Abstract: A device includes: a first portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, and a second portion defining a reservoir containing a control material, wherein the control material contains a target analyte in a known or predetermined concentration. A method of verifying the accuracy of an analyte monitoring device includes receiving a fluid sample, identifying the fluid sample as a control solution, and analyzing the fluid sample.

Abstract: A rupture disk provides an improved scoring configuration that allows low pressure burst disks of very small diameter such as, for example, 0.25 inches in diameter, wherein the score of the rupture disk is generally circular in shape which terminates at end portions that define a hinge therebetween.

Abstract: An A pattern recognition subsystem responds to an A feature representation input to select A-category-representation and predict a B-category-representation and its associated B feature representation input. During learning trials, a predicted B-category-representation is compared to that obtained through a B pattern recognition subsystem. With mismatch, a vigilance parameter of the A-pattern-recognition subsystem is increased to cause reset of the first-category-representation selection. Inputs to the pattern recognition subsystems may be preprocessed to complement code the inputs.

Abstract: A composite rupture disk includes a slit-slot, tension loaded disk having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slits (e.g. six in number) that terminate before reaching the disk center, thereby defining an uncut disk central portion which can be sized to at least partially influence the disk burst pressure. A radial strap, spot welded at each end attaches respectively at its end to the disk central portion and to the disk periphery, thereby preventing a downstream flow of the central portion upon rupture.