The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 24, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 11, 1996
Robert J Craig, Pineville, LA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A combined thermometer and fecal sampling apparatus which allows concurrent sampling of a fecal specimen and measuring of body temperature from a single penetration of the rectum. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a proximal end, or handle which is enlarged to facilitate handling and encloses a digital thermometer with a switch cover on one end of the handle covering a switch that activates the thermometer. A temperature display window is provided in the handle of the device for displaying temperature and in a most preferred embodiment, grip splines or knurls are provided on the handle to facilitate gripping and rotating the apparatus to collect the fecal sample. An elongated, hollow probe extends from the handle to a proximal end that terminates in a fecal sampler which is characterized by an ovoid loop having concave collection surfaces defining an ovoidal cavity. Wiring extends from the thermometer through the hollow interior of the probe and terminates in a thermistor positioned above the fecal sampler in a probe window for sensing the temperature of the rectum. This temperature is displayed in the temperature display window in the handle of the apparatus.