Abstract: A fetal pulse oximeter sensor mounted on a sensor head with an articulating design. A lumen on one side of the sensor has a cable or rod therein to either push or pull that side of the sensor with respect to the main body, thus causing the sensor head to articulate. This can be used, for instance, to apply pressure against the fetus' scalp, with the sensor head, using the articulating mechanism, until an adhesive takes hold. Additionally, the sensor may be held in place on the fetus by an adhesive which is appropriate for a wet surface. The adhesive has the characteristics of having sufficient adhering characteristics to maintain the sensor in place, while at the same time not damaging the fetus' skin upon removal, without requiring suction.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A method of calibrating the output of a transducer in a flow path through which a medication is delivered from a hand-held metered dose inhaler is disclosed. The transducer senses flow rates of human breath during inhalation and exhalation through a portion of a flow path in the inhaler. The flow rates have two non-linear flow characteristics in opposite directions. The flow path portion provides flow rate measurements representative of flow paths of the entire system. The method makes it possible to precisely calibrate so that precise doses of medication can be repeatedly delivered to a patient by inhalation.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient including a durable body and a medication cassette inserted in the durable body. The cassette includes a housing for containing a canister of medication, bears an identification code, and permits the canister to be manually depressed to release a dose, e.g., a metered dose, when out of the durable body. The durable body includes an actuator mechanism for engaging an inserted cassette and its canister, and an actuator release mechanism for controlling the actuator mechanism to depress the canister for a selected period of time to release the desired dose of medication and then the release the canister. The actuator mechanism, includes a compression spring for depressing the canister and a torsion spring for reloading the compression spring. The torsion spring is reloaded by rotating the cassette from an open position for delivering aerosol to a closed position.

Abstract: A sensor placement and retention mechanism for use with fetal sensor sites beyond the user's reach are disclosed. The preferred embodiment of this invention is a fetal pulse oximetry sensor having an active face through which a light source and a light detector operate. The sensor includes a handle that facilitates placement of the active face at a sensor site in a preferred region beyond the transcervical region and beyond the reach of the user. A pair of electrodes--one disposed against the fetus' skin and one exposed to the amniotic fluid--are used to confirm that the sensor is firmly in place on the fetus. In an optional sensor retention feature, a self-inflating bladder presses the active face of the sensor against the fetus' skin to optically couple the sensor with the tissue at the sensor site.

Abstract: A first light emitting element directs light through a first region of tissue, a second light emitting element directs light through a second region of tissue that is spatially distinct from the first region of tissue, and a photodetector detects light traveling through the first and second regions. First and second oxygen saturation values are calculated from the amount of light detected from the first and second regions of tissue, respectively. A difference calculating unit calculates a difference value which represents how much the first oxygen saturation value differs from the second oxygen saturation value, and a comparator compares the difference value to a threshold value. A threshold indicating signal is provided when the difference value has a selected mathematical relationship (e.g., less than or equal) to the threshold value.

Abstract: A fetal pulse oximetry probe has clusters of light-transmissive bumps over the light source and the light detector on the surface of the probe. The probe is usually attached to the fetus' head. The clusters part the fetal hair and penetrate other light-attenuating organic materials on the head. The clusters thus transmit a more intense light signal. To reduce the amount of signal shunting between them, the clusters also may be separated by additional opaque (light-shielding) bumps.

Abstract: A pinch valve mechanism for a parenteral infusion system is provided which includes a spring-loaded pinch valve. The pinch valve is manually latched to its open position. A bobbin and cam mechanism includes a length of wire which contracts when a current is applied to it. The cam has two positions, one which holds the pinch valve in its open position and one which enables to pinch valve to close. When it is desired to automatically close the pinch valve, a current is applied to the wire. The contraction of the wire moves the cam from its valve open position to its alternate position, permitting the pinch valve to spring closed.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: A parenteral solution container spike is provided which accesses a solution container with a pointed end, provides means for attaching a drip chamber at the other end with a drop former extending from the spike into the drip chamber, and an annular projection extending outward from the drip chamber end of the spike for attaching to a droplet detector with the drip chamber properly positioned in the droplet detector.

Abstract: A back pressure sensor for a positive displacement pump comprises at least one flexible beam having a pivot end and a drive connector end, and a pump actuator mounted between the pivot end and the drive connector end. The pump actuator connects with a positive displacement member of a pump. At least one sensor beam is connected to the flexible beam at a mounting position between the distal end and vibration damping end thereof. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a position adjacent to the pivot end thereof, and a second capacitor plate is mounted adjacent the distal end of the sensor beam in a position facing the first capacitor plate at a distance which permits a capacitance coupling between the capacitor plates. A vibration damping mass is secured to the vibration damping end of the sensor beam for damping drive motion vibrations in the sensor beam.

Abstract: A back pressure sensor comprising a flexible beam having a pivot end with a pivot pin and a drive connector end with a means for engaging a pump drive. A pump actuator is connected to the flexible beam at a position intermediate the ends and connects with a positive displacement pumping member. A sensor beam is attached to the flexible beam at a connecting point spaced from said pivot end. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a point which is spaced from the connecting point. A second capacitor plate is mounted on the sensor beam in a position facing and spaced apart from the first capacitor plate at a distance therefrom which permits formation of a capacitance coupling therebetween.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: A hinged plate diaphragm pump comprising a pumping chamber defined by an inflexible member and a flexible member opposed thereto. The flexible member has at least three inflexible plates with edges in a common plane. Each plate has at least two straight plate hinge edges, each plate hinge edge being adjacent to and aligned with a second plate hinge edge of an adjacent plate, the adjacent edges of each plate hinge edge and second plate hinge edge is attached together by a flexible hinge strip. Preferably, the plates comprise at least one array of plates positioned about an axial center of symmetry perpendicular to the common plane. The hinged plates can be hingedly connected to a surrounding support plate and an axially central plate positioned at the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A disposable crimping valve assembly for parenteral solution delivery systems comprises a two-piece tubing receptor housing hingedly connected and with an irreversible snap connection which will not permit removal of the device from parenteral tubing after assembly. A back section has an integral movable pressure plate attached to the housing by integral flexible web connectors. When the movable plate is actuated toward the stationary press surface, tubing is bent over a sharp ridge element until the wall thereof contacting the sharp ridge collapses in a crimping action. The motor drive assembly provides rotational pressure to a threaded actuator engaging the back section without applying axial pressure thereto. The clamp permits manual adjustment to set flow rates when it is separated from the control housing.