Abstract: A stand for propping up an instrument is provided, the stand having an open and a close position. The stand includes a body having a support end for resting on a surface and a coupling end for attaching to the instrument casing. The stand further includes at least one coupling arm at the coupling end, the coupling arm having contours about multiple axis. The contours undergo elastic deformation when the stand is coupled with the instrument casing, such that the elastic deformation causes the stand to match contours of the instrument casing when the stand is in the close position with respect to the instrument casing. The elastic deformation further supplies a force that assists the stand in movement of the stand between the open position and the close position. The contours also allow the stand to non-destructibly detach from the instrument casing during a hyper-extended open stand operation.

Abstract: A probe assembly for an instrument of the type having a housing is disclosed. The probe assembly includes a body having an anchor end for attaching to the housing and a sensor end, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed of an elastically deformable material. The probe assembly also includes a sensor assembly at the sensor end with a protective cap that protects the sensor assembly from impact and permits the sensor assembly to be in direct contact with the environment surrounding the probe assembly. The probe assembly further includes a signal cable assembly having a connector for coupling the sensor assembly to the instrument. The probe assembly also includes a pliant plug for facilitating the coupling of the connector with the sensor assembly, wherein the flexible plug thermally insulates the sensor.

Abstract: A distal tip of a fluid velocity probe generally includes at least a portion of a housing having first and second sidewalls defining a passageway therebetween, the passageway having inlet and outlet regions. The first and second sidewalls each are substantially symmetrical along an axis extending in the direction of the passageway through the center of each sidewall. The distal tip further includes a mass flow sensor disposed in the passageway between the inlet and outlet regions.