Abstract: A plurality of custom thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer core. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.

Abstract: A plurality of custom thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer core. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.

Abstract: A plurality of custom thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer core. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.

Abstract: A plurality of custom thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer core. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.

Abstract: A plurality of thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer cure. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.

Abstract: A thermometry assembly includes a thermometer and a mount for mounting the thermometer on a wall or other support structure. The thermometry assembly has an anti-theft system for deterring theft of the thermometer. The anti-theft system generally includes a counter that counts the number of uses of the thermometer during a period beginning from the time the thermometer was last on the mount. A microcontroller of the thermometer is programmed to disable further operation of the thermometer when a threshold number has been reached or exceeded by the counter. The counter is reset when the thermometer is returned to the mount. The anti-theft system includes a solid-state sensor that is activated by a magnet in the mount. The sensor signals to the microcontroller to reset the counter when it is activated by the magnet.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic thermometry assembly includes assembling a magnetic source capable of generating a magnetic field into a housing of the mount. A microcontroller including a resettable anti-theft counter for recording a use-parameter of the thermometer is mounted on a circuit board so that the thermometer is disabled in an anti-theft mode when the counter reaches a pre-selected number. A solid-state sensor in communication with the microcontroller is mounted on the circuit board. The sensor is capable of being activated by the magnetic field of the magnetic source to signal to the microcontroller to reset the anti-theft counter. The circuit board is assembled with the microcontroller and solid-state sensor thereon into a housing of the thermometer.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic thermometry assembly includes assembling a magnetic source capable of generating a magnetic field into a housing of the mount. A microcontroller including a resettable anti-theft counter for recording a use-parameter of the thermometer is mounted on a circuit board so that the thermometer is disabled in an anti-theft mode when the counter reaches a pre-selected number. A solid-state sensor in communication with the microcontroller is mounted on the circuit board. The sensor is capable of being activated by the magnetic field of the magnetic source to signal to the microcontroller to reset the anti-theft counter. The circuit board is assembled with the microcontroller and solid-state sensor thereon into a housing of the thermometer.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes an automatic activating system for automatically configuring the thermometer between an active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned on) and a non-active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned off). In general the activating system includes a solid-state activating sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, in a housing of the thermometer and a magnet in a probe of the thermometer for activating the sensor when the probe is received in a probe well.

Abstract: A plurality of thermometer models are manufactured from a universal clinical thermometer cure. The thermometer core includes a housing, a controller storing a software program, a power source, a probe, a probe cord, and a display. A plurality of model selection devices are produced, each corresponding to a different thermometer model. One of the model selection devices is selected and connected to the controller. The controller operates the thermometer as a function of the connected model selection device such that the thermometer is configured with the features and default settings of the thermometer model corresponding to the connected model selection device.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes an automatic activating system for automatically configuring the thermometer between an active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned on) and a non-active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned off). In general the activating system includes a solid-state activating sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, in a housing of the thermometer and a magnet in a probe of the thermometer for activating the sensor when the probe is received in a probe well.

Abstract: A thermometry assembly includes a thermometer and a mount for mounting the thermometer on a wall or other support structure. The thermometry assembly has an anti-theft system for deterring theft of the thermometer. The anti-theft system generally includes a counter that counts the number of uses of the thermometer during a period beginning from the time the thermometer was last on the mount. A microcontroller of the thermometer is programmed to disable further operation of the thermometer when a threshold number has been reached or exceeded by the counter. The counter is reset when the thermometer is returned to the mount. The anti-theft system includes a solid-state sensor that is activated by a magnet in the mount. The sensor signals to the microcontroller to reset the counter when it is activated by the magnet.

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and a light emitter and corresponding detector located on opposite sides of the drop chamber. The detector is saturated by light emitted from the light emitter to produce a saturated detector output signal. The detector circuit senses variations in the detector output signal caused by drops passing through the drop chamber between the emitter and detector that block light emitted by the emitter from reaching the detector. The detector circuit senses the slope of the variations in the detector output signal and produces a control signal when the slope exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and an electro-optical sensor. A detector detects drops passing through the drop detector in an optical sensing path between the detector and at least one light source. In response to the detection of a drop passing through the optical path, the detector produces an output signal. A capacitor is connected between the detector and an amplifier to block the DC component of the output signal. After amplification, the signal is passed through a low pass filter to further block signals caused by undesirable factors. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter is controlled by a microprocessor that controls the pump that pumps liquid from the drop chamber. The detector and light source or sources are arranged to detect drops falling in the drop chamber at virtually any angle and in virtually any ambient light condition.

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and an electro-optical sensor. A photodiode detects drops passing through its optical sensing path, and a capacitor is connected between the photodiode and an amplifier to block the DC component of the diode signal. After amplification, the signal is passed through a low pass filter to further block signals caused by undesirable factors. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter is controlled by a microprocessor that controls the pump that pumps liquid from the drop chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensed member and sensing member for use on a medical fluid infusion device and support device wherein the fluid infusion device is usable in a conventional manner such as on an IV pole and in an ambulatory manner such as in a support device for use in an ambulatory backpack. The sensing member of the present invention detects when the fluid infusion device is to be used in an ambulatory manner to adjust the operation of the infusion control member to account for the difference in fluid flow rates caused by the different fluid pressures within the fluid delivery set when the fluid infusion device is used in a conventional manner and an ambulatory manner.

Abstract: A device having a rechargeable power source with an associated battery charger base having a quick charge current output and a trickle charge current output. A control circuit within the device is also provided that monitors if and for how long the device is attached to the base and determines the present capacity of the power source. Based on these signals, the control circuit selects an appropriate charge current output. The control circuit also includes timer circuits and circuits to measure the battery voltage during charging to allow for maximum but safe quick charging to protect the power source from long-term damage.