Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic identification method for the cuff of a sphygmomanometer. A positive pressure is utilized for triggering a pulse from a valve (2) to a pressure sensing element (12) followed by measuring the width of a detected pulse. The measured pulse width is compared with a predetermined pulse width threshold value and, on the basis of this comparison, a larger and a smaller cuff are distinguished from each other, as the measured pulse width indicates the presently used cuff size.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification method for the cuff of a non-invasive automatic sphygmomanometer and to a flow restriction means for moderating the rate of pressure increase or decrease or both. Such a flow restriction means, which is fitted e.g. in a separate adapter (4), is useful particularly in connection with small-sized cuffs (6) intended for newborn babies. On the other hand, when using larger, such as adult cuffs, it is preferably to omit a flow restriction means completely. Identification is based on the fact that, when using a flow restriction means, either the increase of pressure downstream of a flow restriction means or the decrease of pressure upstream of a flow restriction means occurs slowly after the pumping is finished. If there is no flow restriction means at all, there will be no pressure change after the pumping is finished. Through the intermediary of a pressure sensing element (9), a control element (10) detects the size of a cuff.