Method and apparatus for fluid seal in an optical probe tip
First Claim
1. A method of forming a fluid seal inside an optical probe, comprising the steps of:
- providing the optical probe which includes;
a probe body having a first bore and a second bore, the first bore being in communication with said second bore, said first bore having a proximal end attached to a thermometer, said second bore having a proximal end attached to said first bore and a distal end having an opening;
providing a seal assembly including a tube, a collar being attached to the tube, a filter and a first sealing member being interposed between said collar and said filter;
positioning said seal assembly within at least a portion of said second bore of said probe body such that said filter of said seal assembly is interposed between said first sealing member and said opening; and
applying a predetermined compressive force to said tube such that said seal assembly forms at least one fluid tight interface configured to prevent fluid introduction through said opening of said probe body.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A probe tip in combination with a seal assembly that prevents debris and other contaminants from entering the probe tip. In the preferred embodiment, the seal comprises a tube with a filter holder assembly attached at the distal end of the holder. The filter holder assembly includes an infrared filter seated inside a screw-on member that is attached to a holder member with a sealing member located directly behind the infrared filter. During manufacturing, a predetermined force is applied to the proximal end of the tube which drives the distal end of the tube and filter holder assembly against the probe tip opening, thereby forming a watertight seal thereto. In alternative embodiments, the seal assembly may be comprised of a collar and gasket combination instead of a filter holder assembly.
40 Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A method of forming a fluid seal inside an optical probe, comprising the steps of:
-
providing the optical probe which includes;
a probe body having a first bore and a second bore, the first bore being in communication with said second bore, said first bore having a proximal end attached to a thermometer, said second bore having a proximal end attached to said first bore and a distal end having an opening;
providing a seal assembly including a tube, a collar being attached to the tube, a filter and a first sealing member being interposed between said collar and said filter;
positioning said seal assembly within at least a portion of said second bore of said probe body such that said filter of said seal assembly is interposed between said first sealing member and said opening; and
applying a predetermined compressive force to said tube such that said seal assembly forms at least one fluid tight interface configured to prevent fluid introduction through said opening of said probe body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of forming a fluid seal inside an optical probe, comprising the steps of:
-
providing the optical probe which includes;
a probe body having a bore, said bore including a distal portion having an opening;
providing a seal assembly including a tube, a collar being attached to the tube a filter and a first sealing member being interposed between said collar and said filter;
positioning said seal assembly within at least a portion of said bore such that said filter is interposed between said first sealing member and said opening; and
applying a predetermined compressive force to said tube such that said seal assembly forms at least one fluid tight interface configured to prevent fluid introduction through said opening of said probe body. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
Specification