Abstract: A device includes a pre-sample reservoir, an actuator mechanism, and a diverter. The pre-sample reservoir can be fluidically coupled to a delivery member to receive and isolate a predetermined volume of bodily-fluid withdrawn from a patient. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled to the pre-sample reservoir such that, when actuated, a negative pressure is formed in the pre-sample reservoir that urges the bodily-fluid to flow into the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter can selectively control fluid flow between the delivery member and the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter includes a flow control mechanism that defines a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The diverter is movable between a first configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the first fluid flow path to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the second fluid flow path to a sample reservoir coupled to the diverter.

Abstract: A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube. The body has a first open end and a second end supporting a needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle and a distal end extending distally of the body. Retaining structure is supported on the body. The retaining structure extends into the receptacle and is configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone coring device having a handle including a first handle component and a second handle component. The first handle component is rotatably coupled to the second handle component. The device also includes a coring assembly mechanically coupled to the handle. The coring assembly includes an elongated outer cutting member having an internal bore and distal edge adapted to cut through cancellous bone. The coring assembly also includes an elongated inner member slidably positioned within the internal bore of the outer cutting member. Rotatable movement of the first handle component relative to the second handle component causes relative, linear movement between the elongated outer cutting member and the inner member to facilitate coring of a sample of bone when the coring assembly is positioned within the bone.

Abstract: A glove for recording and displaying the critical set of electromyography (EMG) signals representing consecutive hand movements. The glove is for measuring EMG signals in a hand, and includes a glove body, and/or a plurality of EMG electrodes disposed at predetermined locations on an inner surface of the glove body, configured to sense a magnitude of a plurality of EMG signals over a period of time, a data acquisition circuit coupled to the plurality of EMG electrodes, configured to receive at least one of the plurality of EMG signals and to generate an output proportional to the magnitude of the at least one of the plurality of EMG signals sensed by at least one of the plurality of EMG electrodes, and a user feedback module located on an external surface of the glove body for providing a representation of the output of the data acquisition circuit.

Abstract: This method of determining an intracochlea tissue impedance comprises using at least two stimulating electrodes to apply an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue. A voltage caused by the stimulus is measured between two measuring electrodes distinct from the stimulating electrodes. From the voltage a stimulus-response characteristic of tissue between the two measuring electrodes is determined. This allows the tissue/electrode interface impedance and potential and the tissue impedance and potential to be uniquely determined. In turn, modiolus currents can be estimated in monopolar stimulation mode. Also provided is automated initiation of re-mapping of the device when tissue characteristics change.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sensing intraocular pressure are described. An example miniaturized intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring system is provided using a nanophotonics-based implantable IOP sensor with remote optical readout that can be adapted for both patient and research use. A handheld detector optically excites the pressure-sensitive nanophotonic structure of the IOP-sensing implant placed in the anterior chamber and detects the reflected light, whose optical signature changes as a function of IOP. Optical detection eliminates the need for large, complex LC structures and simplifies sensor design. The use of nanophotonic components improves the sensor's resolution and sensitivity, increases optical readout distance, and reduces its size by a factor of 10-30 over previous implants. Its small size and convenient optical readout allows frequent and accurate self-tracking of IOP by patients in home settings.

Abstract: Adjustment mechanisms are used in conjunction with integrated lancet test strips to adjust the position of the drive system, engagement system, or the drive coupling in a fixed stroke lancing system to thereby adjust the penetration depth of the lancet. In a variable drive stroke lancing system, the lancet penetration depth is adjusted by changing the stroke length of a drive system. The stroke length of a drive system is adjusted by rotating a cam or sliding a cam in a cam type drive system. In either the fixed or the variable drive stroke lancing system, the test strip and/or guidance foil of the integrated lancet test strip is immobilized while the lancet is actuated.

Abstract: The use of motion capture data for analyzing an individual's performance on certain exercises, and more particularly relates to comparison of movement data for an individual with a database of recorded motions for a population in order to generate a training regimen for the individual, and to monitor the individual's progress when carrying out the training regimen.

Abstract: A device for accessing a vessel, duct or lumen, comprising a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one projection that extends from said guidewire at or near the distal end of the guidewire. When the guidewire is placed into the vessel, duct or lumen containing a flowing fluid, the drag on the guidewire is greater when the fluid is flowing from the proximal to distal end of the guidewire than it is when it is flowing distally-to-proximally, thereby helping to direct the guidewire. The device is particularly useful in crossing a narrowing in the vessel, duct or lumen, such as may occur in blood vessels containing a stenosis, such as due to atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. A first container includes (i) an optical cavity detection region, (ii) a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the optical cavity detection region, and (iii) a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. The optical cavity detection region and the reservoir define separate areas of the first container. The movement of the one or more modifiers between the reservoir and the optical cavity detection region is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A second container includes an optical cavity detection region, and a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. Also provided are optical components for guiding light into the optical cavity detection regions of the first and second containers.

Abstract: Biometric assessment is performed by use of electromyography (EMG) signals detected from muscles at several locations on the hand/or other part of the body subject to fine motor control. In addition, electroencephalography (EEG), signals detect other biomarkers. The EMG and EEG signals are sensed, synchronized and registered. The signals are converted into digital data and are stored and processed for use in performing the biometric assessment.

Abstract: An excisional device for either handheld or stereotactic table use may comprise an outer sheath that may comprise a distal scoopula shape configured to penetrate and/or cut tissue independently or in concert with work element(s). The articulable work element(s) may comprise articulable beak(s) and may be configured to translate and/or rotate at a first rate and to cut tissue in a direction implied by placement of the scoopula shaped outer sheath. A first helical element or equivalent assembly may be configured to transport tissue cut by the work element(s) and/or scoopula, may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and may be operative to rotate at a second rotation rate that is different than the first rate. A proximal sheath may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and the first helical element, and may be configured to rotate and actuate the work element(s).

Abstract: Improved techniques and systems to calibrate an electronic device that is providing activity sensing are disclosed. The activity being sensed can, for example, correspond to walking or running by a user. In one embodiment, calibration can be performed by a portable electronic device so that activity data it receives from a remote sensor device can be more accurately processed. The improved techniques and systems to calibrate can be used to monitor, process, present and manage data captured by a remote sensor. The portable electronic device can also offer a convenient user interface that can be visual and/or audio based, customized to a particular application, user-friendly and/or dynamic. The portable electronic device can pertain to a portable media player and thus also provide media playback.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring intracranial pressure constituted of a transmitter arranged to transmit a first acoustic signal through a first cranial point, a receiver arranged to receive a second acoustic signal from a second cranial point and a control circuitry. The control circuitry is arranged to extract from the detected second acoustic signal a first set of frequency components associated with the transmitted first acoustic signal and extract from the detected second acoustic signal a second set of frequency components associated with intracranial processes. The control circuitry is further arranged to determine intracranial pressure responsive to the extracted first set of frequency components and the extracted second set of frequency components.

Abstract: A system for withdrawing body fluid is described which has a housing with at least one opening and at least one lancet which is elongate and substantially straight in its original and unused form. The lancet has a distal end with a lancet tip for carrying out a lancing operation. The system also includes a drive unit for driving the lancet in a drive direction and at least one guide element which makes contact with the lancet at least during the lancing operation and guides the lancet movement such that the lancet is bent relative to the drive direction. The lancet can have a high restoring force such that it returns to its original substantially straight shape after contacting the guide element.

Abstract: A lancet assembly includes a lancet, a lancet engaging part, and a lancet case housing the lancet and the lancet engaging part. In the lancet assembly of the present invention, the lancet engaging part and the lancet cap are disposed such that they are capable of making contact with each other. When the lancet engaging part is forced to move forward with respect to the lancet in a pricking direction, the lancet cap is pressed by the lancet engaging part, and thereby the bridging component is broken so that the lancet cap is separated from the lancet body. When the lancet engaging part is forced to further move forward, the separated lancet cap moves to the position off a pricking pathway of the pricking component within the lancet case.

Abstract: A method of testing a hearing ability of a user using a portable sound source playing apparatus includes; outputting a signal indicating at least one phoneme, obtaining a response of a user regarding a degree of audibility of the output signal, and testing the hearing ability of a user based on hearing characteristics of the user showing the degree of audibility of a frequency band comprising a frequency of the at least one phoneme based on the obtained response.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a substrate and a first, deformable membrane, partially supported by the substrate, which generates a first sensor reading when deformed by pressure. A second membrane is contiguous to the first membrane. When the second membrane is energized, it deforms the first membrane to alter the first sensor reading.

Abstract: The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.

Abstract: A system for deploying and selectively inflating a thoracic aortic balloon at a desired location within the thoracic aorta for resuscitative aortic occlusion, inferior to the left subclavian artery, without the aid of fluoroscopy is described. Using CT imaging data, a distance between readily identifiable and consistently located external landmarks of torso extent is measured. Next, using the same data, a second distance from the femoral artery to a desired aortic occlusion location inferior to the left subclavian artery is determined. A correlation between the external measure of torso extent and the desired intra-arterial (i.e. endovascular) distance within the torso is made. Using a nomogram, a calibrated endovascular resuscitative thoracic aortic occlusion system can be positioned to this desired location on any injured individual with end-stage shock and impending cardiovascular collapse or death without the aid of fluoroscopy for delivery or balloon inflation.