Multi-function, self-service health kiosk

• US 7,445,600 B1
• Filed: 03/01/2005
• Issued: 11/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Futrex Spotcheck, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Futrex, Inc.
• Inventors: Rosenthal, Robert D., Guss, Samuel G., Piston, Thomas E. Jr., Carr, Arthur G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nasser; Robert L
• Application Number:
  US11/067,723
• Time in Patent Office: 1,344 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300, 600/301, 600/309, 600/310, 600/481, 600/485, 600/490, 600/492
• US Class Current: 600/490
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02233 Occluders specially adapted therefor tourniquets A61B17/132
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0261 using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1491 Heated applicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4872 Body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6888 Cabins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7445 Display arrangements, e.g. multiple display units

Abstract

In one aspect, the present invention provides a multi-function, self-service health kiosk. In another aspect, the present invention provides a wheelchair accessible health kiosk. In another aspect, the present invention provides a blood pressure measurement apparatus for use in a health kiosk.

Claims

1. A blood pressure and body fat measurement method, comprising:

(1) using a blood pressure measurement apparatus, said blood pressure measurement apparatus comprising;

a tubular or semi-tubular support member having an inner surface and an outer surface; and

an inflatable cuff for receiving a subject'"'"'s arm; and

(2) using a body fat analyzer, said body fat analyzer comprising;

a first infrared emitting diode for emitting infrared radiation having a single wavelength;

a second infrared emitting diode for emitting infrared radiation having a single wavelength that is the same as the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the first infrared emitting diode; and

a detector positioned midway or about midway between the first and second diodes, wherein

said body fat analyzer is disposed such that when a subject places an arm fully into the inflatable cuff, the diodes are disposed next to a triceps region of the arm, said step of using the body fat analyzer comprises inserting an arm into the cuff in such a way that the diodes are disposed next to a triceps region of the arm, and

said body fat analyzer measures body fat using only the single wavelength.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said cuff has a first end and a tail portion, the first end being fixed to the inner surface of the support member and the tail portion passing through a slit in the support member and being at least partially wound around a roller, said cuff comprising a casing housing an inflatable bladder and a hard yet flexible frame.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said frame is generally planar when not flexed.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising a ratchet wheel attached to one end of said roller.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising a ratchet and pawl configured to lock said gear when the apparatus is in a measurement mode so that said roller can not rotate while the apparatus is in the measurement mode.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said bladder is configured to inflate in response to the apparatus being placed in the measurement mode.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is placed in the measurement mode in response to activation of a start measurement button.

8. A blood pressure and body fat measurement method, comprising:

obtaining a blood pressure measurement apparatus, said blood pressure measurement apparatus comprising an inflatable cuff for receiving a subject'"'"'s arm; and

obtaining a body fat analyzer, said body fat analyzer comprising;

a first infrared emitting diode for emitting infrared radiation having a single wavelength;

a second infrared emitting diode for emitting infrared radiation having a single wavelength that is the same as the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the first infrared emitting diode; and

a detector positioned midway or about midway between the first and second diodes, wherein

said body fat analyzer is disposed such that when a subject places an arm fully into the inflatable cuff, the diodes are disposed next to a triceps region of the arm; and

instructing a user to place an arm into the inflatable cuff in such an orientation that the diodes are disposed next to a triceps region of the arm, wherein

said body fat analyzer is configured to measure body fat using only the single wavelength.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the inflatable cuff comprises a casing and a flexible, resilient frame and an inflatable bladder housed within the casing.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the blood pressure measurement apparatus further comprises a roller and the tail portion is wrapped around the roller.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the support member is tubular or semi-tubular in shape.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein said single wavelength is about 940 nanometers.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein said body fat analyzer further comprises a heating circuit.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said body fat analyzer further comprises (a) a housing, wherein said diodes, said detector and said heating circuit are housed in said housing, and (b) an amplifier for amplifying a signal produced by said detector, said amplifier also being housed in said housing.