CN1720430A - Tympanic thermometer with ejection mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

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 tympanic 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.

Description

Tympanic thermometer with pop-up mechanism

Cross References to Related Applications

This application for patent incorporates by reference PCT Application No. PCT/US2003/000224, filed January 6, 2003 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, express mail label EV222416147US, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference .

technical field

The present invention relates generally to the field of biomedical thermometers and, more particularly, to tympanic thermometers utilizing ejectors and probe covers to improve the accuracy and safety of temperature measurements.

Background technique

As is known, medical thermometers are generally used to aid in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, ailments, etc. in humans and other animals. Thermometers are used by doctors, nurses, parents, healthcare providers, etc. to measure a patient's temperature for fever detection, monitoring a patient's temperature, etc. For effective use, an accurate reading of the patient's body temperature is required and should be from the internal or core temperature of the patient's body. For example, several thermometer devices are known for measuring the body temperature of a patient, such as glass thermometers, electronic thermometers, ear thermometers (tympanic thermometers).

However, glass thermometers are very slow in measuring, and it usually takes several minutes to determine the temperature, which is uncomfortable for the patient and can be very troublesome when taking the temperature of a child or sick person. Moreover, glass thermometers are prone to errors, and they are generally only accurate to within one degree.

Electronic thermometers minimize measurement time and increase measurement accuracy compared to glass thermometers. However, electronic thermometers still require approximately thirty (30) seconds before an accurate reading is obtained, and since the device must be inserted into the patient's mouth, rectum, or armpit, placement of the electronic thermometer can also be uncomfortable for the patient. Comfortable.

Medical institutions generally consider tympanic thermometers to be an advantage in obtaining a patient's temperature. Tympanic thermometers provide a rapid and accurate reading of core temperature and overcome the disadvantages associated with other types of thermometers. Tympanic thermometers measure temperature by sensing infrared radiation from the eardrum (eardrum) inside the outer ear canal. The temperature of the eardrum accurately reflects the core temperature of the body. And measuring body temperature in this way only takes a few seconds.

Known tympanic thermometers generally include a probe including a thermal sensor such as a thermopile, a pyroelectric thermal sensor, or the like. See, eg, US Patents 6,179,785, 6,186,959, and 5,820,264. These types of thermal sensors are specifically sensitive to thermal energy radiated by the eardrum.

In operation, the tympanic thermometer is prepared for use and the probe cover is installed on the sensing probe extending from the distal portion of the thermometer. The probe cover is clean to provide a hygienic barrier and is disposable after use. An operator or other healthcare provider inserts the portion of the probe with the probe cover into the patient's external auditory canal to sense infrared radiation from the eardrum. Infrared light from the eardrum passes through a window in the probe cover and is directed through a waveguide to the sensing probe. The window is typically a transparent portion of the probe cover and has a wavelength in the far infrared range. The probe cover should allow easy and comfortable insertion of the probe into the ear canal.

The operator presses a button or similar device to cause the thermometer to take a temperature measurement. Microelectronics process the electrical signal provided by the thermal sensor to perform temperature measurements and determine the temperature of the eardrum in seconds or less. Remove the probe from the ear canal, remove the probe cover and throw it away.

Proper removal of the used probe cover from the probe is required in order to obtain accurate temperature measurements for subsequent readings using a tympanic thermometer. Proper removal of used probe covers is also required for patient safety to minimize disease spread. Existing tympanic thermometers use such a mechanism or probe cover that they can be removed in an efficient and easily accessible manner. On the downside, these types of tympanic thermometer designs can compromise the accuracy and safety factor of the temperature readings.

For example, a used probe cover may contain unwanted material such as moisture, earwax, etc. from the patient's ear, which can contaminate the probe cover. Attempts to remove the probe cover may result in disease or other infection, or cause the probe cover to break so that a portion of the probe cover remains on the probe.

Other known tympanic thermometer devices include ejectors that cause the probe cover to pop out after use. See, eg, US Patent 5,411,032. However, similar means engage a circumferential flange near the base of the probe cover. One of the disadvantages of these designs is the flanged construction of the probe cover, moisture formation may cause the ejector to slide on the flange, or hit the flange, since the probe cover is relatively weak compared to the force used to hit the base flange, Thus breaking the body of the probe cover. Consequently, the probe cover remains fixed on the probe, or breaks such that a portion of the probe cover remains on the probe.

If the used probe cover, or part thereof, remains on the probe, the probe will not be able to sense infrared radiation accurately. And, dangerously, there is also an increased risk of the disease being transmitted from one patient to another.

It would therefore be desirable to overcome the deficiencies and shortcomings of the prior art with a tympanic thermometer that utilizes a pop-up (hands-free) device and probe cover to improve temperature measurement accuracy and safety for disease transmission least. It is intended that such a tympanic thermometer include an interface within the probe cover of the tympanic thermometer to implement the principles of the present invention. It is highly desirable that the probe cover includes longitudinal ribs with engaging surfaces to provide strength and stability to the probe cover. Consider that the tympanic thermometer and its component parts can be easily and efficiently manufactured and assembled.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, there is provided an tympanic thermometer utilizing an ejector and a probe cover to improve the accuracy and safety of temperature measurement to minimize disease contagion, thereby overcoming the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art. It is intended that such a tympanic thermometer include an interface within the probe cover of the tympanic thermometer to implement the principles of the present invention. The tympanic thermometer can be manufactured easily and efficiently. The present invention thus solves the related deficiencies and disadvantages experienced by the prior art.

By providing an impingement interface between the ejector and the probe cover, the interface of the tympanic thermometer disclosed herein can facilitate accurate and safe temperature measurement. The impact interface provides several advantages, including allowing the probe cover to pop off the thermal sensing probe after use. This can be done by depressing the ejection button of the tympanic thermometer or a similar device.

Another advantage of the impact interface is that it provides an indication that the used probe cover has been removed and a new, unused probe cover is in place and ready for temperature measurement. This can be done by triggering a circuit so that it senses the presence of the probe cover and relatively indicates to the operator that the tympanic thermometer is ready for use. Thus, this trigger circuit can indicate that the tympanic thermometer is not ready for use until a new, unused probe cover is installed on the thermal probe. It is contemplated that the probe cover may be specifically configured for use with a tympanic thermometer in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In one specific embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a tympanic thermometer is provided that includes a heat-sensing probe defining a longitudinal axis and an outer surface extending from the tympanic thermometer. The ejector includes at least one finger extending from the distal end of the tympanic thermometer and configured to move along the outer surface of the probe. The probe cover fits over 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 projecting radially from its inner surface. The longitudinal rib defines a proximal face such that at least one finger is configured to engage the proximal face. The probe cover may include a plurality of longitudinal ribs.

The outer surface of the probe defines a groove. The slot is oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis and is configured to receive a portion of the probe cover to releasably retain the probe cover with the probe. The portion of the probe cover includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner surface of the probe cover, the portion being adjacently spaced from the distal end of the probe cover. Transverse grooves may be disposed circumferentially about the outer surface of the probe substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the probe.

The ejector may include multiple fingers. The at least one finger may include a tapered finger tip defining a distal impact surface. The at least one finger is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one finger may be biased to an extended position. The at least one finger may also be releasably secured in the retracted position. Additionally, the at least one finger is releasably secured by a latch including a release button for releasing the at least one finger from the retracted position.

The at least one longitudinal rib can have a transverse surface aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe.

In another embodiment, the ejector includes equally spaced fingers. The fingers have tapered finger tips defining distal impact surfaces, and the probe cover includes equidistantly spaced longitudinal ribs. The longitudinal rib has a proximal impact surface, wherein the distal impact surface and the proximal impact surface engage to move the fingers between a retracted position and an extended position.

Description of drawings

The objects and features of the present invention are novel and are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The construction and mode of operation of this invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an eardrum thermometer mounted with a holder according to the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tympanic thermometer shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the distal end of the tympanic thermometer shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the indication area shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of details of the indication area shown in Figure 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective cutaway view of the probe cover installed on the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 2;

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the indication area shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the tympanic thermometer shown in Figure 2 with parts removed to illustrate the ejector;

Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end shown in Figure 3, showing the ejection mechanism of the probe cover; and

Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end shown in Figure 8, showing the probe cover ejection mechanism.

Detailed ways

Example embodiments and methods of use of a tympanic thermometer will be discussed in terms of a medical thermometer for measuring body temperature, and more particularly in terms of a tympanic thermometer that utilizes an ejector and probe cover to improve the accuracy and safety of temperature measurement to keep disease, bacteria Waiting for the least spread. It is contemplated that the present invention finds application in the prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, ailments in the body and the like in patients. It is also conceivable that the principles involved in the disclosed tympanic thermometer include proper removal of the used probe cover via the ejector and indicating to the operator whether a new, unused probe is installed on the tympanic thermometer.

In the following discussion, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the structure that is close to the operator, while the term "distal" refers to the portion that is remote from the operator. As used herein, the term "patient" refers to a human patient or other animal having a measured body temperature. According to the present invention, the term "operator" refers to a doctor, nurse, parent or other healthcare provider who utilizes a tympanic thermometer to measure a patient's temperature, and may include support personnel.

Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals in all views, turning first to Figures 1 and 2, both of which show a tympanic thermometer 20 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The tympanic thermometer 20 includes a cylindrical heat-sensing probe 22 (FIG. 3). The thermal sensing probe 22 extends from a distal end 24 of the tympanic thermometer 20 and defines a longitudinal axis x. The ejector ( FIG. 3 ) includes fingers 28 extending from a distal end 24 . Fingers 26 and 28 are configured to move along outer surface 30 of thermal sensing probe 22 . For example, thermal sensing probe 22 may have various geometric cross-sectional configurations, such as rectangular, oval, and the like.

A probe cover 32 is mounted on the distal end 24 . The probe cover 32 defines an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface 30 ( FIG. 6 ). As will be discussed, probe cover 32 includes longitudinal ribs 36 ( FIG. 6 ) that project radially from inner surface 34 . The longitudinal rib 36 defines a proximal impact surface 38 . The fingers 28 are configured to engage the proximal impact surface 38 . It is contemplated that this engagement defines a strike joint or strike interface that advantageously facilitates removal of the probe cover 32 from the thermal sensing probe 22 by the ejector. This configuration improves the accuracy of temperature measurement and provides safety in minimizing the spread of disease, germs, and the like.

As known to those skilled in the art, it is contemplated that the tympanic thermometer 20 includes the necessary electronics and/or processing components to make temperature measurements through the tympanic membrane. It is also contemplated that eardrum thermometer 20 may include a waveguide to facilitate sensing thermal energy of the eardrum. In consideration of use, the tympanic thermometer 20 is releasably mounted in the holder 40 for easy storage. Tympanic thermometer 20 and holder 40 may be made of semi-rigid, rigid plastic and/or metal materials suitable for temperature measurement and related uses. It is contemplated that holder 40 may include the necessary electronics to provide power to tympanic thermometer 20, including, for example, a battery with rechargeable capabilities or the like.

On the outer surface 30 , the thermal sensing probe 22 defines a circumferential groove 42 . The slots 42 are oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis x such that they are substantially normal to the longitudinal axis. As will be discussed below, the slot 42 is recessed into the outer surface 30 to receive a portion of the probe cover 32 so that the probe cover 32 remains with the thermal sensing probe 22 . Slot 42 has an outer end 44 that facilitates receiving and releasing probe cover 32 . Depending on the temperature measurement application, the outer end 44 may have various degrees of curvature. It is contemplated that slot 42 may extend around only a portion of the circumference of thermal sensing probe 22 . It is also conceivable that the slots 42 may be oriented in various angular directions with respect to the longitudinal axis x.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8 , the ejector 26 extends from the distal end 24 of the tympanic thermometer 20 and includes an eject button 46 , a compression spring 48 and an eject sleeve 50 . An ejection sleeve 50 is mounted on the distal end 24 so that the fingers 28 extend therefrom, and the ejection sleeve is configured to extend around the outer surface 30 of the thermal sensing probe 22 . Finger 28 and ejection sleeve 50 are movably aligned with longitudinal axis x between a retracted position ( FIG. 8 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 10 ).

A compression spring 48 is mounted with the ejection sleeve 50 to bias the fingers 28 into the extended position. The compression spring 48 also provides resilience to the movement of the fingers 28 . It is contemplated that the compression spring 48 may have varying degrees of resilience depending on the specific needs of the pop-up application.

Fingers 28 are releasably secured in the retracted position by detents (not shown). The latch includes an eject button 46 that releases the fingers 28 from the retracted position. Finger 28 defines a tapered finger tip 52 ( FIG. 9 ) that extends to a distal impact surface 54 . The tapered surface of the finger tips 52 facilitates even and reliable engagement with the proximal impact surface 38 of the probe cover 32 . Finger tips 52 may have various tapers, or no taper at all.

The distal impact surface 54 and the proximal impact surface 38 engage to move the fingers 28 between the retracted position and the extended position. The distal impact surface 54 comprises a plane oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis x. The plane of the distal impact surface 54 helps it contact the proximal impact surface 38 evenly and reliably, so that the probe cover 32 can be ejected from the heat-sensing probe 22 .

When the probe cover 32 is installed with the thermal probe 22, the proximal impact surface 38 engages the distal impact surface 54, causing the fingers 28 to slide along the thermal probe 22, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. Probe cover 32 and thermal sensing probe 22 are properly secured together when ejection sleeve 50 is releasably engaged and locked with the latch pins of ejector 26 in the retracted position. In the retracted position, ejection sleeve 50 contacts a switch of tympanic thermometer 20 or similar device. The switch triggers and notifies the tympanic thermometer 20 that the virgin probe cover is in the retracted position and is ready for use for temperature measurement applications. Tympanic thermometer 20 includes the necessary electronics, circuitry, and/or processing components to indicate the position of the used and unused states of fingers 28 , ejection sleeve 50 , and probe cover 32 . It is contemplated that the probe cover 32 is specifically configured to engage the ejector 26 and correspondingly operate in the retracted position.

After the temperature measurement application is completed using the tympanic thermometer 20, the eject button 46 is operated or activated to release the eject sleeve 50 from the retracted position. Compression spring 48 facilitates movement of fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50 to the extended position by spring force, as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 9 . The spring force of compression spring 48 operates eject button 46 to provide sufficient force such that engagement of distal impact surface 54 with proximal impact surface 38 causes probe cover 32 to eject from thermal sensing probe 22 . Movement of finger 28 to the extended position deactivates the switch of tympanic thermometer 20 . The switch informs the tympanic thermometer that the probe cover 32 is not in the retracted position and that the probe cover 32 is not installed with the thermal sensing probe 22 . It is contemplated that the tympanic thermometer 20 includes a display including illuminated icons, LEDs, etc., for indicating to the operator, eg, the status of the probe cover, retracted position, extended position, etc. It is conceivable that, in the extended position, the display of the tympanic thermometer 20 indicates to the operator that a new probe cover 32 and heat sensing probe 22 need to be installed.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, probe covers similar to those disclosed in co-pending and co-assigned PCT Application No. PCT/US2003/000224 filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 6, 2003, express The mailing label is EV222416147US and the probe cover 32 has a distal end 54 which is substantially surrounded by a membrane 56 . Membrane 56 is substantially transparent to infrared radiation and is configured to facilitate sensing infrared radiation from thermal sensing probe 22 . Advantageously, the membrane 56 is impermeable to earwax, moisture and bacteria to prevent the spread of disease.

The probe cover is a disposable component made of a material suitable for measuring body temperature through the eardrum with an tympanic thermometer measuring device. Depending on the particular temperature measurement application and/or operator preference, these materials may include, for example, plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and the like. The probe cover has a window portion or membrane, which may be made of a material that is substantially transparent to infrared radiation and impermeable to moisture, earwax, bacteria, and the like. The film has a thickness in the range of 0.0005 to 0.001 inches, although thicknesses in other ranges are also contemplated. The membrane may be semi-rigid or flexible, and can be formed in a unitary form with the remainder of the probe cover, or integrally joined, eg by heat welding. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other suitable assembly and fabrication materials and fabrication methods are also suitable in accordance with the present invention.

The main body 58 of the probe cover 32 defines a number of longitudinal ribs 36 projecting from the inner circumferential surface 36 and spaced adjacently from the distal end 54 . The longitudinal rib 36 protrudes along the inner peripheral surface 34 by a thickness a and extends by a length b, increasing the strength of the wall 59 of the probe cover 32 . Adding strength to wall 59 helps probe cover 34 to pop off thermal sensing probe 22 . Fingers 28 strike probe cover 32 to eject from thermal sensing probe 54 . For example, when the fingers 28 strike the probe cover 32 , the longitudinal ribs 36 can withstand the compressive forces induced within the body 58 . This configuration prevents unwanted failure of the wall 59 and facilitates the manufacture of a thinner walled probe cover 32 . The longitudinal rib 36 defines a cross-section 60 configured to engage the thermal sensing probe 22 . Thickness a, length b, and cross-section 60 help probe cover 32 and thermal sensing probe 22 remain together. The longitudinal ribs 36 also provide clearance for the air gap 55 between the thermal sensing probe 22 and the eardrum (FIG. 3). This configuration minimizes unwanted heating of the thermal sensing probe 22 that could cause inaccurate temperature readings. It is considered that one or more longitudinal ribs can be used, and other similar protruding fingers, protrusions or detents can be used to promote the combination and contact of the probe cover 32 with the thermal induction probe 22, and to promote the probe cover from thermal induction. Remove and/or pop off the probe.

The body 58 defines an inner protrusion 62 protruding from the inner circumferential surface 34 that is adjacently spaced from the distal end 54 . The inner protrusion 62 has an elliptical configuration comprising a width c (only 1/2c is shown in FIG. 7 due to the cross-sectional view), which is relatively greater than a height d. The inner protrusion 62 has a radial curvature, and it protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 34 by a thickness e so as to be combined with the thermal induction probe 22 . Inner protrusion 62 helps to hold probe cover 32 and thermal sensing probe 22 together. The inner protrusion 62 also provides clearance for the air gap 55 between the thermal sensing probe 22 and the eardrum (FIG. 3). This configuration minimizes unwanted heating of the thermal sensing probe 22 that could cause inaccurate temperature readings. It is contemplated that one or more inner protrusions 62 may be used. The longitudinal ribs 36 and inner protrusions 62 may be of various sizes depending on the specific needs of the temperature measurement application.

The probe cover 32 includes a flange 64 disposed near a proximal end 65 thereof. A flange 64 is formed around the circumference of proximal end 65 to provide strength and stability to facilitate mounting probe cover 32 and tympanic thermometer 20 together.

Referring to Figures 8-10, the probe cover 32 is manufactured and prepared for storage, transport and use in a manner similar to that described above. The operator operates and removes the eardrum thermometer 20 from the holder 40 . The thermal sensing probe 22 of the tympanic thermometer 20 is inserted into the probe cover 32 so that they are mounted together so that the operator can measure the patient's temperature.

The inner surface 34 of the probe cover 32 engages the outer surface 30 of the thermal sensing probe 34 to hold them together. The inner protrusion 62 slides over the outer end 44 , which is positioned to be disposed within the slot 42 . This configuration provides sufficient retention between the thermal sensing probe 22 and the probe cover 32 such that the probe cover 32 remains together with the thermal sensing probe 22 and the probe cover 32 during the measurement of the patient's temperature. Therefore, the retaining force between the inner protrusion 62 and the thermal sensing probe 22 must be overcome in order to properly remove and eject the probe cover 32 from the thermal sensing probe 22 . Probe covers similar to those disclosed in co-pending and co-pending PCT Application No. PCT/US2003/000224, filed with the USPTO on January 6, 2003, express mail label EV222416147US, consider the probe The cover 32 may include other structures for mounting the probe cover 32 and the thermal sensing probe 22 together.

When the probe cover 32 is installed on the thermal induction probe 22, the near-end impact surface 38 of the longitudinal rib 36 is engaged with the distal impact surface 54 of the finger 28, and the distal impact surface defines an impact joint area, so that the probe The cover 32 is mounted on and ejected from the heat sensing probe 22 . This method of construction and use increases the accuracy of temperature measurement and provides safety with minimal spread of disease, germs, and the like.

Fingers 28 and ejection sleeve 50 slide along the outer surface of thermal sensing probe 22 when proximal impact surface 38 engages distal impact surface 54 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 9 . Ejection sleeve 50 engages the detent of ejector 26 to releasably lock fingers 28 in the retracted position (FIG. 8). Compression spring 48 provides a resilient, ergonomic feel to ejector 26 during installation of probe cover 32 with thermal sensing probe 22 . The pop-up sleeve 50 is in contact with the switch of the tympanic thermometer 20 . The switch triggers the tympanic thermometer 20 through the display and notifies the operator that the virgin probe cover 32 is in the retracted position and is ready for temperature measurement.

In operation, to measure a patient's (not shown) temperature, an operator (not shown) gently pulls back on the patient's ear to straighten the ear canal and allow the thermal sensing probe 22 to see the tympanic membrane so that It is used to read body temperature through infrared radiation. The operator operates the tympanic thermometer 20 so that the part of the probe cover 32 mounted on the thermal sensing probe 22 can be easily and comfortably inserted into the patient's external auditory canal. The heat sensing probe 22 is suitably positioned to sense infrared radiation emanating from the eardrum reflecting the patient's body temperature. Infrared light emitted from the eardrum passes through membrane 56 and is directed to thermal sensing probe 22 .

The operator presses the button 46 of the tympanic thermometer 20 for a sufficient period of time (usually 1-2 seconds), so that the thermal sensing probe 22 can accurately sense the infrared radiation of the tympanic membrane. The microelectronics of the tympanic thermometer 20 process the electrical signal provided by the heat sensing probe 22 to determine the patient's body temperature. Microelectronics allow the tympanic thermometer 20 to measure body temperature in seconds or less. The probe cover 32 is removed from the thermal sensing probe 22 and the probe cover is discarded.

After a satisfactory temperature measurement is achieved, the operator depresses the eject button 46, as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 10, to release the eject 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 indicated by arrow B in FIG. 9 . The distal impact surface 54 engages the proximal impact surface 38 to drive the probe cover 32 in the distal direction. The impact force of the distal impact surface 54 is sufficient to overcome the retention force between the inner protrusion 62 and the outer end 44 of the slot 42 . Thereby, the probe cover 32 is released and ejected from the thermal sensing probe 22 for proper removal. Depending on the specific temperature measurement application or the specific preference of the operator, it is contemplated that the impact force of the distal impact surface 54 provided by the ejector 26 is sufficient to overcome any retaining structure of the probe cover 32 .

Movement of ejection sleeve 50 out of the retracted position deactivates the switch of tympanic thermometer 20 . The deactivated switch causes the tympanic thermometer 20 to notify the operator via the display that the pop-up sleeve 50 is not in the retracted position and that the probe cover 32 is not ready for use until an unused probe cover 32 is attached to the thermal sensor probe 22. until together.

The tympanic thermometer 20 can be reused and another probe cover 32 can be installed on the thermal sensing probe 22 . Other methods of use of the tympanic thermometer 20 are contemplated, such as alternate placement, orientation, etc., for example. Consider the probe cover 32 specifically for use with the tympanic thermometer 20

It will be appreciated that various changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting, but as a mere exemplification of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art may envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. tympanic thermometer, it comprises:

Thermoinduction probe, it is limited with the longitudinal axis and from the outside surface of tympanic thermometer remote extension;

Ejector, it comprises at least one finger from the tympanic thermometer remote extension, finger is configured to move along the outside surface of probe; With

Probe cover, it is installed in the far-end of tympanic thermometer, and described probe cover is limited with and is configured to the inside surface that engages with the outside surface of popping one's head in, described probe cover comprises at least one the vertical rib that protrudes from its inner surface radial direction, described vertical rib is limited with proximal end face, so that probe cover is ejected

Wherein, at least one finger is configured to engage with proximal end face.

2. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the outside surface of described probe is limited with groove, and this groove is configured to hold the part of described probe cover with respect to longitudinal axis transversal orientation, is used for releasably making probe cover and probe to keep together.

3. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the part of described probe cover comprises the outstanding of a plurality of inside surface projectioies from described probe cover, described a plurality of outstanding far-ends with probe cover are spaced apart contiguously.

4. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described ejector comprises a plurality of finger.

5. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described at least one finger comprises the finger tip of convergent, described finger tip is limited with distal strike face.

6. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described at least one finger can move between retracted position and extended position.

7. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 6, wherein, described at least one finger is biased to extended position.

8. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described at least one finger can releasably be fixed on the retracted position.

9. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described at least one finger can releasably be fixed by a lock pin, and this lock pin comprises a release-push that can form joint, so that at least one finger is discharged from retracted position.

10. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described probe cover comprises a plurality of vertical ribs.

11. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described at least one vertical rib has the athwartship plane with respect to the substantially parallel orientation of the longitudinal axis of described probe.

12. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described ejector comprises the finger of some equi-spaced apart, each finger all has the finger tip of convergent, finger tip is limited with distal strike face, and described probe cover comprises the vertical rib of some equi-spaced apart, and each vertical rib all has proximal strike face, wherein distal strike face and proximal strike face engage, so that described finger moves between retracted position and extended position.

13. a tympanic thermometer, it comprises:

Thermoinduction probe, it is limited with the longitudinal axis and from the outside surface of the remote extension of tympanic thermometer, on the outer surface, described probe is limited with transverse groove;

Ejector, it comprises at least one finger from the remote extension of tympanic thermometer, and finger is configured to move along the outside surface of probe, and described at least one finger is arranged to contiguous transverse groove motion; With

Probe cover, it has the inside surface on the outside surface that releasably is installed in probe, described probe cover comprises at least one from the vertical rib that the inside surface of probe cover protrudes, and described at least one vertical rib is limited with proximal end face, and this proximal end face is configured to engage with at least one finger;

Wherein, described proximal end face and at least one finger engage, so that described at least one finger moves between retracted position and extended position.

14. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described transverse groove circumferentially is provided with and is orthogonal to substantially the longitudinal axis of probe around the outside surface of probe.

15. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described at least one finger comprises the finger tip of convergent, and this finger tip is limited with distal strike face.

16. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described distal strike face is configured to engage with the proximal end face of described at least one vertical rib.

17. probe cover as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described at least one finger is biased to described extended position.

18. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described at least one finger releasably is fixed on the retracted position.

19. tympanic thermometer as claimed in claim 18, wherein, described at least one finger can be releasably fixing by a lock pin, and described lock pin comprises the release-push that can form joint, so that described at least one finger discharges from retracted position.

20. a tympanic thermometer, it comprises:

Columnar thermoinduction probe, it is from the remote extension of tympanic thermometer, and is limited with the longitudinal axis, and on its outer surface, described probe is limited with circumferential slot;

Ejector, it is from the remote extension of tympanic thermometer, and comprise a plurality of finger that are provided with around the outside surface of probe, described finger can move between retracted position and extended position, but described finger is biased to extended position and can be fixed on the retracted position with delivery mode by a lock pin, and described lock pin comprises release-push, and it can make finger discharge from retracted position, described finger is limited with the finger tip of convergent, and finger tip comprises distal strike face; With

Probe cover, it releasably is fixed on the probe, described probe cover comprises a plurality of outstanding from its inner peripheral surface projection, described outstanding far-end with probe cover is closely spaced apart, and described outstanding being accommodated in the groove is used for releasably making probe cover and probe to keep together, described probe cover also comprises a plurality of vertical rib that radially extends from the inner peripheral surface of probe cover, described vertical rib is limited with proximal strike face, and proximal strike face is configured to engage with the distal strike face of finger

Wherein, described distal strike face and described proximal strike face engage, and finger is moved between retracted position and extended position.

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