US4476871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Monitoring of cervical dilatation during labor
Assignee: Corometrics Medical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1982-04-23
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Granted: 1984-10-16
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Expires: 2002-04-23
Abstract
Abstract A device for use in monitoring cervical dilatation during labor. The device comprises an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, the member being adapted to be positioned between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and means for measuring the recession of the cervix with cervical dilatation from the elongated member and along the longitudinal axis thereof. Also provided are systems and methods of monitoring cervical dilatation during labor. An elongated member having a longitudinal axis is positioned between a fetal presenting part and a cervix. The elongated member is anchored against longitudinal movement with respect to a maternal reference point. The recession of the cervix with cervical dilatation from the elongated member and along the longitudinal axis is measured.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward H. Hon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 21:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/145; A61B5/1455; A61B5/1464; A61B5/03; A61B5/033; A61B5/035; A61B5/103; A61B5/107; A61B5/1076; A61B5/14542; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/28; A61B5/30; A61B5/307; A61B5/308; A61B5/43; A61B5/4306; A61B5/4343; A61B5/435; A61B5/4362
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A device for use in monitoring cervical dilatation during labor comprising: an elongated flexible compressible member having a longitudinal axis and being adapted for positioning between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and means for measuring the recession of the cervix along the longitudinal axis of the elongated compressible member during cervical dilatation which include pressure detecting means having a plurality of pressure responsive switches spaced axially along the member for detecting a position along the longitudinal axis of the member at which pressure is exerted thereon by the fetal presenting part and the cervix.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
A device for use in monitoring cervical dilatation during labor comprising: an elongated flexible compressible member having a longitudinal axis and being adapted for positioning between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and means for measuring the recession of the cervix along the longitudinal axis of the elongated compressible member during cervical dilatation which include pressure detecting means having a plurality of pressure responsive switches spaced axially along the member for detecting a position along the longitudinal axis of the member at which pressure is exerted thereon by the fetal presenting part and the cervix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is a tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
The device of claim 2 further comprising electrode means for receiving a maternal ECG signal from the cervix, and wherein each of the switches comprises projection means and pad means for coupling a maternal ECG signal to means for detecting the maternal ECG signal, and wherein each switch is responsive to compression of the tube at said switch to connect the projection means to the pad means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
The device of claim 3 wherein the electrode means comprise a plurality of electrodes spaced axially along an outer wall of and radially aligned relative to the tube, and wherein the projection means comprises a plurality of projections, each electrode being aligned relative to the axial direction of the tube with and connected to a respective one of the projections.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 3 or 4 further comprising means for positioning the electrode means to contact the cervix.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 5, wherein the positioning means comprises a second tube affixed to the elongated tube in side-by-side relationship therewith.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the positioning means comprises a second tube affixed to the elongated tube in side-by-side relationship therewith for use in measuring intrauterine pressure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of pressure responsive switches comprises a first switch contact mounted on an interior wall of the tube and a second switch contact mounted on the interior wall opposite said first switch contact.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
66 words
A method of monitoring cervical dilatation during labor comprising the steps of: positioning an elongated member having a longitudinal axis between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and measuring the recession of the cervix during cervical dilatation along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member by detecting a maternal ECG signal at at least one locus of contact between the elongated member and the cervix.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
66 words
A method of monitoring cervical dilatation during labor comprising the steps of: positioning an elongated member having a longitudinal axis between a fetal presenting part and a cervix; and measuring the recession of the cervix during cervical dilatation along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member by detecting a maternal ECG signal at at least one locus of contact between the elongated member and the cervix.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-16 | 1988-04-16 | 1988-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-16 | 1992-04-16 | 1992-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-16 | 1996-04-16 | 1996-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |