Patent · US Expired

Infrared medical thermometer

US4993424A · kind A · utility

55Cited by
7References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 4, 1989
Grant dateFeb 19, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 4, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01J2001/0257
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A self-contained handheld infrared medical thermometer having an elongated probe that is reciprocably movable between a retracted position, located fully within the thermometer housing, and an extended position, located exterior to the housing. When extended, the probe is adapted for insertion into a patient's outer ear canal to measure the patient's body temperature. When the probe is retracted within the housing, a reference plate is pivoted in front of the probe, to facilitate calibration. Advancement of the probe to its extended, operative position automatically pivots the reference plate away from the advancing probe and, in addition, automatically advances a disposable protective cover from a container for a large number of such covers into a position where it automatically stretches over the advancing probe to provide hygienic protection.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.