Abstract: An improved monitoring device for externally monitoring labor contractions preceding childbirth which does not require the use of a belt is disclosed consisting of a transducer assembly removably fixed to a base adhesively attached to the abdomen of the woman.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuously measuring cutaneous blood pressure is disclosed. A portion of cutaneous tissue, preferably covering a digit such as a finger, is isolated and a pressure sensing device, such as a strain gauge, measures the changes in pressure in the isolated cutaneous tissue. The pressure sensing device is mounted on a stable platform fixed relative to the cutaneous tissue of the digit.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously measuring blood pressure, preferably in the situs of the wrist is disclosed. A hand and wrist support structure maintains the hand and wrist in a substantially fixed relationship. A pressure monitoring apparatus consisting of a sensing device and structure for maintaining the sensor over the radial artery of a user so as to measure the blood pressure is disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor support base having a rigid inner portion and a relatively flexible outer ring portion removably attached around its periphery for adhesive application to a patient is disclosed. The relatively flexible outer ring portion has a relatively rigid segment for assisting in attachment to the periphery of the inner portion. A layer of absorbent material on the upper surface of the outer ring portion is used for absorbing perspiration of the patient.

Abstract: An intrauterine catheter is disclosed employing a catheter tube closed at one end by a flexible membrane, and connected at its other end to the input of a pressure transducer. The catheter is filled by injection of a sterile solution through the flexible membrane into the catheter tube or by pre-filling. The pressure measuring system is capable of being zeroed while the catheter is in place in the uterus.

Abstract: A device for attaching an ultrasonic transducer to the body of a patient, particularly to obtain the fetal heart rate in a pregnant patient, that does not require the use of belts, is disclosed. The device is adhesively attached to the patient and permits the ultrasound transducer to be held in a desired orientation.

Abstract: An improved support base for supporting a transducer used for the monitoring of uterine contractions is disclosed. A support plate is concave and has a projecting annular ring on its lower surface spaced from and surrounding the central opening in the support plate, which acts as an isolation ring and to deform the skin into a hemispherical shape for being brought into contact with the transducer.

Abstract: A fetal electrode applicator for attaching a coil electrode to the skin of a fetus by moving the coil electrode forwardly through the forward end of an inserter tube introduced through the mother's vagina by a plunger having cooperating helical threads for converting linear force applied to the plunger to rotary motion of the coil electrode. In one embodiment, the helical threads include cooperating helical ribs and grooves on the electrode carrier and the forward interior wall of the inserter tube, and a plunger rod pushes the electrode carrier forwardly.