IR thermometry probe cover
AssigneeWelch Allyn, Inc.
InventorsJohn A. Lane, David E. Quinn, Ray D. Stone, Scott A. Martin, John R. Strom
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims6
A probe cover, comprising:
- a distal end;
- a proximal end opposite the distal end;
- a wall extending proximally from the distal end of the probe cover, the wall including:
- an inner surface facing a central longitudinal axis of the probe cover, the inner surface forming an arcuate portion of the probe cover, and
- a weakened section, wherein the weakened section is at least one of:
- disposed distal to the arcuate portion, and
- at least partly formed by the arcuate portion;
- and
- a flange forming a base of the probe cover at the proximal end, the weakened section being configured to flex when a force is applied to the flange in a first direction that is toward the distal end and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis,
- wherein the flange comprises a first substantially planar surface configured to receive the force, the first substantially planar surface of the flange extending distally, from the base, in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.