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Publication Number
US-10488361-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
A capacitive autocoding circuit is provided herein. A test strip may include an embedded code comprising one or more individually electrically isolated contacting pads associated with one of a plurality of predefined capacitive states. The respective capacitive states associated with each of the contacting pads together form a capacitive state sequence such that when the test strip is inserted into a diagnostic meter the sequence is read to identify data particular to the capacitive sequence and the test strip.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a diagnostic test strip for a diagnostic meter that includes at least one electrically insulating layer and a conductive pattern formed on the insulating layer. The conductive pattern includes at least one electrode disposed at a proximal region and one or more electrical strip contacts disposed at a distal region, with conductive traces electrically connecting the electrodes to the electrical strip contacts. A reagent layer contacts at least a portion of at least one electrode so that the strip supports electrochemical sensing while carrying embedded identification features.
The test strip further includes an embedded code comprising one or more individually electrically isolated contacting pads provided distal to the electrical strip contacts. Each contacting pad is associated with one of a plurality of predefined capacitive states, and the respective capacitive states associated with each pad together form a capacitive state code. When the test strip is inserted into a diagnostic meter, the capacitive state code is read to identify data particular to the capacitive state code and the test strip.
In certain embodiments, capacitors associated with the contacting pads are connected to ground and the embedded code may include additional conductive patterns on a side opposite that including the electrical strip contacts. The additional conductive pattern comprises a second plurality of electrical strip contacts and at least one additional contact pad electrically connected to one or more capacitors configured in one of the predefined capacitive states to form a second capacitive state code for identifying additional data particular to the test strip. In other embodiments, one or more bleeder resistors each connected in parallel to one of the capacitors are provided, and the embedded capacitive-state code is read by the meter to identify data particular to the capacitive state code and the test strip.
Claims Coverage
The provided excerpt includes four independent claims: clm-00001, clm-00013, clm-00016, and clm-00017. Across these claims, the main inventive features are centered on a diagnostic test strip carrying a capacitive state code implemented by individually isolated distal contacting pads, read by a diagnostic meter to identify strip- and code-specific data, with variations including grounding, bleeder resistors, and an additional conductive pattern that provides a second capacitive state code.
Individually isolated distal contacting pads forming a capacitive state code for meter reading
A test strip having at least one insulating layer with proximal electrodes, distal electrical strip contacts, conductive traces, a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of an electrode, and an embedded code of one or more individually electrically isolated contacting pads distal to the electrical strip contacts, where contacting pads are associated with predefined capacitive states and together form a capacitive state code read by a diagnostic meter to identify data particular to the capacitive state code and the test strip.
Embedded capacitive-state code plus additional conductive pattern forming a second capacitive state code
A method of making a plurality of test strips where each test strip structure includes the insulating layer, conductive pattern with proximal electrodes and distal electrical strip contacts and conductive traces, a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of at least one electrode, and an embedded code of individually electrically isolated distal contacting pads forming a capacitive state code for meter reading, further including an additional conductive pattern on a side opposite from the electrical strip contacts with a second plurality of electrical strip contacts and at least one additional contact pad electrically connected to capacitors to form a second capacitive state code, and separating the test strip structures into the test strips.
Bleeder resistors parallel to capacitors in the embedded capacitive state code
A test strip with an insulating layer, a conductive pattern including at least one proximal electrode and one or more distal electrical strip contacts connected by conductive traces, a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of at least one electrode, and an embedded code comprising individually electrically isolated distal contacting pads associated with predefined capacitive states forming a capacitive state code, wherein one or more bleeder resistors each connected in parallel to one of the capacitors are provided such that, when inserted into a diagnostic meter, the capacitive state code is read to identify data particular to the capacitive state code and the test strip.
Second conductive pattern to create a second capacitive state code on the opposite side
A test strip with an insulating layer, a conductive pattern including at least one proximal electrode and one or more distal electrical strip contacts connected by conductive traces, a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of at least one electrode, and an embedded code of one or more individually electrically isolated contacting pads associated with predefined capacitive states forming a capacitive state code read by a diagnostic meter to identify data particular to the capacitive state code and the test strip, further including an additional conductive pattern on the opposite side with a second plurality of electrical strip contacts and at least one additional contact pad electrically connected to one or more capacitors configured in one of the plurality of predefined capacitive states to form a second capacitive state code for identifying additional data particular to the test strip.
Across the independent claims, the central inventive concept is a diagnostic test strip with an embedded capacitive state code implemented by individually electrically isolated distal contacting pads associated with predefined capacitive states and read by a diagnostic meter to identify data particular to the strip and code. Additional claim scope includes grounding capacitors, providing bleeder resistors connected in parallel to capacitors, and adding an additional conductive pattern to produce a second capacitive state code, including manufacturing of multiple strips on a sheet followed by separating the structures.
Stated Advantages
Increased number of unique autocodes.
Enabling more flexible packaging, including mixed lots.
Reduced user input error.
Support for additional correction/upgrade/strip-type data.
Documented Applications
A capacitive autocoding diagnostic test strip system in which the capacitive state code is read by a diagnostic meter to identify data particular to the test strip.
Test strip manufacture of a plurality of test strips by forming test strip structures on one sheet and separating the structures into individual strips.
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