Combined computer mouse and blood pressure sphygmomanometer

• US 20070232937A1
• Filed: 04/30/2007
• Published: 10/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CalHealth, Inc.
• Original Assignee: CalHealth, Inc.
• Inventors: Lam, Phillip, Liu, Ping Cheng Benjamin
• Granted Patent: US 7,335,163 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/490
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02241 of small dimensions, e.g. adapted to fingers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6897 Computer input devices, e.g. mice or keyboards

Abstract

A sphygmomanometer cuff assembly, air pump, pressure sensor and release valve are contained in an otherwise conventional computer mouse controller. Various alternative embodiments are illustrated and discussed herein. In one such embodiment the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within the mouse structure and is extended outside the mouse housing during the measurement. In another embodiment, the cuff is always external of the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse at special ports during the measurement. In yet another embodiment, the cuff is always internal of the mouse structure and is readily accessible through an aperture in the housing surface of the mouse to permit the measurement to take place. Preferably, in each of these alternative embodiments a hinged or slidable door or panel protects the cuff or cuff ports between measurements. In some of the embodiments shown herein, the sphygmomanometer cuff is configured for receiving a human finger in circumambient pressured engagement using controlled air pressure to vary the cuff/finger engagement pressure in a precise manner. In one embodiment hereof, the sphygmomanometer cuff is configured as a wrist cuff.

Claims

1. A blood pressure measurement device comprising:

a computer mouse controller having a blood pressure measuring instrument contained therein;

an access door on said controller, said access door having at least one mechanism for opening said access door;

said instrument having a blood pressure cuff configured for engaging a user'"'"'s wrist; and

said access door providing access to said wrist cuff upon opening of said door to permit a user to wrap said wrist cuff around the user'"'"'s wrist for measuring the user'"'"'s blood pressure.

2. A combined computer mouse and blood pressure measurement device comprising:

an inflatable wrist cuff for encircling a wrist of a user to apply and release pressure for measuring diastolic and systolic blood pressure of the user;

a computer mouse having a chamber for receiving said wrist cuff and an access door for removing said wrist cuff from said chamber; and

a pump within said mouse and connected for air flow to said wrist cuff for inflating said wrist cuff.