Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/703,710, filed Nov. 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,164, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/232,029 filed on Aug. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,095, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/874,770, filed on Jun. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,958 each of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/424,776, filed Nov. 8, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to umbilical cord clamps and cutters, and more particularly to a combined umbilical cord clamp and cutter for clamping and cutting an umbilical cord in one continuous motion. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A number of clamps and cutters are known in the art for clamping and cutting the umbilical cords of newborn babies. Perhaps the most common clamp currently used for such purposes is the umbilical cord clamp disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,303, issued to Nolan on Jul. 15, 1980 and assigned to Hollister Incorporated (“the Hollister clamp”). The Hollister clamp comprises a pair of flexible arms joined by an integral hinge to form a generally V-shaped clamp. The interior of each arm has serrations or ridges for grasping the umbilical cord. The free end of one of the arms has a flexible tongue that cooperates with a recess on the free end of the other arm to close the clamp about the umbilical cord. In practice, two Hollister clamps are clamped to the umbilical cord in spaced relation to one another, and the cord is then cut between the two clamps using scissors or a scalpel. One clamp is temporarily left on the baby&#39;s navel, and the other clamp is disposed of with the placenta. The Hollister clamp has several drawbacks. First, it takes three separate instruments (two clamps and a cutting tool) to accomplish the process of cutting the umbilical cord using the Hollister clamp. In an alternative practice, one Hollister clamp is frequently used in conjunction with a hemostat, and the cord is cut between the Hollister clamp and the hemostat. If a hemostat is used instead of a second Hollister clamp during the cutting process, the overall procedure is even more cumbersome because the hemostat is typically replaced with a second Hollister clamp after the cord is cut, which adds a fourth instrument. Second, the Hollister clamp does not provide any shield from the splatter of blood when the umbilical cord is cut, which presents a danger of blood-borne pathogens to hospital personnel. Additionally, the Hollister clamp is not aesthetically attractive when left on the baby&#39;s navel. 
     Several combined clamp and cutter devices have been developed that essentially employ the Hollister clamp. An example of one such device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,052, issued to Simmons on Jul. 20, 1999 (“Simmons”). Simmons discloses a scissor-type device with a cutting blade that receives an assembly comprising a pair of Hollister-type clamps. As the scissors are squeezed together, the blade severs the umbilical cord and the clamp assembly while closing the two clamps on either side of the cut. Although the Simmons device combines the two clamps and cutter into a single tool, it does not solve the problem of the need for a shield to guard against the splatter of blood nor the problem of poor aesthetics. A similar device is also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,054, issued to Yeatts et al. on Oct. 19, 1999, which suffers from the same disadvantages. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,938, issued to Jensen et al. on Dec. 16, 1997 (“Jensen”), discloses a disposable device for squeezing and cutting an umbilical cord comprising a pair of clamps that mate with a sliding unit which contains a blade. As the sliding unit closes the clamps, the blade severs the umbilical cord. Again, however, the Jensen device does not have a shield to prevent the splatter of blood, and the clamps are modifications of the Hollister clamp which are not aesthetically appealing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,672, issued to Watson et al. on Oct. 14, 1997 (“Watson”), addressed the problem of the splatter of blood by housing a cutting blade and a circular clamping surface inside a cooperating pair of semi-cylinders joined by a hinge. A similar pair of semi-cylinders with a second circular clamping surface is connected to the first pair of semi-cylinders with a breakable joint. As the two pair of semi-cylinders are closed in clamshell fashion, the clamping surfaces compress the umbilical cord. Thereafter, the blade is depressed to sever the cord, and the semi-cylinders prevent the blood from splattering. Then, the two pair of semi-cylinders are separated by breaking the breakable joint. The pair of semi-cylinders without the blade is left with the baby, and the other pair is discarded with the placenta. Although the Watson device solved the blood splatter problem, the pair of semi-cylinders left with the baby is bulky and aesthetically unattractive. Additionally, although the Watson device was intended to enable one-handed operation, the Watson device presents significant difficulties in the process of depressing the blade and breaking the clamps apart. 
     Thus, a need exists for a disposable umbilical cord clamp and cutter that prevents the splatter of blood, is easy to operate with one hand, and leaves an aesthetically pleasing clamp on the baby&#39;s navel. 
     As is known in the art, in multi-infant births (i.e., twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so on), the umbilical cords of the various infants are frequently tangled up, sometimes severely so, which makes keeping track of the cord (and placenta) associated with each infant a tedious and time consuming task for delivery personnel. Keeping track of the cord associated with each infant is important because a particular infant may have a blood condition or other characteristic that is not common to the other siblings, and such condition or characteristic typically does not become known until after the infants have been separated from their respective cords and the cord blood from each cord has been sampled and tested. Therefore, before the cords are cut, great care must be taken to identify each cord on each side of the cut so that after the cutting of all the cords it is possible to identify which cord is associated with each infant. This identification process takes precious time, which is of particular concern because multi-infant births are typically carried out by Cesarean section. In a Cesarean section operation, the risk of complications increases as the duration of the operation increases. Therefore, it would be a significant advancement in the art to provide a simpler and more efficient means of identification for multi-infant births. 
     Additionally, because immediate treatment of certain blood disorders and other diseases is often required or beneficial following birth, early diagnostic information concerning the existence and nature of such blood disorders and other diseases would be highly advantageous. 
     Further, an improved, safe, and efficient means of taking cord blood samples would also be highly advantageous. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve the problems mentioned above, a cutter device in accordance with the present invention comprises a pair of shells connected by a longitudinal hinge. The first shell has a transverse blade fixedly mounted therein and a clamping member adjacent the blade on the “mother” side of the blade. The second shell has a cutting support aligned with the blade. The cutter is positioned with the umbilical cord lying across the cutting support, which preferably comprises a pair of walls separated by a gap into which the blade may pass. On the “baby” end of the cutter, a removable clamp is inserted between the shells. The removable clamp has a clamp body with a corrugated clamping surface, a strap for cooperating with the clamping surface, and a hinge joining the strap to the clamp body. The clamp body has a crown opposite the clamping surface for engagement with the interior surface of the first shell, and the exterior surface of the strap engages the interior surface of the second shell. Thus, as the two shells are closed, the clamping member in the first shell of the cutter compresses the umbilical cord on the “mother” side of the blade, the clamping surface of the removable clamp compresses the umbilical cord against the strap of the removable clamp on the “baby” side of the blade, and the blade severs the umbilical cord, all in one motion through the action of one hand of the user. 
     As the umbilical cord is severed as described above, the shells substantially surround the cord and thereby prevent the splattering of blood. Preferably, the clamping member in the first shell has at least one tab for engagement with a catch extending from the second shell. More preferably, two tabs are provided for engagement with the catch. Together, the tabs and catch constitute a latch to keep the shells closed after the cut is complete. Toward the end of the closing of the shells, the first tab clicks into engagement with the catch to indicate that the shells are prevented from reopening. Upon further squeezing of the shells, the second tab clicks into engagement with the catch to indicate that the cut is complete. Also, each shell is preferably provided with a guide that engages the guide of the other shell to form a detent that holds the shells in a partially open initial position before the cutting process is begun. The exterior of each shell is preferably provided with a plurality of protrusions or recesses to assist the user in gripping the cutter. Together, the shells have an overall outer shape that comfortably fits in the palm of the user&#39;s hand. 
     In the vicinity where the removable clamp is mounted to the shells of the cutter, the periphery of each shell is provided with an indentation to allow access to a protrusion of the removable clamp. After the umbilical cord is severed, the user may use a thumb to apply a force to the protrusion of the removable clamp in order to dislodge the removable clamp from the shells. The removable clamp is then left with the baby, and the cutter is discarded with the placenta. The removable clamp is preferably shaped like the head of a koala bear, with facial indicia (e.g., eyes, nose, and mouth) on the face. When the removable clamp is engaged with the shells of the cutter, the face of the koala bear is toward the interior of the cutter. After the removable clamp is removed from the cutter, the baby is left with a clamp on its navel that resembles a koala bear, which is much more attractive than a Hollister clamp. Therefore, the removable clamp of the present invention is aesthetically pleasing as well as very practical. The removable clamp may also be made in the shape of various other animals, such as a teddy bear or duck, or other non-animal shapes, such as an ellipse. 
     In addition, the removable clamp is preferably provided with a recess on the back side of the clamp body. The recess provides for reduced weight of the clamp and tends to eliminate sink marks if the clamp is manufactured by a molding process. Also, the recess allows for a wireless transmitter to be inserted in the clamp so that the baby can be tracked electronically. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined umbilical cord clamp and cutter for clamping and cutting an umbilical cord in one motion. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disposable umbilical cord clamp and cutter that prevents the splatter of blood or other fluids when cutting an umbilical cord. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a combined umbilical cord clamp and cutter that is easily and safely operable with one hand. 
     It is still another object of this invention to provide an improved umbilical cord clamp that is aesthetically pleasing. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexed sheets of drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an umbilical cord cutter and removable clamp in accordance with the present invention shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  is yet another perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter and removable clamp of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position without the blade. 
         FIG. 5  is still another perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter and removable clamp of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position without the blade. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the umbilical cord cutter of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the umbilical cord cutter of  FIG. 1  shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the umbilical cord cutter of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 9  but with the umbilical cord cutter in a closed position. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the removable clamp of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the removable clamp of  FIG. 1  shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of the removable clamp of  FIG. 1  shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevational view of the removable clamp of  FIG. 1  shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating the use of the umbilical cord cutter and removable clamp of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 17  showing displacement of the face of the removable clamp. 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternative umbilical cord cutter with two removable clamps in accordance with the present invention shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 22  is a sectional view taken along line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view taken along line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another alternative umbilical cord cutter and clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter and clamp of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a front elevational view of the clamp of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of yet another alternative umbilical cord cutter and clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter and clamp of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a front elevational view of the clamp of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of still another alternative umbilical cord cutter and clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded perspective view of the umbilical cord cutter and clamp of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the clamp of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the clamp of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 35  is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of the clamp of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of another alternative umbilical cord cutter with two removable clamps in accordance with the present invention shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of yet another alternative umbilical cord cutter and clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  is a rear elevational view of the cutter of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 39  is a top view of yet another cutter with a releasable band in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  is a side elevational view of a portion of an infant having its umbilical cord compressed with the band of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of still another cutter and with two removable clamps in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom view of another alternative cutter and clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a front view of the blood collection reservoir of  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 44  is a top view of the blood collection reservoir of  FIG. 43  taken in the direction of arrows  44 - 44 . 
         FIG. 45  is a front view of an alternative blood collection reservoir in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  is a bottom view of the blood collection reservoir of  FIG. 45  taken in the direction of arrows  46 - 46 . 
         FIG. 47  is a bottom view of still another alternative cutter with two removable clamps in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 48  is a sectional view of a portion of the cutter of  FIG. 47  taken in the direction of arrows  48 - 48 . 
         FIG. 49  is a sectional view of a portion of the cutter of  FIG. 47  taken in the direction of arrows  49 - 49 . 
         FIG. 50  is a front view of yet another alternative blood collection reservoir in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 51  is a top view of the blood collection reservoir of  FIG. 50  taken in the direction of arrows  51 - 51 . 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of yet another alternative cutter and clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 53  is a rear elevational view of an alternative umbilical cord clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 54  is a side elevational view of the clamp of  FIG. 53 . 
         FIG. 55  is a partial rear elevational view of an alternative latch for the clamp of  FIG. 53 . 
         FIG. 56  is a rear elevational view of another alternative umbilical cord clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 57  is a side elevational view of the clamp of  FIG. 56 . 
         FIG. 58  is a rear elevational view of still another alternative umbilical cord clamp in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 59  is a side elevational view of the clamp of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 60  is a partial sectional view of the clamp of  FIG. 59  taken in the direction of arrows  60 - 60 . 
         FIG. 61  is a perspective view of another alternative umbilical cord cutter with one removable clamp in accordance with the present invention shown in an open position 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 1-6 , a cutter  10  in accordance with the present invention comprises a first shell  12  joined to a second shell  14  by a longitudinal hinge  16 . Preferably, hinge  16  is integral with shells  12  and  14 , but shells  12  and  14  could be made separately and joined with a separate hinge. As discussed further below, a removable baby clamp  100  is installed on one end of cutter  10 . Baby clamp  100  is not shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6  for the sake of clarity. A blade  40  is transversely mounted to the inside of shell  12  with a blade holder  30 , which extends from the inner surface of shell  12 . Blade  40 , which is preferably made of surgical steel about 0.03 in. thick, is not shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  for the sake of clarity. The end of cutter  10  to which baby clamp  100  is mounted is referred to as the “baby end,” and the other end is referred to as the “mother end.” As best seen in  FIG. 2 , blade holder  30  preferably comprises two upstanding walls  32  and  34  connected by a support member  36 . Additional support members  38   a  and  38   b  are provided to stabilize the inner and outer ends of blade  40 , and a plurality of gussets  39  are provided to further strengthen and stiffen blade holder  30 . Blade  40  contains a slot  42  such that blade  40  straddles support member  36 . Tooling holes  44  are provided to facilitate the installation of blade  40  by pressing it into blade holder  30 . 
     On the inside of shell  14  opposite blade  40 , a cutting support  50  is provided to support an umbilical cord (not shown) while the cord is being cut by blade  40 . Cutting support  50  preferably comprises a pair of upstanding walls  52  separated by a gap  58  into which blade  40  protrudes as the cord is being cut. The width d.sub.g of gap  58  (best shown in  FIG. 8 ) is preferably about 0.06 in. If width d.sub.g is too wide (for example, greater than about 0.125 in.), blade  40  will tend to press the umbilical cord into gap  58  rather than cut through the umbilical cord. Walls  52  preferably have relatively sharp upper edges  56  to help prevent longitudinal movement of the umbilical cord during the cutting process. Buttresses  54   a - d  may be provided to strengthen and stiffen walls  52  and to serve as lateral constraints to help prevent excessive lateral movement of the umbilical cord. The “V” shape of walls  52  also helps to keep the umbilical cord properly positioned for cutting. 
     On the mother side of blade  40 , a clamping member  20  extends transversely from shell  12 . Preferably, clamping member  20  has a plurality of teeth  26  for engaging the umbilical cord, and clamping member  20  preferably cooperates with a plurality of ridges  18  formed on the inside of shell  14  opposite clamping member  20 . Ridges  18  may be connected by a central ridge  19 . Clamping member  20  is preferably stabilized by a plurality of gussets  23 . 
     To keep cutter  10  closed after the umbilical cord has been severed, a pair of tabs  22 ,  24  is provided on clamping member  20  for cooperation with a catch  60  that depends from shell  14 . As the cut is being performed, first tab  22  will click into engagement with catch  60 , which prevents shells  12  and  14  from accidentally coming open. Thereafter, upon further squeezing of shells  12  and  14 , tab  24  will click into engagement with catch  60  to indicate that the cut has been completed. In addition to providing a locking function, the clicking of tabs  22  and  24  into engagement with catch  60  provides audible and tactile indications to the user that shells  12  and  14  are restricted from reopening and that the cut has been completed. An opening  84  is preferably created in shell  14  by a protrusion of the mold used to form catch  60 . If for some reason cutter  10  needs to be opened after the umbilical cord has been severed, opening  84  provides access to the interior of cutter  10  so that catch  60  may be deflected outward and thereby disengaged from tabs  22  and  24 . Alternatively, catch  60  may be accessed for such purpose through the opening between shells  12  and  14  at the mother end of cutter  10 . A plurality of bumps  86 , or alternatively depressions, may be provided on shells  12  and  14  to facilitate grasping by the user. 
     To facilitate installation and removal of baby clamp  100  to and from cutter  10 , slots  74  and  76  are provided on the baby end of shell  12  to form a flexible shelf  66 , and slots  78  and  80  are provided on the baby end of shell  14  to form a flexible shelf  68 . A plurality of nibs  82  are provided on shelves  66  and  68  for cooperation with recesses  138  on baby clamp  100 , as best shown in  FIG. 14 , to retain baby clamp  100  on cutter  10 . Guides  28 ,  160 , and  162  also help to properly position baby clamp  100  with respect to cutter  10 . Shells  12  and  14  and baby clamp  100  are preferably sized such that shelves  66  and  68  exert a slight compressive force on baby clamp  100  when cutter  10  is in a closed position. Short fences  70  and  72  are preferably provided just inside shelves  66  and  68 , respectively, to prevent baby clamp  100  from sliding too far into the interior of cutter  10 . Indentations  88  and  90  are provided in shells  12  and  14 , respectively, to facilitate removal of baby clamp  100  after the umbilical cord has been cut by allowing the user to place a thumb behind an ear  128  of baby clamp  100  and dislodge baby clamp  100  from cutter  10 . 
     To hold shells  12  and  14  in a partially open initial position as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , cooperating guides  62  and  64  are provided on shells  12  and  14 , respectively. Guides  62  and  64 , which preferably have rounded or chamfered nibs  92  that allow initial engagement of guides  62  and  64  and that cause guides  62  and  64  to bear against one another as shells  12  and  14  are closed during the cutting process, serve as a detent to prevent shells  12  and  14  from opening up excessively so that cutter  10  may be easily handled in order to properly position an umbilical cord therein. Such an initial position is also a preferred starting position from which to begin the cutting process. A cutout  65  is provided in shells  12  and  14  to accommodate guides  62  and  64  when shells  12  and  14  are closed. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the relationship of blade  40  to clamping member  20  and cutting support  50  in open and closed cutter positions, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 6 , blade  40  (including the pointed tip of blade  40 ) is shallower than imaginary arc  46  of clamping member  20  at all points such that clamping member  20  will begin to engage the umbilical cord before blade  40  does so as cutter  10  is closed. Additionally, the recession of blade  40  below clamping member  20  helps to prevent medical personnel from being cut while handling cutter  10 . Although cutter  10  may be made in any suitable size, in order to accommodate umbilical cords ranging from about 5 to 20 mm in diameter, the radius of arc  46  is preferably about 0.62 in., the distance S.sub.c along arc  46  is preferably about 1.3 in., the depth d.sub.t of teeth  26  is preferably about 0.08 in., the distance S.sub.t between successive teeth  26  along arc  46  is preferably about 0.22 in., the combined total of distances d.sub.1, d.sub.2, d.sub.3, and d.sub.4 is preferably about 1.6 in., and the thickness T.sub.c of clamping member  20  (best shown in  FIG. 11 ) is preferably about 0.05 in. If T.sub.c is too thin, clamping member  20  would tend to cut the umbilical cord rather than pinch it as desired; if T.sub.c is too thick, clamping member  20  would tend to crush the umbilical cord. Almost immediately after clamping member  20  begins to engage the umbilical cord, the blood flow within the umbilical cord begins to decrease as the umbilical cord is constricted and cut. This physiological phenomenon helps to reduce the amount of blood that is available to squirt out of the umbilical cord during the cutting process. The blood that does squirt out of the umbilical cord during the cutting process is trapped by shells  12  and  14 , which prevents splattering of blood and thereby improves cleanliness of the operating room and reduces the risk of blood born diseases to persons in the operating room. As shown in  FIG. 7 , blade  40  protrudes all the way past edges  56  of walls  52  of cutting support  50  to accomplish a clean, complete severance of the umbilical cord. Because blade  40  is shallower than clamping member  20  and clamping surface  108 , and because edges  56  of cutting support  50  are elevated above the interior surfaces of shell  14  and strap  104  with which clamping member  20  and clamping surface  108  respectively cooperate to compress the umbilical cord on either side of blade  40 , clamping member  20  and clamping surface  108  place the umbilical cord in tension across cutting support  50 , which further enhances the cutting performance of blade  40  by pulling the cord apart at the cut. 
       FIGS. 8-10  illustrate the relationship of clamping member  20  to ridges  18  and  19  and also the relationship of tabs  22  and  24  to catch  60  and opening  84 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , clamping member  20  is longitudinally aligned with ridge  19 , which is centered on ridges  18 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  show the lateral cross-section of cutter  10  through clamping member  20 , ridges  18 , and catch  60  with cutter  10  in an open and closed position, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 10 , in the closed position, tab  24  is engaged with catch  60  to prevent shells  12  and  14  from opening inadvertently, and clamping member  20  is brought to a position in which a small gap  166  exists between clamping member  20  and shell  14 . The umbilical cord (not shown) is compressed within gap  166  and is held firmly in place by teeth  26  and ridges  18 . Gap  166  is sized such that the umbilical cord is compressed sufficiently so as to completely shut off the flow of blood within the umbilical cord. Preferably, to accommodate umbilical cords ranging from about 5 to 20 mm in diameter, gap  166  is sized such that the distance d.sub.5 (from the roots of teeth  26  to the interior surface of shell  14 ) is about 0.15 in., the distance d.sub.6 (from the tips of teeth  26  to the interior surface of shell  14 ) is about 0.07 in., and the distance d.sub.7 (from the interior surface of shell  14  to the tips of ridges  18 ) is about 0.03 in. 
       FIG. 11  shows a longitudinal cross-section of shell  12  passing through clamping member  20 , blade holder  30 , and fence  70 . As seen in  FIG. 11 , shell  12  preferably has a slight longitudinal curvature as well as lateral curvature for ease in handling. Similarly,  FIG. 12  shows a longitudinal cross-section of shell  14  passing through ridges  18 ,  19 , walls  52  of cutting support  50 , fence  72 , and nub  82 . Shell  14  preferably has a thickened area  168  in the vicinity of ridges  18 ,  19  and walls  52  of cutting support  50  to eliminate the longitudinal curvature on the interior of shell  14  at ridges  18 ,  19  so that ridges  18 ,  19  better cooperate with clamping member  20  and to increase the strength and stiffness of cutting support  50 . Like shell  12 , shell  14  preferably has a slight longitudinal curvature as well as lateral curvature for ease in handling. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-17 , baby clamp  100  comprises a clamp body  102  and a strap  104  connected by a hinge  106 . Clamp body  102  preferably has a corrugated clamping surface  108  for clamping the umbilical cord in cooperation with the inner surface  122  of strap  104 , which preferably has a plurality of ridges  124  to help grip the umbilical cord. To save weight, clamp body  102  preferably has a central cavity  154  bounded by clamping surface  108  and a crown  134 . When baby clamp  100  is installed in cutter  10 , back surface  158  faces away from cutter  10  (as best shown in  FIG. 1 ) and face  156  faces toward the interior of cutter  10  (as best shown in  FIG. 4 ). At the end of strap  104  opposite hinge  106 , strap  104  has an ear  128  with a slot  130  for receiving a hook  110  that depends from clamp body  102  opposite hinge  106 . Hook  110  has a catch  112  that cooperates with a recess  132  (best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for holding baby clamp  100  in the closed position. The thickness of hook  110  preferably varies from about 0.06 in. at dimension d.sub.8 to about 0.04 in. at dimension d.sub.9, and the width W.sub.L of hook  110  (best shown in  FIG. 20 ) is preferably about 0.13 in. Hook  110  preferably subtends an angle .theta..sub.L of about 117 degrees with an inner arc length of about 0.31 in. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the overall thickness T.sub.L of ear  128  and hook  110  is preferably about 0.09 in. Hinge  106  preferably has an arc length S.sub.H of about 0.68 in. Crown  134  and strap  104  preferably have a plurality of recesses  138  for cooperating with nubs  82  on shelves  66 ,  68  to hold baby clamp  100  in cutter  10 . Ridges  114  and  136 , which depend from clamp body  102 , cooperate with ridges  120  and  126  of strap  104  to close the gap between clamp body  102  and strap  104  in the vicinity of hinge  106  and ear  128  when baby clamp  100  is closed. A curved closeout  118  is preferably provided on the end of strap  104  adjacent hinge  106  to help prevent the umbilical cord from slipping into hinge  106 . For symmetry, a similar closeout  146  may be provided on ear  128 . When baby clamp  100  is closed, the umbilical cord will lie compressed in the gap  174  between strap  104  and clamp body  102  and will be held firmly in place by clamping surface  108  and ridges  124 . To accommodate umbilical cords ranging from about 5 to 20 mm in diameter, radius R .sub.S of strap  104  is preferably about 0.56 in., and distance S.sub.s between ridges  120  and  126  along the interior surface  122  of strap  104  is preferably about 1.08 in. Tooling holes  140  may be provided to help remove baby clamp  100  from its mold during manufacturing. The exterior surfaces of crown  134  and strap  104  preferably have a plurality of recesses  142  to help the user grip baby clamp  100 . As is readily apparent from the drawings, when baby clamp  100  is closed, a preferred shape of baby clamp  100  resembles the head of a koala bear. Accordingly, face  156  of clamp body  102  may be provided with protrusions that form a pair of eyes  148 , a nose  150 , and a mouth  152 . Cavity  154  may also be utilized to house a sensor (not shown) for tracking the location of the baby after baby clamp  100  has been installed. 
     Preferably, cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  are each molded as a single piece of material. Alternatively, cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  may be machined or manufactured according to other methods known in the art. Although a variety of materials may be used, the preferred material is polycarbonate, which may be translucent and may be manufactured in a variety of colors. Because cutter  10  is intended to be a disposable product, hinge  16  need not be capable of many openings and closings of shells  12  and  14 . The present inventors have found that hinge  16  is preferably about 0.02 in. thick if polycarbonate material is used. In describing the best mode of practicing this invention, a number of dimensions are disclosed herein for various features of the invention. However, it should be recognized that such dimensions, like polycarbonate material, are simply preferred, and this invention is not limited to the dimensions or materials described herein. 
     In order to accommodate umbilical cords ranging from about 5 to 20 mm in diameter, baby clamp  100  is designed such that clamp body  102  moves toward the interior of cutter  10  during the clamping process. In that regard, the angle  178  between clamping surface  108  and clamp body  102  is preferably slightly more than 90 degrees. This obtuse angle  178  also helps in removing baby clamp  100  from the mold during manufacturing. Similar to teeth  26  on clamping member  20 , the corrugations of clamping surface  108  also assist in accommodating cords of varying size. As an umbilical cord is being clamped, the upward pressure on clamping surface  108  causes torsional displacement of hinge  106  such that the lower edge of clamp body  102  moves away from strap  104  as shown in  FIG. 19 . This design of baby clamp  100  is such that, after the umbilical cord has been cut and baby clamp  100  is left on the infant&#39;s navel, pulling of baby clamp  100  in a direction away from the infant generally serves to tighten the grip of baby clamp  100  on the stub of the cord, which helps to prevent inadvertent removal of baby clamp  100  from the infant. As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , gaps having a distance d.sub.10 of preferably about 0.05 in. are provided between ridges  120  and  136  and ridges  126  and  114  to allow clamp body  102  to move as hinge  106  flexes. For proper flexure, hinge  106  preferably has a thickness T.sub.h of about 0.06 in. and a width W.sub.h of about 0.25 in. As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , the lower edge of clamp body  102  preferably has a thickness T.sub.f of about 0.08 in. to properly pinch the umbilical cord. As with clamping member  20  discussed above, if T.sub.f is too thin, clamp body  102  would tend to cut the umbilical cord rather than pinch it as desired; if T.sub.f is too thick, clamp body  102  would tend to crush the umbilical cord. 
       FIGS. 17 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24  illustrate preferred distances between strap  104  and clamp body  102  when baby clamp  100  is in the closed position in order to snugly clamp umbilical cords ranging from about 5 to 20 mm in diameter. Specifically, distances d.sub.11 through d.sub.22 preferably have the following approximate dimensions:
         d.sub.11.apprxeq.0.08 in.;   d.sub.12.apprxeq.0.06 in.;   d.sub.13.apprxeq.0.11 in.;   d.sub.14.apprxeq.0.04 in.;   d.sub.15.apprxeq.0.06 in.;   d.sub.16.apprxeq.0.07 in.;   d.sub.17.apprxeq.0.12 in.;   d.sub.18.apprxeq.0.05 in.;   d.sub.19.apprxeq.0.15 in.;   d.sub.20.apprxeq.0.03 in.;   d.sub.21.apprxeq.0.04 in.;   d.sub.22.apprxeq.0.06 in.       

     Distances d.sub.11, d.sub.14, d.sub.17, d.sub.20 are average distances from ridges  124  to clamping surface  108  in view of the slight inclination of clamping surface  108  at angle  178  as discussed above. 
     The use of cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  in cutting an umbilical cord  164  is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Umbilical cord  164  is placed in shell  14  so that umbilical cord  164  is generally centered in the “V” of walls  52  on cutting support  50 . Cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  are oriented such that arrow  170  is toward the mother and arrow  172  is toward the baby. Once the umbilical cord  164  is thus placed, shell  12  is rotated about hinge  16  toward shell  14 , and shelf  66  of shell  12  thereby rotates body  102  of baby clamp  100  about hinge  106  toward strap  104 , which is supported by shelf  68  of shell  14 . As shell  12  approaches shell  14 , clamping member  20  engages cord  164  on the mother side of blade  40 , and clamping surface  108  engages cord  164  on the baby side of blade  40 . As the closing of cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  upon cord  164  continues, clamping member  20  and ridges  18 ,  19  (best shown in  FIG. 3 ) firmly clasp cord  164  on the mother side of blade  40 , and clamping surface  108  and ridges  124  firmly clasp cord  164  on the baby side of blade  40 , which puts cord  164  in tension across cutting support  50 . In the same closing motion, blade  40  severs cord  164  as blade  40  is forced into gap  58  between walls  52  of cutting support  50 . The cutting performance is enhanced by the tension in cord  164 , as discussed above. At the end of the closing motion, tabs  22  and  24  successively click into engagement with catch  60  to indicate that the cut is complete. After completion of the cut, the user removes baby clamp  100  from cutter  10  by placing his or her thumb  176  in the gap behind ear  128  formed by indentations  88  and  90  and forcing baby clamp  100  out of engagement with shelves  66 ,  68 . The baby is then left with an aesthetically pleasing koala bear on its navel. Thus, the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord  164  and the separation of the baby clamp  100  from the cutter  10  are easily accomplished with one hand of the user. Preferably, cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  are placed as close as possible to the baby before the cutting process is begun so that baby clamp  100  will be essentially adjacent the baby&#39;s tummy after the process is completed. Cutter  10  remains clamped to cord  164 , which preserves the blood within cord  164  to be sent to the laboratory with the placenta (not shown) for any testing that may be necessary. Ultimately, cutter  10  is discarded along with cord  164  and the placenta. 
     The preferred embodiment shown in the drawings is designed primarily for right-handed use. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that cutter  10  and removable baby clamp  100  may be made in the mirror image of that shown in the accompanying drawings for left-handed use. However, the present inventors have found that the configuration shown in the drawings is generally preferred by both right-handed and left-handed users. 
     Preferably, cutter  10  and baby clamp  100  are provided pre-assembled in the open position within a sterile package. Although the primary use of baby clamp  100  is in conjunction with cutter  10  as described above, baby clamp  100  may also be used to clamp an umbilical cord separate from cutter  10 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the present invention may comprise a cutter  200  with two removable clamps  100  and  210 , one on each end of shells  212  and  214 . After cutter  200  has been used to sever the umbilical cord, both clamps  100  and  210  may be removed from cutter  200 ; clamp  100  remains with the infant, and clamp  210  remains with the cord and placenta. 
     The removable clamp of this invention may also be made in the likeness of animals other than koala bears and in other non-animal shapes. For example,  FIGS. 25-27  illustrate an umbilical cord cutter  220  in accordance with this invention having a circular blade  224  and a pair of removable clamps  222  in the shape of a teddy bear head. Similarly,  FIGS. 28-30  illustrate an umbilical cord cutter  230  in accordance with this invention having a circular blade  234  and a pair of removable clamps  232  in the shape of a duck head, and  FIGS. 31-35  illustrate an umbilical cord cutter  240  in accordance with this invention having an elliptical blade  244  and a removable clamp  242  in the shape of an ellipse that may be made to resemble a mouse ( FIG. 33 ), a cat ( FIG. 34 ), or an owl ( FIG. 35 ). Thus, although the preferred shape is that of a koala bear, the removable clamp of this invention may take on many other shapes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 36 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a cutter  250  having hinged shells  252  and  254  with a removable clamp  100  mounted at each end of cutter  250  on shelves  266  and  268 . Two blades  40  and clamps  20  depend from shell  252 , and two sets of walls  52  depend from shell  254  for supporting an umbilical cord (not shown) and respectively receiving blades  40  as the cord is cut. Two sets of ridges  18 ,  19  are provided on the interior of shell  254  for respectively cooperating with clamps  20  to clamp the umbilical cord. Cutter  250  is operated much like cutter  10  as previously described, and tabs  256 ,  258  are provided for latching shells  252 ,  254  in cooperation with catches  60 . After shells  252 ,  254  are closed and the umbilical cord is severed, one of the removable clamps  100  will remain with the infant, the other removable clamp  100  will remain with the placenta, and a relatively short section of the umbilical cord (not shown) will remain inside cutter  250  between clamps  20 . The section of cord between clamps  20  is thus preserved for blood sampling. 
     Alternatively, cutter  460  of  FIG. 61  may be used to preserve a section of cord for blood sampling. In this embodiment, cutter  460  comprises shells  462  and  464 , which are engaged with a removable clamp  100 . Two clamps  20  and  466  and a blade  40  depend from shell  462 , and walls  52  depend from shell  464  for supporting an umbilical cord (not shown) and receiving blade  40  as the cord is cut. An opening  468  is provided in shell  464  for access to the cord for blood sampling. Cutter  460  is advantageous in that it preserves a section of umbilical cord between clamps  20  and  466  for blood sampling, but at a reduced cost compared to cutter  250  of  FIG. 36  because of the absence of the second blade  40  and the second removable clamp  100 . 
       FIG. 41  shows another alternative embodiment comprising a cutter  440  with a removable clamp  100  at each end but only one blade  40  and one set of cord support walls  52  in between. Cutter  440  comprises hinged shells  442  and  444  with shelves  446 ,  448  for holding removable clamps  100  in a manner similar to previously described embodiments. Cutter  440  is operated much like cutter  10  as previously described, and tabs  450 ,  452  are provided on shell  442  for latching shells  442 ,  444  in a closed position in cooperation with catch  60  which depends from shell  444 . Preferably, unlike cutters  10  and  250  described above, cutter  440  does not have an internal clamp  20  or cooperating ridges  18 ,  19 . Instead, the removable clamps  100  clamp the umbilical cord (not shown) on either side of blade  40 , and no portion of the umbilical cord is left in cutter  440  after the cut is made. As a result, cutter  440  is more easily disposed of because no section of cord remains inside cutter  440  to decay. Although both removable clamps  100  are shown having facial indicia, the removable clamp on the mother end of cutter  440  need not have such facial indicia because aesthetics are not as important for the clamp on the mother end. Also, an openable clamp such as those shown in  FIGS. 53-60  is preferable for use on the mother end of cutter  440  to help facilitate draining of blood from the placenta. 
     Referring to  FIG. 37 , still another alternative cutter  270  comprises hinged shells  12  and  14  with a removable clamp  100  as described above for cutter  10  (blade  40  and other internal features not shown), except that shell  14  has a blood collection port  272  in liquid communication with the trough  58  between walls  52  of the cutting support. It will be appreciated that cutter  270  is shown in an upside down position and that cord blood will collect in trough  58  as the umbilical cord is cut. Trough  58  thus serves as a blood collection reservoir. Port  272  preferably comprises a Luer connector or some other suitable needleless fitting to allow extraction of blood from cutter  270  with an extraction device  278 , such as a Luer syringe or other suitable blood extraction device. However, port  272  may comprise a simple gated orifice that allows needle or needleless access to the blood in trough  58  from the outside of cutter  270  but does not allow blood to escape when undisturbed. Examples of suitable gated orifices may include ball valves and flapper valves. As shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , in lieu of or in addition to port  272 , a series of holes  274  may be provided in shell  14  of cutter  270  to allow access to umbilical cord  164  with a needle  282  and syringe  280 . As shown in  FIG. 37 , arrows  276  or other suitable indicia may be provided on shell  14  to highlight holes  274 . As shown in  FIG. 38 , the series of spaced apart holes  274  is preferable to allow access to cord  164  regardless of the position cord  164  may assume when clamped between clamp  20  and ridges  18 . Port  272  and holes  274  thus allow sampling of the cord blood for later analysis. 
       FIG. 39  shows still another alternative cutter  296  having hinged shells  284  and  286 . Similar to cutter  10  described above, a blade  40  is mounted on the interior of shell  284 , and cord support walls  52  depend from the interior of shell  286  for cooperation with blade  40 . Likewise, an internal clamp  20  depends from shell  284  for clamping the umbilical cord (not shown) in cooperation with ridges  18  and  19  on the interior of shell  286 . Tabs  22  and  24  depend from clamp  20  for cooperation with catch  60  to latch cutter  296  in a closed position. Instead of a removable clamp, however, cutter  296  preferably has a self-winding band  290  held in place by catches  292  and  294  when cutter  296  is in an open position. As cutter  296  is closed, band  290  releases from catches  292  and  294  and wraps itself around the umbilical cord  164  as shown on infant  165  in  FIG. 40 . Band  290  may be made from any suitable biased material, such as spring steel, nylon polymer, or a composite material as is typically found in a “slap” bracelet having a lateral concavity which, when broken, causes longitudinal curling. Although band  290  is shown with multiple turns about the umbilical cord  164  in  FIG. 40 , sufficient constricting action could be accomplished with only one turn or more than one turn, depending on various factors such as the strength of the bias of band  290 , the length of band  290 , and the radial stiffness of cord  164 . Alternatively, band  290  may comprise a plastically deformable material that is forcibly deformed about cord  164  in order to constrict cord  164 . 
       FIG. 42  shows an alternative cutter  300  similar to cutter  10  described above but having a blood collection reservoir  304  disposed within a slot  302  in shell  14  between walls  52  of the cord support. A removable clamp  100  is engaged at the baby end of cutter  300 . As shown in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , blood collection reservoir  304  preferably has several blood collection compartments  310 ,  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318  formed by walls  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328 ,  330 ,  332 ,  334  and outer surface  308 , which is preferably contoured to match the outer surface of shell  14 . Edges  306  of walls  320  and  322  are preferably V-shaped to match walls  52  of the cutting support, and internal walls  328 ,  330 ,  332 ,  334  are preferably terminated below the level of edges  306  to allow blade  40  (not shown) to pass beneath edges  306  in order to completely sever the umbilical cord. It will be appreciated that reservoir  304  is shown in an upside down position in  FIG. 43 . The interior surfaces of compartments  310 ,  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318  are preferably coated with an anticoagulant substance (not shown), such as EDTA, and/or another suitable diagnostic substance for producing a desired reaction with blood in order to indicate a particular characteristic of the blood. As the cord is cut, blood will drain down into compartments  310 ,  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318  and react with the diagnostic substance. Preferably, reservoir  304  is made of a transparent polycarbonate material so that, as a result of the blood reaction, a change in color is viewable from the exterior of cutter  300 . Reservoir  304  thus provides immediate delivery room diagnostics of blood type and/or other blood conditions, which is a tremendous advantage for early detection of blood diseases or other disorders. Reservoir  304  is preferably removable from cutter  300  for sending to a lab for further analysis. However, reservoir  304  may be permanently installed or integral to cutter  300 , and walls  320  and  322  of reservoir  304  may serve as the cutting support, replacing walls  52 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 50 and 51 , an alternative blood collection reservoir  344  may have a single interior compartment  354  bounding by walls  350 ,  352 ,  356 ,  358  rather than multiple compartments. Outer surface  346  of reservoir  344  is preferably contoured to match the contour of shell  14  of cutter  300 . A strip of diagnostic paper  348  may be installed in the bottom of compartment  354  (it being appreciated that reservoir  344  is shown in an upside down position in  FIG. 50 ). As the cord is cut and blood drains into compartment  354  and contacts diagnostic paper  348 , diagnostic paper  348  will undergo some change indicative of a condition of the blood as is known in the art. Examples of such change may include a change in color or the appearance of a letter or number or other symbol similar to the behavior of diagnostic paper typically used in connection with known antigen antibody assays, such as pregnancy tests or strep screens, for instance. Aside from indicating blood type, suitable diagnostic paper may be used to indicate the presence or absence of various other diseases, such as hepatitis, HIV, or syphilis, as is known in the art. Like reservoir  304 , reservoir  344  is preferably made of a transparent polycarbonate material such that the color change is viewable from the exterior of cutter  300  in order to provide immediate delivery room diagnostics of blood type and/or other blood conditions. Reservoir  344  is preferably removable from cutter  300  for sending to a lab for further analysis. However, reservoir  344  may be permanently installed or integral to cutter  300 , and walls  350  and  352  of reservoir  344  may serve as the cutting support, replacing walls  52 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 45 and 46 , another alternative blood collection reservoir  304   a  is shown. In this embodiment, reservoir  304   a  abuts walls  52   a  of the cutting support along line  325 . Reservoir  304   a  preferably comprises internal compartments  310   a ,  312   a ,  314   a ,  316   a ,  318   a  bounded by walls  320   a ,  322   a ,  324   a ,  326   a ,  328   a ,  330   a ,  332   a ,  334   a . A strip of diagnostic paper  348  is preferably placed in the bottom of each of the compartments  310   a ,  312   a ,  314   a ,  316   a ,  318   a , which are provided with access ports  311 ,  313 ,  315 ,  317 ,  319 , respectively, through outer surface  308 . After the blood drains down into compartments  310   a ,  312   a ,  314   a ,  316   a ,  318   a  and contacts diagnostic paper  348 , ports  311 ,  313 ,  315 ,  317 ,  319  allow a user to insert a further diagnostic material, such as an anti-serum for blood typing. Reservoir  304   a  is preferably removable from cutter  300  for sending to a lab for further analysis. However, reservoir  304   a  may be permanently installed or integral to cutter  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 47-49 , another alternative cutter  360  is shown having a removable clamp  100  at each end. Shell  364  of cutter  360  has a slot  366  in which a strip of diagnostic paper  348  is disposed. As an umbilical cord is cut, blood drains down into trough  58  between walls  52  and proceeds through holes  368  and contacts diagnostic paper  348 . Holes  362  in shell  364  allow access to diagnostic paper  348  from the exterior of cutter  360 . Holes  362  allow insertion of additional diagnostic material, such as anti-serum for blood typing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 52 , another alternative cutter  370  is shown having a capillary conduit  372  which is in liquid communication with trough  58  between walls  52 . Capillary conduit  372  thus allows access to umbilical cord blood for sampling purposes by capillary flow from trough  58 . Capillary conduit  372  may be removable from cutter  370 , if desired, or may be integral to or permanently affixed to cutter  370 . Although capillary conduit  372  is shown as a tube, capillary conduit  372  may comprise a groove, slit, or other suitable conduit that provides capillary flow of blood. The interior of capillary conduit  372  may be coated with EDTA or another suitable anticoagulant. 
     Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the various blood sampling and diagnostic features described herein may be combined with the various cutters described herein in any desirable combination. For example, although  FIG. 37  depicts a cutter  270  with a single removable clamp  100  and a port  272  and holes  274 , port  272  and/or holes  274  may also be used in connection with other cutters having two removable clamps, such as cutter  250  of  FIG. 36  or cutter  440  of  FIG. 41 , or no removable clamps, such as cutter  296  of  FIG. 39 . As another example, a capillary conduit such as capillary conduit  372  shown with cutter  370  of  FIG. 52  may be used in connection with any other cutter described herein. Similarly, the various blood collection reservoirs and associated holes, ports, and diagnostic paper features described in  FIGS. 42-51  may be used in connection with any of the cutters described herein. The foregoing examples of feature combinations are by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. 
       FIGS. 53 and 54  illustrate an alternative removable clamp  380  for use in connection with the cutters of the present invention. Similar to removable clamp  100  described above, clamp  380  has a clamp body  388  and a strap  390  connected by hinge  392 . Clamp  380 , however, has an openable closure  386  so that clamp  380  may be opened if desired. It may be desirable to open clamp  380  for purposes such as draining blood from the umbilical cord. Finger grips  382  and  384  are provided for manual operation of closure  386 , which is preferably a hemostat-like closure. As shown in  FIG. 55 , an alternative closure  386   a  may be oriented in a configuration that is rotated 90 degrees, for example, from that shown in  FIGS. 53 and 54 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 56 and 57 , another alternative removable clamp  400  is shown having a clamp body  402  and strap  404  connected by hinge  406 . Instead of a hemostat-like closure, clamp  400  has a snap-in closure comprising nibs  412  which cooperate with recesses  410 . Squeezing finger grips  408  with sufficient force will cause nibs  412  to release from recesses  410  in order to open clamp  400 . Although clamp  400  is shown with the finger grips  408  and nibs  412  on strap  404  and the recesses  410  on body  402 , it will be understood that the configuration may be reversed with the finger grips  408  and nibs  412  on body  402  and the recesses  410  on strap  404 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 58-60 , another alternative removable clamp  420  is shown having a body  422  and strap  424  connected by hinge  426 . Clamp  420  has an openable closure comprising a nib  430  which cooperates with a recess  432  to close clamp  420 . A tab  428  depends from body  422  such that pressing tab  428  toward body  422  causes nib  430  to release from recess  432  in order to open clamp  420 . Again, it will be understood that although nib  430  and tab  418  are shown on body  422  and recess  432  is shown in strap  424 , the configuration may be reversed with nib  430  and tab  428  on strap  424  and recess  432  on body  422 . 
     To aid in the identification of infants in multi-infant births, the cutter and removable clamp(s) used for each respective infant may be color coordinated, with a different color being used for each infant. For example, in a birth of twins, one cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may be blue, and the other cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may be red. Color coordination of the cutter and removable clamp(s) of the present invention for each respective infant allows delivery personnel easily to keep track of which cord and placenta is associated with each infant without any need for marking or other identification before cutting. This color-coded system greatly improves the efficiency of the delivery process and thus reduces the risk of complications. Before the present invention, the average delivery time of each infant in a multi-infant birth was about two minutes. Thus, for a birth of sextuplets using conventional multi-infant delivery methods, the total delivery time would be about twelve minutes. Using color-coordinated clamps and cutters of the present invention, the first named inventor herein was able to deliver an entire group of sextuplets in about two minutes and four seconds total, which represents a reduction in delivery time of approximately 83%. 
     As mentioned above, the cutters and removable clamps of the present invention are preferably made of a translucent polycarbonate material. For purposes of transparency of the cutter shells and/or the blood collection reservoirs in order to observe diagnostic color changes as described herein, the present inventors have found that Makrolon™ RX-2530 polycarbonate material (1118 tint, product code J4351118) available from Bayer Corporation works quite well, although other suitable materials may also be used. For purposes of color coordination of a cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) as described herein, the present inventors have found that the Colorcomp™ D-1000 series of polycarbonate materials (product code 732-000-493) available from LNP Engineering Plastics, Inc. works quite well, and more specifically the following formulations: HC YL3-894 TP; HC BL5-984-1 TP; HC GN4-121-1 TP; HC RD1-044-1 TP; HC RD1-312-1 TP; and HC OR2-645 TP. Again, however, other suitable materials may also be used. 
     Aside from or in addition to color coordination, it should be understood that a similar benefit may be obtained by using other suitable coordinated identifying attributes for each cutter and its associated removable clamp(s). For example, each cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may be identified with like numbers, letters, symbols, bar codes, or other indicia, which are preferably incorporated into the cutters and removable clamps at the time of manufacture, such as by molding, etching, embossing, application of stickers, or other suitable means. For instance, the first cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may bear the numeral “1,” the second cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may bear the numeral “2,” the third cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may bear the numeral “3,” and so on. Alternatively, the first cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may bear the letter “A,” the second cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may bear the letter “B,” the third cutter and its associated removable clamp(s) may bear the letter “C,” and so on. It should be clear that a multitude of different coordinated identifying indicia may be used on the respective cutters and removable clamps for such purposes, and all such possibilities are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention. 
     Although the foregoing specific details describe a preferred embodiment of this invention, persons reasonably skilled in the art will recognize that various changes may be made in the details of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, it should be understood that this invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described herein

Technology Category: 1