James I Walls

US Patent:

6619837, Sep 16, 2003

Filed:

May 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/859989

Inventors:

James Walls - Sharon MA
Loren Lantz - St. Charles MO
Michael Kerwin - St. Louis MO

Assignee:

Sherwood Services AG - Schaffhausen

International Classification:

G01K 108

US Classification:

374158, 374208, 600549

Abstract:

A disposable, molded probe cover for use with an electronic thermometer is disclosed. The probe cover comprises an elongated hollow body made of a plastic material which defines a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the body has a convex-shaped surface that defines a lubrication well adapted to hold a lubricant therein, while the proximal end forms an opening. The opening communicates with a chamber that extends the entire length of the body and is sized and shaped to receive a probe of the electronic thermometer. To vent air trapped in the chamber during insertion of the probe into the probe cover, the chamber is provided with an axial ridge defined along a portion of the chamber for allowing air trapped at the distal end of the chamber to escape the probe cover through the electronic thermometer. A plurality of detents are also provided along the chamber proximate the opening for securely engaging the probe and establishing a fluid tight seal between the probe cover and the thermometer. When the probe cover is inserted into a patient body cavity, the lubricant spreads outwardly from the lubrication well and spreads over the exterior surface of the probe cover.