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 packaged sheath for a probe comprises a backing web, a flattened probe sheath having an open and a closed end and made of a pair of connected flat sides, and first and second tab members sealed to respective flat sides of the sheath adjacent the open end. The tab members serve as a gripping handle for the sheath, the first tab member having an outer end projecting beyond the second tab member. An upper web is peripherally sealed to the backing web at side areas, the first and second tab members projecting outwardly beyond the ends of the backing web and upper web adjacent the sheath open end. This permits easy grasping of the tab members without grasping of the backing or upper web, having advantages as described.

Abstract: A packaged sheath for a probe such as a medical thermometer or the like comprises a backing web, and a flattened probe sheath having an open end and a closed end. The sheath defines a pair of connected, flat sides, with a portion of one flat side of the sheath being sealed adjacent its open end to the backing web. A tab member is sealed in an area to the other flat side of the sheath adjacent its open end. An upper web is peripherally sealed to the backing web at side areas. A preferred design of packaged sheath in accordance with this invention can be opened in a variety of different ways, to conform to varying, customary procedures to which the user has been previously trained.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading temperature values displayed by a plurality of electronic clinical thermometers includes a reader for reading the displayed temperature values, a retainer for retaining the electronic clinical thermometers in such a manner that temperature display sections thereof are positioned on the reader side, and moving means for moving the retainer and reader relative to each other so that the reader reads the displayed temperature values from the thermometers.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer including electronic circuitry and a battery housed in an elongate casing having at one end an extended, slender tip provided with a temperature sensing unit covered by a metal cap. The distal end of the slender tip has a plurality of annular ribs around its outer periphery, the annular ribs being covered by the metal cap. The annular ribs and the inner surface of the metal cap define air-filled chambers which prevent liquids from invading the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A cosmetic dispenser including an elongated hollow cylindrical plastic container, closed at one end and open at the other end. An elongated plastic article is provided in the container. The article has an enlarged portion intermediate its ends. One end is coated with a cosmetic which extends toward but spaced away from the enlarged portion. The coated end is placed in the container but the enlarged portion is welded to the opening of the container. The uncoated end extends entirely outside of the container.

Abstract: A carrier tape is provided comprising a longitudinally extending base strip, a generally coextensive cover strip, and at least one elongated profile strip bonded to one of the other strips. Each of the strips is extruded of a plastic material and at least one of the base or cover strips is formed with an integral longitudinal profile which engages the profile of the profile strip in a continuous mechanical interlock. The base strip is provided with longitudinally spaced cavities for receiving products to be carried. Either the base strip or profile strip is provided with spaced sprocket holes for driving the tape.

Abstract: A thermometer sheath in a multiple pack comprising a continuous support foil (1) of paper on which a lower and an upper plastic foil (2 and 3) are placed, whereby the plastic foils (2, 3) are welded together and the lower plastic foil (2) is releasably attached to the support foil (1) by means of a heat sealing line (4), which delimits a number of case-shaped thermometer sheaths closed at one end, which are detachable from each other and from the support foil (1), and whereby the lower plastic foil (2) is longer than the upper plastic foil (3) thus that a flap is formed at the case orifice. A stiffening strip (5) of plastic material is positioned between the upper and the lower plastic foil (2 and 3) transversally to the longitudinal direction of the case and attached to said plastic foils (2, 3) by two opposite parts (4',4") of the heat-sealing line (4), whereby the stiffening strip (5) extends beyond the end of the upper plastic foil (3).

Abstract: An article of manufacture including a mounted glass thermometer has been developed which resists breakage of the glass thermometer tube. The thermometer tube is mounted on backing using flexible elastomeric rings which encircle the thermometer tube and two protrusions integral with and extending from said backing in the same plane as the backing.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a thermometer provides for a bulb being formed on the thermometer capillary, a bulb receptacle being formed on the lower envelope tube end and at least over part of the receptacle its inner contour exactly corresponds to the outer contour of the bulb. The thermometer capillary is then introduced into the envelope tube and the bulb is accurately fitted into the lower part of the receptacle. In the case of a thermoareometer, the receptacle particularly serves as a weight for receiving the necessary weight-providing material, such as copper or the like.

Abstract: Fever thermometer protector consisting of an expansible Plastic Film to which a dimensionally stable backing means has been attached. The invention also comprises processes for manufacturing fever thermometer protectors.

Abstract: In a thermometer sheath package, for electronic clinical thermometers, two strips of thermoplastic material are sandwiched between two coated paper cover strips all joined together along a seal line in the shape of a sheath for the probe of the thermometer. The inner two strips are joined together along the seal line by a tear seal to define the sheath for the thermometer probe. The cover strips are joined to the inner strips along the seal line by peelable seals. Perforated lines are defined across the width of the cover strips near the mouth of the sheath to define tabs in the cover strips at the mouth of the sheath. The tabs of the cover strips are sealed to the inner strips in broad flat seals across the width of the cover strips. The seal line defining the sheath and along which all four strips are sealed together extends past the perforated lines and into the area of the broad flat seals.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring sterilization of biologically contaminated material from hospitals and the like. An autoclave sterilization unit heats biologically contaminated materials with steam for a time sufficient to kill the contaminants therein. A biological indicator probe provides for inserting a test vial into the central portion of the materials being treated. After sterilization, the probe is removed and the test vial is cultured to determine whether the spores of the Bacillus stearothermophilus, or the like (e.g. Bacillus sp.) present are still viable. If the test vial has been completely inactivated, it is an indication that decontamination of the other materials in the autoclave is complete. The test probe comprises a rod of heat resistant material having an end chamber closable by a rotatable sleeve. In a position aligning window openings in the chamber and in the sleeve, the test vial may be inserted. Rotation of the sleeve locks the test vial in place.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer probe and cover assembly includes a probe extending from a handle and having limited axial movement into the handle against a resilient force. An elongated cover having open and closed ends fits over the probe. Cooperating elements on the open end of the cover and the handle snap together when the probe is moved into the handle by the cover to retain the cover in position with intimate contact between the probe end and cover. Actuation of a thumb button on the handle increases the force urging the probe out of the handle to unsnap the cover from the probe handle.

Abstract: A probe cover holding and dispensing arrangement for an electronic thermometer includes a chamber in the thermometer housing to receive a carton containing the probe covers. A tear-away flap on the carton exposes some of the covers. An aperture in the chamber, closable by a sliding cover, provides access to the exposed covers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing, protecting, carrying and shaking down a thermometer. The apparatus includes hollow generally cylindrical base and cover members which are engageable with one another and are adapted to enclose a thermometer. An elastic member extends through and is secured to the cover. An elastic retention member and cap grasp the elastic member adjacent the top of the apparatus. The cap can be grasped by thumb and forefinger to enable the remainder of the apparatus to be rotated around the elastic member.

Abstract: The underwater thermometer includes a transparent block, preferably formed of an acrylic plastic, having a planar rear surface provided with a longitudinal recess adapted to receive a fluid and tube type temperature indicator, with an enlargement at one end of the recess for receiving the bulb of the indicator. The indicator is adhesively attached to a foam pad, in turn adhesively secured to a flat, transparent layer, corresponding in shape to the planar rear surface of the block and adhered by a transparent adhesive, preferably an acrylic adhesive, to the rear surface of the block. The transparent layer is also provided, on its rear side, with one or more temperature scales and other indicia printed in reverse and visible through the transparent block, at least a portion of the front of which, such as the portion overlying the recess, is parallel to the planar rear surface.

Abstract: A simplified and low cost device for restraining an object or objects therein having a resiliently deformable housing including an interior passageway having wall portions adapted to receive and support the object, and wall portions which will be spaced from the object; which housing is deformed by the application of external compressive force at discrete locations causing the spaced wall portions to move toward the object, and resulting in the supporting wall portions moving away from the object, thereby affording the release of the object from the device.

Abstract: A thermometer for temperature measurement of a body is provided wherein a temperature probe electrically connects to a temperature read-out means and a probe cover or sheath fits over such probe. The sheath has a temperature sensor e.g. a thermistor mounted thereon, which sensor is electrically connected to the probe when such probe is inserted into such sheath to provide a rapid measurement and read-out of the temperature of a body. The sheath with temperature sensor is disposable and readily replaced for the next use of the electric thermometer of the invention. Alternatively, the sheath can be sterilized for reuse.

Abstract: A germicide sleeve for dental and medical instruments comprising a flexible non-permeable outer sleeve wall of plastic or the like, the sleeve being closed at one end, the inner wall lined with a compressible absorbent material such as foam rubber surrounding an elongated central cavity or bore which extends the length of the sleeve and opens at an open end thereof to receive the working portion of a dental or medical instrument therein, the absorbent material being impregnated with a germicide solution to disinfect the instrument while stored therein, the compressible absorbent material which completely surrounds the central bore or cavity also serving as a protective cushion for the instrument stored therein while awaiting use. The germicide sleeve is disposable after its first use, and the instrument may be placed in a new germicide sleeve after each use of the instrument. The open end of the germicide sleeve is covered by a breakable seal prior to use.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for protecting thermolabile goods from degradation or destruction from high temperatures by surrounding the goods with a compound having a melting point about 3.degree. to about 5.degree. C. lower than the thermosensitive temperature of the goods and a heat capacity sufficient to protect the goods when the temperature of the environment exceeds the temperature of the goods. A representative compound is sodium sulfate decahydrate also known as Glauber's salt. In a preferred embodiment, the compound prior to use is melted, absorbed in a bibulous material, and then sealed in a plastic bag. In still another preferred embodiment, the method surrounds the compound with a layer of outer insulation which is adjacent to the outside container, which is made of cardboard, paper, and/or wood.

Abstract: A sterile cover for an instrument comprising, a tray having an upright post, with the post having an upper end and a lower end. The cover has a sleeve of flexible material having an open end and a closed end. The sleeve is placed on the post with the closed end being located adjacent the upper end of the post, with the sleeve extending over the post from the upper end toward the lower end of the post, and with the open end of the sleeve being accessible to a user to remove the sleeve from the post.

Abstract: A moistureproof package comprising a container and lid characterized in that the lid is attached to the container by means of a primary hermetic seal and is provided with a secondry snap fastener for securing the lid to the container once it has been opened, and further characterized in that the container and lid frame are formed from a single sheet of material enough larger in area than that required to form the container to also form the lid frame.

Abstract: A shield is provided which is adapted for use in protecting a capillary pipette of a pipette assembly. The shield includes a hollow tubular body closed at one end and open at the other end. The open end of the shield is designed for removably mounting the shield on a pipette assembly with the capillary pipette thereof in protected position in the hollow tubular body. The body is formed at the closed end to facilitate use of the shield as a puncturing device. A shoulder is intermediate the ends of the body to provide a stop for preventing over extension of the closed end when used as a puncturing device and providing an engaging surface for the open end of another shield when at least two shields are nested together. When nested, the closed end of one shield extends into the open end of the next shield. By use of the shoulder and the configuration of the outer surface of a shield body, the degree of nesting is controlled and ease of removal of each shield for use is facilitated.

Abstract: The device is primarily adapted for use in hospitals and comprises a housing having a front window through which a digital display of sensed temperature is observed. The housing may receive one of preferably two probe holsters one of which has associated therewith a probe for oral use and the other of which has a probe for rectal use. Each probe holster is elongated in shape and has a passage for receiving a probe with the probe being fixedly wired into the holster so that the probe cannot be swapped between holsters. A holder is mounted on the top of the device and receives a cartridge of probe covers which are locked into the holder but are easily removed upon insertion of the probe into an individual cover. The holsters and associated probes are constructed to be autoclavable and gas sterilizable. The device is normally stored on a platform through which the batteries in the device are recharged between use of the device. The probe is of improved design and employs a thermistor sensor.

Abstract: A disposable, easy to handle, compact sheath and sheath package for medical instruments which includes a sheath in a shirred condition packaged within a hollow envelope and affixed thereto, the envelope being sealed to protect the cleanliness of the outside surface of the sheath contained within before use, with an entry end of the envelope capable of being penetrated by a medical instrument for insertion into the sheath and an exit end of the envelope capable of being penetrated by the sheath-covered instrument permitting use of that instrument.

Abstract: A cardboard panel is printed with identifying and advertising information and carries an article confined between two flexible sheets of transparent plastics material. The sheets are heat-welded together to form a display case for the article and have outwardly projecting border portions which are adhesively bonded to the front face of the panel. A line of weakening is formed within the sheets between the case and the border portions to provide for separating the case from the panel and to provide a reusable storage and carrying case for the article.

Abstract: A disposable sheath for use with clinical measurement probes, such as a temperature probe. Two sheaths are provided, each with an open end, and which are attached to each other near their respective distal ends. The first sheath covers the probe, and the second sheath covers the first as measurements are taken. After withdrawal of the probe, the second sheath may be inverted to avoid contamination of the environment and other patients. Further pulling of the disposable cover removes it from the probe, which may then be used again without cleaning or sterilization.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer probe assembly dseigned to provide an instrument which is highly accurate and convenient to use. The thermometer includes a probe section having a flexible plastic shaft with a thermistor mounted at its tip. A disposable probe sheath covers the thermistor and flexible shaft, and is replaced after each measurement to ensure that the instrument remains uncontaminated. The sheath is cylindrically shaped, and has an open end which extends onto a conically-shaped retainer for the sheath. The thermometer handle includes an axially displaceable section, movement of which dislodges the sheath from the retainer to enable it to be disposed of conveniently.

Abstract: A sheath-package includes two inner sheets disposed adjacent to each other and adapted to be sealed to each other, the outer surfaces of said inner sheets being sterilizable. Two cover sheets are also provided, each of which is disposed adjacent to the outer surface of one of the inner sheets, the inner surface of each cover sheet being sterilizable and adapted to be sealed to its respective adjacent inner sheet. A sheath is formed by joining the inner sheets together along a seal line in the form of a tear seal, the portions of the inner sheets outside of the tear seal forming waste portions, the seal line terminating at two end points to define a mouth adapted for insertion of an instrument into the sheath. A tab is formed by portions of the inner and outer sheets projecting beyond the mouth, the seal line being shaped so that the waste portions connect with the portions of the inner sheets in the tab outside of the seal line.

Abstract: A thermometer probe sheath comprises a paper backing sheet, a first plastic sheet releasably supported on the backing sheet and a second plastic sheet overlying the first plastic sheet and sealed around its edges to the edges of the first plastic sheet except for an insertion opening at one end of the sheets. The edges of the plastic sheets at the insertion opening are coterminous with each other and with one edge of the backing sheet and notches are formed in only the coterminous edges of the backing sheet and the first plastic sheet. The coterminous edge of the second plastic sheet remains unnotched and thereby provides a stop against which a probe may be placed to expand the insertion opening. The second plastic sheet may be colored to provide a color contrast between it and the first plastic sheet to further facilitate the insertion of a probe.

Abstract: An elongated temperature sensing probe of an electronic thermometer having a movable collar and an elongated probe terminating with a probe tip including a heat sensing element. A disposable cover having an elastic cylindrical side wall mounted on a closed end member is latched to the probe to enclose the tip and surround an elongated portion of the probe. The thin thermal window merges into a closed blunt end having a thickness greater than the window. The closed end member has a thin cone-shaped thermal window which is deformed into surface engagement with the probe tip when the cover is mounted on the probe. The probe collar and open end section of the cover have coacting releasable latch structure holding the cover in assembled relation with the probe.

Abstract: A new and useful improvement in sterile thermometer sheaths. The improved sheath may be constructed by providing a weakened area in the laminated cover of the sheath immediately adjacent the closed end of the sheath. In use the cover is slid backwards in an accordian-like fashion along the length of said sheath thereby exposing said sheath through the weakened cover area for use in taking a patient's temperature and the contaminated sheath may be recovered before disposal.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer sheath package contains a sheath to provide a sterile barrier during temperature taking with a clinical thermometer. The sheath package comprises inner strips in which the sheath is formed by a tear seal and outer cover strips. All four strips of the sheath are sealed together in the tab portion thereof along the edges of a tab portion to make the tab portion into a pocket leading to the mouth of the sheath. Additional flat seals are formed between all four strips within the tear seal to provide a restriction within the sheath in order to cause the sheath to turn inside out upon a thermometer being withdrawn. A die is provided to simultaneously make the tear seal and the flat seals. The die surfaces of the flat seal forming portions of the die are offset from the die surface of the tear seal forming portion to permit the tear seal forming portion to sink sufficiently far into the sandwich of strips of the sheath package to properly form the tear seal.

Abstract: A protective cover which may be used with a sensor probe component of an electronic thermometer is provided having an improved design for a structure comprising two components of dissimilar materials. An elongate shaft or sleeve member preferably of plastic material may have a metallic cap member forming a closural end thereof. The metal cap may have a flange extending outwardly therefrom. This flange extension may traverse backwardly away from the shaft. Plastic material from the shaft is formed about the backward traverse of the cap flange to form an interlocked encasement of the two dissimilar components.

Abstract: A probe member for use with a probe cover including a handle having a mounting member; and a probe element fixed to the mounting member; the probe element includes at least one stationary salient section having a sharp edge outwardly flared toward the handle for gradually dilating the end of the probe cover installed on the probe element and impaling the adjacent surface of the probe cover to hold the probe cover firmly in place and prevent its release.

Abstract: A package for medical needle assemblies and the like including a shield, a cap, and a closure. The shield encloses the needle and a portion of the hub. The cap is mounted on the shield so that it is shiftable between two positions. In the first position it protects the exposed portion of the hub extending from the shield and in the second position it is slidable along the shield to expose the portion of the hub projecting from the shield to facilitate grasping and removal of the needle assembly from the package. The closure covers the opening in the cap and is removable when the package is opened. The closure in working cooperation with a sealing engagement between the cap and the shield seals the needle assembly in the package.

Abstract: A new arrangement for facilitating the taking of temperatures both in hospitals and in the home by simplifying the resetting of a clinical thermometer to a lower, ambient temperature after use. A plunger in the reservoir of the thermometer is magnetically actuable into a position in which it disables a restriction at which the mercury column separates to retain a reading. Several forms of this plunger are shown, and also shown is a holder for use with the thermometer to actuate the plunger.

Abstract: A package for an elongated catheter comprising, an elongated container of a flexible material resistant to passage of bacteria. The container has at least one elongated generally linear cell extending longitudinally in the container, with the cell having a sufficient length to receive the catheter intermediate ends of the container. The cell also has cross-sectional dimensions of a size sufficiently large to receive the catheter and sufficiently small to maintain the catheter generally aligned in the cell. The container has a sufficient width to prevent excessive flexation of the container throughout a substantial longitudinal extent thereof. The container also has opening means communicating between the cell and the outside of the container. The package has means for closing the opening means, with the closing means being resistant to the passage of bacteria and permeable to the passage of a sterilization medium for sterilization of the catheter through the closing means.

Abstract: A probe cover incorporating an inner sheath with a probe end engagement section. The section comprises a reduced width of the inner sheath adjacent the end opposite that into which the temperature probe is inserted. The reduced width section is produced by a yieldable bonding of the layers of the sheath together with a graduated bond strength so that with a combination of bond separation and material stretch good contact and retention of the probe end is insured. A tapered welding head in association with a resilient platen is utilized to obtain the graduated weld section. When the temperature probe is removed after use the inner sheath is turned inside-out so that the contamination of the inner sheath is contained inside the inverted sheath and cannot contact the user's hands.

Abstract: A thermometer case and holder for housing a thermometer for use in taking patient's temperatures, which case is of integral one-piece plastic construction and includes a container portion for containing alcohol and the like into which a major lower portion of the thermometer is inserted. Gripper means are provided at the lower end of the case for securing the bulb of the thermometer, and a hinged spacer lid is provided at the top of the container for centering the top of the thermometer, said spacer lid being operable between open and closed positions. A hinged cap fits over the spacer lid and an upward extension of the thermometer, and is also operable between open and closed positions. The case fits into a holder for mounting to a wall or the like.

Abstract: A hygienic protective shield, as seat shield, protecting glove, shield for thermometers or other temperature sensing devices and shields for other instruments, which shield comprises two adjacent plastic foils, attached to each other to form a space for receiving and enclosing an object, at least two covering foils attached on each side of the two-layer plastic foils, and two stiffening plastic strips arranged to overlap th covering foils. The shield can be packed in sterile condition and remains sterile until the movement when used thereby avoiding contamination.

Abstract: A probe cover incorporating an inner sheath with a probe end engagement section. The section comprises a reduced width of the inner sheath adjacent the end opposite that into which the temperature probe is inserted. The reduced width section is produced by bonding of the layers of the sheath together with a graduated bond strength so that with a combination of bond separation and material stretch good contact and retention of the probe end is insured. A tapered welding head in association with a resilient platen is utilized to obtain the graduated weld section. When the temperature probe is removed after use the inner sheath is turned inside-out so that the contamination of the inner sheath is contained inside the inverted sheath and cannot contact the users hands.

Abstract: A highly accurate low-cost electronic thermometer with digital readout, intended primarily for clinical use. Temperature sensing is accomplished by a thermistor in a probe assembly which includes a unique disposable probe cover which provides excellent thermal contact with the thermistor to a measuring circuit which includes a bridge and a rebalancing servo. Digital readout is accomplished by a coding disc driven by the servo and pickoff brushes. The coding pattern on the disc provides analog to digital conversion, compensation for the inherent nonlinearities of the thermistor, and a nonvolatile memory. Means are provided for operating the thermometer in an estimation mode to give readings more quickly than would be otherwise permitted by the thermal response of the probe. In estimation mode, measurement is terminated at a predetermined point in the measurement cycle, and a special calibration of the measurement circuit is used to give an estimate of what the final temperature would be.

Abstract: The device is primarily adapted for use in hospitals and comprises a housing having a front window through which a digital display of sensed temperature is observed. The housing may receive one of preferably two probe holsters one of which has associated therewith a probe for oral use and the other of which has a probe for rectal use. Each probe holster is elongated in shape and has a passage for receiving a probe with the probe being fixedly wired into the holster so that the probe cannot be swapped between holsters. A holder is mounted on the top of the device and receives a cartridge of probe covers which are locked into the holder but are easily removed upon insertion of the probe into an individual cover. The holsters and associated probes are constructed to be autoclavable and gas sterilizable. The device is normally stored on a platform through which the batteries in the device are recharged between use of the device. The probe is of improved design and employs a thermistor sensor.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic package for long, thin, round articles, such as thermometers and catheters, is provided with a receiving trough which is approximately equal in width but may be somewhat shallower than the diameter of the article, keepers being spaced along the length of the trough extending inwardly from both sides and outwardly away from the open side of the trough whereby to maximize the space efficiency of the package by minimizing the depth of the trough necessary to accomodate and retain the article therein. The keepers may be opposite each other or somewhat staggered. The oral thermometer package disclosed provides a convenient protective case for the thermometer when not in use and a container for a supply of sanitary sheaths for use with the thermometer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable molded plastic cap for covering as well as transferring heat to the heat-responsive probe of an electronic thermometer that is characterized by a small highly localized area in the tip that is extremely thin and is placed in heat exchange relation to the heat sensor of the probe so as to constantly transfer the heat from the patient thereto, such area being on the order of 0.001 inch thick. The invention also encompasses bordering said thin area with three or more integrally-formed ribs that radiate therefrom on the inside of the tip in angularly-spaced relation to one another where they cooperate to engage and keep the probe centered therebetween while, at the same time, maintaining minimal heat transfer contact therewith. In the preferred form of the invention these ribs have an essentially triangular cross section with the apex of said rib making line contact with the probe.

Abstract: A package is provided for containing a clinical thermometer together with a plurality of disposable thermometer sheaths while insuring that these components will be free from dirt and breakage. The package comprises an envelope having both a closed and an open transverse end and being folded about the fold line essentially equidistant between the transverse ends. A pocket is provided in the wall of a first section within the folded envelope and a plurality of thermometer sheaths may be affixed to a second inside wall.