Body parameter display incorporating a battery charger

• US 4,185,621 A
• Filed: 10/28/1977
• Issued: 01/29/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Triad Incorporated (TU LLC)
• Original Assignee: Triad Incorporated (TU LLC)
• Inventors: Morrow, Richard B. A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Application Number:
  US05/846,562
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 128/2.05 P, 128/2.05 T, 128/2.05 E, 128/2.05 A, 128/2.05 R, 128/2.06 F, 128/2 H, 310/319, 310/339
• US Class Current: 600/485
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 2/181 Circuits; Control arrangements or methods
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/964 Piezoelectric touch switches

Abstract

There is disclosed a body parameter display device incorporated in a digital wrist watch for alternatively displaying time and a value representative of the body parameter. A pressure sensor incorporated in the device delivers an electrical output which is manipulated to deliver a signal proportional to the blood pressure sensing. In addition, the electrical pulses are manipulated to deliver a value representative of pulse rate. The pressure sensor also delivers an electrical output which is used to energize the watch and display mechanism and/or to charge a battery contained in the watch casing.

Claims

1. A body worn body parameter display device comprising

a housing having an array for displaying a value of the body parameter and a battery for energizing the array;

means for connecting the battery to the array;

means carried by the housing for sensing a variable body pressure and delivering an electrical signal representative thereof, the sensing means including piezoelectric means having electrical output means;

means operatively connected to the housing for applying the sensing means in data transmitting relation to the body of an individual;

means connecting the electrical output means to the display array for displaying a value responsive to the electrical signal generated by the sensing means; and

means for generating and applying electricity to the battery and the array comprising the piezoelectric means and means for connecting the electrical output means to the display array and to the battery.

2. The display device of claim 1 wherein the battery and display array are connected in parallel for simultaneously applying a voltage from the piezoelectric means to the battery and the array.

3. The display device of claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric means comprises a multiplicity of piezoelectric elements connected in series and the electrical output means comprises a plurality of electrical connections, one of the connections communicating between one of the elements and a ground connection and another of the connections communicating between another of the elements and the battery.

4. The display device of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a timing circuit therein, the applying means comprises a wrist encircling band, and the display array comprises a single digital display array, and the means connecting the electrical output means to the display array for displaying the value comprises switch means for alternatively connecting the timing circuit and the electrical output means to the display array.

5. The display device of claim 1 wherein the electrical signal generated by the sensing means is of alternating current and the means connecting the electrical output means to the display array and the battery includes a rectifier for converting alternating current into direct current and having an output, and means connecting the rectifier output to the display array.

6. The display device of claim 5 further comprising a battery protection circuit between the rectifier and the battery.

7. The display device of claim 6 wherein the battery protection circuit includes a normally non-conductive element in parallel with the battery responsive to a voltage above a predetermined level for shunting the output around the battery upon the occurence of a voltage level in the output above the predetermined level.

8. A wrist watch comprising

a housing having therein a timing circuit, a display array in circuit with the timing circuit and a battery in circuit with the timing circuit and the display array for energizing the same;

a pressure sensor carried by the housing for receiving a variable body pressure from a wearer, the pressure sensor including piezoelectric means for delivering an electrical output in response to the variable body pressure and having electrical output means;

means connecting the electrical output means to the display array for displaying a value responsive to the electrical output generated by the piezoelectric means;

means operatively connected to the housing for applying the sensor in pressure transmitting relation to the body of a wearer; and

means for generating and applying electricity to the battery and the array comprising the piezoelectric means and means for connecting the electrical output means to the display array and to the battery.

9. The wrist watch of claim 8 wherein the battery and display array are connected in parallel for simultaneously applying a voltage from the piezeoelectric means to the battery and the display array.