Tympanic thermometer probe cover
First Claim
1. A disposable probe cover for a tympanic thermometer of the type having a radiant energy sensing structure for sensing at least one wavelength of radiant energy emitted by the eardrum, the probe cover having an insertion end for being inserted into an ear canal communicating with the eardrum and another end which remains outside of the ear canal so as to seal the ear canal, at least the probe cover insertion end comprising a deformable foam body defining a passage terminating in an opening, the passage accepting at least a part of the radiant energy sensing structure and communicating the radiant energy sensing structure with the opening, the probe cover further comprising a barrier that substantially occludes the passage, the barrier preventing ear canal contaminants from entering the opening while substantially allowing the radiant energy to pass therethrough and impinge upon the radiant energy sensing structure.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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 membrane (eardrum).
308 Citations
22 Claims
- 1. A disposable probe cover for a tympanic thermometer of the type having a radiant energy sensing structure for sensing at least one wavelength of radiant energy emitted by the eardrum, the probe cover having an insertion end for being inserted into an ear canal communicating with the eardrum and another end which remains outside of the ear canal so as to seal the ear canal, at least the probe cover insertion end comprising a deformable foam body defining a passage terminating in an opening, the passage accepting at least a part of the radiant energy sensing structure and communicating the radiant energy sensing structure with the opening, the probe cover further comprising a barrier that substantially occludes the passage, the barrier preventing ear canal contaminants from entering the opening while substantially allowing the radiant energy to pass therethrough and impinge upon the radiant energy sensing structure.
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22. In combination:
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a tympanic thermometer probe; and a hollow compressible foam body stretched over the probe to provide a friction fit that securely retains the foam body on the probe'"'"'s outer surface, the foam body providing heat isolation for the probe and increasing comfort when, in use, the probe and foam body are together inserted into a human ear canal.
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Specification