Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the diameter of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the diameter of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge has an adaptor for introducing fluid from a filling device into an orifice of the cartridge. The adaptor has a frangible connection which is broken to allow removal of the filling device after the cartridge is filled with the fluid.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: A bypass graft incorporates fixation mechanisms at its opposite ends, for securing these ends to different locations along a blood vessel, or alternatively to different locations wherein one of the locations is a different vessel or an organ defining a cavity. Mechanical fixation features such as collets or grommets can be employed, enhanced by delivery of an electrical current sufficient to heat surrounding tissue to form a thermal bond. A graft deployment system includes a tissue dilator and a needle for perforating tissue, mounted coaxially within the dilator. Intralumenal systems further include a catheter for containing the dilator.

Abstract: Test strip holders for use with test strip meters are provided. The subject test strip holders include at least an opening and a lip associated with the opening. The lip element of the subject holders is capable of forming a liquid seal with the upper surface of a test strip upon insertion of the test strip into the opening. In many embodiments, the strip holder is configured to at least partially encompass a sample application region of a test strip upon insertion of the strip into the opening. Also provided are meters on which the subject test holders are present, as well as methods for using the same.

Abstract: An end-side anastomosis system including a fitting including a base for attachment to a graft, the base be configured to form a seal with an opening in a host vessel wall a leading petal having a cross-section with a radius of curvature approximating a radius of curvature of the host vessel, the leading petal being configured to dilate the host vessel wall opening while advancing the fitting through the opening and a rear petal, the rear petal being deflectable to be advanced through the host vessel opening.

Abstract: An end-side anastomosis system including a fitting comprising: a base for attachment to a graft, said base be configured to form a seal with an opening in a host vessel wall; a leading petal having a cross-section with a radius of curvature approximating a radius of curvature of the host vessel, said leading petal being configured to dilate the host vessel wall opening while advancing said fitting through the opening; and a rear petal, said rear petal being deflectable to be advanced through the host vessel opening.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting and weighing system particularly for refuse collection vehicles and the like and includes means for dynamically weighing garbage. The system includes a hydraulic actuator operable to move a lifting arm and takes two measurements of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the system as the arm raises a waste bin whose weight is to be measured. The weight of the bin is calculated by multiplying the pressure by a factor determined by calibration with known weights. Weights are calculated based on the measurements of pressure and the result averaged. The system compensates for variations in hydraulic flow characteristics. The system includes means for compensating for variations in the inclination of the vehicle.

Abstract: Distal anastomosis devices and associated methodology are described herein. Connector and connector components as well as tools associated therewith are disclosed. The connectors are preferably adapted to produce an end-to-side anastomosis at a graft/coronary artery junction. A fitting alone, or a fitting in combination with a collar may be used as a connector. Each fitting may be deployed by deflecting its shape to provide clearance for a rear segment that rotates about adjoining hinge section(s) so to fit the connector within an aperture formed in a host vessel. Upon return to a substantially relaxed position, a rear segment anchors the fitting it in place. The distal fitting may include additional side features for interfacing with the host vessel/coronary artery. The collar may include features complimentary to those of a fitting and provisions for strain relief and securing the graft vessel.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment-and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: A body fluid is collected for testing for an analyte contained within the body fluid. The fluid is collected in an apparatus including a reservoir for receiving and collecting a flow of body fluid from a discharge end of a conduit. A capillary test space is in fluid flow communication with the reservoir. The capillary test space is positioned to be in contact with the fluid in the reservoir after the fluid has accumulated to a predetermined transfer volume of fluid. The capillary test space is sized to wick the fluid from the reservoir when the fluid contacts the capillary test space.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment-and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: Acoustic flow meters are used for the measurement of flow velocity of fluids. They have particular application in meters for gas and water in pipelines. The meter includes a tube fitted with three or more acoustic transducers distributed along its length and arranged to transmit wave packets up and down between at least two pairs of the acoustic transducers. The wave packets comprise a signal including zero crossings spaced apart by a packet period determined by a known packet frequency. The flow meter also includes measurement means associated with the transducers to make first measurements of received packets, from which the time of arrival of the zero crossings of a received packet can be determined relative to the time of transmission of the packet. A second measurement from which a particular zero crossing in the transmitted packet can be identified in the received packet. And calculation means to determine the velocity of fluid flow in the tube using the measurements.

Abstract: Stabilized tetrazolium dye reagent compositions and methods for their use in the measurement of an analyte in a sample are provided. The subject reagent compositions include a tetrazolium dye component, e.g., a water soluble tetrazolium salt, and an effective amount of a nitrite stabilizing agent, e.g., a nitrite salt. In many embodiments, the subject reagent compositions include additional members of an analyte oxidizing signal producing system, such as: an analyte oxidizing enzyme, e.g., an analyte dehydrogenase or an analyte oxidase; an electron transfer agent; and an enzyme cofactor. Also provided are test strips that include the subject reagent compositions, as well as systems and kits incorporating the subject test strips. The subject reagent compositions, test strips, systems and kits find use in the detection of a wide variety of analytes in a sample, such as a physiological sample, e.g., blood or a fraction thereof, or ISF (interstitial fluid).

Abstract: Electrochemical test strip cards that can be singulated to produce electrochemical test strips are provided. The electrochemical test cards are made up of two or more electrochemical test strip precursors, where each precursor is characterized by the presence of a dry reagent housing reaction chamber bounded by opposing electrodes. In gaseous communication with each reaction chamber of the card is an integrated desiccant. Also provided are methods of using the subject electrochemical test strips cards, as well as kits that include the same. The subject test strips and cards find use in the detection/concentration determination of a number of different analytes, including glucose.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the concentration of an analyte in a host or portion thereof over a given period of time. The method includes the steps of: (a) making a first analyte concentration measurement at a first point of time using a single use analyte concentration measuring device; (b) making a second analyte concentration measurement at a second point in time using a single use analyte concentration measuring device; and (c) making one or more additional analyte concentration measurements using another single use measuring device, wherein the analyte concentration measurements are made according to a selected schedule to monitor the concentration of analyte in a host over a given portion of time.

Abstract: A hair grooming device, in particular a device that facilitates the cutting and styling of hair at home, as well as at the salon. The device has handle with one or more fingers extending from it. The fingers may be curved to conform to the shape of the head. At least one of the fingers has a slot extending along its length. A comb carrying teeth extends adjacent the length of the/each slotted finger and is moveable between a retracted position in which it is spaced apart from the slot, and an engaged position in which the teeth intersect the slot to grip hair along the length of the slotted finger. A method of using the device is a further aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. In the subject methods, the physiological sample is introduced into an electrochemical cell having a working and reference electrode. A first electric potential is applied to the cell and the resultant cell current over a period of time is measured to determine a first time-current transient. A second electric potential of opposite polarity is then applied and a second a time-current transient is determined. The preliminary concentration of the analyte is then calculated from the first and/or second time-current transient. This preliminary analyte concentration less a background value is then multiplied by a hematocrit correction factor to obtain the analyte concentration in the sample, where the hematocrit correction factor is a function of the preliminary analyte concentration and the variable &ggr; of the electrochemical cell.