Digital thermometer for measuring body temperature

Abstract

A digital thermometer with enhanced conformity to the anatomy, such as in and around the mouth of a human being. A non-linear probe has a temperature sensor at a first end adapted to be inserted into the mouth and under the tongue, and a downwardly disposed housing portion at the second end. An intermediate portion of the probe is shaped to rest on the lower lip and/or teeth. The probe is preferably integrally molded with the housing. The probe may also be flexible such that it may be bent into the desired non-linear configuration prior to use. Such a flexible probe may have an internal stiffener with a softer plastic overmold. A display component displays the measured temperature. Electronic circuitry receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, translates the signal into a value representative of the measured temperature, and provides the translated value to the display for displaying the temperature.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A digital thermometer for measuring the temperature of a living being by inserting a portion of the thermometer in the mouth of the being comprising: 
 a non-linear probe with first and second ends, and an intermediate portion of the probe disposed between the first and second ends, said intermediate portion having a plurality of curved portions spaced from each other along said intermediate portion by a substantially linear portion of substantial length,    a temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the probe,    a housing portion disposed at the second end of the probe,    a display for displaying a temperature measured by said thermometer, and    electronic circuitry in communication with said temperature sensor to receive a temperature signal from said temperature sensor, to translate said temperature signal into a value representative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and to provide the translated value to the display for displaying the measured temperature.    
   
   
       22 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 21  wherein said intermediate portion of the non-linear probe is shaped to rest on the lower lip and/or teeth of the being.  
   
   
       23 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 21  wherein said probe has an interior portion formed from a rigid material and an exterior portion disposed over the interior portion, and said exterior portion is formed from a softer material than said interior portion.  
   
   
       24 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 21  wherein there are two of said curved portions.  
   
   
       25 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 21  wherein said first end of the probe defines a first axis, said housing portion defines a second axis, and said first axis and said second axis define an angle therebetween.  
   
   
       26 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 25  wherein the second end of said probe is in alignment with said second axis.  
   
   
       27 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 25  wherein said angle is in the range of more than 20 degrees to less than 180 degrees.  
   
   
       28 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein said housing portion is integral with said probe.  
   
   
       29 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein said curved portions are curved in the same direction as each other.  
   
   
       30 . A digital thermometer for measuring the temperature of a living being by inserting a portion of the thermometer in the mouth of the being comprising: 
 a non-linear probe with first and second ends, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends, said intermediate portion having at least three curved portions spaced from each other along said intermediate portion, said curved portions defining at least one protrusion and at least one recessed area,    a temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the probe,    a housing disposed at the second end of the probe,    a display for displaying a temperature measured by said thermometer, and    electronic circuitry in communication with said temperature sensor to receive a temperature signal from said temperature sensor, to translate said temperature signal into a value representative of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and to provide the translated value to the display for displaying the measured temperature.    
   
   
       31 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 30  wherein said intermediate portion of the probe is shaped to rest on the lower lip and/or teeth of the being.  
   
   
       32 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 30  wherein said probe has an interior portion formed from a rigid material and an exterior portion disposed over the interior portion, and said exterior portion is formed from a softer material than said interior portion.  
   
   
       33 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 30  wherein said first end of the probe defines a first axis, and said housing portion defines a second axis, and said first axis and said second axis define an angle therebetween.  
   
   
       34 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 33  wherein the second end of said probe is in alignment with said second axis.  
   
   
       35 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 33  wherein said angle is in the range of more than 20 degrees to less than 180 degrees.  
   
   
       36 . The digital thermometer in accordance with  claim 30  wherein said housing is integral with said probe.