Abstract: A two-piece portable, self-contained tympanic thermometer temperature measuring system includes a measuring unit and a base unit. The measuring unit can be ergonomically designed as a compact, pencil-shaped, easy to hold unit that includes a removable sensing module that interfaces with the base unit and/or other host via digital signaling. All analog circuitry can be self-contained within the sensor module, and the sensing module circuitry components may be potted with thermally conductive epoxy to reduce variations due to differences in component temperatures. The sensing module casing may be made out of a conductor to provide electromagnetic field isolation. The sensing module can include a microcontroller that communicates with a microcontroller in the base unit via a removable modular 4-conductor telephone handset cord.

Abstract: In a tympanic thermometer probe cover including a film, an additional, substantially non-stretchable structure is mechanically coupled to the film in the area where the probe contacts the film. This additional structure is designed so that it does not occlude infrared radiation from reaching the probe while maintaining the portion of the film over the probe distal end in a prestretched, wrinkle-free condition and preventing that portion of the film from stretching further. The structure may comprise a concentric registration ring that is adhered to the film. The registration ring includes a central open hole portion through which infrared radiation may pass without occlusion. The ring self-adheres to the film, maintaining the film in a prestretched, wrinkle-free condition. When the probe cover is applied to the probe, the probe contacts the ring. Since the ring is substantially non-stretchable, the ring prevents the film from further stretching over the probe.

Abstract: A disposable probe cover for an electronic tympanic ("ear") thermometer is made of closed-cell foam that is laminated with a sheet of high density polyethylene plastic film substantially transparent to infrared radiant energy. The probe cover is hollow, defining a central passageway that accepts an oversized probe and can potentially accommodate a variety of different probe configurations. The foam construction allows the probe cover to stretch over the oversized probe--retaining the probe cover on the probe during use. The foam construction also allows the probe cover to deform when inserted into a patient's ear--sealing the patient's ear canal to prevent external heat and light from affecting the measurement, and providing a high degree of cushioning and comfort not available in any prior disposable probe cover design. The film laminate and foam provide a barrier that is impervious to germs, fluids and other secretions--further reducing the already low risk of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A disposable probe cover for an electronic tympanic ("ear") thermometer is made of closed-cell foam that is laminated with a sheet of high density polyethylene plastic film substantially transparent to infrared radiant energy. The probe cover is hollow, defining a central passageway that accepts an oversized probe and can potentially accommodate a variety of different probe configurations. The foam construction allows the probe cover to stretch over the oversized probe--retaining the probe cover on the probe during use. The foam construction also allows the probe cover to deform when inserted into a patient's ear--sealing the patient's ear canal to prevent external heat and light from affecting the measurement, and providing a high degree of cushioning and comfort not available in any prior disposable probe cover design. The film laminate and foam provide a barrier that is impervious to germs, fluids and other secretions--further reducing the already low risk of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A two-piece portable, self-contained tympanic thermometer temperature measuring system includes a measuring unit and a base unit. The measuring unit can be ergonomically designed as a compact, pencil-shaped, easy to hold unit that includes a removable sensing module that interfaces with the base unit and/or other host via digital signaling. All analog circuitry can be self-contained within the sensor module, and the sensing module circuitry components may be potted with thermally conductive epoxy to reduce variations due to differences in component temperatures. The sensing module casing may be made out of a conductor to provide electromagnetic field isolation. The sensing module can include a microcontroller that communicates with a microcontroller in the base unit via a removable modular 4-conductor telephone handset cord.

Abstract: A disposable probe cover for an electronic tympanic ("ear") thermometer is made of closed-cell foam that is laminated with a sheet of high density polyethylene plastic film substantially transparent to infrared radiant energy. The probe cover is hollow, defining a central passageway that accepts an oversized probe and can potentially accommodate a variety of different probe configurations. The foam construction allows the probe cover to stretch over the oversized probe--retaining the probe cover on the probe during use. The foam construction also allows the probe cover to deform when inserted into a patient's ear--sealing the patient's ear canal to prevent external heat and light from affecting the measurement, and providing a high degree of cushioning and comfort not available in any prior disposable probe cover design. The film laminate and foam provide a barrier that is impervious to germs, fluids and other secretions--further reducing the already low risk of cross-contamination.