Abstract: A medicating device for a hospital or nursing home that provides the correct medication for each individual occupant of a portion of the institution, at the right time of the day. The medicating device includes a control computer that sends instructions to a dispensing device. The dispensing device is then caused to discharge a particular tablet stored therein. The device contains a series of parallel, annular, arcuately shaped plates that are stacked closely together. Resting on each plate are multiple curved tablet trays that are arcuately disposed thereupon. Each tray contains a number of tablets or capsules disposed within individual cells of the arcuate plate. The plates are rotated under the control of the computer by a motor drive. A retrieval mechanism then rises or descends to address one of the plates.

Abstract: A monitoring system for adjusting a light source for a counting cell signal in a counting and dispensing system, which light deteriorates over time as a result of dust accumulation from the handling of pills, capsules, and tablets. The monitoring system uses electronics to adjust the light relative to the dust accumulation, thus maintaining an accurate counting cell signal, so that the system can continue to function. In this respect, the monitoring system provides for longer intervals between required maintenance operations, and therefore reduces the cost of operation.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted fetal extraction apparatus and a monitoring device for use in conjunction therewith. The monitoring device includes a circuit including a timer operably coupled with a switch, which may comprise a differential pressure sensor. The switch is configured to be actuated by the formation of a vacuum to secure the fetal extractor to a fetus. At least partial release of the vacuum releases the switch to stop or pause the timer. The timer may be configured to be reset such that it only records or displays the duration of a specific application of the vacuum device, or it may be configured to record or display a cumulative duration based upon multiple applications of the vacuum device in an absolute sense or during a defined time period. Magnitude as well as the cumulative number of applications of an applied vacuum may also be measured and, optionally, displayed, as may the number of times traction force is applied to an infant during delivery.

Abstract: A urodynamic catheter incorporating at least one balloon adjacent a distal end thereof and associated with a pressure lumen extending to a proximal end to be placed external to the body of a patient and usable with a transducer housing including a pressure transducer and a mechanism for alternatively venting an air column defined by the assembled pressure lumen and transducer housing to the ambient environment and closing the air column and charging it with air while reducing volume of the air column. One embodiment includes two, separately-chargeable balloons and a bladder fill tube, another embodiment includes a single balloon and a fill tube, and yet another embodiment, suitable for use as a reference catheter to measure abdominal pressure, includes only a single balloon and omits the fill tube. A novel catheter architecture and assembly technique are also disclosed, as are methods of using the inventive catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting blood from a fetal scalp. The apparatus includes an elongated housing containing a longitudinally spring-loaded, sharp-pointed, beveled blade disposed at the distal end thereof which can be advanced against the spring bias from the distal end against the fetal scalp. A groove located on an exterior side surface of the distal end of the housing is sized to receive a capillary tube which is resiliently retained on the housing with its distal end proximate a recessed region at the distal end of the housing. The groove may be oriented parallel to the housing, or at an angle thereto, to enhance visualization of blood pooling in the recessed region filling the capillary tube after an incision in the scalp is made using the blade. A light source may be included in or on the apparatus, or on the interior of an amnioscope with which the apparatus is employed. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor, which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The outer tube employs a window extending along at least a portion of the side thereof for viewing of bodily fluids moving through the fluid channel from the body in which the catheter is inserted toward the proximal catheter end. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor. Viewing of amniotic fluid through the window facilitates verification of proper catheter tip placement within the amniotic fluid space.

Abstract: A method and an automated pharmacy system to alleviate the risk posed by a queue of printed labels for prescription vials that occurs at the printer. The method and system eliminate the need for physically transferring paperwork from one site (the imaging station) to another site (the filling station). Elimination of the physical transferring step smooths the flow of the dispensing operation, and hence, improves the throughput of the automated pharmacy, and further, helps to prevent the association of the wrong paperwork with a given prescription.

Abstract: A pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer hollow tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor.

Abstract: A pressure catheter for monitoring changes in pressure within the body is comprised of an outer tube containing a fluid channel and a closed air column having a pressure-compliant member which is deformable upon an increase in pressure. A change in pressure deforms the pressure-compliant member, which modifies the pressure in the air column, and is translated to a pressure sensor, which converts the pressure change data to an electrical signal recognizable by a fetal monitor. The outer tube employs a window extending along at least a portion of the side thereof for viewing of bodily fluids moving through the fluid channel from the body in which the catheter is inserted toward the proximal catheter end. The pressure catheter of the present invention is particularly suitable for intrauterine pressure monitoring during labor. Viewing of amniotic fluid through the window facilitates verification of proper catheter tip placement within the amniotic fluid space.

Abstract: The present invention features a pharmaceutical dispensing system including a plurality of standardized or universal-type cells disposed in a large array called a module. One or more modules may be disposed in a given pharmacy, and one or more pharmacies may be monitored by a central computer. The system for filling prescriptions includes a graphical interface processing system for monitoring operations of each cell, wherever located, and for sequentially and interactively prompting an operator to perform appropriate; predetermined steps. The system for filling prescriptions sequentially prompts a technician or operator to perform predetermined steps, dependent upon verification of the completion of a prior or previously completed step in the sequence. In a semi-automatic mode, the pharmacist is directed, by suitable prompts on the computer display screen, as to the necessary steps and locations in filling each prescription.

Abstract: The present invention features a pill-dispensing system which has a number of standardized, or universal-type, modules. Each module has a rotating, helix-drive mechanism, which is rotationally controlled by a microprocessor. The helical-drive mechanism features several improvements, both in the drive mechanism and in the software control of the rotational drive system by the microprocessor that allows for the dispensing of pills of all shapes and sizes one at a time. The helix of the drive is securely mounted within a rotatable, hollow tube. A stationary collar is mounted adjacent the upper end of the rotating tube. The rotating helix extends into the stationary collar and forces pills from the hollow tube to the dispensing edge of the stationary collar. A hopper positioned at the input end, or mouth of the tube, feeds a batch quantity of pills to the drive mechanism. The tube is angled upwardly from the mouth portion, so that the pill-dispensing end is positioned above the input end.

Abstract: An electronic calculator is disclosed for calculating important obstetrical dates based on the entry of certain variables or information. The electronic calculator is structured to accept input relating to the last menstrual period, conception date, estimated date of confinement and estimated gestational age. The entry of any one of these variables of information, along with the entry of a reference date, allows the calculator to calculate the other, remaining variables. The electronic calculator provides information similar to that conventionally obtained from an obstetric wheel or birth wheel, but additionally provides for the capability of recalculating and updating the obstetric dates based on new or additional information input into the calculator. The dates calculated using the invention are, therefore, more accurate and can be stored in memory for recall at each subsequent obstetrical visit.

Abstract: There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of the trough is patterned to provide a greater vibratory amplitude at its dispensing end than at its intake end. The difference at each end of the trough in vibratory amplitude is achieved by elastomeric supports that are differently spring dampened. The microprocessor electronically adjusts the input vibration to the trough, such that the flow of materials is adjusted for different types of materials (i.e., tablets of different shapes and/or sizes). This causes the tablets to align accurately within the trough, and sequentially pass a pill detector mechanism in single file. This ensures that the device can handle an extremely varied range of tablet or capsule sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A disposable uterine manipulator including a pivotable tip support at the distal end of an elongated insertion rod for carrying a manipulator tip assembly, the tip support being rotatable by a manual drive at the proximal end of the insertion rod via a drive linkage to effectuate a range of rotation of the tip support of at least greater than 90.degree. anteversion and at least greater than 30.degree. retroversion. The manual drive may be an articulated linkage, a belt drive, or an axle drive. Several designs for a manipulator tip assembly including a balloon and a dye injection passage are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of the trough is patterned to provide a greater vibratory amplitude at its dispensing end than at its intake end. The difference at each end of the trough in vibratory amplitude is achieved by elastomeric supports that are differently spring dampened. The microprocessor electronically adjusts the input vibration to the trough, such that the flow of materials is adjusted for different types of materials (i.e., tablets of different shapes and/or sizes). This causes the tablets to align accurately within the trough, and sequentially pass a pill detector mechanism in single file. This ensures that the device can handle an extremely varied range of tablet or capsule sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Hollow microspheres produced by the present method each have a hollow interior evacuated of gases to a predetermined pressure. A reflective material layer coats the exterior of each microsphere and, optionally, an outer layer of a protective material is applied over the reflective material layer. Permeant gases are dissolved into glass or plastic frit particles prior to heating of the frit particles to form hollow microspheres having the permeant gases contained therein. The permeant gases are subsequently out-permeated in a non-permeant gas atmosphere to substantially evacuate the interior of each microsphere. The exterior layers of reflective material and protective material are then coated about each evacuated microsphere.

Abstract: Hollow microspheres produced by the present method each have a hollow interior evacuated of gases to a predetermined pressure. A reflective material layer coats the exterior of each microsphere and, optionally, an outer layer of a protective material is applied over the reflective material layer. Permeant gases are dissolved into glass or plastic frit particles prior to heating of the frit particles to form hollow microspheres having the permeant gases contained therein. The permeant gases are subsequently out-permeated in a non-permeant gas atmosphere to substantially evacuate the interior of each microsphere. The exterior layers of reflective material and protective material are then coated about each evacuated microsphere.

Abstract: A disposable uterine manipulator including a pivotable tip support at the distal end of an elongated insertion rod for carrying a manipulator tip assembly, the tip support being rotatable by a manual drive at the proximal end of the insertion rod via a drive linkage to effectuate a range of rotation of the tip support of at least greater than 90.degree. anteversion and at least greater than 30.degree. retroversion. The manual drive may be an articulated linkage, a belt drive, or an axle drive. Several designs for a manipulator tip assembly including a balloon and a dye injection passage are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a catheter (10) having a low pressure balloon (42) at of one end thereof, a precise, low pressure, low volume fluid infusion means (41) and a pressure sensor (43). The balloon (42) is introduced to a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, and inflated to a pressure at or just above physiologic, typically being below 200 mmhg. From the balloon volume at a particular pressure, the internal cross-sectional area and diameter of the vessel can be calculated. Additional calculations can be made at other pressures below 200 mmhg to determine compliance of the vessel.

Abstract: An inclinometer, adapted to be rigidly secured to an object, for detecting the amount and direction of the inclination of the object in any direction with respect to a horizontal or other reference plane. The inclinometer comprises a fiber optic rod rigidly mounted at one of its ends and having a weight secured to its free end. The free end of the rod has two degrees of freedom of motion with respect to its rigidly mounted end. Light is supplied to the rod's mounted end and light emitted from the rod's free end falls on a continuous two dimensional optical detection surface area of an optical detector which uniquely detects the position of the spot of light falling anywhere on its surface area, regardless of the direction in which the spot of light moves on its surface area. From the position of the spot of light on the surface area, the amount and direction of inclination of the object can be determined.