Axillary infrared thermometer and cover thereof

• US 6,547,744 B1
• Filed: 04/13/1999
• Issued: 04/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Exergen Corporation
• Original Assignee: Exergen Corporation
• Inventors: Pompei, Francesco, Pompei, Marybeth A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur, Eric F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WINGOOD, PAMELA LYNN
• Application Number:
  US09/290,286
• Time in Patent Office: 1,463 Days
• Field of Search: 600/549, 600/555, 600/486, 600/473, 600/474, 600/475, 206/305, 206/306
• US Class Current: 600/549
• 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 5/025 Interfacing a pyrometer to an external device or network; User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0265 Handheld, portable ear thermometers G01J5/049
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/04 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/05 Means for preventing contamination of the components of the optical system; Means for preventing obstruction of the radiation path

Abstract

An infrared detector has a probe having curved surfaces which slide readily into a neonate axilla. The probe is covered by a disposable cover, or a bag completely encloses the infrared detector. The bag has a pleated end surface, through which the detector views the skin, and a flap at a rear surface to close an opening which receives the detector.

Claims

1. A method of obtaining a person'"'"'s temperature comprising:

providing an infrared detector having a window through which a sensor views a surface target;

stretching a plastic bag over the infrared detector to fully enclose the detector for improved cleanliness of the detector'"'"'s environment;

positioning the bag and detector against the person'"'"'s skin to detect heat flux from the skin through the bag;

converting the detected heat flux to a temperature readout on a display corresponding to the person'"'"'s temperature; and

displaying the temperature readout through the bag.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bag and detector are positioned in the person'"'"'s axilla.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plastic bag is infrared transparent.

3. A method of obtaining a person'"'"'s temperature comprising:

providing an infrared detector having a window through which a sensor views a surface target;

stretching a plastic bag over the infrared detector to fully enclose the detector, the bag being rectangular with an opening along one edge;

folding the bag to close the opening after the bag is stretched over the infrared detector;

positioning the bag and detector against the person'"'"'s skin to detect heat flux from the skin through the bag;

converting the detected heat flux to a temperature readout on a display corresponding to the person'"'"'s temperature; and

displaying the temperature readout through the bag.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bag has a pleat along an edge opposite to the opening, the pleat being stretched over the window.

5. A method of obtaining a person'"'"'s temperature comprising:

providing an infrared detector having a window through which a sensor views a surface target;

stretching a plastic bag over the infrared detector to fully enclose the detector, the bag having an opening and a pleat along an edge opposite to the opening, the pleat being stretched over the window;

positioning the bag and detector against the person'"'"'s skin to detect heat flux from the skin through the bag;

converting the detected heat flux to a temperature readout on a display corresponding to the person'"'"'s temperature; and

displaying the temperature readout through the bag.