Instant-Read Thermometer: Digital, with a Stainless Probe That Pivots on the Case (Cook, US 5,018,875, 1991)

Cut a type 304 stainless steel tube about 0.166 in (4.0 mm) across and 5 in (120 mm) long, and close one end. Set a thermistor inside the closed tip and run its two wires up the tube. Aluminium or titanium would also serve.

Mould from ABS a cylindrical pivot boss with a recess for the probe's open end and a channel right through it for the wires. Mould the case in an upper and a lower half that snap together, wider at the display end and tapering to the probe end so it cannot roll, with two projecting supports at the probe end, each with a pivot hole. Not given: the sizes.

In the case, fit an integrated circuit that turns the thermistor's resistance into a reading on a liquid crystal display at the wide end, with a push button beside it that updates the reading at once. Add a compartment for a 1.5 V button cell (Eveready E675, IEC R07) under a cover that locks with a quarter turn. Push the probe into the boss, lead the wires through the channel to the circuit, and clamp the boss ends in the pivot holes as the halves snap together; friction holds whatever angle you set. In use, push the probe in, turn the display to face you and press the button. Not given: the circuit (the patent points to US 4,536,851).