Abstract: A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: A projectile launch container configured to propel one or more projectiles associated with pyrotechnic effects including a gas flow insert comprising a first face and a second face, the gas flow insert configured to be placed within the projectile launch container, the first face configured to underlie the projectiles and the second face configured to overlie a lift charge; the gas flow insert including a plurality of gas flow openings each fluidly connected to one or more gas flow channels that extend at least substantially axially to the launch container between the first and second faces, the plurality of gas flow openings on each of the first and second faces configured to control a flow of gases from an exploding lift charge entering the second face and exiting the first face; wherein the gas flow insert is configured to remain within the projectile launch container following detonation of the lift charge.

Abstract: A projectile launch container configured to propel one or more projectiles associated with pyrotechnic effects including a gas flow insert comprising a first face and a second face, the gas flow insert configured to be placed within the projectile launch container, the first face configured to underlie the projectiles and the second face configured to overlie a lift charge; the gas flow insert including a plurality of gas flow openings each fluidly connected to one or more gas flow channels that extend at least substantially axially to the launch container between the first and second faces, the plurality of gas flow openings on each of the first and second faces configured to control a flow of gases from an exploding lift charge entering the second face and exiting the first face; wherein the gas flow insert is configured to remain within the projectile launch container following detonation of the lift charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating test strips that may be identified based on differences in electrical conduction or resistance between contact point on the test strip. This is achieved by creating a base test strip with contact points that may be connected to other contact points by an electrical connection. These base test strips may be modified to create a difference in electrical conductivity between contact points, or a contact point may be eliminated. This modification can be used to distinguish different types of test strips based on electrical signature. Additionally, the base test strip may be created such that multiple modifications are possible to distinguish numerous characteristics of test strips.

Abstract: A test meter for receiving a test strip comprises: (a) a housing; (b) electronic circuitry disposed within the housing and (c) a strip port connector connected to the electronic circuitry and extending to an opening in the housing, said strip port connector connecting the electronic circuitry with a received test strip. The strip port connector contains a pair of top and bottom contacts, said top and bottom contacts having a proximal end and a distal end and a central contact portion, the top and bottom contacts of the pair are transversely aligned with one another; and the distal ends of the top and bottom contacts are separated or separable from one another by insertion of a test strip between the opposed contacts. The contacts and the meter are adapted to permit detection of faulty contacts and/or coding associated with an inserted test strip.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for intelligent lighting management with security applications. In some embodiments, the usage of at least one illumination device may be monitored. The illumination device may be a light bulb used in a home. Usage data for the illumination device may be recorded and used to generate a lighting schedule. The lighting schedule may be replayed to simulate occupancy, for example, to deter intruders.

Abstract: A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting the batteries in a battery pack in a manner that is designed to minimize damage and contamination of the contact surfaces of the interconnect and the battery terminal, thereby minimizing connection resistance and increasing interconnect reliability.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for drawing a viscous material from a container, the suction nozzle comprising a housing defining substantially opposed suction inlet and suction outlet and a suction passageway extending therebetween; and a conduit extending through the housing, the conduit defining conduit first and second end portions and a conduit intermediate portion extending therebetween, the conduit intermediate portion being provided at least in part in the suction passageway and the conduit first and second end portions each extending outwardly from the housing, the conduit first end, second end and intermediate portions together defining an uninterrupted conduit passageway separated from the suction passageway.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting the batteries in a battery pack in a manner that is designed to minimize damage and contamination of the contact surfaces of the interconnect and the battery terminal, thereby minimizing connection resistance and increasing interconnect reliability.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting the batteries in a battery pack in a manner that is designed to minimize damage and contamination of the contact surfaces of the interconnect and the battery terminal, thereby minimizing connection resistance and increasing interconnect reliability.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting the batteries in a battery pack in a manner that is designed to minimize damage and contamination of the contact surfaces of the interconnect and the battery terminal, thereby minimizing connection resistance and increasing interconnect reliability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating test strips that may be identified based on differences in electrical conduction or resistance between contact point on the test strip. This is achieved by creating a base test strip with contact points that may be connected to other contact points by an electrical connection. These base test strips may be modified to create a difference in electrical conductivity between contact points, or a contact point may be eliminated. This modification can be used to distinguish different types of test strips based on electrical signature. Additionally, the base test strip may be created such that multiple modifications are possible to distinguish numerous characteristics of test strips.