Patent ID: 6631282
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for maintaining a predetermined location and orientation on the skin of a patient to facilitate use of a noninvasive optical measurement system having an analysis window for collecting infrared emissions from the patient, the device comprising:a generally flat rigid member adapted to be coupled to said predetermined location on the under portion of the forearm of the patient, the rigid member having a first generally flat surface for engagement with the optical measurement system and a second generally arcuate surface adapted to conform generally to and engage with the forearm of the patient; a perimeter portion of said rigid member defining an aperture for receiving the analysis window of the optical measurement system; at least one protrusion extending from said perimeter into the aperture and adapted to cooperate with the optical measurement system to locate and align the measurement system; slots formed in the perimeter portion of the rigid member; and a strap extending through the slots and coupled to the rigid member, the strap having at least one adjustable end and having an adjustable length for causing the perimeter portion of the rigid member to press against the skin of the patient; wherein the strap and the rigid member cooperate to put pressure on the perimeter portion of the rigid member whereby the perimeter portion grips the skin to ensure thermal contact between the skin and the analysis window through the aperture.