Abstract: A pipette assembly (10) having a suction device (12 or 52) and a small volume disposable tip (14) having a capacity with a range of 0.1 &mgr;l to 2.0 &mgr;l, the disposable tip being removably secured to the suction device. The suction device is provided with a female tip receiver (38.2 or 78.1) which receives a disposable male tip (14). The tip is in the form of a short piece of extruded tubing. The tubing has a very small i.d., for example 0.3 mm. It is preferably formed of Teflon®, or another hydrophobic material.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for management of data collected over the course of a pregnancy which allows the physician to make better use of patient data in the ascertainment and treatment of potentially pathological conditions and which facilitates transfer of patient data to computer memory. The system includes a chart upon which a data point are indicated by placement of a mark relative to a vertical measurement axis and a horizontal gestational week time axis. Data expressed on the chart provide a retrospective graphical representation of developmental progress through the date of the most recent entry. Data from the chart may be transferred into computer memory with a laser scanner. A marking implement to facilitate scanning is also included.

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 female incontinence device inserted into the vagina for supporting the vaginal tissue on each side of the upper urethra so that the tissue therebetween will be stretched like a hammock and will offer counter pressure to sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing and physical exercise thereby preserving continence. The device includes an annular inflatable body section having an aperture extending therethrough, means for inflating and deflating the body section and two projections attached to the body section for supporting the tissue of the vaginal wall lateral and adjacent to each side of the urethra therebetween. The inflating and deflating means includes a tubing extending from the body section, and a valve housed within the tubing for regulating the flow of air into and out of the body section.

Abstract: A device for accurately displacing a fluid within a chamber. The device includes a barrier wall (38) which separates the fluid (12) to be displaced from another fluid, a rod (32) and a concentric elastomeric tube (34) disposed about the rod and passing through an aperture in the barrier wall, securing structure (58) which secures the ends of the elastomeric tube (34) about the rod (32), a resilient annular element (44) carried by a cavity (48) formed within the barrier wall, and structure to compress the resilient element so that it is forced radially inwardly to seal the resilient tube about the rod. The space between the rod (32) and the tube (34) to either side of the resilient element (44) is filled with a lubricant.