Abstract: A biosensor is provided that comprises a plate element with a pre-determined reaction zone and a recess positioned adjacent to the reaction zone. The biosensor also comprises a reagent that is positioned on the reaction zone. In preferred embodiments, the recess circumscribes at least a portion of the reaction zone.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes an electrode support substrate, electrodes positioned on the electrode support, each electrode including a meter-contact portion and a measurement portion, and a sensor support substrate. The sensor support substrate cooperates with the electrode support substrate to define channel in alignment with the measurement portion of the electrodes. Additionally, the sensor support substrate includes opposite ends and at least one window. The at least one window is spaced-apart from the ends and in alignment with the meter-contact portion of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of forming a biosensor is provided. The method includes providing a substrate and a cover including first and second surfaces, positioning a reagent on the substrate, carving a channel by laser ablation in the first surface, and coupling the first surface of the cover to the second surface. The channel includes a first portion having a first height and a second portion having a second height that is less than the first height.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a reagent positioned on the substrate, and a cover including a first surface coupled to the substrate and a second surface. The first surface is carved so that it includes a flow channel therein. The flow channel extends over at least a portion of the reagent. In addition, the cover includes secondary channels extending on either side of the channel.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a sample site positioned on the substrate, a cover coupled to the substrate, and biocide positioned between the substrate and the cover. The biosensor may also include desiccant. The cover is operative to selectively block access to the sample site. The cover includes a fixed end coupled to the substrate, an opposite free end, and a middle portion extending across the sample site. The middle portion is releasably and recloseably adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A recloseable biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a sample site positioned on the substrate, and an openable and recloseable cover coupled to the substrate. The cover is operative to selectively block access to the sample site. The cover includes a fixed end coupled to the substrate, an opposite free end, and a middle portion extending across the sample site. The middle portion is releasably and recloseably adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid-delivery apparatus for delivering a medicament to a patient is provided in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus includes a housing defining a passageway, a bellowed ampoule positioned to lie in the passageway of the housing, and a piston. The bellowed ampoule includes a body with first and second ends and is formed to define a cavity configured to contain the medicament. The piston presses the second end of the ampoule toward the first end to dispense the medicament from the cavity. In addition, the fluid-delivery apparatus includes a visible non-linear scale that represents the relationship between a volume of medicament delivered from the first end of the ampoule and a distance that the piston has traveled in the housing toward the first end.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that includes first and second plate elements, wherein each plate elements has first and second ends and first and second lateral borders. In addition, the biosensor includes a spacer positioned to lie between the first and second plate elements so that at least a portion of the first and second plate elements cooperate with one another to form opposite walls of a capillary space. Further, the first ends and at least a portion of the lateral borders define a fluid sample-receiving portion in communication with the capillary space. Electrodes are positioned in the capillary space of the biosensor.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that includes first and second plate elements, wherein each plate elements has first and second ends and first and second lateral borders. In addition, the biosensor includes a spacer positioned to lie between the first and second plate elements so that at least a portion of the first and second plate elements cooperate with one another to form opposite walls of a capillary space. Further, the first ends and at least a portion of the lateral borders define a fluid sample-receiving portion in communication with the capillary space. Electrodes are positioned in the capillary space of the biosensor.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention a biosensor apparatus is provided, comprising a base, electrodes positioned on the base, a cover including ports, a plate positioned on the base and including apertures in communication with at least one of the electrodes, a cover including ports in communication with the plate and offset from the apertures, and at least one reagent positioned between the plate and the cover. According to a preferred embodiment the plate includes microstructures extending into the ports of the cover.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip that has a minimum volume blood sample requirement of about 9 microliters. The test strip has working and counter electrodes that are substantially the same size and made of the same electrically conducting material placed on a first insulating substrate. Overlaying the electrodes is a second insulating substrate, which includes a cutout portion that forms a reagent well. The cutout portion exposes a smaller area of the counter electrode than the working electrode. A reagent for analysis of an analyte substantially covers the exposed areas of working and counter electrodes in the reagent well. Overlaying the reagent well and affixed to the second insulating substrate is a spreading mesh that is impregnated with a surfactant. The small cutout portion of 4 millimeters by 4.2 millimeters, small mesh of 6 millimeters by 5.8 millimeters, and small amount of reagent, 4 microliters before drying, allow the test strip to analyze a whole blood sample of about 9 microliters.

Abstract: Implantable enzymatic sensors (25, 43, 44) for biochemicals such as glucose are provided having an ideal size and geometry for optional long term implantation and linear responses over the concentration ranges of interest. The sensors (25, 43, 44) include an elongated body (10, 26, 46) supporting an indicating electrode section having an appropriate enzyme immobilized thereon to present an enzymatic indicating surface (21, 33, 54). A permeable synthetic polymer membrane (24, 42, 56) is applied over the sensor body (10, 26, 46) to protect the enzyme and regulate diffusion of analyte therethrough, to ensure linearity of sensor response. The sensors (25, 43) are of flexible design and can be implanted using a catheter. Alternately, the sensor (44) includes an internal indicating electrode body (46) housed within an apertured, hollow needle (48). A holder (66) affixed to the needle (48) allows for easy manipulation and implantation of the sensor (44).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a composition which improves the palatability of dog foods. According to the process, a staged enzyme reaction is employed to first digest either a proteinaceous or an amylaceous substrate. The reaction product of the first stage is emulsified with fat, and the resulting emulsion is reacted with lipase and protease, under conditions effective to provide a material which, when applied to a dog food, significantly enhances its palatability. A preferred farinaceous substrate, to be acted upon by an amylase enzyme for the first stage reaction, is corn. Preferred proteinaceous substrates, to be acted upon by protease enzyme, for the first stage reaction include soy, whey, chicken skins, and cheese solids. The resulting product is produced rapidly, contains large quantities of free fatty acids, and has a high level of palatability.