Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for in vivo detection of the direction of Langer's lines in the skin. Light is irradiated into the skin as primary light at one defined site (7) identified through the epidermis (6) in such a way that it is transported in the skin (5) by scattering or absorption, while part of said irradiated light emerges from the skin as secondary light in the region surrounding the irradiated site. An amplitude-dependent property of secondary light emerging from the skin (5) around the irradiated site is measured in order to determine the preferential direction of the diffuse light transport in the skin (5) and, consequently, determine the orientation of Langer's lines thereof.

Abstract: Cutting device for skin for obtaining small blood samples from human or animal tissue in an almost pain-free manner. A blade (13) is made to oscillate by an oscillator (14, 32) and is lowered into the tissue and again retracted at a relatively slow speed. In a first embodiment, the blade oscillates essentially parallel to the cutting edge of the blade and the tissue surface. In a second embodiment, the blade oscillates essentially perpendicular to the tissue surface. An advantage of the device of the invention is the reduced pain during pricking.

Abstract: Cutting device for skin obtaining small blood samples from human or animal tissue in an almost pain-free manner. A blade (13) is made to oscillate by an oscillator (14, 32) and is lowered into the tissue and again retracted at a relatively slow speed. In a first embodiment, the blade oscillates essentially parallel to the cutting edge of the blade and the tissue surface. In a second embodiment, the blade oscillates essentially perpendicular to the tissue surface. An advantage of the device of the reduced pain during pricking.

Abstract: System for determining the properties of tissue parts of a living organism, comprising an optoelectronic measuring device (10) and an attachment device (20) which is opaque to light and surrounds a measuring window (28) through which determinations are carried out. The device (20) has one or several components (26) for reproducibly attaching the measuring device (10) in a direction toward a first surface of the tissue. Other subject matters of the invention are an attachment device (20) and a method for determining the properties of tissue parts with the aid of the claimed system.

Abstract: Quantitative transmission spectroscopy where a sample liquid is applied onto a sample carrier having a net in such a manner that the liquid spreads across the meshes of the net. The liquid on the net is exposed to radiation essentially perpendicularly to the net, and the transmitted radiation is detected. The net accomplishes a dosing of the liquid in such a manner that identical meshes include identical quantities of liquid. For a given net, it is possible to derive the amount of liquid, which is located in a mesh and accessible to radiation, from a net constant. Knowing the amount of liquid detected by the radiation, it is possible to use the radiation absorption to calculate the concentration of one or several analytes contained in the sample liquid.

Abstract: A device for the in vivo determination of an optical property of the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber of the eye includes a light source to irradiate light along a primary-side light path into the anterior chamber of an eye. A detector is provided, in order to detect light issuing from the anterior chamber along a secondary-side light path. A signal processing unit is provided to determine the optical properties on the basis of the measured signal of the detector. A routine in vivo examination of the aqueous humor of the eye, with minor inconvenience to the patient, can be achieved due to the fact that the device can be easily positioned in front of the eye. The central rays of the primary-side light path and of the secondary-side light path form, with the normals to surface of the cornea bordering the anterior chamber, an angle (.alpha., .beta.) such that the detector detects light reflected from the front interface of the eye lens.

Abstract: Analytical system for monitoring patient blood concentration of a substance to be analyzed, comprising analysis-elements (12) containing reagents and an evaluation instrument comprising a measurement device to measure a change resulting from a reaction of the analyte with the reagents in order to determine, from the measurement values so obtained, analytical data representing element analysis data C.sub.A.In order to allow continuous monitoring of the analyte with good accuracy and a reduced number of invasive sample generation steps it is proposed that the analytical system further comprises (i) a sensor unit (2) portable on the patient body, said sensor unit (2) including a sensor (7) borne on the patient body for the direct and reagent-free measurement of a parameter correlating with the concentration of the analyzed substance and a transmitter for the wireless transmission of data signals; and (ii) a sensor-analysis means to ascertain sensor-analysis data C.sub.

Abstract: Blood lancet device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes, in which with the aid of a lancet drive (3) in a housing (1) a lancet holder (6) with a lancet (34) positioned in it and moveable along a predetermined, straight puncture path is moved until the tip (35) of the lancet emerges from the outlet (84), in order to produce a wound in a body part adjoining the outlet (84). The lancet holder (6) also serves to retract the lancet (34) into a position in which the tip (35) is again positioned within the housing (1).In order to make possible a puncture involving especially little pain, the lancet drive (3) has a rotary/sliding transmission system (4) whose input side (16) is formed by a transmission member which is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the predetermined puncture path.

Abstract: Blood lancet device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes, in which with the aid of a lancet drive (3) in a housing (1) a lancet holder (6) with a lancet (34) positioned in it and moveable along a predetermined, straight puncture path is moved until the tip (35) of the lancet emerges from the outlet (84), in order to produce a wound in a body part adjoining the outlet (84). The lancet holder (6) also serves to retract the lancet (34) into a position in which the tip (35) is again positioned within the housing (1).In order to make possible a puncture involving especially little pain, the lancet drive (3) has a rotary/sliding transmission system (4) whose input side (16) is formed by a transmission member which is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the predetermined puncture path.