Apple patents blood pressure monitoring ‘cuff’

Apple has patented a design for a wearable blood pressure monitor -- a cuff, equipped with a sensor that is expected to be Bluetooth compatible and sport a touchscreen.

"These devices work through a collection of tiny airbags, or 'cells' in the patent, to exert pressure on the wearer's arm and cut off blood flow. From there, the device gets a measure of the heart's maximum output before releasing to get a measure of the heart's resting output," The Verge reported late on Thursday.

The iPhone maker's proposed product would reportedly eliminate the need for cardiac-concerned users to go through other third parties.

However, the company's first full-on medical device would have to get approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before hitting the markets.ALSO READ: Apple files patent for new charging connector

According to the US Trademark and Patent Office, the description of the patented wearable said: "A low-profile blood pressure measurement system and methods of use are disclosed. The system includes an expandable member or structure that has a multi-compartment structure and/or is mounted on a rigid surface or structure."

An "actuator" to measure how much pressure is needed to get a good reading without crushing the user's arm entirely is also part of the patented design for Apple's blood pressure monitor.

"It seems to be a device whose function could very well be rolled into future Apple Watch devices down the line," The Verge report added. ALSO READ: Apple patents VR system for motion sickness in self-driving cars