Abstract: A test strip for use with an analyte meter comprises an integrated power source, such as a battery wherein the test strip is configured upon insertion into the meter to provide sufficient power for completing a sample assay without requiring a separate power source in the meter.

Abstract: An analytical test meter includes a meter housing containing a test strip connector that includes at least two terminals. A processor is disposed within the meter housing, as well as a current generator that generates a magnetic field in association with one of the terminals for attracting a contact of an analytical test strip for alignment or retention therewith. Detection of the presence of an analytical test strip relative to an electrical contact can cause an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods to determine when a new or fresh battery has been replaced in a medical monitoring device and store a record of such battery replacement so that the battery records of the medical monitoring device can be reliably kept over the life of the monitoring device.

Abstract: An analyte measurement system includes a processor connected to a biosensor providing analyte data corresponding to an analyte level of a fluid sample. A user interface provides a menu of functions to a user and successively receives a plurality of menu choices, which the processor records. A storage device holds data defining a first action criterion. The processor compares the menu choices to the first action criterion. When the stored menu choices satisfy the first action criterion, the processor can automatically add a first additional function to the menu of functions, or can automatically presents a reward token via the user interface. The system can also include a housing holding the user interface, the storage device, and the processor. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A physiological measurement system includes a biosensor providing a signal for a fluid sample. A processor determines a physiological parameter in the form of an analyte concentration using the signal from the biosensor. A network interface conveys data between the processor and a social network. The processor can transmit a query for analyte-data-request records to the social network, receive an indication of an analyte-data-request record from the social network, and transmit the determined analyte data or physiologic data to the social network in response to the indication. The processor can alternatively retrieve user credentials from a storage device, transmit the credentials and the analyte data to the social network, retrieve from the social network different-user response data corresponding to the transmission, and present an indication of the response data. Methods for processing analyte or physiologic data are also described.

Abstract: A portable analytical test meter is designed for use with an associated analytical test strip. A test-strip-receiving module receives the analytical test strip and is electrically connected to a dummy load calibration circuit block. That block is configured to provide a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction; and a memory block is configured to store the dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction. A method for calibrating a portable analytical test meter for use with an analytical test strip includes determining a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction of the portable analytical test meter using a dummy load calibration circuit block of the portable analytical test meter. The dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction are stored in a memory block of the portable analytical test meter. Using the stored dummy magnitude correction and stored dummy phase correction, an analyte is determined.

Abstract: An analyte meter having a test strip port is configured to detect whether an approved test strip has been inserted into the test strip port before turning on analyte measurement subsystems in the analyte meter. After the meter is turned on, control circuitry in the meter continues to monitor whether the test strip is removed prior to application of a blood sample on the test strip or whether the test strip is removed after application of a blood sample on the test strip, such as during an assay of the sample.

Abstract: An analyte meter is configured to digitally test for the presence of a test strip in the meter and for the presence of a sample in the test strip prior to activating an analog current measurement circuit of the meter. A test strip port connector having a plurality of contacts receives an inserted test strip in which the contacts electrically connect to electrodes on the test strip for digitally detecting both the presence of a test strip and a sample added to the test strip. A control circuit monitoring the contacts maintains the analyte meter in a low power mode until detecting both the test strip and the sample, whereupon the control circuit activates the meter and enables an analog analyte measurement circuit.

Abstract: An analyte meter having a test strip port is configured to transmit an electric signal through a received test strip with a sample. A pair of electrodes apply the electric signal and receive an electrical response from the test strip. A processing unit analyzes the electrical response and uses the response to determine an analyte level of the sample.

Abstract: A bed comprises a fixed width deck section, a wing movably coupled to the fixed width section, a leadscrew having a rotational axis, a leadscrew driver coupled to the leadscrew for rotating the leadscrew about its axis, and a release unit. The release unit is coupled to the wing and configured to move between a) an engaged position in which the release unit engages the lead screw and moves therealong as the leadscrew rotates about the rotational axis thereby causing the wing to translate relative to the fixed width section; and b) a disengaged position in which the release unit is disengaged from the leadscrew.

Abstract: A blood glucose measurement system is configured to detect a wireless communication channel in proximity to the measurement system. An electronic data management unit of the measurement system automatically identifies a source of the detected wireless communication channel and uses the source information based on a stored rule set to automatically adjust at least one feature relating to the measurement system for use thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods (including system and method) to allow users of analyte monitors to continue to perform analyte measurement tests by using a secondary battery when the main battery is exhausted. By using applicants' technique, the monitor can be used for twice as long as compared to a monitor that only relies on a single battery as the only power supply. Moreover, applicants have devised systems and methods to indicate to the user which of the primary and secondary batteries should be replaced without disrupting the utilization of the monitor.

Abstract: A person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, a drive structure, and a control system. The upper frame is movably supported above the lower frame. The drive structure is coupled to the upper frame and configured to selectively engage a surface to, when activated, propel the person support apparatus along the surface. The control system is configured to determine an engagement status of the drive structure with the surface and trigger a response based on the engagement status.

Abstract: A person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and a lift system. The upper frame is configured to support a person. The lift system is coupled to the lower frame and the upper frame and is configured to move the upper frame with respect to the lower frame at a first speed when the person on the upper frame is below a predetermined weight and move the upper frame with respect to the lower frame at second speed when the person is above the predetermined weight.

Abstract: A method for governing care of a person includes determining the importance of a candidate activity (84) relative to the importance of patient sleep continuity (104) and, if the candidate activity is more important than sleep continuity, carrying out the activity or indicating the acceptability of carrying out the activity (106) and, if the candidate activity is not more important than sleep continuity, refraining from carrying out the activity or indicating the unacceptability of carrying out the activity (108). A system for patient care governance comprises a decision engine (80) for determining the importance of the candidate activity relative to the importance of sleep continuity, and a controller (92) responsive to the decision engine for issuing a command to carry out the activity or indicate the acceptability of carrying out the activity (106), refrain from carrying out the activity or indicate the unacceptability of carrying out the activity (108).

Abstract: System and methods are provided to ameliorate a shortcoming identified by applicants for analyte meter in wireless communication to a server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentiating foods with respect to mouthfeel, a method for identifying a composition having the ability to improve the mouthfeel of a food, and a method for predicting mouthfeel attributes of a food using a novel tribology device.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an analytical test strip in the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) includes a housing, a buttons electrical circuit block, at least one user operable button in operable communication with the buttons electrical circuit block; and a first-time-on (FTO) electrical circuit block. The FTO electrical circuit block is disposed within the housing and includes an activation node. In addition, the FTO electrical circuit block is configured to place the hand-held test meter into a deep power conservation mode upon the direct application of an electrical signal to the activation node by an external device (e.g., a manufacturing tester) and to terminate the deep power conservation mode and place the hand-held test meter into a normal operating mode upon receiving a predetermined user triggered signal from the at least one user operable button.