Monitoring device intended especially for parturition and its application

• US 4,949,730 A
• Filed: 05/12/1989
• Issued: 08/21/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andree Cobben, Christian Mouthuy, Francis Jaspar
• Original Assignee: Andree Cobben, Christian Mouthuy, Francis Jaspar
• Inventors: Cobben, Andree, Jaspar, Francis, Mouthuy, Christian
• Primary Examiner(s): Green, Randall L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAY, RANDY CITRIN
• Application Number:
  US07/351,106
• Time in Patent Office: 466 Days
• Field of Search: 128/721, 128/733, 128/774, 128/775, 128/782
• US Class Current: 600/588
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0261 Strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4356 Assessing uterine contractions A61B5/033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 17/008 for detecting birth of animals, e.g. parturition alarm

Abstract

A monitoring belt which comprises at least one sensing element acting in the longitudinal direction of deformation of the belt enables abdominal muscular activity to be detected. The sensing element is connected to an electronic circuit for evaluation, treatment and/or recording of data supplied by the sensing element. The resultant evaluation enables an alarm or safety system to be triggered.

Claims

1. Parturition monitoring device comprising:

a monitoring belt which comprises two sensing elements acting in the longitudinal direction of deformation of said belt which enables abdominal muscular activity to be detected, said sensing elements being connected to an electronic circuit for evaluation, treatment and/or recording of data supplied by said sensing elements, said evaluation treatment and/or recording enabling an alarm or safety system to be triggered, said two sensing elements being mounted on said belt so that only one of the sensing elements is exposed to disturbance produced by parameters to be monitored, whereas the other element is exposed to all other common stimulations, said two sensing elements being connected so that all signals common to said two sensing elements cancel themselves out;

wherein said electronic circuit comprises;

a microprocessor and storage means;

a differential amplifier for receiving input signals;

a first sensing element signal line mounted in parallel to and being connected to a reference voltage upstream of a first input to the differential amplifier;

a second sensing element signal line being connected to a base line correction voltage upstream of a second input to the differential amplifier;

analog to digital conversion means connected between the differential amplifier and the microprocessor;

digital to analog conversion means connected to the microprocessor; and

at least one amplifier means connected between the digital to analog conversion means and the base line correction voltage, the base line correction voltage being supplied by the microprocessor after analog/digital conversion and analysis.

2. Device according to claim 1 further comprising:

said sensing elements being adapted for location in a abdominal or thoracic region of a body which enables at least one of the parameters of body temperature, respiratory cycle, cardiac cycle and arterial pressure to be recorded.

3. Device according to claim 1 wherein said belt at least partially comprises:

a synthetic fiber which ensures a degree of elasticity, and wherein said sensing elements are rigidly fixed at its ends to said belt which ensures the support thereof by means of adhesives or other mechanical fastening means.

4. Device according to claim 1 wherein said sensing elements of said monitoring belt is selected from the group comprising:

a piezoelectric plastic sheet, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), compounds containing coated piezoelectric ceramic particles in a polymer matrix, a piezosensing rubber film, at least one strain guage, a deformable chamber containing a fluid and a pressure sensor.

5. Device according to claim 1 including:

wireless connection means for connection between said microprocessor and a data processing station, an alarm or a receiver.