Diagnostic temperature probe
US4962765A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K13/20
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A periodontal probe has a probe finger extending from a handle to an L-shaped distal end which includes a tip adapted for insertion into a periodontal pocket and formed of a thermally insulative material. A temperature sensing element is mounted at the extreme end of the tip. Conductive leads extend from the sensing element, through the probe tip to the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is a thermocouple or thermistor, and the tip is sealed within an epoxy outer skin. The tip tapers so that the thermal mass of the probe in the vicinity of the sensing element quickly attains the temperature of surrounding tissue while minimally perturbing that temperature. The handle may contain signal processing or temperature display units, and the probe tip preferably includes graduations for indicating probe depth. Interchangeable sensor matching circuit elements adapt sensor elements having different characteristics to a common display driver. A system includes a probe and a processor with a display which indicates periodontal site locations to prompt entry of temperature measurements and to display disease indications based on those measurements. The temperatures are pr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.