Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for effectively ejecting a protective cover from the elongated probe of a medical thermometer, even in cases where the cover can stick to the probe surface. The probe cover, which includes a generally cup-shaped body and a resilient ring at the body's open end, is secured in place on the probe by an outwardly-projecting flange at the probe's base end, which retains the probe cover's circular ring. An ejector sleeve reciprocates between a retracted position, in which it is retracted from the elongated probe, and an extended position, in which it fully encircles the probe. A coil spring continuously biases the ejector sleeve to its extended position, but with a force nominally insufficient to free the probe cover's resilient ring from the probe's retaining flange. A manually-actuatable button urges the ejector sleeve into engagement with the probe cover, to free the probe cover's resilient ring from the probe's flange, whereupon the spring thereafter urges the ejector sleeve to its fully extended position, thereby peeling the probe cover from the probe.

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First Claim