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 depth-control mechanism for selectively-adjusting a lancing stroke depth of a lancet carrier. The depth-control mechanism includes a positioning tab that is configured to be repositioned along an axis that is orthogonal to the lancing stroke axis of the lancet carrier. The depth-adjustment mechanism also includes a tether that is pivotally coupled between the positioning tab and the lancet carrier. The positioning tab is configured to manipulate a pivot axis of the tether to adjust the lancing stroke length of the lancet carrier.

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 single-use compression lancing device includes a bottom housing, a top housing, and a lancet. The lancet is generally 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 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 having a drive mechanism whereby unidirectional motion of the drive mechanism drives a lancet along an advancing portion and a retraction portion of a lancing stroke. A rotationally mounted crank member or a translationally mounted shuttle of the drive mechanism operate upon an associated linkage and/or a cam path portion of the lancet carrier to drive the carrier along the lancing stroke. Spring biased members optionally drive the mechanism and/or limit its extent of travel.

Abstract: A lancing device includes an advance-and-eject mechanism with a positioning member for manipulating a series of interconnected lancets. The advance-and-eject mechanism includes an actuator, a control channel, a cam-and-follower mechanism, one or more axial-contact members, and one or more angular-contact members. Actuating the actuator relative to the control channel imparts rotational and axial forces on the positioning member, and the cam-and-follower mechanism selectively restricts rotational and/or axial motion of the positioning member to induce first-stage rotation, second-stage translation, third-stage rotation, and fourth-stage translation.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including an independent drive core mechanism incorporating all or a substantial portion of the functional components of the lancing device, whereby the independent drive core mechanism can be incorporated into multiple different external housing configurations for more efficient design and manufacture. Axial adjustment of the position of the independent drive core mechanism within the housing provides lancing penetration depth control.

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 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 lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier.

Abstract: A lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier.

Abstract: A guidance mechanism for a lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes a piston having a shaft, a plurality of wings or fins extending from the shaft, a plurality of sliding engagement structures, and a lancet holder; and a chassis having a body, a plurality of longitudinal slits or cutouts, a plurality of elongated engagement structures, and an end aperture. The piston slides within the chassis, and the wings/fins engage within the slits/cutouts, allowing for linear longitudinal guidance of the piston within the chassis.

Abstract: A lancing device includes an advance-and-eject mechanism with a positioning member for manipulating a series of interconnected lancets. The advance-and-eject mechanism includes an actuator, a control channel, a cam-and-follower mechanism, one or more axial-contact members, and one or more angular-contact members. Actuating the actuator relative to the control channel imparts rotational and axial forces on the positioning member, and the cam-and-follower mechanism selectively restricts rotational and/or axial motion of the positioning member to induce first-stage rotation, second-stage translation, third-stage rotation, and fourth-stage translation.

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 device for sampling and/or analyzing blood or other body fluid of a subject. A housing contains a plurality of lancets and optionally includes test elements to take up a sample of blood, an evaluation system and a display. A complete system that can be handled as a single device, for example in the form of a wristwatch, includes a multiplicity of test elements and lancets, which can be brought successively to a working position to perform multiple measurements. A cassette or carrier includes multiple lancets and/or test elements, for insertion into the device.

Abstract: Improved lancet configurations and protective lancet endcap configurations are disclosed. In example forms, one or more flexing cantilevers project from the lancet body for coupling with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. A gripping handle extends from a sterility cap for ease of removal from and replacement over the lancet tip. A lancet body has a smoothly curved wave contour with at least one crest and at least one trough for engagement with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device.

Abstract: Improved lancet configurations and protective lancet endcap configurations are disclosed. In example forms, one or more flexing cantilevers project from the lancet body for coupling with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. A gripping handle extends from a sterility cap for ease of removal from and replacement over the lancet tip. A lancet body has a smoothly curved wave contour with at least one crest and at least one trough for engagement with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device.