Abstract: A mechanism for an elliptical exerciser comprises a crank rotatably connected to a frame so as to have a free end rotatable in a circular path. A restriction member is rotatably connected to the frame. A transmission member is connected to the restriction member, and a central portion thereof is rotatably connected to the crank, whereby the central portion of the transmission member moves along said circular path while the first end of the transmission member is constrained by the restriction member to move along a reciprocating arcuate path, such that a free end of the transmission member moves along an elliptical path.

Abstract: A stepping and waist-twisting exerciser includes a base frame with a central post near the middle part thereof. A lateral bevel gear coupled to a handlebar transmission shaft is positioned on the central post for imparting a left-and-right swing motion to a handlebar. Two longitudinal bevel gears facing to each other are rotatably disposed at the top of the central post by use of a mounting shaft 20 and engaged with the lateral bevel gear. Moreover, two rear parallel connecting rods movably attached to two coupling footboards, respectively, are connected with the longitudinal bevel gears to ensure a coordinated movement. In stepping on any one of the coupling footboards, the corresponding longitudinal bevel gear below will be rotated such that the lateral bevel gear is brought in rotation in opposite direction. In this way, an expected rotation is imparted to the handlebar. Besides, the movement of the longitudinal bevel gears enables an in-place rotation of the two corresponding coupling footboards.

Abstract: A foldable treadmill includes a base frame, a front frame pivotally mounted on the base frame, a rear frame pivotally mounted on the front frame, a movable frame pivotally mounted on the front frame and slidably mounted on the base frame, a driver mounted on the front frame and provided with a retractable inner tube, and a connecting bracket secured on the movable frame and pivotally mounted on the inner tube of the driver. Thus, the rear frame is folded when not in use to reduce the whole volume of the treadmill efficiently. In addition, the front end of the rear frame is lifted to change the inclined angle of the rear frame, so that the user can practice running or walking on a slope.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device is adapted to be submerged in water, and moved through the water and/or rotated in the water to provide omni-directional and omni-rotational drag resistance. In one implementation, an aquatic exercise device includes a bar adapted to be grasped by one or two hands of a user, and a resistance mechanism attached to opposite ends of the bar. Each resistance mechanism includes a cuff and two or more fins extending outward from the cuff.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a frame and a resistance unit movably interconnected with the frame by an adjustment arrangement for movement through a range of operative positions and to an inoperative position. The adjustment arrangement includes an adjustment member that is selectively engaged with, and disengaged from, an engagement member. When disengaged, the adjustment member slides relative to the engagement member. The sliding movement of the adjustment member provides a first mode of operation to move the resistance unit to an initial engagement position adjacent the wheel, and the adjustment arrangement can be operated in a second mode of operation, such as by cam-type movement, to advance the resistance unit from the initial engagement position toward and against the wheel.

Abstract: An exercise machine and a method for its use in training selected muscle groups by controlled use of brakes to resist crank movement adjustably at specific and adjustable controlled positions in the rotation of a crank. A control system may be incorporated to cause brake mechanisms to apply varying amounts of resistance to a pair of pedal-driven cranks to simulate the efforts required to ride an actual bicycle over a course including various upslopes and down-slopes.

Abstract: An automated jump rope exercising device includes a frame, a power operated primary drive pulley system, and a plurality of auxiliary driven pulley systems that may be operably coupled to the primary drive pulley system. Each of the auxiliary driven pulley systems may be simultaneously rotated in a first synchronous path during operating conditions based upon input from the primary drive pulley. The device may further include a plurality of arms that may be conjoined to the auxiliary driven pulley systems respectively. A plurality of ropes may be detachably anchored to the arms, and each of the ropes may be simultaneously rotated during operating conditions. A user interface may be coupled to the primary drive pulley system thereby permitting the user to selectively adjust a tension level and rotational speed of the ropes during operating conditions.

Abstract: A board support assembly has a vertical axis. A plurality of training stations is attached to and extends radially from the board support assembly. One of the training stations includes interior and exterior plates. A pair of projections extends radially outwardly from the exterior plate. The projections have parallel exterior surfaces and an associated strap. In this manner a martial arts training board may be received and supported. The martial arts training board has edges positionable between the exterior surfaces of the projections and the straps. A rotation assembly includes a pivot pin. The pivot pin couples the interior and exterior plates for rotation about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A leg press exercise machine that provides translational and rotational motion of the user support structure by translating the user support structure along two intersecting non-orthogonal linear paths. A front portion of the user support structure travels along an inclining linear path and a rear portion of the user support structure travels along a declining linear path. The translation of the user support structure along the inclining and declining linear paths results in the user support structure exhibiting a rational motion, defining an arcuate path.

Abstract: A dual lift apparatus is provided for use by up to two people to perform the same lifts and exercises simultaneously. The apparatus includes a frame, guide rods, weight guides and a weight bar. The guide rods are coupled vertically within the frame and the frame provides support for the weights to be lifted. The weight guide is operatively coupled to the guide rods, the weight guide having rollers and a lock device to allow the weight guide to move along a length of the guide rods and also to be locked at a particular position on the guide rods. The weight bar is coupled to the weight guide and provides the weight to be lifted by users. The apparatus may also include at least two benches to allow up to two people to use the apparatus simultaneously and each bench is independently adjustable to accommodate different sized users.

Abstract: A fixed weight/permanent weight-lifting apparatus including dumbbells and barbells is provided that have an elongated shaft with a centrally located handle and ends having a smaller diameter than the handle, a pre-coated head welded to each of these ends with a centrally located channel connecting its inner face and its outer face and a counter bore machined into its outer face of the head forming an inner collar. The channel has a diameter sufficient to receive the portion of the end of said shaft that extends beyond the inner collar. Each of the inner collars are joined to that portion of the end that extends beyond the collar.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed. The system may include a linked stretch tube. The linked stretch tube may include a first stretch tubing section having a first end and a second end; a second stretch tubing section having a first end and a second end; a first linking device permanently, flexibly connecting the first end of the first stretch tubing section to the first end of the second tubing section; and a first connection device flexibly connected to the second end of the first stretch tubing section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fitting a machine tool with tools which are cooled by a free-flowing medium during operation of the machine tool, comprising the following method steps: a plurality of various tools are provided in order to carry out successive machining operations on a workpiece; a plurality of various nozzle devices are provided, each of which can be fitted together with a specific tool and connected to a medium source and has such a medium jet geometry that the respective medium jets strike locations where the machining takes place; a specific nozzle device is in each case fitted together with a specific tool and connected to the medium source before the operation of the machine tool is started.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a seal between an axle journal and a bearing housing is disclosed, particularly for use in apparatus for dewatering or washing material suspensions. The apparatus includes a stator ring, a pair of diagonally disposed guide pins supporting the stator ring with respect to the bearing housing so that the stator ring can be angled in a plane with respect to the pair of guide pins, a sealing ring for creating a seal between the stator ring and the axle journal, a bellows for creating a seal between the bearing housing and the stator ring, and at least one resilient member for urging the stator ring in abutment against the sealing ring.

Abstract: A developing roller having a surface layer which contains a urethane resin composed of a reaction product of an isocyanate with a group of specific alcohols and has a surface having a contact angle to ethylene glycol of from 60.0 degrees or more to 90.0 degrees or less and a contact angle to diiodomethane of from 30.0 degrees or more to 38.0 degrees or less. The developing roller is highly reliable as having controlled banding which is an image difficulty caused at the part of contact between the developing roller and a developer feed roller.

Abstract: A conductive rubber roller comprising a conductive core material and provided thereon a rubber layer; the rubber layer being formed by using a rubber composition containing as rubber components at least a polar rubber and an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer; the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer having a melt peak temperature of from 20 to 30° C. and a melt enthalpy change ?H of from 40 to 70 mJ/mg as measured with a differential scanning calorimeter; and the allyl glycidyl ether in the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer being in a copolymerization ratio of from more than 10 mol % to 20 mol % or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrifugally separating particles by both weight and size include a rotating drum rotating about a second rotating axis disposed perpendicularly to a first rotating axis, and includes an inlet, at least one rotating plate and an outlet. The inlet injects a test material. The rotating plate extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the rotating drum from the second rotating axis and has one or more configurations of protruded and recessed portions formed on a surface thereof. The rotating plate receives the test material on a surface thereof. The outlet discharges separated test material.

Abstract: Methods and applicator apparatus are disclosed for brachytherapy treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity in a patient, particularly a resection cavity. In treatment regimes requiring recovery time between successive radiation treatments, applicators of the invention are retained under the skin, with the skin allowed to at least partially heal, and are re-accessed later for one or more subsequent treatments. To reduce patient discomfort an anesthetic agent can be infused through the applicator to patient tissue, for insertion, balloon inflation or removal of the applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetic therapy of eye conditions such as cataracts, eye floaters, chronic glaucoma, age-related maculopathy, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, watery eyes and myopia is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a combination of two bi-polar magnets enclosed in a supportive cover that saddles the upper rim of regular eyeglasses. The magnets are placed in a proper position in front of the affected eye and their polarity can be changed at any time without any difficulty. The magnets are preferably solid discs of Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) with a surface strength of 1300 to 1800 gauss.

Abstract: A dream detection system includes a mask and a control unit. The mask includes opaque eye portions and at least one sensor for detecting REM sleep. The mask may include an alarm for indicating REM sleep, a speaker, and a transmitter. The control unit includes a receiver and transmitter for receiving data from and transmitting data to the mask, respectively. The control unit includes programming for actuating an audio player to provide a predetermined cue, script, or other audible message to the mask when REM sleep is detected for alerting a sleeping person that he is dreaming and enabling the person to gain some level of control over the dream sequence. The audible message may be a morning or evening affirmation, preparation for a task, or other cues to guide a dream. The control unit may include a device with which a user may audibly record dream details.

Abstract: An incontinence device for attachment to the inferior ischio-pubic rami in the anterior perineal triangle of a user. The device may include a generally semi-flexible bi-parabolic membrane configured to deflect from an engaged position in which the device exerts pressure upon the user's urethra, or a similar anatomical part. The membrane may deflect to a disengaged position with a first force applied by the user, and be configured to deflect back to the engaged position from the disengaged position upon a further second force applied by the user. Additionally, the device may include bolster connected to the membrane. The bolster may exert pressure upon the user's urethra, or similar anatomical part, when the membrane is in the engaged position and relieve pressure when the membrane is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system provides long-term adjustment via transcutaneous energy transfer (TET), minimizing invasive adjustment through adding or removing fluid via a syringe. An infuser device provides bi-directional fluid transfer via a flexible conduit to a sphincter band, such as a gastric band. Materials are nonferrous and nonmagnetic so as to be magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safe, being substantially immune to strong magnetic fields and not introducing an electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMIC) hazard.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a cardiac support device for treating cardiac disease of a heart includes a multistage deployment mechanism and an actuating mechanism for controlling the positions of the deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism is operable to change between a retracted state and an extended state, and includes a plurality of independent stages, including, in one embodiment, a first stage including a guide structure for location adjacent a portion of the patient's heart when in the extended state. A second stage is movably coupled to the first stage, and is guided by the guide structure between the retracted and extended states. The second stage further releasably engages and supports the cardiac support device and positions the cardiac support device at the desired implantation location, guided by the guide structure of the stage. In some embodiments, the deployment mechanism may include additional stages.

Abstract: An access port locator system for adjustable gastric bands. The system includes an access port with an RFID tag with its antenna adjacent to the receiving portion of the port. The system includes a locator with radio frequency transmitter/receiver circuitry for sending read or interrogation signals to the RFID tag and for sending write signals to the tag to write treatment data to memory of the RFID tag. The locator also includes an antenna array with four patch antenna arranged in pairs to model two monopulse radar antenna systems. The locator also includes processor(s) and logic modules/circuitry for processing the tag response signals received by the antenna array to determine location information for the RFID tag and associated port, i.e., to identify the center of the port relative to the antennae array or array face such as with strength and direction information relative to the array face.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument has an insertion portion to be inserted in a channel of an endoscope, a treatment portion provided at a tip of the insertion portion for treating an objective part and a manipulation portion provided close to a proximal end of the insertion portion. The operator can move the insertion portion forward and backward at least relative to the channel by operating the manipulation portion in a state the endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted in the channel of the endoscope. In this manner, by the manipulation portion, the endoscopic surgical instrument can be operated to move forward and backward relative to the channel. Therefore in case the manipulation portion is located close to a channel entrance (forceps port) of the endoscope, the operator of the endoscope is able to manipulate the endoscopic surgical instrument without assistance from others.

Abstract: A method of transmitting images in a subject to an outside of the subject using a wireless signal is provided. The method including: (a) transmitting to the outside of the subject a first signal corresponding to a first image obtained using a first imaging device, by timing on a first illumination device for illuminating the subject to capture the first image of the subject; (b) transmitting to the outside of the subject a second signal corresponding to a second image obtained using a second imaging device, by turning on a second illumination device for illuminating the subject to capture the second image of the subject; and (c) repeating (a) and (b), where at least initiation of the transmitting the first signal and initiation of the transmitting the second signals is alternately performed and the first and second illumination devices are alternately turned on coincidentally with transmission periods of the first and second signals, respectively.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop positioned therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and/or controlling a glycemic state of a subject, comprising a housing device having one or more chambers, extendable and retractable sensors, extendable and retractable catheters, insulin reservoir, neuroprotective agent reservoir, release mechanism for releasing insulin and neuroprotective agent into the subject, and a control mechanism with a processor for receiving and analyzing outputs from the sensors and for controlling the release mechanism, a clock mechanism for providing logging and/or circadian information to the processor, an internal analysis chamber, a byproduct storage chamber, a sampling mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a self-sealing membrane, a calibration chamber, a replacement sensor chamber, a prevention mechanism to prevent deposition of unwanted substances on a sensor or catheter, a removal mechanism to remove unwanted substances from a sensor or catheter, a warning mechanism, a real-time clock and non-volatile memory to store and log information proce

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing blood glucose data of a patient. The system includes a sensor, user interface, and an optional auxiliary device. If the connection between the sensor and user interface is by a wire, the sensor remains powered when the wire is disconnected. The communication between the sensor and the user interface may be wireless. The auxiliary device can be a patient monitor or other display or signal device, which displays information about the blood glucose data collected by the sensor. The sensor is connected to sensor electronics, which include a sensor power supply, a voltage regulator, and optionally a memory and processor.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method to measure an organ wall weight and mass. When the organ is a bladder, a bladder weight (UEBW) is determined using three-dimensional ultrasound imaging that is acquired using a hand-held or machine controlled ultrasound transceiver. The infravesical region of the bladder is delineated on this 3D data set to enable the calculation of urine volume and the bladder surface area. The outer anterior wall of the bladder is delineated to enable the calculation of the bladder wall thickness (BWT). The UEBW is calculated as a product of the bladder surface area, the bladder wall thickness, and the bladder wall specific gravity.

Abstract: Navigation among breast ultrasound volumes derived from different volumetric ultrasonic scans of a same breast is described. On a display of a breast ultrasound workstation, a first image derived from a first ultrasonic volume is displayed. A user selection of a source region of interest (ROI) in the first image is received. A destination ROI within a second ultrasonic volume is identified that at least roughly corresponds to a same locality of tissue in the breast as the source ROI. A second image derived from the second ultrasonic volume and including the destination ROI is displayed, the destination ROI being highlighted.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for determining at least one material property of a material sample (such as a bone sample) at at least one point. The system includes a transmitting ultrasonic transducer and a receiving ultrasonic transducer, both transducers being confocal transducers. The transducers are configured to receive the material sample therebetween such that the confocal point of the transducers are located at the at least one point in the material sample. A processor initiates an ultrasonic signal from the transmitting transducers that is transmitted trough the at least one point of the material sample when positioned between the transducers. The ultrasonic signal is received by the receiving transducing and the processor in turn receives a signal reflecting one or more measures of the received ultrasonic signal. The processor determines at least one ultrasonic parameter for the at least one point of the material sample based upon the transmitted and received ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for identifying various tissue structure aspects, such as boundaries of arterial walls, within an image, such as an ultrasound image. Various measurements may be made using information with respect to the identified aspects of tissue structure. For example, intima-media thickness measurements may be made. Additionally or alternatively, tissue structure aspects, such as plaque within an artery, may be characterized, such as by determining a density thereof. Various information, such as measurement datums, used in identification of aspects of tissue structure in one image may be stored and applied to subsequent images, such as images of a video sequence.

Abstract: For the purpose of acquiring three-dimensional data for a contrast-enhanced image at an appropriate scan plane distance even for a different moving rate of an ultrasonic probe or for a different subject or imaged region, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an image producing section for producing an image based on received data obtained from one scan plane; a correlation value calculating section for calculating a correlation value between images; a low-MI scan control section for repeatedly conducting a scan with such a low MI value as not break contrast agent until a correlation value between an initial image and a current image becomes smaller than a threshold; and a high-MI scan control section for, when the correlation value becomes smaller than the threshold, capturing one image with such a high MR value as to break contrast agent and returning control to the low-MI scan control section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particularly convenient medium for providing contrast enhancement and/or distension of the subject body or organ cavity during imaging, radiographic, visualization, or other similar medical examinations, including ultrasound, endoscopic examinations, MRI, x-ray, hystero-salpingograms, CT scans, and similar procedures. The present invention provides the contrast enhancement and/or distends the body or organ cavity without constant leakage of the medium or the resulting need to constantly or repeatedly infuse additional medium. The medium is designed to have sufficient viscosity or consistence initially to remain in the body or organ cavity for a time generally sufficient to complete the procedure, and then to facilitate easy removal or expulsion from the cavity, preferably by liquefying or losing viscosity. The phase or viscosity change may be triggered by a variety of factors that liquefy or otherwise facilitate easy removal or expulsion of the composition from the cavity.

Abstract: Ultrasound probes that transmits/receives ultrasound pulses with frequencies both in a low frequency (LF) and a high frequency (HF) band, where the radiation surfaces of said HF and LF bands at least have a common region. Several solutions for transmission (and reception) of LF and HF pulses through the same radiation surface are given. The arrays and elements can be of a general type, for example linear phased or switched arrays, or annular arrays or elements with division in both azimuth and elevation direction, like a 1.5D, a 1.75D and a full 2D array. The LF and HF element division and array apertures can also be different.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing cardiovascular status of a mammal comprises a system for locally applying a pressure to an artery capable of restricting blood flow through said artery, a wideband external pulse transducer having an output and situated to measure suprasystolic signals proximate to said artery, and a computing device receiving said output for calculating vascular compliance values. The method described is particularly useful for determining cardiac output, assessing whether a pregnant female has preeclampsia or a patient has cardiac insufficiency, or assessing cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: There is provided a pulse wave data analyzing method for extracting vital information out of pulse wave data concerning a living body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to detect a blood flow signal free from a motion artifact, and a stress test apparatus using the same, enhance data reliability of the blood flow signal by removing the motion artifact from the blood flow signal detected by photo-plethysmography. The apparatus to detect the blood flow signal includes a base pattern correlation coefficient calculating unit to determine peak points in the blood flow signal sensed from a body of an examinee using a blood flow sensing unit, and to calculate correlation coefficients of each peak point using a predetermined base pattern, and a motion artifact processing unit to determine the motion artifact using the calculated correlation coefficients and to remove the motion artifact from the blood flow signal. Thus, reliability of the blood flow signal is enhanced by effectively removing the motion artifact from the blood flow signal detected by the photo-plethysmography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides an expert system for determining respiratory phase during ventilatory support of a subject. Discrete phase states are partitioned and prior probability functions and observed probability functions for each state are defined. The probability functions are based upon relative duration of each state as well as the flow characteristics of each state. These functions are combined to determine phase probabilities for each state using Bayes' theorem. The calculated probabilities for the states may then be compared to determine which state the subject is experiencing. A ventilator may then conform respiratory support in accordance with the most probable phase. To provide a learning feature, the probability functions may be adjusted during use to provide a more subject specific response that accounts for changing respiratory characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring subjects, especially during sleep. Respiratory and sound data are recorded and coughs arousal are recognized as joint events in both of these signals having selected characteristics. Further, cough-arousal events during sleep are recognized when a likely cough occurs in association with a recognized EEG arousal. Cough arousal events are combined into a cough arousal index that reflects disease severity and sleep disruption due to cough. The methods of this invention are computer-implemented and can be provided as a program product including a computer readable medium. Measurements and indices provided by this invention can be used to monitor and to treat respiratory diseases.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rotation test stimulus and analysis methods overcome many of the limitations of traditional clinical tests of peripheral vestibular function. An embodiment includes a rotational stimuli applied to the rotational motion for testing that includes two separate components, a bias component and a probe component. The bias component for rotational motion is designed to temporarily turn off vestibular responses in one ear while the responsiveness in the opposite ear is simultaneously evaluated using the probe component of the stimulus. Responses from application of these stimuli are analyzed by isolating and separating the bias response from the probe response. The bias and probe component responses are parameterized by applying curve fits of mathematical functions to the isolated bias and probe component responses. These parameters characterize the patient's vestibular function.

Abstract: A body structure is manipulated by first introducing a bulking material, such as a length of material, into an interior of the body structure in either open or laparoscopic surgical procedures. After the bulking material is introduced, an exterior region of the body structure may be manipulated while the material remains within the interior of the body structure. Typically, manipulation comprises resection of the body structure from surrounding tissue. The resected body structure may then be removed.

Abstract: A biopsy device is provided. The biopsy device can include a cutter which is advanced through a first portion of its stroke by a differential fluid pressure acting on a piston. A mechanical drive can be used to translate and rotate the cutter during tissue severing.

Abstract: A peak flow measurement device comprises a hollow body (1) having an inlet (8) for receiving fluid and an outlet (3), wherein the inlet (8) and outlet (3) are spaced apart from each other, the cross-sectional area of the body being greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet and wherein in use the device is oriented such that the inlet is above the outlet and the measured peak flow is proportional to the maximum height (11) of fluid within the body.

Abstract: A lancet assembly has a lancet body with a needle end, a sinuous portion end, and a slot, a lancet tip connected to the needle end, a sinuous portion connected to the sinuous portion end, an anchor structure connected to the sinuous portion. The lancet assembly may also include a lancet enclosure having an elongated chamber with a needle end, an anchor end in communication with the elongated chamber opposite the needle end, and a lancet enclosure slot in communication with the elongated chamber and spaced from the needle end. The anchor end is configured to receive and hold the anchor structure in a substantially static position. The elongated chamber is sized to receive in sliding engagement the lancet tip, the lancet body where the lancet body slot is in communication with the lancet enclosure slot and the sinuous portion and to permit slidable movement of the lancet tip through the open end between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A blood glucose measuring system includes a lancet assembly and a meter for use with the lancet assembly. The lancet assembly has a lancet member with a lance, a lancet body having a drive wing extending outwardly from a side, and a sinuous portion, and an elongated carrier having a lancet member recess to contain the lancet member. The elongated carrier has an open end, a closed end, a side elongated opening for receiving the drive wing therethrough, and an anchoring member operatively connected to the end of the sinuous portion. The meter includes a measuring circuit, a lancet trigger, and a lancet driver where the lancet driver includes a driver piston engageable with the lancet trigger and a charging member that operatively engages with the driver piston to move the driver piston into an armed position and to stop the driver piston when released from the armed position.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A moveable in vivo device comprises a device body and at least one moveable appendage that is moveably coupled the device body such that movement of the moveable appendage causes the device body to move in a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for elastic hysteretic palpatory training includes a wire or a computer controlled actuator having a plunger that at least partially elastically resists the application of a palpatory force. In use of the apparatus, an increasing palpatory force is applied to an end of the wire transverse to its axis or an end of the plunger of the actuator in a first direction. In response to the applied palpatory force, the wire or the plunger elastically resist displacement from a first position to a second position. The palpatory force is then withdrawn whereupon the elasticity of wire or the elasticity emulated by the plunger causes it to return toward the first position. The applied palpatory force versus displacement is detected in response to applying and withdrawing the palpatory force to the wire or the plunger.