Inventors:
Howard S. Prosky - Denver CO
Assignee:
Electromedics, Inc. - Denver CO
International Classification:
G01K 724
Abstract:
A probe of an electronic thermometer, to which a temperature sensing element is attached, is conditioned with heat energy whereby the temperature of the probe is changed to approximately the temperature of the environment whose temperature is to be measured. A thermistor is thermally attached to the probe and provides a measurable electrical characteristic related in a predetermined manner to the temperature experienced by the thermistor. An auxiliary current source supplies a current to the thermistor of sufficient magnitude so that the thermistor acts as a heating element for raising the temperature of the probe. Heat energy is supplied to the probe for a predetermined time or until the temperature of the probe reaches a predetermined limit. The flow of auxiliary current is terminated and the temperature of the probe and its attached thermistor are allowed to equalize to the temperature of the environment. Thereafter, the temperature of the environment is electrically determined from the measurable electrical characteristic of the thermistor.