Enhanced protective lens cover for an infrared thermometer

US6022140A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Braun Thermoscan · US

Inventors

• Jacob Fraden · Village of La Jolla, US
• Joseph P. Brown · Seattle, US
• Robert P. Lackey · Carlsbad, US
• Randall R. Howe · Eaton, US
• Heinz Bultges · Eppstein, DE
• Wolfram Debus · Kronberg, DE
• Gunther Bautz · Ulm, DE
• Helmut Franke · Burghausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 19, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 8, 2000
• Expiry date: Sep 19, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01J5/021
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A disposable cover for an infrared thermometer provides IR window isolation of handling and usage generated forces. The cover comprises a thin sidewall linked to the film window with a collar structure. The collar structure includes one or more characteristics that either isolate the film window from externally applied forces, or develops counter forces in a way that precludes film stretching and other transmission distorting effects. In a preferred embodiment, the probe includes retention ears and the cover includes a rim that cooperatively engages the retention ears. This combination of retention ears and an interlocking rim decreases movement of the cover along the probe axis. The cover of the present invention permits sanitary application of an infrared clinical thermometer without hindering reading accuracy or patient comfort.