Abstract:
An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.
Abstract:
A contactless smart card has a sheet-like body containing an integrated circuit and an antenna via which the integrated circuit communicates with a terminal. The antenna lies in the plane of the card body and is constituted by several turns of a conductor that form a winding. A conductive bridge connects at least two turns of the winding to reduce its inductance. The card body includes a rupture zone that is designed to be broken when the card is first used. A portion of the connecting bridge lies within the rupture zone, so that it is broken when the rupture zone is broken during use.
Abstract:
A method is provided for controlling a lancet velocity profile. A velocity of a moving lancet is measured at a known position. The measured velocity of the lancet is compared with an appropriate velocity for the lancet at the known position. A force is applied to the lancet to adjust the velocity of the lancet.
Abstract:
A moving coil tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a magnetic field in a magnetically active region. A cylindrical coil is secured to a translation substrate and disposed at least partially within the magnetically active region. A sharpened member is configured to penetrate tissue and mechanically coupled to the translation substrate.
Abstract:
A tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a controllable magnetic field in a magnetically active region adjacent the magnetic source. A magnetic member is disposed at least partially in the magnetically active region. A permanent magnet is disposed at a proximal end of the magnetically active region for zeroing the position of the magnetic member while the tissue penetration device is inactive.
Abstract:
A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of the patient. Contact is made between the tip and the tissue of the patient. The tip is advanced into the tissue during a penetration stroke to a position of maximum inward displacement. The tissue penetration element is allowed to settle upon reaching the point of maximum inward penetration for at least about 1 millisecond with no driving force imposed on the tissue penetration element. The tissue penetration element is displaced proximally over a withdrawal stroke and the tip is removed from the tissue.
Abstract:
In one embodiment of the present invention a lancet is provided that has a sharpened distal tip, a shaft portion and a proximal drive head. The proximal drive head has a transverse dimension that is substantially larger than a transverse dimension of the shaft portion adjacent to the proximal drive head.
Abstract:
A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.
Abstract:
A protection apparatus for protecting electrical and electronic equipment from damage due to disturbances introduced by external electrical conductors. The apparatus employs one or more of the following methods to switch an interfacing relay from the operating state to the protected state: Surge protection; detection of the sound of an approaching thunderstorm. The apparatus may include a means to manually select either the protected state in which the connected equipment is disconnected from the external conductors, the override state in which the connected equipment is connected to the external conductors and the sensing systems are overridden and the normal operating state in which the sensing systems are employed to automatically disconnect the equipment in the event of a disturbance.