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`IPR2018-01093
`Apple Inc. Ex. 1006 Page 1
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`IPR2018-01093
`Apple Inc. Ex. 1006 Page 1
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`Aug. 28, 1962
`
`A. D. KOMPELIEN
`APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MEASURING BLOOD
`PRESSURE AND PULSE RATE
`
`3,051,165
`
`Filed Oct. 14, 1959
`
`2 Sheets-Sheet 2
`
`
`
`DIASTOLIC POINT-
`DIASTOLIC AMPLIFIER
`CEASES OPERATION
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`PRESSURE AND VOLTAGE VARIATION ON TRANSDUCER
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`CYCLE MOTOR RUN TIME
`
`PULSE RATE
`
`DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE
`
`SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE
`
`PROGRAM SWITCHES 40 & 59
`
`RESET SWITCH 60
`
`PROGRAM CYCLE
`([] INDICATES INTERVAL
`DURING WHICH FUNCTION Fi
`IS BEING TAKEN
`19°
`INDICATES INTERVAL DURING
`WHICH READOUT MAY OCCUR
`KXM SWITCHES 40, 59, & 60 CLOSED
`
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`SECONDS
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`4,
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`BY
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`ARLON D. KOMPELIEN
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`IPR2018-01093
`Apple Inc. Ex. 1006 Page 2
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`United States Patent Office
`
`3,051,165,
`Patented Aug. 28, 1962
`
`
`_.
`
`1
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`.
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`3,051,165
`APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MEASURING
`BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE RATE
`Arlon D. Kompelien, Richfield, Minn., assignor to Minne-
`apolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, Minneapolis,
`inn., a corporation of Delaware
`Filed Oct. 14, 1959, Ser. No. 846,468
`10 Claims.
`(Cl. 128—2.05)
`
`2
`all human functions with repeatability of results and
`accuracy is that of blood pressure. While accuracy and
`measurement may be obtained through arterial punc-
`tures, this method is normally not feasible in patient care.
`The sphygmomanometer or arm cufi which is used in
`the measurement of blood pressure on human beings is
`further not a feasible apparatus for the continuous meas-
`urement of blood pressure because of inaccuracies caused
`by the effect of continuous pressure on the portion of
`My invention relates to apparatus for sensing and
`the body to which it is applied. The present apparatus
`recording blood pressure and pulse rate and more par-
`utilizes an ear piece or cuff in which a light source photo-
`ticularly to an improved apparatus for automatically
`cell combination or photoelectric pickup is utilized to
`sensing such physical functions on a humanbeing.
`determine the amount of light transmitted through the
`Medical apparatus which performs sensing and record-
`tissue of the ear as a means for determining blood con-
`ing functions automatically and simply has become of
`tent of the organ and hence the effect of pressure on the
`increased importance as a means for teplacing the man-
`same. This approach and apparatus were basically used
`ual operations performed by those working in the med-
`in connection with studies of oxygen content and blood
`ical field in connection with operative and post-operative
`and has also been used in connection with measurement
`patient care and in connection with research of a med-
`of blood pressure in medical research. However the
`ical nature.
`Increased accuracy and repeatability of
`approach utilized to date has not provided for continu-
`measurement are significant both from a research stand-
`ous and automatic measurement of blood pressure.
`point and from the operational standpoint of modern
`Therefore the arrangement and apparatus for performing
`hospital facilities. The present invention is directed to
`this automatic measurement is the subject of the present
`a photoelectric pneumatic process of sensing the human
`invention.
`function of diastolic and systolic blood pressure and
`The ear piece as shown in FIGURE 2 includes basi-
`pulse rate in an improved automatic apparatus which
`cally a two part structure indicated generally at 16 as
`provides for extreme accuracy of reading or measurement
`including a first part 11 having a cylindrical member 12
`and continuing records relative to patient care.
`In the
`mounted thereon and the upstanding portion 13 to which
`research field, physical body functions are being ex-
`the second part 15 of the ear piece is connected and
`amined in the field of aviation or avionics and continuous
`pivoted. The cylindrical portion 12 includes a light
`records of the physical characteristics of patients or sub-
`source indicated schematically in FIGURE 1 at 18 and
`jects of research investigation are becoming essential.
`an expansible chamber or pressure member 29 which
`The photoelectric method of detecting the presence of
`chamber has a transparent surface 19 such that the light
`blood in a portion of the human body has been previ-
`may be directed therethrough. The part 15 mounts
`ously utilized in connection with ox gen analysis of
`thereon a photocell 25 so associated that the parts 15
`blood and has also been utilized in connection with the
`and 41 may be pivoted together with a portion of the
`measurement of blood pressure. The present apparatus
`ear positioned therebetween and clampedin this relation-
`permits rapid and numerous measurements of these body
`ship such that pressure may be applied to the chamber
`functions accurately and rapidly with a continuous indi-
`26 and allowing expansion of the extremity of the cham-
`cation and record of these functions without requiring
`ber against the ear lobe forcing it against the piece 15
`any manual operation.
`It is therefore an object of this
`in which this photocell 25 is located forcing blood from
`invention to provide an improved electrical apparatus for
`the ear therebetween. A pin or locking mechanism on
`automatically sensing and recording a plurality of body
`the ear piece (not shown) prevents the device from open-
`functions.
`It is further an object of this invention to
`ing when pressure is applied to the charaber 29.
`In this
`provide an improved electrical apparatus for the meas-
`position the light and photocell are directly in line and
`urement of the physical function of systolic and diastolic
`enough space exists between these parts so that there is
`blood pressure.
`no pressure applied to the ear in addition to that of the
`Another object of this invention is to provide an im-
`bellows.
`proved apparatus for measuring blood pressure which
`Variation in opacity of the ear or portion of the body
`performs the measurementof a rise in cuff pressure. A
`to which the ear piece is applied is caused by variation
`still further object of this invention is to provide an im-
`of blood content of the same to provide a varying amount
`proved apparatus of this type which permits rapid meas-
`of light from the source to the photocell to produce a
`urement of blood pressure and pulse rate in a continu-
`signal output. With the transducer or ear piece on the ear
`ous sequence without effecting physical response or dis-
`and no pressure applied to the bellows the blood content
`comfort of the body to which it is applied. These and
`in the ear or the capillaries pulses with normal blood
`other objects of this invention will become apparent
`flow causing the photocell to put out an alternating cur-
`from a reading of the attached description together with
`rent type signal. As pressure in the bellows is slowly
`the drawings wherein:
`increased the alternating current signal from the photo-
`FIGURE 1
`is a schematic drawing of the improved
`cell increases and reaches a maximum, This is caused
`apparatus,
`by the pressure in the bellows forcing much of the blood
`FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic view of an ear cuff used
`from the ear except during a period when the blood is
`in the improved measurement apparatus,
`forced during heart pumping operation back through the
`FIGURE 3 is a graph relating pressure to electrical
`capillaries. The pressure in the belllows corresponding
`responsein the apparatus, and
`to this point where the photocell signal is a maximum is
`FIGURE4is a graph indicating the on and off periods
`the diastolic blood pressure. This signal is maximum since
`for the switching circuitry of the programming portion
`the pressure of the bellowsis just able to squeeze out the
`of the apparatus.
`blood in the capillaries at the minimum part of the blood
`One of the most variable and difficult to measure of
`pulsing pressure allowing the greatest changelight 01093
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`variations. As pressure in the chamberis increased still
`further,
`the signal decreases and approaches zero level
`indicating the least opacity or variation in density. The
`point where the pressure drops to zero is the systolic pres-
`sure point since the maximum part of the pulsing blood
`pressure just reaches a point where it can no longer push
`. blood through the pressurized portion of the ear to vary
`the light of the photocell and hence the density of the ear
`remains uniform.
`The apparatus for automatically measuring these func-
`tions in addition to the ear piece 10 includes an air source
`for varying the air pressure applied to the ear piece. A
`conduit or pipe indicated at 36 has connected thereto a
`valve 31 to vent the conduit, a variable pressure reservoir
`32 operated by a cam 33 to vary the pressure in the con-
`duit, and a pressure to voltage transducer 34 connected in
`the conduit 3@ with a connection leading to the pressure
`chamber 20 of the ear piece. Valve 31 is a solenoid op-
`erated valve which is energized through a switch 40 op-
`erated from a programmer 45. The programmer also
`operates the cam 33 and other switchesto be later identi-
`fied. A broken line connection in FIGURE 1 at 42, 43
`indicates the coupling to these switches.
`In addition, valve
`31 is operated by a second control switch 41 which, as
`will be later noted, is controlled by a time delay interval
`switch. The pneumatic or pressure portion of the ap-
`paratusis initiated with operation of the valve 31 to close
`the conduit which is normally vented to the atmosphere.
`Airis then trapped in the conduit 36 and chamber 32 such
`that upon rotation of the cam 33 a pressure build up will
`be experienced in the chamber 26 of the ear piece to
`press against the ear causing the blood therein to be
`forced therefrom. The switch 40 or switch 41 will release
`or de-energize the valve 31 to allow the air in the conduit
`to rapidly vent to the atmosphere for release of pressure
`on the ear. The pressure to voltage transducer 34 pro-
`vides an electrical signal output in accordance with the
`pressure in the chamber 29 of the ear piece, which signal
`will be indicative of the actual pressure applied to the
`portion of the ear. Programmer or master control 45
`is controllably energized from a power source through a
`switching means
`(not shown) and will operate con-
`tinuously for a given cycle to perform the blood pressure
`measurement and pulse measurement functions to be
`later described.
`- The photocell 25 of the ear piece is energized from a
`light source and will provide a variable signal output of
`the alternating current type which is connected through
`conductor means 48 to a preamplifier unit indicated in
`block form at 59. The details of the preamplifier together
`with the amplifiers and relays to be later defined are
`omitted herein for simplicity since they are conventional
`components. The output of the preamplifier section 56
`is coupled through a condenser indicated at 51 to a voltage
`limiting network which permits the passage or flow of
`signals of pulsed voltage output only when the succeeding
`voltage signal is larger than the preceding voltage signal.
`This network includes a condenser 52 and a rectifier or
`diode 53 connected through a limiting resistor 54 to the
`diastolic amplifier indicated in block form at 55 with a
`restoring resistor 56 connected to ground connection and
`having a diode 57 in parallel circuit therewith. A further
`Tesistor 58 is also connected to ground connection beyond
`the diode 53. With this circuit arrangement the capacitor
`52 charges to the peak output voltage from the pream-
`plifier 50 each timethe signal is higher than any preceding
`one. No signal will flow through the resistor 58 when
`signals of lesser amplitude occur since diode 53 remains
`back biased by the voltage on capacitor 52 during the time
`of these signals: Hence the diastolic amplifier 55 will
`respond only.to a signal larger than the preceding charge
`on the condenser 52. Diodes 57 and 53 limit direction of
`current flow through this network.
`Connected in parallel with the condenser 52 is a short-
`ing. or reset switch 68 operated through a mechanical
`
`4
`connection of the step controller or programmer 45, the
`mechanical connection being schematically indicated at
`42. Diastolic amplifier 55 provides a pulsed output which
`controls a conventional relay mechanism 65 having a
`contact or switch 66 which controls or connects the pres-
`sure to voltage transducer 34 to a memory capacitor or
`condenser indicated at 70. The schematic diagram in
`FIGURE1 showsan electrical connection 68 schematical-
`ly connecting the transducer 34 to the relay 65 to ‘be con-
`trolied by the contacts 66 of the relay 65 and being con-
`nected through a conductor 72 and an interval switch con-
`tact 78, to be later defined, to the memory capacitor 70.
`The output of the memory capacitor 70 controls the en-
`ergization of a diastolic memory amplifier 80 which re-
`sponds to the charge on the condenser 70 to provide a
`signal output to.a recorder indicated generally at 100. A
`read-out switch mechanism 85 is included in the output
`connection from the amplifier 80 to the recorder 106 to
`selectively connect the output of the amplifier 8@ to the
`recorder. This read-out switch, as shown by the me-
`chanical connection 42,
`is operated by the programmer
`45 or as a part of the same.
`It should be recognized,
`however, that this portion of the apparatus may be in-
`cluded in the recorder drive to sequence with the opera-
`tion of the programmer 45.
`<A parallel circuit from the
`preamplifier 59 and coupling condenser 51 includes a
`conductor or electrical connection 90 and a limiting re-
`sistor 91 connected to a systolic amplifier indicated in
`block form at 95 whose output controls the operation of
`a pulsing relay 96 having a contact or switch 97 connecting
`the output of the pressure to voltage transducer 34 through
`the conductors or connection indicated at 99 to a circuit
`including an interval switch 101 and a memory capacitor
`102. The output. of the memory capacitor controls the
`energization of a systolic memory amplifier 194 whose
`output is coupled to the recorder 100 through a read-out
`The read-out switch 105 like
`- switch indicated at 105.
`switch 85 may be cperated through the mechanical con-
`nection 42 from the programmer or be included in the
`recorder.
`Also connected to the output of the diastolic amplifier
`is a stepping relay or switch 110 which is connected in an
`electrical circuit indicated at 111 through a contact 112
`of programmer45 and a contact 114 of relay 65 controlled
`by diastolic amplifier 55, the stepping relay being opera-
`tively connected to actuate a resistance divider or signal-
`ling device 116 which is energized from a reference source
`117 to provide a signal output through a circuit 118 and
`a read-out switch 120 to the recorder 100. The stepping
`relay pulses with each pulse of output of the diastolic
`amplifier 55 to provide a stepping action which adjusts
`the wiper of the potentiometer type device or divider 116
`to provide a signal output in accordance with the number
`of pulses of relay 65. This will provide a voltage output
`in accordance with the number of blood pulses sensed by
`the photocell over a given time interval. The stepping
`relay 110 and resistance divider 116 act as an analogue
`converter to count and convert the number of pulses to
`an analogue signal output or a measure of the number of
`pulses sensed. An interval switch 131 of the time delay
`type which operates the contacts 75, 101, and 41, pre-
`viously indicated, is connected to and controlled by the
`operation of the relay 96 of the systolic amplifier 95
`through a contact 98 of the relay and connections indi-
`cated at 138 and 139. A reset contact 59 for the interval
`switch is operated by the programmer 45 to insure that
`the interval switch will operate only during a period when
`measurements are being taken and will prevent extraneous
`signals from operating the switch after the systolic blood
`pressure measurement is taken until a new cycle of meas-
`urement has commenced. The contacts 112 connecting
`the stepping relay 110 to the pulse relay 65 of diastolic
`amplifier 55 are closed by the programmer 45 during the
`initial portion of the measurement cycle while reset con-
`tact 136 for the stepping relay [PBs eR4Bore
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`3,051,185
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`measurement period is complete, contact 112 opens and
`nal transducers are all of the conventionaltype and their
`contact 136 closes to reset the stepping relay and the
`details have been omitted for simplicity.
`signalling device 116 back to the starting position for a
`In considering the operation of the apparatus refer-
`new cycle of measurement.
`In addition, the time delay
`ence is made to the graph 4 showing the time sequence
`interval switch includes the switch contact 41 which is
`of operation of the switches associated with the program
`connected in a series circuit with switch 40 of programmer
`controller 45. It will be noted that valve 31 of the pressure
`45 to control the energization of solenoid valve 31. Nor-
`sourceis initially energized through operation of switches
`mal blood flow in the ear without air pressure in the
`40 and 41 to close the conduit to the atmosphere and
`clamp of the ear piece is sufficient to produce a signal
`seal the pneumatic system so that the cam may operate
`output from the photocell
`to periodically energize the
`on the pressure bellows source 32 to raise the pressure
`systolic amplifier and keep the internal switch closed once
`in chamber 2@. During this period the program reset
`it has been closed by contact 59. Since the programmer
`switch 69 is closed for the pulse counting operation and
`45 at the outset closes switch 59 pulling in interval switch
`the contact 112 of the programmer will be closed for
`131, the contact 41 will be closed at the outset of meas-
`operation of the stepping relay. The read-out switch 120
`urement. Contact 98 included in a time delay holding
`will be closed at the end portion of this period during
`circuit (not shown) keeps interval switch 131 operated
`which time it connects the count of the pulse rate from
`as long as it is not left unoperated for a period of over
`the potential signalling device 116 to the recorder. Dur-
`three or four seconds. With the series circuit for solenoid
`ing this period of time the cam 33 will be so positioned
`31 compiete, the valve wil close, permitting a pressure
`that it will be opening the bellows of the pressure source
`build up in the clamp of the ear piece while contacts 75
`and there will be no pressure in chamber 20 since valve
`and 101 are also closed during the pulse measurement
`31 is venting and the photocell output will be at the level
`period and relays 65 and 96 are operating, read-out con-
`indicated in the graph 3 of a small but uniform mag-
`tacts 85 and 165 are open so that no blood pressuresig-
`nitude. As pressure is applied to the bellows 32 from
`nals reach the recorder.
`the cam 33 the pressure in chamber 20 will
`increase
`As indicated above, reset switch 60 which is operated
`when valve 31 is energized. At this portion, the reset
`by the programmer 45, operates to shunt condenser 52
`switch 68 is open and the blood in the capillaries of the
`and under these conditions the diastolic amplifier 55 will
`ear pulsing because of normal heart operation will vary
`respond directly to the pulsed output of the photocell.
`the optical density of the ear and hence the variation in
`These conditions maintain during measurement of pulse
`light from the light source to the photocell to cause an
`rate and during this period the pressure source 32 does not
`increasing alternating current output. As the pressure
`alter the pressure in the chamber 20 of the ear piece sig-
`is slowly increased by the bellows, the alternating cur-
`nificantly since contact 40 keeps the pressure system vented
`rent signal from the photocell increases and reaches a
`to the atmosphere.-Following the measurement of pulse
`maximum pressure correspondingto the point of diastolic
`rate the programmercloses contact 49 and opens contacts
`blood pressure. During this period of time the systolic
`60 and 59. The pressure in chamber 20 then increases
`and diastolic amplifiers 55 and 95 have been receiving
`to vary bloodflow in the ear and the photocell 25 provides
`a pulsed voltage output with increasing voltage pulses.
`an increasing voltage output to the preamplifier 5@. Dur-
`The limiting network including the condenser 52 and
`ing the pulse rate measurementperiod the contacts 59 and
`rectifiers 53, 57 leading to the diastolic amplifier will
`112 will be closed by the programmer and the interval
`respond only to increasing voltage pulses caused by the
`switch 131 will remain energized, keeping contacts 41, 75
`build up in pressure and the change in optical density
`and 16% closed. The reset contact 136 of the programmer
`in the ear as blood is forced out of the capillaries.
`It
`will be open. During a larger portion of this time period
`is during this period of time that the read-out switch
`the remaining contacts of the programmer will be open
`120 is closed and the pulse rate signal is fed to the re-
`and no signals will be applied to the recorder. During
`corder. As the diastolic and systolic amplifiers respond
`this period the counting operation of the stepping relay,
`to varying voltage pulses, they operate the relays which
`which is converted into an electrical analogue output,
`connect through their switches the pressure to voltage
`will provide a pulse count for the recorder whichafter a
`transducer 34 to the memory capacitors 70 and 162.
`predetermined time period will be read out to the recorder
`Each time one of the relays operates the pressure to
`through operation of switch 120. The interval switch
`voltage transducer is connected to the respective capac-
`which as indicated above is of the time delay type will
`itors. Since the diastolic relay makes its last pulse when
`Temain closed between each pulse of signal output since
`the blood pressure is at the diastolic pressure point and
`the time delay circuit (shown in part) is being constantly
`the systolic relay makesits last pulse when the pressure
`reset through switch contact 98 of the systolic pulse relay.
`in chamber 20 and hence on the transducer 34 is at the
`The interval switch had been initially energized and sus-
`systolic pressure point the proper value can be left on
`tained in energization through contact 59 which is open
`the memory capacitors, The associated memory read-
`at this time. Upon reaching the systolic blood pressure
`out amplifiers then feed the corresponding outputs to
`point,
`the signal output from the photocell will go to
`the recorder without discharging the capacitors.
`\As in-
`zero so the systolic relay will cease pulsing and the interval
`dicated by the graph in FIGURE 3 this diastolic pres-
`switch will open, dropping out contacts 41, 75 and 104
`sure point is reached when the change in optical density
`thereby isolating the memory capacitors 70 and 102 from
`in the ear and hence the photocell output reach a maxi-
`the pressure to voltage transducer 34 and releasing or
`mum at which point the charge on the memory condenser
`opening valve 31. During this period programmer 45
`78 will correspond to the pressure in the clamp of the
`will have also opened contact 59 so the interval switch
`ear piece. The continuing pressure applied from bellows
`can drop out. A contact in the interval switch (not
`32 acting as a pressure source will force more and more
`shown) only allows contact 59 to re-energize it once
`blood from the capillaries to a point where the pulsing
`it has dropped out.
`In this event should any extraneous
`blood will not be able to enter the portion of the ear
`signals be sensed by the amplifier 95 corresponding error
`which is pressurized between the light source and photo-
`voltages will not be placed on the memory capacitors be-
`cell at which point the optical density variation will be
`fore they can be read out to the recorder. Prior to this
`at a minimum and the photocell output will be zero.
`time, the programmer will have opened switch 112 and
`However, at this point the voltage signal from the pres-
`closed switch 136. The latter switch establishes a reverse
`sure transducer 34 will be at a maximum leaving the
`energization circuit through the structure of the stepping
`maximum charge on the condenser 102. Slightly after
`relay 110 which will cause it to operate back to its
`these points, the switches $5,.105 respectively close to
`original position. As indicated above, the amplifiers, pre-
`connect the outputs of the amplifiers 80, 104 to the re-
`amplifier, relays and stepping relay together with the sig-
`corder, recording systolic and diastolic PressHrWF 093
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`The valve 31 is opened rapidly after the systolic point
`is reached through de-energization of interval switch 41
`and the switch 40 is also opened to exhaust the pressure
`chamber 29 and prevent any further pressure application
`to this ear. The cam '33 also rotates towards its original
`position, releasing the bellows 32. The.program selec-
`tor of controller rotates back to its original position to
`renew the sequence starting with the shorting of con-
`denser 60 and the closing of the switch contacts initiating
`a new sequence of measurement.
`While I have shown in this apparatus only two or
`three measurements of physical functions of a being it
`should be recognized that other physical properties can
`be sensed and recorded in a similar manner.
`It should
`be recognized, however, that this apparatus provides a
`simple and accurate means of measuring systolic and
`diastolic blood pressure while at the same time utiliz-
`ing these measurements for determining pulse rate. Fur-
`ther the measurement is taken on a rise in pressure at
`which point the pressure is released from the portion
`Gf the body in which blood is occluded to provide for
`a minimumof period of time during which the clamp-
`ing or occluding process takes place. This minimizes
`the physical discomfort and abnormal effects on the
`portion of the body involved such that repeated measure-
`ments may be taken with repeatability and accuracy of
`results.
`In considering this invention it should be remembered
`that the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative
`only and I wish to be limited only by the appended
`claims.
`Iclaim:
`1. Apparatus for automatically sensing and recording
`a plurality of body functions comprising a primary sensor
`including a light source and photocell combination and
`a vatiable pressure clamping means, a source of variable
`pressure connected to said clamping means, means for
`cyclically adjusting said pressure source, signalling means
`connected to said clamping means for converting varia-
`ble pressures therein to an electrical signal output propor-
`tional
`to the same,. said sensor being adapted to be.
`motinted on a body and so aligned that when said sensor
`is associated with a body said clamping means can alter
`the flow of blood through a portion of the body affected
`by said clamping means to vary the amount of light
`from. said light source to said photocell, said photocell
`when so clamped on a body being adapted to produce
`an output of pulsed signals in accordance with blood
`flow providing a maximum output in accordance with
`a lack of blood in the portion of the body when clamped
`and a minimum output under normal conditions of
`blood flow in the body, a first circuit means connected
`to said photocell and including a voltage peak detecting
`circuit means, an amniplifier, a relay connected to and
`controlled by said amplifier connected to said peak
`detecting circuit and providing pulsed operation of said
`relay in accordance with pulsed input signals thereto
`from said photocell as long as each succeeding pulsed
`signal is larger than the préceding signal, switching cir-
`cuit means including a part of said relay of said amplifier
`and connected to the signalling means, a memory circuit
`means including a capacitor connected to said relay
`switching circuit means and adapted to receive the signal
`output from said signalling means with each pulsed oper-
`ation of said relay. means, first output circuit means con-
`nected to said memory circuit means and responsive to
`the signal on said capacitor, second circuit means con-
`nected to said photocell and responsive to the pulsating
`signal output thereof, a second amplifier and relay means
`connected to said second circuit means and operated in
`accordance. with said pulsed.
`signal output,
`second
`switching means included in said second relay means con-
`nected to said signalling means, memory circuit means
`including a second capacitor connected to said second
`relay switching means and responsive to the output of
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`50
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`60
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`65
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`8
`said signalling means, second output circuit means. con-
`nected to and responsive to the signal on said second
`capacitor, third circuit means connected to said first cir-
`cuit means and including a stepping relay responsive to.
`the pulsed output of said photocell, transducer means
`providing an analogue signal output. connected to said
`stepping relay means, a recorder, and a motor driven
`switching circuit means cyclically connecting said first
`and second output circuit means and said. analogue
`transducer means to said recorder.
`2. Apparatus for automatically sensing and recording
`a plurality of body functions comprising a primary
`sensor including a light source and photocell combina-
`tion and a variable pressure clamping means, a source
`of variable pressure connected to said clamping means,
`means for cyclically adjusting a pressure source, signal-
`ling means connected to said clamping means for convert-
`ing variable pressures therein to an electrical signal out-
`put proportional to the same, said sensor being adapted
`to be mounted on a body and so aligned that when said
`sensor is associated with a body said clamping means
`can alter the flow of blood through a portion of the
`body affected by said clamping means to vary the amount
`of light from said light source to said photocell, said
`photocell when so clamped on a body being adapted to
`produce an output of pulsed signals in accordance with
`blood flow providing a maximum output in accordance
`with a lack of blood in the portion of the body when
`clamped and a minimum output under normal condi-
`tions of blood flow in the body, a first circuit means
`connected to said photocell and including a voltage
`peak detecting circuit means and an amplifier, a relay
`connected to and controlled by said amplifier connected
`to said peak detecting circuit and providing pulsed op-
`eration of said relay in accordance with pulsed input
`signals thereto from said photocell as long as each suc-
`ceeding pulsed signal is larger than the preceding signal,
`switching circuit means including a part of said relay
`of said amplifier and connected to the signalling means,
`a memory circuit means including a capacitor connected
`to said relay switching circuit means and adapted to re-
`ceive the signal output from said signalling means with
`each. pulsed operation of said relay means, first output
`circuit means connected to said memory circuit means
`and. responsive to the signal on said capacitor, second
`circuit means connected tosaid photocell and responsive
`to the pulsating signal output thereof, a second amplifier
`and relay means connected to said second of circuit
`means and operated in accordance with said pulsed signal
`output, second switching means included in said second
`relay means, connected to signalling means and memory
`circuit means including a second capacitor connected to
`said second relay switching means and responsive to
`the output of said signalling means, second -output cir-
`cuit means connected to and responsive to the signal on
`said. second capacitor, a recorder, and ‘a motor drive