Abstract: An integrated introducer and drive rod system used to position and attach a spiral-shaped, biological needle probe to a fetus during labor and delivery. The system ensures that the sharp, pointed, probe (typically, a fetal spiral electrode) remains protected in a retracted position inside the introducer until attachment to the fetal scalp is desired. The flexible drive rod of the system has a "C"-shaped safety ring with an outside diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the introducer at a point on the introducer; a "C"-shaped radial web with an outside diameter only slightly larger than the inner diameter of the introducer creating an interference fit between the drive rod and the introducer; or a "C"-shaped segmented rib that engages the rear end of the introducer.

Abstract: A hydrogel adhesive made of a polymer formed by polymerizing a water soluble long chain (meth)acrylate ester monomer (structure I); a hydrogel adhesive made of a copolymer formed by copolymerizing a first water soluble long chain (meth)acrylate ester monomer (structure I) with a second water soluble monomer (structure II); biomedical devices having such hydrogel adhesives; a method of preparing hydrogel adhesives; and a method of adhering biomedical devices to skin.

Abstract: A fetal electrode product for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus to a monitor. The product includes a slotted introducer which can be comfortably inserted through the cervix of the mother. A drive mechanism slides and rotates a holder--to which are attached, at opposite ends, a fetal spiral electrode (FSE) and a reference electrode--within the introducer to secure the FSE to the fetus. The solid drive mechanism has a drive rod, a handle on one end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the drive rod, and a clutch on the opposite end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the holder. The drive rod, handle, and clutch each have a channel transporting a twisted wire strand from the electrodes to a connector. The connector has an outside dimension greater than the inner diameter of the introducer to facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: A body, which may have a tubular or dome-like shape with an open top and bottom, has a wall with one or more elongated slots extending along the wall from the top toward the bottom. A cauterizer blade may be drawn through a slot in any suitable orientation to wipe debris from the blade. A mounting, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, may be used to attach the body to a surgical drape. A slot may have two parallel inner edges for wiping or scraping the cauterizer blade. The distance between the inner edges defines the slot width, which should be approximately equal to the width of the cauterizer blade to be cleaned. The sides of the slot may be beveled to form chisel-like inner edges that enhance the wiping action. At the top of the body the slot may also have a "V"-shaped notch to guide the cauterizer blade into the slot. The adhesive sheet may be attached to the open bottom of the dome-shaped body.

Abstract: A biocompatible hydrogel adhesive which is prepared from a precursor containing acrylic acid and an alcoholamine and is adhesive under both wet and dry conditions. The use of diisopropanolamine provides these unexpected and unique wet tack properties and permits adhesion to wet tissue. Additionally, the use of a polyol which contains hydroxyl groups, such as glycerine, and a diamine, such as 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, is found to provide a hydrogel having wet adhesive properties and longer shelf life. The hydrogel adhesive can be used as an attachment means in conjunction with a biomedical detection or monitoring means. The adhesive may be used to attach a sensor on the skin of an intrautero fetus and to monitor the well being of the fetus during labor and delivery. The hydrogel having wet adhesive properties permits the attachment of a sensor or sensors onto wet tissue. The biocompatible adhesive is used to attach a fetal probe securely to a fetus.

Abstract: A hydrogel adhesive made of a polymer formed by polymerizing a water soluble long chain (meth)acrylate ester monomer (structure I); a hydrogel adhesive made of a copolymer formed by copolymerizing a first water soluble long chain (meth)acrylate ester monomer (structure I) with a second water soluble monomer (structure II); biomedical devices having such hydrogel adhesives; a method of preparing hydrogel adhesives; and a method of adhering biomedical devices to skin.

Abstract: A disposable cover for an operating room lighting fixture handle comprises a sheath attached to a generally flat flange. At least one tab is integrally formed projecting from the flange, to provide a snap fit between the flange and a recessed area on the light fixture handle. Two covers may be conveniently packaged within a compact envelope by engaging the locking tabs of each cover with those of the other.

Abstract: A safety device for a medical/surgical needle has a needle retainer in a chassis within a housing. The needle retainer includes a spring pushing a gripping wheel against walls of the chassis. The needle retainer allows a needle point to enter into the chassis, but prevents withdrawal of the needle. A cover slidably positioned over the housing has a conical opening with internal splines. After the needle point is captured within the housing, the cover is moved, as far as is necessary, depending upon the length of the needle, to engage the needle hub. The cover is then turned to unwind the needle from its syringe, while the needle point is safely captured within the housing.

Abstract: A safety catheter has a needle extending from a needle assembly. A needle point lock has a housing, a locking arm with a hook extending outside of the housing and a rear tab. A wheel within the housing is pushed against a ramp surface and the rear tab of the locking arm, by a spring. The needle extends through the housing and a hole or slot in the locking arm, and into the catheter. The hub of the catheter is held against the housing by the hook on the locking arm, until the needle is withdrawn into the housing, releasing the locking arm and allowing the hook to separate from the catheter hub. After the point of the needle has been withdrawn into the housing, it cannot be pushed back out as the needle slot moves out of alignment with the needle point. The needle also cannot be withdrawn from the back of the housing as the tab on the locking arm moves to allow the wheel to engage the needle with a wedging action.

Abstract: A transducer-tipped intrauterine pressure catheter system for measuring, and delivering to an external monitor a signal representative of, the pressure in the uterus of a woman in labor. The system has a disposable catheter with an affixed asymmetric tip. A disposable, slotted, C-shaped introducer engages and positions the catheter. A reusable monitor cable has a second connector (which engages a first connector on the end of the catheter) on one end and a monitor connector (which engages the monitor) on its opposite end; the monitor cable transmits electrical signals from the first connector to the monitor. A test member is proximate the monitor connector on the monitor cable. The test member includes test circuitry assuring that the monitor cable, the second connector, and the monitor connector are operational. The test member also includes circuitry to "zero" the system.

Abstract: A disposable blood sampling device for slicing a precise incision of predetermined length and depth in the skin of a patient. The device includes a hollow housing having a top surface with an opening, a front surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface with an elongated slot adapted to contact the skin of the patient. A trigger is slidably disposed in the opening in the top surface of the housing. A single spring, only, is mounted in the housing in a relaxed, unstressed, and unbiased condition when the device is not actuated. The spring is extended by the trigger when the device is actuated. A cutting blade is coupled to one end of the spring and extends through the elongated slot in the bottom surface of the housing to incise the skin of the patient when the device is actuated.

Abstract: A non-invasive fetal probe attaching to the presenting part of a fetus and sensing at least one fetal parameter during labor and delivery. The body of the probe is formed of a conductive hydrogel which is adhesive to both wet and dry surfaces. The hydrogel is either formed into a suction cup shape or is coated on the inside surface of a suction cup shell. It is the combination of both the suction cup shape, which initially holds the probe to the fetus, and the hydrogel material, which allows for increased adhesion in the wet environment of the mother's womb, which enables the probe to be securely attached to the fetus during labor and delivery. In one specific embodiment, the probe is a non-invasive fetal heart rate probe having a maternal heart rate sensor which detects the maternal heart rate to serve as a reference and a fetal heart rate sensor for monitoring the fetal heart rate. The maternal and fetal heart rate sensors are separated by an electrical insulation material which can form the suction cup.

Abstract: A disposable electrode assembly for contacting a patient and for receiving electrical signals from at least one remotely located electrode, the remotely located electrode having leads. The electrode assembly has a thin, flexible, leg plate with a bottom surface contacting the patient without adhesive. At least two triangular-shaped springs are carried by the leg plate for electrically and mechanically connecting the leads from the remotely located electrode to the leg plate. At least two latches, each adapted to snap over one of the triangular-shaped springs, provide an audio indication of flap closure and keep a flap closed over each of the triangular-shaped springs. A reference electrode electrically contacts the patient through a skin-contacting surface when the electrode assembly is secured to the patient. The reference electrode is electrically coupled to, but mechanically decoupled from, the leg plate. Separate, insulated wires electrically engage the springs and the reference electrode.

Abstract: An integral medical electrode for monitoring and diagnostic applications which includes a fusible conductive substrate to which are fused the other components, such as the conductor, of the electrode. The fusible conductive substrate includes a non-conductive carrier providing a support layer; a conductive additive; and a sealant functioning as a fusible bonding medium to integrate the non-conductive carrier, the conductive additive, and the other components of the electrode.

Abstract: A fetal electrode product for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus to a monitor. A drive mechanism slides and rotates a holder--to which are attached, at opposite ends, a fetal spiral electrode (FSE) and a reference electrode--to secure the FSE to the fetus. The drive mechanism has a solid drive rod, with at least two regions of different diameter defining the torque versus angular deflection characteristics of the drive rods and a clutch connected to the drive rod and imparting translation and rotation to the holder. The clutch is sufficiently pliable to slip over the reference electrode when the holder resists rotation. The drive rod, a handle, and the clutch are integrally molded together to form the drive mechanism and each has a channel transporting a twisted wire strand, which includes an untwisted length to facilitate removal of the FSE from the fetus, from the electrodes to a connector.

Abstract: A hand writing device for assisting the young, old, and disabled to impart indicia onto a medium. The device includes an ergonomically designed and anthropomorphically shaped body having a top adapted to accommodate the palm of the hand, a planar bottom, and a reservoir containing a supply of writing fluid. A stylus is provided with a tip for depositing the writing fluid on the medium. A glide system is positioned on the bottom of the body and is adapted to provide low-friction movement of the device over the medium. The device pivots between a first position engaging the stylus with the medium and a second position disengaging the stylus from the medium. A head is coextensively connected to and extends outwardly from one end of the body and holds the stylus. The device allows the user to transfer writing motion between the hand and the stylus without having to grasp, grip, hold, or exercise finger control.

Abstract: A packaging system for a fetal electrode assembly. The assembly includes an electrode which can be attached to a fetus. The electrode is coupled to an electrode wire. The electrode wire extends through a drive tube and terminates in a connector end. A flexible guide tube receives the drive tube. The packaging system includes a handle and a clip. The handle is attached to the rearward end of the drive tube. The handle has a forward section which detachably mounts inside the rearward end of the guide tube. The handle also has a passage for receiving the connector end and a slot for securing the electrode wire when the electrode is not in use. The electrode projects from the forward end of the guide tube when the forward section of the handle is mounted inside the rearward end of the guide tube.

Abstract: An intrauterine pressure catheter system for monitoring pressure in the uterus of a mother during labor and delivery. The system includes a reusable junction box with a needle communicating directly to a pressure transducer sensor. The sensor transmits changes in pressure to a conventional pressure monitor. A connector attached to the catheter is pushed into the junction box and is held in place by a plastic latch. Inside this connector are an elastomeric plug and an adjacent diaphragm. When the connector is installed in the junction box, the needle pierces the plug and the tip enters the air-filled volume between the plug and the diaphragm. Fluid pressure in the catheter is communicated to the diaphragm surface and, in turn, passed to the air in the volume between the diaphragm and the plug. Thus, the intrauterine pressure is transmitted directly to the sensor. The system may be zeroed to atmosphere by simply removing the connector from the junction box.

Abstract: A snapless, tabless, disposable medical electrode having a low profile for transmitting electrical signals between the skin of a patient and external monitoring equipment. The electrode has an adhesive substrate with a central opening and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on its bottom (which faces the patient); a symmetrical, electrically conductive disk secured to the substrate, formed without a tab and without a snap, and positioned over and projecting above the central opening of the substrate; a conductive medium substantially filling the opening of the substrate and electrically contacting the skin of the patient, the substrate, and the disk; a lead wire, attached to the disk without regard to orientation, for connecting the disk to the external monitoring equipment; and a release liner covering the bottom of the substrate and gel before the electrode is secured to the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A seamless, trilaminate, photopolymer cylindrical printing plate useful in a variety of printing processes, including the flexographic, letter press, dry-offset, intaglio, and gravure processes, capable of millions of printing runs with minimal degradation. The seamless, photopolymer, cylindrical printing plate has a seamless trilaminate cylindrical sleeve with a constant cross-sectional diameter and a longitudinal axis, a clear matte sealant layer completely covering the seamless trilaminate cylindrical sleeve, a bonder layer completely covering the clear matte sealant layer, and a photopolymer layer completely covering the bonder layer. A pigmented primer layer may completely cover the matte sealant layer and be completely covered by the bonder layer. A hardening layer and an anti-oxidant layer may completely cover the photopolymer layer. A method of manufacturing the seamless, trilaminate, photopolymer cylindrical printing plate is also provided.