NASA is responsible for many of the technologies we have and use today.

However, society

often fails to acknowledge NASA’s contributions to the everyday life experience. One such piece of

technology that many overlook is an aural thermometer, a device which provides easier and more

accurate temperature readings. Without this piece of technology, taking precise temperature readings

would be a much more difficult and time consuming process. Because I, like most others, have at one

time or another experienced illness and benefited from the convenience of the aural thermometer, I

consider this devise to have had a great impact upon my life.

Using infrared sensor technology created for space missions, the Diatek Corporation of

San Diego, California fashioned an aural thermometer for measuring body temperature in two

seconds or less. The company's researchers turned to infrared optical technology because it

offered quick function and extreme precision. The Model 7OOO optical sensor was premeditated

by Diatek engineers and refined with help from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which has

3O years experience working with infrared sensors to tenuously measure the temperatures of

planets and stars. Precise to within two-tenths of a degree, the Model 7OOO thermometer, The

thermometer weighs only eight ounces and easily used with one hand, gauges heat emitted from

the patient’s tympanic membrane, or eardrum. Thus, Diatek’s technology provides for a much

more accurate and efficient means of measuring an individual’s body temperature.

The national deficiency of the nursing workforce spurred Diatek to development a more

rapid thermometer that could save considerable time for medical personnel. For example, in the

U.S. alone, two billion clinical temperature readings are taken yearly; nearly half of them in

acute care hospital facilities. Diatek’s thermometer simplifies the process by requiring merely the

push of a button and two seconds of the patients’ time. In order to obtain a temperature, the nurse

inserts the plastic-covered probe into the opening of the patient's ear canal and presses a button to
 trigger the sensor. The probe detects infrared radiation emitted from the tympanic membrane,

and a microprocessor converts it to the matching body temperature, which displays on a liquid

crystal display. Because of this device, temperature taking is not only less incommodious, but

also this procedure reduces the risk of cross infection because it avoids contact with mucous

membranes, while employing disposable probe covers.

While the benefits of the aural thermometer to the medical field are obvious, the device

has also impacted me personally. Having been sick much of my childhood due to allergies and

asthma I recall numerous times when my parents needed an accurate reading of my body

temperature. In those times, I did not want to be bothered by time consuming procedures or a

cold thermometer. The aural thermometers technology was the answer to my problem. With this

new thermometer a padded end went in my ear for no more than two seconds and my

temperature was determined. For this reason, I can honestly say that NASA’s contribution, made

possible by the Diatek Corporation, has greatly impacted not only society, but my life personally,

as well.

"THE BEST OF NASA'S SPINOFFS." Space Acts Web Site. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
<http://www.spaceacts.com/STARSHIP/SEH/spinoff.html>.