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: 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 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 non-invasive, disposable, self-adjusting tocodynamometer (10) for monitoring uterine contractions of a patient during pregnancy, labor, and delivery The tocodynamometer includes a pressure-sensitive, fluid. filled bellows (20) responsive to changes in the hardness of the uterus during contractions The bellows has one face which projects into the patient's soft tissue in the abdomen and adjacent the uterus, rending the tocodynamometer sensitive even for obese patients. A plate (22) supports the bellows and provides structure for attaching the tocodynamometer to the patient. A wall (30) formed on the plate receives the bellows as it is compressed during use. A conduit (14) connects the bellows to a pressure transducer (12) which, in turn, is connected to a monitor (16). The bellows, conduit, and pressure transducer form a closed system containing the working fluid.

Abstract: A disposable electrode assembly comprising a pair of thin, flexible, foam pads having adhesive on their facing surfaces. Leads from remotely located fetal electrodes are secured between the pads by the adhesive and are in electrical contact with conductive plates also located between the two pads. The lower pad carries a body electrode which is in electrical contact with the patient when the assembly is attached to the patient. Such attachment is assured without using an adhesive on the lower pad which contacts the patient's skin. The conductive plates and the body electrode are electrically connected to a fetal monitoring device by thin conductors also secured between the pads by the adhesive. The thin conductors combine in a cable assembly adapted to connect to the fetal monitoring device.

Abstract: A disposable blood pressure transducer system for use with a catheter with or without a catheter flush/flow valve. The transducer housing has both electrical and fluid connections, with the electrical connections being protected from contamination by fluid.

Abstract: A disposable biomedical and diagnostic electrode characterized in that functional electrical contact is effected between the skin and an electrically conductive element of the electrode by means of a conductive adhesive, and in that conductive skin contact is enhanced, when necessary, by selective application of a conductive gel contained in and releasable from a storage cavity in the electrode itself. The pressure-released gel establishes a fluid film interface between the patient's skin and the conductive adhesive and, concurrently, provides a highly conductive path between the electrode itself, and the patient's skin.