US3878722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reversible, disposable clinical thermometer
Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
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Filing: 1973-04-02
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Granted: 1975-04-22
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Expires: 1993-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A reversible, disposable thermometer having an indicia of temperature spaced apart from a viewing window. A temperatureresponsive material which is not transparent in its solid state is disposed within bores distributed within the window. When in the solid state, the temperature-responsive material acts as a shutter to obscure a legible view of the indicia through the window. When the temperature of the thermometer is raised to the temperature represented by the indicia, the temperatureresponsive material melts and becomes transparent, thus rendering visible the indicia of temperature, while remaining held by capillary attraction within the bores. When the temperature of the thermometer decreases below the solidification point of the temperature-responsive material, the material remains in the bores and again becomes opaque or translucent, thereby permitting a re-use of the thermometer.
Inventors
- 👤 Nelson Allen Crites
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K11/00; G01K11/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
In a thermometer comprising at least one cell defined by top, bottom and side walls; and indicia of temperature mounted on the surface of said top wall facing the interior of said cell; said bottom wall comprising a window for viewing said indicia of temperature therethrough; and a temperature-responsive material that is transparent in its liquid state and not transparent in its solid state disposed between said indicia and the outside of said bottom wall, said material selected for its capacity to melt when exposed to a temperature equal to or in excess of that represented by said indicia; the improvement which comprises: a plurality of bores substantially spaced from said indicia on the inside of said window of said bottom wall, said bores being substantially opposite said indicia and having said temperature-responsive material permanently disposed therein by the capillary attraction between said bore and material, whereby said thermometer is rendereD reversible.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a thermometer comprising at least one cell defined by top, bottom and side walls; and indicia of temperature mounted on the surface of said top wall facing the interior of said cell; said bottom wall comprising a window for viewing said indicia of temperature therethrough; and a temperature-responsive material that is transparent in its liquid state and not transparent in its solid state disposed between said indicia and the outside of said bottom wall, said material selected for its capacity to melt when exposed to a temperature equal to or in excess of that represented by said indicia; the improvement which comprises: a plurality of bores substantially spaced from said indicia on the inside of said window of said bottom wall, said bores being substantially opposite said indicia and having said temperature-responsive material permanently disposed therein by the capillary attraction between said bore and material, whereby said thermometer is rendereD reversible.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a thermometer comprising at least one cell defined by top, bottom and side walls; and indicia of temperature mounted on the surface of said top wall facing the interior of said cell; said bottom wall comprising a window for viewing said indicia of temperature therethrough; and a temperature-responsive material that is transparent in its liquid state and not transparent in its solid state disposed between said indicia and the outside of said bottom wall, said material selected for its capacity to melt when exposed to a temperature equal to or in excess of that represented by said indicia; the improvement which comprises: a plurality of bores substantially spaced from said indicia on the inside of said window of said bottom wall, said bores being substantially opposite said indicia and having said temperature-responsive material permanently disposed therein by the capillary attraction between said bore and material, whereby said thermometer is rendereD reversible.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a thermometer comprising at least one cell defined by top, bottom and side walls; and indicia of temperature mounted on the surface of said top wall facing the interior of said cell; said bottom wall comprising a window for viewing said indicia of temperature therethrough; and a temperature-responsive material that is transparent in its liquid state and not transparent in its solid state disposed between said indicia and the outside of said bottom wall, said material selected for its capacity to melt when exposed to a temperature equal to or in excess of that represented by said indicia; the improvement which comprises: a plurality of bores substantially spaced from said indicia on the inside of said window of said bottom wall, said bores being substantially opposite said indicia and having said temperature-responsive material permanently disposed therein by the capillary attraction between said bore and material, whereby said thermometer is rendereD reversible.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The thermometer defined in claim 1, wherein the length of each said bore is less than the thickness of said window of said bottom wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The thermometer defined in claim 1, wherein the axis of at least one said bore lies at an oblique angle to said top wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The thermometer defined in claim 1, wherein the axis of at least one said bore lies at right angles to said top wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The thermometer defined in claim 1, wherein said window of said bottom wall comprises a lens for viewing an enlarged, upright virtual image of said indicia of temperature therethrough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The thermometer defined in claim 5, wherein said lens is cylindrical planoconvex.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The thermometer defined in claim 1, wherein a first portion of said thermometer contains a plurality of said cells.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The thermometer defined in claim 7, wherein a second portion of said thermometer is adapted for use as a handle for manipulating said thermometer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-21 | 1978-10-21 | 1979-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-21 | 1982-10-21 | 1983-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-21 | 1986-10-21 | 1987-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |