Abstract: A system is provided that controls movement of a lancet. One or more processors execute program instructions and receive a data set. The program instructions are executed to cause the processor to, cause force to be applied to the lancet to thereby cause the lancet to move in a first direction toward a target, monitor position and speed of the lancet as the lancet moves in the first direction, adjust the application of force to the lancet as the lancet moves in the first direction to achieve a desired speed of the lancet, and adjust the application of force to the lancet when the lancet contacts the target so that the lancet penetrates the target within a desired range of speed.

Abstract: A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. A lancing cycle is initiated. The lancing cycle advances the tip into the tissue during a penetration stroke and displaces the tissue penetration element proximally over a withdrawal stroke. Tissue data is acquired based on an interaction between the tissue penetration element and the tissue during at least a portion of the lancing cycle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a lancet is provided that has a sharpened distal tip, a shaft portion and a proximal drive head. The proximal drive head has a transverse dimension that is substantially larger than a transverse dimension of the shaft portion adjacent to the proximal drive head.

Abstract: A lancet belt has a first belt tape with a longitudinal axis and an adhesion material disposed on an adhesion side of the tape. A second belt tape has a longitudinal axis disposed on the adhesion side of the first tape with the longitudinal axes of the first belt tape and the second belt tape being substantially parallel. A plurality of lancets are disposed between the first belt tape and the second belt tape. Longitudinal axes of the lancets are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axes of the first and second belt tapes.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: A particle mass spectrometer includes a supersonic flow expansion nozzle, and a source of a gas having particles entrained therein. The source is in gas-flow communication with an inlet of the expansion nozzle. The particle mass spectrometer further includes a vacuum chamber in gas-flow communication with an outlet of the expansion nozzle, wherein the vacuum chamber has a sufficient vacuum that a gas flow through the expansion nozzle is supersonic, and a microphone having an active element and an output signal responsive to a movement of the active element. The active element is disposed within the vacuum chamber and is positioned so that particles that flow from the outlet of the expansion nozzle impact upon the active element. The output signal of the active element of the microphone is a measure of the masses of the entrained particles.

Abstract: A detector for detecting telephone-activated devices, such as cellular telephones used for remotely triggering explosive devices, includes a transmitter for generating and transmitting a pseudo base station signal corresponding to a base station for a telephone-activated device, and a receiver for receiving and detecting a response signal transmitted by the telephone-activated device. At least part of the transmitter and at least of the receiver may be located within a shield of conductive material, such as a cone-shaped metal shield, that aids in localizing and directing the transmitting of the pseudo base station signal toward an object to be interrogated (with regard to whether or not it contains a telephone-activated device in an idle state). The detector has a response unit for providing a response when a telephone-activated device is detected, such as providing an alarm to an operator or interdicting operation of the telephone-activated device.

Abstract: A chair (10) includes a supporting frame (20,22) and a seat portion (14) which is foldable about a transverse fold to define a rearward portion behind the transverse fold and a forward portion, forward of the transverse fold. The seat portion (14) is supported above the supporting frame by its rearward portion. The chair (10) also includes a reclinable back portion (16) and a recline mechanism with which the back portion (16) is connected for reclining action of the back portion (16). The recline mechanism is operably linked to the rearward portion of the seat portion (14) such that on reclining action of the back portion (16), the rearward portion is moved to increase in rearward tilt angle and to obtain a net increase in height above the supporting frame (20,22), with a consequent folding of the seat portion about the transverse fold line under the weight (W) of the occupant.

Abstract: A chair (10) includes a supporting frame (20,22) and a seat portion (14) which is foldable about a transverse fold to define a rearward portion behind the transverse fold and a forward portion, forward of the transverse fold. The seat portion (14) is supported above the supporting frame by its rearward portion. The chair (10) also includes a reclinable back portion (16) and a recline mechanism with which the back portion (16) is connected for reclining action of the back portion (16). The recline mechanism is operably linked to the rearward portion of the seat portion (14) such that on reclining action of the back portion (16), the rearward portion is moved to increase in rearward tilt angle and to obtain a net increase in height above the supporting frame (20,22), with a consequent folding of the seat portion about the transverse fold line under the weight (W) of the occupant.

Abstract: A mechanism for angularly moving a closure element to and from open and closed positions. The mechanism includes a housing which incorporates a guide in which is slidingly located an elongate multi-link connector. One end of the connector is extendible from the housing and is able to be coupled to the closure element by a coupling. A handle mounted with the cover of the housing can be rotated to move the connector relative to the guide. The connector is formed from a plurality of links maintained in an interfitting relationship by an elongate flexible joining element extending therethrough. The connection includes a plurality of drive dogs for engagement with the tooth gear coupled to the handle so that drive from the handle can be imparted to the connector.