| WO/2017/149416 | STEERING TOOL WITH CONTROLLED DISTAL FLEXIBILITY |
| WO/1996/002294 | DEVICE FOR CATHETERISM |
| JPH03292941 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS FOR INSIDE BODY CAVITY |
QUINN DAVID E (US)
LANE JOHN A (US)
STONE RAY D (US)
QUINN DAVID E (US)
LANE JOHN A (US)
| US20090182526A1 | 2009-07-16 |
| I claim: 1 . Λ medical instrument including: a suppor strucnirc; a probe attached to said support structure, said probe adap ted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body; an emitter that emits electro-magnetic radiation toward said probe, said emitter mounted on said support: st ructure; a sensor adapted to sense said radia tion, said sensor mounted on said probe in a position so as to receive said radia tion; and a probe, cover adapted to be selectively mounted over and to substanr.ial.lv cover said probe, said probe cover being partially transparent to said .radiation such that when said probe cover substantially covers said probe, said sensor senses reduced transmittancc of said radiation. 2. Λ medical instrument: according to claim 1 wherein said emitter comprises a blue LI U") and wherein said radiation possesses a strong intensity in the bandwid th substantially in the range of about 500-550 nanometers. 3. A medical instrument according to claim I wherein said probe cover transmits between about 40-60 percent of said radiation impinging thereon wi thin a 4. Λ medical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said probe cover is coated with a material that: blocks a substantial portion o f said radiation within a selected bandwidth from passing therethrough. A medical instrument according ro claim 1 wherein said probe cover ossesses a substantially frusto-coiiical configuration. Λ medical instrument, according to claim 1 wherein said medical instrument consist essentially of an ear instrument,. A medical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said medical instrument consists essentially of an infrared thermometer. .A medical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said probe extends in a substantially longitudinal direction, wherein said sensor extends in a substantially elongate, longitudinal direction along, said probe and whereby when said probe is inserted into the orifice, said radiation is partially blocked by the walls of the orifice from reaching said sensor and as said probe is inserted deeper into the orifice even more of said radiation is blocked by the walls (if t he orifice from reaching said sensor. A medical instrument according to claim 8 further including a microprocessor operativelv connected to said sensor and programmed to calculate a depth ot insertion of said probe into the orifice in a substantially linear relationship with the decrease of said radiation sensed by said sensor. A medical inst.rumc.-nr according to claim 9 wherein said microprocessor is further programmed to determin thai a pre -determined depth of. insertion constit utes a preferred position of said probe, wherein said medical instrument rurrhcr comprises a signal generator operativelv connected to said microprocessor adapted to signal whether the pre determined depth is attained. 1 1 . Λ medical instrument accordin to claim 10 wherein said signal generator is selected from the group consisting of a visual display screen, a sound alarm, and a visual light. 12. Λ met hod of determining t he condition of a probe cover adapted to substantially cover a probe, which is adapted to be inserted into an orifice, in an animal's body, comprising: (a) providing a medical instrumen t including: ( 1 ) a support structure; (2) a probe attached to said support structure, said probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body; (3) an emitter that emirs electro-magnetic radiation toward said probe, said emitter mounted on said support structure; (4) a sensor adapted to sense said radiation, said sensor mounted on said probe in a position so as to receive said radiation, and (5) a probe cover adapted to be selectively mounted over and to substantially cover said probe, said probe cover being partially transparent to said radiation; (b) emitting said radiation from said emitter (c) sensing said radiation with said sensor; d) determining the magnitude, of said radiation sensed bv said sensor; and (e) assessin whether the magnitude of said radiation sensed by said sensor drops by a magnitude that: would indicate: that said probe cover has been mounted to substantially cover said probe. Λ method of determining th condition of a probe cover adapted to substantially cover a probe, which is adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body, according to claim 1 2, further comprising: (Π if the magnitude assessment indicates that said probe cover has been mounted to substantially cover said probe, then making a later magnitude asscssme r of whether the magnitude of said radiation sensed by said sensor increases by magnitude that would indicate that such probe cover has been unmounted f rom a disposition substantially covering said prob . Λ method of determining t he condition of a probe cover adapted to subsiantiallv cover a probe, which is adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body, according to claim 1 . furt her comprising: waiting a pre-detcrmiiicd time interval after the earlier magnitude assessment indicates that said probe cover has been mounted to substantially cover said probe before makin said later magnitude assessment. Λ method of determining the condition of a probe cover adapted to substantially cover a probe, which is adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body, accordin to claim 13 furrhcr comprising: genera ring a signal if the later magnitude assessment: indicates that the magnitude of said radiation sensed by said sensor does not increase by a mag itude that would indicate that said probe cover lias been unmounted from a disposition substantially covering said probe within a predetermined rime interval a fter the prior radiation magnitude assessment indicates that said probe cover has been mounted to substantially cov t said probe, said signal selected from t he group consist ing of a visual display screen, a sound alarm, and a visual light. Λ method of determining die. condition of a probe cover adapted to substantially cover a probe, which is adapted to be. inserted into an orifice in an animal's bodv, according to claim 1 3 wherein said medical instrument: comprises an infrared thermometer in which the probe, thereof is adapted to be inserted into an cat: and further comprising preventing said thermometer from reading a temperature, if the later magnitude assessment indicates that the magnitude of said radiation sensed b said sensor does not increase by a magnitude that would indicate that said probe cover has been unmounted from a disposition substantially covering said probe within a predetermined time interval after the earlier magnitude, assessment indicates that said probe cover has b en mounted to substantially cover said probe Λ method of determining the depth of insertion of a probe of a medical instrument into an orifice of a body, comprising: (a) providing a medical instrument including: (1 ) a support structure; (2) a probe attached to said support structure, said probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body. (3) an emitter that emits elect o-magnetic radiation toward said probe, said emitter mounted on said support structure; (4) sensor adapted to sense said radiation, said sensor mounted on said probe in a position so as to receive said radiation; (b emitting said radiation from said sensor; c) sensing said radiaiion with said sensor: ( l) determining- the magnitude of said radia tion sensed by said sensor. (e) inserting said probe into the orifice; (f) monitoring t he magnitude of said radiation sensed bv said sensor as said probe is inserted into the orifice: and (g) evaluating whether the degree of any reduction of said monitored magnitude as said probe is inserted into the ori fice indicates the extent, to which said sensor has passed a wall of the orifice. A method of determining the depth of insertion of a probe of a medical instrument into an orifice of a body according to claim 17 further comprising: determining die depth of insertion of said probe into the. orifice based upon said evaluation. method of determining the depth of insertion of a probe or a medical instalment into an orifice of a bodv according to claim 1 / wherein said robe extends in a substantially longitudinal direction and wherein said sensor extends in a substantially elonga te, longitudinal direction along said probe. Λ method of determining the depth of insertion of a probe of a medical instrument into an orifice of a body according to claim 17 wherein said sensor comprises an mir of sensor elements mounted on said probe. Λ probe cover adapted to be selectively mounted over unci to substantially cover a probe of a medical instrument, which probe is adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal's body, said probe cover designed to transmit: only a selected, p.re-deterrnincd portion of radiation impinging thereon within a sclec ted b:t nd width. |
METHODS OF USING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates a medical instrument with a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice in an animal' body, such as an animal's ear. In one • aspect of the invention the medical instrument includes a system for determining the status of a probe cover adapted to be mounted over the probe, and in another aspect, the invention relates to a system for determining the depth of insertion of the probe into the orifice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Medical instruments are often inserted into body orifices in order to examine the condition of internal body tissue and other bodv conditions, to apply medicines, and tor other purposes. Typically, such medical instruments include a probe having a generally conical peripheral configuration that is inserted into the orifice and that usually is seated against the walls of the orifice. Suc medical instruments include ear instruments such as, for example, otoscopes for examining a patient's ear. infrared thermometers for measuring the temperature of an ear drum, and tympanomcters.
[0003] Medical instruments that are adapted to be inserted into a body orifice are usually expensive and mus be reused. The probe section of the medical instrument that is adapted to be inserted into the orifice may be contaminated with bod fluids, wax, hair, and skin cells. By reusing the medical instrument, such contaminates may be transmitted to other patients, which naturally may result: in the t ransmission of disease or other undesirable effects. I n order to provide for sanitary reuse f such medical instruments, disposable probe covers have been utilized. Such probe cover- ; are typically hollow and usually possess a configuration conforming to that of the associated probe. Probe covers may be selectively mounted to the medical instrument, in a position mounted over and around the probe, such as by a compressive snap fit or by a threadable connection. A fter using the medical instrument with die probe cover in connection with one patient, the probe cover is detached from the medical instrument and permanently discarded. A new probe cover is then mounted fiver the probe and selectively attached to the medical instrumen before the medical instrument is reused with another patient.
[0004] Sometimes a healthcare practitioner may incorrectly presume that a probe cover mounted on the medical instrument is a fresh probe cover rather than one that has already been used. I n such event, the probe cover may transmit contaminants 10 the next patient on which t h medical instrument is used. Aspects of the present invention were, developed in response to concerns about cross- contamination due to errant reuse of a probe cover.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to determinin a depth of insertion of the probe and probe covet, and preferably whether the probe and probe, cover have, achieved a minimal or preferred depth of insertion, when inserted into a body orifice, such as an ear. i n this regard, aspects of die current invention augment: the teachings disclosed in Applicant's co-pending U.S. Serial No. 12/610.760 entitled "ΊΊ I RMOM I :ΊΊ ' .R FOR DE ' i ' FRM ' INING Ti l l- TEMPERATURE OF AN A I M A L'S FAR DRU AND METHOD OF USING SA E", filed November 2, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0006] In order to perform some procedures, t he medical instrument will not properly function unless the probe is inserted to a sufficient depth, or an ideal depth, into a body orifice. Therefore it: is important to determine the. depth ot insertion of the probe and any probe cover as a medical instrument is being used, in order to
insure that the medical instrument is accomplishing its intended purpose. l or example, :ts explained in more, detail in rhe previously mentioned co-pending patent pplication, when measuring the temperature of nn animal ' s ear drum based upon the infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum. it. is important: t hat: t he probe be inserted sufficiently into t he ear so that essentially onlv infrared radiation emitted by the region around th ear drum is registered. I f the probe is nor sufficiently inserted into the ear, then the infrared thermometer will receive infrared radiation from other areas of rhe ear canal and the outer ear that do not accurately indicate the temperature of the ear drum. The medical instrument of the present invention may also be used to determine the depth of insertion of the probe and any probe cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007 ] The present invention relates to the medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an anirnaPs body. . The instrument includes art emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by va riations in t he amount ot radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe, cover is mounted over t he probe. .A sensor can also be used ro determine the extent to which t he walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating the positron of the sensor, and t hus, the position of the probe within the orifice. Λ special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical in trument are also disclosed.
[0008] In one embodiment, the probe cover is fashioned of a material, treated with a coating, or otherwise designed to partially transmit: radia tion within a selected bandwidth. The bandwidth of partial transinirtancc may be selected to be within, coincide with, or overlap a bandwidt h of relatively intense radiation emitted bv the emitter.
[0009] In other embodiments, the invention includes a microprocessor wirh a rimer i hnf is programmed either to generate a signal or to disable, the instrument if a minimum lime interval has passed since the probe cover was mounted over the probe and the sensor has not; sensed the removal of t he probe cover. I t the s stem detects that the probe covet: has been inserted .into a bodv orifice by blockage, of the radiation sensed b the sensor, then the microprocessor may be programmed either to generate a signal or to disable the inst rument if a minimum time interval has passed since the insertion and the sensor has not sensed the removal of the probe cover.
BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying d r wi ngs, wherei n :
l'"I . J is schematic side view of an otoscope in connection with which t he present invention may be used,
FIG. 2Λ and 2B arc. a. schematic side view, and a schematic perspective view, respectively, of a probe cover t hat: may be used in connection with the presen invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a probe in the otoscope, shown on FIG. 1 in which an emitter of radiation is mounted on the. head section of the otoscope, a sensor is mounted on the probe of the otoscope, and a probe, coyer as shown in FIGS. 2.Λ and 2B mav be attached and detached from the. otoscope in the directions shown by the indicated arrows;
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the probe and attached probe cover shown in FIG. inset ted into a human's ear canal:
F ' IG . 5 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a probe on which a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted;
IG . 6 is a schcmaiic illustration of a sid view of a probe on which another sensor in accordance with another embodiment of the present: invention is mounted;
FI G . 7 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a probe on which another sensor in accordance with vet another cmbodime.ni of the present invention is mounted; and
F IG . 8 i a block diagram of electrical interconnections between various components of the medical instrument in accordance, with an embodiment of the. present invention.
DESCRIFI'lON OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same item. It should be appreciated that the following description is intended ro be exemplar)- only, and the scope of the invention envisions other variations and modifications of these particular exemplar)- embodiments.
[0012] Then: shown in FIG . I , in general illustration, a conventional otoscope
10 that may be useful in connection with the present invention. An otoscope is a device used to examine and inspect the inner ear of a human or other animal. Although in an exemplary embodiment, reference is made, to an otoscope, it should be appreciated other medical instruments, such as an infrared t hermometer having a probe adapted to being inserted into a human ear, also mav be advantageously ernployed in connection with the present invention.
[0013] The otoscope 10 includes a handle 1 2, a neck 14. a head section 16, and a probe 18. The neck 1 connects the head section 16 with the handle 12. Preferably, the neck 14 is constructed so that the head section 1 may be selectively rotated with respect to the handle 12 and may be selectively locked into a desired position of rotation by means of a clamping screw 20. The probe 18 generally possesses a hollow
interior and both an interior and external frusto-conical configuration. The probe 1 8 may be attached permanently or removably from a support structure such as, for example, the head section 1 .
[0014] The otoscope 10 typically has . a viewing- lens system and a light illumination source disposed in the head section 16. The light source projects light through the interior of the probe 18. and illuminates the ear and ear canal. The handle section 1 2 may house batteries that are used to power the light source. A healthcare practitioner looks through the lens system, through t he. interior of ihe probe 1 8, and to the illuminated area of the ear and ear canal.
[0015] It: will be appreciated that direct contact of the probe 1 8 with the wall of the ear and ear canal will result in ear wax or other residue, accumulating on i he periphery of the probe 1 . Reusing the same probe 1 8 may transmit such ear wax nnd other residue to another patient, which may result in the transmission of disease: or other adverse effect. The probe ' 18 may be cleaned and sanitized, however, errors may occur by forgetting the cleaning step, oi: by achieving only incomplete, sanitation. Moreover, patients may be reluctant: to believe that the probe 1 8 has been sufficiently sanitized, and therefore may be. reluctant to allow die healthcare practitioner to insert the. probe 1 8 into their ears.
100161 In recognition of these sanitation concerns, disposable probe covers arc mounted over the probe 1.8 and are removably at tached to d ie head section 1 . An exemplary probe cover 22 is shown in FIGS. 2.Λ and 2 . The probe cover 22 is fashioned as a hollow tube. Typically, a probe cover 2.2 possesses a generally uniform thickness, so that the exterior surface possesses a configuration thai is generally similar to the interior surface of the probe cover 22. The probe cover 22 may be removably attached to the head section 1 of the otoscope 10 such as through a snap- fit connection or t hrough a threadable connection. The probe cover 22 shown in FIGS. 2Λ and 2B possesses a series of internal threads so that the probe cover 22 is
thrcaelablv. rc.alcasably secured to die head section 16. For ih.is purpose, ihe probe cover 22 possesses a pair of opposing fins 24, 26 bv which a healthcare practitioner may manually grasp and rotate the, probe cover 22. The probe cover 22 is designed for one-time use, and is intended to be disposed in the trash after use on a patient.
[0017] ITG . 4 illustrates how the probe cover 22 is typically inserted into a human's car, and helps to highlight how ear wax and other residue may come into contact with the probe cover 22 and ma be earned by the probe covet: 22 after removal of the probe cover 22 from the ear.
[0018] Since probe covers are disposable, thev provide more confidence that contamination will not be. transmitted, however, there may be errors in makin sure ihat a probe cover is detached and discarded after use on a patient.
|0019| One aspect of the present invention provides a safeguard for helping to insure thai: the medical instrument, such as the otoscope 10, will not be reused on a different patient with the same probe cover. As shown in 1* ' I G. 3. an emitter 28 is preferably mounted on the. head section 16 of the « lioscopc 10. The emitter 28 is capable, of emitting electro-magnetic radiation, which is directed at least in part to a sensor 30 mounted on the outside, periphery of the probe 18. Preferably the electromagnetic radiation is different: from sunlight, or other ambient light that might exist in a medical facility. The radiation need not be in the visible spectrum, but: preferably is within the visible spectrum. I n a preferred embodiment, the emitter comprises a blue l .l'.D that emits visible light intensely in a bandwidth of approximately 500-550 nanometers of wavelength. The radiation may be emitted continuously, or in pulses. (0020] When die probe, cover 22 is mounted over and covers the probe 18, and is detachable connected to the head section 16, radiation emitted by the emitter 28 passes, if at all, through the wall of probe cover 22 before reaching and being detected by the sensor 30. I f the probe cover wall 22 is not cornpletelv transparent, and nor completely opaqu to the radiation, the sensor 30 will be able to detect a reduction in
the :mii)iiiii of radiation bein received from line emitter 2S. I n order to help deicnnine chut the reduction in radiation received bv the .sensor 30 is elite to mountin of t he probe cover 22 over the probe- 18, and is nor due to human fingers, paper. e>r another object being interposed in the pat h between the emitter 28 and the sensor 30, the probe cover 22 may be selectively constructed with special characteristics t hat will help ensure that the reduction in sensed radiation is clue to rhe mourning of the probe- cover 22 over the probe I S. For example, it may be desirable for the probe, cover 22 to have known transmittance in the range of about 40 to 60%, or about 50%, within a pre-dctc.rmtned bandwidth. I n order to achieve such desirable transmittance, the. probe cover 22 may be fashioned of a particular type of translucent material and a particular thickness designed to achieve such desired transmittance. The material forming the probe cover 22 may also be impregnated with color or other material in order to achieve such transmittance. Further, either the exterior surface, the interior surface, or both, of the probe cover 22 may be coated with material that affects the reflection, absorption, and ultimate transmittance of radiation impinging thereon within a selected bandwidth.
[0021 J The invention contemplates that color filters such as those ottered bv
Rosco Laboratories, Jnc. located in. -Stamford, Connecticut may be employed with the. probe covet: 22. Such color filters include body-colored color filters in which a colorant is integrated within a plastic substrate bv mixing a clve into a melted resin, deep-dyed color filters in which a clear polyester sheet is passed through a heated solven t suf fused with a dye, and surface, coated color filters in which a colored material is coated onto a polyester film base.
(0022) The characteristics of the probe cover 22, especially any coatings applied to probe cover 22, may possess a uni ue filterin of the radiation so that only very limited bandwidth of the. radiation emitted by rhe emitter 28 is acrually received by the sensor 30. In such an embodiment, the sensor 30 could also be provided with
a corresponding filter s that the overall system will properly function only if probe covers 22 having a similar filtering characteristic are employed. This process can be used 10 help insure that only specific types of probe covets 22 are utilized in connection with the otoscope 10.
[0023| It will also be appreciated thai: when the probe cover 22 has moved away from the probe I S, the sensor 30 will detect an increase in the amount of radiation emitted by emitter 28. The amount of such radiation detected will correspond with the amount: of radiation originally detected by the sensor 30, prior to mounting the probe cover 22 onto the head section 16 and aver, the probe 18.
[0024| Although the emitter 28 is shown as being mounted cm the head section
16. it should be. appreciated that , the emitter 28 may be situated at: a variety of locations, and need not be. mounted on the head section 16.
[00251 FIGS. 5, 6. and 7 illustrate, different sensor configurations and posi tions that may be utilized in connection with a preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5. the sensor 30a possesses a square configuration and is situated near to the large end of the. probe 18. I n FIG. 6 the sensor 50b is fashioned in the shape of an elongate strip generally extending in a longitudinal direction relative to the probe I S and extending from the. small end thereof to approximately the mid-point longitudinally along the probe 1 8. I n FIG. 7 the sensor 30c. comprises an a rray of circular sensor elements mounted neat the smaller end of the probe 1 8. Preferably the sensors 30a, 30b, 30c are oriented such that thev dire.crly face the emitter 28.
[0026] n use. the ensor 30 (test determines whether the probe cover 22 has been mounted on t he. head section 16. As shown in FIG. 8, the. sens r 30 may be operative!}' connected to a microprocessor 32, which may contain a timer, and which mav cause a signal genera tor 34 to display the amount of time that has lapsed since the probe cover 22 has been mounted on the head section 1 6. Λ healthcare practitioner opera ting the otoscope 10 may realise from the amount of time displayed
that the probe covet: 22 probably has been used and should be discarded, or, as just a precautionary measure, the probe cover 22 should be. discarded.
[0027] The invention also contemplates that the microprocessor 32 will be programmed to wait: a predetermined rime interval, such as five seconds, after the sensor 30 first senses t hat: t he amount of radiation sensed indicates that t he probe cover 22 has been mounted over the probe I S to register the event when the probe- cover 22 has been mounted. Such a time interval will help insure, that the probe cover 22 .is not sirnplv in the process of being mounted. ' but in fact has been mounted, over the probe I S and is at tached to the head section 1 6. I n another embodiment , the microprocessor 32 may be programmed to register that the probe cover 22 is mounted on the head section 16 only after a predetermined time interval, such as five seconds, continuously shows tha t he. amount of radiation sensed by sensor 30 corresponds with the probe cover 22 havin been mounted over the probe 1 8. As an additional feature of the invention, the. microprocessor 32 may be programmed so as to sound an audio alarm, or to provide a blinking light signal, via the signal generator 3 1 it a predetermined t me interval, uch as five minutes, has occurred after she sensor 30 first indurates that the probe cover 22 has been mounted the head section 1 6. The microprocessor 32 would be programmed n t to cause such signals to be generated if the: sensor 30 senses an amount: of radiation that indica tes t hat the probe cover 22 has been removed from the head section 16 and away from the probe 1 8 during that time interval.
[0028] The present invention contemplates that: the emitter 28. such as blue
LI '.D, might automatically provide visual illumination in a continuous manner upon removal of the otoscope 10 from storage housing. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a switch 36 may be used to selectively activate and deactivate the emitter 28. I n such a mode of operation, the emitter 28 may help a healthcare practitioner find probe covers, the patient's orifice, and other objects in a dark environment, in other
embodiments of t he present invention, the microprocessor 32 could disable the light source wit hin t he head section 1 6 from projecting I'gbr through the probe I S unless t he sensor 30 detects an amount of radiation that, indicates thar a probe cover 22 is nor mounted on the head section 1 6 or has not been removed after a predetermined time interval. I n yet anot her embodiment:, where the medical instrument is an infrared thermometer, the microprocessor 32 could prevent the thermometer from raking any temperature readings unless the sensor 30 senses an amount of radiation that: indicates a probe cover 22 is mounted on the head section 1 6. Similarly, the microprocessor 32 could prevent the infrared thermometer from making a temperature reading, if. within a predetermined time interval after t he. probe cover 22 lias been mounted over the probe 1 8, the sensor 30 does not sense an amount of radiation emitted by the emitter 28 that indicates the probe cover 22 has been unmounted from the head section 16 and removed away from the probe- 1.8.
[0029] it should also be appreciated that: the present: invention may be useful in connection with determining the depth of insertion of the probe I S and any associated probe cover 22 into an orifice of a body. With special reference to l.'IGS. 4, 6, and 7, if the. sensor 30b, 30c is disposed in the orifice near the. walls of the orifice, then radiation emitted by emitter 28 will be substantially blocked or occluded from reaching the sensor 30b. 30c. Such blockage or occlusion will decrease the amount of rai.liai.ion sensed bv t he sensor 30. which may be correlated with a particular depth of insertion of the small end of the probe 1 8 or rhe probe cover 22 wit hin t he ori fice. I n one embodiment, there is a linear correlation between the degree of reduction of sensed radiation with the depth of insertion. I n the case or an infrared thermometer, the microprocessor 32 may be programmed to prevent a temperature readin if the depth of insertion is insufficient:. Also, the. recognition by t he microprocessor 32 that the probe 1 8 and any associated probe cover 22 has been inserted .into the orifice mav be used to prompt the microprocessor 32 to cause the
signal generator 34 ro generate an audio or visual signal or to prevent re-use of the medical instrument, such as bv disabling the liglit source in the head section 16 in an otoscope, or by disabling the temperature reading function of an infrared thermometer, if a pre -determined time interval has passed and the sensor 30 does not indicate that the probe cover 22 has been removed. I n this regard, t he switch 36 may be a multi-position switch with including one position to activate ot: deactivate the emitter 28, and another position to activate the insertion depth function.
[0030] While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the. foregoing description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations within the scope of the invention may exist. The foregoing examples arc not intended to limit the nature or the scope of t he invention in anv way. Rather, the forego ng detailed description provides those skilled in t he art wit h a foundation for implementing other exemplary embodiments of the invention.