Slidable assemblies and probe elements

摘要

A probe element for probe apparatus such as a dental probe comprises a curved tubular sheath having a proximal end for connection to main body of the probe apparatus and on open distal end. A probe member slides within the sheath and has a proximal end for connection to position sensing components in the probe apparatus main body and a distal end that protrudes by a variable extent from the open distal end of the sheath. Within the sheath the probe member is made up of a series of relatively large diameter beads joined by smaller diameter bridges to provide improved mobility of the probe member in the sheath even after prolonged storage.