CN101243976A - Cover sheet for body measuring equipment and its automatic sheet dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover sheet (1) for use in a body measuring device, said cover sheet having electrodes for supplying a current to a human body or measuring a potential difference between two locations on the body. The cover sheet has a conductive area portion (2) corresponding to the electrode of the body measuring device and having conductivity in the thickness direction, and an insulating layer separating adjacent conductive area portions (2) and having electrical insulation at least in the plane direction. Area section (3). Cover sheets are used to avoid cross-contamination, can be safely used without slippage and manufactured at low cost without compromising impedance, while ensuring complete insulation between adjacent electrodes. Conductivity is produced using conductive solids ("dry") or conductive liquids ("wet"). The coverslips are automatically fed by the sheet distribution unit.

Description

Cover sheet for body measuring equipment and its automatic sheet dispensing device

technical field

The invention relates to a cover sheet for use in body measuring devices or weight measuring devices equipped with electrodes for supplying an electric current to a human body or for measuring a potential difference between two parts of the body.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a cover slip used in a "body composition measuring device" that measures body impedance using body impedance technology, and an automatic dispensing device for the cover slip.

The invention further relates to a "cover magazine" comprising a plurality of cover magazines detachably connected to or stacked with each other, and a kit or combination of a magazine and an openable container, for example for sealed storage Pack or box of cover sheet stock.

Background technique

"Body composition measuring devices" are known for calculating visceral fat mass or relative body Other information related to composition and/or structure. The applicant's company manufactures and sells various body composition measurement devices. The mechanism of this body composition measuring device is disclosed in many documents such as JP-A1-05-49050 (now Japanese Patent No. 1848283).

The principle of measuring body composition using an impedance technique that measures electrical conductivity differences between different parts of the body composition is disclosed in: Keisoku Gijutsu, "Measurement Technology", September 2004, pp. 14-20; Nihon Rinsyo, Vol. 53, 1995 Special Issue, June 22, 1995, pp. 179-182. The contents of the above-mentioned documents correspond to a part of this specification.

In mass physical examinations or health checks where a large number of unknown people use the same body composition measuring device or weight measuring device consecutively, it is best to take precautionary measures to avoid cross-infection. In this body composition measuring device or weight measuring device, the subject stands on it with bare feet, thereby increasing the risk of cross-infection.

Furthermore, body composition measurement devices using impedance technology are susceptible to the influence of the subject's physical condition (biological change), as described in the above-mentioned documents. Therefore, it is best to avoid such situations that make the subject feel uncomfortable or panic. In the case of mass physical examinations or comprehensive health checks that force many subjects to take measurements sequentially, some subjects are hesitant to use the same measuring device after another. In view of this, it is beneficial or advantageous for the subject to feel that the measurement equipment is clean to obtain correct measurement results.

The above problems are less serious in domestic situations. However, when visitors such as relatives and friends come and use a clean body composition measuring device or weight measuring device, it is necessary to use the cover sheet for the measuring device as an etiquette sheet.

By wiping the bench, the surface of the measuring device can be kept clean. However, during mass medical examinations or general health checks, the measuring equipment needs to be kept clean by the operator. Furthermore, water left unevenly on the surface of the measurement unit may cause measurement errors. In measuring devices such as visceral fat meters that measure small differences in the conductivity of body composition, it is not easy to keep the surface of the measuring device clean by simple means.

The bench of the measuring device can be covered by a simple cover slip. However, the bench of a body composition measurement device has multiple electrodes (typically two or four electrodes), and these electrodes must be electrically isolated from each other. Covering materials that have an effect on impedance cannot be selected. Furthermore, subjects such as elderly people must never be allowed to slip and fall and be injured during use of the measuring device. Also, expensive methods or materials are not acceptable for practical use.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cover sheet for a body composition measurement device using impedance technology, which avoids cross-infection, is safe to use without seriously affecting the impedance to be measured, ensures isolation between electrodes and can be used at low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable cover sheet made of a nonwoven web, optionally provided with a non-slip treatment on at least a portion thereof, and placed in use on a surface of a body weight measuring device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover magazine comprising a plurality of device covers connected to each other or stacked in a detachable manner, and a set or combination of the magazine and an openable container for sealing the magazine .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cover slip dispensing device for automatically feeding and placing a cover slip onto an electrode portion of a body measuring device.

Contents of the invention

A first subject of the invention is a cover sheet for use in a body measuring device, wherein the cover sheet has electrodes for supplying an electric current to the body or for measuring a potential difference between two positions of the body, wherein the cover sheet has electrodes corresponding to the The electrodes of the body measuring device are corresponding to the conductive area portion and have conductivity along the thickness direction, and the insulating area portion is separated from adjacent conductive area portions and has electrical insulation at least along the planar direction.

In an example of the present invention, conductivity in the thickness direction is produced by spreading, adhering or adding conductive solid material into and/or onto the sheet (this case is hereinafter referred to as "dry"). This conductive solid material can be conductive particles, powder or fibers.

In an example of the present invention, the conductivity in the thickness direction is produced by penetrating, adhering or absorbing a conductive liquid into and/or onto the sheet (this type is hereinafter referred to as "wet"). This conductive liquid may be a conductive aqueous solution.

"Dry" and "Wet" can be used in combination. For example, a "dry" cover slip can be coated with a conductive aqueous solution such as water.

Sheets can be in the form of nonwoven webs or textiles, webs, felts, fabrics, knits or films.

Preferably, the cover sheet according to the invention has anti-slip means on at least part of its upper and/or lower surface.

The conductive area portion may be located at a position corresponding to an electrode portion that is in contact with the sole of the subject's foot or in contact with the hand of the subject standing on the table of the body composition measurement apparatus.

Cover sheets according to the invention may be made from nonwoven webs or be disposable. The conductive area portion can be prepared by conductive treatment.

A second subject of the invention is a disposable cover sheet made of a nonwoven web and provided with an at least partially anti-slip treatment.

The third subject of the present invention is a cover sheet material library, including a plurality of device covers connected in series in a detachable manner, each device cover sheet includes an electrode corresponding to the electrode of the body measuring device and along the A conductive region portion having conductivity in a thickness direction, and an insulating region portion separating adjacent conductive region portions and having electrical insulation at least in a planar direction. One preferred form of magazine is that of a roll. The magazine can consist of multiple stacked device covers. In this case, it is preferable to nest the two device covers partially consecutively, so that the device covers can be withdrawn continuously, similar to so-called "thin papers" stacked in boxes.

A fourth subject-matter of the invention is a set of wet cover sheet magazines and an openable container for hermetically packaging said magazines. The conductivity in the thickness direction of such a kit advantageously avoids evaporation of the conductive liquid during use or storage when produced by allowing the conductive liquid to penetrate, adhere or absorb into and/or on the sheet, in particular, the kit The unit can be used in the home for storing wet coverslips.

A fifth subject of the present invention is an automatic cover-slip dispensing device, comprising a cover-slip feeding unit arranged on one side of the electrode of the body measuring device, and a cover-slip that may be arranged on the opposite side or even the same side of the feeding unit collection unit. Automatic coverslip dispensing devices are particularly advantageous in situations where many subjects are measured sequentially in health centers, hospitals and general physical examinations. Coverslips can be fed by rollers or from a coversheet magazine in stacked form.

The automatic cover slip dispensing device can have a conductive liquid feed. The conductive areas of the cover sheet can be made to partially penetrate, adhere or absorb the conductive liquid by passing the cover sheet through a bath containing the conductive liquid. The conductive liquid can also be fed by a sponge roller with continuous water supply or can be sprayed.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of a cover sheet according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section along line A-A and line B-B in FIG. 1 .

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a cover sheet according to the invention for use in a body composition measurement device using body impedance technology. In Fig. 3B, a cover slip according to the present invention is placed on the body composition measurement device shown in Fig. 3A.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a cover sheet according to the invention for a home-type or domestic-type body composition measuring device. The relationship between FIGS. 4A and 4B is the same as that of FIG. 3 .

Figure 5 illustrates in 5A and 5B respectively a cross-sectional view of a deformation of a cover sheet according to the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates another variant of the cover sheet according to the invention. 6A is a schematic perspective view, and 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view.

Fig. 7 illustrates a hand-held device cover for use in a body composition measurement device, 7A is a schematic rear view, 7B is a schematic front view, and 7C shows a schematic view of the hand-held device cover when set.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a kit of a magazine of coverslips and a container packaging the magazine of coverslips.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a kit for a cover slip magazine and a container packaging the same suitable for a "wet" cover slip magazine.

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an automatic coverslip dispensing device according to the present invention with the front of the housing removed to show the interior of the dispensing device.

Figure 11 is a variation of Figure 10 equipped with a humidifier.

Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a capslip dispensing device designed for home use.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a variation of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a modification of the cover sheet shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another cover slip dispensing device designed for the variant shown in FIG. 14 .

Detailed ways

By "body composition measuring device" is understood a measuring device which calculates information on body composition and structure (eg fat mass) from the impedance between two body parts and physical conditions such as height, weight.

"Thickness direction" should be understood as the direction from the surface of the cover sheet to the opposite surface, and "planar direction" should be understood as the direction parallel or almost parallel to the surface.

The expression "having conductivity" literally means having a conductive property. The ideal is zero resistance, but it is possible to have resistance of a certain size. Regardless, it is desirable for the resistance to be uniform over the entire portion of the conductive area.

The expression "with an at least partially anti-slip treatment" is understood to mean that such an anti-slip treatment does not affect the measurement results in a body composition measurement device that uses body impedance for measurement.

Measurements obtained by body composition measurement devices can be corrected using calibration tables or curves.

"Conductive solid" is to be understood as conductive particles or powders that are solid when used, such as metal powders or metal salt powders such as aluminum powder, iron powder, silver powder and gold powder, or inorganic powders such as carbon powder, metal fibers or carbon fibers. Carbon nanotubes may also be used. Generally, conductive solids are added to sheets such as nonwoven webs, webs, and felts during the coversheet preparation stage, or are kneaded into the fibers during the fiber preparation stage, or are cast, infiltrated, or dispersed into the on the surface of the cover sheet or in the cover sheet to create conductivity through the thickness.

By "conductive liquid" is understood a conductive liquid which is in liquid state when in use, usually an aqueous solution. The conductive liquid can be tap water (often containing chlorides). Suitable materials capable of increasing conductivity and/or producing uniform conductivity may be added to the water, such as reagents for generating conductive ions, such as water-soluble salts such as sodium chloride. Aqueous solutions may contain agents capable of preventing or delaying drying, such as wetting agents, wetting agents and anti-drying agents such as acrylamides, polyethylene acetamides, polyglycol esters. The aqueous solution may contain other additives such as antibacterial agents, disinfectants, bactericides, deodorants, antioxidants, humectants, additives with various effects such as relaxing, fresh-keeping, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, such as anti- Mildew, anti-allergic, moisturizing, environment-enhancing and aromatherapeutic effects of catechins contributing to health and beauty, as well as additives such as antiseptic ceramics and borax, photocatalysts such as titanium oxide, antioxidants, antioxidants Fuel, etc.

The expression "with non-slip features" is understood to mean that the cover sheet does not slip on the body-measuring device or weight-measuring device even when used by elderly persons who are at greatest risk of injury.

For strength, insulation, hygiene, safety and cost considerations, the cover sheet according to the present invention is preferably made of a non-woven mesh or textile. Nonwoven webs are well known materials and various types of nonwoven webs are commercially available. Nonwoven webs can be produced using various methods and various materials. These materials may be natural fibers such as cotton, hemp or bamboo, animal fibers such as cotton wool, silk, such as rayon, cupro, acetate, amide, polyester, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, Chemical fibers of polyolefin, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, and polyurethane, and inorganic fibers such as glass fiber, metal fiber, and carbon fiber. The method of producing the nonwoven web is also not particularly limited, and one may use any known technique, such as bonding method, thermal bonding method, ultrasonic bonding method needle punching method, span weaving method (span lace method), stitching method, span Bonding method, melt blowing method, centrifugal force method, flash spinning method, voltage dry spinning method, film coating method, air deposition method, protection method and garneting machine method.

Since production costs are paramount, the cover slips according to the invention are preferably disposable. Therefore, for the cover sheet material according to the invention it is preferred to choose commercial products such as polyolefins, cotton and mixtures of polyolefins with cotton or paper. In particular, the preferred material is a high strength, low cost polyester/pulp nonwoven web, which is advantageously used in medical devices and disposable masks, surgical drapes and gowns.

In the cover sheet according to the present invention, the portion of the conductive area corresponding to the electrode portion of the body composition measuring device must have conductivity. This conductive area part can be (1) directly made of a conductive material or (2) obtained by so-called conductive treatment of a non-conductive material such as a nonwoven web or a plastic material. The conductive treatment is suitable for mass production.

In the case (1) where the conductive area part is directly made of conductive material, the cover sheet according to the present invention can be made by making an opening on the non-conductive sheet at a position corresponding to the electrode, placing the conductive sheet on the opening, and then The outer periphery or edge of the conductive sheet is fabricated by joining or fixing to the inner periphery or edge of the opening with an adhesive or by welding. The conductive sheet can be made of various conductive materials. In general, nonwoven webs can be made or modified to be conductive by two methods. In the first method, a conductive material is kneaded into (mixed with) a nonwoven web material, and the resultant mixture is twisted into filaments or fibers in a rotational fashion, so that a conductive sheet is prepared from the final conductive filaments or fibers. In the second method, a so-called conductive treatment is performed on a commercially available nonwoven web to produce a conductive sheet. The conductive sheet can be of any shape such as knitted, braided, nonwoven mesh and sheet. For example, conductive sheets can be made of fibrous woven and non-woven fabrics or sheets doped with conductive materials. If cost permits, a sheet or fabric made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide, polyurethane, or acetate in which carbon is dispersed may be used as the conductive sheet. The non-conductive sheet material used to form part of the non-conductive area may be made of any insulating material such as polyethylene and polyester/paper blends.

In the case (2) where the non-conductive material is made or changed to be part of a conductive region by a conductive treatment, one can use well-known conductive treatments. Parts of the insulating area may be masked during the conductive process. Various conductive materials used in the conductive treatment are also well known, and metal powder or metal salt powder such as aluminum powder, iron powder, silver powder, and gold powder, or inorganic powder such as carbon powder or carbon fiber are generally used. Preferably, a conductive dopant such as carbon black is used which is relatively cheap and suitable for mass production. In the conductive treatment, the solution in which the conductive material is dispersed may be applied to the nonwoven web through a pattern sheet having through holes corresponding to the electrodes. Compounds that can evenly disperse the conductive material and increase the wettability of the nonwoven web, such as solvents (ie, water, alcohol, or esters) containing surfactants and common salt, can be used.

The conductive area part and/or the insulating area part may be made of laminated material. For example, the upper surface of the insulating area portion may be made of a low density polyethylene film and the lower surface may be made of a rubber or elastomeric nonwoven web. Although there is no advantage in forming the conductive region portion into a layered structure from the viewpoint of improving conductivity in the thickness direction, the conductive region portion may be formed of a plurality of sheet-like layers. For example, the upper surface of the conductive area portion may be made of a polyamide mesh, and the lower surface may be made of a nonwoven mesh made of conductive polyamide. Various lamination combinations can also be used, such as antimicrobial nonwoven web/bacteria impermeable nonwoven web combinations, or textile/nonwoven web combinations.

The cover sheet according to the present invention may contain other additives, such as antibacterial agents, bacteriostats, deodorants, antioxidants, moisture retaining agents, relaxants, preservatives, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics or other additives that contribute to health and beauty and Additives with anti-mold, anti-allergenic, humidifying and environmental-improving effects, such as catechins, sanitizing ceramics and borax, or photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide, antioxidants and flame retardants.

Preferably, at least a part of the upper and/or lower surface of the cover sheet according to the invention has anti-slip properties. In particular, slippage between the cover slip and the table is undesirable for safety reasons. When the cover sheet according to the present invention itself has anti-slip properties, it can be used safely without anti-slip treatment of the workbench. A non-slip treatment can be performed uniformly on the worktop, for example by at least partially applying a urethane film, and in this case the cover sheet with anti-slip properties according to the invention can be used even more safely. Slip resistance can also be provided by the properties of the material itself. In fact, materials such as polyurethane can be made into non-slip covers. In the case of nonwoven webs made of polyethylene, polyester or mixtures with cellulose, it is preferred that at least a part, preferably the entire surface of the sheet, be provided with an anti-slip treatment. Such anti-slip treatment can be performed by various well-known methods, for example, coating natural or synthetic rubber material, elastomer, silicon rubber or adhesive in a desired pattern such as dot pattern and line pattern. Anti-slip treatment may be applied to the entire surface of the sheet as long as such treatment does not affect the measurement.

The anti-slip treatment can be omitted or weakened when the cover sheets are held by the feeding unit and the collecting unit in an automatic dispensing device in which the cover sheets are continuously fed by a storage roller.

Preferably, the conductive area portions are indicated or marked on the cover sheet according to the invention so that the operator, user or subject can immediately and easily determine or confirm the position of the conductive area portions and align them with the electrode portions of the measuring device alignment. For this purpose, a grid (window) is preferably printed at the conductive area portion. It is also preferred to mark points for orientation, such as center marks and lines indicating the installation position. For example, feet markings can be printed on a cover sheet according to the invention to facilitate positioning of the feet.

Now, practical applications of the cover sheet according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a cover sheet 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A and line B-B in FIG. 1 . The cover sheet 1 includes conductive area portions 2 corresponding to electrode portions of the body composition measuring device and insulating area portions 3 separating adjacent conductive area portions 2 . The conductive area portion 2 must conduct electricity in the thickness direction (the top-down direction in FIG. 2). The insulating region portion 3 must have insulating properties at least in the planar direction (along the plane of FIG. 1). Rubber anti-skid points 4 are formed on the lower surface of the cover sheet 1 .

Figure 3 shows an example of how the cover sheet 1 can be used on a body composition measurement device applying the impedance method. The body composition measuring device 10 of FIG. 3A is a multi-frequency type body composition measuring device for measuring body fat percentage, muscle mass, body water content and body weight. In use, a subject stands on the table 11 and holds the handheld device 15 to display various data as described above. The table 11 has electrode sections 12 (four sections in the figure) and insulating sections 13 that separate adjacent electrode sections 12 .

The cover sheet 1 shown in 3B in FIG. 3 according to the present invention can be used to prevent cross-infection through the workbench 11 and/or the hand-held device 15 . The anti-slip treatment performed on the lower surface of the cover sheet 1 protects people standing on the cover sheet 1 from the danger of slipping and falling.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a cover sheet 1 according to the invention for use in a home-type or home-type body composition measuring device. The reference numerals used in 4A and 4B in FIG. 4 are the same as those used in 3A and 3B in FIG. 3 . In 4A of FIG. 4 , the planar fastener 14 is fixed in place on the body composition measuring device by double-sided tape. In use, the cover sheet 1 made of a nonwoven web is pressed against the planar fasteners 14 so that the cover sheet 1 is firmly fixed. In home-type body composition measuring devices, family members can reuse the same cover sheet without replacement until the cover sheet becomes dirty, so in most cases, the labor cost of replacing the cover sheet caused by the use of flat fasteners 14 become irrelevant.

Figure 5 shows a variant of the cover sheet 1 according to the invention. In 5A of FIG. 5, the insulating region portion 3 has a laminated structure. For example, the upper insulating region portion 31 may be made of a low density polyethylene sheet, while the lower insulating region portion 32 may be made of a urethane sheet. The material of the upper and lower insulating region portions 31, 32 may be selected from various plastic materials, paper and elastomers in consideration of cost, strength, workability and other factors. They can be of any desired construction, such as nonwoven webs, textiles, sheets and films. The conductive region portion 2 can also be made of various materials similar to the insulating region portions 31, 32 as long as the conductive regions satisfy their requirement of having conductivity in the thickness direction.

5B of FIG. 5 illustrates a much simplified variant of the cover sheet 1 without the lower insulating region portion 32 shown in 5A of FIG. 5 . The outer periphery of the conductive area portion 2 is fixed to the insulating area portions 31, 32 with an adhesive or by welding.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another variation of a nonwoven mesh cover sheet for use in the home-type or household-type body composition measuring device shown in FIG. 4 . For clarity of view, the scale in the thickness direction is exaggerated. 6A in FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view, and 6B in FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view taken along line C-C of 6A in FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the conductive area portion 2 is prepared by making the corresponding portion of the nonwoven web conductive or subjecting it to a conductive treatment. In this cover sheet 1, a window 5 is formed at a position corresponding to the gauge in the home-type body composition measuring device shown in FIG. 4 for easy reading of measurement data. The window 5 may be covered by a transparent sheet. Markings 6 can be printed to indicate the standing position with both feet. The markings can indicate left, right, up, and down orientations. Alternatively, foot marks can be printed so that the cover sheet 1 is not placed in the wrong position and/or orientation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a handheld device cover 40 used in the body composition measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 7A is a rear view, and FIG. 7B is a front view of the handheld device 15 . The handheld device 15 has two electrodes 16 , 17 separated or isolated by an insulating portion 18 . The handheld device 15 is connected to the body composition measuring device 10 via a lead 19 . In use, a subject standing on the table 11 holds the hand-held device 15 and the electrodes 16, 17 function as hand electrodes.

7C of FIG. 7 illustrates the handset cover 40 over the handset 15 . The handset cover 40 can be plugged onto the handset 15 from the free end opposite the line 19 . Conductive area portions 41 , 42 are formed on the hand-held device cover 40 at positions corresponding to each electrode. In the figure, the cross-section of the handheld device 15 is a square, so that when the handheld device cover 40 is only inserted on the handheld device 15, since the handheld device cover 40 has a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the shape of the handheld device 15, the conductive area part 41 , 42 can be positioned in the correct position corresponding to electrodes 16 , 17 .

In another variation (not shown), the handset cover may be a simple sheet as shown in FIG. 4 . The sheet can be wrapped around the hand-held device 15 and secured in place on the hand-held device 15 by planar fasteners (not shown).

The cover sheet according to the present invention can be used as an antifouling sheet or a courtesy sheet by placing it on a simple scale without electrodes.

The covers according to the invention can be used one after the other in the form of device covers, but it is more convenient for the user that the covers are supplied in a magazine where several device covers are connected in series in a detachable manner connected so that the user can pull each device cover from the magazine as needed. The magazine can be in the form of a roll where multiple device covers are connected and wound, or can be stacked similar to a "thin paper" box where multiple device covers are stacked in a partially nested fashion such that two consecutive The device covers can be pulled out continuously.

In the case of wet coverslips, the manufacturer provides a form of magazine that includes a set of magazines and a container in which the magazine is hermetically packaged so that the user keeps the package until use, thereby preventing wet coverslips from becoming damaged. Dry. The container may be a plastic bag or box, optionally with a barrier for humidification and with an opening to allow the flap to be withdrawn.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate two examples of an apparatus according to the invention, comprising a magazine of coverslips and a container packaging the magazine of coverslips.

In Fig. 8, a plurality of device covers 1' are stacked alternately in a partially nested manner similar to so-called "thin paper", so that two consecutive device covers can be drawn out continuously, and a large number of device covers 1' are stored in In a soft plastic bag 50 with a barrier for humidification. FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the front end 11' of the device cover sheet 1' is drawn out from the opening 52 formed in the bag 50. As shown in FIG. To prevent the wet cover from drying out, a suitable cover (not shown) may be glued or welded around the opening 52 .

In FIG. 9 , a plurality of device cover sheets 1 ′ are connected in series in a separable manner, and wound in the form of a roll magazine 60 . The magazine 60 is stored in a plastic container 61 such as a plastic box. A separation line, such as a perforation, or a line of ease of separation formed between two consecutive device covers is not shown. When the magazine 60 is arranged in the plastic box 61 , the user can turn the lid 64 about the hinge 63 . In order to guide the core 65 of the roll magazine 60 , guide grooves (not shown) are formed on the inner surface of the plastic case 61 . A seal can be arranged at the outlet of the plastic box 61 through which the front end of the roller magazine 60 is withdrawn.

The inventive coverslip can be automatically placed or arranged on the electrode area of the anthropometric device by using an automatic cover slip dispensing device. The automatic coverslip dispenser is particularly advantageous when many subjects are measured sequentially in health centers, hospitals and general physical examinations. The automatic coverslip distribution device can have a coverslip feed unit arranged on one side of the anthropometric device and a coverslip collection unit arranged on the opposite side.

The automatic coverslip distribution device preferably has a coverslip feed unit and a collection unit. The feed unit is provided with 1 a box for storing a roll or stack magazine, 2 means for withdrawing the cover sheet from the sheet stack (for example drive means and guide means). The collection unit is provided with 3 drive means (for example drive means and guide means) for withdrawing the coverslips supplied from the feed unit and 4 a collection box for collecting the coverslips. Preferably, the automatic coverslip dispensing device has means for controlling or synchronizing the operation of the feed unit and the collection unit, a switch for initiating the coverslip feed movement and display means for displaying operating conditions.

The automatic coverslip dispenser is available with the following options:

(6) A sensor for detecting conductivity, a resistance meter (usually arranged on the side of the feed unit),

(7) Scale means for positioning the cover sheet at the correct position on the electrode area of the anthropometric device (the scale may be a mark printed on the cover sheet for optical detection),

(8) Means for temporarily fixing the cover sheet to the electrode area of the body measuring device without slippage,

(9) Means for hydration or humidification (in the case of wet coverslips).

The automatic cover slip dispensing device according to the invention can be combined or used with any existing body measuring equipment without modification or modification.

Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an automatic coverslip dispensing device according to the present invention. Figure 10 is a partial sectional view with the front of the housing removed to show the interior of the dispensing device. FIG. 11 is a modification of FIG. 10 .

The automatic cover slip distribution device shown in FIG. 10 has a cover slip feeding unit A and a collecting unit B. The two units A, B are connected by a connecting plate C, which fixes the relative positions of the units A, B. In order for the automatic cover slip dispenser to be easily attached to existing body measuring equipment, the feed unit A, collection unit B and connection plate C can be integrated together by simple connection means (not shown) such as screws or clips.

The housing of the feed unit A comprises a container 70 for the magazine 60 and a container cover 71 which is connected by a hinge 72 . In use, the user simply opens the container lid 71, inserts a new roll magazine 60 into the container 70, pulls the front end of the cover from the magazine and places the cover on the workbench 11 of the body measuring device 10 on, and then close the container lid 71. The drawn cover sheet is sandwiched between an upper press roller 73 supported by the container lid 71 and a lower press roller 74 supported by the container 70 . These pressure rollers 73, 74 can be used as terminals for conductor sensors or resistance meters. It is also possible to use a mechanism to drive the pressure rollers 73, 74 vertically so that the gap between the pressure rollers 73, 74 expands as the cover slip is advanced, and the cover slip is clamped by the pressure rollers 73, 74 during the measurement to prevent the cover slip from 1 slip.

The collecting unit B has substantially the same mechanism as the feeding unit A. In the case of the collection unit B, a drive (e.g. an electric motor) for pulling the cover 1 or for rotating the mandrel and a mechanism for connecting the mandrel to the drive have to be arranged, where the cover 1 surrounds The mandrel is wound. Preferably, a further drive is also arranged in the feed unit A and the two drives act synchronously.

In the housing of the feed unit A and/or the collection unit B, various elements or mechanisms (not shown) can be arranged, such as guides for the mandrel, conductor sensors or resistance meters, feed mechanisms for the press rollers 73, 74 drives and a computer (eg, control board) for controlling all movements in the automatic coverslip dispenser. For clarity purposes, these elements are not shown in the drawings.

The automatic coverslip dispenser shown in Figure 10 can be used for both wet and dry coverslips. In order to avoid the wet cover from drying out, it is advantageous to keep the container cover 71 in the closed position.

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of another example of the automatic coverslip dispensing device according to the present invention, which is a modification of Fig. 10 . In the dispensing device of FIG. 11 , an electrically conductive liquid (eg water) feeding device is mounted to the dispensing device of FIG. 10 . In FIG. 11, the housing shown in FIG. 10 is not shown for clarity. A conductive liquid 77 such as water is supplied to the well 77 . Water may be supplied from a portable water tank (not shown) arranged on the housing of the feeding unit A. As shown in FIG. The water in the concave pool 77 can be maintained at a predetermined height.

Figures 12 and 13 further show another type of cap-tab dispensing device designed for home use by simplifying and reducing the size of the dispensing device shown in Figure 11, wherein the dispensing device is equipped with a conductive liquid (such as water ) feeding device. 12 and 13 are schematic sectional views of the conductive liquid feeding device, and the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

The conductive liquid feeding device shown in FIG. 12 is designed to use only the feeding unit A of FIG. 11 . The container lid 71 has a handle (not shown) for facilitating the transportation of the container lid and enhancing the portability of the container lid. In use, the user opens the container lid 71, inserts a new roll magazine 60 into the container 70, withdraws the front end of the cover sheet 1, passes it under the submerged guide roller 78, and then closes the container lid 71. The extracted cover sheet 1 is cut along the perforation, and the separated cover sheet is placed on the table 11 of the body measuring device, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B .

In FIG. 13, water is not supplied to the concave pool 77, but is supplied to water supply rollers 80, 81 such as sponge rollers to avoid water splashing. Water is supplied to at least one sponge roller from a water tank 83 through a feed controller 82 . A shallow pan 84 is arranged to catch excess water that drips.

The housing also has a handle (not shown) for ease of transport of the housing and its portability. In use, the user opens the container lid 71, inserts a new roll magazine 60 into the container 70, withdraws the front end of the cover sheet 1 to pass under the sponge roller 80, and then closes the container lid 71. In order to change the operation of the roller magazine 60 easily, it is desirable to design such that the front end of the cover sheet 1 passes under the sponge roller 80 when the container lid 71 is opened. In the case of FIG. 13 , the extracted cover sheet 1 is cut along the perforation, and the separated cover sheet is arranged on the table 11 of the body measuring device, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B .

The cover slip dispensing device shown in Figures 12 and 13 is particularly suitable for domestic use of wet covers, but can also be used for dry covers.

Fig. 14 is a modification of the cover sheet shown in Fig. 5, and this cover sheet is mainly used for wet type. The cover sheet according to the invention has a three-layer structure. For example, the nonwoven web 20 is sandwiched between opposing facing sheets 31, 32 of insulating material such as low density polyethylene. Areas corresponding to the conductive area portions 2 of the surface sheets 31, 32 are die-cut to form openings, and the nonwoven web 20 is exposed at the openings (die-cut areas). The difference from the cover sheet shown in FIG. 5 is that the nonwoven web 20 is not treated to conduct electricity. That is, the cover sheet shown in FIG. 14 is used in a wet type, and in usage, for example, a conductive liquid is coated, sprayed, or adhered to the conductive area portion 2 to produce conductive properties. In fact, only the conductive liquid being sprayed provides conductivity in the thickness direction. The nonwoven web 20 may be attached to the facing sheets 31, 32 made of low density polyethylene by bonding or welding.

If necessary, the insulating property of the surface sheet made of low-density polyethylene can be ensured by performing such a treatment that the conductive liquid does not penetrate into other parts of the conductive region portion 2 on the nonwoven web 20 . For example, areas that prevent the penetration of conductive liquids may be placed at the centerline or areas of the nonwoven web 20 . In practice, waterproof threads are coated or welded to the nonwoven web 20 along its longitudinal centerline, or the material of the nonwoven web 20 is replaced by water impermeable or waterproof material along its longitudinal centerline or regions. Likewise, a similar treatment for preventing the conductive liquid from penetrating the cover sheet 1 may be performed in the lateral direction (the bottom-up direction in FIG. 14 ).

Even if the surface sheets 31, 32 contain a small amount of conductive liquid, it does not cause serious problems. In fact, the distance between the electrodes along the plane direction is much larger than the thickness, so that the resistance of the surface sheets 31, 32 along the plane direction is relatively high and does not have any influence on the measurement. Calibration tables can be added to the measurement circuit if necessary.

15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for coating, spraying or adhering a conductive liquid onto the cover sheet shown in FIG. 14 . In FIG. 14 , the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components as those shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 . The difference from FIG. 13 is that the water supply roller is replaced by a nozzle 85 . A stencil having a perforation pattern corresponding to the conductive area portion 2 (not shown) may be arranged between the cover sheet 1 and the nozzle 85 such that a spray 86 of conductive liquid such as an aqueous solution is confined to the conductive area portion 2 . It is also possible to synchronize the spray timing with the cover slip feed speed, and to use more than two nozzles or to arrange the nozzles on opposite sides of the cover slip.

The apparatus shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can also be used to apply, bond or spray conductive liquids onto the nonwoven web 20 shown in FIG. 14 .

Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

example

Example 1

On the sheet 3 made of low-density polyethylene, four square holes with a size of 13 mm x 13 mm are arranged at positions corresponding to the area portion "2" in FIG. 3 . Four square conductive sheets 2 with a size of 15 mm×15 mm were cut in the thickness direction from a conductive nonwoven web (thickness 0.3 mm) made of commercially available polyester/paper. The outer periphery of each square conductive sheet made of conductive nonwoven net 2 utilizes adhesive or heat sealing to be fixed on each square hole of low density polyethylene sheet material 3, thereby obtains according to the present invention has A cover sheet showing the structure. The resistance value of the square conductive sheet made of the conductive nonwoven net 2 along the thickness direction is 400 to 500 ohms.

The workbench of a body composition measuring device named MC-180 purchased from the applicant was covered with this cover sheet, and the body fat of the subject was measured. For comparison, data were also obtained without the use of coverslips. By compensating the data obtained, it is possible to eliminate differences in measurements obtained with and without coverslipping.

Example 2

A commercially available conductive urethane foam sheet (5 mm thick without compression, 0.3 mm thick under 40 kg weight) was used instead of the square conductive sheet made of conductive nonwoven mesh 2, and repeated Same operation as in Example 1. The resistance value along the thickness direction of the square conductive mesh 2 is several ohms.

Cover slips were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. In this case the measurement results can be used without compensation.

Example 3

Using a fabric made of conductive polyamide fibers as the square conductive sheet of the conductive nonwoven web 2, the same operation as in Example 2 was repeated. The resistance value along the thickness direction of the square conductive mesh 2 is several ohms.

Cover slips were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. In this case the measurement results can be used without compensation.

Example 4

The cover sheet according to the invention is produced by conducting a conductive treatment of a nonwoven web made of polypropylene.

The conductive paint was applied to the limed areas corresponding to the portions of the conductive areas shown in FIG. 6 on a commercially available nonwoven web made of polypropylene. In this way, the conductive paint penetrates through the polypropylene nonwoven web from top to bottom. The conductive paint was prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of silver powder, 1000 parts by weight of acrylic resin, and 3000 parts by weight of toluene for 10 minutes, wherein the silver foil with an average thickness of 0.2 micrometers was crushed. The silver powder has an average particle diameter of 50 microns and a total bulk density of 0.03 g/cm ³ . The conductive paint was applied to a nonwoven acrylic web and passed through the web from top to bottom. The resistivity measured after drying was 7×10 ^-4 Ω-cm, excellent in conductivity.

Cover slips were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, and the measurements were found to be usable without compensation.

Rubber non-slip dots (dot diameter of about 1-3 mm, dot pitch of about 1 cm) were printed on the lower surface of the nonwoven web insulating region portion 3 . No slippage was observed when the prepared cover sheet was placed on the table 11 of the body composition measuring device 10 .

Example 5

Household Wet Coverslips

As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, the roll magazine 60 of the cover sheet according to the present invention is made by using a pad (13 mm x 13 mm, non-compressed) made of a rayon-pulp mixture nonwoven web for the conductive sheet 2 In this case, the thickness is 1 mm) and a low-density polyethylene film (thickness is 15 μm to 40 μm) for the insulating region portions 31 , 32 is prepared. The outer periphery of the gasket is thermally welded to the inner periphery of the opening opened in the low density polyethylene film.

The final cover sheet is dipped in an aqueous solution in which the humectant, antimicrobial and fragrance are dissolved so that the rayon-pulp blend fabric absorbs the solution. Water retained in the low density polyethylene film was removed by passing the cover sheet over suction rolls. Subsequently, the cover sheet is wound in a roll magazine.

The roll magazine 60 has a width of 430 mm and a length of about 27 m, and comprises one hundred device covers 1' (each cover measures 430 x 450 mm). Hand-tearable perforations are formed between two consecutive device covers.

Pads made from nonwoven webs of the solution-absorbed rayon-pulp mixture showed almost zero electrical resistance.

Example 6

Wet coverslips for full physical examination

The roll magazine 60 of the wet cover sheet is prepared by the same process as that of Example 5. In this case, however, no tearable perforations are formed because the flap is not sheared. The interval between two consecutive device cover sheets 1' (430×450 mm) is shortened. The total length of one hundred device cover sheets is 450m.

The final roll magazine can be used without problems in an automatic coverslip distribution device as shown in Figure 10.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and those skilled in the art may make improvements, modifications and changes to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (23)

1. A cover sheet for use in body measuring equipment, the cover sheet has electrodes for supplying current to the human body or for measuring the potential difference between two positions of the body, wherein said cover sheet (1) has electrodes corresponding to said body measuring device The electrodes of the device correspond to the conductive region part (2) having conductivity along the thickness direction, and the insulating region part (3) separating the conductive region part (2) and having electrical insulation at least along the planar direction . 2. Cover sheet according to claim 1, wherein the conductivity of the conductive area portion (2) along the thickness direction is achieved by spreading, applying or adding conductive solid material on and/or into the sheet And produced. 3. The cover sheet of claim 2, wherein the conductive solid material is in the form of particles, powder or fibers. 4. The cover sheet according to claim 1, wherein the conductivity of the conductive area portion (2) along the thickness direction is achieved by allowing a conductive liquid to penetrate, adhere or apply to the sheet and/or onto the sheet And produced. 5. The cover sheet according to claim 4, wherein the conductive liquid is a conductive aqueous solution. 6. The cover sheet of claim 1, wherein the sheet material is in the form of a nonwoven web or fabric, fiber web, felt, woven, knitted or film. 7. The cover sheet according to claim 1, wherein the cover sheet (1) has anti-skid property at least on a part of the cover sheet (1). 8. The covering sheet of claim 1, wherein the body measurement device is a body composition measurement device using body impedance technology. 9. The cover sheet according to claim 8, wherein the body composition measuring device has the conductive area portion (2) on its table (11) which is in contact with the sole of the subject's foot. 10. The cover sheet according to claim 8, wherein the conductive area portion (2) is a portion of a hand electrode (15) which is in contact with the subject's hand. 11. The cover sheet according to claim 1, wherein the conductive area portion (2) and/or the insulating area portion (3) is prepared from a non-woven web. 12. The cover sheet according to claim 1, wherein the conductive area part (2) and/or the insulating area part (3) is prepared from a laminated material. 13. The cover slip of claim 1, wherein the cover slip is disposable. 14. A magazine for coverslips (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magazine comprises a plurality of device coverslips (1') connected in series. 15. A magazine as claimed in claim 14 in the form of a roll. 16. A magazine for cover sheets (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magazine comprises a plurality of device covers (1') stacked on top of each other in a partially nested manner. 17. Kit of magazines for cover sheets (1) as claimed in claim 14 and openable containers (70, 71) packing said magazines inside. 18. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the cover sheet (1) consists of a wet cover sheet, wherein the conductivity in the thickness direction is achieved by infiltrating, adhering or applying a conductive liquid to the nonwoven In and/or on webs or textiles, webs or films. 19. An automatic cover slip distribution device for a cover slip (1) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a feeding unit (A) of the cover slip (1) arranged on the electrode side of the anthropometric device, and the collection unit (B) of the coverslip. 20. The automatic coverslip dispensing device according to claim 19, wherein the coverslips (1) are stored in the feeding unit (A) in a roll manner or in a stacked manner. 21. The automatic coverslip dispensing device according to claim 19, wherein the feeding unit (A) also has means (77-79, 80-84) for feeding conductive liquid. 22. Use of a cover sheet in a body composition measurement device using body impedance technology, wherein said cover sheet has a conductive area portion (2) corresponding to said electrodes of the body composition measurement device and having conductivity in the thickness direction, and The insulating area portion (3) separating the conductive area portion (2) and having electrical insulation at least along the planar direction, the cover sheet has an anti-slip device arranged on at least a part of its upper surface and/or lower surface . 23. Use of a disposable cover sheet made of a nonwoven web or textile with at least partial anti-slip means as a disposable cover sheet for a weight measuring device.

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