Abstract: An infrared thermometer capable of switching a forehead temperature measurement mode and an ear temperature measurement mode and a switching method are disclosed. The infrared thermometer includes an infrared thermometer body and a forehead temperature measurement cover. The infrared thermometer body has a measuring probe and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is connected with a first electrical contact. The forehead temperature measurement cover has a thermistor and a second electrical contact. The forehead temperature measurement cover is detachably connected to the infrared thermometer body to selectively cover or expose the measuring probe for switching the forehead temperature measurement mode and the ear temperature measurement mode.

Abstract: A probe cover for an ear thermometer includes a conical main body, an annular elastomer, a flange and a plurality of convex rib structures. The conical main body includes a closed end and an open end. The annular elastomer is connected with the open end of the conical main body. The flange is connected with the annular elastomer. The annular elastomer is arranged between the conical main body and the flange. The flange has a first surface and a second surface. The convex rib structures are disposed on the flange and spaced apart from each other, and the concave rib structures protrude upwardly from the first surface.

Abstract: A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use.

Abstract: A container system includes a flexible bag bounding a chamber. A probe port includes an elongated tubular member having an interior surface bounding a first passageway and extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end and open at the second end; and a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the tubular member at or toward the second end thereof, the flange being secured to the flexible bag so that the first end of the elongated tubular member projects into the chamber of the flexible bag while the open second end of the elongated tubular member is accessible from outside of the flexible bag. A probe is received within the first passageway of the probe port.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein that are configured for use in laboratory testing, such as, for example, during a procedure including the monitoring and detection of chemical reactions. For example, the systems and devices described herein can be used during a procedure to monitor and detect polymerase chain reactions (PCR). In some embodiments, a sample container includes a container body that defines an interior volume and has an open end in fluid communication with the interior volume. A cap is sealingly engageable with the open end of the container body. The cap defines a receptacle that is configured to extend within a portion of the interior volume of the container body when the cap is sealingly engaged thereto. The receptacle can receive therein a sensor, such as, a temperature sensor that can monitor the temperature of a sample material disposed within the container body.

Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use.

Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A probe cover for ear thermometer is disclosed. The probe cover is installed on the probe by a plurality of elastic recesses being disposed at an open end of the probe cover for ear thermometer. In accordance with the elasticity of the elastic recesses, the probe cover can be easily and firmly installed at the probe of the ear thermometer. The damage of the probe cover can be avoided because of over extending.

Abstract: A body temperature measuring device includes a main body, a probe, and a control mechanism. The main body includes a holding part, and an abutting surface arranged at a side of the holding part. The probe is affixed to the main body in a movable manner The probe includes a probe main body, and a fixing structure arranged on the probe main body for fixing a probe cover. The probe cover has a bottom edge. The control mechanism is coupled to the probe for controlling the probe moving between a first position and a second position. Wherein when the probe is at the first position, the probe cover is able to be fixed on the probe; and when the probe moves away from the first position, the abutting surface presses the bottom edge of the probe cover for detaching the probe cover from the probe.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a detachable probe cover for an ear thermometer and a manufacturing method thereof. The detachable probe cover for the ear thermometer is for being mounted onto a measuring probe of the ear thermometer, wherein a combining mechanism is provided at a bottom of the measuring probe and the detachable probe cover comprises a main body of a hollow structure and a base, in which the main body has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, and the hollow structure has a diameter gradually reducing from the open end toward the closed end.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe including a temperature sensor. The system also includes a reader, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the reader. The system further includes a container housing a plurality of probe covers associated with the temperature probe. The container includes an information feature providing information related to the plurality of probe covers. The reader is configured to read the information and direct a signal to the controller indicative of the information.

Abstract: Embodiments of a handheld probe are described. The handheld probe may have a housing. The housing of the handheld probe may have a handle section and a probe shell section that is configured to house a probe. The handle section may have a hexagonal-shaped profile so that the handheld probe can be positioned on a flat surface of the hexagonal-shaped profile. In some embodiments, the handle section may have a center hole that is configured to accept a cable. The cable may be potted in the center hole filled with epoxy to prevent moisture from getting into the cable. In some embodiments, the probe shell section may be configured to have a thin wall so that the handheld probe can have a rapid response to temperature changes. A tip of the probe shell section may also be silver brazed to help with fast temperature response.

Abstract: A system and process for removing an inorganic salt from a catalyst roaster belt is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus with a drying vessel having a catalyst roaster belt inlet, a catalyst roaster belt outlet, a heating medium inlet, and a heating medium outlet, wherein the catalyst roaster belt inlet and the catalyst roaster belt outlet are spaced apart along a first direction, the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet are spaced apart along a second direction, the heating medium inlet is spaced apart from the catalyst roaster belt inlet in the second direction, and the catalyst roaster belt inlet is between the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet along the second direction. The system includes an acid bath and a moveable catalyst roaster belt extending from the acid bath through the catalyst roaster belt inlet and through the catalyst roaster belt outlet.

Abstract: A cover for a shaft of an electronic thermometer probe. The cover includes a tubular body having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end. The body defines a cavity sized and shaped to slidably receive the shaft of the electronic thermometer probe. At least a portion of the tubular body is formed from a nanotube composite material including a polymer matrix material and a carbon nanotube filler material.

Abstract: A thermometer that enables the measurement of temperature from multiple body sites comprising a body portion that has a circuit configured to measure an IR signal and convert it into an output that accurately reflects body temperature and a switch in communication with the circuit. The thermometer also comprises a probe that has an IR window configured to accept an IR signal and an attachment mechanism coupled to the probe which comprises a generally circular hollow bore at its distal end, fastening members to engage the body of the thermometer and a pin at its proximal end for interacting with the switch on the body of the thermometer. When the attachment mechanism couples to the probe, the pin interacts with the switch in various positions and the circuit converts the signal based upon the position of the switch which position reflects the location from which the temperature measurement was taken.

Abstract: A clear, sealable isolation sleeve for use in a medical environment especially with hand-held electronic devices, for the purpose of reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The sleeve offers an isolated containment for such hand-held medical devices while in patient proximity. The sleeve features a perforated tear zone for easy removal and disposal. Embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from a clear material that allows the hand-held device to read bar codes through it, while also allowing the clinician to read displayed data and manipulate keypads on the device all while contained within the sleeve.

Abstract: A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a storage member for accommodating stacked probe covers and a retaining unit with a pair of supporting arms for holding or releasing one of the stacked probe covers. A slide connects the retaining unit. A linking rod with a protrusion portion and a recess portion connects the slidable access member. The linking rod is moved upwardly or downwardly and the protrusion portion or the recess portion is moved to a position corresponding to the slide such that a force is applied to push or pull the supporting arms to release or hold the one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and an expandable distal probe portion arranged on a distal end of the shaft. The distal probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A cover element, is provided for covering at least a portion of the distal probe portion, and is made from a resilient material. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion, beneath the cover element, and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. Further, and actuator can be provided to actuate the expandable distal probe portion, to increase a diameter thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for a manufacturer of reusable medical apparatuses to provide timely post-sale service for replaceable parts. In one embodiment, the probe assembly of an electronic thermometer has a connector that is equipped with a memory device, e.g., EEPROM, that stores a variety of probe-specific service information including usage count of the probe, probe warranty information and error codes. The user can plug the connector, e.g., through an adapter module, to a local computer's USB port and submit the stored service information to a website maintained by the probe manufacturer to check up and get service for the specific probe in a timely fashion. Automatic alert for replacement probe orders depending on the amount of usage, automatic generation of RMA numbers when the probe warranty is determined to be in effect, and automatic service calls for malfunctioning thermometers can all be accomplished accordingly without the need for manual record-keeping.

Abstract: An ear cap supplying device, an ear cap and an ear cap set are provided. The ear cap supplying device includes a movable containing device and an output device. The movable containing device is used for containing at least one ear cap. The output device is used for exporting the ear cap(s). When the movable containing device is moved to a predetermined position, the movable containing device activizes the output device to export the ear cap(s). Whereby, problem that the ear cap(s) is/are obstructed during exporting process can be improved.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe.

Abstract: A thermometer quick linkage apparatus comprises an elastic member, a button, a probe, and a chamber having one end provided with an opening for receiving the end portion of the probe, and the other end also provided with an opening for receiving the button. Within the chamber, one end of the elastic member connects with the button, and the other end thereof connects with the probe. The elastic member is configured such that, when the button is pressed to compress the elastic member to a certain degree, the end portion of the button comes into contact with the end portion of the probe, and when the button is pressed further down, the probe is pushed away from the chamber. The apparatus is simplified in structure, and allows quick replacement of the probe jacket, and therefore is cost-efficient.

Abstract: A physiological signal sensing device, a containing device and a method for transporting a protective film are provided. The physiological sensing device includes a sensing module, a transporter, and a driving assembly. The sensing module is used for sensing vital signals. The transporter is used for transporting a protective film. The driving assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member and a third structural member. One of the second and the third structural members selectively connects to the transporting device depending on the rotation direction of the first structural member for driving the transporter to transport the protective film from a starting site to an ending site.

Abstract: A tip element that is capable of being removably attached to an infrared thermometer and includes an axisymetric body having a distal end and an open proximal end. A membrane is located at the distal end of the body that is formed of an infrared transparent material. At least one engagement mechanism is mounted along the proximal edge of the body that has an engagement surface that passes circumferentially about a portion of the proximal edge and which contains an integral rib that extends axially toward said distal end of said body.

Abstract: An IR tip assembly includes a shroud having at least one feature that permits releasable attachment of a disposable cover fitted to a shroud. When the disposable cover is fitted to the shroud, at least one air gap is defined between the shroud and the disposable cover. An IR sensor disposed within the IR tip assembly is mechanically and thermally coupled to a heat sink. The at least one defined air gap creates a thermal isolation between the disposable cover and the disposed IR sensor. There can also be airflow through the at least one air gap. Apparatus and methods to create the airflow are described.

Abstract: The present invention is an ear thermometer cradle and an ear thermometer assembly. The ear thermometer cradle comprises a hollow housing, a swivel arm, a probe cover container seat, a first elastic member disposed between the swivel arm and the hollow house. The ear thermometer cradle comprises a second elastic member between the container seat and the hollow housing. The hollow housing has an opening and a first blocking portion. The swivel arm includes a first pivot on one end thereof for pivotally connected with the hollow housing, a bearing portion on the other end thereof, and a second blocking portion between the first pivot and the bearing portion. The container seat includes a connective device, a second pivot on two lateral sides thereof for pivotally connected with the hollow housing, a third blocking portion and a forth blocking portion engaging with the first and the second blocking portion respectively.

Abstract: A probe cover for an infrared electronic thermometer including a generally tubular body having open first and second ends. The body is sized and shaped to receive a probe of the infrared electronic thermometer into the body through the first end. The probe cover further includes a film closing the second end of the body. The film has a metallic region defining a blackbody portion for rapidly equilibrating to a temperature corresponding to the temperature of an object for viewing by a sensor of the electronic thermometer to measure the temperature of the object.

Abstract: An ear-type thermometer which measures body temperature using a temperature detection element 21 that detects ambient temperature and an infrared detection element 22 that detects infrared radiation from a measurement site within the aural cavity, the 2 elements housed in a probe 3, wherein the ear-type thermometer comprises a probe cover 10 which can be detachably provided with the probe, a detection switch 60 which detects that the probe cover is attached or detached to the probe, and two temperature conversion coefficients 52a and 52b which corrects body temperature based on the detection result from the two detection elements.

Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a detachable probe cover for an ear thermometer and a manufacturing method thereof. The detachable probe cover for the ear thermometer is for being mounted onto a measuring probe of the ear thermometer, wherein a combining mechanism is provided at a bottom of the measuring probe and the detachable probe cover comprises a main body of a hollow structure and a base, in which the main body has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, and the hollow structure has a diameter gradually reducing from the open end toward the closed end.

Abstract: An ear cap supplying device, an ear cap and an ear cap set are provided. The ear cap supplying device includes a movable containing device and an output device. The movable containing device is used for containing at least one ear cap. The output device is used for exporting the ear cap(s). When the movable containing device is moved to a predetermined position, the movable containing device activizes the output device to export the ear cap(s). Whereby, problem that the ear cap(s) is/are obstructed during exporting process can be improved.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe.

Abstract: A cover for a shaft of an electronic thermometer probe. The cover includes a tubular body having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end. The body defines a cavity sized and shaped to slidably receive the shaft of the electronic thermometer probe. At least a portion of the tubular body is formed from a nanotube composite material including a polymer matrix material and a carbon nanotube filler material.

Abstract: A probe cover for medical thermometer has a matching feature for preventing its use with an incompatible thermometer. A mechanical matching feature of the probe cover includes at least one of a fold, a step, or a series of holes or indentations that are respectively matched to a ridge, a valley or series of pins formed on the front end of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the mechanical matching feature permits the probe cover to be fully seated on and retained by the probe, thereby placing the thermometer in condition for use. Alternatively, an opto-electronic matching feature of the probe cover includes a reflective layer for use with an opto-electronic detection circuit of a compatible thermometer. When applied to the compatible thermometer, the opto-electronic detection detects the reflective layer and places the compatible thermometer in an operational state for use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shrinkable dispensing container for probe covers of an ear thermometer. Therein, the ear thermometer probe cover refers to a product having a hollow body and a flange. The dispensing container for probe covers of an ear thermometer comprises a main body for accommodating a plurality of stacked probe covers and an access opening formed at one end of the main body for allowing an ear thermometer probe to insert into the probe cover in the main body. The present invention is characterized by a bottom portion formed at another end of the main body opposite to the access opening for supporting all the probe covers stacked within the main body.

Abstract: A cassette of tympanic thermometer probe covers includes a frame and probe covers releasably attached to the frame. The probe covers can be individually attached over a probe of a tympanic thermometer to protect the probe from contamination. The probe covers are constructed to releasably secure themselves to the probe. The force required to secure the probe covers to the frame is less that the force which is required to detach the probe covers from the frame so that the probe cover is held by the frame while being attached to the thermometer probe. The probe cover is connected to the frame by frangible connections that are arranged to inhibit pivoting of the probe cover when being attached to the thermometer probe. A method of securing a probe cover to a probe of a tympanic thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermometer quick linkage apparatus comprises an elastic member, a button, a probe, and a chamber having one end provided with an opening for receiving the end portion of the probe, and the other end also provided with an opening for receiving the button. Within the chamber, one end of the elastic member connects with the button, and the other end thereof connects with the probe. The elastic member is configured such that, when the button is pressed to compress the elastic member to a certain degree, the end portion of the button comes into contact with the end portion of the probe, and when the button is pressed further down, the probe is pushed away from the chamber. The apparatus is simplified in structure, and allows quick replacement of the probe jacket, and therefore is cost-efficient.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an infrared thermometer with multiple probes for use at a variety of bodily sites. The thermometer automatically detects which of the multiple probes is currently attached, loads a predetermined program from memory that corresponds to the current probe, and thereafter obtains a temperature measurement from a patient using infrared radiation emitted therefrom. Each of the probes is comprised of an infrared target which provides a substantially consistent sources of infrared radiation for the thermometer to measure.

Abstract: A removable protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: The present invention is an ear thermometer cradle and an ear thermometer assembly. The ear thermometer cradle comprises a hollow housing, a swivel arm, a probe cover container seat, a first elastic member disposed between the swivel arm and the hollow house. The ear thermometer cradle comprises a second elastic member between the container seat and the hollow housing. The hollow housing has an opening and a first blocking portion. The swivel arm includes a first pivot on one end thereof for pivotally connected with the hollow housing, a bearing portion on the other end thereof, and a second blocking portion between the first pivot and the bearing portion. The container seat includes a connective device, a second pivot on two lateral sides thereof for pivotally connected with the hollow housing, a third blocking portion and a forth blocking portion engaging with the first and the second blocking portion respectively.

Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly for monitoring a temperature of a pipe in a system. The temperature sensing assembly includes an insulator body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The outer and inner surfaces extend between the first and second ends. The inner surface is configured to receive a portion of the pipe. A temperature sensor is disposed adjacent the inner surface and is configured to directly contact the pipe when the pipe is received by the inner surface.

Abstract: A dispensing container, mounted on a supporter, comprises a hollow body made of a flexible material for accommodating ear thermometer probe covers, where the hollow body has one end formed with an access opening for allowing a probe of an ear thermometer to insert into an upmost probe cover in the hollow body. Each of the probe covers has the open end provided with at least a flange that radially extends outward from the open end, where the hollow body has a substantially rectangular section that has major edges smaller than a diameter of the flange of one probe cover in length, so that when the probe covers are placed into the hollow body, each inner wall of the hollow body is deformed to tangent to the flanges of the probe covers, so as to keep the probe covers securely in the hollow body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a probe cover for an ear thermometer, which comprises: a film cover and a base. The film cover has a cover window able to contact the probe window at the front end of the ear thermometer, a hollow cone able to contact the sidewall of the probe and a strengthened element able to contact the cover window and the hollow cone. The thickness of the cover window is same as the thickness of the strengthened element and greater than the thickness of the hollow cone. Thereby, the present invention can prevent the variation of infrared transmittance caused by the misarrangement and non-uniform thickness of the probe cover film disposed at the front of the probe window.

Abstract: The invention describes and claims an apparatus and method of maintaining cleanliness of the thermometer storage case. The apparatus is an improved elongated end-loading storage case for thermometers. The improvement comprises two or more elongated sections of the case. Each section comprises a connection edge, an insertion tip, and a distal tip. The elongated sections of the case are detachably connected to each other to form a thermometer storage case that opens up to reveal the inner surface of the case for easy inspection and cleaning. The case comprises a fastener for fixating the case in the assembled case body position. The method of cleaning the thermometer storage case comprises the steps of unfastening and opening the case, inspecting and sanitizing the inside surface of the case, and then reconnecting and fixating the elongated sections to form the thermometer storage case.

Abstract: Probe cover cassettes having a plurality of probe covers releasably attached to a frame are capable of being stacked so that probe covers attached to a first of the frames are nested within probe covers attached to a second of the frames. The vertical space occupied by the cassettes is reduced allowing more cassettes to be stacked in a given space. The frames of the cassettes are particularly constructed to resist twisting and bending motion when probe covers are detached from the frames using a tympanic thermometer probe.

Abstract: A probe cover for a tympanic thermometer probe comprises a generally tubular body having an opening for receiving the thermometer probe and an infrared transparent window at a distal end thereof. In one embodiment, a film support extends radially inward from the distal end of the body and supports an infrared transparent film spanning the window. The film support has an inner edge that is substantially free from corners turning in the plane of the window. A plurality of end ribs are spaced apart and disposed about an inner circumference of the distal end of the body to engage a distal end of the thermometer probe and form an insulating gap by preventing contact of the film by the thermometer probe. The insulating gap also extends proximally into spaces between the end ribs, reducing thermal contact between the thermometer probe and a circumferential inner surface of the probe cover.