Abstract: An apparatus which includes a bladder element (10) which is at least partially filled with fluid, a belt-like element (12) which holds the bladder against the patient's abdomen with some pressure, and a pressure monitoring device (18) which is connected to the bladder (10) to detect changes in the pressure of the fluid in the bladder (10) as the abdomen hardens due to uterine contractions.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for measuring the volume of urine in a human bladder, including a scanhead and transceiver for transmitting a plurality of ultrasound signals (10, 24) into the bladder and for receiving the returning ultrasound signals (10,24). The apparatus further includes a signal processor for automatically processing the received signals (26), a digitizer for converting the analog signal into a series of digital data elements (28) and a CPU and signal processing software for processing the data elements (12,34) so as to determine the distance between the front and rear of the bladder or the area of the plane of the ultrasound signals, and for computing the volume of the bladder and hence the volume of urine in the bladder from the distance or area information (12, 34).

Abstract: The article includes a first vial (12) which is positioned within a second larger vial (32). The first vial (12) separately contains a first fluid, such as a first calibrating fluid, and the second vial (32) contains a second fluid, such as a second calibrating fluid. A stopper (18) seals the first vial (12) and holds a sensing portion (21) of the sensor in the first vial (12). The first vial (12) is released from the second vial (32) by activating a plunger (36).An encapsulation package (50) having first and second elements (51, 52) maintains the chemical sensor and a calibrating article or vessel in a sterile condition. The package includes a first cavity (54) which receives the calibrating vessel, the sensing portion of the sensor and a substantial portion of the sensor cable, and a second cavity (56) which receives the sensor connector. A passageway (58) connecting the two cavities (54, 56) is adapted to receive a portion of the sensor cable.

Abstract: A combined spiral EKG electrode and pH probe for use in monitoring a fetus during labor is described. The combined probe includes a spiral-shaped needle which acts as an EKG electrode and also houses a fiberoptic pH probe. Optical fibers and wires from the needle as well as from a reference electrode on the probe assembly are passed back through the cervix and vagina of a woman in order to provide simultaneous information as to both EKG and pH of the fetus during labor.