Patent ID: 7901355
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Analysis apparatus for analyzing skin, the apparatus comprising: a coupling member configured to contact a region of skin; an ultrasound probe having a probe surface, wherein the ultrasound probe is configured to receive data associated with the region of skin along an axis; and a vibrator communicatively coupled with an annular piece, the annular piece defining a contact surface and a central bore, the vibrator configured to emit at least one shear wave to the region of skin via the contact surface in contact with the coupling member, wherein the ultrasound probe is configured to detect a displacement induced in the region of skin by propagation of the shear wave, and wherein the ultrasound probe extends through the central bore along an X axis such that the probe surface contacts the coupling member and such that at least a portion of X axis displacements of the vibrator are not transmitted to the ultrasound probe.