Patent ID: 6851850

Claim:
An electronic thermometer comprising: a temperature sensor; an electronic circuit coupled to the temperature sensor to process temperature data measured by the temperature sensor; a display element coupled to the electronic circuit to display a temperature corresponding to the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor; a unitary housing enclosing the electronic circuit and display element, and formed of a single piece of material, the housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, a viewing area disposed proximate the display element, and with a first surface treatment on at least one of the inner and outer surface, wherein the first surface treatment allows the display element to be visible through the housing, and a substantially nontransparent area surrounding the viewing area and having a second surface treatment on at least one of the inner and outer surface, wherein the second surface scatters light diffusely through the housing and causes the electronic circuit to be less visible than the display element through the housing; and a metal tip attached to an end of the housing and enclosing the temperature sensor.