Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: A lancing device and a removable and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in connection therewith are disclosed. The multi-lancet cartridge is advanced through sequential lancets, and anti-reverse features prevent reverse advancement of the cartridge. Interlocks are provided to prevent double-cocking the device, to reduce the likelihood of jamming of the mechanism. Improved trigger mechanisms and depth control mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: A lancing device and method for self-collecting a sample of body fluid by penetrating a body tissue at a sampling site. The invention includes a housing geometry configured for ease of use at different sampling sites on the body, even by persons having reduced dexterity and/or poor vision. Depth of penetration is selectively controlled by adjusting the stroke range of a spring-driven lancet carrier. A pressure applicator is included for stimulating flow of the body fluid. A transparent portion permits observation of the sampling site.

Abstract: A lancing device having a body and an endcap, the body and the endcap being connected to one another by a threaded coupling. One or the other of the body and the endcap has a threaded collar with at least one slot formed therein to permit the collar to flex upon application of excess force, so that the threaded coupling momentarily releases, skips a thread, and then re-engages, to relieve the strain of over-tightening and thereby prevent damage to the threads.

Abstract: A device for sampling and/or analyzing blood or other body fluid of a subject. A housing contains a plurality of lancets and optionally includes test elements to take up a sample of blood, an evaluation system and a display. A complete system that can be handled as a single device, for example in the form of a wristwatch, includes a multiplicity of test elements and lancets, which can be brought successively to a working position to perform multiple measurements. A cassette or carrier includes multiple lancets and/or test elements, for insertion into the device.

Abstract: An endcap for a lancing device, having a base portion and pivoting tip member pivotally mounted to the base portion. The base portion and the pivoting tip member each having openings therethrough which, when aligned, allow passage of a lancet tip. After lancing the skin at a sampling site, the lancing device is rocked back and forth, with a contact face of the pivoting tip member maintained in contact with the skin surrounding the sampling site to enhance sample collection and prevent premature wound closure.

Abstract: A lancing device and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in sampling of body fluids. Sequential lancets of the cartridge are translationally retracted along a storage path, pivoted into an angularly offset firing path, and translationally propelled by a drive mechanism to lance the subject's skin.

Abstract: A lancing device includes a housing, an endcap and a lancet holder within the housing for releasably engaging a lancet. The endcap includes a release mechanism for releasing the lancet from the lancet holder upon separation of the endcap from the housing. In an example embodiment, the endcap is pivotally mounted to the housing, and pivotal opening of the endcap drives a wedge-shaped release member into a slotted sleeve portion of the lancet holder to release the lancet.

Abstract: A compact, multi-use lancing device includes a lancet holder for holding a lancet and mounted for back and forth movement along a lancing stroke path within a housing, and a drive mechanism having a pair of generally parallel springs coupled to the lancet holder. A drive spring propels the lancet holder in a forward direction to prick the skin of a subject, and a return spring retracts the lancet holder to return the lancet to a protected position within the housing.

Abstract: A sampling device (20) having a housing (24) with a lancet cartridge (22) mounted therein. The lancets (26) of the lancet cartridge (22) are interconnected by a flexible web (28). The lancet cartridge (22) is not positively engaged within the housing (24) and can be easily removed. The housing (24) has an opening (42) with an adjacent flexible or compressible fin (60) for dampening the motion of the lancet (26). The lancet cartridge (22) has at least one lancet (26) with an endcap, and the housing has a cap-removal mechanism (74) for separating the endcap from the housing (24). Anti-tampering features prevent opening of the device when the lancet cartridge (22) is oriented with a lancet (26) in a firing position.

Abstract: A sampling device having a lancing apparatus, and optionally a detector and a meter. The lancing apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge of lancets, each lancet having an independent arming and drive mechanism enabling non-sequential and/or simultaneous firing of lancets. A lancet retainer independently associated with each lancet is movable to uncover an opening through which the lancet tip passes, and to release the lancet for activation. The lancets can be actuated in any order, and multiple lancets can be simultaneously actuated, if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood analyzer (2) that comprises a device (6) for taking a blood sample, equipped with pricking elements (8, 114, 122, 232), and test means (10) for receiving a minimum amount of blood. Said test means (10) and the pricking elements (8, 114, 122, 232) are disposed on a support (50) which can be rotated with respect to the housing base (4) and can be inserted in the analyzer along with said support. The test means (10) and the pricking elements (8, 114, 122, 232) can be brought into working positions (32, 34) relative to the housing base that are different from one another by rotating the support (50).

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger 232 that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: A lancing device and a removable and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in connection therewith are disclosed. The multi-lancet cartridge is advanced through sequential lancets, and anti-reverse features prevent reverse advancement of the cartridge. Interlocks are provided to prevent double-cocking the device, to reduce the likelihood of jamming of the mechanism. Improved trigger mechanisms and depth control mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: A lancing device has a carousel of lancets removably received in a housing. In exemplary embodiments, the lancing device includes a sterility cap positioning mechanism that removes sterility caps from the lancets for actuation and afterwards replaces the sterility caps onto the lancets. Preferably, the lancing device includes a lancet advancing mechanism that automatically advances sequential lancets of the lancet carousel for charging and actuating, and a drive mechanism for actuating the lancets. Also provided are replacement lancet carousels, which include a cylindrical carrier with axial openings and a plurality of the lancets axially oriented in the openings.

Abstract: A lancet, a housing for the lancent, and a combination depth and activation control assembly. The lancet includes a needle, a needle-holding section, and an operating section with an opening. A drive spring is mounted within the opening and between the lancet body and the housing. The control assembly includes a control member with a control interface knob and a control shaft. The control shaft has multiple stop surfaces that are alignable with an engagement surface on the lancet body to control the lancing depth. And the control shaft has a release surface that engages the release member to disengage the engagement member to activate the lancing stroke. Additional features includes a safety interlock for preventing accidental activiation of the lancing device, ridges on the housing for providing discrete locked and depth setting positions, and a keyed sterility cap for preventing accidental removal of the cap.

Abstract: A device (302) for sampling and/or analyzing blood or other body fluid of a subject. A housing (306) contains a plurality of lancets (308) and optionally includes test elements (324) to take up a sample of blood, an evaluation system and a display. A complete system that can be handled as a single device, for example in the form of a wristwatch, includes a multiplicity of test elements (324) and lancets (308), which can be brought successively to a working position to perform multiple measurements. A cassette or carrier (320) includes multiple lancets (308) and/or test elements (324), for insertion into the device.