Abstract: The invention provides a device that measures a patient's blood pressure without using an inflatable cuff. The device includes an optical module featuring an optical source and a first optical sensor that generates a first set of information; a flexible, thin-film pressure sensor that generates a second set of information; and a processing module, configured to receive and process the first and second sets of information to calculate a time-dependent blood pressure value.

Abstract: A frequency analyzer carries out a frequency analysis on a pulse wave signal output from a pulse wave detector. A candidate extractor extracts candidate spectrum peaks from a frequency analysis result of the frequency analyzer. A phase variation calculator calculates variations in phase angle of each of the extracted candidate spectrum peaks, and a spectrum peak selector selects a target spectrum peak from among the extracted candidate spectrum peaks based on their respective variations in phase angle. A pulse rate is calculated using the target spectrum peak.

Abstract: A pressure-pulse-wave detecting probe for detecting a pressure pulse wave generated by an artery of a living subject, including: (a) a sensor portion which has at least one pressure detecting element and a press surface that is to be positioned manually by an operator, relative to the artery of the subject, and is to be pressed manually by the operator, against the artery of the subject via a body surface of the subject, such that the pressure pulse wave is detected by the above-described at least one pressure detecting element which is arranged on the press surface; and (b) an indicator which is provided to be integral with the sensor portion, and provides an indication as to whether a value of pressure detected by each of the above-described at least one pressure detecting element is suitable for detecting of the pressure pulse wave or not.

Abstract: A sensor array having a plurality of pressure sensors arranged on a measurement surface, a pressurization portion for pressing the sensor array laid across an artery of a living body, a sensor signal selection portion for selecting a pressure signal among pressure signals from the plurality of pressure sensors, a filter portion having a cutoff frequency variable corresponding to an instruction, and a filter control portion for providing an instruction to vary a value of the cutoff frequency are included. The filter control portion switches the cutoff frequency in a situation wherein a plurality of pressure signals respectively obtained from the plurality of pressure sensors are successively switched and output by the sensor signal selection portion to specify the pressure sensor for pulse wave detection, and in a situation wherein the pulse wave is detected from the specified pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sphygmomanometer having 3D positioning function, which comprises a microprocessor chip which is coupled individually to a microprocessor chip which is coupled individually to a pressure sensor, an alarm unit, a storing unit, a 3D acceleration sensor chip, a display device, a driving device, and an air valve, so that when a person's blood pressure is measured, the 3D acceleration sensor chip detects the spatial position of the measuring cuff of the sphygmomanometer and sends the parameters related to the detected spatial position to the microprocessor chip. In the meantime, the microprocessor chip will retrieve a predetermined range of the parameters related to the spatial position from the storing unit, and compare such range with the value of the detected parameters. If the values of the detected parameters fall beyond the predetermined range of parameters, the microprocessor chip will issue an alarm through the alarm unit until the spatial position is correct.

Abstract: A cuff of a wrist-mount blood pressure monitor includes an inflatable bag to which a predetermined quantity of fluid is supplied in order to press predetermined artery of a wrist, and a fixing member for mounting the inflatable bag on the wrist. The fixing member has a first half split ring-shaped fixing tool and a second half split ring-shaped fixing tool having an approximately ring shape with rigidity for preventing elastic deformation in a state where the inflatable bag is inflated.

Abstract: Portable pulse rate detecting device for contact with human body tissue, including a light-emitting source for emitting radiant energy directed at through human body tissue; at least first and second light detectors for detecting intensity of radiant energy after propagation through human body tissue and for providing first and second input signals as a function of such propagation, a detecting device for providing a motion reference signal, and processing means for removing motion-related contributions from the first and second input signals and subtracting a calculated model based on the motion reference signal from each of the first and second input signals, wherein the processing means is also for removing measurement noise and residual non-modeled contributions from the first and second enhanced signals using a noise reduction algorithm.

Abstract: A wristwatch with the function of sensing heart pulses having a watch housing on whose surface a liquid crystal display (LCD) is disposed. A voltage sensor is positioned within the watch housing for detecting the voltage frequency change during the blood circulation. The voltage sensor includes two electric terminals one of which is mounted on a bottom cover of the watch housing to permit a close contact with one hand wrist, and the other consists of two pieces of conductive rubber strips on the front surface of the insulated wristband for fingers of another hand to touch thereon. Both electric terminals are coupled by both hands while the detected voltage change frequency undergoes a static electric filtration by inductors and is transmitted to a filter shaping circuit for creating signals that are brought into a central processing unit to perform the processing and the calculating actions thereof. So, the processed result of the heart pulse rate is presented on the LCD.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring a user's arterial blood pressure has a sensor adapted to continuously detect the blood pressure and to generate signals representative thereof by contact with an external surface of the user's body at a location adjacent an artery. The sensor is securely held in operable contact with the user's body at the location. A microprocessor interprets the signals generated by the sensor to determine the actual arterial blood pressure. The sensor includes a projecting portion for detecting and transmitting changes in blood pressure, wherein the projecting portion is adapted to effect at least partial occlusion of the artery at the location.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for determining the blood pressure, in which a pressure sensor is applied to an individual's limb to detect the blood pressure prevailing in said limb. According to the present invention, the orientation of the limb is detected by means of an orientation sensing unit, and the detected blood pressure is corrected in an evaluating unit in response to the limb's detected orientation.

Abstract: There is provided a pulse detecting device which resists fluctuations in the quality by locating an ultrasound transmitting piezoelectric element and an ultrasound receiving piezoelectric element with high precision. In the pulse detecting device, a detection sensitivity of the pulse is improved. A transmitting piezoelectric element and a receiving piezoelectric element are fixed onto a substrate by electrodes. The transmitting piezoelectric element is excited in response to an inputted drive voltage signal to generate an ultrasound and transmits the generated ultrasound to a living body. The receiving piezoelectric element receives an echo produced by reflecting the ultrasound transmitted into the living body by a blood flow of the living body and converts it into a voltage signal. A processing arithmetic unit compares the frequency of the ultrasound generated by the transmitting piezoelectric element with that of the echo received in the receiving piezoelectric element to thereby detect a pulse.

Abstract: A wrist-worn apparatus capable of sensing pulsation of blood in the blood tubes of a user's wrist with high accuracy. The apparatus comprises a body of the apparatus, a band to be used to wear the body of the apparatus on the user's wrist, and a fluid-containing pulsation-sensing fluid chamber provided on the user's wrist side of the case. A part of an outer wall that defines the fluid chamber comprises an elastically deformable member that is elastically deformed depending on pulsation of blood transmitted from the band to thereby change the fluid pressure within the fluid chamber. A deformation preventing member is bonded by vulcanization to a part of a side of the deformable member that will come into contact with the user's wrist for preventing the part of the deformable member from being elastically deformed.

Abstract: A pulse wave analyzing apparatus that detects a pulse wave from a living body and computes a waveform distortion factor and determines a waveform shape for performing a diagnosis of a condition of the living body.

Abstract: A device (1) for monitoring a vital sign of a living subject, comprising a measuring unit (2) for measuring at least one physical quantity indicative of said vital sign at an area (8) overlying an artery (7) of the subject, which measuring unit (2) is provided on a carrier (3) to be worn by the subject during operation, and a processing unit (4) for processing the measured physical quantity into a value for the vital sign, which device (1) is provided with at least one detector (5) for detecting the position of the measuring unit (2) relative to the artery (7) of the subject during operation and for actuating a feedback signal (Ufeedback) in dependence on this position. The user can move the device (1) relative to the artery (7) until the feedback signal (Ufeedback) is given, and thus a correct positioning of the measuring unit (2) relative to the artery (7) is achieved in an easy manner.

Abstract: A probe for application to a body part particularly a finger of a patent to detect a change in the physical condition of the patient includes a housing defining a compartment closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving the distal end of the patient's finger and a medium wholly self-contained within the probe for applying a static pressure field substantially uniformly around the distal end of the patient's finger, of a predetermined magnitude sufficient to substantially prevent distention of the venous vasculature, uncontrolled venous backflow, and retrograde shockwave propagation into the distal end, and to partially unload the wall tension of, but not to occlude, the arteries in the distal end when at heart level or below. A sensor senses changes in the distal end of the patient's finger related to changes in arterial blood volume therein.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic element (1, 11, 21) having high flexural strength at short overall length for the use in a stabilization device (100) for bones or vertebrae is provided. The elastic element (1, 11, 21) is provided in the form of an essentially cylindrical body, wherein an elastic portion comprising at least two coaxial helical springs is provided. All coils of the helical springs have the same lead (&agr;) and are arranged so that the coils (3) of one helical spring extend between the coils (4) of the other helical spring at least in a portion. The elastic element (1, 11, 21) thus formed can be part of a bone screw (60, 80, 101, 101′), of a rod-shaped element (50) or of other elements used in a stabilization device (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic wrist-worn device, such as a heart rate monitor, a sportsman's watch or a diving computer, and its control method. The outside of the casing of the device comprises a bottom surface to be placed against the wrist, a top surface (304), and a side surface (308) between the bottom surface and the top surface (304). On the top surface (304) of the casing there is provided a first display (306) connected to the control electronics. On the side surface (308) of the casing there is provided a second display (400, 402, 404; 406) connected to the control electronics. The best viewing angle of the first display (306) and the best viewing angle of the second display (400, 402, 404; 406) are at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees with respect to each other.

Abstract: A wrist type bloodpressure monitor (1) is provided with an interface connector (16) for calibration purposes. The correct values of the blood pressure are measured with a calibration device (20) including an upper arm blood pressure measuring monitor (11). The values (D′, S′) measured in this way are used to recalibrate the wrist type blood pressure monitor (1). The wrist type blood pressure monitor (1) is therefore provided with an editable memory (5) for the purpose of recalibration.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wrist blood pressure monitoring device comprising a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal, an applicator unit for applying the pressure sensor against the wrist area of a subject's lower arm, an evaluating unit for evaluating the pressure signal, and an inclination detecting device for detecting the inclination of the blood pressure monitoring device and for delivering an electrical inclination signal corresponding to the inclination. According to the invention, the inclination detecting device comprises at least one movable, in particular pendulum-type positioning element and an inclination sensing device cooperating with the positioning element and including at least one sensing element movable with the positioning element and formed in particular by an optically reflecting, wedge-shaped arc section of the positioning element, and at least one further sensing element having in particular a reflected light barrier.

Abstract: A blood pressure can be obtained by supplying an external pressure to a portion of an artery. The external pressure is preferably between the systolic and diastolic pressure. An event which occurs at least once a cycle can then be identified. This event can be, for example, a peak in the arterial compliance that occurs at a transmural pressure approximately equal to zero. A pair of signals, one that is an arterial volume-indicating signal, and one that is an arterial pressure-indicating signal can be used to identify this event. Alternately, a small signal high-frequency exciter component can be placed upon the pressure or volume of the artery and detected to determine the time that the transmural pressure is equal to zero.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement for measuring a pressure signal from a living body. The measuring arrangement comprises a sensor structure comprising a converter for converting the effect of the pressure signal measured from the body into an electrical signal. The measuring arrangement of the invention comprises a pressure transmission structure prior to the converter in the sensor structure, the pressure transmission structure comprising one or more pressure transmission elements. The pressure transmission structure is, through one or more pressure transmission elements, meant to be in direct or indirect contact with the body for detecting the pressure signal measurable from the body.

Abstract: A vital signal detecting apparatus comprises an attachable device to be attached to a finger, a sensor having a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, and a transmitting circuit for transmitting a signal waveform as a pulse wave from the sensor to a pulse wave monitoring unit. The pulse wave detecting unit also has an attachment detecting circuit for detecting whether or not the attachable device is in an attached state by comparing a signal waveform obtained when the light-emitting device is on with a signal waveform obtained when the light-emitting device is off and an operation control circuit for controlling the operation of the sensor, the transmitting circuit and the attachment detecting circuit. Preferably, the light-transmitting plate is disposed above the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device to pass light therethrough, and the light transmitting plate may be an IR-cut filter capable of blocking light of wavelengths greater than 700 nm.

Abstract: A pulse wave sensor includes a detecting element and a sensor body. The pulse wave sensor is worn on the back side of a user's wrist corresponding to the back of the user's hand. The detecting element includes a translucent member on its top, and the translucent member has a convex surface. The detecting element is attached on the back side of the user's wrist by a dedicated belt so that the convex surface of the translucent member is in intimate contact with the surface of the user's skin. The sensor body is attached on the back side of the user's wrist by another dedicated belt so that it is arranged on the detecting element. A cushion is arranged between the sensor body and the detecting element. The pulse wave sensor can stably detect the pulse wave without being affected by the movement of the user's wrist.

Abstract: A system (10) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location (18, 20, and 22a-22e) and for providing emergency treatment. The system (10) comprises, a first member (12a) adaptable to be worn on a person's first hand and a second member (12b) adaptable to be worn on a person's second hand. The members (12a and 12b) comprise a plurality of diagnostic devices and a defibrillator device. A transmitting unit for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location is provided.

Abstract: The heart failure (HF) status of a patient is determined based on the morphology of a signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. The signal can be a plethysmography signal that is produced by a implantable sensor or a non-implanted sensor. The signal can be produced by a chronically implantable sensor. In one embodiment, a time derivative signal is produced based on a signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. The time derivation signal can be used to determine maximum and minium peaks of,the signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. Alternatively, HF status can be assessed directly from the time derivative signal.

Abstract: A device for sensing blood pressure of an underlying artery of a patient includes a housing having a sensing region and a pivot region. The sensing region is pivotable about the pivot region in response to a hold down pressure applied at the sensing region by a user. The device includes a sensor interface assembly that is supported by the sensing region. The sensor interface assembly includes a sensing surface suited for engaging tissue adjacent the artery for sensing pressure from the artery. A wrist connection holds the housing adjacent the patient's wrist.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes a body 10 and a cuff 20 which is integrally attached to the body 10 and wrapped around the wrist. The body 10 is attached to the cuff 20 such that the body is located on the thumb side of the arm L when the sphygmomanometer is fitted on the wrist. Consequently, a precise blood pressure measurement and precise blood pressure fluctuation can be obtained without restriction on the location where the blood pressure measurement is conducted.

Abstract: A method and a sensor holding and positioning device. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor base having two feet, the base forming a raised bridge between the two feet. The bridge has one or more cross members spanning all or part of the space between the two feet. A sensor suspension including a sensor holder and sensor-height-adjustment mechanism is coupled by a pivot-arm axle to the sensor base, such that the sensor suspension is able to rotate in an arc about the long axis of the axle. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor attached to the sensor holder of the sensor suspension. In another such embodiment, the sensor suspension is able to slide back and forth along a line parallel to the long axis of the axle. Another aspect is a method for positioning a sensor over the radial artery, for example in a human's wrist. Yet another aspect is a pulse-waveform acquisition system.

Abstract: There is described a device and a method for detecting the pulse rate. The measuring principle consists of emitting radiant energy at the surface of or through human body tissue (5) by means of a light-emitting source (10), measuring the intensity of the radiant energy after propagation through the human body tissue by means of at least first and second light detectors (21, 22, 23, 24) located at a determined distance from the light-emitting source and providing first and second input signals (y1(t), y2(t)) representative of this propagation. Simultaneously, a motion detecting device (40), such as a three dimensional accelerometers, provides a motion reference signal (ax(t), ay(t), az(t)) representative of motion of the detecting device on and with respect to the human body tissue (5). The input signals are then processed in order to remove motion-related contributions due to motion of the detecting device (1) on and with respect to the human body tissue (5) and to produce first and second enhanced signals.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for the noninvasive monitoring of a physiologic characteristic of a patient's blood, such as blood pressure. One embodiment is a tissue probe combined with a position sensor for determining the relative height of the probe compared to a level corresponding to the patient's heart. Alternatively, the tissue probe can be combined with a movement generator for inducing a height change of the probe with respect to patient's heart. By measuring absorbance characteristics of the blood at varying positions relatively to the level of the patient's heart, characteristics such as arterial and central venous blood pressure and cardiac output can be determined. In yet another embodiment, two probes are used to compute pulse delays between coupled tissues or opposing tissues. Measuring delays in pulse arrival times in coupled organs or members on opposite sides of the body allows the determination of various physiological characteristics.

Abstract: A blood pressure sensor includes a source of photo-radiation, such as an array of laser diodes. The sensor also includes a two-dimensional, flexible reflective surface. The reflective surface is nominally positioned relative to the radiation source such that the radiation travels in a direction normal to the reflective surface. The reflective surface is placed adjacent to the location on the patient where the blood pressure data is to be acquired. Radiation from the source is reflected off of the reflective surface onto a two-dimensional array of photo-detectors. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure fluctuations in the patient are translated into deflections of the patient's skin. These deflections cause corresponding deflections in the two dimensional reflective surface. The associated movement of said flexible reflective surface due to blood pulsation causes scattering patterns from said reflective surface to be detected by the two dimensional array of photo-detectors.

Abstract: There is provided a pulsimeter capable of stopping pulse rate measurement processing of the pulsimeter when the pulse sensor is not in contact with the skin or the pulse sensor is poorly attached. The pulsimeter of the present invention is characterized by including drive means for driving and stopping the pulse sensor, contact detection means for detecting whether or not the pulse sensor is in contact with a skin, and control means for stopping the drive of the pulse sensor by the drive means when it is detected by the contact detection means that the pulse sensor is not in contact with the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for measuring a biosignal from the surface of the skin of a living human body. The arrangement comprises a casing (5) on which a measuring sensor (300) rests which is to be arranged against a measurement target (1) on the body, and a fastener (6) for fastening the casing (5) to the measurement target (1). The arrangement is characterized by comprising an element (7), such as a spring element, which rests on the casing (5) and the fastener (6) such that the element (7) is arranged to turn the casing (5) substantially towards the measurement target (1) with respect to the fastener (6).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wrist blood pressure monitoring device comprising a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal, an applicator unit for applying the pressure sensor against the wrist area of a subject's lower arm, an evaluating unit for evaluating the pressure signal, and an inclination detecting device for detecting the inclination of the blood pressure monitoring device and for delivering an electrical inclination signal corresponding to the inclination. According to the invention, the inclination detecting device comprises at least one movable, in particular pendulum-type positioning element and an inclination sensing device cooperating with the positioning element and including at least one sensing element movable with the positioning element and formed in particular by an optically reflecting, wedge-shaped arc section of the positioning element, and at least one further sensing element having in particular a reflected light barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure pulse wave transducer for sensing change of the blood pressure within vivo and for converting it into an electrical signal to detect the arterial pressure pulse wave.

Abstract: A pulse wave sensor for detecting a pulse wave by detecting light output from a light emitting diode and reflected from the artery of a wrist of a subject, the sensor comprising four photodetectors disposed around the light emitting diode symmetrically on a circle concentric to the light emitting diode, and a pulse rate detector comprising the pulse wave sensor and means of computing the pulse rate of a subject based on the output of the pulse wave sensor.

Abstract: To provide an electronic blood pressure monitor with increased measurement accuracy at the time of measurement of blood pressure at the wrist. A cuff has a pressure-increase structure for making a pressure to an ulna side of the wrist higher than a pressure to a radius side. The pressure-increase structure is achieved by providing an extrusion having a width narrower than a width of the cuff on the side facing the ulna portion. The extrusion is projected from the surface of the cuff. When the cuff is mounted on the wrist, the extrusion presses the ulnar portion with a pressure higher than an internal pressure of the cuff.

Abstract: A probe for application to a body part particularly a finger of a patient to detect a change in the physical condition of the patient includes a housing defining a compartment closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving the distal end of the patient's finger and a medium wholly self-contained within the probe for applying a static pressure field substantially uniformly around the distal end of the patient's finger, of a predetermined magnitude sufficient to substantially prevent distention of the venous vasculature, uncontrolled venous backflow, and retrognade shockwave propagation into the distal end, and to partially unload the wall tension of, but not to occlude, the arteries in the distal end when at heart level or below. A sensor senses changes in the distal end of the patient's finger related to changes in arterial blood volume therein.

Abstract: A pulse wave detection device capable of accurately detecting pulse waves without influence of noise caused by hand movement or the like has a main sensor disposed on a radial artery and having an emitter for emitting an ultrasonic signal toward the radial artery and a receiver for receiving a reflected ultrasonic signal, and an auxiliary sensor disposed on an ulnar artery and having an emitter for emitting an ultrasonic signal toward the ulnar artery and a receiver for receiving a reflected ultrasonic artery. If the amplitude of an ultrasonic signal received by the main sensor is not between two threshold values, it is determined that detection of pulse waves from the radial artery is difficult. Then detection of pulse waves from the ulnar artery is performed by using the auxiliary sensor. After the lapse of a predetermined period of time from the start of detection using the ulnar artery, the main sensor is again selected to be used.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring blood pressure and temperature includes a digital sphygmomanometer, a digital thermometer, and a transmission device. The digital sphygmomanometer includes a housing formed with a thermometer-receiving groove, and a control unit mounted in the housing. The control unit is operable so as to activate an air pump unit and obtain pressure information corresponding to air pressure inside a pneumatic wristlet and so as to activate a display unit to show the blood pressure information thereon. The digital thermometer is fitted removably in the thermometer-receiving groove, and includes a processor that is operable so as to obtain temperature information from a temperature probe and so as to activate a display panel to show the temperature thereon. The transmission device is provided on the digital sphygmomanometer and the digital thermometer for establishing a communications link between the control unit and the processor.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring a user's arterial blood pressure has a sensor adapted to continuously detect the blood pressure and to generate signals representative thereof by contact with an external surface of the user's body at a location adjacent an artery. The sensor is securely held in operable contact with the user's body at the location. A microprocessor interprets the signals generated by the sensor to determine actual arterial blood pressure. The sensor includes a projecting portion for detecting and transmitting changes in blood pressure, wherein the projecting portion is adapted to effect at least partial occlusion of the artery at the location.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring blood pressure and temperature includes a digital sphygmomanometer, a digital thermometer, and a transmission device. The digital sphygmomanometer includes a housing formed with a thermometer-receiving groove, and a control unit mounted in the housing. The control unit is operable so as to activate an air pump unit and obtain pressure information corresponding to air pressure inside a pneumatic wristlet and so as to activate a display unit to show the blood pressure information thereon. The digital thermometer is fitted removably in the thermometer-receiving groove, and includes a processor that is operable so as to obtain temperature information from a temperature probe and so as to activate a display panel to show the temperature thereon. The transmission device is provided on the digital sphygmomanometer and the digital thermometer for establishing a communications link between the control unit and the processor.

Abstract: A personal activity monitor adapted to be supported on the body of the user, preferably on the wrist, includes a motion sensor such as an accelerometer to generate electrical signals as a function of body motion. The monitor also includes an electronic clock and a memory for recording signals representative of the motion of the housing and their time of occurrence. User entry keys on the monitor allow the entry of signals representative of the time of food consumption and the beginning and end of exercise activity. Other activity and condition sensors may be supported on the monitor such as pulse rate detector, camera for recording images of food consumed, barcode reader and the like. The output of the memory is useful in weight control and fitness logging systems.

Abstract: A maximum blood pressure and a minimum blood pressure are first measured using an oscillometric method. Pulse waves of a vessel occurring during the measurement are measured by a reflection-type photoelectric sensor. The maximum and minimum blood pressures and the pulse waves occurring at the times of maximum and minimum blood pressures are associated with each other. After that, the blood pressure is calculated from the associated values and the pulse waves of the vessel serially detected by the reflection-type photoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A vital sign detection device is mounted on the wrist of a subject for measurement of vital sign such as pulse wave and blood pressure and has a regulating portion for restricting the movement of the hand during a measurement. The regulating portion extends from a main body of the device toward the distal end of the hand, and may be a plate integral with the main body or the main body itself moved toward the distal end. When the device is used for the detection of pulse waves, the plate may have a band for tying the hand to the plate for preventing rotation of the wrist joint. When the device is used for the measurement of blood pressure, the main body of the device, which is slidably or rotatably transported toward the distal end, may suppress the movement of hand enough to prevent the rise of wrist tendons from hindering the measurement.

Abstract: There is provided an engagement device allowing two members to readily engage with each other at a position as desired by the user. A bracket has a left end provided with a fixed protrusion, and a right end provided with a vertically movable lever having a groove obliquely traversing both of the vertical and horizontal directions. When the lever is pushed downward, a Z-letter piece moves leftward relative to the bracket's lower portion. While the lever is pushed with a member desired to be attached to the bracket engaging with a left end of the bracket, a right engaging feature of the member is engaged with a right protrusion of the Z-letter piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnosis apparatus for analyzing arterial pulse waves comprising a database 26 in which is stored data showing the relationship between data representing a pulse wave of a living body and teaching data representing conditions of the living body; and a micro-computer 21 for outputting teaching data corresponding to the pulse wave detected from the living body in the teaching data on the basis of the pulse wave detected from the living body and the stored data inside database 26. As a result, it becomes possible to perform diagnoses equivalent to a skilled doctor.

Abstract: In a pulse wave detecting device for detecting a pulse wave by use of an ultrasonic wave, in order to prevent attenuation of the ultrasonic wave caused by a gap formed between the pulse wave detecting device and the user's skin, a transmitter for generating an ultrasonic wave and a receiver are formed on a support substrate so as to protrude therefrom. Consequently, the transmitter and receiver contact a surface of the skin and no gap is formed between the surface of the skin and the pulse wave detecting device. A pulse wave detecting device high in detection accuracy is thus realized without the need for applying a gel between the skin and a detecting surface of the device.