US4313445A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electronic sphygmomanometer
Assignee: NEW IVAC Inc
•
Filing: 1977-10-25
•
Granted: 1982-02-02
•
Expires: 1997-10-25
Abstract
Abstract An electronic method and apparatus for automatically determining systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate by accurately detecting, verifying and evaluating the full stream of korotkoff sounds produced as electrical signals from a microphone in a cuff occluding the brachial artery of a patient. Waveform analysis is first performed upon the incoming signal waveforms by an analog prescreening subsystem to initially separate true korotkoff sound signals from a variety of artifact and noise signals and to provide an output pulse stream correctly indicating korotkoff sound occurrences in the time and blood pressure domain, with each pulse proportional in amplitude to the amplitude of the corresponding korotkoff sound represented. The output korotkoff sound pulse stream is then digitized by an analog to digital converter and further analyzed by a digital processing subsystem to additionally remove any noise and artifact signals passed as otherwise misleading quasi-korotkoff sound pulses by the prescreening subsystem, to modify and certify the resultant data as either reliable or suspect, to determine heart rate and the most probable values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels indicated by the signal stream detected during the measurement cycle.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz W. Georgi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B7/00; A61B7/02; A61B7/04; A61B7/045; A61B5/00; A61B5/02; A61B5/021; A61B5/022; A61B5/02208; A61B5/72; A61B5/7235; A61B5/7239
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 111
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: means for providing detected korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; and means for analyzing the waveforms of all said electrical signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and the conformity of such precursors with predetermined waveform characteristics, whereby those electrical signals having waveforms representative of true korotkoff sounds are separated from those electrical signals which do not represent true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: means for providing detected korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; and means for analyzing the waveforms of all said electrical signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and the conformity of such precursors with predetermined waveform characteristics, whereby those electrical signals having waveforms representative of true korotkoff sounds are separated from those electrical signals which do not represent true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for analyzing said waveforms includes a diastolic channel, a systolic channel and an amplitude channel, the electrical output from said amplitude channel being selectively gated by either of said diastolic channel and said systolic channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said diastolic channel evaluates the amplitude of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said diastolic channel evaluates the area of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said diastolic channel evaluates the time duration of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said diastolic channel evaluates the amplitude, area and time duration of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said systolic channel evaluates the slope of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said systolic channel evaluates the duration of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said systolic channel evaluates the slope and time duration of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said amplitude channel measures the amplitude of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein said amplitude channel measures said amplitude along the trailing edge of said korotkoff spike.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
A combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for analyzing said waveforms includes: means for measuring the amplitude, area and time duration of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike; and means for measuring the slope and time duration of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
133 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer for analyzing korotkoff sounds produced by an auscultation blood pressure measuring process, the combination comprising: first means for providing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as input electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for analyzing the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and their conformity with predetermined waveform characteristics; and third means responsive to said second means for selectively producing output electrical signals in time correlation only with those input electrical signals corresponding to true korotkoff sounds, whereby those input electrical signals representing true korotkoff sounds are separated from artifact and noise signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
133 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer for analyzing korotkoff sounds produced by an auscultation blood pressure measuring process, the combination comprising: first means for providing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as input electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for analyzing the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and their conformity with predetermined waveform characteristics; and third means responsive to said second means for selectively producing output electrical signals in time correlation only with those input electrical signals corresponding to true korotkoff sounds, whereby those input electrical signals representing true korotkoff sounds are separated from artifact and noise signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said third means produces output electrical signals proportional in amplitude to those input electrical signals representing true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said second means analyzes the amplitude of portions of said waveform.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said second means analyzes the area of portions of said waveform.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said second means analyzes the time duration of portions of said waveform.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
40 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 17, and further including: first means for rectifying the waveforms of each of said input electrical signals; second means for integrating the area under the rectified waveform produced by said first means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said means for integrating the area requires that a minimum amplitude threshold be exceeded to begin integration.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said means for integrating the area requires a minimum time period for the electrical output of the integration to exceed a predetermined level.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, and further including: discrimination means for measuring the magnitude of the electrical output from said second means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said second means analyzes the slope of portions of said waveform.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
149 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer, comprising: input means for providing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as input electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; waveform analysis means for receiving and analyzing the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and the conformity of each individual input electrical signal with predetermined waveform characteristics and to produce an electrical output indicative of the presence or absence of such conformity, and thereby the presence or absence of said specified precursors, for each such input electrical signal; and output means responsive to said electrical output from said waveform analysis means for producing output electrical signals indicative of only those input electrical signals having waveforms representative of the occurrence of true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
149 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer, comprising: input means for providing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as input electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; waveform analysis means for receiving and analyzing the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and the conformity of each individual input electrical signal with predetermined waveform characteristics and to produce an electrical output indicative of the presence or absence of such conformity, and thereby the presence or absence of said specified precursors, for each such input electrical signal; and output means responsive to said electrical output from said waveform analysis means for producing output electrical signals indicative of only those input electrical signals having waveforms representative of the occurrence of true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
A sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 23, wherein said waveform analysis means measures the conformity of input electrical signals with characteristics of a first class of generalized waveforms.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 24, wherein said waveform analysis means also measures the conformity of said input electrical signals with the characteristics of a second class of generalized waveforms.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 23, wherein said waveform analysis means measures the conformity of said input electrical signals with characteristics of a plurality of classes of generalized waveforms.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 23, wherein said waveform analysis means includes means for evaluating the amplitude, area and time duration of a waveform precursor occurring immediately prior to a korotkoff spike and of opposite polarity from said spike.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 23, wherein said waveform analysis means includes means for evaluating the time duration and minimum slope of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
62 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 28, and further including: rectifier means for rectifying the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals; means for differentiating the electrical output of said rectifier means; discriminator means for measuring the amplitude of electrical outputs from said differentiator means; and timing means for measuring the duration of electrical output from said discriminator means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
45 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 23, wherein said output means measures the amplitude of each korotkoff spike occurring in an input electrical waveform and produces an output electrical signal having an amplitude proportional to the base to peak amplitude of said spike.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 30, wherein said amplitude is measured along the trailing edge of said korotkoff spike.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
62 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 30, and further including: first rectifier means for rectifying the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals; differentiator means for differentiating the electrical output of said first rectifier means; second rectifier means for rectifying the electrical output of said differentiator means; and integration means for integrating the electrical output of said rectifier means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 32, wherein said second rectifier means isolates the trailing edge of each korotkoff spike.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 32, wherein said integration means produces output electrical pulses proportional in amplitude to the base to peak amplitude of each korotkoff spike.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein said amplitude is measured along the trailing edge of each korotkoff spike.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
An electronic sphgmomanometer as set forth in claim 32 and further including: gating means under the control of said waveform analysis means for selectively passing electrical output as pulses from said second rectifier means to said integration means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said gating means enables passage of electrical output from said rectifier means to said integration means only when said waveform analysis means produces an electrical output indicative of the presence of conformity between said input electrical signals and said predetermined waveform characteristics.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 36, and further including: control means for controlling the output of said gating means in response to a variable amplitude threshold applied to said pulses.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 38, wherein said variable threshold prevents passage of relatively small pulses for a period of time after passage of relatively larger pulses.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 38, wherein said control means includes a peak rectifier electrical circuit.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein said control means includes a discriminator latch and said gating means is enabled and disabled in accordance with the electrical output state of said latch.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 41, wherein said peak rectifier receives an electrical input from said output means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 38, wherein said control means includes a discriminator latch circuit.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 38, wherein said control means includes both a peak rectifier and discriminator latch.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
53 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 23, wherein said waveform analysis means includes a first channel for evaluating the amplitude, area and time duration of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike and a second channel for evaluating the slope and time duration of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
134 words
An electrical sphygmomanometer, comprising: first means for providing electrical waveforms representing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for analyzing the amplitude selectively of portions of said waveforms and producing an output pulse stream representative of the amplitude and occurrence of those of said waveforms representing true korotkoff events; third means for determining selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors by the correlation of said electrical waveforms with prescribed waveform conditions; fourth means for controlling the output of said first means in response to waveform analysis by said second means; and fifth means for analyzing the electrical output of said first means to determine blood pressure.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
134 words
An electrical sphygmomanometer, comprising: first means for providing electrical waveforms representing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for analyzing the amplitude selectively of portions of said waveforms and producing an output pulse stream representative of the amplitude and occurrence of those of said waveforms representing true korotkoff events; third means for determining selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors by the correlation of said electrical waveforms with prescribed waveform conditions; fourth means for controlling the output of said first means in response to waveform analysis by said second means; and fifth means for analyzing the electrical output of said first means to determine blood pressure.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer as set forth in claim 46, wherein said fifth means also determines heart rate.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 46, wherein said first means, said second means, said third means and said fourth means are analog electrical systems.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 46, wherein said fifth means is a digital system.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 46, wherein said first means, said second means, said third means, and said fourth means are analog systems and said fifth means is a digital system.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer for analyzing korotkoff sounds produced by an auscultation blood pressure measuring process, the combination comprising: first means for providing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as input electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for prescreening selectively for the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals from said first means and producing output electrical signals in time correlation only with those input electrical signals corresponding to the occurrence of true korotkoff events; and third means for analyzing the output electrical signals from said second means to determine blood pressure.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer for analyzing korotkoff sounds produced by an auscultation blood pressure measuring process, the combination comprising: first means for providing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors as input electrical signals, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for prescreening selectively for the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors the waveforms of all of said input electrical signals from said first means and producing output electrical signals in time correlation only with those input electrical signals corresponding to the occurrence of true korotkoff events; and third means for analyzing the output electrical signals from said second means to determine blood pressure.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said third means further screens said output electrical signals to eliminate those electrical signals representing events other than the occurrence of true korotkoff events.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said second means is an analog system.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said third means is a digital system.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 54, wherein said second means includes a diastolic channel, a systolic channel and an amplitude channel.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 55, wherein said diastolic channel evaluates the amplitude, area and time duration of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 55, wherein said systolic channel evaluates the slope and time duration of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 55, wherein said amplitude channel measures the amplitude of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 58, wherein said amplitude channel measures said amplitude along the trailing edge of said korotkoff spike.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said third means also determines heart rate.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said second means is an analog system and said third means is a digital system.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
42 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer, comprising: first means for detecting electrical waveforms representing korotkoff sounds and producing output pulses representing said korotkoff sounds; second means for controlling the output of said first means in response to a variable amplitude threshold applied to said pulses.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
42 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer, comprising: first means for detecting electrical waveforms representing korotkoff sounds and producing output pulses representing said korotkoff sounds; second means for controlling the output of said first means in response to a variable amplitude threshold applied to said pulses.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein said variable threshold prevents passage of relatively small pulses for a period of time after passage of relatively larger pulses.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 63, wherein said peak rectifier receives an electrical input from said first means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein said second means includes a peak rectifier electrical circuit.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein said second means includes a discriminator latch circuit.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein said first means includes a control gate.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 67, wherein said second means includes a discriminator latch and said control gate is enabled and disabled in accordance with the electrical output state of said latch.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 63, wherein said second means includes both a peak rectifier and discriminator latch.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein said first means includes a control gate, said second means includes a peak rectifier and discriminator latch, and said control gate is opened and closed to respectively pass and block the output pulses from said first means in accordance with the electrical output state of said latch.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
118 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer, comprising: first means for providing electrical waveforms representing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for analyzing the amplitude selectively of portions of said waveforms and producing an output pulse stream representing the amplitudes and occurrences of those of said waveforms representing true korotkoff events; and third means for determining selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors by the correlation of said electrical waveforms with prescribed waveform characteristics and for controlling the output of said second means in response to the waveform analysis of said third means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
118 words
An electronic sphygmomanometer, comprising: first means for providing electrical waveforms representing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; second means for analyzing the amplitude selectively of portions of said waveforms and producing an output pulse stream representing the amplitudes and occurrences of those of said waveforms representing true korotkoff events; and third means for determining selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors by the correlation of said electrical waveforms with prescribed waveform characteristics and for controlling the output of said second means in response to the waveform analysis of said third means.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 71, and further including: fourth means for frequency shaping the electrical input to said second means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 71, and further including: fifth means for frequency shaping the electrical input to said third means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 73, wherein said fifth means provides a pass band substantially in the range from 1/2 Hz. to 20 Hz.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 72, wherein said fourth means provides a first pass band substantially in the range from 15 Hz. to 150 Hz. and a second pass band substantially in the range from 1/2 Hz. to 10 Hz., said second pass band being attenuated relative to said first pass band.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for determining the amplitude selectively of the trailing edge of a korotkoff signal spike and producing an output pulse proportional thereto; second means for correlating and measuring the amplitude, area and time duration selectively of a precursor bulge preceding a korotkoff spike; third means for correlating and measuring the slope and time duration selectively of a leading edge of a korotkoff spike; and fourth means responsive to an indication of successful correlation from either of said second means and said third means for selectively enabling said first means.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for determining the amplitude selectively of the trailing edge of a korotkoff signal spike and producing an output pulse proportional thereto; second means for correlating and measuring the amplitude, area and time duration selectively of a precursor bulge preceding a korotkoff spike; third means for correlating and measuring the slope and time duration selectively of a leading edge of a korotkoff spike; and fourth means responsive to an indication of successful correlation from either of said second means and said third means for selectively enabling said first means.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, wherein said second means is a diastolic waveform analysis means.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, wherein said third means is a systolic waveform analysis means.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, wherein said first means includes a control gate for selectively passing or blocking the output pulses from said first means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
35 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, and further including; fifth means for selecting enabling said first means in response to a variable amplitude threshold applied to each output pulse from said first means.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 80, wherein said variable amplitude threshold prevents passage of relatively small output pulses from said first means for a period of time after the passage of a relatively larger output pulse from said first means.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
22 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, wherein said first means provides electrical input to an integrator within said first means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 82, and further including: fifth means for selectively enabling said first means and simultaneously controlling charging and discharging of said integrator.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 83 wherein said fifth means includes a discriminator latch.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 83, wherein said fifth means includes a peak rectifier and discriminator latch circuit and said peak rectifier receives an electrical input from said first means.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 82, and further including: fifth means for controlling the electrical output of said first means in response to a variable amplitude threshold applied to electrical output pulses from said first means and also controlling, charging and discharging of said integrator.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
62 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, wherein the electrical input to said first means is frequency shaped to provide a first pass band substantially in the range of 15 Hz. to 150 Hz. and a second pass band substantially in the range of 1/2 Hz. to 10 Hz., said second pass band being attenuated relative to said first pass band.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combination as set forth in claim 76, wherein the electrical input to said second means and said third means is frequency shaped to provide a pass band substantially in the range of 1/2 Hz. to 20 Hz.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
97 words
In a method of blood pressure measurement, the steps of: providing electrical input waveform signals representing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; and analyzing the waveforms of all of said signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and the conformity of such precursors with predetermined waveform characteristics, whereby those waveforms representative of true korotkoff sounds are separated from those waveforms which do not represent true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
97 words
In a method of blood pressure measurement, the steps of: providing electrical input waveform signals representing korotkoff sounds and associated korotkoff sound precursors, each of said korotkoff sound precursors being included in the waveforms relating solely to the individual korotkoff sound signal with which that precursor is associated; and analyzing the waveforms of all of said signals to determine selectively the presence of specified korotkoff sound precursors and the conformity of such precursors with predetermined waveform characteristics, whereby those waveforms representative of true korotkoff sounds are separated from those waveforms which do not represent true korotkoff sounds.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the amplitude of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the area of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the time duration of a waveform precursor to a korotkoff spike.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the slope of the leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the time duration of the leading edge a korotkoff spike.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the amplitude of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as set forth in claim 89, wherein said analyzing step includes: measuring the amplitude of a korotkoff spike along the trailing edge of the korotkoff spike.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
70 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for determiming the amplitude selectively of the trailing edge of a korotkoff signal spike and producing an output pulse proportional thereto; second means for correlating and measuring the amplitude, area and time duration selectively of a precursor bulge preceding a korotkoff spike; third means responsive to an indication of successful correlation from said second means for selectively enabling said first means.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
70 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for determiming the amplitude selectively of the trailing edge of a korotkoff signal spike and producing an output pulse proportional thereto; second means for correlating and measuring the amplitude, area and time duration selectively of a precursor bulge preceding a korotkoff spike; third means responsive to an indication of successful correlation from said second means for selectively enabling said first means.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
70 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for determining the amplitude selectively of the trailing edge of a korotkoff signal spike and producing an output pulse proportional thereto; second means for correlating and measuring the slope and time duration selectively of a leading edge of a korotkoff spike; and third means responsive to an indication of successful correlation from said second means for selectively enabling said first means.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
70 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for determining the amplitude selectively of the trailing edge of a korotkoff signal spike and producing an output pulse proportional thereto; second means for correlating and measuring the slope and time duration selectively of a leading edge of a korotkoff spike; and third means responsive to an indication of successful correlation from said second means for selectively enabling said first means.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
49 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for correlating and measuring the amplitude, area and time duration selectively of a precursor bulge preceding a korotkoff spike; and second means for correlating and measuring the slope and time duration selectively of a leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
49 words
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the combination comprising: first means for correlating and measuring the amplitude, area and time duration selectively of a precursor bulge preceding a korotkoff spike; and second means for correlating and measuring the slope and time duration selectively of a leading edge of a korotkoff spike.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3533401A
Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-02-01 | 1985-08-03 | 1986-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-02-01 | 1989-08-03 | 1990-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-02-01 | 1993-08-03 | 1994-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |