Medical diagnostic instrument
AssigneeWelch Allyn, Inc.
InventorsMichael T. McMahon, Adam P. Vallee, Richard A. Tamburrino
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A handheld diagnostic instrument includes a handle and an instrument head associated with the handle. An innerformer is disposed in an inner cavity of the instrument head in which the instrument head further includes a tab holder. A cushion member is disposed within the housing between the innerformer and the interior of the instrument head. Further, a lens is attached to the instrument head, the lens including a lens tab. A seal is formed between the lens and the innerformer when the lens tab is engaged with the tab holder wherein the cushion member acts to bias the innerformer to maintain the defined seal.
Claims20
A diagnostic instrument comprising:
- a handle;
- an instrument head associated with the handle, the instrument head comprising a housing that includes a tab holder;
- an innerformer disposed in an inner cavity of the instrument head;
- a cushion member disposed between the innerformer and an interior of the housing;
- and
- a lens attached to the instrument head, the lens including a lens tab,
- wherein a seal is formed between the lens and the innerformer when the lens tab is engaged with the tab holder.
A method of manufacturing a handheld diagnostic instrument comprising:
- providing a handle;
- providing an instrument head associated with the handle, the instrument head comprising a tab holder;
- providing an innerformer disposed in an inner cavity of the instrument head;
- providing a cushion member disposed between the innerformer and the housing;
- and
- providing a lens attached to the instrument head, the lens including a lens tab,
- wherein a seal is formed between the lens and the innerformer when the lens tab is engaged with the tab holder.
A method of conducting pneumatic otoscopy with a handheld otoscope comprising:
- providing an otoscope, the otoscope comprising;
- an instrument head associated with a handle, the instrument head having a housing, wherein the housing comprises a tab holder;
- an insertion portion at a distal end of the instrument head;
- an innerformer disposed in an inner cavity of the instrument head;
- a cushion member disposed between the innerformer and the housing;
- and
- a lens attached to the instrument head, the lens including a lens tab,
- wherein a seal is formed between the lens and the innerformer when the lens tab is engaged with the tab holder;
- inserting the insertion portion into an ear canal of a patient;
- and
- inserting a gas into the inner cavity of the instrument head through an insufflation port located on a portion of the instrument head, wherein the gas passes through the inner cavity, through the insertion portion, and to the ear canal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.