Thermal measuring and testing – Temperature measurement – With removable cover for sensor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-12
2001-05-29
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Thermal measuring and testing
Temperature measurement
With removable cover for sensor
C374S209000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06238088
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved ear thermometer probe cap, and more particularly, to an integrally formed one-piece ear probe cap with modified interlocking structure at the base of its bell.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art of instant thermometer using infrared sensing technology has gradually replaced traditional mercury thermometer thanks to fast response by the former. It works by sensing the infrared strength radiated from the ear drum in auditory canal with an instant thermometer to measure auditory temperature. In practical use, the instant thermometer measuring probe is inserted into the accessory opening of auditory canal, and a sterilized probe cap must be attached to the measuring probe to avoid pollution or affection by bacteria Generally, a disposal probe cap is used which is essentially available in the market in two types.
One type of probe cap is comprised with three members, a polyethylene(PE) diaphragm folded into a cup shape in its peripheral and two pieces of rings forming themselves into a base which includes hooks to hold together by clamping the circumference of the folded diaphragm, thus to form an enclosed diaphragm window end and a base opening end. It takes advantage of grooves provided on the base ring to interlock protrusion bolt provided at the bottom of the measuring probe. This type of probe cap is found with several defects, namely, complicate processes as it is comprised of three individual members, resulting in waste of materials and higher cost; and being much less attractive in appearance as it is made of diaphragm with the exception of its base, showing rugous peripheral and irregular shape.
Another type of probe cap is made in one-piece having a very thin portion at its window end, comparatively sturdy side wall that can be formed with a definite shape, its base is the thickest part and a grooved ring which can be fixed by a hook from the base of the measuring probe of the instant thermometer, is provided at where close to the side wall at the base. However, as the length of a measuring probe of an instant thermometer must be sufficient to reach the accessory opening of auditory canal, and when inserted into one's ear, it takes only for the measuring probe to contact one small section at the front end of the measuring probe, this another type of the prior art gets too long due to being subject to the interlocking device provided at the base of the whole length of the measuring probe, thus leading to waste of materials, higher production cost and environmental issue when disposed of.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the prevent invention is to provide a disposable cap for an instant thermometer measuring probe. The probe cap is integrally molded with plastic material allowing transmission of infrared, essentially made of one end close as a window portion and a bell with both connected by the side wall, and a fastening portion formed on the side wall at where near to the window portion which is used in conjunction with the dimension of the measuring probe to interference fit the probe cap onto the measuring probe, so that the size of the bell is not restricted by that of the measuring probe, nor any interlocking means is needed between the probe cap and the measuring head, and the probe cap can be made shorter for material saving. An additional flange can be provided at the mid of the side wall or the portion closed to the bell is made thicker to improve the structural strength of the probe cover for facilitating to wear or remove the probe cap, while such flange or thicker bell also provides separation purpose for easy access to a stack of multiple of probe caps.
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patent: 5906437 (1999-05-01), Lin
Goodwin Jeanne-Marguerite
Gutierrez Diego
Norm Pacific Automation Corp.
Rosenberg , Klein & Lee
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