Packaging system for test sensors
First Claim
1. A method for loading a test sensor disposed within a sensor package into a testing device, the method comprising the acts of:
- providing the sensor package including a protective covering and the test sensor, a first end of the test sensor having at least one pointed portion;
inserting a portion of the sensor package into an inlet region of the testing device such that the sensor package engages the testing device to load the test sensor but remains at least generally external to the testing device, the inlet region including a guide member that is adapted to assist in the proper alignment of the inserted portion of the sensor package within the testing device, the sensor package being inserted such that (i) a first end portion of the protective covering and the first end portion of the test sensor resides in the inlet region of the testing device and (ii) a second end portion of the protective covering and a second end portion of the test sensor remains outside of the testing device;
lowering a package-puncturing member of the testing device into the inlet region, the package-puncturing member adapted to puncture the inserted portion of the sensor package;
puncturing the inserted portion of the sensor package with the package-puncturing member;
removing the protective covering by pulling a section of the sensor package in a direction away from the testing device, the at least one pointed portion of the test sensor assisting in removal of the sensor package such that the at least one pointed portion punctures the protective covering thereby allowing the removal of the protective covering; and
maintaining the first end portion of the test sensor in the inlet region of the testing device in a testing position.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A testing device for analyzing the glucose concentration of a sample of blood is adapted to remove a test sensor from a sensor package. The testing device comprises an inlet region and a puncturing member The inlet region receives a portion of the sensor package extending inward from an outer periphery of the test sensor package. The puncturing member is adapted to extend into the inlet region, puncture the sensor package, and to engage a mating feature of the test sensor. The puncturing member is adapted to hold the test sensor in the inlet region in a manner allowing the package to be removed and is adapted to hold the test sensor in the inlet region during testing a blood sample.
45 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method for loading a test sensor disposed within a sensor package into a testing device, the method comprising the acts of:
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providing the sensor package including a protective covering and the test sensor, a first end of the test sensor having at least one pointed portion; inserting a portion of the sensor package into an inlet region of the testing device such that the sensor package engages the testing device to load the test sensor but remains at least generally external to the testing device, the inlet region including a guide member that is adapted to assist in the proper alignment of the inserted portion of the sensor package within the testing device, the sensor package being inserted such that (i) a first end portion of the protective covering and the first end portion of the test sensor resides in the inlet region of the testing device and (ii) a second end portion of the protective covering and a second end portion of the test sensor remains outside of the testing device; lowering a package-puncturing member of the testing device into the inlet region, the package-puncturing member adapted to puncture the inserted portion of the sensor package; puncturing the inserted portion of the sensor package with the package-puncturing member; removing the protective covering by pulling a section of the sensor package in a direction away from the testing device, the at least one pointed portion of the test sensor assisting in removal of the sensor package such that the at least one pointed portion punctures the protective covering thereby allowing the removal of the protective covering; and maintaining the first end portion of the test sensor in the inlet region of the testing device in a testing position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 28, 29, 32)
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14. A testing device for, analyzing the glucose concentration of a sample of blood adapted to remove a test sensor from a sensor package, the sensor package containing at least one test sensor and a protective covering, the testing device comprising:
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an inlet region for receiving a portion of the sensor package such that the sensor package engages the testing device to load the test sensor but remains at least generally external to the testing device, a first end of the test sensor having at least one pointed portion, the inlet region including a guide member adapted to assist in the proper alignment of the received portion of the sensor package within the testing device, the sensor package having an outer periphery, the received portion of the sensor package corresponding to a first end portion of the protective covering and the first end portion of the test sensor and the unreceived portion of the sensor package corresponding to a second end portion of the protective covering and a second end portion of the test sensor; and a package-puncturing member adapted to extend into the inlet region, puncture the sensor package, and engage a mating feature of the test sensor disposed towards the first end portion of the test sensor to hold the test sensor in the inlet region during testing of the fluid sample and a pair of terminals disposed in the inlet region adapted for electrically coupling a pair of terminals disposed on the test sensor to the testing device, wherein the at least one pointed portion of the test sensor assists in removal of the sensor package such that the at least one pointed portion punctures the protective covering thereby allowing the removal of the protective covering. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31)
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33. A testing device adapted to remove a test sensor from a sensor package, the sensor package containing at least one test sensor and a protective covering, the testing device comprising:
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an inlet region for receiving a portion of the sensor package such that the sensor package engages the testing device to load the test sensor but remains at least generally external to the testing device, a first end of the test sensor having at least one pointed portion, the inlet region including a guide member adapted to assist in the proper alignment of the received portion of the sensor package within the testing device, the sensor package having an outer periphery, the received portion of the sensor package corresponding to a first end portion of the protective covering and the first end portion of the test sensor and the unreceived portion of the sensor package corresponding to a second end portion of the protective covering and a second end portion of the test sensor; and a package-puncturing member adapted to extend into the inlet region, puncture the sensor package, and engage a mating feature of the test sensor disposed towards the first end portion of the test sensor, to hold the test sensor in the inlet region during testing of a fluid sample and a pair of terminals disposed in the inlet region adapted for electrically coupling a pair of terminals disposed on the test sensor to the testing device, wherein the at least one pointed portion of the test sensor assists in removal of the sensor package such that the at least one pointed portion punctures the protective covering thereby allowing the removal of the protective covering.
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Specification