Abstract: To provide for adjusted positioning of a pulse sensor (50) against the selected toe of a patient, while the patient is relaxed, and without applying substantial pressure of the sensor against the toe, a base plate is formed with a depression to receive the heel of the foot of the user, and a support element (20) is adjustably positioned on a pair of parallel vertically extending posts (17, 18), projecting from the base plate. The support element is a transverse structure, slidable on the posts, and having a shaft (30) to which a bail (42) is attached. The pulse sensor (50) is mounted on the horizontal portion (48) of the bail, and is slidable along and rotatable about the portion (48). In addition, the bail (42) is slidable sideways (B) with respect to the foot of the user, i.e. across the toes, movable back and forth with respect to the toe to be tested while the pulse sensor (50) is retained against the toe by a spring (34) biasing the shaft, and hence the bail, towards the toe.

Abstract: To permit loose and relaxed position of the hand of a patient over a vasometric apparatus, the apparatus is formed in the shape of a hollow domed housing within which a volume pulse sensor (30) is located, retained with resiliently adjustable bias force such that the sensing surface (33) of the volume pulse sensor extends just slightly above the outer surface of the domed housing. The spring force with which the sensor engages a finger (45) of the patient is adjustable by an externally adjustable disk or wheel (37).

Abstract: To improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement by utilizing the Korotkoff noises, the frequency spectrum of the Korotkoff noises is analyzed, either by a plurality of filters (16, 17, 18; FIG. 1) or by a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) system (54, 55; FIG. 2). If a plurality of filters are used (FIG. 1), which may be analog or digital, then the output amplitudes are rectified (19, 20, 21) and quotients are formed. If the quotients have a predetermined relationship, as determined by a discriminator (27, 28), a control logic provides output signals to a manometer (31) to indicate, respectively, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For Fast Fourier Transform, a microprocessor can be used which, simultaneously, can provide clock sources to digitize output from the microphone coupled to the cuff of the blood pressure measuring instrument.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring procedure which can be performed by the subject employing a manually inflatable cuff and associated microphone, a measuring circuit responsive to signals having the form of Korotkoff sounds, a dual-indicator manometer having two individually controllable indicators, a control circuit for controlling the operation of the indicators, and a switch switchable between a pumping position in which it permits the cuff to be manually inflated and releases the indicators to respond to the cuff pressure and a measuring position in which the cuff pressure gradually decreases, one indicator is locked in its present position at the onset of Korotkoff sound signals and the other indicator is locked in its present position upon termination of Korotkoff sound signals. The subject places the cuff in position, moves the switch to its pumping position, inflates the cuff to a pressure above his systolic pressure, and then moves the switch to its measuring position.

Abstract: A dual-indicator manometer for an automatic sphygmomanometer, composed of two pressure indicators each mounted on a shaft and arranged to be individually blocked or released by the armature of an individual electromagnet. Depending on the excitation state of the electromagnet, the armature is raised from or pressed against the surface of the shaft of the associated indicator.