US5070888A — External uterine contraction monitoring device

Claim 1

Independent Claim 75 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contraction comprising, (a) a relatively rigid plate like support base capable of conforming to the abdomen of a patient, and adapted to be relatively fixed to the abdomen of a patient by adhesive means said support base having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having an adhesive layer; and (b) said support base having holding means for holding a removable pressure transducer sensing means against the abdomen.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 75 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contraction comprising, (a) a relatively rigid plate like support base capable of conforming to the abdomen of a patient, and adapted to be relatively fixed to the abdomen of a patient by adhesive means said support base having an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having an adhesive layer; and (b) said support base having holding means for holding a removable pressure transducer sensing means against the abdomen.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said support base is concave so as to conform to the shape of the abdomen.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 2 in which said support base is capable of distorting so as to conform to the shape of the abdomen.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said support base has score means associated therewith for increasing the flexibility of at least a portion of the support base.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 4 in which said score means are centrally configured.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said support base has a plurality of openings therethrough.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises an opening in said support base.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises a hollow tubular member forming an opening in said support base.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 8 including a flexible membrane fitted across said opening in said support base.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 8 in which said hollow tubular member is formed integral with said support base.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 8 in which the said hollow tubular member is removably fixed to said support base.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 11 in which said hollow tubular member has a portion extending below the lower surface of said support base.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 11 in which the hollow tubular member is adjustable in relation to said support base.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 97 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising a concave support base capable of deforming so as to conform to the shape of the patient having an upper surface and a lower surface adapted to conform to the shape of the abdomen of a patient; an adhesive layer attached to said lower surface of said support base; said support base having a hollow tubular holding member passing through said support base forming an opening fixed substantially perpendicular to the support base and passing through said support base; said hollow tubular member being adapted to hold a pressure transducer sensing means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 97 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising a concave support base capable of deforming so as to conform to the shape of the patient having an upper surface and a lower surface adapted to conform to the shape of the abdomen of a patient; an adhesive layer attached to said lower surface of said support base; said support base having a hollow tubular holding member passing through said support base forming an opening fixed substantially perpendicular to the support base and passing through said support base; said hollow tubular member being adapted to hold a pressure transducer sensing means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 14 in which a flexible membrane member is fitted across said opening proximate said lower surface of said support base.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 14 including scored portions on said support base.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 98 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contractions comprising: (a) a support base comprising a thin relatively rigid plate-like member having an upper and a lower surface, said support base shaped so as to conform to the shape of an abdomen of a patient; (b) means associated with said support base for holding a pressure transducer sensing means against the abdomen of a patient; and (c) adhesive means associated with said lower surface of said support base for holding the support base relatively fixed to the abdomen so as to prevent movement of said support base against lateral or vertical movement.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 98 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contractions comprising: (a) a support base comprising a thin relatively rigid plate-like member having an upper and a lower surface, said support base shaped so as to conform to the shape of an abdomen of a patient; (b) means associated with said support base for holding a pressure transducer sensing means against the abdomen of a patient; and (c) adhesive means associated with said lower surface of said support base for holding the support base relatively fixed to the abdomen so as to prevent movement of said support base against lateral or vertical movement.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 17 in which said support base is concave.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 17 in which a flexible membrane is attached to the lower surface of said support base for preventing said pressure transducer sensing means from coming into contact with the patient.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 121 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising: (a) a support base capable of conforming to the abdomen of a patient having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removable associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 121 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising: (a) a support base capable of conforming to the abdomen of a patient having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removable associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which said support base is concave.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said support base is capable of distorting so as to conform to the shape of the abdomen when pressed there against.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which said first transducer sensing means is removably fixed to said support base.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which said first transducer sensing means is held fixed to said support base in a hollow tubular member passing through said support base.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 24 in which said hollow tubular member extends below the lower surface of said support base.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 24 in which a flexible membrane is attached to the lower surface of said support base covering the opening of said hollow tubular member.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which there are a plurality of openings passing through said support base.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which at least a portion of said support base is flexible.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which said support base includes a plurality of holes therethrough.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus of claim 20 in which said support base has weakened portions for making portions of said support base flexible.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 30 in which said support base is disc shaped and said weakened portion comprises a plurality of radial scores.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 31 in which said weakened portion comprises at least one score adjacent the circumference of said support base.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 20 additionally comprising a pressure adjusting assembly which can hold said first pressure transducer against the abdomen with varying degrees of pressure.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 129 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contractions comprising: (a) a support base having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removably associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient in which said first transducer sensing means includes an isolating means associated with said active surface.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 129 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contractions comprising: (a) a support base having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removably associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient in which said first transducer sensing means includes an isolating means associated with said active surface.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 34 in which said isolating means comprises a ring-like member surrounding the active surface of said first transducer sensing means.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 34 in which said isolating means comprises a ring surrounding the active surface of the pressure transducer and extending below said active surface.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 36 in which the diameter of said active surface is substantially smaller than the inner diameter of said ring.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 37 in which the diameter of said active surface is less than one half the inner diameter of said ring.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 34 in which said isolating means is the hollow tubular member.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 177 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising: (a) a support base having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removable associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient in which said first transducer first pressure sensing means includes visual means for determining the initial pressure applied to said first pressure first transducer sensing means; and (c) a pressure adjusting assembly which can hold said first pressure transducer against the abdomen with varying degrees of pressure, said assembly including visual means for indicating the pressure applied to said first pressure transducer by said assembly.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 177 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising: (a) a support base having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removable associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient in which said first transducer first pressure sensing means includes visual means for determining the initial pressure applied to said first pressure first transducer sensing means; and (c) a pressure adjusting assembly which can hold said first pressure transducer against the abdomen with varying degrees of pressure, said assembly including visual means for indicating the pressure applied to said first pressure transducer by said assembly.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 52 words

The apparatus of claim 40 in which said visual means comprises a projecting member having markings thereon, said projecting member held in contact with said first pressure first transducer sensing means by a spring means, the markings being indicative of the pressure of the spring means against the first transducer sensing means.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 172 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising: (a) a support base having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removable associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient in which a second transducer pressure sensing means senses the position of said first transducer sensing means; and (c) a pressure adjusting assembly which can hold said first pressure transducer against the abdomen with varying degrees of pressure, said assembly including a second transducer pressure sensing means to sense the pressure applied to said first pressure transducer by said assembly.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 172 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising: (a) a support base having an opening therein and an upper and lower surface adapted to be adhesively held against the abdomen of a patient, said support base having an upper and a lower surface and an adhesive layer on its lower surface sufficiently strong so that it will withstand substantial lateral and vertical force against the support base when attached to the abdomen of a patient; and (b) a first pressure transducer sensing means removable associated with said support base, said first sensing means having an active surface and passing through said support base for having the active surface pressed against the abdomen of a patient in which a second transducer pressure sensing means senses the position of said first transducer sensing means; and (c) a pressure adjusting assembly which can hold said first pressure transducer against the abdomen with varying degrees of pressure, said assembly including a second transducer pressure sensing means to sense the pressure applied to said first pressure transducer by said assembly.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 42 in which said first and second pressure transducers have outputs connectable to a monitoring device, the apparatus additionally including switching means for switching the output form the first and second transducer pressure sensing means to the monitoring device.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 68 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising a relatively flexible support base, said support base having an upper surface and a lower surface, said support base being adapted to conform to the shape of the abdomen of a pregnant patient, said support base having an opening therein for receiving a transducer pressure sensing means, and a flexible membrane attached to the lower surface of said support base covering said opening.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 68 words

Apparatus for monitoring contractions comprising a relatively flexible support base, said support base having an upper surface and a lower surface, said support base being adapted to conform to the shape of the abdomen of a pregnant patient, said support base having an opening therein for receiving a transducer pressure sensing means, and a flexible membrane attached to the lower surface of said support base covering said opening.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 44 in which said support base is substantially circular and has an outer diameter of approximately four times the diameter of said opening in said support base.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 45 in which said support base has an adhesive layer on the lower surface.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 44 in which said support base has a hollow tubular member associating with the opening to receive the transducer pressure sensing means.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 56 words

A transducer sensing means assembly comprising a first pressure transducer sensing means for sensing displacement; said first pressure transducer sensing means having an active surface on one end thereof and a non-active surface on a second end; and an indicating means for indicating the pressure applied to the non-active end of said pressure transducer sensing means.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 56 words

A transducer sensing means assembly comprising a first pressure transducer sensing means for sensing displacement; said first pressure transducer sensing means having an active surface on one end thereof and a non-active surface on a second end; and an indicating means for indicating the pressure applied to the non-active end of said pressure transducer sensing means.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 48 in which said indicating means includes visual means for determining the initial pressure applied to said first pressure transducer sensing means.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 51 words

The apparatus of claim 49 in which said visual means comprises a projecting member having markings thereon, said projecting member held in contact with said first pressure transducer sensing means by a spring means, the markings being indicative of the pressure of the spring means against the first pressure sensing means.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 48 in which a second pressure transducer sensing means senses the pressure applied to the non-active surface of said first transducer sensing means.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 41 words

The apparatus of claim 51 in which said first and second pressure transducers have outputs connectable to a monitoring device, the apparatus additionally comprising switching means for switching the output from the first and second pressure transducers to the monitoring device.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 71 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contractions comprising; (a) a relatively rigid support base adapted to be relatively fixed to the abdomen of a patient by adhesive means, said support base having a normally concave shape so as to conform to the shape of the abdomen and an opening therethrough for the passage of a pressure transducer means; and (b) Means for holding a pressure transducer means against the abdomen of the patient.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 71 words

Apparatus for monitoring labor contractions comprising; (a) a relatively rigid support base adapted to be relatively fixed to the abdomen of a patient by adhesive means, said support base having a normally concave shape so as to conform to the shape of the abdomen and an opening therethrough for the passage of a pressure transducer means; and (b) Means for holding a pressure transducer means against the abdomen of the patient.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 53 in which said support base has an inner portion proximate said opening relatively rigid in relationship to the outer portion.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 54 in which said support base is tapered from a thicker portion proximate the center of the support base to a thinner portion along the periphery of the support base.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 53 in which the support base has an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface having a double-sided adhesive means applied thereto.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 56 in which said lower surface has a flexible membrane surrounding the central opening.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 61 words

A pressure transducer assembly comprising, (a) a first pressure transducer having an active surface on one end thereof and a non-active surface on the other end thereof; and (b) a second pressure transducer having an active surface on one end thereof, said active surface of said second pressure transducer being in contact with the non-active end of said first pressure transducer.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 61 words

A pressure transducer assembly comprising, (a) a first pressure transducer having an active surface on one end thereof and a non-active surface on the other end thereof; and (b) a second pressure transducer having an active surface on one end thereof, said active surface of said second pressure transducer being in contact with the non-active end of said first pressure transducer.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 23 words

The pressure transducer assembly of claim 58 in which said first pressure transducer and said second transducer are aligned along the same axis.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 25 words

The pressure transducer assembly of claim 58 in which said first pressure transducer and said second transducer have electrical outputs connectable to a monitoring device.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 25 words

The pressure transducer assembly of claim 60 including switching means for switching the output from said first and second pressure transducers to the monitoring device.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 18 words

The pressure transducer assembly of claim 59 in which said pressure transducers are mounted in a single housing.

Claim 74

Independent Claim 77 words

A method for monitoring the labor contractions of a patient comprising the steps of: a. adhesively applying a relatively rigid support plate like member having a holding means for holding a pressure transducer to the abdomen of the patient; b. inserting the pressure transducer into the holding means whereby the active surface of the pressure transducer is pressed against the abdomen of the patient; and c. recording the output of the pressure transducer caused by the contractions.

Claim 75

Independent Claim 77 words

A method for monitoring the labor contractions of a patient comprising the steps of: a. adhesively applying a relatively rigid support plate like member having a holding means for holding a pressure transducer to the abdomen of the patient; b. inserting the pressure transducer into the holding means whereby the active surface of the pressure transducer is pressed against the abdomen of the patient; and c. recording the output of the pressure transducer caused by the contractions.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 63 in which said pressure transducer includes an isolation means surrounding the active surface of said pressure transducer.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 63 in which said holding means comprises a hollow tubular member for firmly holding said pressure transducer in a fixed position relative to said support plate.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1994-12-09	1995-06-10	1995-12-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1998-12-09	1999-06-10	1999-12-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2002-12-09	2003-06-10	2003-12-10	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

External uterine contraction monitoring device

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