Importance

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Abstract

Several improvements are disclosed for the design of a protective cover for the probe component of an electronic thermometer. In one embodiment, the probe cover is formed of a thin layer of synthetic resin material having a conductive material dispersed therein to render the cover electrically conductive. A verification circuit in the electronic thermometer utilizes the conductivity of the cover to ascertain that the probe cover is properly positioned on the probe. In one embodiment, the resistance of the probe cover is measured along its length, and the verification circuit includes an enabling circuit to allow the thermometer to operate only if the measured resistance is between predetermined upper and lower ohmic limits. In another embodiment of the present invention, the probe cover retainer element is split into two conductive portions, and the resistance of the probe cover bridging those two portions is measured to ascertain that the probe cover is properly positioned on the probe. In each of these embodiments, the conductive probe cover is electrically grounded to provide for the discharge of static electrical charges from the conductive cover. In another disclosed embodiment of the present invention, a ring of reinforcing material is provided around the opening of the probe cover to provide for the secure retention of the cover on the probe.

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First Claim