Abstract: A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device. The host device can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device, while the accessory device can serially exchange data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the intermediate device can control serial communication parameters between the intermediate device and the accessory in response to commands received from the host.

Abstract: A host device and an accessory exchange information (e.g., commands and data) via an intermediate device. The host device and accessory can each connect to the intermediate device. The host device can exchange commands and data with the intermediate device, while the accessory device can serially exchange data with the intermediate device. The host device and the accessory can also “tunnel” information to each other through the intermediate device, by packaging the tunneled information as a payload of a command recognizable by the intermediate device; the intermediate device can repackage and forward the payload. In some embodiments, the intermediate device can control serial communication parameters between the intermediate device and the accessory in response to commands received from the host.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the sampling of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include test strips which are positioned adjacent to the skin and which include features to inhibit the passage of the bodily fluid between the skin and the underside of the test strip. One system utilizes a sealing member located on the bottom surface of the test strip and positioned to provide a fluid tight seal with the skin. A second system includes a recessed surface aligned with the inlet opening of the test strip to preclude contact of the bodily fluid directly with the bottom surface of the test strip. A third system involves the use of a hydrophobic surface on the underside of the test strip to inhibit wicking of the bodily fluid along the test strip. The present invention further encompasses the combination of the foregoing sampling systems with each other, and with incising, expressing and/or testing systems and methods, particularly in a single, integrated device.

Abstract: An system and method are disclosed for isolating and grounding a load device, where grounding only occurs after the voltage(s) on the load device have been reduced to acceptable levels. The system includes power and grounding contacts, a sensing device, and a control device. The power contact determines whether a power line is coupled to a terminal of the load. The grounding contact determines whether the terminal is coupled to ground. The sensing device is coupled to the terminal, and the control device communicates with the contacts and sensing device. Upon a signal being provided to the control device, the control device causes the power contact to decouple the terminal from the power line and, upon the sensing device determining that a condition has been met concerning the terminal, the control device causes the grounding contact to couple the terminal with ground and a system indication light to be illuminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the sampling of bodily fluid from an incision in the skin include test strips which are positioned adjacent to the skin and which include features to inhibit the passage of the bodily fluid between the skin and the underside of the test strip. One system utilizes a sealing member located on the bottom surface of the test strip and positioned to provide a fluid tight seal with the skin. A second system includes a recessed surface aligned with the inlet opening of the test strip to preclude contact of the bodily fluid directly with the bottom surface of the test strip. A third system involves the use of a hydrophobic surface on the underside of the test strip to inhibit wicking of the bodily fluid along the test strip. The present invention further encompasses the combination of the foregoing sampling systems with each other, and with incising, expressing and/or testing systems and methods, particularly in a single, integrated device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring main contacts and auxiliary contacts of a power contactor is disclosed. The apparatus includes four circuits, the first of which has an on state in which a coil of the contactor is energized, and an off state. The first circuit switches from the off state to the on state when a power source is electrically connected to the first circuit if an additional signal is also present, and then remains in the on state until the power source is disconnected. The second circuit prevents the additional signal from being received by the first circuit when the auxiliary contact is in a position indicating that one of the main contacts is welded. The third circuit causes the first circuit to be disconnected from the power source when the fourth circuit provides a signal indicating that one of the auxiliary contacts is welded.

Abstract: An system and method are disclosed for isolating and grounding a load device, where grounding only occurs after the voltage(s) on the load device have been reduced to acceptable levels. The system includes power and grounding contacts, a sensing device, and a control device. The power contact determines whether a power line is coupled to a terminal of the load. The grounding contact determines whether the terminal is coupled to ground. The sensing device is coupled to the terminal, and the control device communicates with the contacts and sensing device. Upon a signal being provided to the control device, the control device causes the power contact to decouple the terminal from the power line and, upon the sensing device determining that a condition has been met concerning the terminal, the control device causes the grounding contact to couple the terminal with ground and a system indication light to be illuminated.

Abstract: A mailing envelope with a plurality of inserts is made by imaging variable color indicia on both faces of a paper substrate and imaging sense marks, and reply indicia, on at least one face of the substrate. The sense marks are used to properly align and slit the substrate web into a web of pre-determined width (removing the sense marks), and then label portions are flexographically printed on the first face of the web with magnetic ink. Adhesive and a release liner (e.g. using transfer tape) are applied to the second face of the web at the label portions and the labels are die cut from the label portions. The web is cut into sheets of predetermined length, each sheet including at least one set of labels, and the sheet is buckle folded to form a folded sheet with a plurality of panels in the sheet, at least one panel having a set of labels.

Abstract: A mailing envelope with a plurality of inserts is made by imaging variable color indicia on both faces of a paper substrate and imaging sense marks, and reply indicia, on at least one face of the substrate. The sense marks are used to properly align and slit the substrate web into a web of pre-determined width (removing the sense marks), and then label portions are flexographically printed on the first face of the web with magnetic ink. Adhesive and a release liner (e.g. using transfer tape) are applied to the second face of the web at the label portions and the labels are die cut from the label portions. The web is cut into sheets of predetermined length, each sheet including at least one set of labels, and the sheet is buckle folded to form a folded sheet with a plurality of panels in the sheet, at least one panel having a set of labels.

Abstract: In a circulator/isolator device used in a cellular transmission network, a centering ring is used to position the garnets with respect to the center conductor, magnets and pole piece. The clamping action of the housing holds the unit together. Because the ring centers all components, additional fixtures are not needed and inaccurate "eyeballing" by the assembler is eliminated. The garnets are held in place during assembly by the centering ring thereby eliminating the need for adhesive or dielectric grease.