Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an electrochemical-based analytical test strip in the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes a housing (110), a micro-controller (112) disposed in the housing, an operating range test strip simulation circuit block (“ORTSSCB” 114) disposed in the housing and a strip port connector (“SPC” 106) configured to operationally receive an electrochemical-based analytical test strip. The ORTSSCB is in electrical communication with the SPC. In addition, the ORTSSCB is configured to simulate an electrochemical-based analytical test strip inserted into the SPC and an operating range of bodily fluid samples applied to such an electrochemical-based analytical test strip by sequentially presenting a plurality of electrical loads. Each of the plurality of electrical loads is configured as a first resistor in series with a parallel configuration of a second resistor and a first capacitor.

Abstract: An analyte meter having a test strip port is configured to transmit an electric signal through a received test strip with a sample. A pair of electrodes apply the electric signal and receive an electrical response from the test strip. A processing unit analyzes the electrical response and uses the response to determine an analyte level of the sample.

Abstract: An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) and/or a characteristic of the bodily fluid sample (e.g., hematocrit) includes a sample-entry chamber with a sample-application opening disposed on an end edge of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip, and first and second sample-determination chambers, each in direct fluidic communication with the sample-entry chamber. The electrochemical-based analytical test strip also includes first and second electrodes (such as first and second hematocrit electrodes) disposed in the first sample-determination chamber, and a third and fourth electrodes (for example working and reference electrodes) disposed in the second sample-determination chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) and/or a characteristic of the bodily fluid sample (e.g., hematocrit) includes a sample-entry chamber with a sample-application opening disposed on an end edge of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip, and first and second sample-determination chambers, each in direct fluidic communication with the sample-entry chamber. The electrochemical-based analytical test strip also includes first and second electrodes (such as first and second hematocrit electrodes) disposed in the first sample-determination chamber, and a third and fourth electrodes (for example working and reference electrodes) disposed in the second sample-determination chamber.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an analytical test strip (for example, an electrochemical-based analytical test strip) in the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (e.g., a whole blood sample) includes a housing, a micro-controller disposed in the housing, a body portion proximity sensor module disposed at least partially in the housing, and a strip port connector configured to operationally receive an analytical test strip. The body portion proximity sensor module of the analytical test strip is configured to sense presence of a user's body portion (e.g., a user's finger, forearm or palm) within a predetermined distance of the strip port connector and, upon sensing the presence of such a body portion, transmit a signal to the micro-controller indicating the presence of such a body portion.

Abstract: A hand-held test meter includes a strip port connector to receive a test strip. A signal-measurement circuit applies a periodic voltage signal across a sample applied to the strip and detects a resulting current signal. The circuit provides data of the current signal at a digitizing frequency and a selected phase with respect to the voltage signal. A processor records one or more value(s) of the data and then alters the selected phase. Value(s) are thus recorded at each of a plurality of phases. The processor determines a phase difference of the current signal with respect to the voltage signal using the respective sets of value(s). A method for employing a test meter and a test strip is also disclosed, and includes measuring a respective plurality of points for each of a plurality of different measurement phases and determining a phase difference of a fluid sample therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for executing a multi-user virtual sports industry simulation. In an embodiment, the system comprising means for receiving a plurality of user-controllable inputs relating to each user's economic strategy, means for receiving a plurality of user-controllable inputs relating to each user's skill strategy, means for receiving a plurality of system-controlled inputs; means for accessing a plurality of system-defined rules, and a results calculator for deterministically calculating a match result as between users in dependence upon the plurality of user-controllable inputs, system-controlled inputs, and system-defined rules. The system may further comprise means for providing feedback to at least one of a user's economic strategy and skill strategy based on the calculated match result.

Abstract: A turbine bucket and wheelpost assembly reduces the number of buckets in the third stage of the turbine from ninety-two to ninety while reducing stresses at the assembly points of the buckets and wheelposts. The buckets and wheelposts are formed with complementary fillets and tangs that provide for the insertion of the bucket into the broach slot between two wheelposts. The angles of the fillets on both the bucket and wheelpost range from 50° to 59°. The upper surface of the wheelpost is scalloped to reduce weight and the tangs and fillets of both the bucket and wheelpost are formed from curved and straight surfaces to reduce stresses on the assembly.

Abstract: A turbine bucket and wheelpost assembly reduces the number of buckets in at least one of the stages of the turbine from 92 to 60 while reducing stresses at the assembly points of the buckets and wheelposts. The buckets and wheelposts being formed with complementary fillets and tangs that provide for the insertion of the bucket into the broach slot between two wheelposts. The angles of the tang surfaces on both the bucket and wheelpost range from 50° to 57°. The upper surface of the wheelpost is scalloped to reduce weight and the tangs and fillets of both the bucket and wheelpost are formed from curved and straight surfaces to reduce stresses on the assembly.