Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
An instrument for monitoring foetal heart rate comprising a body having a head member (2) for application to the foetal scalp, an electrically conductive needle (9) extending from the head member for penetration of the foetal scalp, a first electrical conductor (6) extending from the needle (9) for connection to monitoring equipment, a second electrical conductor (7) for connection to monitoring equipment, said second conductor being insulated from the first conductor (6) and extending from a terminal (11) external of the body for contacting the mother in use, characterised in that the head member is flexible and the needle is movable therewith, and actuating means (4) are provided for flexing the head member (2).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
An instrument for monitoring foetal heart rate comprising a body having a head member (2) for application to the foetal scalp, an electrically conductive needle (9) extending from the head member for penetration of the foetal scalp, a first electrical conductor (6) extending from the needle (9) for connection to monitoring equipment, a second electrical conductor (7) for connection to monitoring equipment, said second conductor being insulated from the first conductor (6) and extending from a terminal (11) external of the body for contacting the mother in use, characterised in that the head member is flexible and the needle is movable therewith, and actuating means (4) are provided for flexing the head member (2).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An instrument as claimed in Claim 1, wherein biassing means are provided on the head member (2), to bias said head member (2) towards a preselected attitude.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An instrument as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the biassing means comprises a resilient membrane (27) which engages the head member (2).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
An instrument as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the actuating means (4) is in the form of a telescopic arrangement of members (1,15), the members (1,15) being connected with different regions of the head member (2) for flexing said head member (2). 30
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument as claimed any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flexible head member (2) comprises first and second portions (24,25) which are hingedly connected to one another.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
An instrument as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the needle (9) is arcuate and centred on the axis of the hinge connection (28) between the first and second portions (24,25) of the head member(2).