Device for Fixing a Temperature Sensor Intended to be Placed in the Auditory Canal of an Animal

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for fixing at least one temperature sensor to an animal, intended to be placed in the auditory canal of an animal. According to the invention, such a device comprises a first portion (31, 41, 51, 61, 71) defining at least one seat (311, 411, 511, 611, 711) for receiving at least one temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value, and a second portion (32, 42, 52, 62, 72) forming a spring, the first portion and/or the second portion being configured to bear on at least two separate zones of the auditory canal of the animal, said second portion (42, 52) comprising at least one leaf spring, and said first portion (41, 51) being a helical element connected to said at least one leaf spring.

Claims

1. Device for affixing at least one temperature sensor to an animal, to be placed in an animal's auditory canal, characterized in that it comprises: a first portion defining at least one housing capable of receiving at least one temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value, and, a second portion forming a spring, said first portion and/or said second portion being configured to take support on at least two distinct zones of said auditory canal said second portion comprising at least one spring leaf and said first portion being a helicoidal element connected to said at least one spring leaf.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said second portion is configured to take at least two positions, a compressed position in which said second portion is deformed so as to enable the insertion of said device into said auditory canal, and a holding position in which said second portion substantially resumes its original shape so as to hold said device fixedly attached to said auditory canal.

3. The device claim 1, characterized in that said housing comprises an entry hole for said temperature sensor and at least one air vent hole.

4. The device of claim 1, characterized in that said first portion is configured to take support on a first zone of said auditory canal and in that said second portion is configured to take support on a second zone of said auditory canal.

5. The device of claim 4, characterized in that said first portion defines a cylindrical housing, a height of which is configured to coincide with said first support zone of said auditory canal when said device is placed in said auditory canal.

6. The device of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a housing capable of receiving electronic means for identifying said animal.

7. The device of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a marking surface for an identifier of said animal.

8. The device of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for removing said device.

9. System for affixing at least one temperature sensor to an animal, to be placed in an animal's auditory canal, characterized in that it comprises: a device for affixing according to any one of the claims 1 to 8; at least one temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value, inserted into a housing of the affixing device.

10. The system of claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises electronic means for identifying said animal, inserted into said housing or into another housing of said affixing device.

Description

4. LIST OF FIGURES

[0053] Other features and advantages of the invention shall appear more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of simple, illustratory and non-exhaustive examples, and from the appended drawings of which:

[0054] FIG. 1 presents a system of temperature readings known in the prior art;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a view in perspective or three-quarter view of a glass capsule as inserted into an affixing device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0056] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate different views of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0057] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate different views of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0058] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate different views of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0059] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate different views of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0060] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate different views of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

5. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

5.1 General Principle

[0061] The general principle of the invention relies on a device for affixing at least one temperature sensor comprising two portions, of which a first portion defines at least one housing to receive the temperature sensor or sensors and means for transmitting temperature readings, this first portion taking support, if necessary, on at least one zone of the auditory canal, and of which a second spring-forming portion is to take support on at least one zone of the auditory canal.

[0062] Therefore, such a device, or rather the affixing system comprising such a device, at least one temperature sensor and means for transmitting temperature readings, can be totally inserted into an animal's auditory canal. Such a system can be placed permanently in the auditory canal in order to take one or more temperature readings and transmit these readings to a reader, place outside the animal.

[0063] To this end, the first portion of the affixing device defines a housing capable of receiving the temperature sensor or sensors, means for transmitting the temperature readings and, as the case may be, electronic means for identifying animals.

[0064] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the temperature sensor or sensors 21, the means 22 for transmitting the temperature readings, and, as the case may be, the electronic means 23 for identifying the animal, are pre-inserted into a glass capsule 20, also called a glass tag. The first portion then defines a substantially cylindrical housing capable of receiving such a glass tag.

[0065] In particular, if the glass tag comprises electronic means 23 for identifying the animal, comprising for example an antenna connected to a storage element carrying an identifier of the animal, the antenna of the electronic identification means can coincide with or be pooled with the antenna forming the means 22 for transmitting temperature readings. In this case, the first portion can define a single housing used to receive the glass tag 20 comprising the temperature sensor or sensors 21, the means 22 for transmitting the temperature readings, and the electronic means 23 for identifying the animal.

[0066] According to another embodiment, at least one second housing is provided to receive the electronic identification means. In this case, an antenna of the electronic identification means is not necessarily common with the antenna forming the means 22 for transmitting temperature readings.

[0067] The second portion of the affixing device, for its part, forms a spring. It is therefore capable of taking at least two positions, including:

[0068] a compressed position in which this second portion is deformed so as to enable the insertion of the device into the animal's auditory canal;

[0069] a holding position, in which the second portion tends to resume its original shape so as to maintain the device in the auditory canal.

[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 7B, we now present different embodiments of a device or a system for affixing a temperature sensor according to the invention, designed to be placed in an animal's auditory canal.

5.2 First Embodiment

[0071] to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, we consider an affixing system 30 comprising a glass tag 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or more generally a temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value), and a device for affixing a temperature sensor. Such an affixing device comprises a first portion 31 designed to take support on a first zone of the auditory canal, defining at least one housing capable of receiving the glass tag and a second spring-forming portion 32 designed to take support on a second zone of the auditory canal, the first and second zones of the auditory canal being substantially diametrically opposite.

[0072] According to this first embodiment, the first portion 31 defines a substantially cylindrical housing 311, a height of which coincides with the first zone of the auditory canal, when the system 30 is placed inside it. An entry hole 3111 for the temperature sensor, situated on a first base of the cylindrical housing 311, enables the insertion of the glass tag 20 into this housing 311. In order to facilitate the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 311, the invention also provides for an air vent hole 3112 in proximity to a second base of the cylindrical housing 311.

[0073] The second spring-forming portion 32 takes the form of a bullet-shaped or ogival sheath, at least partially enveloping the first portion 31.

[0074] For example, such a sheath has a longitudinal axis AA′ substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis BB′ of the housing 311. In particular, the sheath and the first portion coincide on a part 321 that is to take support on the first zone of the auditory canal, at the height of the housing 311.

[0075] The first end 322 of the sheath, in the sense of the introduction of the system into the auditory canal, has a rounded shape, so as to facilitate the insertion of the system 30 into the animal's auditory canal.

[0076] The other end of the sheath has a recess which makes it possible especially to limit the quantity of material used to manufacture the affixing device, the recess comprising:

[0077] a curved section 323;

[0078] an inclined section 324;

[0079] a section 325 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA′ of the sheath.

[0080] In order to form a spring, the sheath has a flexible part 326 that takes support on the second zone of the auditory canal. Such a flexible part 326 can be compressed when the system 30 is inserted into the animal's auditory canal, and then relaxed so that it attempts to resume its original shape in order to maintain the system 30 in the animal's auditory canal.

[0081] To this end, the sheath is made for example out of a flexible plastic material such as polyurethane. The first portion 31 can also be made of polyurethane in order to facilitate the force-fitting of the glass tag 20 into the housing 311.

[0082] In addition, the sheath has at least one air inlet hole 327 and at least one air outlet hole 328 situated on either side of the flexible part 326 that is to take support on the second zone of the auditory canal, so as not to impair the auditory capacities of the animal when the system is placed in the animal's auditory canal.

5.3 Second Embodiment

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, we present a second embodiment of the invention.

[0084] The description again considers an affixing system 40 comprising a glass tag 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or more generally a temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value), and a device for affixing a temperature sensor.

[0085] Such an affixing device has a first portion 41 that is to take support on a first zone of the auditory canal, defining at least one housing capable of receiving the glass tag 20 and a second spring-forming portion 42 that is to take support on a second zone of the auditory canal, the first and second zones of the auditory canal being substantially diametrically opposite.

[0086] According to this second embodiment, the first portion 41 is a helicoidal element. This helicoidal element defines a substantially cylindrical housing 411, a height of which coincides with the first zone of the auditory canal when the system 40 is placed inside it. An entry hole 4111 for the temperature sensor, situated on a first base of the substantially cylindrical housing 411, enables the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 411. In order to facilitate the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 411, a plurality of air vent holes 4112 are also provided in proximity to a second base of the substantially cylindrical housing 411, enabling air venting during the insertion of the glass tag into the housing 411.

[0087] The second spring-forming portion 42 takes the form of a spring leaf connected to the helicoidal element. This spring leaf enable easy insertion of the system 40 into the auditory canal when it is situated in its compressed position and enables the system 40 to be held in the auditory canal when it tends to resume its original shape.

[0088] For example, the spring leaf and the helicoidal element can be formed as a single piece, using a metal or plastic rod that is wound to form the first portion 41 and curved to form the second portion 42.

5.4 Third Embodiment

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, we present a third embodiment of the invention.

[0090] An affixing system 50 is considered again. This system 50 comprises a glass tag 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or more generally a temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value), and a device for affixing a temperature sensor.

[0091] Such an affixing device comprises a first portion 51 defining a housing capable of receiving the glass tag 20 and a second portion 52 that is to take support on at least two zones of the auditory canal, for example three zones, situated substantially at equal distances in the auditory canal.

[0092] According to this third embodiment, the first portion 51 is a helicoidal element defining a substantially cylindrical housing 511.

[0093] An entry hole 5111 for the temperature sensor, situated on a first base of the substantially cylindrical housing 511, enables the insertion of the glass tag 20 into this housing 511. In order to facilitate the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 511, a plurality of air vent holes 5112 are also provided in proximity to a second base of the substantially cylindrical housing 511, enabling air to be vented during the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 511.

[0094] The second spring-forming portion 52 takes the form of a plurality of spring leaves, for example three spring leaves, connected to the helicoidal element. These spring leaves enable easy insertion of the system 50 into the auditory canal when they are situated in their compressed position, and enable the system 50 to be maintained in the auditory canal when they tend to resume their original shape.

[0095] For example, the helicoidal element is formed by three helixes. A spring leaf and a helix can then be formed as one piece, using a metal or plastic rod that is wound to form the helix and curved to form the spring leaf. The three “spring leaf/helix” assemblies are then joined together to close the housing 511.

5.5 Fourth Embodiment

[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, we present a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0097] An affixing system 60 is considered again. This system 60 comprises a glass tag 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or more generally a temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value), and a device for affixing a temperature sensor.

[0098] Such an affixing device comprises a first portion 61 that is to take support on a first zone of the auditory canal defining a housing capable of receiving the glass tag 20 and a second portion 62 that is to take support on at least one second zone of the auditory canal.

[0099] According to this fourth embodiment, the first portion 61 defines a substantially cylindrical housing 611, a height of which coincides with the first zone of the auditory canal when the system 60 is placed inside it. An entry hole 6111 for the temperature sensor, situated on a first base of the substantially cylindrical housing 611, enables the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 611. In order to facilitate the insertion of the glass tag 20 into this housing 611, at least one air vent hole 6112 is provided in proximity to a second base of the cylindrical housing 611, enabling air to be vented during the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 611.

[0100] The second spring-forming portion 62 comprises a flexible plate, for example substantially rectangular, connected by one of its sides 621 to the first portion 61.

[0101] For example, such a plate is made of flexible plastic with memory effect, or it is a metal leaf over-molded with polyurethane. The first portion 61 can also be made of polyurethane in order to facilitate the force-fitting of the glass tag 20 into the housing 611.

[0102] In its compressed position, the flexible plate is at least partially wound around the first portion 61, facilitating the insertion of the system 60 into the auditory canal. In the holding position, the flexible plate is at least partially unwound. Thus, the affixing device can take support on a first zone of the auditory canal at the first portion 61 and on a second zone of the auditory canal at the side 622 opposite the side 621 connected to the first portion 61.

5.6 Fifth Embodiment

[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, we present a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0104] An affixing system 70 is considered again. This system 70 comprises a glass tag 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or more generally a temperature sensor and means for transmitting at least one temperature value), and a device for affixing a temperature sensor. Such an affixing device comprises a first portion 71 defining at least one housing capable of receiving the glass tag 20 and a second spring-forming portion 72 that is to take support on at least two substantially diametrically opposite zones of the auditory canal.

[0105] According to this fifth embodiment, the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 comprise a helicodal element formed by at least one coil having a first diameter, defining a substantially cylindrical housing 711 and at least one spring-forming coil having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

[0106] An entry hole 7111 for the temperature sensor, situated on a first base of the substantially cylindrical housing 711, enables the insertion of the glass tag 20 into this housing 711. In order to facilitate the insertion of the glass tag 20 into the housing 711, a plurality of air vent holes 7112 are also provided in proximity to a second base of the substantially cylindrical housing 711.

[0107] The first portion 71 is formed by at least one coil having a first diameter, connected to the second portion 72 formed by at least one coil having a second diameter, greater than the first diameter.

[0108] The coils of the second spring-forming portion 72 can be compressed in the sense illustrated by the arrows C, in the compressed position, enabling easy insertion of the system 70 into the auditory canal. These coils of the second portion 72 enable the system 70 to be held in the auditory canal when they tend to resume their original shape.

[0109] For example, the helicoidal element formed by coils having a first diameter and a second diameter can be formed as one piece, using a metal or plastic rod that is wound along the first diameter to form the first portion 71 and wound along the second diameter to form the second portion 72.

5.7 Alternative Embodiments

[0110] In the embodiments present above, it has been assumed that the temperature sensor or sensors, the means for transmitting at least one temperature reading, and as the case may be the electronic identification means, are inserted into a glass tag. Naturally, this is only one example of implementation, and the temperature sensor or sensors, the means for transmitting at least one temperature reading, and as the case may be the electronic identification means can take any other form. It must be noted that the shape of the housing of the first portion of the affixing device can be adapted to receive at least the temperature sensor or sensors and the means for transmitting at least one temperature reading.

[0111] In addition, the affixing device can have a marking surface, for example on the flexible plate, on the sheath, on the spring leaf, on the helicoidal elements etc. Thus, a visual means for identifying the animal can also be added to the affixing device instead of, or in addition to, the electronic identification means. Such visual and/or electronic identification means carry an identifier of the animal (identification number for example). This marking can be done by any known means (printing, laser etching, inkjet printing, etc.)

[0112] For setting up the affixing system, a clamp-type tool can be used enabling the compression of the second portion to bring it into its compressed position. The affixing device of the affixing system can also be placed in compressed position into an injector such as a syringe and released into the auditory canal. The second portion then seeks to resume its original shape, thus enabling the system to be permanently affixing into the auditory canal The affixing system can also be force-fitted into the auditory canal.

[0113] To this end, it can be noted that the total height of the affixing systems 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70, before they are placed in the auditory canal, is at least equal to the diameter of the auditory canal of the animal concerned in order to ensure that the system is properly held in the auditory canal and to prevent involuntary extraction. The dimensions of the affixing device are suited to the dimensions of the auditory canal of the concerned animal and therefore vary from one category of animal to another. For example, the diameter of the auditory canal of bovines is considered to be about 8 mm. The diameter of the affixing device in its initial state can be of the order of 9 mm. Thus, in the compressed position, the second spring-forming portion should be compressed to reduce the diameter/height of the affixing device to a dimension of less than 8 mm and, in the holding position, the second portion tends to resume its original shape and is therefore blocked by the walls of the auditory canal.

[0114] Besides, in order to facilitate the removal of the system from the animal's auditory canal, the affixing device can be equipped with a means of removal such as for example a thread, a notch capable of co-operating with a specific tool, etc.