Patent Description:
Pulse oximetry is a technique to assess the peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO<NUM>) of blood in a non-invasive manner using an emitted and detected light signal. Typically, a red and infrared light signals are transmitted into the subject's finger by two light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the scattered light is detected by a photodiode at the other side of the finger, where the blood oxygen saturation is derived from the ratio of pulse amplitudes in the red and infrared light intensity. This utilizes a transmissive method. Alternatively, the LED and the photodiode can be placed on the same side of the finger so as to utilize the reflective method. The light can also be brought to the probe via one or more fibers, for instance one or more optical fibers. In this case, the light source is preferably the end of a fiber. There also may exist pulse oximeters using more than <NUM> wavelengths, in particular <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> wavelengths.

Although pulse oximetry is generally measured at the fingertip, other locations on the body are suitable (e.g. forehead, toe, ear lobe). Current probes, however, lack accuracy in their placement after installation, so that the pressure transfer from the device to the limb is not in a well-controlled manner, thereby leading to poor signal stability and contamination of the signal (e.g. measurement signal) by artefacts, such as motion artefacts.

For example, <CIT> discloses techniques for measuring one or more parameters of a subject using a probe having an optical assembly configured and operable for applying optical measurements to a measurement location in a subject and generating optical measured data indicative thereof comprising at least one of pulsatile and occlusion measurements, a pressure system configured and operable for controllably applying pressure to the subject in the vicinity of the measurement location and measuring pressure inside the pressure system and generating pressure data indicative thereof, and a control system configured and operable for receiving and processing the pressure data to identify whether the optical measured data is valid, and for processing the valid optical measured data and determining at least one relation between the valid optical measured data and the corresponding pressure data indicative of at least one parameter of the subject.

<CIT> discloses a clip-style sensor that includes a sliding clip, such as a flat spring that slides along the sensor to provide a closing force for the sensor, wherein the sensor is secured to the patient when the sliding clip is engaged.

A drawback of known probes is the problem of the different sizes in the limbs of infants of different age groups compared to the limbs of adults. The devices known from the past are only suitable for a small range of infants (for non-disposables) and may easily be misplaced by untrained personnel, therefore leading to incorrect results or even finger entrapment during measurement. Also, the optical measurement results delivered by the known devices are affected due to unsatisfactory pressure from the device body to the limb, e.g. finger, due to signal interference and reduced signal stability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb that enables accurate placement after installation while improving the pressure transfer from the device to the limb as well as increasing the signal stability.

In a first aspect of the present invention a device for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb is provided that comprises a body comprising an opening for receiving the limb therein, a movable means coupled to the body and movable relative to the body, a receiving element for receiving a physiological sensor configured for interacting light source with the limb received in the opening, wherein the body comprises a first section and a second section arranged as an extension of the first section in a longitudinal direction of the body, wherein the second section is dynamic/movable relative to the first section for defining the opening, wherein the moving means is coupled to the second section so as to adjust the size of the opening by moving the moving means, wherein the moving means is detachable, preferably entirely detachable, from the body, wherein the moving means is configured as a sliding means coupled to the second section at a joint position of the second section, wherein the sliding means is configured to stay still with respect to the joint position while being slit.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb is provided that comprises the steps of providing a body comprising an opening for receiving the limb therein, wherein the body comprises a first section and a second section arranged as an extension of the first section in a longitudinal direction of the body, wherein the second section is movable relative to the first section for defining the opening, providing a moving means coupled to the body and movable relative to the body, providing a receiving element for receiving a physiological sensor for interacting with the limb received in the opening, coupling the moving means to the second section so as to adjust the size of the opening by moving the moving means, wherein the moving means is detachable, preferably entirely detachable, from the body, wherein the method further comprises providing the moving means as a sliding means coupled to the second section at a joint position of the second section, wherein the sliding means is configured to stay still with respect to the joint position while being slit.

It shall be understood that the claimed method has similar and/or identical preferred embodiments as the claimed device and as defined in the dependent claims.

The present invention achieves an improved device for measuring a physiological parameter, in particular SpO<NUM> of blood, of a human limb which can be built with a plurality of alternative designs. The present invention is not restricted to measuring SpO<NUM>, but can be applied to measuring other physiological parameters such as pulse rate, dyshaemoglobin fractions (e.g. carboxy-hemoglobin and methemoglobin), electrocardiogram, pulse arrival time and blood sugar. The present invention may be integrated in a pulse oximeter.

In order to perform measurement of physiological parameters, a human limb, e.g. a finger or toe, can be placed to enter the opening of the device body. Preferably, the receiving means comprises, is coupled with or embeds the sensor, which further preferably comprises a light source for generating a measurement light signal and a light detector for detecting the measurement light signal after its interaction with the limb received in the opening of the device body. The light source generates a measurement light signal which interacts with the limb received in the opening and is detected by the light detector. For instance, if the light source is arranged on the same side as the light detector with respect to the received finger (i.e. the angle between the light source and the light detector is zero degree), the measurement is based on reflection of the measurement light signal at the finger. If the light source is arranged on the opposite side to the light detector with respect to the finger (i.e. the angle between the light source and the light detector is <NUM> degrees), the measurement is based on transmission of the measurement light signal through the finger. Other measurement settings where the angle between the light source and the light detector is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees are possible.

Further, the device according to the present invention is configured with a body that comprises a first section and a second section that is movable relative to the first section. The first section and the second section may be configured as first ring section and section ring section, respectively, to form together a ring, for instance a circular, triangular or quadratic ring.

In addition, the device comprises a moving means which is coupled to the second section, so that by moving the moving means the second section is moved relative to the first section, thereby changing the size of the opening defined by the first and second sections. The moving means is arranged as a separate entity from the body while being connectable to the second section using a connection element.

The moving means is configured as a sliding means which is slidable relative to the body, so that by sliding the sliding means the second section is moved relative to the first section to change the size of the opening. Alternatively, the moving means may be configured as a rotating means rotatable relative to the body, so that by rotating the rotating means the second section is moved relative to the first section to change the size of the opening. Further alternatively, the moving means may be configured as a deforming means which is deformable so as move the second section relative to the first section to change the size of the opening.

This differs from the devices known from the past, in particular from the one disclosed in the US patent document mentioned above, where the housing is configured without movable parts and a tray member is configured to slide in order to adjust the size of the cavity to the size of the finger. In the latter, there is no coupling between the tray member and a movable part of the housing so as to adjust the cavity size by sliding.

The present invention enables to improve the stability of the measurement signal since the limb, e.g. the finger, can be placed in a more secure manner within the opening for performing the measurement. In particular, the finger can be more rigidly received against moving or pressing the finger by mistake during measurements, thereby reducing signal interferences of the measurement. Also, the size of the opening can be adjusted effectively to safely receive fingers/toes of different sizes.

Preferably, the moving means, particularly when configured as sliding means, is slidable in a sliding direction, wherein the second section is movable relative to, in particular away from or towards, the first section in the sliding direction. The sliding direction may be in a longitudinal direction of the body. Further preferably, the sliding means is coupled to the second section at a joint position of the body so that the sliding means stays still with respect to at least the joint position while sliding.

In a preferable embodiment, the moving means is detachable, preferably entirely detachable, from the body. The moving means can be entirely detached from the body of the device, so that there is no connection between the body and the moving means. Advantageously, the body and the moving means can be more easily replaced if one of them is defect.

In another preferable embodiment, the body comprises a flexible section opposite to the second section with respect to the first section, the flexible section being movable relative to the first section. The flexible section is connected to the first section, thereby providing an effective grip. In particular, the flexible section is preferably made of an elastic material, so that the flexible section tends to return to its released state due to the elasticity. Also, due to its elasticity, the flexible section is able to absorb forces wrongly applied to the body so that the measurement signal remains stable.

In a further preferable embodiment, the flexible section comprises a press surface for pressing in order to slide the moving means, wherein the press surface comprises preferably a convex surface when no external force is applied to the press surface. The moving means is therefore coupled to the flexible section and to the second section simultaneously. This strengthens the coupling between the body and the moving means, so that the adjustment of the size of the opening is more effective. A convex press surface is advantageous for sliding the moving means since it improves the sensibility of the press surface e.g. over a planar surface, so that the user can find the proper surface to press in order to slide the moving means without the need of visual contact to the press surface. Further preferably, the body has a mushroom-like cross-section along its longitudinal direction between the flexible section and the second section. The flexible section may form a second opening with the first section.

Alternatively, a front and/or a rear surface may be provided to cover the spacing between the flexible section and the first section. Further alternatively, the flexible section may be configured to extend from the first section to the top of the body opposite to the second section to form a closed surface between the first section and the top of the body. In this way, erroneous use of the device, e.g. inserting a finger into a wrong opening, as well as misplacement of the device may be prevented.

In a further preferable embodiment, the flexible section is configured to extend laterally beyond the first section to form two concave surfaces for supporting the body. The concaves surfaces are advantageous for gripping the device, in particular using three fingers, so that the device can be more easily held with increased stability. Preferably, the concave surfaces can be advantageously used for supporting the body while pressing the press surface, in particular using three fingers including two fingers supporting from below the concave surfaces and one finger onto the press surface of the flexible section.

Preferably, a rigid side part is provided to maintain the concave form of the concave surfaces. In particular, the rigid side part may have a form that corresponds to the concave surfaces of the flexible section, so that the concave form can be maintained more effectively. Alternatively or additionally, the rigid side part is integrated to the moving means, so that when the moving means is coupled to the body, the rigid side part is preferably in direct or indirect contact with the concave surfaces.

In a further preferable embodiment, the moving means is arranged on a rear side of the body opposite to a front side for receiving the limb. This facilitates the optical measurement since the entering of the limb such as finger is not hindered by the moving means.

In a further preferable embodiment, the device is operable in a closed state in which the second section is released and an open state in which the second section is moved away from the first section by sliding the moving means. The device can be effectively operated to conduce optical measurements of physiological parameters.

In a further preferable embodiment, the second section comprises, preferably is made of, an elastic material such as a silicone-like and/or a rubber-like material, further preferably silicone-rubber, so that when the device is in the released state, the second section is reset to close the opening. In this way, the second section is able to automatically close the opening whenever it is released from external forces or when the magnitude of external forces applied to move the second section away from the first section are below a threshold value. The limb can be securely received by the device. This is particularly advantageous when measurements are performed at limbs of small sizes, such as fingers of infants.

In a further preferable embodiment, the moving means comprises a first (e.g. top) part and a second (e.g. bottom) part for being inserted into the body. The moving means may further comprise a third (e.g. middle) part arranged between the first and the second part. In particular, the first part of the moving mans, particularly when configured as sliding means, can be inserted into a top section of the body (e.g. the flexible section) that is opposite to the second section with respect to the first section. In this way, the moving means can be <NUM>. slid by pressing the top section, e.g. the flexible section, of the body so that the pressure is transferred to the moving means via its first part. The second part of the moving means can be inserted into the second section. The optional third part is preferably configured as a longitudinal board connecting the first part with the second part of the moving means. Alternatively, the body of the dev ice can be casted around the other parts.

In a further preferable embodiment, the sensor is arranged at, preferably embedded into, the second part of the moving means. In particular, at least one of the light source and the light detector can be arranged at, preferably embedded into the third part of the moving means.

In a further preferable embodiment, a guiding means for guiding the moving means when sliding is attached to the body. In this way, the sliding movement of the moving means is a guided movement so that the adjustment of the size of the opening for receiving a limb is more controllable. The sensor may be arranged at, preferably embedded into the guiding means. In particular, at least one of the light source and the light detector can be arranged at, preferably embedded into the guiding means. Preferably, the guiding means is a part of the device, so that the device is configured in a three-part form.

In a further preferable embodiment, the guiding means is insertable into a recess of the first section and/or is arranged to engage the moving means, preferably a middle part of the moving means, the recess being preferably arranged on a top side of the first section opposite to the second section with respect to the first section. In this way, the guiding means can be safely coupled to the body of the device and/or the moving means. The guiding means has preferably two protrusions on the rear side of the body, between which the middle part of the moving means is guided while sliding the moving means. Alternatively, the body can be casted around the guiding and moving means. Alternatively or additionally, the guiding means can be replaced by varying the density of the body by changing the wall thickness surrounding, preferably the first section. Therefore this section will not deform and work as a guide.

In a further preferable embodiment, the sensor is arranged at, preferably embedded into, the first section and/or the second section. In particular, one of the light source and the light detector is embedded in the first section, while the other one of the light detector and the light source is embedded in the second section, thereby facilitating the measurement based on light reflexion.

Pulse oximetry is the technique to assess the oxygen saturation (SpO<NUM>) of blood in a non-invasive manner. Since its introduction in the clinic in the <NUM>'s, it has become a standard of care in various clinical settings. A pulse oximeter probe is usually applied to a fingertip. Red and infrared light is generated by a light source, for instance by two light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and transmitted into the tissue, and the scattered light is recorded by a light detector, for instance by a photodiode at the other side of the finger. The cardiac-induced pulsations in the blood volume manifest themselves as pulsations in the detected light intensity. The oxygen saturation is derived from the ratio of pulse amplitudes in the red and infrared light intensity, where the relationship results from a difference in color of oxygen-bound and oxygen-unbound hemoglobin.

The most ideal location to obtain a pulse oximetry signal is the finger tip or toe because the pulsatile optical signal is very strong on these locations, and the body site is easy to access. There are three types of mechanisms of attachment of pulse oximetry probes for fingers and toes. These probes operate preferably in a transmission geometry, where the detector and the emitter are at opposite sides of the finger.

For children, the size of the fingers and toes is significantly smaller compared to those of adults, so that special probes need to be designed to be suitable for these smaller sizes. For these designs it has not yet been realized to make a single probe that can fit on both large and small fingers and toes.

Further, the devices known from the past are insufficient in terms of stability of the measurement signal. In particular, the signal interference, e.g. caused by wrongly holding the device or pressing the finger or toe leading to erroneous pressures transferred to the sensor, remains high so that the measured physiological parameters are not reliable.

The invention solves the above problems by providing a device with improved positioning of the limb in the opening defined by the first and second sections of the body.

Without limiting the present invention, the following exemplarily embodiments will be described in detail in the following by referring to a moving means that is configured as sliding means. However, it is noted that the following description also holds and the technical effects of the invention may also be achieved for other embodiments in which the moving means is configured differently, e.g. as rotating means or deforming means.

<FIG> show a first embodiment of a device <NUM> according to the invention in three different perspective views. The device <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a sliding means <NUM> (representing a non-limiting embodiment of moving means). The body <NUM> comprises a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>, which is here preferably arranged as an extension of the first section <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the body <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> define an opening <NUM> between each other for receiving a limb (not shown), such as a finger of a patient.

As shown in the perspective views of <FIG>, the device <NUM> has a front side <NUM> and a rear side <NUM> opposite to the front side <NUM>, wherein the sliding means <NUM> is attached to the body <NUM> from the rear side <NUM>. As will be shown in more detail below, the sliding means <NUM> can be slid along a sliding direction, preferably the longitudinal direction of the body <NUM> relatively to the body <NUM>. The second section <NUM> is movable relative to the first section <NUM>, preferably along the sliding direction of the sliding means <NUM>.

Preferably, the second section <NUM> is made of an elastic material so that it can be deformed by pulling downwards, thereby enlarging the opening <NUM> leading to an open state of the device <NUM>, and reset to close the opening <NUM> thereby leading to the (original) closed state of the device <NUM>. The sliding means <NUM> is coupled to the second section <NUM> so as to adjust the size of the opening <NUM> by sliding the sliding means <NUM>. While sliding, the sliding means <NUM> stays still with respect to a joint position of the second section <NUM> at which the sliding means is coupled to the second section <NUM>.

Further preferably, as can be seen in <FIG>, the sliding means <NUM> is configured to form a back wall to the opening <NUM> on the rear side <NUM> so that the depth of insertion of a limb, e.g. a finger, is limited to the distance between the front side <NUM> and the sliding means <NUM>.

Further preferably, the device <NUM> further comprises a guiding means <NUM> for guiding the sliding movement of the sliding means <NUM>. The guiding means <NUM> preferably comprises two protrusions on the rear surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>, for instance at the height of the first section <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, wherein the protrusions are configured to engage the sliding means <NUM>. In <FIG>, the sliding means <NUM> and the guiding means <NUM> are attached to the body <NUM>. Preferably, all three parts, namely the body <NUM>, the sliding means <NUM> and the guiding means <NUM>, are configured so that the device <NUM> does not function without any of them. This is advantageous for effective controlling of the device <NUM> to avoid wrong mounting or measurement operation that may lead to erroneous measurement results.

<FIG> shows an explosive view of the device <NUM> of <FIG>. Here, the sliding means <NUM> and the guiding means <NUM> are detached from the body <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the body <NUM> further comprises a flexible section <NUM> opposite to the second section <NUM> with respect to the first section <NUM>, the flexible section <NUM> being movable relative to the first section <NUM>. The flexible section <NUM> extends from the top side of the body <NUM> towards the top side where the first section <NUM> is arranged. The flexible section <NUM> is configured as an extension of the first section <NUM> towards the top side. Further, the flexible section <NUM> comprises a convex press surface <NUM> facing upwards for pressing in order to slide the sliding means <NUM>, e.g. using a finger. Preferably, the flexible section <NUM> is made of an elastic material so that it can be deformed by pressing downwards and reset to the convex form when released from the pressure. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the flexible section <NUM> and the first section <NUM> form in between themselves an additional opening <NUM>.

Further, the flexible section <NUM> is configured to form two concave surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> each on one of two side portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> and facing downwards for supporting the body <NUM>, e.g. using two fingers. In this way, the device <NUM> can be held using three fingers. The flexible section <NUM>, the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> are preferably configured to enable a mushroom-like form.

The sliding means <NUM> preferably comprises a top part <NUM>, a middle part <NUM> and a bottom part <NUM>, the middle part <NUM> being arranged between the top part <NUM> and the bottom part <NUM>. The top part <NUM> is configured to insert into a top section of the body <NUM>, preferably the flexible section <NUM>, while the bottom part <NUM> of the sliding means <NUM> is configured to insert into the second section <NUM>. The middle part <NUM> is preferably configured as a longitudinal board.

The guiding means <NUM> is configured to engage the sliding means <NUM>, preferably the middle part <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG> and without limiting the present invention, the middle part <NUM> comprises a guiding track on its two longitudinal edges. The guiding means <NUM> is configured to engage the middle part <NUM> preferably in a form-locking manner so that the guiding means <NUM> is slidable along the middle part <NUM>. The guiding means <NUM> is further preferably configured to insert into the body <NUM> at the height of the first section <NUM>, wherein two rigid side parts <NUM> are preferably provided to maintain the concave form of the concave surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> when the guiding means is <NUM> is inserted into the body <NUM>. The additional opening <NUM> is configured to allow sufficient space for sliding and prevent excessive pressure on the first section <NUM> when the device <NUM> is being open (i.e. when the opening <NUM> is being enlarged by the sliding motion). Further preferably, a recess <NUM> is formed on the top side of the first section <NUM>. A central portion <NUM> of the guiding means <NUM> is arranged between the two rigid side parts <NUM>.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> further comprises a receiving element for receiving a sensor, the sensor comprising a light source for generating a measurement light signal and a light detector for detecting the measurement light signal after its interaction with the limb received in the opening. In this way, physiological parameters such as SpO<NUM> can be measured for the limb.

For instance, the sensor may be embedded into the body <NUM>, the sliding means <NUM> and/or the guiding means <NUM>. In particular, for performing optical measurements in a transmission geometry, one of the light source and the light detector may be embedded into the first section <NUM> or the guiding means <NUM> (e.g. the central portion <NUM>) while the other one of the light source and the light detector may be embedded into the second section <NUM> or the bottom part <NUM> of the sliding means <NUM>. In this way, the light source and the light detector are arranged on two opposite sides with respect to the opening <NUM> and consequently with respect to a limb received by the opening <NUM>.

For performing optical measurements in a reflexion geometry, both the light emitter and the light detector are arranged in the first section <NUM>, the second section <NUM>, the bottom part <NUM> of the sliding means <NUM> or the guiding means <NUM> (e.g. the central portion <NUM>). In this way, both the light source and the light detector are arranged on the same side with respect to the opening <NUM> and consequently with respect to the limb received by the opening <NUM>.

Preferably, since the sensor is embedded within the body <NUM>, the sliding means <NUM> and/or the guiding means <NUM>, the sensor can be better protected by reducing or avoiding dirt or external pollution within the opening which may interfere with the sensor. Embedding all parts in a single element, prevents external elements not only to interfere with the signal but also keeps the mechanism protected from getting clog.

<FIG> shows the device <NUM> being held in the closed state. As can be seen in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is held by three fingers, two supporting the body <NUM> from below the concave surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and one touching the press surface <NUM> of the flexible section <NUM> from the top side. No pressure is applied to the press surface <NUM> so that the second section <NUM> is reset to close the opening <NUM>. In this state, the opening <NUM> may be completely closed (i.e. the second section <NUM> form-lockingly touches the first section <NUM> from below) or be closed to a minimum opening size.

<FIG> shows the device <NUM> being operated in the open state. As can be seen in <FIG>, the device <NUM> is held while a pressure is applied to the press surface <NUM> from the top side downwards as indicated by an arrow <NUM>. This pressure is transferred to the sliding means <NUM> via the top part <NUM> of the sliding means <NUM> which is inserted into the flexible section <NUM> of the body <NUM>, thereby leading to a sliding movement of the sliding means <NUM> along the longitudinal direction indicated by the arrow <NUM>. The sliding movement of the sliding means <NUM> is guided by the guiding means <NUM> as described in conjunction with <FIG> above.

Since the sliding means <NUM> is further coupled to the second section <NUM>, the latter is thereby moved downwards so as to enlarge the size of the opening <NUM>. During the application of the pressure, the two fingers supporting the body <NUM> at the two concave surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> serve as a resistance which prevents the body <NUM> of the device <NUM>, in particular the first section <NUM>, from moving downwards. This can be further facilitated by the rigid side parts <NUM> or alternatively by changing the density of the material used for the side portions <NUM>, <NUM> for maintaining the form of the concave surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, any limb such as finger or toe having a size that is smaller or equal to the opening <NUM> in the open state of the device <NUM> can be received by inserting into the opening <NUM> from the front side <NUM> of the device <NUM>. After the limb has been received in the opening <NUM> and its position within the opening <NUM> has been adjusted, the pressure can be released from the press surface <NUM>. The second section <NUM> than is reset to close the opening <NUM>, thereby applying resetting forces to tighten the received limb so as to enable safe attachment of the device <NUM> to the limb. Alternatively or additionally, the inner surface of the opening <NUM> facing the limb to be received is configured so, e.g. as an anti-friction surface, that the device <NUM> can be prevented from sliding off the limb, such as finger or toe.

Preferably, the device <NUM> may be provided with different resetting forces depending on the size of the opening <NUM> in the open state. For instance, the resetting force may be smaller for limbs of smaller sizes, e.g. fingers of neonates, which have a lower central venous pressure and weaker fingers, compared to children or adults. The elastic material, of which the body <NUM>, in particular the second section <NUM> and/or the flexible section <NUM> are made of, may comprise silicone or silicone rubber.

Instead of using the guiding means <NUM> to guide the sliding means <NUM>, the guiding means <NUM> may be omitted so that the device <NUM> comprises only the body <NUM> and the sliding means <NUM> (two-part form). In order to guide the sliding means <NUM> while sliding, the body <NUM> is preferably built to have a varying density so that first section <NUM> is rigid against sliding movement of the sliding means <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the device <NUM> can be held using only three fingers which touch the body <NUM> without touching the sliding means <NUM> or the guiding means <NUM>.

During the measurement, if the limb, e.g. finger, inside the opening <NUM> is pressed downwards, it is achieved that the device <NUM> does not open. In this way, signal interferences of the measurement is reduced over the devices known from the past. When the finger is press downwards, the reacting force of the surface will be applied on the bottom of the second section (<NUM>) along with the sliding (<NUM>), which will push upwards the limp (finger) on the opening (<NUM>) and at the same time the limp (finger) will push upwards the first section (<NUM>). Everything will be move upwards without changing the pressure on the limp (finger). Since there is no resistance on <NUM> and <NUM>, the probe will not open. Further, it is also achieved that the pressure onto both ends of the sensor is not increased. Another advantage is associated with the way the device <NUM> is opened: pressure needs to be applied to the press surface <NUM> in order to bring the device <NUM> into the open state. This is requirement provides an obstacle to open the device <NUM> thereby preventing the device <NUM> from being mistakenly used, e.g. by small children.

Also, the chance of entrapment of the limb such as finger is reduced compared to devices known from the past. In particular, the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> may be made of soft elastic material such that even larger fingers will not get trapped after being received in the opening <NUM>. This elastic material together with the depth limitation using the back wall of the sliding means <NUM> (see <FIG> above) reduces the entrapment risk significantly even further.

When the device <NUM> is attached to the finger as described above (see <FIG>), the position of the finger and consequently the resetting force that is applied to the finger is more stably maintained compared to known devices since by arranging the opening <NUM> within the length of the sliding means <NUM>, the device <NUM> according the present invention is more rigid against external forces. In particular, once pressures are applied from outside the device <NUM> to the device <NUM> (e.g. a fist grapping the device <NUM> from the outside while compressing the device <NUM> or a grasping motion), such pressures are not transferred directly to the finger and the sensor affecting the measurement. When the device is held from the outside and it is not held such that resistance is created on <NUM> and <NUM>, the pressure is applied on the sliding means (<NUM>) in particular on <NUM> and <NUM> not affecting the pressure on the limb (finger) nor tightening or opening the probe.

<FIG> show three additional embodiments of the device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. In all these embodiments, the device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are similar to that of <FIG> except that the flexible section <NUM> is configured to extend from the first section to the top of the body <NUM> opposite to the second section <NUM> to form a closed surface between the first section <NUM> and the top of the body <NUM>. In this way, erroneous use of the device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. inserting a finger into a wrong opening (e.g. the additional opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>), as well as misplacement of the device may be prevented.

<FIG> show a fifth embodiment of the device <NUM>. In this embodiment, the device <NUM> comprises a flexible body <NUM>, which is shown separately in <FIG>, and a rigid arrangement <NUM> which is shown separately in <FIG>. The flexible body <NUM> comprises a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>, which is movable along a longitudinal direction <NUM> indicated by an arrow relative to the first section <NUM>. In this way, an opening (not explicitly shown in <FIG>) can be formed between the first and the second section for receiving a limb such as finger or toe. The flexible body <NUM> further comprises a top section <NUM> similar to the embodiments shown in <FIG> and opposite to the second section <NUM> with respect to the first section <NUM>. The second section <NUM> is preferably elastic so that it is reset to close the opening when no external force is applied to the flexible body <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the rigid arrangement <NUM> comprises a sliding means configured as a rigid plunger section <NUM>. The plunger section <NUM> comprises a middle part <NUM> arranged between a top part <NUM> and a bottom part <NUM>. The rigid arrangement <NUM> further comprises a guiding means configured as a rigid holder section <NUM> that can be slidably attached to the middle part <NUM> of the plunger section <NUM>.

The rigid plunger section <NUM> is configured to house electronic elements which preferably includes a USB cable when used with the reflective measurement geometry. The rigid holder section <NUM> is configured to create the touching surface for the limb. Together with the plunger section <NUM>, the holder section <NUM> determines the adjustment range of the size of the opening for different limb sizes. The holder section <NUM> may also be configured to hold secondary electronics to have LEDs and a photovoltaic (PV) cell on opposite sides of the limb. The flexible body <NUM> is configured to hold both the rigid plunger section <NUM> and the rigid holder section <NUM>. Further, the flexible body <NUM> may also be configured to provide visual usage feedback and create good and correct hold.

In <FIG>, the device <NUM> is shown in a view where the flexible body <NUM> and the rigid arrangement <NUM> are assembled. In particular, the top part <NUM> of the plunger section <NUM> is attached to the top section <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>, wherein the bottom part <NUM> of the plunger section <NUM> is attached to the second section <NUM> and the holder part <NUM> is attached to the first section <NUM>.

In this way, the plunger section <NUM> can be slid relative to the holder part <NUM> by pressing the flexible top section <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>, thereby moving the second section <NUM> away from the first section <NUM>, so that the size of the opening for receiving a limb can be enlarged.

Claim 1:
Device (<NUM>) for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb, comprising:
- a body (<NUM>) comprising an opening (<NUM>) for receiving the limb therein,
- a moving means (<NUM>) coupled to the body (<NUM>) and movable relative to the body (<NUM>),
- a receiving element for receiving a physiological sensor configured for interacting with the limb received in the opening,
wherein the body (<NUM>) comprises a first section (<NUM>) and a second section (<NUM>) arranged as an extension of the first section (<NUM>) in a longitudinal direction of the body (<NUM>), wherein the second section (<NUM>) is movable relative to the first section (<NUM>) for defining the opening (<NUM>), wherein the moving means (<NUM>) is coupled to the second section (<NUM>) so as to adjust the size of the opening (<NUM>) by moving the moving means (<NUM>)
wherein the moving means (<NUM>) is detachable, preferably entirely detachable, from the body (<NUM>);
wherein the moving means is configured as a sliding means (<NUM>) coupled to the second section (<NUM>) at a joint position of the second section (<NUM>), wherein the sliding means (<NUM>) is configured to stay still with respect to the joint position while being slid and
wherein the second section (<NUM>) is made of an elastic material.