Importance

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Abstract

The protective apparatus for a biomedical thermometer having a protruding probe containing a waveguide includes mounting a transparent window at the patient end of the waveguide to seal the waveguide from contamination while permitting infrared energy to pass. A protective sleeve protects and mounts the transparent window to the waveguide and material is provided along the entire probe-length of the waveguide to protect it. An outer boot is mounted over the transparent window and waveguide protection material to provide further protection and to supply a mounting and retaining surface for a protective probe cover. A disposable protective probe cover having a generally thin, flat, frame member with an aperture therethrough, is sized to fit over and be retained over the base of the probe by a friction interference fit. Extending across the aperture of the probe cover frame member is a material which stretches to generally conform to the shape of the probe when the tip of the probe is inserted through the aperture of the frame. A probe cover sensor is provided to indicate the existence of a protective probe cover.

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First Claim