Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TYMPANIC THERMOMETER WITH EJECTION MECHANISM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application incorporates by reference PCT Application No.
PCT/LJS03/ , Express Mail Label No. EV222416147US, filed in the U.S. Patent
and
Trademark Office on January 6, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby
incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of biomedical
thermometers, and
more particularly, to a tympanic thermometer that employs an ejection
apparatus and a
probe cover to improve accuracy of temperature measurement and safety.
2. Description of the Related Art
Medical thermometers are typically employed to facilitate the prevention,
diagnosis
and treatment of diseases, body ailments, etc. for humans and other animals,
as is known.
Doctors, nurses, parents, care providers, etc. utilize thermometers to measure
a subj ect's
body temperature for detecting a fever, monitoring the. subj ect's body
temperature, etc. An
accurate reading of a subject's body temperature is required for effective use
and should be
taken from the internal or core temperature of a subject's body. Several
thermometer
devices are known for measuring a subject's body temperature, such as, for
example, glass,
electronic, ear (tympanic).
Glass thermometers, however, are very slow in making measurements, typically.
requiring several minutes to determine body temperature. This can result in
discomfort to
the subject, and may be very troublesome when taking the temperature of a
small child or an
invalid. Further, glass thermometers are susceptible to error and are
typically accurate only
to within a degree.
Electronic thermometers minimize measurement time and improve accuracy over
glass thermometers. Electronic thermometers, however, still require
approximately thirty
(30) seconds before an accurate reading can be taken and may cause discomfort
in
placement as the device must be inserted into the subject's mouth, rectum or
axilla.
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Tympanic thermometers are generally considered by the medical community to be
superior for taking a subject's temperature. Tympanic thermometers provide
rapid and
accurate readings of core temperature, overcoming the disadvantages associated
with other
types of thermometers. Tyrnpanic thermometers measure temperature by sensing
infrared
emissions from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) in the external ear canal. The
temperature of the tyrnpanic membrane corresponds to the core temperature of a
subject's
body. Further, measuring temperature in this manner only requires a few
seconds.
Known tympanic thermometers typically include a probe containing a heat sensor
such as a thermopile, a pyroelectric heat sensor, etc. See, for example, U.S.
Patent Nos.
l0 6,179,785, 6,186,959, and 5,820,264. These types of heat sensors are
particularly sensitive
to the eardrum's radiant heat energy.
In operation, a tympanic thermometer is prepared for use and a probe cover is
mounted onto a sensing probe extending from a distal portion of the
thermometer. The
probe covers are hygienic to provide a sanitary barrier and are disposable
after use. A
practitioner or other care provider inserts a portion of the probe ~ having
the probe cover
mounted thereon within a subject's outer ear canal to sense the infrared
emissions from the
tympanic membrane. The infrared light emitted from the tympanic membrane
passes
through a window of the probe cover and is directed to the sensing probe by a
waveguide.
The window is typically a transparent portion of the probe cover and has a
wavelength in
2o the far infrared range. The probe cover should provide for the easy and
comfortable
insertion of the probe into the ear canal.
The practitioner presses a button or similar device to cause the thermometer
to take a
temperature measurement. The microelectronics process electrical signals
provided by the
heat sensor to determine eardrum temperature and render a temperature
measurement in a
few seconds or less. The probe is removed from the ear canal and the probe
cover is
removed and discarded.
Proper removal of a used probe cover from the probe is necessary for accurate
temperature measurements of subsequent readings using the tympanic
thermometer. Proper
removal of the used probe cover is also required for safety to the subject
such that disease
propagation is minimized. Current tympanic thermometers may employ mechanisms
and
probe covers that are not properly removed in an efficient and facile manner.
These types
of tympanic thermometer designs can adversely affect the accuracy and safety
considerations of a temperature reading.
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For example, a used probe cover may contain undesirable material, for example,
moisture, ear wax, etc., from within the ear of a subject, which may
contaminate the probe
cover. Attempted removal of the probe cover may cause disease or other
infections or
tearing of the probe cover such that a portion of the.probe cover remains with
the probe.
Other known tympanic thermometer devices include ejection devices that eject
the
probe cover after 'use. See, for example, U.S. Patent No: 5,411,032. Similar
devices,
however, engage a circumferential flange adjacent a base of the probe cover. A
drawback
of these designs is ,that moisture buildup, flange configuration, etc. of the
probe cover may
cause the ej ection device to slip over the flange, or strike the flange
causing the body of the
to probe cover to fracture due to the relative weakness of the probe cover
body compared to
the force used to strike the base flange. Consequently, the probe cover
remains attached to
the probe, or tears such that a portion of the probe remains with the probe.
In the event that a used probe cover or a portion thereof remains with the
probe
cover, the probe cannot accurately sense infrared emissions: Further, the risk
for disease
propagation from one subject to another is dangerously increased.
Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks
of
the prior art with a tympanic thermometer that employs an ejection (hands-
free) apparatus
and a probe cover to improve temperature measurement accuracy and safety to
minimize
disease propagation. It would be desirable if such a tympanic thermometer
included an
2o engagement surface within a probe cover of the tympanic thermometer to
achieve the
principles of the present disclosure. It would be highly desirable if the
probe cover included
a longitudinal rib with the engagement surface to provide strength and
stability to the probe
cover. It is contemplated that the tympanic thermometer and its constituent
parts is easily
and efficiently manufactured and assembled.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, a tympanic thermometer is provided that employs an ejection
apparatus and a probe cover to improve temperature measurement accuracy and
safety to
minimize disease propagation to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of
the prior art.
Desirably, it would be desirable if such a tympanic thermometer included an
engagement
3o surface within a probe cover of the tympanic thermometer to achieve the
principles of the
present disclosure. The tyrnpanic thermometer is easily and efficiently
manufactured and
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assembled. The present disclosure resolves related disadvantages and drawbacks
experienced in the art.
The engagement surface of the tympanic thermometer disclosed herein can
facilitate
accurate and safe temperature measurement by providing a strike interface
between an
ejection apparatus and a probe cover thereof. The strike interface provides
several
advantages including ejection of the probe cover from a heating sensing probe
after use.
This may be accomplished by depressing an ejection button or the like of the
tympanic
thermometer.
Another advantage of the strike interface is providing an indication that a
used probe
cover is removed and that a new unused probe cover is ~ in position and ready
for
temperature measurement. This can be accomplished via triggering circuitry
that senses a
presence of a probe cover and correspondingly indicates to a practitioner that
the tympanic
is ready for use. Accordingly, such triggered circuitry may indicate that the
tympanic
thermometer is not ready for use until a new, unused probe cover is mounted to
the heat
sensing probe. It is envisioned that the probe cover can be particularly
configured for
employment with the tympanic thermometer, in accordance, with the principles
of the
present disclosure.
In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, a tympanic thermometer is provided including a heat sensing probe
that defines
a longitudinal axis and an outer surface extending from a distal end of the
tympanic
thermometer. An ejection apparatus including at least one finger extends from
the distal
end of the tyrnpanic thermometer and is configured for movement along the
outer surface of
the probe. A probe cover is mountable to the distal end of the tympanic
thermometer. The
probe cover defines an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface of
the probe.
The probe cover includes at least one longitudinal rib radially projecting
from the inner
surface thereof. The longitudinal rib defines a proximal face such that the at
least one finger
is configured to engage the proximal face. The probe cover can include a
plurality of
longitudinal ribs.
The outer surface of the probe may define a groove. The groove is transversely
oriented relative to the longitudinal axis and is configured to receive a
portion of the probe
cover for releasably retaining the probe cover with the probe. The portion of
the probe
cover includes a plurality of protuberances projecting from the inner surface
of the probe
cover and is proximally spaced from the distal end of the probe cover. The
transverse
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groove may be disposed circumferentially about the outer surface of the probe
and
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the probe.
The ejection apparatus may include a plurality of forgers. The at least one
finger can
include a tapered finger tip defining a distal strike face. The at least one
finger may be
movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least
one finger may
be biased to the extended position. The at least one finger may also be
releasably fixable in
.a retracted position. Alternatively, the. at least one finger is releasably
fixable via a latch,
whereby the latch includes a release button that is engageable to release the
at least one
finger from the retracted position.
to The at least one longitudinal rib may have a transverse face having a
substantially
parallel orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe.
In an alternate embodiment, the ejection apparatus includes equidistantly
spaced
°fingers. The fingers having a tapered finger tip that defines a distal
strike face and the probe
cover including equidistantly spaced longitudinal ribs. The longitudinal ribs
having a
proximal strike face, wherein the distal strike face and proximal strike face
engage for
moving the fingers between a retracted position and an extended position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believed to be
novel,
are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present
disclosure, both as to its
organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and
advantages, may
be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in
connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tympanic thermometer, in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure, mounted with a holder;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a distal end of the tympanic
thermometer
shown in FIG. 2, in part elevation;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown
in FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown
in FIG.
3;
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FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a probe cover mounted to the tympanic thermometer
shown in FIG. 2, in perspective;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown
in FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the tyrnpanic
thermometer
'shown in FIG. 2, having parts removed to illustrate an ejection apparatus;
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end shown in FIG. 3,
illustrating
ejection of the probe cover; and
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end shown in FIG. 8,
illustrating ej ection of the probe cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The exemplary embodiments of the tympanic thermometer and methods of use
disclosed are discussed in terms of medical thermometers for measuring body
temperature,
and more.; ,particularly, in terms of a tympanic thermometer that employs an
ejection
apparatus and a probe cover to improve temperature measurement accuracy and
safety to
minimize disease, bacteria, etc. propagation. It is envisioned that the
present disclosure
finds application for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases,
body ailments, etc.
of a subject. It is further envisioned that the principles relating to the
tyrnpanic thermometer
disclosed include proper removal of a used probe cover via the ejection
apparatus and
indication to a practitioner whether a new, unused probe is mounted to the
tympanic
thermometer.
In the discussion that follows, the term "proximal" will refer to the portion
of a
structure that is closer to a practitioner, while the term "distal" will refer
to the portion that
is further from the practitioner. As used herein, the term "subject" refers to
a human patient
or other animal having its body temperature measured. According to the present
disclosure,
the term "practitioner" refers to a doctor, nurse, parent or other care
provider utilizing a
tympanic thermometer to measure a subject's body temperature, and may include
support
personnel.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the
present
3o disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning now
to the figures
wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout
the several
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views and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a tympanic
thermometer 20, in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
Tympanic thermometer 20 includes a cylindrical heat sensing probe 22 (FIG. 3).
Heat sensing probe 22 extends from a distal end 24 of tympanic thermometer 20
and defines
a longitudinal axis x. An ejection apparatus (FIG. 3) includes fingers 28
extending from
distal end 24. Fingers 26 and 28 are configured for movement along an outer
surface 30 of
heat sensing probe 22. Heat sensing probe 22 may have various geometric cross-
sectional
configurations, such as, for example, rectangular, elliptical, etc.
A probe cover 32 is mounted to distal end 24. Probe cover 32 defines an inner
1o surface 34 (FIG. 6) configured to engage outer surface 30. Probe cover 32
includes
longitudinal ribs 36 (FIG. 6), as will be discussed, that radially project
from inner surface
34. Longitudinal ribs 36 define a proximal strike face 38. Fingers 28 are
configured to
engage proximal strike face 38. It is envisioned that such ,engagement defines
a zone of
striking engagement or strike interface that advantageously facilitates
removal of probe .
cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22 via ejection. This configuration improves
temperature
measurement accuracy and provides safety to minimize disease, bacteria, etc.
propagation.
It is contemplated that tympanic thermometer 20 includes the necessary
electronics
and/or processing components to perform temperature measurement via the
tympanic
membranes as is known to one skilled in the art. It is further envisioned that
tympanic
thermometer 20 may include a waveguide to facilitate sensing of the tympanic
membrane
heat energy: Tympanic thermometer 20 is releasably mounted in a holder 40 for
storage in
contemplation for use. Tympanic thermometer 20 and holder 40 may be fabricated
from
semi-rigid, rigid plastic and/or metal materials suitable for temperature
measurement and .
related use. It is envisioned that holder 40 may include the electronics
necessary to
facilitate powering of tympanic thermometer 20, including, for example,
battery charging
capability, etc.
Heat sensing probe 22 defines a circumferential groove 42 in outer surface 30.
Groove 42 is transversely oriented relative to longitudinal axis x such that
it is substantially
perpendicular thereto. Groove 42 is recessed within outer surface 30 to
receive a.portion of
3o probe cover 32 for releasably retaining probe cover 32 with heat sensing
probe 22, as will
be discussed. Groove 42 has outer ends 44 that facilitate receipt and release
of probe cover
32. Ends 44 may have varying degrees of curvature depending on the temperature
measurement application. It is envisioned that groove 42 may extend about only
a portion
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of the circumference of heat sensing probe 22. It is further envisioned that
groove 42 may
be oriented at various angular orientations relative to longitudinal axis x.
Refernng to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, ejection apparatus 26 extends from distal end 24
of
tympanic thermometer 20 and includes an eject button 46, compression spring 48
and
ejection sleeve 50. Ejection sleeve 50 is mounted to distal end 24 such that
fingers 28
extend distally therefrom and are disposed for movement about outer surface 30
of heat
sensing probe 22. Fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50 are in movable alignment
with
longitudinal axis x between a retracted position (FIG. 8) and an extended
position (FIG. 10).
Compression spring 48 is mounted with ejection sleeve 50 such that fingers 28
are
to biased to the extended position. Compression spring 48 also provides
resiliency to the
motion of fingers 28. It is contemplated that compression spring 50 may have
varying
degrees of resilience according to the particular requirements of an ejection
application.
Fingers 28 are releasably fixable in the retracted position via a latch (not
shown).
The latch includes eject button 46 that is engageable to release fingers 28
from the retracted
position. Fingers 28 define a tapered fingertip 52 (FIG. 9) that extends to a
distal strike face
54. The tapered surface of finger tip 52 facilitates a uniform and reliable
engagement with
surface 38 of probe cover 32. Finger tip 52 may have various degrees of taper
or none at
all.
Distal strike face 54 and proximal strike face 38 engage for moving fingers 28
2o between the retracted position and the extended position. Distal strike
face 54 includes a
planar surface disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative
to longitudinal
axis x. The planar surface of distal strike face 54 facilitates uniform and
reliable contact
with proximal strike face 38 for ejection of probe cover 32 from heat sensing
probe 22.
Upon mounting of probe cover 32 with heat sensing probe 22, proximal strike
face
38 engages distal strike face 54 causing fingers 28 to slide along heat
sensing probe 22, as
shown by arrows A in FIG. 9. Probe cover 32 is properly seated with heat
sensing probe 22
when ejection sleeve 50 locks into releasable engagement with the latch of
ejection
apparatus 26, in the retracted position. In the retracted position, ejection
sleeve 50
interfaces with a switch or the like of tympanic thermometer 20. The switch
activates and
3o notifies tympanic thermometer 20 that an unused probe cover 32 is in the
retracted position
and ready to use for a temperature measurement application. Tympanic
thermometer 20
includes the necessary electronics, circuitry and/or processing components to
indicate
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position of fingers 28, ejection sleeve 50 and the used and unused status of
probe cover 32.
It is contemplated that probe cover 32 is particularly configured for
engagement with
ejection apparatus 26 and corresponding manipulation in the retracted
position.
After a temperature measurement application is completed employing tympanic
thermometer 20, eject button 46 is manipulated or otherwise activated to
release ejection
sleeve 50 from the retracted position. Compression spring 48 facilitates
movement of
fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50 to the extended position via the spring
forces thereof, as
shown by arrows B in FIG. 9. Manipulation of eject button 48 in cooperation
with the
spring forces of compression spring 48 provide sufficient force such that
engagement of
1o distal strike face 54 with proximal strike force 38~causes probe cover 32
to eject from heat
sensing probe 22. Movement of fingers 28 to the extended position deactivates
the switch
of tympanic thermometer 20. The switch notifies tympanic thermometer 20 that
probe
cover 32 is not in the retracted position and that probe cover 32 is not
mounted with heat
sensing probe 32. It is contemplated that tympanic thermometer 20 includes a
display
including illuminated icons, LED, etc. for indicating to a practitioner, for
example, probe
cover status, retracted position, extended position, etc. It is envisioned
that in the extended
position the display of tympanic thermometer 20 indicates to a practitioner
that a new probe
cover 32 is required for mounting with heat sensing probe 22.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, pxobe cover 32, similar to the probe covers
disclosed in
2o co-pending and commonly assigned PCT Application No. PCT/US03/ Express Mail
Label No. EV222416147US, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on
3anuary 6,
2003 has a distal end 54 that is substantially enclosed by a film 56. Fihn 56
is substantially
transparent to infraxed radiation and configured to facilitate sensing of
infrared emissions by
heat sensing probe 22. Film 56 is advantageously impervious to ear wax,
moisture and
bacteria to prevent disease propagation.
The component portions of the probe cover, which is disposable, are fabricated
from
materials suitable for measuring body temperature via the tympanic membrane
with a
tympanic thermometer measuring apparatus. These materials may include, for
example,
plastic materials, such as, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.,
depending on the
3o particular temperature measurement application and/or preference of a
practitioner. The
probe cover has a Window portion or film that can be fabricated from a
material
substantially transparent to infrared radiation and impervious to moisture,
ear wax, bacteria,
etc. The film has a thickness in the range of 0.0005 to 0.001 inches, although
other ranges
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are contemplated. The film may be semi-rigid or flexible, and can be
monolithically formed
with the remaining portion of the probe cover or integrally connected thereto
via, for
example, thermal welding, etc. One skilled in the art, however, will realize
that other
materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in
accordance
with the present disclosure, also would be appropriate.
A body 58 of probe cover 32 defines longitudinal ribs 36 projecting from inner
circumferential surface 36 and being proximally spaced from distal end 54.
Longitudinal
ribs 36 project a thickness a and extend a length b along inner
circumferential surface 34
providing increased strength to a wall 59 of probe cover 32. The increased
strength of wall
l0 59 facilitates ejection of probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22.
Fingers 28 strike probe
cover 32 for ejection from heat sensing probe 54. For example, longitudinal
ribs 36 resist
compressive forces created in body 58 as fingers 28 strike probe cover 32.
This
configuration prevents undesired failure of wall 59 facilitating manufacture
of a thinner.
walled probe cover 32. Longitudinal ribs 36 define a transverse face 60 that
is configured to
engage heat-sensing probe 22. Thickness a, length b and transverse face 60
facilitate
retention of probe cover 32 with heat sensing probe 22. Longitudinal ribs 36
also provide
an air gap 55 (FIG. 3) of separation between heat sensing probe 22 and the
tympanic
membrane. This configuration minimizes undesirable heating of heat sensing
probe 22 that
may result in inaccurate temperature readings. It is contemplated that one or
a plurality of
longitudinal ribs 36 may be used, and that other similar projection forgers,
bumps or detents
could be used in order facilitate the engagement, interface, removal and/or
ejection of probe
cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22.
Body 58 defines inner protuberances 62 projecting from inner circumferential
surface 34 and being proximally spaced from distal end 54. Inner protuberances
62 have an
elliptical configuration including a width c (FIG. 7 shows %z c due to the
cross-section view)
that is relatively larger than a height d. Inner protuberances 62 have a
radial curvature
projecting a thickness a from inner circumferential surface 34 for engaging
heat sensing
probe 22. Inner protuberances 62 facilitate retention of probe cover 20 with
heat sensing
probe 34. Inner protuberances 54 provide air gap 55 (FIG. 3) of separation
between heat
sensing probe 22 and the tympanic membrane. This configuration minimizes
undesired
heating of heat sensing probe 22. It is contemplated that one or a plurality
of inner
protuberances 62 may be used. Longitudinal ribs 36 and inner protuberances 62
may be
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variously dimensioned according to the particular requirements of a
temperature
measurement application.
Probe cover 32 includes a flange 64 disposed adjacent a proximal end 65
thereof.
Flange 64 is formed about the circumference of proximal end 65 providing
strength and
stability for mounting of probe cover 32 with tyrnpanic thermometer 20.
Referring to FIGS. 8-10, probe covers 32, similar to that described, are
fabricated,
prepared for storage, shipment and use. Tympanic thermometer 20 is manipulated
and
removed from holder 40 by a practitioner. Heat sensing probe 22 of tympanic
thermometer
20 is inserted within probe cover 32 for mounting therewith in contemplation
for
temperature measurement of a subject by the practitioner.
Inner surface 34 of probe cover 32 engages outer surface 30 of heat sensing
probe 34
for retention therewith. Inner protuberances 62 slide over ends 44 and are
positioned for
disposal within groove 42. This configuration provides sufficient retention
between heat
sensing probe 34 and probe cover 32 so that probe cover 32 is retained with
heat sensing
probe 34 and probe cover 32 during temperature measurement of the subject.
Thus, the
retention strength of inner protuberances 62 with heat sensing probe 22 must
be overcome
for proper removal and ejection of probe cover 32 from heat sensing probe 22.
It is
contemplated that probe cover 32 may include other retention structure for
mounting probe
cover 32 with heat sensing probe 22, similar to those .disclosed in co-pending
and
commonly assigned PCT Application No. PCT/US03/ Express Mail Label No.
EV222416147US, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on January 6,
2003.
As probe cover 32 is mounted to heat sensing probe 34, proximal strike face 38
of
longitudinal ribs 36 engages distal strike face 54 of fingers 28 defining a
zone for striking
engagement to facilitate mounting and ejection of probe cover 32 from heat
sensing probe
22. This configuration and method of use improve temperature measurement
accuracy and
provide safety to minimize disease, bacteria, etc. propagation.
As proximal strike face 38 engages distal strike face 54, in the direction
shown by
arrows A in FIG. 9, fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50 are caused to slide
along outer surface
of heat sensing probe 22. Ejection sleeve 50 engages the latch of ejection
apparatus 26
3o to releasably lock fingers 28 in the retracted position (FIG. 8).
Compression spring 48
provides a resilient ergonomic tactility to ejection apparatus 26 during
mounting of probe
cover 32 with heat sensing probe 22. Ejection sleeve 50 interfaces with a
switch of
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tympanic thermometer 20. The switch activates tympanic thermometer 20 and
notifies a
practitioner, via a display thereof, that an unused probe cover 32 is in the
retracted position
and ready to use for temperature measurement.
In operation, to measure a subject's (not shown) body temperature, a
practitioner
(not shown) pulls the subject's ear back gently to straighten the ear canal so
that heat
sensing probe 22 can visualize the tympanic membrane for reading body
temperature via
infrared emissions. Tympanic thermometer 20 is manipulated by the practitioner
such that a
portion of probe cover 32, mounted to heat sensing probe 22, is easily and
comfortably
inserted within the subject's outer ear canal. Heat sensing probe 22 is
properly positioned
to to sense infrared emissions from the tympanic membrane that reflect the
subject's body
temperature. Infrared light emitted from the tympanic membrane passes through
film 56
and is directed to heat sensing probe 22.
The practitioner presses a button 66 (FIG. 1) of tympanic thermometer 20 for a
sufficient period of time (typically 1-2 seconds) such that heat sensing probe
22 accurately
senses infrared emissions from the tympanic membrane. Microelectronics of
tympanic
thermometer 20 process electronic signals provided by heat sensing probe 22 to
determine
the subject's body temperature. The microelectronics cause tympanic
thermometer 20 to
render body temperature measurement in a few seconds or less. Probe cover 32
is removed
from heat sensing probe 22 and discarded.
2o Upon completion of satisfactory temperature measurement, the practitioner
depresses ej ect button 46, as shown by arrow C in FIG. 10, to release ej
ection sleeve 50 and
fingers 28 from the retracted position. Compression spring 48 facilitates
movement of
ejection sleeve 50 and fingers 28 to the extended position, as shown by arrows
B in FIGS. 9
and 10. Distal strike face 54 engages proximal strike face 38 driving probe
cover 32 in a
distal direction. The strike force of distal strike face 54 is sufficient to
overcome the
retention force between protuberances 62 and outer ends 44 of groove 42. Thus,
probe
cover 32 is released from heat sensing probe 22 and is ejected therefrom for
proper removal.
It is contemplated that the strike force of distal strike face 54, as provided
by ejection
apparatus 26, is sufficient to overcome any retention structure of probe cover
32, according
3o to the requirements of a particular temperature measurement application or
the particular
preferences of a practitioner.
Movement of ejection sleeve 50 from the retracted position deactivates the
switch of
tympanic thermometer 26. The deactivated switch causes tympanic thermometer 20
to
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notify the practitioner, via display, that ejection sleeve 50 is not in the
retracted position and
probe cover 20 is not ready for use until an unused probe cover 32 is mounted
with heat
sensing probe 22.
Tympanic thermometer 20 may be reused and another probe cover 32 may be
mounted to heat sensing probe 22. Other methods of use of tympanic thermometer
20 are
envisioned, such as, for example, alternative positioning, orientation, etc.
It is contemplated
that probe cover 32 is dedicated for use with tympanic thermometer 20.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the
embodiments
disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as
limiting, but
merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art
will
envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims
appended hereto.
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