Modular Analyte Measurement Systems, Modular Components Thereof and Related Methods

• US 20120150448A1
• Filed: 11/16/2011
• Published: 06/14/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Isherwood, Michael, Hurd, Marsha Kaye
• Granted Patent: US 9,713,440 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making

Abstract

Presented herein is a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module that releasably connects and operably couples with an analyte meter. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to modular components of the analyte measurement system. In one aspect, there is provided a replaceable strip port module having a strip port and electrical interface for removably and electrically coupling with an analyte meter. In another aspect, there is provided an analyte meter that includes a processor and electrical interface for removably and electrically coupling with replaceable strip port modules. Methods of configuring the analyte measurement system and methods of determining an analyte meter with the analyte measurement system are also provided.

Claims

1. An analyte measurement system, comprising:

an analyte meter configured to releasably connect and operably couple with replaceable strip port modules, the analyte meter comprising;

a meter housing;

a processor coupled to the meter housing; and

a first electrical interface coupled to the meter housing and electrically coupled to the processor, the first electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple to replaceable strip port modules; and

a replaceable strip port module releasably connected and operably coupled with the analyte meter, the replaceable strip port module comprising;

a module housing;

an analyte test strip port coupled to the module housing and configured to receive analyte test strips; and

a second electrical interface coupled to the module housing and electrically coupled to the analyte test strip port, the second electrical interface removably and electrically coupled with the first electrical interface such that an electrical path is formed between the analyte test strip port and the analyte meter;

wherein the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor that the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

2. The analyte measurement system of claim 1, wherein the second electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a port insertion signal to the processor, the port insertion signal indicating that the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

3. The analyte measurement system of claim 2, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port insertion signal is a ground signal.

4. The analyte measurement system of claim 1, wherein the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor of what type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

5. The analyte measurement system of claim 4, wherein the second electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engage a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a port-type signal to the processor, the port-type signal indicating that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

6. The analyte measurement system of claim 5, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port-type signal is a ground signal.

7. The analyte measurement system of claim 4, wherein the second electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface, and wherein the first electrical contact is floating and maintains an existing signal on the second electrical contact, and wherein the maintaining of the existing signal indicates to the processor that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

8. The analyte measurement system of claim 4, wherein the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor of what type of analyte is to be measured.

9. The analyte measurement system of claim 8, wherein the second electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a first analyte-type signal to the processor when a test strip for a first type of analyte is inserted into the analyte test strip port, the first analyte-type signal indicating that the first type of analyte is to be measured.

10. The analyte measurement system of claim 8, wherein the first type of analyte is glucose or a ketone body.

11. The analyte measurement system of claim 9, wherein the second electrical interface includes a third electrical contact that electrically engages a fourth electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a second analyte-type signal to the processor when a test strip for a second type of analyte is inserted into the analyte test strip port, the second analyte-type signal indicating that the second type of analyte is to be measured.

12. The analyte measurement system of claim 1, wherein the first type of analyte is glucose and the second type of analyte is a ketone body.

13. A method of configuring an analyte measurement system based on a replaceable strip port module that releasably connects and operably couples with an analyte meter, the method comprising:

providing an analyte meter configured to releasably connect and operably couple with replaceable strip port modules, the analyte meter comprising;

a meter housing;

a processor coupled to the meter housing; and

a first electrical interface coupled to the meter housing and electrically coupled to the processor, the first electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple to replaceable strip port modules; and

providing a first replaceable strip port module configured to releasably connect and operably couple with the analyte meter, the first replaceable strip port module comprising;

a module housing;

an analyte test strip port coupled to the module housing and configured to receive analyte test strips; and

a second electrical interface coupled to the module housing and electrically coupled to the analyte test strip port, the second electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple with the first electrical interface;

connecting the first replaceable strip port module to the analyte meter, wherein connecting the first replaceable strip port module to the analyte meter electrically couples the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface such that an electrical path is formed between the analyte test strip port and the processor, and wherein when connected to the analyte meter, the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor that the first replaceable strip port module is connected.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

releasing the first replaceable strip port module from the analyte meter;

connecting a second replaceable strip port module to the analyte meter.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first replaceable strip port module and second replaceable strip port module are different types of replaceable strip port modules.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a port insertion signal to the processor, the port insertion signal indicating that the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port insertion signal is a ground signal.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor of what type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a port-type signal to the processor, the port-type signal indicating that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port-type signal is a ground signal.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface, wherein the first electrical contact is floating and maintains an existing signal on the second electrical contact, and wherein the maintaining of the existing signal indicates to the processor that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter and a test strip is inserted into the replaceable strip port module, the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor of what type of analyte is to be measured.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a first analyte-type signal to the processor when a test strip for a first type of analyte is inserted into the analyte test strip port, the first analyte-type signal indicating that the first type of analyte is to be measured.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first type of analyte is glucose or a ketone body.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a third electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a fourth electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a second analyte-type signal to the processor when a test strip for a second type of analyte is inserted into the analyte test strip port, the second analyte-type signal indicating that the second type of analyte is to be measured.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first type of analyte is glucose and the second type of analyte is a ketone body.

27. A method of determining an analyte level with a measurement system based on a replaceable strip port module that releasably connects and operably couples with an analyte meter, the method comprising:

providing an analyte meter configured to releasably connect and operably couple with replaceable strip port modules, the analyte meter comprising;

a meter housing;

a processor coupled to the meter housing; and

a first electrical interface coupled to the meter housing and electrically coupled to the processor, the first electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple to replaceable strip port modules; and

providing a first replaceable strip port module configured to releasably connect and operably couple with the analyte meter, the first replaceable strip port module comprising;

a module housing;

an analyte test strip port coupled to the module housing and configured to receive analyte test strips; and

a second electrical interface coupled to the module housing and electrically coupled to the analyte test strip port, the second electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple with the first electrical interface;

connecting the first replaceable strip port module to the analyte meter, wherein connecting the first replaceable strip port module to the analyte meter electrically couples the first electrical interface with the second electrical interface such that an electrical path is formed between the analyte test strip port and the processor, and wherein when connected to the analyte meter, the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor that the first replaceable strip port module is connected;

inserting a first test strip into the analyte test strip port, the first test strip for measuring a level of a first analyte; and

performing a first analyte measurement with the analyte meter.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first analyte measurement provides a level of glucose or a ketone body.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

releasing the first replaceable strip port module from the analyte meter;

connecting a second replaceable strip port module to the analyte meter;

inserting a second test strip into the analyte test strip port; and

performing a second analyte measurement with the analyte meter.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first replaceable strip port module and second replaceable strip port module are different types of replaceable strip port modules.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a port insertion signal to the processor, the port insertion signal indicating that the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port insertion signal is a ground signal.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor of what type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a port-type signal to the processor, the port-type signal indicating that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port-type signal is a ground signal.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface, wherein the first electrical contact is floating and maintains an existing signal on the second electrical contact, and wherein the maintaining of the existing signal indicates to the processor that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter and a test strip is inserted into the replaceable strip port module, the second electrical interface provides an indication to the processor of what type of analyte is to be measured.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a first electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a second electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a first analyte-type signal to the processor when a test strip for a first type of analyte is inserted into the analyte test strip port, the first analyte-type signal indicating that the first type of analyte is to be measured.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the first type of analyte is glucose or a ketone body.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein, when the replaceable strip port module and the analyte meter are connected, a third electrical contact on the second electrical interface electrically engages a fourth electrical contact on the first electrical interface to provide a second analyte-type signal to the processor when a test strip for a second type of analyte is inserted into the analyte test strip port, the second analyte-type signal indicating that the second type of analyte is to be measured.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first type of analyte is glucose and the second type of analyte is a ketone body.

42. A replaceable strip port module for releasably connecting and operably coupling with an analyte meter to form an analyte measurement system, comprising:

a module housing;

an analyte test strip port coupled to the module housing and configured to receive analyte test strips; and

an electrical interface coupled to the module housing and electrically coupled to the analyte test strip port, the electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple with the analyte meter such that an electrical path is formed between the analyte test strip port and the analyte meter;

wherein the electrical interface provides an indication to the analyte meter when the strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

43. The replaceable strip port module of claim 42, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the analyte meter to provide a port insertion signal to the analyte meter, the port insertion signal indicating that the replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

44. The replaceable strip port module of claim 43, wherein the first electrical contact is grounded and the port insertion signal is a ground signal.

45. The replaceable strip port module of claim 42, wherein the electrical interface provides an indication to the analyte meter of what type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

46. The replaceable strip port module of claim 45, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the analyte meter to provide a port-type signal to the analyte meter, the port-type signal indicating that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

47. The replaceable strip port module of claim 45, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that is floating and that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the analyte meter to maintain a existing signal on the second electrical contact of the analyte meter, wherein the maintaining of the existing signal indicates that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected to the analyte meter.

48. The replaceable strip port module of claim 45, wherein the electrical interface provides an indication to the analyte meter what type of analyte is to be measured.

49. The replaceable strip port module of claim 48, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engage a second electrical contact on the analyte meter to provide an analyte-type signal to the analyte meter, the analyte-type signal indicating that a first type of analyte is to be measured.

50. The replaceable strip port module of claim 48, wherein the analyte is glucose or a keytone body.

51. The replaceable strip port module of claim 42, wherein the electrical interface provides an indication to the analyte meter of what type of analyte is to be measured.

52. An analyte meter for releasably connecting and operably coupling with a replaceable strip port module to form an analyte measurement system, comprising:

a meter housing;

a processor coupled to the meter housing;

an electrical interface coupled to the meter housing and electrically coupled to the processor, the electrical interface configured to removably and electrically couple with the replaceable strip port module such that an electrical path is formed between the processor and the replaceable strip module;

wherein the electrical interface receives a port insertion signal from a replaceable strip port module when connected and provides the port insertion signal to the processor, the port insertion signal indicating to the processor that the replaceable strip port module is connected.

53. The analyte meter of claim 52, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the replaceable strip port module to receive the port insertion signal, and wherein the port insertion signal is a ground signal.

54. The analyte meter of claim 52, wherein the electrical interface receives a port-type signal from the replaceable strip port module when connected and provides the port-type signal to the processor, the port-type signal indicating to the processor that a first type of replaceable strip port module is connected.

55. The analyte meter of claim 54, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the replaceable strip port module to receive the port-type signal, and wherein the port-type signal is a ground signal.

56. The analyte meter of claim 52, wherein the electrical interface receives a first analyte-type signal from the replaceable strip port module when connected and provides the first analyte-type signal to the processor, the first analyte-type signal indicating to the processor that a first type of analyte is to be measured.

57. The analyte meter of claim 56, wherein the first analyte-type signal indicates glucose or a keytone body is to be measured.

58. The analyte meter of claim 56, wherein the electrical interface includes a first electrical contact that electrically engages a second electrical contact on the replaceable strip port module to receive the first analyte-type signal, and wherein the first analyte-type signal is a ground signal.

59. The analyte meter of claim 58, wherein the electrical interface receives a second analyte-type signal from the replaceable strip port module when connected and provides the second analyte-type signal to the processor, the second analyte-type signal indicating to the processor that a second type of analyte is to be measured.

60. The analyte meter of claim 59, wherein the electrical interface includes a third electrical contact that electrically engages a fourth electrical contact on the replaceable strip port module to receive the second analyte-type signal, and wherein the second analyte-type signal is a ground signal.

61. The analyte meter of claim 60, wherein the first analyte-type signal indicates glucose is to be measured and the second analyte-type signal indicates a keytone body is to be measured.

62. The analyte meter of claim 52, wherein the meter housing includes an engagement feature that connects the analyte meter to the replaceable strip port module.