Sensing head of thermistor probe is supported in center area of plastic ring which has tabs so that it can be anchored in place by rubber bands or adhesive tapes. Device attaches probes to human subjects practically, reliably, and without affecting characteristics of skin segment being measured

Greenleaf, J. E.

Williams, B. A.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

•	 August 1974	 B74-10119 
NASA TECH BRIEF
	 £ Ames Research Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Thermistor Holder for Skin-Temperature Measurements 
.
The problem: 
To attach temperature probes (thermistors) to the 
skin of human subjects by a means which is practical, 
reliable, and does not affect the characteristics of the 
skin segment being measured. 
Thermistor
Plastic 
Ring 
Tensii 
Am'
Brass 
Cup 
The solution: 
Support the sensing head of the thermistor probe 
in the center area of a plastic ring which has tabs so 
that it can be anchored in place by rubber bands or 
adhesive tapes. 
How it's done: 
A ring of clear acrylic plastic is milled to form a 
3.7-cm circle with 2-cm tab extensions; the exten-
sions help stabilize the ring and provide attachment 
points for the fastening tapes or bands. As shown in 
the diagram, slots are cut in the perimeter of the ring 
to allow circulation of air and to provide a channel
for the leads of the thermistor probe. A brass tension 
arm with a 7-mm diameter cup in the end is formed 
from shim stock; it is attached by screws to the inner 
surface of the plastic ring and bent to provide the 
desired tension at the cup; the tension on the brass 
arm can be calibrated to provide similar surface pres-
sures against the skin. The ceramic (non-sensing) 
surface of the thermistor is fastened by epoxy glue to 
a 5-mm length of stainless steel tubing, which fits 
snugly into the brass cup. When the thermistor 
holder is held in place by bands, small pieces of rub-
ber tubing can be inserted between the bands and the 
extension tabs to provide flexibility during exercise 
testing. 
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California 94035 
Reference: TSP 74-10119 
Patent status: 
This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent 
application has been filed. Inquiries concerning non-
exclusive or exclusive license for its commercial de-
velopment should be addressed to: 
NASA Patent Counsel 
Mail Code 200-11 A 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California 94035 
Source: John E. Greenleaf and Bill A. Williams

Ames Research Center

(ARC-10855) 
Category 05 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that Such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740000119 2020-03-17T14:07:53+00:00Z


Thermistor holder for skin-temperature measurements

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