Method and apparatus for coding diagnostic meters
Inventors
Neel, Gary T. • Modzelewski, Brent E. • Rounds, George R. • Oti, Carlos • Caban, Allan Javier • Akins, Jeffrey
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10814325-B2
Publication Date
2020-10-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanism for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips.
Core Innovation
The invention is a diagnostic testing system that includes a housing having a test media port and housing a diagnostic meter. The diagnostic meter receives a first end of test media through the test media port so that a diagnostic test is performed on a sample at the second end. The width and height of the test media port are approximately equal to the width and height of the first end of the test media, enabling insertion through the test media port.
The system further includes a container that houses a plurality of test media compatible with the diagnostic meter. In embodiments, the container has an open interior volume that permits contact between the plurality of test media. The housing is removably engaged to the container using mechanical engagement features located between the meter housing and a lip portion of the container.
Mechanical engagement is achieved by at least one lock protruding from the housing of the meter and at least one corresponding protrusion protruding from at least a portion of a lip of the container. The lock and protrusion are configured so that, in a first position, the housing is capable of being removed from the container, and in a second position, the housing is prevented from being removed from the container. In additional embodiments, the engagement can be configured for slidably traversing at least a portion of the protrusion when the housing and container are rotated with respect to one another, or can form a snap-fit connection.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a diagnostic testing system with a diagnostic meter and a test media port sized to accept an insertable first end of test media, combined with a removably engaged container that holds compatible test media and provides mechanical lock/protrusion engagement features in different engagement modes. Independent claims identified: 1, 2, and 5.
Meter housing with test media port sized for insertable test media ends
A housing having a test media port and housing a diagnostic meter, wherein the width and a height of the test media port are approximately equal to the width and the height of the first end such that the first end is insertable into the diagnostic meter through the test media port for performing a diagnostic test on a sample at the second end.
Removably engaged container holding plurality of compatible test media
A container having an open interior volume permitting contact between the plurality of test media, wherein the housing is removably engaged to the container via at least one lock protruding from the housing and at least one corresponding protrusion protruding from at least a portion of a lip of the container.
Two-position lock and protrusion engagement to allow removal or prevent removal
The at least one lock is configured to engage with the at least one protrusion so that the housing is removably engaged to the container, wherein in a first position the at least one lock and the at least one protrusion are disengaged so that the housing is capable of being removed from the container, and wherein in a second position the at least one lock and the at least one protrusion are engaged so that the housing is prevented from being removed from the container.
Rotational slidable lock traversal engagement
The at least one lock is configured to slidably traverse at least a portion of the at least one protrusion when the housing and the container are rotated with respect to one another so that the housing is removably engaged to the container, wherein in a first rotation position the at least one lock and the at least one protrusion are disengaged so that the housing is capable of being removed from the top end of the container, and wherein in a second rotation position the at least one lock and the at least one protrusion are engaged so that the housing is prevented from being removed from the top end of the container.
Snap-fit lock connection between housing and container lip protrusion
The at least one lock configured to form a snap-fit connection with the at least one protrusion such that the housing is removably engaged with the container.
Across independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on matching the test media port dimensions to the first end of compatible test media for insertion into a diagnostic meter, and on removably engaging a meter housing to a container holding multiple test media using lock/protrusion structures that provide disengaged and engaged states, including rotational slidable traversal and snap-fit connection modes.
Stated Advantages
Enables a removably engaged connection between the housing and the container so that the housing can be removed in a first position/rotation position.
Prevents the housing from being removed in a second position/rotation position.
Permits contact between a plurality of test media in an open interior volume of the container.
Documented Applications
Diagnostic testing using a glucose meter in a system having a meter housing and compatible test media inserted through a test media port for performing a diagnostic test on a sample.
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