Abstract: A fetal heart monitoring system preferably comprising a backing plate having a generally concave front surface and a generally convex back surface, and at least one sensor element attached to the concave front surface for acquiring acoustic fetal heart signals produced by a fetus within a body. The sensor element has a shape that conforms to the generally concave back surface of the backing plate. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element comprises an inner sensor, and a plurality of outer sensors surrounding the inner sensor. The fetal heart monitoring system can further comprise a web belt, and a web belt guide movably attached to the web belt. The web belt guide being is to the convex back surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A fetal heart monitoring system preferably comprising a backing plate having a generally concave front surface and a generally convex back surface, and at least one sensor element attached to the concave front surface for acquiring acoustic fetal heart signals produced by a fetus within a body. The sensor element has a shape that conforms to the generally concave back surface of the backing plate. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element comprises an inner sensor, and a plurality of outer sensors surrounding the inner sensor. The fetal heart monitoring system can further comprise a web belt, and a web belt guide movably attached to the web belt. The web belt guide being is to the convex back surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A piezoelectrically actuated vibratory motor comprises actuators that are mounted “vertically” with their edges attached to top and bottom mounting members. An oscillating voltage applied to the actuators causes them to contract and expand to move the attached mounting members in a direction essentially parallel to the faces of the actuators. The force transmitted to the mounting members at the edges of actuators is greater than the typical force taken at the center of a face of the actuator.

Abstract: A fetal heart monitoring system preferably comprising a backing plate having a generally concave front surface and a generally convex back surface, and at least one sensor element attached to the concave front surface for acquiring acoustic fetal heart signals produced by a fetus within a body. The sensor element has a shape that conforms to the generally concave back surface of the backing plate. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element comprises an inner sensor, and a plurality of outer sensors surrounding the inner sensor. The fetal heart monitoring system can further comprise a web belt, and a web belt guide movably attached to the web belt. The web belt guide being is to the convex back surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor has a piezoelectric transducer disposed within a motor housing. The piezoelectric transducer is constructed of one or more piezoelectric elements, the opposite ends of which are loosely secured within recesses in the interior walls of the motor housing. Electric contact plates disposed on opposite major surfaces of each piezoelectric element hold the center portions of the piezoelectric elements in fixed relationship to each other and provide a means of conducting electical energy to the respective faces of the piezoelectric elements. A moveable piston member is attached to one of the contact plates. When an alternating voltage potential is applied across the major surfaces of the piezoelectric elements, the center portions of each of the piezoelectric elements, as well as the piston attached thereto, reciprocates within the motor housing while the ends of each of the piezoelectric elements remain secured within the recesses in the interior walls of the housing.

Abstract: An adhesive viscous liquid screed for dispensing a uniform thickness of an initially viscous liquid material onto a planar work surface in order to produce a film of predetermined thickness, length and width. The screed engages a planar horizontal application surface and a reservoir is filled with a liquid adhesive. As the screed is propelled forward along the application surface, the pressure on the adhesive due to gravity causes it to be forced out of the reservoir and through a first release orifice, thereby depositing a thin film of liquid adhesive. The height of the film is determined by the distance between the application surface and the bottom surface of a rib defining the release orifice and the width of the film is determined by the distance between the substantially vertical sides of the first release orifice.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensor includes providing a first and a second film and bonding an internal connection tab therebetween. The internal connection tab is positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second films. Then a conductive adhesive is applied to either the tab or to the inner film surfaces such that the inner surfaces of the films and the tab are electrically connected. Finally, the films are pressed together to bond the films together with the internal connection tab inbetween.

Abstract: The invention is an ambulatory, passive sensor for use in a fetal monitoring system. The invention incorporates piezoelectric polymer film combined with a metallic mounting plate fastened to a belt and electrically connected to a signal processing unit by means of a shielded cable. The purpose of the sensor is to receive pressure pulses emitted from a fetus inside an expectant mother and to provide means for filtering out pressure pulses arising from other sources, such as the maternal heart.