Abstract: An improved medical thermometer is disclosed that provides an accurate estimate of a patient's temperature in substantially reduced time as compared to prior thermometers of this kind. This improved performance is achieved by configuring the thermometer to include a hollow, thin-walled metallic probe tip sized for secure attachment to the remote end of an elongated base. This defines an elongated cavity within the probe tip, and a thermistor is bonded to the probe tip within that cavity. The cavity is configured to be substantially longer in the direction of the probe's longitudinal axis than it is in a transverse direction, to inhibit the conduction of heat along the probe tip to the elongated base. The temperature of the thermistor, therefore, closely follows the temperature of any surface that contacts the metallic tip.

Abstract: An improved prediction-type medical thermometer that provides an accurate estimate of a patient's temperature in substantially reduced time as compared to prior thermometers of this kind. This improved performance is achieved by using a special hollow probe tip having a low heat capacity and incorporating a resistive heater that is actuated only upon removal of the probe from a base housing. In particular, a processor measures an initial temperature upon the probe's removal and applies to the heater an initial electrical signal having prescribed parameter, e.g., pulse duration, that varies according to the initial temperature measurement. This warms the probe to a prescribed temperature at or near about 93.degree. F., after which the processor applies a sequence of pulses to the heater, to controllably regulate the probe's temperature to the prescribed value.

Abstract: A container for carrying a uniform, fan-folded stack of plastic sheet assemblies and for allowing the assemblies to be conveniently dispensed, one at a time, with minimal risk that the stack will become jammed. The stack of assemblies is retained behind a constriction within an elongated chamber having a corresponding shape and slightly larger size. Pulling the forward-most assembly through a narrow channel and exit slot at the forward end of the container flexes a trailing assembly past the constriction, while the remaining assemblies remain retained behind the constriction. In addition, a shallow recess in a wall defining the narrow channel conformingly receives a plastic sheet assembly in position to be dispensed, with the recess' rear periphery inhibiting the assembly from being moved unintentionally back into the chamber.

Abstract: A probe assembly for an infrared medical thermometer, which is adapted for insertion into a patient's ear canal and which facilitates a rapid measurement of the patient's body temperature with very high accuracy. The probe assembly includes a plastic outer tube sized to fit snugly in the patient's ear canal, with an elongated heat sink and an infrared sensor located within the tube. A cylindrical shield and inwardly-projecting guard ring ensure that the sensor's hot junction receives radiation only from the ear canal and that the sensor's cold junction is prevented from being heated for at least sufficient time to allow the thermometer to provide an accurate measurement of the patient's body temperature.

Abstract: A self-contained handheld infrared medical thermometer having an elongated probe that is reciprocably movable between a retracted position, located fully within the thermometer housing, and an extended position, located exterior to the housing. When extended, the probe is adapted for insertion into a patient's outer ear canal to measure the patient's body temperature. When the probe is retracted within the housing, a reference plate is pivoted in front of the probe, to facilitate calibration. Advancement of the probe to its extended, operative position automatically pivots the reference plate away from the advancing probe and, in addition, automatically advances a disposable protective cover from a container for a large number of such covers into a position where it automatically stretches over the advancing probe to provide hygienic protection.

Abstract: A probe cover assembly for use in covering and protecting the elongated probe of a medical thermometer. The assembly has three laminated layers, including a flat base layer with an aperture sized to slide over the probe, an intermediate stretchable film, and a protective paper layer having radially-aligned perforations aligned with the base layer aperture. In use, the probe cover assembly is placed on the probe by inserting the probe through the base layer aperture, from the assembly's paper layer side, to stretch the plastic film over the probe, with the perforated paper functioning initially to separate the probe from the film and thereby prevent the film from initially sticking to the probe and stretching unevenly. The probe cover assembly is removed from the probe and discarded by sliding the apertured base layer along the probe, with the perforated paper functioning to scrape the stretched film from the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus for effectively ejecting a protective cover from the elongated probe of a medical thermometer, even in cases where the cover can stick to the probe surface. The probe cover, which includes a generally cup-shaped body and a resilient ring at the body's open end, is secured in place on the probe by an outwardly-projecting flange at the probe's base end, which retains the probe cover's circular ring. An ejector sleeve reciprocates between a retracted position, in which it is retracted from the elongated probe, and an extended position, in which it fully encircles the probe. A coil spring continuously biases the ejector sleeve to its extended position, but with a force nominally insufficient to free the probe cover's resilient ring from the probe's retaining flange.

Abstract: A control stick assembly capable of conversion between an automatic return mode and a free-floating mode is disclosed. The control stick assembly comprises a control stick, a pair of potentiometers, linkages coupling the control stick to the potentiometers, spring means for urging the control stick toward a select position and means for reversibly disengaging the spring means.

Abstract: A control stick assembly has a crank coupling the control stick to the input shaft of one potentiometer and a bail coupling the control stick to the input shaft of the other potentiometer. There are no other connections between the control stick and the remainder of the assembly to bear loads exerted on the control stick. The bail furnishes mechanical stability to the control stick support because it is connected to the housing of the assembly at two places on either side of the control stick. This eliminates the cantilever effect of the control stick support without substantially increasing the number of parts or design complexity.

Abstract: A probe cover assembly for use in covering and protecting the elongated probe of a medical thermometer. The assembly has three laminated layers, including a flat base layer with an aperture sized to slide over the probe, an intermediate stretchable film, and a protective paper layer having radially-aligned perforations aligned with the base layer aperture. In use, the probe cover assembly is placed on the probe by inserting the probe through the base layer aperture, from the assembly's paper layer side, to stretch the plastic film over the probe, with the perforated paper functioning initially to separate the probe from the film and thereby prevent the film from initially sticking to the probe and stretching unevenly. The probe cover assembly is removed from the probe and discarded by sliding the apertured base layer along the probe, with the perforated paper functioning to scrape the stretched film from the probe.