Patent Publication Number: US-2023157639-A1

Title: Device configured to position a sensor at an abreu brain thermal tunnel terminus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of 16/379,098, filed on Apr. 9, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 15/065,292, filed on Mar. 9, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/131,133, filed Mar. 10, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to devices configured position a sensor at an Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) terminus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Locating the ABTT terminus and positioning a sensor on the ABTT terminus is typically performed by a person who has experience in locating the ABTT terminus, through specialized scanning procedures. 
     SUMMARY 
     Advantages and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a simplified view of the Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) and facial veins associated with the ABTT. 
         FIG.  2    is a simplified partial cross-sectional view through a human skull in a vertical direction, showing the ABTT and certain other facial features. 
         FIG.  3    is a stylized representation of a flow of blood into a brain core. 
         FIG.  4    is a view of a first device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a closer view of the first device of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the first device of  FIGS.  4  and  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a view of a second device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a view of a third device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a view of a fourth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a closer view of the fourth device of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the fourth device of  FIGS.  9  and  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a view of a fifth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a closer view of the fifth device of  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of the fifth device of  FIGS.  12  and  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a view of a sixth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a view of a seventh device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a view of an eighth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a closer view of the eighth device of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  19    is a side view of the eighth device of  FIGS.  17  and  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is a view of a ninth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21    is a view of a tenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  22    is a view of an eleventh device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  23    is a closer view of the eleventh device of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  24    is a side view of the eleventh device of  FIGS.  22  and  23   . 
         FIG.  25    is a view of a twelfth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  26    is a view of a thirteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  27    is a view of a fourteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  28    is a closer view of the fourteenth device of  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  29    is a side view of the fourteenth device of  FIGS.  27  and  28   . 
         FIG.  30    is a view of a fifteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  31    is a side view of the fifteenth device of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  32    is a view of a sixteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  33    is a view of a seventeenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  34    is a view of an eighteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  35    is a side view of the eighteenth device of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a perspective view of a nineteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure arises from the discovery that an Abreu brain thermal tunnel, or ABTT, provides the first known means of vascular communication directly with the center of the brain. Anatomically and physiologically speaking, and as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , ABTT  12  includes a continuous, direct, and undisturbed connection between a brain core  24  at the control center of the brain and an ABTT terminus  10 . The physical and physiological events at one end of the tunnel are reproduced at the opposite end. ABTT  12  enables the direct communication of thermal energy between ABTT terminus  10  and brain core  24  without significant barriers. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes devices, mechanisms, apparatuses, and systems that are configured to aid in positioning a sensor on ABTT terminus  10  by positioning a sensor in an area of a face that is close to the ABTT such that an operator can then manipulate the devices, mechanisms, apparatuses, and systems to position the sensor on ABTT terminus  10 , after which the sensor receives signals from ABTT terminus  10 ; e.g., thermal or temperature signals. 
     Applicant has disclosed devices, mechanisms, apparatuses, and systems for the measurement of temperature at ABTT terminus  10  in co-pending U.S. Pat. Appl. Serial Nos. 14/512,421, 14/593,848, 14/594,122, and 14/603,353, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The present devices, mechanisms, apparatuses, and systems described herein provide additional features and advantages, as will be understood by a person of skill in the art from reading the present description. 
     The facial end of ABTT  12  is adjacent to a small region of skin without subcutaneous fat, the exterior surface of which is described herein as ABTT target area or ABTT terminus  10 . For simplicity, ABTT terminus  10  can also be described as skin that is on, over, or adjacent to ABTT  12 , and which measures about 11 mm in diameter measured from the medial corner of an eye  32  at the medial canthal tendon and extends superiorly for about 6 mm, and then extends into the upper eyelid in a horn-like projection for another 22 mm. 
     Anatomy shows the convergence of four veins at ABTT target area  10 : frontal  14 , superior palpebral  16 , supraorbital  18 , and angular  20 . As angular vein  20  extends further from ABTT  12 , it transitions into facial vein  22 . Having converged, the blood from these veins flows toward brain core  24  from ABTT target area  10  near the canthal corner of eye  32  into the center of the brain, which is the temperature center or thermal storage area of the body.  FIGS.  1  and  2    show the approximate location of these veins in relation to other facial features. Angular/facial vein  20 / 22  runs up alongside a nose  26 , superior palpebral vein  16  runs along an eyebrow  28 , and frontal vein  14  and supraorbital vein  18  run through a forehead  30 . 
     As described herein, veins  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  converge in the medial canthal area between the corner of eye  32  and the bridge of nose  26  and connect directly, without inhibition, to the center of the brain, i.e., brain core  24 . These vessels lack valves, which are typically an important barrier to measurement of temperature in a core location of the brain in the hypothalamic region of the brain. The hypothalamic region of the brain is the link between the central nervous system and the endocrine system and, as such, acts as the center of control for many basic bodily functions such as, for example, hunger, thirst, body temperature, fatigue, blood pressure, immune responses, circadian cycles, hormone production, hormone secretion, and many other bodily functions. 
     It should be understood that throughout this disclosure, the terms apparatus, device, and mechanism can be used interchangeably to refer to at least portions of the various embodiments. Because some embodiments are configured to include a plurality of elements working together, these embodiments can be described as systems. 
       FIGS.  4 - 6    show a first device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  50 . Device  50  is configured to be supported on nose  26  of a face  34  of a subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  50  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  50  is configured to include a face or nose support  52 , a support arm  54 , and a temperature sensor support  56 , which includes a handle. Nose support  52  is configured to include a first connection  58 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  54  to nose support  52 , and a second connection  60 , which is configured to attach or connect temperature sensor support  56  to nose support  52 . Nose support  52  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  52  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  52  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  54  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  52  by first connection  58 . Alternatively, first connection  58  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  54  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  52  securely in contact with nose  26  by the force of pressure on nose support  52  applied through support arm  54 . Support arm  54  is configured to include a handle  62  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  54  securely and to apply pressure on nose support  52 . 
     Most face supports disclosed herein require application of form onto the face support to secure the face support in position on the face. It should be observed that in some cases an adhesive, typically a relatively weak adhesive, can be used to assist maintaining the position of the face support on the face. In some cases, the skin of the face may need to be prepared before use of a face support such as by washing the face to remove oils and dirt, which decreases the risk of the face support sliding during application of force and pressure on the face through the face support. 
     Temperature sensor support  56  is configured to include a temperature sensor  64 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10  and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Temperature sensor support  56  is further configured to include a switch  66  configured to control the on and off operation of device  50 , a light or other indicator  68  configured to indicate or provide feedback when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter  70  to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device  72 , which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. It should be understood that transmitter  70 , and other transmitters described in this disclosure, can be transceivers configured to transmit and receive signals. 
     Second connection  60  is configured to include an eyelet  74 , which is configured to slidably or movably support temperature sensor support  56  to permit a user to adjust the position of temperature sensor support  56 , such that the user is able to position temperature sensor  64  on ABTT terminus  10 . As a user moves temperature sensor  64  in the area of ABTT terminus  10 , temperature sensor  64  is transmitting or sending temperature signals to a processor (not shown) that can be located in temperature sensor support  56 . When device  50 , or a processor thereof, determines that a peak temperature has been found that exceeds a predetermined temperature, which is an indication of the location of ABTT terminus  10 , then indicator  68  can be actuated to provide notice that the location of ABTT terminus  10  has been found to a user or operator. The temperature signals from temperature sensor  64  can be transmitted continuously or in a burst by transmitter  70  to separate electronic device  72  for further processing, storage, or notification of another person remotely. 
       FIG.  7    shows a second device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  80 . Device  80  is configured to be supported on nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  80  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  80  is configured to include a face or nose support  82 , a support arm  84 , and a temperature sensor support  86 . Nose support  82  is configured to include a first connection  88 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  84  to nose support  82 , and a second connection  90 , which is configured to attach or connect temperature sensor support  86  to nose support  82 . Nose support  82  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  82  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  82  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  84  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  82  by first connection  88 . Alternatively, first connection  88  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  84  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  82  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  84  is configured to include a handle  92  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  84  securely. 
     Temperature sensor support  86  is configured to include a temperature sensor  94 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Temperature sensor support  86  is further configured to include a switch  96  to control the on and off operation of device  80 , and a light or other indicator  98  configured to indicate when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter  100  to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device  102 , which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. 
     Second connection  90  is configured to slidably or movably support temperature sensor support  86  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  86  such that the user is able to position temperature sensor  94  on ABTT terminus  10 . As the user moves temperature sensor  94  in the area of ABTT terminus  10 , temperature sensor  94  is transmitting or sending temperature signals to a processor (not shown) that can be located in temperature sensor support  86 . When device  80 , or a processor thereof, determines that a peak temperature has been found that exceeds a predetermined temperature, which is an indication of the location of ABTT terminus  10 , then indicator  98  can be actuated to provide notice to a user or operator. The temperature signals from temperature sensor  94  can be transmitted continuously or in a burst by transmitter  100  to separate electronic device  102  for further processing, storage, or notification of another person remotely. 
       FIG.  8    shows a third device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  110 . Device  110  is configured to be supported on nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  110  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a temperature sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  110  is configured to include a face or nose support  112 , a support arm  114 , and a temperature sensor support  116 . Nose support  112  is configured to include a first connection  118 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  114  to nose support  112 , and a second connection  120 , which is configured to attach or connect temperature sensor support  116  to nose support  112 . Nose support  112  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  112  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  112  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  114  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  112  by first connection  118 . Alternatively, first connection  118  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  114  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  112  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  114  is configured to include a handle  122  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  114  securely. 
     Temperature sensor support  116  is configured to include a temperature sensor  124 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Temperature sensor support  116  is further configured to include a switch  126  to control the on and off operation of device  110 , a light or other indicator  128  configured to indicate when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter  130  to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device  132 , which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. 
     Second connection  120  is configured to slidably or movably support temperature sensor support  116  to permit the user to move temperature sensor support  116  such that the user is able to position temperature sensor  124  on ABTT terminus  10 . As the user moves temperature sensor  124  in the area of ABTT terminus  10 , temperature sensor  124  is transmitting or sending temperature signals to a processor (not shown) that can be located in temperature sensor support  116 . When the processor of device  110  determines that a peak temperature has been found that exceeds a predetermined temperature, which is an indication of the location of ABTT terminus  10 , then indicator  128  can be actuated to provide notice to a user or operator. The temperature signals from temperature sensor  124  can be transmitted continuously or in a burst by transmitter  130  to separate electronic device  132  for further processing, storage, or notification of another person remotely. 
       FIGS.  9 - 11    show a fourth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  140 . Device  140  is configured to be supported on nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  140  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  140  is configured to include a face or nose support  142 , a support arm  144 , and a temperature sensor support  146 . Nose support  142  is configured to include a first connection  148 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  144  to nose support  142 , and a second connection  150 , which is configured to attach or connect temperature sensor support  146  to nose support  142 . Nose support  142  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  142  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  142  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  144  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  142  by first connection  148 . Alternatively, first connection  148  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  144  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  142  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  144  is configured to include a handle  152  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  144  securely. 
     Temperature sensor support  146  is further configured to include a sensor arm  156  and a support connecting arm  158 . Support connecting arm  158  is positioned between sensor arm  156  and nose support  142  and is connected to sensor arm  156  by a sensor arm pivot  160  and is connected to nose support  142  by second connection  150 . Second connection  150  is configured to allow support connecting arm  158  to rotate in a first arc  162  that permits a user to move temperature sensor support  146  to measure the temperature of left ABTT terminus  10  and right ABTT terminus  10 , in addition to permitting adjustment of the position of temperature sensor support  146 . Sensor arm pivot  160  is configured to allow sensor arm  156  to rotate in a second arc  164  that is at an angle with respect to first arc  162 . Functionally, second connection  150  is configured to enable side-to-side or horizontal adjustment, and sensor arm pivot  160  is configured to enable vertical adjustment. Both adjustments are configured to enable a user to position a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 , or to move the temperature sensor from left ABTT terminus  10  to right ABTT terminus  10  or vice versa. 
     Temperature sensor support  146  is configured to include a temperature sensor  154 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Temperature sensor support  146  is further configured to include a switch  166  to control the on and off operation of device  140 , and a light or other indicator  168  configured to indicate when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter  170  to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device  172 , which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS.  10  and  11   , separate electronic device  172  is shown as an entertainment console, such as a video game console. 
     As noted herein, second connection  150  and sensor arm pivot  160  are configured to movably support temperature sensor support  156  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  156  such that temperature sensor  154  is positionable by a user on ABTT terminus  10 . As the user moves temperature sensor  154  in the area of ABTT terminus  10 , temperature sensor  154  is transmitting or sending temperature signals to a processor that can be located in temperature sensor support  146  or in nose support  142 . When the processor of device  140  determines that a peak temperature has been found that exceeds a predetermined temperature, which is an indication of the location of ABTT terminus  10 , then indicator  168  can be actuated to provide notice to a user or operator. The temperature signals from temperature sensor  154  can be transmitted continuously or in a burst by transmitter  170  to separate electronic device  172  for further processing, storage, or notification of another person remotely. 
       FIGS.  12 - 14    show a fifth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  180 . Device  180  is configured to be supported on nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  180  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  180  is configured to include a face or nose support  182 , a support arm  184 , and a temperature sensor support  186 . Nose support  182  is configured to include a connection  188 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  184  and temperature sensor support  186  to nose support  182 . Nose support  182  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  182  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  182  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  184  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  182  by connection  188 . Alternatively, connection  188  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  184  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  182  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  184  is configured to include a handle  192  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  184  securely. 
     Temperature sensor support  186  is further configured to include a sensor handle  194 , a sensor arm  196  connected or attached to sensor handle  194  at an angle to sensor handle  194 , and a swing arm  198  that is rotatably positioned on the pivot that is coaxial with connection  188 . Sensor handle  194  and sensor arm  196  are connected to swing arm  198  by a sensor pivot  190 . Connection  188  is configured to allow swing arm  198  to rotate in a first arc  200  that permits a user to move temperature sensor support  186  to measure left ABTT terminus  10  and right ABTT terminus  10 , in addition to permitting adjustment of the position of temperature sensor support  186 . Sensor pivot  190  is configured to allow sensor arm  196  to rotate in a second arc  202  that is at an angle with respect to first arc  200 . Functionally, sensor arm  196  is configured and connected to enable side-to-side or horizontal adjustment, and sensor pivot  190  is configured and connected to enable vertical adjustment. Both adjustments can enable a user to position a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 , or to move the sensor from left ABTT terminus  10  to right ABTT terminus  10  or vice versa. 
     Temperature sensor support  186  is configured to include a temperature sensor  204 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Nose support  182  is further configured to include a switch  206  to control the on and off operation of device  180 , and a light or other indicator  208  configured to indicate when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter  210  to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device  212 , which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. 
     As noted herein, swing arm  198  and sensor pivot  190  are configured to support temperature sensor support  186  to enable a user to move temperature sensor support  186  to position temperature sensor  204  on ABTT terminus  10 . As a user is moving temperature sensor  204  in the area of ABTT terminus  10 , temperature sensor  204  is transmitting or sending temperature signals to a processor (not shown) that can be located in temperature sensor support  186  or in nose support  182 . When the processor of device  180  determines that a peak temperature has been found that exceeds a predetermined temperature, which is an indication of the location of ABTT terminus  10 , then indicator  208  can be actuated to provide notice to a user or operator. The temperature signals from temperature sensor  204  can be transmitted continuously or in a burst by transmitter  210  to separate electronic device  212  for further processing, storage, or notification of another person remotely. 
       FIG.  15    shows a sixth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  220 . Device  220  is configured to be supported on nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  220  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  220  is configured to include a face or nose support  222 , a support arm  224 , and a temperature sensor support  226 . Nose support  222  is configured to include a connection  228 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  224  to nose support  222 . Nose support  222  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  222  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  222  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  224  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  222  by connection  228 . Alternatively, connection  228  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  224  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  222  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  224  is configured to include a handle  232  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  224  securely. Temperature sensor support  226  is connected to support arm  224  by a pivot  230 , which is also configured to permit temperature sensor support  226  to move longitudinally through an eyelet  234  located in pivot  230 . 
     Temperature sensor support  226  is configured to include a temperature sensor  236 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Device  220  can be configured with the features of other embodiments disclosed herein, such as a switch to turn device  220  on and off, an indicator, and a transmitter, though such are not specifically indicated in this embodiment. 
     Pivot  230  is configured to both slidably and movably support temperature sensor support  226  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  226  such that the user is able to position temperature sensor  234  on ABTT terminus  10 , which can be located by the user as described herein. 
       FIG.  16    shows a seventh device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  240 . Device  240  is configured to be supported on a bridge  242  of nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  240  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  240  is configured to include a face or nose bridge support  242 , a support arm  246 , and a temperature sensor support  248 . Nose bridge support  242  is configured to include a connection  250 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  246  to nose bridge support  244 . Nose bridge support  244  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose bridge support  244  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose bridge support  244  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of bridge  242 . 
     Support arm  246  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose bridge support  244  by connection  250 . Alternatively, connection  250  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  246  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose bridge support  244  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  246  is configured to include a handle  254  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  246  securely. Temperature sensor support  248  is connected to support arm  246  by a pivot  252 , which is also configured to permit temperature sensor support  248  to move longitudinally through an eyelet  256  located in pivot  252 . 
     Temperature sensor support  248  is configured to include a temperature sensor  258 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Device  240  can be configured with the features of other embodiments disclosed herein, such as a switch to turn device  240  on and off, an indicator, and a transmitter, though such are not specifically indicated in this embodiment. 
     Pivot  252  is configured to both slidably and movably support temperature sensor support  248  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  248  such that temperature sensor  258  is positionable on ABTT terminus  10 , which can be located by the user as described herein. 
       FIGS.  17 - 19    show an eighth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  270 . Device  270  is configured to be supported on nose  26  or bridge  242  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  270  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  270  is configured to include a face or nose support  272 , a support arm  274 , and a temperature sensor support  276 . Nose support  272  is configured to include a connection  278 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  274  to nose support  272 . Nose support  272  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  272  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  272  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  274  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  272  by connection  278 . Alternatively, connection  278  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  274  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  272  securely in contact with nose  26 . Temperature sensor support  276  includes a support body  282  rotatably and slidably positioned on support arm  274 , which thus permits temperature sensor support to move longitudinally in a longitudinal direction  284  and rotatably in an arc  286  about temperature sensor support  276 . Thus, the interface of support body  282  with support arm  284  provides a user with the ability to adjust the position of a temperature sensor  288 , positioned on temperature sensor support  248 , to interface with ABTT terminus  10 . It should be understood that the movement of support body  282  can be manual or automatic. If the movement is automatic, such movement is guided by readings from temperature sensor  288 . Temperature sensor  258  is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Nose support  272  is further configured to include a switch  290  to control the on and off operation of device  270 , a light or other indicator  292  configured to indicate when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter  294  to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device  296 , which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. 
       FIG.  20    shows a ninth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  300 . Device  300  is configured to be supported on nose  26  or bridge  242  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  300  is configured to be held in place while a temperature sensor is positionable on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  300  is configured to include a face or nose support  302 , a support arm  304 , a temperature sensor support  306 , and a controller unit  310 . Nose support  302  is configured to include a connection  308 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  304  to nose support  302 . Nose support  302  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material. In addition, nose support  302  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with nose  26 . Nose support  302  can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . 
     Support arm  304  can be configured to be rigidly attached to nose support  302  by connection  308 . Alternatively, connection  308  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  304  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping nose support  302  securely in contact with nose  26 . Support arm  304  is rigidly attached to controller unit  310 . 
     Temperature sensor support  306  is movably positioned in controller unit  310 , which is configured to move temperature sensor support  306  in a longitudinal direction  312 , and rotatably in an arc  314 . Thus, the interface of control unit  310  with support arm  304  provides the ability to adjust the position of a temperature sensor  316 , positioned on temperature sensor support  306 , to interface with ABTT terminus  10 . It should be understood that the movement of temperature sensor support  306  may be performed manually by controls located on control unit  310 , or may be automatic. If the movement is automatic, such movement is guided by readings from temperature sensor  316 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Controller unit  310  is further configured to include a switch  318  to control the on and off operation of device  300 , a display or other indicator  320  configured to indicate when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 , and can be configured to include a transmitter (not shown) to transmit temperature signals to a separate electronic device (not shown), which can be, for example, a laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device configured to receive the transmitted temperature signals. 
       FIG.  21    shows a tenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  330 . Device  330  is configured to be supported on a corner of an ocular cavity  332  adjacent to nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  330  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  330  is configured to include a face support  334 , a support arm  336 , and a temperature sensor support  338 . Support  334  is configured to include a connection  340 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  336  to support  334 . Support  334  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material that can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . In addition, support  334  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with ocular cavity  332  and nose  26 . 
     Support arm  336  can be configured to be rigidly attached to support  334  by connection  340 . Alternatively, connection  340  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  336  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping support  334  securely in contact with ocular cavity  332  and nose  26 . Support arm  336  is configured to include a handle  342  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  336  securely. Temperature sensor support  338  is connected to support arm  336  by a pivot  344 , which is also configured to permit temperature sensor support  338  to move longitudinally through an eyelet  346  located in pivot  344 . 
     Temperature sensor support  338  is configured to include a temperature sensor  348 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Device  330  can be configured with the features of other embodiments disclosed herein, such as a switch to turn device  330  on and off, an indicator, and a transmitter, though such are not specifically indicated in this embodiment. 
     Pivot  344  is configured to both slidably and movably support temperature sensor support  338  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  338  such that temperature sensor  348  is positionable on ABTT terminus  10 , which can be located by the user as described herein. 
       FIGS.  22 - 24    show an eleventh device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  360 . Device  360  is configured to be supported on a center of forehead  30  just above nose  26  of face  34  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  360  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  360  is configured to include a support arm  362 , a temperature sensor support  364 , and a face support  366 . Support  366  is configured to include a connection  368 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  362  to support  366 . Support  366  can be configured to be formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material that can be shaped in an arc that approximately matches the curvature of nose  26 . In addition, support  366  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with forehead  30 . 
     Support arm  362  can be configured to be rigidly attached to support  366  by connection  368 . Alternatively, connection  368  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  362  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping support  366  securely in contact with forehead  30 . Support arm  362  is configured to include a handle  370  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  362  securely. Temperature sensor support  364  is connected to support arm  362  by a pivot  372 , which is also configured to permit temperature sensor support  364  to move longitudinally through an eyelet  374  located in pivot  372 . 
     Temperature sensor support  364  is configured to include a temperature sensor  376 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . As shown in  FIGS.  23  and  24   , device  360  can be configured with the features of other embodiments disclosed herein, such as a switch  378  to turn device  360  on and off, an indicator  380 , and a transmitter  382 . 
     Pivot  372  is configured to both slidably and movably support temperature sensor support  364  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  364  such that temperature sensor  376  is positionable on ABTT terminus  10 , which can be located by the user as described herein. 
       FIG.  25    shows a twelfth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  390 . Device  390  is configured to be supported on forehead  30  of subject or patient  36 . As should be understood from the following description, device  390  is configured to be secured on forehead  30  while a temperature sensor is moveable to be positioned on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  390  is configured to include a headband or forehead support  392 , a temperature sensor support  394 , a support  396 , and a display or monitor  398 . Monitor  398  and temperature sensor support  394  are positioned on support  396 , which is positioned on headband  392 . Support  396  is configured to include a pivot  400 , which is configured to attach or connect temperature sensor support  394  to support  396 . 
     Pivot  400  is configured to rotate. Furthermore, pivot  400  includes an eyelet  402 . Thus, temperature sensor support  394  is configured to rotate with respect to support  396 , and is longitudinally movable through eyelet  402 , such that temperature sensor support  394  is movable to adjust the position of a temperature sensor  404  to be on, over, or adjacent to ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Temperature sensor  404  is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  390  is further configured to include a switch  406  to turn device  390  on and off, and a transmitter  408 . Transmitter  408  is configured to transmit information to a separate electronic device  410 , such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop, watch, entertainment console, etc. 
     In operation, device  390  is configured to display information on monitor  398 , which is readable by an operator, medical practitioner, lab technician, etc. In an alternative embodiment, device  390  is configured to display information in a flipped orientation to permit reading of the displayed information in a mirror by a patient or subject. In yet another alternative embodiment, device  390  is switchable between displaying information in a conventional format, and a flipped format for readability in a mirror. 
       FIG.  26    is a view of a thirteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  420 . Device  420  is configured to include a face support ring  422  and a support arm  424 . Support arm  424  is configured to include a handle  426 . Support ring  422  is configured to provide support and positioning for a temperature sensor  428  and a transmitter  430 , which is configured to communicate with a separate electronic device  432 . Support arm  424  can also be configured to include a switch  434  for turning device  420  on and off. Device  420  is configured to be positioned in ocular cavity  332 , alongside nose  26 , thus properly orienting temperature sensor  428 . 
       FIGS.  27 - 29    show a fourteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  440 . Device  440  is configured to be supported just above eyebrow  28  on forehead  30 . As should be understood from the following description, device  440  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  440  is configured to include a support arm  442 , a temperature sensor support  444 , and a forehead or face support  446 . Support  446  is configured to include a connection  448 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  442  to support  446 . Support  446  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with forehead  30 . 
     Support arm  442  can be configured to be rigidly attached to support  446  by connection  448 . Alternatively, connection  448  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  442  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping support  442  securely in contact with forehead  30 . Support arm  442  is configured to include a handle  450  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  442  securely. Temperature sensor support  444  is connected to support arm  442  by a pivot  452 , which is also configured to permit temperature sensor support  444  to move longitudinally through an eyelet  454  located in pivot  452 . 
     Temperature sensor support  444  is configured to include a temperature sensor  456 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . As shown in  FIGS.  28  and  29   , device  440  can be configured with a control unit  458 , which is configured to include a switch  460  to turn device  440  on and off, an indicator or display  462 , and a transmitter  464  that is configured to communicate with a separate electronic device  466 . 
     Pivot  452  is configured to both slidably and rotatably support temperature sensor support  444  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  444  such that temperature sensor  456  is positioned on ABTT terminus  10 , which can be located by the user as described herein. 
       FIGS.  30  and  31    show a fifteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  470 . Device  470  is configured to be supported just above eyebrow  28  on forehead  30 . As should be understood from the following description, device  470  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  470  is configured to include a support arm  472 , a temperature sensor support  474 , and a face support  476 . Support  476  is configured to include a connection  478 , which is configured to attach or connect support arm  472  to support  476 . Support  476  can be configured to include a pad (not shown) to provide cushioning and compliance with forehead  30 . 
     Support arm  472  can be configured to be rigidly attached to support  476  by connection  478 . Alternatively, connection  478  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position support arm  472  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping support  472  securely in contact with forehead  30 . Support arm  472  is configured to include a handle  480  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold support arm  472  securely. Temperature sensor support  474  is connected to support arm  472  by a pivot  482 , which is also configured to permit temperature sensor support  474  to move longitudinally through an eyelet  484  located in pivot  482 . 
     Temperature sensor support  484  is configured to include a temperature sensor  486 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Device  470  can be configured with a control unit  488 , which is configured to include a switch  490  to turn device  470  on and off, an indicator  492 , and a transmitter  494  that is configured to communicate with a separate electronic device  466 . 
     Pivot  482  is configured to both slidably and rotatably support temperature sensor support  474  to permit a user to move temperature sensor support  474  such that temperature sensor  486  is positioned on ABTT terminus  10 , which can be located by the user using procedures described herein. 
       FIG.  32    shows a sixteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  500 . Device  500  is configured to be supported at least partially on eye  32 . As should be understood from the following description, device  500  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  500  is configured to include a temperature sensor support  502 , and a face support  504 . Support  504  is configured to include a connection  506 , which is configured to attach or connect temperature sensor support  502  to support  504 . Support  504  is configured to include a temperature sensor  508 , which is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Temperature sensor support  502  can be configured to be rigidly attached to support  504  by connection  506 . Alternatively, connection  506  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position temperature sensor support  502  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping support  504  securely in contact with ABTT terminus  10  and with a portion of eye  32 . Temperature sensor support  502  is configured to include a handle  510  sized and dimensioned to permit a user to hold temperature sensor support  502  securely. 
     Device  500  is configured with a control unit  512 , which is configured to include a switch  514  to turn device  500  on and off, an indicator or display  516 , and a transmitter  518  that is configured to communicate with a separate electronic device  520 . Temperature sensor support  502  can also be configured to include an indicator  522  that provides an indicator of when a user locates ABTT terminus  10 . 
       FIG.  33    shows a seventeenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  530 . Device  530  is configured to be supported at least partially on a chin  532  of face  34 . As should be understood from the following description, device  530  is configured to be held in place by a user while the user positions a sensor on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Device  530  is configured to include a temperature sensor support  534 , which is configured to include a temperature sensor  550 , a central support  536 , a face or chin support  538 , and a securing handle  540 . Temperature sensor  550  is sized and dimensioned to interface with ABTT terminus  10 , and which can be configured to include a convex surface to match the concave geometry of ABTT terminus  10 . Chin support  538  is rigidly connected to central support  536 . Temperature sensor support  534  is rotatably and slidably connected to central support  536 . And securing handle  540  can be rigidly or pivotally connected to chin support  538 . 
     Central support  536  is configured to include a pivot  542 , which includes an eyelet  544 . Temperature sensor support  534  is slidably positioned in eyelet  544 , and the slidable arrangement is configured to provide temperature sensor support  534  with the capability of sliding longitudinally in a direction  546 . Pivot  542  is configured to rotate in an arc  548 , which provides temperature sensor support  534  with the capability to rotate in arc  548 . Since temperature sensor support  534  is configured with the capability to rotate in arc  548  and to slide in longitudinal direction  546 , temperature sensor support  534  is configured to move by the action of a user to adjust the position of temperature sensor  550  to be located at the position of ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Chin support  538  is configured to include a connection  552 , which is configured to attach or connect securing handle  540  to chin support  538 . Securing handle  540  can be configured to be rigidly attached to chin support  538  by connection  552 . Alternatively, connection  552  can be configured to swivel or pivot to permit a user to position securing handle  540  in an orientation that assists the user in keeping chin support  538  securely in contact with chin  532 . 
     Device  530  is configured to include a control unit  554 , which is configured to include a switch  556  to turn device  530  on and off, an indicator or display  558 , and a transmitter  560  that is configured to communicate with a separate electronic device  562 , which can be a tablet, cell phone, laptop, PDA, entertainment console, watch, medical control console, etc. 
       FIGS.  34  and  35    show an eighteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  570 . Device  570  is configured to be supported on face  34  of subject or patient  36 . More specifically, device  570  can be configured as a frame or eyeglass frame  572 . Device  570  further includes a clip-on or attachable temperature sensor assembly  574 . 
     Temperature sensor assembly  574  includes a connection assembly  576 , a temperature sensor support  578 , and a handle or lever  580 . Temperature sensor support  578  is configured to include a temperature sensor  582 . Connection assembly  576  can be configured similar to pivot  482 , and thus temperature sensor support  578  can be configured to have rotational and longitudinal movement such that temperature sensor  582  can be positioned through the movement of temperature sensor support  578  to be positioned on ABTT terminus  10 . Alternatively, temperature sensor support  578  can be configured to be flexible to permit adjustment of temperature sensor support  578  to position temperature sensor  582  on ABTT terminus  10 . 
     Temperature sensor assembly  574  is further configured to include a switch  584  to turn device  570  on and off, an indicator or light  586 , and a transmitter  588  that is configured to communicate with a separate electronic device  590 , which can be a tablet, cell phone, laptop, PDA, entertainment console, watch, medical control console, etc. 
       FIG.  36    is a view of a nineteenth device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, indicated generally at  600 . Device  600  is configured to include a wire  602 , an arm  604 , and a head  606 . Arm  604  and head  606  include a protective layer  608 , which covers an adhesive layer. Head  606  is configured to include a temperature sensor  610 . Device  600  can be ear supported by wire  602 , with the adhesive layer securing arm  604  to a subject or patient’s forehead. Head portion  606  is configured to be bendable in area  612  to permit head  606  and sensor  610  to be positioned under an eyebrow on ABTT terminus  10 . The width of head  606  is such that heat  606  can be partially anchored on a patient’s nose as well as a portion of an eyelid adjacent ABTT terminus  10 . 
     While various embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, it is understood that these embodiments are not limited thereto. The embodiments can be changed, modified, and further applied by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these embodiments are not limited to the detail shown and described previously, but also include all such changes and modifications.