Tympanic thermometer probe cover
US6030117A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J5/046
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A disposable probe cover for an electronic tympanic ("ear") thermometer is made of closed-cell foam that is laminated with a sheet of high density polyethylene plastic film substantially transparent to infrared radiant energy. The probe cover is hollow, defining a central passageway that accepts an oversized probe and can potentially accommodate a variety of different probe configurations. The foam construction allows the probe cover to stretch over the oversized probe--retaining the probe cover on the probe during use. The foam construction also allows the probe cover to deform when inserted into a patient's ear--sealing the patient's ear canal to prevent external heat and light from affecting the measurement, and providing a high degree of cushioning and comfort not available in any prior disposable probe cover design. The film laminate and foam provide a barrier that is impervious to germs, fluids and other secretions--further reducing the already low risk of cross-contamination. The probe cover design facilitates accurate, repeatable measurements using a temperature measuring instrument based on receiving and analyzing the radiant infrared heat energy emitted by the tympanic me…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.