Patents by Inventor Helen M. McNamara

Helen M. McNamara has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Positioning method for pulse oximetry fetal sensor
    Patent number: 6671530
    Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Helen M. McNamara
  • Positioning method for pulse oximetry fetal sensor
    Publication number: 20020137996
    Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Helen M. McNamara
  • Positioning method for pulse oximetry fetal sensor
    Patent number: 6370409
    Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Helen M. McNamara
  • Positioning method for pulse oximetry fetal sensor
    Patent number: 5961452
    Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus and for use in determining the depth of the sensor in the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Helen M. McNamara
  • Fetal pulse oximetry apparatus and method of use
    Patent number: 5743260
    Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Helen M. McNamara
  • Sensor for intrauterine use
    Patent number: 5247932
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Nellcor Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Eric Johansson, Carl Ritson, Paul D. Mannheimer, Helen M. McNamara
  • Fetal pulse oximetry apparatus and method of use
    Patent number: 5228440
    Abstract: An intrauterine pulse oximetry apparatus and method are provided to measure fetal blood oxygen saturation at sites in a preferred region on the fetus. The sensor of the apparatus is attached to a stiff cable which can be inserted into the uterus past the presenting part and transcervical region of the fetus. The cable may have visual and tactile markings by which the user, without seeing or feeling the sensor, can guide it to an appropriate site on the fetus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Nellcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Chung, Helen M. McNamara