Abstract: A method and system estimates manufacturing costs for conventional and advanced materials and processes based on process-oriented approach. A computer system input display for selecting one or more designs and one or more design parameters. Cost models are based upon process-oriented manufacturing cost estimates for a plurality of designs utilizing materials and manufacturing processes. Software is programmed to receive selected designs and selected design parameters from the input display and pass the selected designs and design parameters to the cost models. An output display shows the manufacturing costs estimated by the cost models for the selected designs and design parameters. A manufacturing process flow simulation model highlights and quantifies the magnitude of the manufacturing process cost drivers. An architecture including a relational database is also disclosed, and input and editing modules can be utilized to modify the cost model equations or to provide input from other software applications.

Abstract: A cradle-configured interface for a hand-held blood glucose meter has a multi-electrical contact-containing battery door that enables blood glucose analysis data stored in the meter to be automatically downloaded to a modem within a meter cradle for transmission to a monitoring facility. Electrical contacts of the battery door are connected to conductors of the meter's printed circuit board when the battery door is closed. The cradle has spring-loaded probes connected to its internal modem and engaging the electrical contacts within the battery door when the meter is placed in the cradle. Upon sensing the meter in the cradle, the modem downloads blood sample analysis data stored in the meter into local memory and then transmits blood glucose analysis data to a downstream healthcare reporting site.

Abstract: An interface between a communication modem and a hand-held, battery-operated information collection device, such as a blood glucose meter comprises a support cradle into which blood glucose meter is placed. A mechanical translation unit within the cradle then automatically rotates a cam-driven, pivotable swing arm on which an electrical connector to modem memory is mounted. The swing arm follows a spiral groove in the cam, so as to fully insert the electrical connector into the data port receptacle of the meter. After data has been downloaded from the meter into modem memory, the mechanical translation unit causes reverse rotation of the cam, so as to retract the electrical connector out of the data port receptacle, whereupon the meter may be removed by the user.

Abstract: A method and system estimates manufacturing costs for conventional and advanced materials and processes based on a process-oriented approach. A computer system comprises an input display for selecting one or more designs and one or more design parameters. Cost models are based upon process-oriented manufacturing cost estimates for a plurality of designs utilizing materials and manufacturing of processes. Software is programmed to receive selected designs and selected design parameters from the input display and pass the selected designs and design parameters to the cost models. An output display shows the manufacturing costs estimated by the cost models for the selected designs and design parameters. A manufacturing process flow simulation model highlights and quantifies the magnitude of the manufacturing process cost drivers.