Lancing device with automatic stick and return
AssigneeLifeScan, Inc.
InventorJerry T. Pugh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A lancing device with automatic stick and lance return features is disclosed. A drive mechanism within the unit comprises a slider-crank linkage combination. It is biased by a spring member to cause automatic firing once a crank member advanced by a user causes movement of an internal linkage member beyond its fully-cocked position. After firing, the lance is withdrawn so as not to pose a threat of secondary injury to the user. In use, the device is substantially silent though its course of operation. Yet, its configuration lends itself to producing a very quick, virtually painless stick with minimal recoil or shock to the device.
Claims24
A lancing apparatus comprising:
- a housing, a crank member rotably attached to said housing at a first pivot location and a coupler rotably attached to said crank at a second pivot location, and a lance-carrying structure at a third pivot location, said lance-carrying structure being confined to a linear path relative to said housing,
- wherein a spring attached to said housing is positioned to force firing of said lance-carrying structure and return said lance-carrying structure to a retracted position, and
- wherein said lancing apparatus is configured to be cocked for firing by rotation of said crank about said first pivot location in the same direction said crank rotates to fire said lance-carrying structure.
A lancing apparatus comprising:
- a housing, a crank member rotably attached to said housing at a first pivot location and a coupler rotably attached to said coupler rotably attached to a lance-carrying structure at a second pivot location, said lance-carrying structure being confined to a straight-line path,
- wherein a spring attached to said housing is positioned to force firing of said lance-carrying structure upon passing an unstable equilibrium state and return said lance-carrying structure to a retracted position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.