Pulse wave detecting apparatus
US5617868A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/369
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for detecting a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel of a living subject, including a pulse wave sensor including at least one pressure sensing element and having a press surface in which the pressure sensing element is provided, the press surface of the pulse wave sensor being adapted to be pressed against the arterial vessel of the subject via a body surface of the subject above the arterial vessel, so that the pressure sensing element detects the pressure pulse wave produced from the arterial vessel; a support member supporting the pulse wave sensor such that the pulse wave sensor is advanceable away from, and retractable toward, the support member, the support member being adapted to be worn on the subject such that the press surface of the pulse wave sensor is opposed to the body surface of the subject; and a polymer actuator provided between the support member and the pulse wave sensor, the polymer actuator producing a pressing force to press the pulse wave sensor against the arterial vessel of the subject via the body surface of the subject. The polymer actuator may be replaced by a piezoelectric actuator, a bimetal actuator, or a shape memory al…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.