Abstract: An integrated introducer and drive rod system used to position and attach a spiral-shaped, biological needle probe to a fetus during labor and delivery. The system ensures that the sharp, pointed, probe (typically, a fetal spiral electrode) remains protected in a retracted position inside the introducer until attachment to the fetal scalp is desired. The flexible drive rod of the system has a "C"-shaped safety ring with an outside diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the introducer at a point on the introducer; a "C"-shaped radial web with an outside diameter only slightly larger than the inner diameter of the introducer creating an interference fit between the drive rod and the introducer; or a "C"-shaped segmented rib that engages the rear end of the introducer.

Abstract: A fetal electrode product for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus to a monitor. The product includes a slotted introducer which can be comfortably inserted through the cervix of the mother. A drive mechanism slides and rotates a holder--to which are attached, at opposite ends, a fetal spiral electrode (FSE) and a reference electrode--within the introducer to secure the FSE to the fetus. The solid drive mechanism has a drive rod, a handle on one end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the drive rod, and a clutch on the opposite end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the holder. The drive rod, handle, and clutch each have a channel transporting a twisted wire strand from the electrodes to a connector. The connector has an outside dimension greater than the inner diameter of the introducer to facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: A transducer-tipped intrauterine pressure catheter system for measuring, and delivering to an external monitor a signal representative of, the pressure in the uterus of a woman in labor. The system has a disposable catheter with an affixed asymmetric tip. A disposable, slotted, C-shaped introducer engages and positions the catheter. A reusable monitor cable has a second connector (which engages a first connector on the end of the catheter) on one end and a monitor connector (which engages the monitor) on its opposite end; the monitor cable transmits electrical signals from the first connector to the monitor. A test member is proximate the monitor connector on the monitor cable. The test member includes test circuitry assuring that the monitor cable, the second connector, and the monitor connector are operational. The test member also includes circuitry to "zero" the system.

Abstract: A hand writing device for assisting the young, old, and disabled to impart indicia onto a medium. The device includes an ergonomically designed and anthropomorphically shaped body having a top adapted to accommodate the palm of the hand, a planar bottom, and a reservoir containing a supply of writing fluid. A stylus is provided with a tip for depositing the writing fluid on the medium. A glide system is positioned on the bottom of the body and is adapted to provide low-friction movement of the device over the medium. The device pivots between a first position engaging the stylus with the medium and a second position disengaging the stylus from the medium. A head is coextensively connected to and extends outwardly from one end of the body and holds the stylus. The device allows the user to transfer writing motion between the hand and the stylus without having to grasp, grip, hold, or exercise finger control.

Abstract: The modular roll product holder 10 of this invention comprises two support panels 20,22 each adapted to be secured to a mounting surface 16,18 and a hinged connector 24 adapted to be removably secured to the two support panels, 20,22 and two roll support spindles 26,28 each having one end 44 adapted to be secured to a support panel 20,22. The hinge 38 allows the two support panels 20,22 to be connected together at different planar angles. Each support panel 20,22 can be adapted to be secured to a mounting surface 16,18 by a mounting bracket 12,14 that can be removably secured to the support panel 20,22 and, the support panels 20,22 are adapted to be secured to the brackets 12,14 and to the hinged connector 24 by means of flanges 46 that fit within mating grooves 48.

Abstract: A dispensing port in a wall of a container 10 for dispensing perforated sheets. The dispensing port comprises three slots 62 generally extending radially from a central opening 61 of the dispensing port to form three flexible, triangular flaps 56, the apex 58 of each flap 56 being rounded. The flaps 56 apply tension to a leading sheet being pulled through the slots 62 to cause the leading sheet to be separated from the next sheet at the perforations while leaving a tip 75 of the next sheet projecting through the dispensing port.

Abstract: An improved packaging system (10) comprising a container (14), a closure (12) for the container (14) and means (38, 60, 34, 66) for retaining the closure over an opening of the container (14). A plurality of fin segments (56, 58) extending between the closure (12) and the container (14) and surrounding a substantial portion of the periphery of the container opening retards the evaporation of moisture from the container (14).

Abstract: A cutting assembly of the type usable for severing a sheet into discrete elements includes an elongate track member having an elongate slot therein. A cutter slide is moveable in the slot and includes downwardly extending projections for both immobilizing and tensioning the sheet locally prior to, and during the severing operation. A method of forming the track, other articles having a segmented upper wall, by injection molding side sections and upper wall segments at an angle relative to the position they assume in the completed article, and thereafter rotating the side sections and upper wall segments about flexible, injection molded hinge sections to complete the formation of the article.

Abstract: A hinged article, preferably in the form of a track (10) for slidably retaining a cutter slide (12) therein, includes first and second sections (18 and 20) joined together at a hinged region (22 and 24); said first and second sections having channel segments (28 and 30) communicating with each other to permit movement of an element, such as cutter slide (12), between them when the sections (18 and 20) are in a first orientation relative to each other; at least one stop (e.g. 34) formed in the article adjacent the hinged region for intercepting a channel segment (28) when the first and second sections (18 and 20) of the article (10) are in a second orientation relative to each other.

Abstract: A cutting assembly of the type usable for severing a sheet into discrete elements includes an elongate track member having an elongate slot therein. A cutter slide is moveable in the slot and includes downwardly extending projections for both immobilizing and tensioning the sheet locally prior to, and during the severing operation. A method of forming the track, other articles having a segmented upper wall, by injection molding side sections and upper wall segments at an angle relative to the position they assume in the completed article, and thereafter rotating the side sections and upper wall segments about flexible, injection molded hinge sections to complete the formation of the article.