Disposable non-invasive blood pressure sensor

A sensing unit for use in a device for sensing blood pressure within an underlying artery, the device having a base unit pivotally connected to a housing unit, the sensing unit comprising:

• connection means for detachably connecting the sensing unit to the base unit;
• a pressure transducer for sensing pulses of the underlying artery, the transducer having a sensing surface;
• a flexible diaphragm having an active portion for transmitting blood pressure pulses of the underlying artery;
• interface means coupled between the sensing surface of the transducer and the flexible diaphragm for transmitting the blood pressure pulses within the underlying artery from the flexible diaphragm to the sensing surface of the transducer;
• and
• a compressible ring.

A base unit for use in a device for sensing blood pressure within an underlying artery, the base unit comprising:

• electrical circuitry;
• a flexible ring;
• and
• wherein the base unit is detachably connected, physically and electrically, to a sensing unit, the sensing unit including sensing means.

A sensor for measuring blood pressure pulses within an underlying artery surrounded by tissue of a patient as the underlying artery is compressed, the sensor comprising:

• a housing unit;
• a base unit pivotally connected to the housing unit and including electrical circuitry;
• a sensing unit detachably connected to the base unit, the sensing unit including sensing means for sensing blood pressure of each pulse as each pulse travels beneath the sensing means;
• and
• means for detachably connecting the sensing unit to the base unit.