WASHABLE ANALYTE METERS, SEALED CONNECTORS, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND USING SAME
First Claim
1. An analyte meter, comprising:
- a meter housing having an internal chamber that is liquid impermeable, the meter housing having a recessed pocket;
electronic components for carrying out analyte measurements, the electronic components residing within the internal chamber; and
an analyte sensor electrical connector unit received in the recessed pocket, the analyte sensor electrical connector unit having a port entryway, a sensor port configured to receive an analyte sensor through the port entryway, at least two electrodes disposed in the sensor port coupled to the electronic components via a sealed connection, and at least one wash port separate from the port entryway;
wherein;
a fluid flow channel is formed between the at least one wash port and the port entryway such that application of a liquid onto the at least two electrodes does not adversely affect the analyte meter.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An analyte meter to detect an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample may be cleaned and disinfected with a cleaning liquid without harming electrical and internal meter components. In some embodiments, the analyte meter is washable and immersable and may include a sealed sensor connector, sealed battery connector, and possibly a sealed USB connector that may be subjected to a cleaning liquid without the liquid entering an internal chamber of the analyte meter and contacting internal electronic components. In some embodiments, a sealed display screen and sealed keypad are provided such that liquids are prevented from entering the internal chamber. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
5 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An analyte meter, comprising:
-
a meter housing having an internal chamber that is liquid impermeable, the meter housing having a recessed pocket; electronic components for carrying out analyte measurements, the electronic components residing within the internal chamber; and an analyte sensor electrical connector unit received in the recessed pocket, the analyte sensor electrical connector unit having a port entryway, a sensor port configured to receive an analyte sensor through the port entryway, at least two electrodes disposed in the sensor port coupled to the electronic components via a sealed connection, and at least one wash port separate from the port entryway; wherein; a fluid flow channel is formed between the at least one wash port and the port entryway such that application of a liquid onto the at least two electrodes does not adversely affect the analyte meter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. An analyte meter, comprising:
-
a meter housing having an internal chamber that is liquid impermeable; electronic components for carrying out analyte measurements, the electronic components residing within the internal chamber; and a replaceable battery cartridge having a battery connector coupled to the electronic components, the battery connector sealed to protect against liquid ingress into the internal chamber. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method of manufacturing an analyte meter, comprising:
-
enclosing electronic components for carrying out analyte measurements within a liquid-impermeable internal chamber of a meter housing; and seating an analyte sensor electrical connector unit in a recessed pocket of the meter housing, the analyte sensor electrical connector unit having a port entryway, a sensor port configured to receive an analyte sensor through the port entryway, at least two electrodes disposed in the sensor port, and at least one wash port separate from the port entryway;
wherein the seating comprises coupling the at least two electrodes to the electronic components via a sealed connection such that application of a liquid onto the at least two electrodes does not adversely affect the analyte meter. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification