Patent attributes
To better position an ultrasonic transducer typically used in non-invasive fetal monitoring during labor, the present invention consists of a transducer-aligning device having a plurality of selectively fillable chambers, each chamber having a resiliently deformable side-wall. A fluid, such as air, can be selectively pumped or released into any combination of the chambers. When coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, the selective use of air pressure in the bladder more precisely aligns and positions the fetal monitor transducer to improve imaging. In a second embodiment, the present invention includes a solid wedge-shaped protrusion extending below the bottom surface of the housing and adapted to rotate about 360-degrees to enable a care-giver to selectively position the wedge and thus align the associated transducer for optimal readings of fetal heart rate.
