Abstract: Embodiments include a mechanism for leveling or providing pad assistance to surface maintenance machines. The surface maintenance machine can include a frame, a plurality of wheels, a head assembly, and a head adjustment mechanism. The head adjustment mechanism can be positioned in line with and operatively coupled to a first portion of the head assembly, such that the first portion of the head assembly can be moved towards or away from the surface by adjusting the position of a fastener in a slot. Such embodiments are useful for leveling the head assembly to maintain an even degree of burnishing or providing pad assistance. Embodiments include methods of using such mechanisms for leveling or providing pad assist to surface maintenance machines.

Abstract: A self-wrung flat mop includes a mop handle and a flat panel mop head with a backside attached to a cleaning cloth. The mop handle is coupled with an operation handgrip which is slidable up and down. The operation handgrip includes a head at a lower end. The head includes a slot and a squeezing portion at a bottom plane corresponding to the slot. The flat panel mop head has a use state and a wringing state. At the wringing state the operation handgrip is moved upward to squeeze water from the cleaning cloth via the squeezing portion. The head also includes a support plane extended transversely. When in use the entire mop (including the flat panel mop head) can be positioned upright to facilitate drying of the cleaning cloth on the flat panel mop head without touching the floor surface that might otherwise make the cleaning cloth dirty.

Abstract: A dishwasher may include a closure element, such as a door, a user interface on the closure element, and a controller. A data communication link having a first data connector may be coupled to the controller, and a second data connector may be coupled to the user interface. The first and second data connectors may communicatively couple when the closure element is in the closed condition to establish data communication between the controller and the user interface. The communication link may also form a power link to provide power to the user interface across an electrical link.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering a wash fluid to be circulated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly defines an axial direction and includes a first filter member including a first filter panel and defining a first discharge opening, and a second filter member including a second filter panel and defining a second discharge opening. The second filter panel is spaced from the first filter panel along the axial direction and configured in series flow with the first filter panel. The filter assembly further includes a circumferentially continuous discharge chamber disposed radially outward of the first filter member and the second filter member, the discharge chamber in fluid communication with the first filter member through the first discharge opening and in fluid communication with the second filter member through the second discharge opening.

Abstract: A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub having an open face and at least partially defining a treating chamber for holding dishes during an automatic cycle of operation, a door moveably mounted between an opened position, wherein a user the treating chamber is accessible, and a closed position, wherein the door closes the open face of the tub and dispensing assembly configured to activate an indicator to emit a human-detectable signal in response to a first signal indicating a predetermined amount of treating chemistry and a second signal indicating a predetermined amount of illumination.

Abstract: The footwear-cleaning device is a device that is adapted to clean footwear via the use of a compressed air source and/or a pressurized water source. The footwear-cleaning device is an accessory that is attached downstream of or integrated into an air or water supply. The footwear-cleaning device has at least one stationary brush that protrudes perpendicular from the base of the accessory unit. A manually operated on/off valve regulates the passing of either compressed air or water under pressure into at least one tubular hose, which feeds into at least one stationary brush. The at least one stationary brush is attached to the base of the unit. The manually operated on/off valve is engaged and disengaged via a removable handle that is positioned perpendicular to the base of the unit as it sits on the ground.

Abstract: A modular video imaging system, and more particularly, a modular video imaging system having a control module connectable to multiple input modules. The control module and each input module having its own power supply and the input modules each capable of receiving differing types of image data from different types of cameras and processing the image data into a format recognizable by the control module. The control module controlling the ON/OFF condition of the input modules, such that each input module can be connected and disconnected during use.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope system for the early detection of suture failure. Parts of the large intestine separated by the resection of a tumor are sutured by using a suturing member 167. A sutured portion is imaged. An oxygen saturation image 180 is generated by imaging the oxygen saturation of the sutured portion based on image information obtained by the imaging. The generated oxygen saturation image 180 is displayed on a display device 14. In the case of suture failure, a low oxygen region 180a is displayed in the oxygen saturation image.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a lens unit, a diaphragm for brightness adjustment, a diaphragm for type determination and an image pickup device. The diaphragm for type determination has an image formation portion an image of which is formed in a light receiving section, a position and a number of the image formation portion provided for the diaphragm for type determination differing according to a plurality of adapters. The endoscope further includes a CPU that determines a type of an adapter by determining a position and a number of the image formation portion an image of which is formed in the light receiving section.

Abstract: An illumination system for adjustably positioning an illuminator in a surgical field in a patient includes an anchor element and an illumination element. The anchor element is configured to be releasably coupled with the patient, and the illumination element is coupled to the anchor element. The anchor element or the illumination element is configured to be coupled, uncoupled, and recoupled with the patient or adjacent surgical equipment. This allows repositioning of the illumination element at a plurality of positions in the surgical field without interfering with adjacent surgical instruments, and further permits adjustment of illumination in the surgical field.

Abstract: Background reduction apparatuses and methods of Ocular Surface Interferometry (OSI) employing polarization are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT) and can be used to evaluate and potentially diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in at least one image. The at least one image can be processed and analyzed to measure a tear film layer thickness (TFLT), including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT).

Abstract: An apparatus for covering eyes of a human includes: an eye piece configured for covering one of the eyes of the human; and an eye patch configured for covering the other one of the eyes of the human; wherein the eye piece and the eye patch are configured for preventing transmission of visible light; and wherein the eye piece comprises a region that is transparent for electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength range outside a visible range.

Abstract: An optical system for eye tracking is disclosed. The system includes a light guiding prism that guides light from an ocular object to an imaging system through multiple internal reflections. The light guiding prism may include one or more freeform surfaces having optical power.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus comprises a light source 12, an optical measurement system 13 that radiates first light from the light source to inside an eye to be examined and guides first reflected light from the eye, an optical reference system (24, 22) that radiates second light from the light source to a reference surface and guides second reflected light from the reference surface, a photo detector 26 that detects interfering light between the first reflected light from the optical measurement system and the second reflected light from the optical reference system, and a processor that determines a position of a measuring portion of the inside of the eye based on the detected interfering light. The optical measurement system comprises an incident angle changing member 46 that changes an incident angle of the first light radiated to the eye within a predetermined angular range relative to an axis of vision of the eye.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for glare reduction in surgical microscopy are provided. A method of operating a surgical microscope may include: receiving light reflected from the surgical field at an image sensor; processing the received light to generate image data; identifying portions of the image data representative of glare; and controlling an optical element to limit the transmission of light associated with the glare. A surgical microscope may include: an image sensor configured to receive light reflected from the surgical field, a computing device, and an optical element. The computing device may be configured to: identify portions of the light received at the image sensor associated with glare and generate a control signal to limit the transmission of the light associated with the glare. The optical element may be configured to selectively limit the transmission of the light associated with the glare in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A system for is provided for using telemetry data based on patient habit information or patient monitoring. One or more patient monitoring devices has a unique patient ID. The one or more monitoring devices acquire patient information selected from of at least one of, a patient's activities, behaviors and habit information, and patient monitoring. ID circuitry is at the patient monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from an ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. An alarm is at the patient monitoring device that provides an alert only when the patient is in a wake-state. A telemetry system is in communication with the patient monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of patient ID's.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a method is disclosed. The method includes applying a mechanical perturbation to a tissue region using a displacement device. The method further includes calculating a compression impedance of the tissue region in response to applying the mechanical perturbation. The method further includes retracting the displacement device and calculating a retraction impedance of the tissue region in response to retracting the displacement device. The method also includes determining a hydration level of the tissue region based on at least one of the compression impedance and the retraction impedances.

Abstract: A medical device is presented for use in tissue characterization and treatment. The device comprises a tissue characterization probe comprising an elongated carrier carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors which are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship on at least a part of the carrier with known distances between them along a longitudinal axis of the carrier and along at least part of a circumference of the carrier, such that during progression of the probe through a tissue mass each of the sensors generates tissue characterization signals from successive locations thereof within the tissue mass enabling to locate an abnormal tissue inside said tissue mass, thereby enabling consequent treatment of the abnormal tissue. Several movement mechanisms are described for enabling relative movement between the carrier and a treatment tool passing therethrough.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting biological tissue that has no applied coatings or treatments to improve reflectivity comprises an optical detection system with an exposed surface for inspection by an optical detection system; and a laser for exciting an ultrasonic wave within the tissue, which wave propagates within the tissue at least near the surface.

Abstract: A device, system and method for determining vital signs of a subject is presented that improves accuracy and reliability, the device comprising a detection unit for contactless detection of light in at least two different wavelength ranges from a region of interest of a subject, wherein said detection unit is configured to detect a first light portion in a first wavelength range from light reflected from said region of interest in response to illumination by a first light source and to detect a second light portion in a second wavelength range from light transmitted through said region interest in response to illumination by a second light source, wherein said detection unit is configured to detect said first light portion and said second light portion simultaneously in response to illuminations that are at least temporarily simultaneous and wherein said first wavelength range and said second wavelength range are different.

Abstract: A strain sensor element comprises a laminated film which has a magnetic free layer, a spacer layer, and a magnetic reference layer. The free layer has a variable magnetization direction and a out-of-plane magnetization direction. The reference layer has a variable magnetization direction which is pinned more strongly than the magnetization of the free layer. The spacer layer provided between the free layer and the reference layer. A pair of electrodes is provided with a plane of the laminated film. A substrate is provided with either of the pair electrodes and can be strained. The rotation angle of the magnetization of the free layer is different from the rotation angle of the magnetization of the reference layer when the substrate is distorted. Electrical resistance is changed depending on the magnetization angle between the free layer and the reference layer, which allows the element to operate as a strain sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a pulse transit time (PTT) value of a subject, comprise measuring a first arterial pressure pulse arrival time (PAT) and measuring a second PAT value; calculating a PTT value from the difference between the first PAT value and the second PAT value; processing a sequence of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) images to identify at least one region of interest (ROI); and estimating at least one of the first and second PAT value from the variation of impedance value determined from the at least one ROI. The method allows for the non-invasive and continuous measurement of the PTT value and arterial blood pressures.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device includes a cuff and a control unit. The cuff includes a first securing portion, provided on one surface of the cuff, for securing the cuff to the measurement area in a wrapped state, and a second securing portion, provided on another surface of the cuff, for securing the cuff to the measurement area in a wrapped state. At least one of the first securing portion and the second securing portion includes an electromagnet portion. The control unit secures the cuff to the measurement area by controlling a magnetic force emitted from the electromagnet portion and causing the second securing portion to be attracted to the first securing portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting atrial tachyarrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) are disclosed. A medical system can sense a heart rate (HR) output and a hemodynamic status output. An AF detector circuit automatically determines a first detection criterion and a different second detection criterion. The first detection criterion can be more sensitive to the presence of the AF episode than the second detection criterion, and the second detection criterion can be more specific to the AF episode than the first detection criterion. The AF detector circuit detects an AF onset event using the first detection criterion and at least one of the heart rate output or the hemodynamic status output, and detects an AF termination event using the second detection criterion and at least one of the heart rate output or the hemodynamic status output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling and method in a heart-rate measuring apparatus. The coupling in the heart-rate measuring apparatus (10) comprises means (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for measuring heart rate and means for wireless data transmission (7). According to the invention, the heart-rate measuring device (10) comprises means (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) implemented by analog electronics for defining the maximum value of the heart-rate signal, or a parameter proportional to it.

Abstract: In order to assess coronary artery disease from medical image data, an anatomical model of a coronary artery is generated from the medical image data. A velocity of blood in the coronary artery is estimated based on a spatio-temporal representation of contrast agent propagation in the medical image data. Blood flow is simulated in the anatomical model of the coronary artery using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation using the estimated velocity of the blood in the coronary artery as a boundary condition.

Abstract: A modular, high density electrical system is disclosed which makes use of an interface component, which is well suited to being placed in contact with an anatomy of either a human or an animal, and which may be releasably coupled to an electronics module subsystem. The interface component has a plurality of electrically conductive interconnect pads that may be releasably secured by a member to a plurality of electrically conductive pads of the electronics module subsystem. The electronics module subsystem may have a substrate which supports both an electronics circuit and the interconnect pads.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to detect a multi-domain ECG waveform and display one or more cardiac electrophysiological markers. Electrical impulses are detected between at least one pair of electrodes adapted to be located near a beating heart and are converted to an ECG waveform. The ECG waveform for at least one heartbeat is received from the detector, the ECG waveform is converted to a frequency domain waveform, the frequency domain waveform is separated into two or more different frequency domain waveforms using two or more different bandpass filters, and the two or more different frequency domain waveforms are converted into two or more different time domain waveforms. The two or more different time domain waveforms are displayed in the same time domain plot as the ECG waveform and one or more cardiac electrophysiological markers are displayed along the x-axis of the two or more different time domain waveforms.

Abstract: A mapping ablation catheter is provided comprising: a catheter conduit having a hollow inner space in which a guide member is disposed; a monitoring electrode unit arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the distal portion of the catheter conduit and perform a mapping on the lesion region by being in side-contact with a cardiac organ; an ablation electrode unit arranged to be spaced apart from the monitoring electrode unit and surround the outer circumferential surface of the distal portion of the catheter conduit and which removes the lesion region; a plurality of liquid discharge holes arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the ablation electrode; a current application unit which applies current to the monitoring electrode unit and the ablation electrode unit; and a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply tube, one end of the liquid-supply tube connected to the liquid discharge holes in the catheter conduit.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a rotational control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The rotational control assembly has an outer rotational member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the rotational control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: An improved fetal ST monitoring system and method is provided using an ECG monitoring system collecting a plurality of T/QRS segments of a fetus, and a data analysis computer system connected to the ECG monitoring system calculating from the plurality of T/QRS segments.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensing circuit configured to generate a sensed physiological signal representative of cardiac activity of a subject, and an arrhythmia detection circuit. The arrhythmia detection circuit is configured to monitor information corresponding to ventricular depolarization (V-V) intervals using the sensed physiological signal; determine a V-V interval distribution; determine a heart rate density index (HRDI) as a portion of samples of the V-V interval distribution corresponding to a V-V interval occurring most often in the distribution; and generate an indication of atrial fibrillation (AF) using the HRDI.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor includes depositing a layer of hydrogel over a substrate, the hydrogel configured to change thickness or volume in response to a selected condition and including a plurality of magnetic particles disposed in the hydrogel so that a magnetic property of the hydrogel changes with changes of thickness or volume of the hydrogel. The hydrogel is sacrificed in selected region(s) of the layer so that the hydrogel outside the selected region(s) forms a plurality of spaced-apart islands of the hydrogel. The islands of the hydrogel are enclosed in an enclosure at least partly permeable to a selected fluid. A sensor for detecting a condition includes the substrate, islands, and a device coil arranged with respect to the hydrogel so that changes in the magnetic property modulate an electrical property of the sensor. A system includes the substrate, islands, and a magnetic-field detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes a patient-interface positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and a patient interface connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first patient-interface is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first patient-interface at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar patient-interface and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to determine the lung clearance index (LCI) or other indices of ventilation inhomogeneity of the lungs by combining two pulmonary gas exchange techniques; Inert gas rebreathing (IGR) is used for rapid wash-in of the inert tracer gas and this is followed by multiple-breath wash-out (MBW). The functional residual capacity (FRC) can either be determined from the tracer gas concentration and the gas flow inhaled and exhaled during multiple-breath wash-out or by gas analysis alone from the inert gas rebreathing. The cumulative expired volume (VCE) required to clear the inert tracer gas from the lungs is determined from the multiple-breath wash-out, and LCI is calculated as the ratio between VCE and FRC.

Abstract: A compact, on-airway, respiratory gas analyzer for performing pulmonary function tests incorporates an IR spectroscopy light guide having a curved, rather than linear, sample chamber that lies transverse to a direction of respiratory gas flow. Cooperating with the sample chamber is an impact plate that functions to steer respiratory and test gases impinging on the impact plate into the curved sample chamber. A source of IR energy is at one end of the sample chamber and an electro-optical sensor responsive to IR energy is disposed at an opposite end of the chamber. The respiratory gas analyzer also includes gas flow paths and valving for carrying out lung capacity and lung diffusion tests.

Abstract: A flowmeter and filter assembly for spirometry have a flowmeter with a turbine rotor and sensor means for detecting the speed of rotation of the rotor, and a filter upstream of the flowmeter. An air-conveying device modifies the direction of the flow of air at an outlet from the filter to set the rotor in rotation within the flowmeter. The air-conveying device is integrated in the filter instead of in the flowmeter.

Abstract: A location detection system identifies the locations of medical devices such as patient support apparatuses and/or patient care devices within a medical facility. The devices communicate via a wired connection to one or more medical facility systems (e.g. nurse call system, computer network, etc.), and/or via a wireless connection to such systems. The location detection system automatically determines location information of the devices and communicates the location information so that the recipient of any outgoing alerts and/or other information sent from the devices is apprised of the location of the particular device sending the alert or other information. Caregivers are thereby able to respond to the correct location of an alert, and software systems such as EMR systems, admission discharge and transfer (ADT) systems, etc. are able to correlate transmitted device data with the location and/or patient assigned to that location.

Abstract: A method and wireless sensor device for determining body postures and activities. In one aspect, a method includes receiving sensor data. The method also includes detecting and classifying a body transition of a body based on the sensor data. The method also includes detecting if there is activity of the body based on the sensor data. If there is activity, the method also includes classifying the activity. If there is no activity, the method also includes classifying a rest position of the body based on the sensor data and based on a previous body transition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting fall events of a person. Fall events are falls that are likely to occur, are occurring, or have occurred. Fall detectors and fall detector systems detect fall events of the person. Data relating to the person are received from sensors and analyzed to perform fall detection. Data relating to the person includes accelerations and forces experience by the person, changes in body position of the person, movements of the person, and body signals and sounds of the person. Neurological tests are administered to determine levels of responsiveness and awareness of the person in response to detections. Warnings are issued, and safety measures are deployed, in response to detections. Data relating to fall events are recorded and logged. Fall event histories based upon the logged data and fall detection algorithm performance are used to improve future fall detection and prediction.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring, measuring and/or estimating deviation of a body part of a vertebral mammal. The apparatus includes at least one sensor for measuring rotation of the body part relative to a first frame of reference and for providing data indicative of the rotation. The apparatus also includes a memory device adapted for storing the data and a processor adapted for processing the data to evaluate a deviation of the body part that correlates to the data. The processor may be configured to execute an algorithm for evaluating deviation of the body part. A method of monitoring, measuring and/or estimating deviation of a body part of a vertebral mammal is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.

Abstract: A variety of wearable magnetic assemblies are provided that are configured to produce magnetic fields having high field magnitudes and/or high field gradients. Such magnetic assemblies include a plurality of magnetic segments arranged in a linear array. Individual magnetic segments of the magnetic array can each include multiple magnetic elements. An individual magnetic segment can include elements that have similar shape, size, composition, and relative location to elements of neighboring magnetic segments while having magnetic moments that are antiparallel to the magnetic moments of corresponding elements of the neighboring magnetic segments. These wearable magnetic assemblies are configured to exert forces on magnetic particles disposed in a portion of subsurface vasculature to attract, slow, speed, separate, or otherwise influence the magnetic particles in various applications. The magnetic particles can be configured to bind to an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A device for performing at least one medical function on a user is proposed. The device has at least one medical functional element that is designed to perform the medical function. The medical function is selected from a diagnostic, a therapeutic and a surgical function. The device has at least one evaluation and control part that comprises at least one actuation component for controlling the medical function. The evaluation and control part has at least one casing and at least one battery receptacle. The battery receptacle comprises at least one electrical energy reservoir, more particularly at least one battery. The battery receptacle is designed to be opened irreversibly by the user for removing the energy reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for noninvasive measurement of a fluorescent analyte concentration in the blood of a patient by exciting the blood and the analyte at two wavelength ranges and measuring the emission spectrum of the fluorescent analyte when (i) the difference of emission intensities at the excitation wavelength ranges of the fluorescent analyte is greater than that of background fluorophores, and (ii) when blood absorbance at the two excitation wavelength ranges is similar. An apparatus and method for measurement of a fluorescent analyte concentration in the blood of a patient is provided.

Abstract: A syringe-based device includes a housing, a pre-sample reservoir, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume between a substantially open proximal end portion and a distal end portion that includes a port couplable to a lumen-defining device. The pre-sample reservoir is fluidically couplable to the port to receive and isolate a first volume of bodily fluid. The actuator is at least partially disposed in the inner volume and has a proximal end portion that includes an engagement portion and a distal end portion that includes a sealing member. The engagement portion is configured to allow a user to selectively move the actuator between a first configuration such that bodily fluid can flow from the port to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration such that bodily fluid can flow from the port to a sample reservoir defined at least in part by the scaling member and the housing.

Abstract: A lancing device (121) substantially reduces wobble in a lancet (151) used to lance a site. The lancet (151) is removably received by a cartridge (161), which is movably received by the lancing device (121). The lancet (151) is movable between a first position in which a penetrating member (153) connected to the lancet (151) is unexposed and a second position in which the penetrating member is exposed outside of the lancing device (121) for lancing a site. A spring (171) is connected to the cartridge (161) to return the lancet (151) to the first position after the site is lanced.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus is provided for dermatological monitoring, comprising a housing and an imaging device integrated into the housing. The imaging device obtains a digital, high-resolution, dermatological image of a patient and a processor device integrated into the housing applies an anti-motion algorithm to the dermatological image to enhance image quality. A wireless communications interface is additionally integrated into the housing and coupled to the processor device, to upload the dermatological image to a remote server to be viewed by a medical professional.