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-9623412-B2
Publication Date
2017-04-18
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 document describes an electronic diagnostic testing system including an electronic meter housed in a removable meter housing. The meter housing interfaces with compatible test medium containers so diagnostic testing is performed on a sample applied to a test medium, and a coding element provides calibration information to the meter to recalibrate for the test-strip brand and lot.
The system uses a container with test medium/test strips and at least one coding element associated with the container. The coding element provides lot-specific information as the meter housing is coupled to a container, and the meter recalibrates using calibration parameters corresponding to the inserted test medium, providing an arrangement for using different compatible test-strip brands and lots with the same electronic meter.
The document further describes multiple mechanical coupling and release mechanisms between the meter housing and the container. Examples include a top mount attachment using lock and protrusion engagement, an angled tab, lever-hook-detent mechanisms, a button-actuated detent, and a press-fit post inserted into an orifice, together with adaptor ring configurations including snap-on and screw-on adaptor rings and an eject button for releasing the meter housing from the container.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims, each directed to a diagnostic testing system with an electronic meter in a meter housing and a container holding compatible test media. Across both independent claims, the main inventive features are the test port geometry matching the test medium first end and a position-dependent lock/protrusion engagement mechanism.
Test port geometry matching test medium first end
The meter housing has a test port, and a plurality of test medium are compatible with the electronic meter such that a width and a height of the test port is approximately equal to a width and a height of the test medium first end for insertion of the first end into the test port.
Lock and protrusion engagement preventing housing removal
At least one lock protrudes from the meter housing and at least one corresponding protrusion protrudes from at least a portion of a lip of the container, where the at least one lock is configured to slidably traverse at least a portion of the at least one protrusion; in a first position the lock and protrusion are disengaged so the meter housing can be removed from a top end of the container, and in a second position the lock and protrusion are engaged so the meter housing is prevented from being removed from the top end of the container.
Rotation-positioned lock/protrusion mechanism
Multiple locks protruding from the meter housing and multiple corresponding protrusions protruding from at least a portion of a lip of the container are provided such that each lock is configured to slidably traverse at least a portion of each protrusion when the meter housing and the container are rotated with respect to one another; in a first rotation position the locks and protrusions are disengaged so the meter housing can be removed from the top end of the container, and in a second rotation position the locks and protrusions are engaged so the meter housing is prevented from being removed from the top end of the container.
Both independent claims cover a diagnostic testing system with an electronic meter in a meter housing and compatible test media inserted into a test port whose width and height are approximately equal to those of the test medium first end. Removal of the meter housing from the container is controlled by lock and protrusion structures, with one independent claim relying on a first/second position for disengagement and engagement and the other relying on first/second rotation positions enabling disengagement and engagement.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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