Abstract: Amniotic sac-rupturing devices are disclosed in various configurations that are mounted on the hand of a physician to present a shielded hook, positioned on the physician's fingertip, supported by a flexible but firm substrate that extends from the fingertip to the palm and yet conforms to the corresponding contours of the finger during use, while still exposing critical portions of the fingertip for digitally examining an expectant mother's cervix prior to rupturing the amniotic sac. The sac-rupturing devices include a split ring mid-length, and a widened base handle that fits in the palm, to also help secure the hook on the physician's finger and ensure that the hook is readily withdrawn from the birth canal after rupturing the amniotic sac. Alternative hook arrangements are also disclosed, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a semitransparent colloidal solution of bismuth sodium tartrate generally comprises producing an aqueous solution of bismuth sodium tartrate; extracting a magma of bismuth sodium tartrate from the aqueous solution at a pH of approximately 2.2; and then dissolving the magma into a salting-in mixture. After addition of preservative and strength testing, the base solution is diluted to elixir strength. The elixir is then buffered to a pH range of about 7.2 to about 7.3 in order to maintain for an extended duration the semitransparent nature of the elixir.

Abstract: A novel umbilical cord clamp and a combined umbilical cord clamp and cutter are provided for clamping and cutting umbilical cords in one motion. The cutter comprises two shells joined by a longitudinal hinge. A transverse blade is mounted in one shell, and a cutting support is mounted in the other shell across from the blade. A clamping member is provided on one side of the blade as part of the cutter, and a removable clamp is provided on the other side of the blade. The umbilical cord to be cut is oriented generally parallel to the hinge and lying across the cutting support. As the shells of the cutter are closed, the umbilical cord is clamped on both sides of the blade, and the blade severs the umbilical cord in the same motion. After the cut is completed, the removable clamp is removed from the cutter, preferably revealing an aesthetically pleasing form such as the face of a koala bear.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a semitransparent colloidal solution of bismuth sodium tartrate generally comprises producing an aqueous solution of bismuth sodium tartrate; extracting a magma of bismuth sodium tartrate from the aqueous solution at a pH of approximately 2.2; and then dissolving the magma into a salting-in mixture. It is critical that the magma be extracted at a pH of at least 2.2 but not more than 2.3. As a result, the magma is extracted by washing with a wash liquor comprising an addition of distilled water; allowing the magma to settle out of the wash liquor; measuring the pH of the wash liquor after the magma has settled; and then decanting the wash liquor from the magma. This process is then repeated as necessary to arrive at a magma within the critical pH range, whereafter the magma is air dried in preparation for salting-in. After addition of preservative and strength testing, the base solution is diluted to an elixir strength.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material made from layers of resin impregnated fiberglass fibers that are shaped, cut, and formed into a skeletal hexagonal cellular mesh array. The material forms a sheet with an array of aligned apertures that permit the flow of air. The size of the apertures may vary but is generally large in comparison to the fiberglass sections that define the sides of the apertures. The mesh may optionally include reinforcing strands and a lining. The material may be cut and trimmed in both its pliable and rigid states. The apertures additionally serve to receive the fingers or toes of the individual receiving the cast. The apertures also serve to allow continuous monitoring of the condition of the patient's skin. The skeletal structure of the material reduces the weight of the cast without sacrificing strength and protection.

Abstract: The vacuum desiccator low pressure vacuum pump and trap and is transportable upon a user's person. The device is especially useful to remove excess fluids from wounds and incisions as they heal. The device includes a desiccator cartridge containing a fluid trapping agent. The desiccator cartridge is connected to a vacuum pump member providing a low vacuum pressure to the interior chamber of the desiccator cartridge. A small battery powered, electric motor drives the pump member. An electrical control circuit, including the battery power source, controls the operation of the electric motor. A single passage, one-way, gas/liquid flow pathway connects the inlet port of the desiccator cartridge to an occlusive dressing covering the wound to be drained. The control circuit includes one or more ancillary circuits for controlling operation of the device, such as: a power circuit, a moisture sensor, a timer circuit, a vacuum pressure sensor, and a pressure differential sensor.

Abstract: A beltless fiber optic labor contraction sensing device including a fiber optic strain sensor for detecting labor contractions during childbirth. The fiber optic strain sensor includes an optic cable, a light source for transmitting a light beam through the optic cable and a light detector for identifying changes in the optical signal. The fiber optic strain sensor is operable to generate an appropriate response to any changes in the optical signal that are caused by the application of force against the fiber optic cable. An adhesive pad or sensor jacket is provided to secure the fiber optic strain sensor to the mother's abdomen without the use of a belt or strap. The contraction device includes wireless communication for transmitting an output signal to a standard contraction recording device. Further, one or more of the components of the labor contraction sensing device are fabricated so as to be disposable.

Abstract: A disposable and noninvasive intrauterine fetal monitoring electrode assembly for monitoring fetal heart rate comprises an electrode strip for insertion into the uterus of a woman in active labor, between and in contact with the tissue of the uterine wall and the baby, and an interconnect cable for connecting the assembly to fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip comprises a flexible two-sided insulating strip having one or more electrodes disposed on each side of the strip. An electrical connector cable containing electrical leads provides electrical connectivity between each electrode and a separate electrical lead disposed within the connector cable to the fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip of the assembly includes a grip feature by which the electrode strip may be engaged to facilitate its positioning in the uterus.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved first aid kit having a foam case with a plurality of integral, internal compartments containing medical supplies for treating a number of medical emergencies. Each compartment is directed to a specific type of medical emergency, which is identified by indicia on the lid of each compartment. The indicia on the compartment lids preferably contain simple, eye-catching, color-coded graphical illustrations of the particular medical emergencies so that an unskilled person can readily ascertain the appropriate compartments to access in an emergency situation. Additionally, the various medical emergencies are preferably prioritized in order of life threatening severity. The kit is buoyant and also functions as a personal flotation device. The compartment lids of the present invention are preferably installed with special hinges having ribs that are embedded in the foam of the case to help prevent the hinges from coming loose.