Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared thermometer with a heatable probe head, in particular a clinical thermometer for taking a patient's temperature in the ear, and to a heatable protective cover. The probe head possesses a radiation inlet zone at its forward end. A heating element is also arranged there. The heating element is either connected to a protective cover adapted to be fitted over the probe head or secured to the forward end of the probe head.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an alum/rosin composition for internally sizing paper which is useful in any papermaking furnish with moderate to high hardness, as well as methods for preparing such alum/rosin composition. Employing the invention alum/rosin composition of an alum to rosin ratio of 1-3:1, respectively, and of a mean particle diameter of no greater than 10 microns, results in sizing of improved efficiency. In the preparation of the invention sizing composition, the pre-reacting of either neat or solutions of alum and rosin before introducing the mixture into the papermaking furnish, allows the alum to be free to react with the rosin size without any competition from other cations in the furnish.