Infrared thermometer

• US 20050226307A1
• Filed: 04/07/2004
• Published: 10/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Dalita R. Tomellini, Melinda Penney, Sherin Lussier
• Original Assignee: Dalita R. Tomellini, Melinda Penney, Sherin Lussier
• Inventors: Lussier, Sherin, Tomellini, Dalita R., Penney, Melinda
• Application Number:
  US10/819,433
• Publication Number:
  US 20050226307A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 374/131
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0022 for sensing the radiation of moving bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0025 Living bodies ear thermometers G01J5/0011; detecting, measuring or recording for diagnostic purposes A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/02 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/021 Probe covers for thermometers, e.g. tympanic thermometers; Containers for probe covers; Disposable probes
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/028 using a charging unit or battery
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/04 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/047 Mobile mounting; Scanning arrangements

Abstract

Oral infrared thermometers are provided. Some preferred thermometers include a spacer configured to preset the distance from the infrared sensor to the oral hot spot to calibrate the electronics of the thermometer for an accurate reading.

Claims

1. A thermometer comprising:

a housing constructed to be held by a user;

a probe, extending from the housing, having an insertable portion constructed for insertion into the mouth of a patient;

an infrared sensor, mounted on the probe, for obtaining data indicative of the patient'"'"'s temperature; and

a spacer, surrounding the insertable portion of the probe, the spacer being configured to preset the distance from the infrared sensor to the oral hot spot of the patient.

2. The thermometer of claim 1 further comprising a metal tube extending from a first end adjacent the sensor to a second end between the sensor and an end of the insertable portion.

3. The thermometer of claim 2 wherein the length of the spacer, measured from the second end of the tube to the end of the insertable portion, is from about 6 to 30 mm.

4. The thermometer of claim 1 wherein the spacer is formed of a clear plastic.

5. The thermometer of claim 4 wherein the spacer is formed of polycarbonate.

6. The thermometer of claim 1 wherein the total length of the thermometer inserted into the patient'"'"'s mouth during use is about 40 to 60 mm.

7. The thermometer of claim 1 wherein outer diameter of the spacer is from about 4 to 12 mm.

8. The thermometer of claim 1 wherein the spacer has an angled tip.

9. A method of measuring the temperature of a patient, comprising:

providing a thermometer including (a) a probe having an insertable portion constructed for insertion into the mouth of the patient, (b) an infrared sensor, mounted on the probe, for obtaining data indicative of the patient'"'"'s temperature, and (c) a spacer, surrounding the insertable portion of the probe, the spacer being configured to preset the distance from the infrared sensor to the oral hot spot of the patient; and

inserting the insertable portion into the mouth of hte patient.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the thermometer further includes a digital display that displays the data obtained by the sensor.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of reading the temperature displayed on the digital display.