Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid to a surface is provided, the applicator comprising a support comprising an upper outer surface and a lower holding surface; a flexible membrane comprising a central opening, an inner wall comprising a lower end and an upper end, an outer wall at least partially surrounding the upper outer surface of the support, the outer wall comprising a lower end and an upper end, and an upper folded wall connecting the upper ends of the inner wall and outer wall; and a membrane holder for fixedly securing the lower end of the inner wall of the flexible membrane to the upper outer surface of the support; wherein the upper surface of the membrane holder and the inner wall of the flexible membrane define a reservoir for holding a fluid, and wherein the lower end of the outer wall of the flexible membrane is free to move axially relative to the upper outer surface of the support when pressure is applied to the upper folded wall of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid to a surface is provided, the applicator comprising a support comprising an upper outer surface and a lower holding surface; a flexible membrane comprising a central opening, an inner wall comprising a lower end and an upper end, an outer wall at least partially surrounding the upper outer surface of the support, the outer wall comprising a lower end and an upper end, and an upper folded wall connecting the upper ends of the inner wall and outer wall; and a membrane holder for fixedly securing the lower end of the inner wall of the flexible membrane to the upper outer surface of the support; wherein the upper surface of the membrane holder and the inner wall of the flexible membrane define a reservoir for holding a fluid, and wherein the lower end of the outer wall of the flexible membrane is free to move axially relative to the upper outer surface of the support when pressure is applied to the upper folded wall of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in the longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one light emitting diode, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The first and second external, electrical contacts charge the power supply.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a reservoir containing a liquid material and having an outlet, a capillary having a capillary inlet and a capillary outlet, the capillary inlet of the capillary in communication with the outlet of the reservoir, a heater operable to heat the capillary to a temperature sufficient to at least initially volatilize liquid material contained within the capillary, and a shuttle valve between the outlet of the reservoir and the capillary inlet. The shuttle valve is operable to prevent release of liquid material from the reservoir when the shuttle valve is in a closed position and is operable to release liquid material from the reservoir when the shuttle valve is in an open position.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A lancet device including a lancet having a puncturing element disposed within a two-piece housing including a rear housing and a forward housing. Relative axial movement of the rear housing toward the forward housing directly drives the lancet to a puncturing position wherein the puncturing element extends through the forward housing. During such relative axial movement, a drive structure applies a driving force against the lancet and disengages from the lancet based on deflecting structure in the housing, thereby releasing the driving force applied to the lancet. A retention member then retracts the lancet back within the housing, with the drive structure maintained disengaged from the lancet to prevent re-use.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a first section containing a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and operable to deliver the liquid material to the heater, and a second section containing a power supply. The first section is connected to the second section with a connection including a first connector piece and a second connector piece.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a heater in communication with a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material and operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to volatilize the liquid material contained therein and form an aerosol. The volatilized material flows through a sheath flow and aerosol promoter insert that is operable to cool the aerosol, reduce the particle size of the aerosol and increase the delivery rate of the aerosol.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for blood sample acquisition and testing. The apparatus incorporates a test strip having a blood sample volume detection area in which a blood sample is accumulated and a minimum blood sample volume is detected. Once a minimum blood sample volume is detected, the test strip is moved with respect to the blood sample extraction site so that a bending surface of the test strip is presented to the blood sample, utilizing the surface tension of the blood sample droplet to facilitate movement of the blood sample to a measurement site on the strip where blood glucose in the sample is measured.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly for use with mop-like devices. The assembly adapts to mop-like devices and utilizes a collapsible fluid reservoir pouch preferably contained within a substantially rigid housing. The collapsible fluid reservoir pouch permits fluid dispensing without need for venting. The assembly preferably utilizes one or the other of a fluid conducting needle and a venting needle found in a fluid disbursement fitment of commercially available mop-like devices, but the needles are not used to puncture membranes in a fluid reservoir. Rather, they provide mechanical force to actuate a valve that is used to permit flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid disbursement fitment.

Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that permits a user to remove at least one of loose matter, stains and stuck-on debris from floor surfaces. The device includes an elongate handle the lower end of which is connected to a cleaning head that carries cleaning material. In an embodiment, the cleaning head is selectively positionable between a broom/scrubbing position and a mop position. In various embodiments, the implement possesses characteristics of a broom, a scrubbing brush and/or a mop.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device using a pressure regulator to maintain the pressure inside the beverage container as the beverage is dispensed is disclosed. The pressure regulator includes a second chamber separate from the space containing the beverage. The second chamber contains a sorbent on which a propellant gas is adsorbed. The pressure inside the beverage container controls the opening and closing of a flow regulator that allows either the beverage being dispensed or a displacing agent contained in a third chamber to flow into the second chamber when the pressure in the beverage container is decreased. If either the beverage or the displacing agent flow into the second chamber, it will liberate the propellant gas adsorbed to the sorbent, and the gas is released through an outlet into the beverage container. This increases the pressure in the beverage, which in turn closes the flow regulator and stops the liberation of the propellant gas from the sorbent.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A solar power generation device comprising a power subunit comprising an array configured to collect solar radiation, and a control subunit removably connected to the power subunit and configured to provide control and motion to the power subunit. The array includes at least one solar module and a pivoting means configured to facilitate movement of the at least one solar module from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The power subunit includes a frame configured to support and move the array. The control subunit includes a tracking system configured to position the array relative to a the sun to maximize collection of solar radiation. When not in use, the solar power generation device may be stacked in a closed configuration with other similar devices on a pallet or other storage device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for blood sample acquisition and testing. The apparatus incorporates a test strip having a blood sample volume detection area in which a blood sample is accumulated and a minimum blood sample volume is detected. Once a minimum blood sample volume is detected, the test strip is moved with respect to the blood sample extraction site so that a bending surface of the test strip is presented to the blood sample, utilizing the surface tension of the blood sample droplet to facilitate movement of the blood sample to a measurement site on the strip where blood glucose in the sample is measured.

Abstract: A hand-held device (10) useful for dispensing a liquid material includes a housing (11) containing the material to be dispensed and having a dispensing nozzle (12) and a resettable ratchet (13, 50) operatively connected to a biased piston (30). The ratchet mechanism (13, 50) including a release lever (13) normally preventing movement of the piston (30) until released. When the lever (13) is released the piston (30) is biased toward the dispensing nozzle (12), such that an amount of the material is urged to flow toward the nozzle (12). The housing (11) is configured to be pen-like.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device using a pressure regulator to maintain the pressure inside the beverage container as the beverage is dispensed is disclosed. The pressure regulator includes a second chamber separate from the space containing the beverage. The second chamber contains a sorbent on which a propellant gas is adsorbed. The pressure inside the beverage container controls the opening and closing of a flow regulator that allows either the beverage being dispensed or a displacing agent contained in a third chamber to flow into the second chamber when the pressure in the beverage container is decreased. If either the beverage or the displacing agent flow into the second chamber, it will liberate the propellant gas adsorbed to the sorbent, and the gas is released through an outlet into the beverage container. This increases the pressure in the beverage, which in turn closes the flow regulator and stops the liberation of the propellant gas from the sorbent.