, the output of the comparator, Ul, switches from 0V to the battery

voltage that activates the LED flasher circuit.

The LED flasher circuit consists of transistor Ql, resistors R5 and R6, a

flasher IC U3, and the LED. Ql acts as a switch to connect U3 to ground and activate

it. R6 limits the current to Ql . The flasher IC flashes the LED at approximately 0.1

seconds on and 0.9 seconds off, so it is flashing about once a second. Resistor R6

limits the current through the LED when on, and thus, controls the brightness.

The other components in the circuit are Cl, C2 and JP1. JP1 is a jumper and

acts as an on/off switch for the entire circuit. When the unit is not in use, JP1 should

be removed to conserve battery life. Capacitors Cl and C2 provide filtering to the

inputs to the comparator. They prevent spikes and noise from setting off the

comparator.

Disadvantages of the preferred embodiment include the fact that with a jumper

in place, the circuit continuously draws current from the battery and even though components Ul, U3, Ql and R5 are inexpensive, they may all be made obsolete by

replacing them with a microcontroller having a built-in comparator, see block

diagram of Figure 5. The advantages of a microcontroller include a reduction in cost,

battery life savings and provide for a programmed designed.

Replacing Ul, U3, Ql and R5 with a microcontroller such as the Micro-Chip

PIC16LC621 may provide numerous advantages beyond those already described in

the instant invention. First, the microcontroller can be programmed to conserve

battery life. Next, the microcontroller can be programmed for any flash on and off

time. The flasher IC used in the non-microcontroller embodiment has a fixed flash

rate of once per second. By reducing the on time and increasing the off time, batter

life is extended. The use of a microcontroller also reduces manufacturing costs.

An example of microcontroller programming includes performance as

follows. The device is "asleep" most of the time and consumes minimal battery

power. While it is asleep, it turns off the thermister bridge circuits, so there is nearly

zero current being drawn from the battery. At timed intervals, the microcontroller

"wakes up", allows the electronics to settle, and takes a temperature measurement. If

the temperature exceeds the desired set point, it starts flashing the LED. The

microcontroller has enough current drive to flash the LED without a flasher IC.

When the temperature drops back below the set point, it stops flashing the LED and

goes back to the sleep/measure cycle.

The microcontroller is powered directly from the battery and remains in

operating mode. The microchip microcontroller, when placed into a low power sleep mode, conserves battery life. However, the thermisters consume considerable battery

power and cannot run continuously. Hence, thermisters are operated from a regulated

voltage in order to maintain calibration; a regulator with on/off control meets these

requirements. In this embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller is

programmed to remain in a power down or sleep mode, powers up at regular

intervals, turns on the regulator to supply power to the thermisters, takes a

temperature measurement, and determines if the temperature falls outside thresholds.

In turn, the microcontroller may activate the LED signal or go back to sleep until the

next wake-up time. Using this novel scheme, certain batteries may last years instead

of months, and preferably, at least one year. Also, a push button switch may be

incorporated that, when depressed, shuts off the activated LED.

In use, the eartag device of the instant invention is semi-permanently attached

to an animal's ear from the outside in a standard manner. The tag is located as near as

practicable to the animal's head. Plastic washers 60, as shown in Figure 2, may be

employed to prevent movement of the external ear tag being transmitted to the sensor

inside the ear. With all embodiments of the instant invention, care must be taken to

avoid the nerves at the base of the ear. Many variations of the instant device are

possible. For example, the ear probe may or may not be detachable from the device;

the sensors may or may not be moveable/malleable. Alternative, the entire sensor

device and probe could be within a two piece eartag and wires leading from the

device to the ear sensor could go through rotating or fixed connector posts. Finally,

the tags may be positioned on the inside or outside of the ear. The device disclosed herein is composed of materials that facilitate the

necessary rigidity and robustness for accurate temperature monitoring while

continuously exposed to the environment, including but not limited to plastics,

rubbers and elastomers. Preferably, the material of composition is lightweight, sturdy

and resilient so that it is essentially unaffected by, for example, extreme

environmental factors. The preferred embodiment of the instant device is, in use,

semi-permanently affixed to the ear of the subject animal and is adapted for remote

temperature sensing, as described supra.

The preferred embodiments employ any long life battery, such as, lithium.

The estimated hour capacity of, for example, a BR2032 Button Cell battery, is at least

190 mA-hours. The operating and shelf lives of the device may be altered based on,

for example, battery selection, visible indicator pulse rate and ancillary electronic

componentry. The preferred total life of the instant invention is at least lyear, with an

estimated shelf life of 3 months.

The visible alarm indicator in all of the preferred embodiments is provided by

LED displays. When activated, the visible displays may continuously pulse, pulse in

intervals or exhibit a continuous signal. Furthermore, a diagnostic function sequence

may be programmed for operation confirmation and/or battery level indication

employing an alternate pulsing pattern.

It is apparent that the present invention provides a self-contained electronic

device for reliable and accurate, 24-hours per day, 7-days per week, temperature

monitoring. The device reduces labor requirements while increasing sick animal determination, and in turn reducing medical and related costs. The device's lifetime

is based on the power source, and therefore, may work for an extended period of time.

Furthermore, the devices disclosed herein are fully recoverable from the animal and

may be re-used or employed as a disposable unit. While specific embodiments of the

invention have been illustrated and described herein, these should not be construed as

limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather an exemplification of the

preferred embodiments thereof. Numerous variations are possible and will occur to

those skilled in the art. Such variations may include numerous methods and locations

of attachment, e.g., tail-head, alternative temperatures sensors, e.g. infrared, self-

standardization aspects, equilibration aspects, fixed versus relative trip points, and

self-adjusting aspects. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are

intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and

scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electronic body temperature monitoring device, comprising:

electronic componentry consisting essentially of an internal

controller, a PCB and a power source connected to an alarm

means, encased in or mounted on a housing having an attachment

means and adapted for semi-permanent attachment to a live

animal; and,

a remote temperature sensor functionally attached to said electronic

componentry and adapted for positioning to obtain temperature

data;

wherein a sensed change in body temperature as determined by

preprogrammed temperature threshold activates said alarm means.

2. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said preprogrammed threshold

includes a rise in temperature of 2 °F or the equivalent.

3. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said preprogrammed threshold

includes a temperature of greater than or equal to 104 °F or the equivalent.

4. The device as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a probe guide housing

said temperature sensor.

5. The device as defined in claiml , wherein said power source is a battery.

6. The device as defined in claim5, wherein said battery is a lithium battery

7. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said alarms means is an audible or visible alarm means.

8. The device as defined in claim 7, wherein said alarm means is an LED.

9. The device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said temperature sensor is adapted

for otic, rectal or skin temperature sensing.

10. The device as defined in claim 9, wherein said temperature sensor is a

thermister.

11. An electronic body temperature monitoring device, comprising:

electronic componentry consisting essentially of an internal controller, a

PCB and a power source connected to an alarm means, encased in or

mounted on a housing having an attachment means and adapted for semi-

permanent attachment to a live animal; and,

a plurality of remote temperature sensors functionally attached to

said electronic componentry and adapted for positioning to obtain temperature data, at least one temperature sensor measuring

ambient temperature, and at least one temperature sensor

measuring body temperature;

wherein a sensed change in body temperature as determined by

preprogrammed temperature threshold activates said alarm means.

12. The device as defined in claim 11 , wherein said preprogrammed threshold

includes a rise in temperature of 2 °F or the equivalent.

13. The device as defined in claim 11 , wherein said preprogrammed threshold

includes a temperature of greater than or equal to 104 °F or the equivalent.

14. The device as defined in claim 11 , wherein said preprogrammed threshold

includes a differential between at least two temperature sensors.

15. The device as defined in claim 11 , wherein said temperature sensor for

measuring ambient temperature is housed with the electronic componentry.

16. The device as defined in claim 11, further comprising a probe guide housing

said temperature sensor.

17. The device as defined in claiml 1 , wherein said power source is a battery.

18. The device as defined in claim 17, wherein said battery is a lithium battery

19. The device as defined in claim 11, wherein said alarms means is an audible or

visible alarm means.

20. The device as defined in claim 19, wherein said alarm means is an LED.

21. The device as defined in claim 11 , wherein said temperature sensor is adapted

for otic, rectal or skin temperature sensing.

22. The device as defined in claim 21, wherein said temperature sensor is a

thermister.