Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A silicon nitride cuvette window for a microsampling device and method of construction are provided. The sample to be analyzed is drawn into the cuvette of the microsampling device. The silicon nitride window permits optical measurements to be made on analytes contained within the cuvette.

Abstract: A silicon penetration device with increased fracture toughness and method of fabrication thereof are provided. The method comprises strengthening silicon penetration devices by thermally growing a silicon oxide layer on the penetration device and then subsequently stripping the silicon oxide. The method also includes strengthening silicon penetration devices through the sputtering of thin film coatings on the silicon penetration devices.

Abstract: A sample retrieval device for collecting fluid from skin. The sample retrieval device has a lancing device and an analytic device integrated into a single body, the analytic device residing in a sample retrieval portion of the body. The body is also equipped with a signal pathway and an engagement portion. The lancing device and the fluid inlet in the sample retrieval portion are positioned in the body so that the fluid released by the lancing device is taken up into the fluid inlet by having the body direct the lancing device and the sample retrieval portion to the fluid released from the skin by pivoting.

Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated device having a lance and analytic device in a single disposable unit where the lance releases fluid from skin and the analytic device collects and analyzes the fluid without the user removing an instrument housing which holds the disposable unit. In addition to the device, this invention provides for methods of using and manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A silicon penetration device with increased fracture toughness and method of fabrication thereof are provided. The method comprises strengthening silicon penetration devices by thermally growing a silicon oxide layer on the penetration device and then subsequently stripping the silicon oxide. The method also includes strengthening silicon penetration devices through the sputtering of thin film coatings on the silicon penetration devices.

Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated device having a lance and analytic device in a single disposable unit where the lance releases fluid from skin and the analytic device collects and analyzes the fluid without the user removing an instrument housing which holds the disposable unit. In addition to the device, this invention provides for methods of using and manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A silicon penetration device with increased fracture toughness and method of fabrication thereof are provided. The method comprises strengthening silicon penetration devices by thermally growing a silicon oxide layer on the penetration device and then subsequently stripping the silicon oxide. The method also includes strengthening silicon penetration devices through the sputtering of thin film coatings on the silicon penetration devices.

Abstract: An algorithmic procedure automatically generates layout of matched capacitor arrays used in A/D converters, D/A converters and programmable gain amplifiers, among other types of devices, using templates to define the style of the layout. Since each array can be generated from a particular template, multiple arrays associated with an IC can be optimized for different purposes to preserve silicon area. The automated technique allows fast and easy migration of an array layout from one process to another and eliminates the manual design work generally associated with capacitor array layout.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nanofabricated device for collecting and analyzing small volumes of fluid for analysis. It comprises an etched silicon device having top and bottom members which together form an inlet, analytic region and vent where the inlet has a tapered surface for ready collection of fluid.

Abstract: A minimally intrusive, self-use microlancet device is provided. The microlancet device is capable of piercing a patient's skin reliably and virtually painlessly for obtaining a blood sample. The microlancet device comprises a silicon wafer formed into a sharp probe for piercing the patient's skin. Also provided is a fabrication method for the microlancet device.

Abstract: Microprobe device 10 provides an analyte signal from biosensor 12 to an external analyte meter indicating analyte presence in an analyte-containing bodily fluid of a subject (not shown).

Abstract: A silicon nitride cuvette window for a microsampling device and method of construction are provided. The sample to be analyzed is drawn into the cuvette of the microsampling device. The silicon nitride window permits optical measurements to be made on analytes contained within the cuvette.

Abstract: An algorithmic procedure automatically generates layout of matched capacitor arrays used in A/D converters, D/A converters and programmable gain amplifiers, among other types of devices, using templates to define the style of the layout. Since each array can be generated from a particular template, multiple arrays associated with an IC can be optimized for different purposes to preserve silicon area. The automated technique allows fast and easy migration of an array layout from one process to another and eliminates the manual design work generally associated with capacitor array layout.

Abstract: A system for separating plasma from whole blood comprises a blood separation device and a blood separation driver. The blood separation device includes a flexible tube having a needle and shield at one end and a filter member at the other end. The needle may be used to access blood in a conventional blood collection device. The separation driver applies a peristaltic force to the flexible tube of the blood separation device, thus drawing blood from the collection device through the tube and to the filter member. The driver also includes a frame having a collar and clamp mechanism for supporting the inlet end of the flexible tube, thus allowing use of the blood driver without directly exposing it to the blood. Plasma may be collected from the filter element. The present invention also provides blood dispensing systems and methods for dispensing whole and pre-filtered blood. Such blood dispensing systems comprise a blood dispensing device and a blood dispensing driver.

Abstract: A system for separating plasma from whole blood comprises a blood separation device and a blood separation driver. The blood separation device includes a flexible tube having a needle and shield at one end and a filter member at the other end. The needle may be used to access blood in a conventional blood collection device. The separation driver applies a peristaltic force to the flexible tube of the blood separation device, thus drawing blood from the collection device through the tube and to the filter member. Plasma may be collected from the filter element.

Abstract: A minimally intrusive and less painful, self-use microsampling device and method for the measurement of glucose and other analytes in blood are provided. The device of the invention may have one or two optical windows for measuring the concentration of an absorbent reaction product or no windows if methods other than optical absorbance is used. The sampling chamber of the device can contain analytical reagents and other additives to facilitate the sampling and analytical steps. Also provided is a fabrication method for the microsampling device.