Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: A lancing device and a removable and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in connection therewith are disclosed. The multi-lancet cartridge is advanced through sequential lancets, and anti-reverse features prevent reverse advancement of the cartridge. Interlocks are provided to prevent double-cocking the device, to reduce the likelihood of jamming of the mechanism. Improved trigger mechanisms and depth control mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

Abstract: A low-pain lancing device includes a drive mechanism for loosely engaging a lancet and driving the lancet along an axial path. The drive mechanism has a first coupling element and the lancet has a second coupling element, which together form a loose coupling therebetween, wherein interaction between the first and second coupling elements permits a degree of freedom of movement between the lancet and the drive mechanism in a lateral direction, perpendicular to the axial path of travel of the lancet, to prevent non-axial movement of the lancet tip during lancing and thereby reduce pain experienced by the subject.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device (10) having an outer housing (12), a lancet holder (32) that engages a lancet (30) and constrains the lancet along a controlled and predefined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off axis torsion springs (80,82) working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: A blood withdrawal system for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes including a lancing device having a housing with an opening and a support surface, and a lancet holder movably mounted in the opening including a lancet and a bearing member that rests on the support surface. The device further includes a trigger unit which, when moved linearly, causes a rotational movement to initiate a lancing process.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger 232 that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: A lancing device and a removable and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in connection therewith are disclosed. The multi-lancet cartridge is advanced through sequential lancets, and anti-reverse features prevent reverse advancement of the cartridge. Interlocks are provided to prevent double-cocking the device, to reduce the likelihood of jamming of the mechanism. Improved trigger mechanisms and depth control mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: An in-ground trampoline and method of installation therefor, wherein a homeowner, trampoline enthusiast, athlete, gymnast, or the like, is provided with a safer, more accessible, ground level trampoline jumping surface configuration in view of conventional above-ground trampolines, and is further provided with a relatively inexpensive, easily constructed and transportable in-ground trampoline jumping surface support system in view of current in-ground trampoline methods of construction.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.