Device for remotely monitoring body temperature in animals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for remotely monitoring temperature in animals that comprises a case (1) that in turn comprises a hollow interior (2) and a lid (3) comprising a first area (7) configured to be inserted into the case (1) and comprising indentations where joints (10) configured to ensure sealing are located and a second area (8) opposite the first area (7), and a core (4) housed in the hollow interior (2) of the case (1). The core (4) comprises a self-programmable circuit (12), a memory, a temperature probe (13), responsible for measuring temperature and which sends this information to the self-programmable circuit (12), and a battery (16).

Description

[0001]

[0002] REMOTE MONITORING DEVICE FOR BODY TEMPERATURE IN ANIMALS

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to a remote animal temperature monitoring device configured to measure the animal's body temperature, heart rate, and pH in real time, and to transmit this data remotely. The device of the invention is applicable in the veterinary and agricultural health sectors, more specifically in the field of diagnostic instruments based on body temperature under intensive care conditions.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An increase in an animal's body temperature is a common sign of various diseases, many of which are infectious in origin and can have a significant impact on the animal's health and performance. Early identification of this temperature increase is essential to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the disease in question.

[0007] Until now, temperature taking was done occasionally using rectal clinical thermometers, without the possibility of continuous animal monitoring and requiring ongoing management.

[0008] Heart rate is also an important indicator of an animal's health. An abnormal increase or decrease in heart rate can be a sign of illness, stress, pain, or dehydration. Monitoring heart rate allows veterinarians and livestock farmers to detect health problems early and take steps to treat the animal appropriately.

[0009] In ruminants, such as cows, the stomach has different compartments, each with a characteristic pH. Measuring pH can help identify digestive problems, such as ruminal acidosis, a condition in which the pH of the rumen (the first compartment) becomes too acidic due to an inadequate diet. Monitoring pH makes it possible to detect these problems and take measures to prevent or treat them.

[0010] There are fixed external devices that take the temperature of the animal's ear area, although these tend to be lost due to the animal's natural socializing behavior.

[0011] There is no device for measuring temperature, pH, and heart rate in animals that automatically transmits temperature data in real time to a receiver located more than ten meters away without human intervention. Subcutaneous temperature measuring devices exist for animals, but they require close human intervention for reading.

[0012] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The objective of the present invention has a purpose not previously described. On the one hand, to describe a device that can be administered intravaginally in females and ruminally in both males and females. This minimizes the risk of loss. And, on the other hand, to achieve continuous and remote monitoring of the animal's body temperature.

[0014] Once the device has been inserted into the animal, either through the rumen or intravaginally, the risk of loss is minimal, even if the animals scratch, lick, or perform any other action related to their nature.

[0015] The device object of the invention can be used in most animals, but is especially designed for application in cattle, pigs, goats, horses and deer.

[0016] The device for remote monitoring of temperature in animals object of the invention comprises a housing which in turn comprises a hollow interior and a cover comprising a first area configured to be inserted into the housing and a second area opposite the first area, and a core housed in the hollow interior of the housing, where the core comprises a self-programmable circuit, a memory, a temperature probe, responsible for measuring temperature and sending this information to the self-programmable circuit, a heart rate sensor configured to measure the heart rate and a pH sensor connected to the self-programmable circuit and configured to send the information to said self-programmable circuit, and a battery.

[0017] In the remote temperature monitoring device for animals object of the invention, the first area of ​​the housing comprises slits where seals configured to provide tightness are located.

[0018] In the remote temperature monitoring device for animals object of the invention, the hollow interior of the housing comprises plastic guides configured to hold the core in the hollow interior of the housing.

[0019] In the remote temperature monitoring device for animals object of the invention, the housing comprises a hole at one end.

[0020] In the remote temperature monitoring device for animals object of the invention, the second zone comprises a thread configured to add different accessories of the device object of the invention.

[0021] In the remote animal temperature monitoring device object of the invention, the self-programmable circuit is configured to perform a periodic reading of the temperature probe and store the values ​​in the memory, perform and / or receive a periodic reading of the heart rate sensor and store the values ​​in the memory, perform and / or receive a periodic reading of the pH sensor and store the values ​​in the memory, and send the information from the memory by means of a transmitter to a receiver.

[0022] In the remote temperature monitoring device for animals object of the invention, the temperature probe measures a temperature range between 0°C to +125°C and its measurement accuracy is +- 0.05°C.

[0023] In the remote temperature monitoring device for animals object of the invention, the transmitter uses radio frequency at the operating frequency of 868 MHz.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a view of the outer casing of the device.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a view of the plug that is inserted into the outer casing of the device.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a full view of the device with the plug inserted.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a front view of the inside of the device with all its components.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a side view of the interior of the device with all its components.

[0030] Below is a list of the numerical references used in the figures accompanying this specification:

[0031] 1. casing,

[0032] 2. hollow interior,

[0033] 3. lid,

[0034] 4. core,

[0035] 5. plastic guides,

[0036] 6. hole,

[0037] 7. first zone,

[0038] 8. second zone,

[0039] 9. thread,

[0040] 10. together,

[0041] 11. core,

[0042] 12. self-programming circuit,

[0043] 13. temperature probe, and

[0044] 14. Heart rate sensor, 15. pH sensor,

[0045] 16. battery.

[0046] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, one can observe in them an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described below.

[0048] The device object of the invention comprises a housing (1) with dimensions, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, between 8 and 10 centimeters long; and between 2 and 2.5 cm in diameter at its thickest part. In its smallest versions, it will be 4 cm long and 1 cm in diameter.

[0049] The housing (1), in the preferred embodiment of the invention, has a fusiform shape and is covered with resistant plastic.

[0050] The casing (1) comprises a hollow interior (2) such that a core (4) is housed in said hollow interior (2) (see figures 4 and 5) held by plastic guides (5) that are located in the inner area of ​​the casing (1). At one end of the casing (1) there is a hole (6) configured to provide accommodation for securing a rope (not shown) to facilitate the removal of the device object of the invention.

[0051] Figure 2 shows the cover (3) of the device, which comprises a first area (7) configured to be inserted into the housing (1) and a second area (8) comprising a thread (9) configured to add different accessories of the device object of the invention. The first area (7) comprises seals (10) located in grooves that are responsible for providing tightness to the interior of the device object of the invention. The configuration of the seals (10) provides a degree of protection resistant to water and dust IP67.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a view of the housing (1) with the cover (3) inserted so that a complete view of the exterior of the device object of the invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the core (4) of the device. The core (4) comprises a self-programmable circuit (12) which is the main part of the device, to which the rest of the components are attached, among which is a memory. At the right end of Figure 4, a temperature probe (13) is represented, which is responsible for measuring temperature and sending this information to the self-programmable circuit (12). On the left side of Figure 4, attached to the self-programmable circuit (12), a battery (16) is located that provides power to the device and allows its use for years until it needs to be replaced.

[0054] The device object of the invention also comprises a heart rate sensor (14) and a pH sensor (15), connected to the self-programmable circuit (12), such that said sensors (14, 15) send the information they collect to the self-programmable circuit (12).

[0055] The self-programmable circuit (12) is responsible for the periodic reading of the temperature probe (13), the heart rate sensor (14) and the pH sensor (15) and stores the values ​​in memory. Every hour, a transmitter (not shown) sends the information contained in the memory, which is received by a receiver and sent to the server.

[0056] The temperature range that the temperature probe (13) can measure is from 0°C to +125°C and its measurement accuracy is +- 0.05°C.

[0057] The information stored in the self-programmable circuit (12) is sent together with a unique identifier of the device that is also stored in the device, obtaining the data relationship of each device together with the animal to which it corresponds.

[0058] Once the receiver receives the data, it transmits the information to any device via the internet. The receiver (not shown) is located near the animals' drinking points, ensuring constant data reception, since the animals drink several times a day, and the device must be within range for proper data transmission and reception. This allows remote temperature monitoring without having to handle the animal daily.

[0059] The transmission technology used is radio frequency (RF) at the operating frequency of 868MHz, with a transmission range of up to 150 meters under ideal conditions.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device for remote temperature monitoring in animals characterized in that it comprises: a housing (1) which in turn comprises a hollow interior (2) and a lid () comprising a first zone (7) configured to be inserted into the housing (1) and a second zone (8) opposite the first zone (7), a core (4) housed in the hollow interior (2) of the housing (1), where the core (4) comprises a self-programmable circuit (12), a memory, a temperature probe (13) in charge of measuring temperature and which sends this information to the self-programmable circuit (12), a heart rate sensor (14) configured to measure the heart rate and a pH sensor (15) attached to the self-programmable circuit (12) and configured to send the information to said self-programmable circuit (12) and a battery (16).

2. Remote temperature monitoring device for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that the first area (7) of the housing (1) comprises slits where seals (10) are located, configured to provide tightness.

3. Device for remote temperature monitoring in animals according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow interior (2) of the housing (1) comprises plastic guides (5) configured to hold the core (4) in the hollow interior (2) of the housing (1).

4. Remote temperature monitoring device for animals according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1) comprises a hole (6) at one end.

5. Remote temperature monitoring device in animals according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second zone (8) comprises a thread (9) configured to add accessories to the device object of the invention.

6. Device for remote temperature monitoring in animals according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit 7. Device for remote monitoring of animal temperature according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature probe measures a temperature range (13) between 0°C and +125°C.

8. Remote temperature monitoring device for animals according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitter uses radio frequency at the operating frequency of 868MHz.

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