Combined computer mouse and blood pressure sphygmomanometer

• US 7,066,890 B1
• Filed: 08/31/2005
• Issued: 06/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CalHealth, Inc.
• Original Assignee: CalHealth, Inc.
• Inventors: Lam, Phillip L., Liu, Ping Cheng Benjamin
• Primary Examiner(s): Nasser, Robert L.
• Application Number:
  US11/215,983
• Time in Patent Office: 300 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 600/485
• 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. Three 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 all 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.

Claims

1. A combination comprising:

a computer mouse controller; and

a device for measuring at least one parameter of a person'"'"'s health status;

said controller having an interface for said measuring device;

wherein said measuring device is stored within said controller; and

wherein said stored measuring device is configured for selectively being extended external of said controller for access to said measuring device during measurement of said at least one parameter.

2. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein said measuring device comprises a sphygmomanometer.

3. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein said measuring device comprises a blood pressure measurement pressure cuff.

4. The combination recited in claim 3 wherein said pressure cuff is configured for compressively engaging a person'"'"'s finger.

5. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one parameter is systolic blood pressure.

6. The combination recited in claim 1 further comprising a computer having a display, said mouse controller being configured for communicating with said computer for controlling at least one feature of said display and for generating a visual manifestation of said at least one parameter on said display.

7. A combination comprising:

a computer mouse controller; and

a sphygmomanometer;

said controller having an interface with said sphygmomanometer; and

wherein said sphygmomanometer has a pressure cuff selectably extendable from an interior position in said controller to an exterior position relative to said controller.

8. A sphygmomanometer having a pressure cuff for selective engagement with a person'"'"'s extremity for measuring a person'"'"'s systolic and diastolic blood pressure;

and

a computer control device having a housing, said cuff being contained within said housing, said housing having an access to said contained cuff for placing said extremity into said cuff;

wherein said access comprises an extension device for extending said cuff outside said housing.