MXPA04003918A - Improved axillary thermometer. - Google Patents

Abstract

An axillary thermometer for measuring the temperature of a patient comprising a first disk-shaped member having a circumferential edge, and an upper portion and lower portion, that is integrally connected, and angularly situated, via a connecting member joint, to a second disk-shaped member having a top side and a bottom side. The top side of the second disk-shaped member, including an actuation switch and display, being proximate the upper portion of the first disk-shaped member such that viewing of the temperature display can be simultaneously accomplished with the temperature taking process. The first disk-shaped member further having at least one temperature sensor along its circumferential edge of the upper portion with the at least one temperature sensor being connected to at least one temperature sensing circuitry.

Description

AXILLAR THERMOMETER IMPROVED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of thermometers, and more specifically to an axillary thermometer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The medical community has commonly used electronic medical thermometers that calculate a patient's body temperature for several years. From neonates to the elderly, measuring body temperature can be a critical factor in the treatment of patients' problems or illnesses. Thus, determining the temperature of an individual's body in a precise and non-invasive manner is essential to provide adequate care to a patient. However, a patient visualizes the procedure for taking temperature as intrusive and uncomfortable, especially the neonates. In the past, electronic thermometers typically included an elongated probe that contained a thermal resistance (thermistor) inside the tip of the probe. Traditional digital (elongated) thermometers were usually designed for use in three ways in the oral, rectal and axillary regions. A hygienic cover was placed on the tip of the probe where the thermistor would be placed or used without a cover and then cleaned in an alcohol bath and then the probe was applied at the particular location of the patient's body. From there, the temperature of the thermistor and the probe would rise to reach the patient's temperature and the thermometer would use algorithms to process the thermistor signal and predict the patient's temperature. The predicted temperature of the patient would be displayed on the thermometer before the temperature of the thermistor actually reached that predicted temperature. Other sensors conventionally used in a similar way use a thermistor, but instead of using prediction algorithms they convert the resistance actually measured in the thermistor to a temperature that is displayed to a user. Traditional glass thermometers filled with mercury typically take about 3 minutes to have a precise temperature for an individual. The prediction algorithms used in electronic thermometers provide reasonably accurate predictions about the temperature within about 30 seconds after the thermometer has been applied to the patient's body. The longer measuring time of a glass thermometer is mainly due to the heating capacity of the glass probe and also to the reduction in temperature of the tissue in the immediate area where the probe is applied. Although existing electronic thermometers have proven successful in reducing measurement times and obtaining an accurate temperature for an individual, there is a need for an improved electronic thermometer that is specific to the axillary region, which provides greater comfort to patients and increase the accuracy and speed with which the temperature is measured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a thermometer that is designed to obtain and display axillary temperature measurements. The axillary thermometer of the present invention, unlike traditional electronic thermometers, is site specific in the sense that it is designed to take the temperature of an individual via the axillary region. The thermometer of the present invention is designed to have a shape that improves the method for taking temperature. The shape of the thermometer allows an improved placement of the thermometer within the axillary region and a better ability of the thermometer to stay firmly in place in the axillary region. The above results in greater comfort for the patient, better detection capabilities and a more accurate temperature determination. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer. it includes a curved or disk-shaped housing that contains a temperature sensor and the circuit system for temperature detection. Alternatively, the circuit system for temperature detection may be external to the disk-shaped housing or may be located within the main housing. The temperature sensor is located on the upper side of the thermometer along the circumference of the disk-shaped housing. However, the temperature sensor can be positioned along any portion of the circumference of the disc-shaped element. The temperature sensor and the detection area, or the overall unit itself, can be washed so that the thermometer can be used repeatedly in different individuals without worrying about cross-contamination. Alternatively, a disposable cover can be placed over the sensor for sanitary purposes. Proper placement and contact of the temperature sensor in the axillary region is critical for accurate and rapid measurements of temperature. For this reason, the temperature sensor is preferably designed to have an arc or tubular shape. An arched shape allows the temperature sensor to adapt to the curves of an individual in the axillary region and provides a large surface area for the sensor to make contact with the body, thus ensuring faster and more accurate temperature measurements than with a shape that it does not adapt to the axillary contoms. Similarly, a sensor that has a tubular shape and that bends at a midpoint (simulating the handle of a suitcase or portfolio) provides a greater surface area of contact between the sensor and the axillary region and simultaneously provides greater comfort to the user. patient. Alternatively, the sensor can be designed to resemble conventional sensors having a conical nose shape.

The shape of the element that houses the temperature sensor is also. adds to the precision and speed with which the temperature measurement is obtained. The disc-shaped element can slide more easily into the axillary region, is placed deep within the axillary cavity and generates more comfort for a patient than a square-shaped or finger-like element that functions similarly. The disk-shaped housing for the temperature sensor is designed to improve the temperature taking procedure. The disc shape is naturally aligned within the axillary region and thus improves the detection capabilities of the thermometer. Preferably, the thickness of the disk-shaped housing for the temperature sensor is greater in the upper part of the disk, where the temperature sensor is located and where the apex of the armpit will rest, than the lower part of the disk that is next to the rib cage when the thermometer is placed in the axillary region. Such a design is preferred for a restless child who is constantly changing the positions of his body, because once the thermometer is in the axillary region and the arm is lowered on top of the thermometer, the thermometer is more likely to remain in place than a conventional digital elongated thermometer. In addition, the disc shape provides more comfort to the patient while taking a temperature. In one embodiment, a second disc-shaped element constituting the main housing of the thermometer is positioned a and extends perpendicularly from the disc-shaped housing for the temperature sensor. A connecting element is used to connect the main housing with the disk-shaped housing. The main housing provides a larger surface area that is ideal for handling the thermometer and contains the on / off button and the temperature display unit. The on / off button is pressed once to activate the temperature sensing mechanism of the thermometer and the temperature display unit. The thermometer auto-calibrates each time you press the on / off button to turn on the unit or to make sure that accurate temperature measurements are being taken. The thermometer is turned off by pressing the on / off button a second time. The temperature display unit provides the user with digitally displayed readings of the body temperature of an individual and can be read simultaneously with the procedure of taking the temperature of the individual. The main housing, where the on / off button and the temperature display unit are preferably located, is connected to the housing for temperature detection by means of an articulation of the connecting element. The connecting element joint can be made of any rigid material with low thermal conductivity. The connecting element can also be used as a handle to be placed in the axillary region by placing a person's fingers on the sides of the display unit for temperature and curling the fingers above and around the connecting element so that the tips of the fingers are on the underside of the display unit for temperature. Said way to handle the thermometer is ideal to be able to determine own takes of temperature. The complete housing of the thermometer, main element and the element holding the sensor is preferably formed using a material of low thermal conductivity so that cooling of the patient's skin at the time of contact is minimized and also so that the temperature sensor do not experience inappropriate fluctuations in temperature caused by interference such as ambient air temperatures. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the axial thermometer is provided with grip pads and includes a disk-shaped housing containing a temperature sensor and the circuit system for temperature detection. A second disc-shaped element constituting the main housing of the thermometer is connected and extends perpendicular from the disk-shaped housing for the temperature sensor. The main housing of the thermometer is provided with grip pads. The pads are fixed to the outer flange and upper edges of the main housing disc on opposite sides of the temperature display and the on / off button. The pads can be formed from any material that will allow easy handling and secure grip of the thermometer when in use, like thin strips of rubber or neoprene. The pads are fixed to the main housing using an adhesive substance or can be manufactured with a pre-arranged adhesive substance on the back of it. Optionally, the grip pads are formed on the main housing of the axillary thermometer using a conventional overmolding or an injection molding process. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer includes a disc-shaped housing containing a temperature sensor and the circuit system for temperature detection, wherein the articulation of the connector element, which articulates the housing in Disc shape for the temperature sensor and the main thermometer housing, is molded from a flexible material, instead of rigid, such as rubber or light plastic. The flexibility of the articulation of the connector element increases the comfort for the individual who is using the thermometer and allows a better contact of the temperature sensor with the axillary region. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer comprises an elongate arc-shaped probe that is disposed with a sensor near the tip. A disc-shaped element constituting the main housing of the thermometer is connected to the elongated probe in the form of an arc. The arc-shaped probe end of the thermometer allows an easy placement of thermometer in the axillary region and is ideal for sliding in the axillary region through the opening of a sleeve sleeve, so undressing is unnecessary. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the thermometer comprises a one-piece housing design having a disc shape. Inside the housing is the circuit system for temperature detection, the temperature display and the circuit system for energy. The on / off button and the temperature display unit are provided on the upper side of the disk-shaped housing. The temperature sensor is provided on the circumference of the housing, directly above and close to the temperature display. The temperature sensor is placed in contact with the axillary region to obtain the temperature of the same. The temperature sensor produces an electronic signal representing the body temperature obtained from the axillary region. The electronic signal of the sensor is subsequently transmitted to a processor, which converts the electronic signal into a temperature reading. Subsequently, the temperature reading is transmitted to the display unit for temperature where the temperature is displayed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer comprises a disk-shaped housing comprising a temperature sensor and the circuit system for temperature detection. Extending from the disc-shaped element that houses the temperature sensor, by means of an articulation of the connector element, there is a handle with cylindrical shape coated with rubber with comfortable notches / for fingers and an on / off switch and a control unit. screen for temperature on its upper side. Alternatively, the circuit system for temperature detection may be contained within the cylindrical shaped handle. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer is designed to be a thermometer with multiple sensors. It has been determined that the warm temperature zone (the area of the axillary region that provides the most accurate temperature readings) for adults is located more towards the back of the axillary region than for a newborn. The multi-sensor thermometer is arranged with multiple temperature sensors along a probe that reads the temperature at multiple points and then displays the highest reading as the actual temperature. The multi-sensor design provides the most accurate temperature reading and eliminates problems related to probe alignment in the hot zone of the axillary region. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer is designed to be a constant depth thermometer. The constant depth thermometer design allows the thermometer to be inserted at a fixed depth at all times, allowing consistent placement of the temperature sensor. The connector element hinge is adapted to allow the disc-shaped element that houses the temperature sensor to slide out and retract slidably relative to the main thermometer housing by the use of a lockable slide. The lockable slide is unlocked by pressing a button on a lower portion of the slide so that the button does not project through holes in an interconnected upper portion, thereby permitting the extension or retraction of the connecting element joint. The lockable slide locks into a desired position by allowing the spring loaded button to protrude through the holes in the upper portion. The connector joint that can be slidably positioned allows a user to extend or retract the sensor housing to a predetermined position for a particular individual. For example, the different locking holes may correspond to different positions for a newborn or an adult. In addition, having a connector element joint that can be slidably positioned allows the user to place the housing for the temperature sensor more deeply within the axillary cavity, "without having to remove the thermometer from the axillary region. Another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer is designed so that the temperature sensor is positioned along any portion of the circumference of the disc-shaped housing. Different patients have variable dimensions within their axillary regions and, for this can vary their hot zones.The positionable temperature sensor allows the sensor to be placed in the most precise location for temperature measurement in the axillary region of a particular patient, although the housing for the temperature sensor is placed visually in the center of the armpit.The disk shape is easier to center in the region It is also easy to maintain said central position, since the positionable temperature sensor can be placed in different locations along the circumference of the housing for the temperature sensor. During use, the temperature sensor is placed in contact with the axillary region to detect the temperature of the same. The temperature sensor produces an electronic signal representing the body temperature obtained from the axillary region. The electronic signal of the sensor is subsequently transmitted to a processor which converts the electronic signal into a temperature reading. The temperature reading is transmitted to the display unit for temperature where the temperature is displayed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. Axillary thermometers, together with features common to electronic thermometers, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,388 B2 to Lee, the patent of E.U.A. No. 6,402,371 B2 to Pompei et al., And the US patent. No. 6,036,361 to Gregory et al., Contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of the illustrated embodiments of the invention, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an axillary thermometer constructed in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the axillary thermometer wherein the main housing of the thermometer includes gripping pads; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the axillary thermometer wherein an elongate arc-shaped probe houses the temperature sensor; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the axillary thermometer wherein the main housing is a cylindrical shaped handle coated with rubber; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the axillary thermometer wherein the thermometer is a one-piece disc-shaped element having a temperature sensor along its circumference; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the axillary thermometer wherein the thermometer contains a multi-sensor probe; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative design of the axillary thermometer in which the thermometer contains a lockable slide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Now referring to the drawings, the present invention is directed to an axillary thermometer 2 that is site specific in the sense that it is designed to take the temperature of an individual via the axillary region of the individual. The shape of the axillary thermometer 2 allows an improved placement in the axillary region and a better ability to stay firm at the site of the axillary region. The above results in greater comfort for the patient, better detection capabilities and a more accurate temperature determination. In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figure 1, the axillary thermometer includes a disc-shaped or curved housing 4 that contains a temperature sensor 6 and the circuitry for temperature detection 24. Alternatively, the circuitry for temperature detection 24 may be external to the housing in disc shape 4 or can be located inside a main housing 8. The temperature sensor 6 is located on the upper side and along the circumference of the disc-shaped housing 4. However, the temperature sensor 6 can be placed along any portion of the circumference of the disc-shaped housing 4. The temperature sensor 6 and detection area, or the axillary thermometer 2 itself, are washable so that repeated use in different individuals is possible without worrying by cross contamination. Alternatively, a disposable cover can be placed over the sensor 6 for sanitary purposes. Proper positioning of temperature sensor 6 in the axillary region is critical for accurate and rapid measurements of temperature. For this reason, the temperature sensor 6 is preferably designed to have an arcuate or tubular shape. An arcuate shape allows the temperature sensor 6 to adapt to the curves of an individual in the axillary region and provides a large surface area for the sensor 6 to come into contact with the body, thus ensuring more accurate and faster temperature measurements than with a shape that does not adapt to the axillary contours. Similarly, a sensor that has a tubular shape with a flex at the midpoint of the sensor (resembling a suitcase or portfolio handle) provides a surface area of greater contact between the sensor and the axillary region while Simultaneously, greater comfort is provided to the patient. Alternatively, the sensor can be designed to resemble conventional sensors They have a conical nose shape. The shape of the element that houses the temperature sensor 6 also adds to the precision and speed with which a temperature is obtained because the disk-shaped housing 4 can slide more easily within the axillary region and generate greater comfort for a patient than a square or finger-shaped element that works similarly. The disc-shaped housing 4 for the temperature sensor 6 is designed to improve the overall process for taking temperature. The shape is naturally aligned within the axillary region and thus improves the detection capabilities of the axillary thermometer 2. Preferably, the thickness of the disc-shaped housing 4 for the temperature sensor 6 is greater in the upper part of the disc, where the temperature sensor 6 is located and where the apex of the armpit will rest, than the lower part of the disc , which is close to the thoracic cage when the axillary thermometer is placed inside the axillary region. This design is preferred for the restless child who is constantly changing their body positions, because once the axillary thermometer 2 is in the axillary region and the arm is lowered on the axillary thermometer 2, the axillary thermometer 2 is more likely to remain in its place than a conventional elongated digital thermometer. In addition, the shape of the disc provides greater comfort to the patient while taking the temperature. A second disc-shaped element constituting the main housing 8 connects and extends perpendicularly from the disc-shaped housing 4 for the temperature sensor 6. A linkage of connector element 10 is used to connect the main housing 8 with the disc-shaped housing 4 for the temperature sensor 6. The main housing 8 provides a larger surface area which is ideal for handling the axillary thermometer 2 and contains the on / off button 12 and the temperature display unit 14. The on / off button 12 is pressed once to activate the mechanism for temperature detection and the display unit for temperature 14. The axillary thermometer 12 auto-calibrates each time the on / off button 12 is pressed to turn the unit on to ensure that accurate temperature measurements are taken. The axillary thermometer 2 is switched off by pressing the on / off button 12 a second time. The temperature display unit 14 provides a user with digitally displayed readings of the body temperature of an individual and can be read simultaneously with the temperature taking procedure. The main housing 8, where preferably the on / off button 12 and the temperature display unit 14 are located, is connected to the temperature sensing housing 4 by a connecting element link 10. The connecting element link 10 can be made of any rigid material with low thermal conductivity. The articulation of the connecting element 10 can also be used as a handle to be placed in the axillary region by placing the own fingers on the sides of the display unit for temperature 14 and curving the fingers on and around the articulation of the connecting element 16 for that the fingertips are on the underside of the display unit for temperature 14. This way of handling the axillary thermometer 2 is ideal for a person to self-regulate the temperature.

The complete housing of the thermometer, main housing 8 and disc-shaped housing 4 holding the sensor 6 should be formed using a material of low thermal conductivity so that cooling of the patient's skin at the time of contact is minimized and that temperature sensor 6 does not experience inappropriate fluctuations in temperature caused by interferences such as ambient temperature. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in Figure 2, the axillary thermometer 2 is provided with grip pads 16 and includes a disk-shaped housing 4 containing a temperature sensor 6 and the circuit system for temperature detection 24. A second disk shape element which constitutes the. main housing 8 is connected to and extends perpendicularly from the disc-shaped housing 4 for the temperature sensor 6. The main housing 8 is the component provided with the grip pads 16. The grip pads 16 are fixed to the outer flange and upper edges of the main housing 8 on opposite sides of the temperature display unit 14 and the on / off button 12. The grip pads 16 can be formed from any material that allows for easy handling and firm grip when the axillary thermometer 2 is being used, such as thin strips of rubber or neoprene. The grip pads 16 can be fixed to the main housing 8 using an adhesive substance or can be made with a pre-disposed adhesive substance on the underside thereof. Optionally, the grip pads 16 are formed on the main housing 8 of the axillary thermometer 2 using a conventional overmolding or an injection molding process. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer 2 includes a disk-shaped housing 4 containing a temperature sensor 6 and the circuit system for temperature detection 24, wherein the linkage of element connect 10, the which articulates the disk-shaped housing 4 for the temperature sensor 6 and the main thermometer housing 8, is molded from a flexible material instead of rigid, such as rubber or a lightweight plastic. The flexibility of the articulation of connecting element 10 increases the comfort for the individual who is using the axillary thermometer 2, and allows a better contact of the temperature sensor with the axillary region. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in Figure 3, the axillary thermometer 2 comprises an elongated arc-shaped probe 18 which is provided with a temperature sensor 6 near the tip. A disc-shaped element constituting the main housing 8 of the thermometer is connected to the elongated probe in the form of an arc 18. The elongated probe in the shape of an arc 18 allows easy positioning of the axillary thermometer 2 in the axillary region and is ideal for sliding in the axillary region through an opening in a sleeve, so that undressing is unnecessary.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in Figure 5, the axillary thermometer 2 comprises a one-piece housing design 20 having a disc shape. Within the one-piece housing 20 is the circuitry for temperature detection, temperature and energy deployment 24. The on / off button 12 and the temperature display unit 14 are provided on the upper side of the housing in one piece 20. The temperature sensor 6 is provided along the circumference of the housing of a piece 20, directly above and close to the display unit for temperature 14. According to another embodiment of the present invention and illustrated in FIG. Figure 4, the axillary thermometer 12 comprises a housing. in the form of disk 4 containing a temperature sensor 6 and the circuit system for temperature detection 24. Extending in the disc-shaped element that houses the temperature sensor 6 via a linkage of connecting element 10 is a handle in cylindrical shape coated with rubber 22 with comfortable / finger notches 26 on its underside and an on / off button 12 and a display unit for temperature 14 at its top. Alternatively, the circuitry for temperature detection 24 may be contained within the cylindrical handle 22. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and illustrated in FIG. 6, the axillary thermometer 2 is designed to be a Multiple sensor thermometer 28. It has been determined that the hot zone of temperature (the area of the axillary region that provides the most accurate temperature readings) for adults is more towards the back of the axillary region than for a neonate. The multi-sensor thermometer 28 is provided with multiple temperature sensors 6 along a probe 30 that reads the temperature at multiple points and subsequently displays the highest reading as the actual temperature. This design provides the most accurate temperature reading and eliminates human errors associated with the alignment of sensor 6 in the hot zone of the axillary region. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in Figure 7, the axillary thermometer 2 is designed to be a constant depth thermometer. A constant depth thermometer design allows the thermometer to be inserted at a fixed depth at all times, allowing consistent placement of the temperature sensor 6. The linkage of connector element 10 is adapted to allow the disk-shaped element that houses the temperature sensor 6 sliding and retracting slidably with respect to the main housing 8 of the thermometer by the use of a lockable slide 40. The lockable slide 40 is unlocked by pressing a spring button 42 located in a lower portion 44 of the slide so that the spring-loaded button 42 does not project through the holes 46 and an interconnected upper portion 48, thereby permitting the extension or retraction of the linkage of connector element 10. The lockable slide 40 is locked in a desired position by allowing the spring button 42 to project to through a selected hole 46 of the upper portion 48. The slidably positionable connectable element link 10 allows a user to extend or retract the sensor housing to a predetermined position for a particular individual. For example, the different locking holes may correspond to different positions for a newborn or an adult. Furthermore, having a connector articulation that is slidably positionable allows the user to place the housing for the temperature sensor 6 deeper inside the axillary cavity, without having to remove the thermometer from the axillary region. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the axillary thermometer is designed so that the temperature sensor 6 is positioned along any circumferential point of the disc-shaped housing 4. Different patients have varied dimensions within. its axillary regions and, therefore, its hot zones vary. The positionable temperature sensor 6 allows the sensor to be placed in the most accurate location for temperature measurement in the axillary region of a particular patient, even if the probe is visually placed in the center of the armpit. The disc shape is easier to center in the axillary region and it is also very easy to maintain that central position, since the positionable temperature sensor can be placed at different locations along the circumference of the housing for the temperature sensor 6. During its use, the temperature sensor 6 is placed in contact with the axillary region to detect the temperature thereof. The temperature sensor 6 produces an electronic signal representing the body temperature obtained from the axillary region. The electronic signal of the sensor is subsequently transmitted to a processor, which converts the electronic signal into a temperature reading. The temperature reading is transmitted to the display unit for temperature 14 where the temperature is displayed in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. Although the invention has been shown and described in particular with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing without the essence and scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY PE THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. An axillary thermometer for measuring the temperature of a patient comprising: a first disc-shaped element having a circumferential edge and an upper portion and a lower portion; a second disk-shaped element including a circumferential edge and an upper side and a lower side, and which are arranged at an angle to the first disk-shaped element so that the upper side is close to the upper position; the first disk-shaped element is integrally connected to the second disk element by means of an articulation of the connecting element; the first disc-shaped element further has at least one temperature sensor along the circumferential edge of the upper portion; and the at least one temperature sensor is connected to at least one circuit system for temperature detection. 2. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1,. further characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor has an arcuate shape. 3. The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor has a tubular shape. 4. The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor has a spherical shape. 5. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the at least one temperature sensor is positioned in any of a plurality of positions along the circumferential edge of the first disk-shaped housing. 6. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the circuit system for temperature detection is housed within the first element. 7. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the circuit system for temperature detection is housed within the second element. 8. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the circuit system for temperature detection is remote from the first and second disk-shaped elements. 9. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the angle is substantially 90 °. 10. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first disk-shaped element has a greater thickness in the upper portion than in the lower portion. 1 . - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that one of the two disc-shaped elements includes a screen that is visible while taking the temperature of a patient. 12. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that one of the two disc-shaped elements includes a drive switch. 13. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 12, further characterized by pressing the drive switch also calibrates the circuit system for temperature detection. 14. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the articulation of connector element is flexible. 15. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the connector element joint extends and is retractably slidable. 16. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 1, further characterized in that the thermometer is waterproof. 17. An axillary thermometer for measuring the temperature of a patient comprising: a first element having an edge along a perimeter and an upper portion and a lower portion; a second element including an upper side and a lower side and which are integrally connected to the first element; and the first element further has at least one temperature sensor at the edge along the perimeter of the upper portion; and the temperature sensor is connected to at least one circuit system for temperature detection. 18. The axillary thermometer according to claim 17, further characterized in that the first element is a probe in elongated arched shape having a distal end and a proximal end. 19. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 18, further characterized in that the second element has a cylindrical shape, is arranged at the proximal end of the first element and includes a drive switch and a temperature display along the upper side of the second element. 20. - The axillary thermometer according to claim 18, further characterized in that the at least one. The temperature sensor is positioned at the proximal end of the first element along the upper portion. 21. - A one-piece axillary thermometer for measuring the temperature of a patient comprising: a disc-shaped element comprising a circumferential edge and an upper side and a lower side; the disc-shaped element further comprises at least one temperature sensor positionable in any of a plurality of positions along the circumferential edge, and the at least one temperature sensor is connected to at least one circuit system for temperature detection; the disc-shaped element further includes a temperature display and a drive switch arranged on the upper side; and wherein the at least one temperature sensor has an arched shape.