Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interpreting vaginal measurement data by electronic means without the need for the user to take part in the data interpretation process. More specifically, an intelligent probe monitors folliculogenesis and correlates the ovarian function data to probe profile characteristics of the female reproductive cycle. A fertile window is defined with reference to the correlation between folliculogenesis and probe cyclic profiles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interpreting vaginal measurement data by electronic means without the need for the user to take part in the data interpretation process. More specifically, an intelligent probe monitors folliculogenesis and correlates the ovarian function data to probe profile characteristics of the female reproductive cycle. A fertile window is defined with reference to the correlation between folliculogenesis and probe cyclic profiles.

Abstract: A vaginal probe for acquiring and correlating vaginal measurement data with folliculogenesis in a female for prediction of fertility.

Abstract: A method for tissue bioassay comprising the steps of placing in the vagina of a female mammal an elongated probe having at least two electrodes positioned close to an insertion end of the probe, none of the electrodes extending around the entire periphery of said probe and at least one of then being metallic, applying across the electrodes an alternating voltage of relatively low peak-to-peak amplitude, measuring across the electrodes a value representative of the phase of the reproductive cycle of the female or the hormonal status of the fornix epitheliurn, and comparing that value with at least one reference value. A probe for practicing this method also is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interpreting vaginal measurement data by electronic means without the need for the user to take part in the data interpretation process. More specifically, an intelligent probe monitors folliculogenesis and correlates the ovarian function data to probe profile characteristics of the female reproductive cycle. A fertile window is defined with reference to the correlation between folliculogenesis and probe cyclic profiles. Data stored within the apparatus can be downloaded into an external display appliance or data analysis unit. Another aspect of the invention allows for continuous layout of the memory of preceding cycles in the inventory of the apparatus, retaining the most recent while erasing the most distant stored data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interpreting vaginal measurement data by electronic means without the need for the user to take part in the data interpretation process. More specifically, an intelligent probe monitors folliculogenesis and correlates the ovarian function data to probe profile characteristics of the female reproductive cycle. A fertile window is defined with reference to the correlation between folliculogenesis and probe cyclic profiles. Data stored within the apparatus can be downloaded into an external display appliance or data analysis unit. Another aspect of the invention allows for continuous layout of the memory of preceding cycles in the inventory of the apparatus, retaining the most recent while erasing the most distant stored data.

Abstract: A method for tissue bioassay comprising the steps of placing in the vagina of a female mammal an elongated probe having at least two electrodes positioned close to an insertion end of the probe, none of the electrodes extending around the entire periphery of said probe and at least one of then being metallic, applying across the electrodes an alternating voltage of relatively low peak-to-peak amplitude, measuring across the electrodes a value representative of the phase of the reproductive cycle of the female or the hormonal status of the fornix epitheliurn, and comparing that value with at least one reference value. A probe for practicing this method also is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interpreting vaginal measurement data by electronic means without the need for the user to take part in the data interpretation process. More specifically, an intelligent probe monitors folliculogenesis and correlates the ovarian function data to probe profile characteristics of the female reproductive cycle. A fertile window is defined with reference to the correlation between folliculogenesis and probe cyclic profiles. Data stored within the apparatus can be downloaded into an external display appliance or data analysis unit. Another aspect of the invention allows for continuous layout of the memory of preceding cycles in the inventory of the apparatus, retaining the most recent while erasing the most distant stored data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for personal screening for early signs of cervical cancer is claimed, whereby the user performs daily or almost daily a diagnostic self-check for some other aspect of reproductive health, and the electronic testing for cervical cancer type of tissue aberration is performed automatically in the background. The screening is invisible to the user, causing no anxiety and no discomfort. The user only becomes alerted to the need to see a physician if a preset condition of reproducibility is reached in the background evaluation of the measurement data if the aberrant pattern has been detected consecutively in a preset number of menstrual cycles, the device prompts the woman to see a physician with a view to undergoing a more demanding definitive diagnostic examination such as colposcopy with biopsy. The invention provides the diagnostic screen in a manner that does not cause the discomfort, anguish and anxiety associated with the Pap smear screen of the prior art.

Abstract: Two electrodes for contacting consistently a selected position in the vaginal fornix of a mammalian female such as a cow are brought to the desired position so as to allow daily measurements indicative of the follicular waves and then of the optimal time for insemination. The detection of the follicular waves makes it possible to anticipate optimal breeding time first by 10 days and then by 3 days. The monitoring of the animal's reproductive cycle consists of daily measurements of admittance or small AC current generated by time-varying voltage of small amplitude and sufficiently high frequency. The consistent electrode placement is achieved using a configuration capable of entering the fornix and/or engaging the cervical protrusion in one of two ways. In one type of embodiment the electrodes are imbedded at the distal end of a probe shaft that is attached at its proximal end to an electrode-orientation mark carrier such as a self-contained electronic assembly.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fertility status in a female mammal comprising the steps of placing in the vagina of the female a probe having opposed electrodes, orienting the probe so that at least one of the electrodes is touching the cervix of the female, measuring across the electrodes at least one physical parameter indicative of the phase of the female fertility cycle, and comparing the value of the parameter with a reference; a probe useful in practicing this method comprises an elongated body having an insertion end, two electrodes attached to said body at the insertion end, and orienting means for orienting the body so that at least one of the electrodes touches the cervix of the female.

Abstract: A method of monitoring changes of redox activity in a medium in vitro or in vivo which comprises placing into the medium a probe having a non-metallic surface exposed to said medium and whose surface admittance varies with the redox activity in said medium, and detecting the resulting changes in the surface admittance of said probe. The method is particularly suitable for predicting or detecting the onset of ovulation in female mammals.