Patent 5450857 Issued on September 19, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date: May 19, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
600/591, Vagina or uterus600/476, Visible light radiation600/587, Measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or exerted by body600/588Associated with parturition
The present invention relates to a method and instrumentation for detecting the changes in cervical connective tissues associated with cervical dilation or effacement. This method uses an optical system to determine changes by laser or other light induced native fluorescence spectroscopies (LIF) of cervix. The method is non-invasive and instant. It operates by shining excitation light of a selected wavelength on cervical tissue and measuring fluorescent emissions. The measurement is completed in seconds. This method is an excellent fit with the clinical needs for determining the status of cervical dilation.
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May 19, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
