Abstract: A lancing device has a charging mechanism that operates to convert an external push action by a user to an internal pull action that retracts and charges a lancet for use in a lancing stroke. In some embodiments, the charging mechanism includes a user-actuated charging push-button, a reverse charging member coupled to a lancet carrier, and a reverse-motion conversion member coupled therebetween. Depressing the user-actuated member in a first longitudinal direction causes transverse movement of the conversion member, which in turn causes longitudinal retraction of the reverse charging member and the lancet carrier coupled thereto in a second longitudinal direction opposite the first direction, thereby charging a drive mechanism of the lancing device. In other embodiments, a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism provides the same push-to-pull functionality.

Abstract: A housing and an internal mechanism including a blade, a dual-link drive mechanism, and a trigger. The blade is driven by the drive mechanism through a rotating and translating slicing motion that defines a sampling sequence, from a first retracted position to an extended position to a second retracted position. The dual-link drive mechanism includes a blade link arm coupled to the blade, a rotary drive link arm that drives the blade arm, a drive spring that drives the a rotary drive arm, and a cam-and-follower mechanism that guides the blade arm as it is driven by the rotary drive arm. The trigger is operable to release the dual-link drive mechanism to propel the blade through the sampling sequence. And a sterility cap protects the blade and prevents operation of the device prior to removal.

Abstract: A lancing device and a cartridge of lancets are operable to sequentially advance each lancet to an active position for use in sampling a bodily fluid. An alignment mechanism precisely aligns the lancets in the active position to promote smooth operation and prevent jamming. The alignment mechanism includes at least one register element and at least one spring-biased element movable between engaged and retracted positions. In an example embodiment, one spring-biased arm extends from the lancing-device housing and includes a protrusion, and a series of recessed register surfaces are defined in a carrier for the lancets. In the engaged position, the spring-biased protrusion fully mates with the register recess under the spring-biasing influence to precisely align the active lancet. And in the retracted position, the spring-biased protrusion is deflected from engagement with the register recess as the carrier is advanced to advance a fresh lancet into the active position.

Abstract: A lancing device having improved guidance features and a drive mechanism subassembly that is generically compatible with a variety of outer housing configurations, and an improved assembly method for fabricating a lancing device.

Abstract: A housing and an internal mechanism including a blade, a dual-link drive mechanism, and a trigger. The blade is driven by the drive mechanism through a rotating and translating slicing motion that defines a sampling sequence, from a first retracted position to an extended position to a second retracted position. The dual-link drive mechanism includes a blade link arm coupled to the blade, a rotary drive link arm that drives the blade arm, a drive spring that drives the a rotary drive arm, and a cam-and-follower mechanism that guides the blade arm as it is driven by the rotary drive arm. The trigger is operable to release the dual-link drive mechanism to propel the blade through the sampling sequence. And a sterility cap protects the blade and prevents operation of the device prior to removal.

Abstract: An advancement mechanism of a lancing device operates to sequentially advance lancets in a cartridge. The advancement mechanism includes a rotary drive gear assembly with a first gear and a second gear that co-rotate in a first angular direction by operation of an inter-gear unidirectional drive mechanism such as a ratcheting mechanism. A second-gear unidirectional lock mechanism, such as a ratcheting mechanism, locks the second drive gear from co-rotating with the first drive gear in a second opposite angular direction without impeding rotation in the first direction. The second gear directly or indirectly rotationally drives a pinion gear, which rotationally drives a cartridge gear to advance the lancets in indexed increments for use. The first drive gear is rotated in the first and second directions by a rack gear of a translating operating handle. In addition, a rotary-gear cap-displacement mechanism and a rotary-gear charging/actuation mechanism are provided in other embodiments.