Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for sampling optical pathways having a common tissue depth, such as a maximum mean depth of penetration in the dermis, with a common detector of a person for analysis in a noninvasive analyte property determination system, comprising the steps of: probing skin with a range of illumination zone-to-detection zone distances with at least two wavelength ranges, which optionally overlap, and detecting, using a common detector, illumination zone-to-detection zone distances having mean optical pathways probing the common tissue layer, such as without the mean optical pathways entering the subcutaneous fat layer of the person. Optionally, the skin tissue layers are modulated and/or treated via tissue displacement before and/or during data collection.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for sampling skin of a person as a part of noninvasive analyte property determination system, comprising the steps of: providing an analyzer, comprising: sources and at least three detectors at least partially embedded in a probe housing, the probe housing comprising a sample side surface, the detectors including: a range of differing radial distances from a first illumination zone; repetitively illuminating an illumination zone of the skin with photons in a range of 1200 to 2500 nm; detecting portions of the first photons with the at least three detectors; and using signals from the at least three detectors and a metric, respectively classifying the skin into a first, second, and third tissue state, the radial distances of the at least three detectors differing from each other by greater than ten percent.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for noninvasively determining a sample property, comprising controlling photon generation from a source and analyzing signal from a set of detectors; irradiating an illumination zone of skin with the photons; and detecting diffusely reflected photons from the skin, the set of detectors respectively optically coupled to a set of detection zones of the skin positioned along a spiral path between a first and second radial distance from the illumination zone, where a first detection zone of a first detector of the set of detectors extends radially outward from the illumination zone to at least an inward radial distance, from the illumination zone, of a second detection zone of a second detector of the set of detectors, where at least one detection zone of the set of detection zones has a central radial distance from the illumination zone between the first and second radial distances.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for noninvasively determining state of a person, comprising the steps of: providing an analyzer comprising a first and second spectrometer unit and a main controller subsystem; replaceably attaching the first spectrometer unit to the person at a first illumination zone; the first spectrometer unit delivering first photons, from first illumination optics, along a first mean z-axis optical path normal to a first x/y-plane tangentially contacting the first illumination zone of the person; replaceably attaching a second spectrometer unit to the person at a second illumination zone; the second spectrometer delivering second photons, from second illumination optics, along a second mean z-axis optical path perpendicular to a second x/y-plane tangentially contacting the second illumination zone of the skin, the first x/y-plane noncoplanar with the second x/y-plane; and the main controller processing detected signals to generate at least one measure of state of the person

Abstract: The invention provides a targeting system used to direct a measuring system to a targeted sample site or volume. The targeting system increases analyte estimation performance by increasing precision and accuracy of sampling and/or by targeting an analyte rich tissue volume.

Abstract: A heatsink having tapered geometry that improves passive cooling efficiency is discussed. A tapered geometry between heatsink heat dissipation elements, as a function of distance along a z-axis opposing gravity, decreases resistance to rarification of passively flowing cooling gas upon heating. Thus, the tapered heatsink elements result in higher velocity of gas flow and increased cooling efficiency of the heatsink. Optionally, the heatsink is made from a thermally conductive polymer allowing the heatsink to be created in complex shapes using injection molding.

Abstract: A heatsink having tapered geometry that improves passive cooling efficiency is discussed. A tapered geometry between heatsink heat dissipation elements, as a function of distance along a z-axis opposing gravity, decreases resistance to rarification of passively flowing cooling gas upon heating. Thus, the tapered heatsink elements result in higher velocity of gas flow and increased cooling efficiency of the heatsink. Optionally, the heatsink is made from a thermally conductive polymer allowing the heatsink to be created in complex shapes using injection molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heatsink. More particularly, the invention relates to a heatsink having tapered geometry that improves passive cooling efficiency. A tapered geometry between heatsink heat dissipation elements, as a function of distance along a z-axis opposing gravity, decreases resistance to rarification of passively flowing cooling gas upon heating. Thus, the tapered heatsink elements result in higher velocity of gas flow and increased cooling efficiency of the heatsink. Optionally, the heatsink is made from a thermally conductive polymer allowing the heatsink to be created in complex shapes using injection molding.

Abstract: The invention provides an adaptive mount for use in coupling a noninvasive analyte property analyzer to a living tissue sample site. The adaptive mount increases precision and accuracy of sampling by relieving stress and strain on a sample prior to and/or during sampling, which results in noninvasive analyte property estimations with corresponding performance enhancement.

Abstract: The invention provides a targeting system used to direct a measuring system to a targeted sample site or volume. The targeting system increases analyte estimation performance by increasing precision and accuracy of sampling and/or by targeting an analyte rich tissue volume.

Abstract: A magnetic field based mechanical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is based on coupled attracting or opposing magnets in conjunction with the insertion or removal of a magnetic field modifier. In the preferred embodiment, two repelling magnets are drawn together with the insertion of a magnetic field modifier. The field modifier may be another magnet having an opposing pole. Removal of the field modifier returns the forces to their original states. This oscillating motion may be driven with a low energy and/or small power supply. The resulting motion of the opposing magnets can drive mechanical system such as a linear, gear, ratchet, or reciprocating drive.

Abstract: An optical sampling interface system is disclosed that minimizes and compensates for errors that result from sampling variations and measurement site state fluctuations. Embodiments of the invention use a guide that does at least one of, induce the formation of a tissue meniscus, minimize interference due to surface irregularities, control variation in the volume of tissue sampled, use a two-part guide system, use a guide that controls rotation of a sample probe and allows z-axis movement of the probe, use a separate base module and sample module in conjunction with a guide, and use a guide that controls rotation. Optional components include an occlusive element and a coupling fluid.

Abstract: Sampling is controlled to enhance analyte concentration estimation derived from noninvasive sampling. Means of assuring that the same tissue sample volume is repeatably sampled are presented, thus minimizing sampling errors due to mechanical tissue distortion, specular reflectance, and probe placement. In a first embodiment of the invention, sampling is controlled using automated delivery of a coupling fluid to a region between a tip of a sample probe and a tissue measurement site in a manner requiring minimal user interaction. In a second embodiment of the invention, sampling is controlled by controlling temperature variations, preferably with a coupling fluid, at a region about the tip of a sample probe and a sample site. In a third embodiment, sampling is procedurally controlled via timing and location of coupling fluid delivery to a sample site.

Abstract: A magnetic field based mechanical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is based on coupled attracting or opposing magnets in conjunction with the insertion or removal of a magnetic field modifier. In the preferred embodiment, two repelling magnets are drawn together with the insertion of a magnetic field modifier. The field modifier may be another magnet having an opposing pole. Removal of the field modifier returns the forces to their original states. This oscillating motion may be driven with a low energy and/or small power supply. The resulting motion of the opposing magnets can drive mechanical system such as a linear, gear, ratchet, or reciprocating drive.

Abstract: A kitchen island vent hood is provided which telescopes upwardly and downwardly and extends forwardly and rearwardly for use between operative and non-operative positions. In the non-operative position, the vent hood resides within a recessed area of the island, at a level slightly above the countertop of the island. The lift column of the vent hood assembly extends at approximately a 15° from vertical so as to position the vent hood over the cooking surface. The vent hood moves forwardly so as to cover the cooking surface and moves rearwardly for storage in the island recess.

Abstract: A kitchen island vent hood is provided which telescopes upwardly and downwardly and extends forwardly and rearwardly for use between operative and non-operative positions. In the non-operative position, the vent hood resides within a recessed area of the island, at a level slightly above the countertop of the island. The lift column of the vent hood assembly extends at approximately a 15° from vertical so as to position the vent hood over the cooking surface. The vent hood moves forwardly so as to cover the cooking surface and moves rearwardly for storage in the island recess.