Abstract: Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A multi-beveled needle point geometry for hypodermic needles such as pen needles. A proximal bevel is formed at a first angle of inclination, a pair of intermediate bevels at a second angle of inclination, and a pair of distal bevels at a third angle of inclination and differing angles of rotation. The second angle of inclination is substantially different than the first angle of inclination to define a marked apex at the intersections between the proximal bevel and the intermediate bevels. At least one smooth transition is typically provided between adjacent bevels, between a bevel and an outer surface of the needle, and/or between a bevel and the lumen of the needle.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: A multi-beveled needle point geometry for hypodermic needles such as pen needles. A proximal bevel is formed at a first angle of inclination, a pair of intermediate bevels at a second angle of inclination, and a pair of distal bevels at a third angle of inclination and differing angles of rotation. The second angle of inclination is substantially different than the first angle of inclination to define a marked apex at the intersections between the proximal bevel and the intermediate bevels. At least one smooth transition is typically provided between adjacent bevels, between a bevel and an outer surface of the needle, and/or between a bevel and the lumen of the needle.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: A lancing device having improved charging features. In one example embodiment, the charging mechanism generally includes a user actuated portion or charging member and a cam feature for engagement therewith. The charging member includes a finger projection or boss and the cam feature includes a ramped surface. Actuating the charging member causes the finger projection to movably engage the ramp surface of the cam feature and charge the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A lancing device having improved charging features is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the charging mechanism generally includes a user actuated portion or charging member and a cam feature for engagement therewith. The charging member includes a finger projection or boss and the cam feature includes a ramped surface. Actuating the charging member causes the finger projection to movably engage the ramp surface of the cam feature and charge the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: Methods for intra-mold sterilization of a plastic-embedded metal component of a product, such as a medical lancet having a metal needle embedded within a plastic lancet body. For example, a lancet needle is retained within a mold, plastic is injected to encapsulate the needle, and a specified minimum temperature is maintained for a specified minimum cycle time. In example forms, the specified minimum mold temperature is at least about 370 degrees Fahrenheit and the specified minimum cycle time is at least about 10 seconds.

Abstract: A lancet needle with an alignment and engagement notch, with material of the lancet body extending into the notch to more securely retain the needle to the lancet body, whereby a shorter needle can be utilized than with typical lancets. The notch optionally also provides a registration point for rotational and/or axial alignment of the needle during overmolding to form the lancet body, for example to maintain consistent positioning of the needle's beveled point.

Abstract: A lancet needle with an alignment and engagement notch, with material of the lancet body extending into the notch to more securely retain the needle to the lancet body, whereby a shorter needle can be utilized than with typical lancets. The notch optionally also provides a registration point for rotational and/or axial alignment of the needle during overmolding to form the lancet body, for example to maintain consistent positioning of the needle's beveled point.

Abstract: A lancing device having a housing with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The lancing device also has a lancet carrier translationally supported with respect to the housing. The lancet carrier has a proximal end and a distal end. The lancing device additionally has a charging mechanism and/or an ejection mechanism adapted to pivot into the lancing device for engaging portions of the lancet carrier to perform the same.

Abstract: A lancing device having a housing with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The lancing device also has a lancet carrier translationally supported with respect to the housing. The lancet carrier has a proximal end and a distal end. The lancing device additionally has a charging mechanism and/or an ejection mechanism adapted to pivot into the lancing device for engaging portions of the lancet carrier to perform the same.

Abstract: A lancing device with a depth-adjustment mechanism including an adjustably-positioned stop surface, a movable control member operably coupled thereto, and a resiliently deflectable leg that engages the stop surface and a lancet carrier to provide a soft stop for the lancet carrier. The lancet carrier deflects the leg in a forward phase of the lancing stroke, and then the leg contacts the stop surface to stop the forward motion of the lancet carrier at an extended lancing position. The stop surface can be adjustably positioned so that different portions thereof are engaged to stop the lancet carrier at deeper or shallower positions. In example embodiments, the depth-adjustment mechanism includes a rotary dial and an extension arm of the leg, with the dial including a rotary wheel and a rotary shaft extending axially therefrom, the wheel forming the movable adjustment member, and the shaft forming the adjustably positioned stop surface.

Abstract: A single-use compression lancing device includes a bottom housing, a top housing, and a lancet. The lancet is generally configured for selective interengagement and guidance within the bottom and top housings. The top housing is configured for slidingly engaging the bottom housing such that manipulation of the top housing relative to the bottom housing causes a sharp tip portion of the lancet to protrude from an opening of the top housing. In one form, at least one arm extending from the lancet interengages a portion of the top housing such that the lancet is retracted within a portion of the bottom housing.

Abstract: A lancing device includes a housing, a lancet carrier translational within the housing, a drive spring for propelling the lancet carrier through a translational lancing stroke, and a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism includes a first cam member that is rotatable relative to the housing, a second cam member that abuts the first cam member, is coupled to the lancet carrier, and is restricted from rotation relative to the housing, and a rotatable handle co-rotationally attached to the first cam member. Rotation of the handle rotates the first cam member with it, causing the first cam member to rotate against the second cam member, which in response traverses axially because it is restricted from rotation, thereby retracting the lancet carrier to a retracted or charged state.