The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 28, 1997
Filed:
Oct. 11, 1995
Kenard E Urion, Woodbury, NJ (US);
George R Allen, Grand Island, NY (US);
Richard A Clement, Stratford, NJ (US);
Clete A Eichelberger, Delran, NJ (US);
Graphic Controls Corporation, Buffalo, NY (US);
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. The introducer has an inner diameter sized to create an interference fit with the drive rod; a forward interior wall with an inside diameter slightly less than the outside diameter of the safety ring; a ramp on the front end of the introducer; a longitudinal slot disposed along its entire length; or a combination of one or more of these structures. In combination, the structures of the drive rod and introducer resist but (upon exertion of a predetermined force on the handle of the drive rod) allow translation of the drive rod within the introducer.