US4994167A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Biological fluid measuring device
Assignee: Dexcom Inc
•
Filing: 1988-07-07
•
Granted: 1991-02-19
•
Expires: 2008-07-07
Abstract
Abstract A biological fluid measuring device for determining the presence and the amounts of substances in a biological fluid without the need for dilution of the fluid comprises a main housing including electronic circuit means and at least one electrode, and a cartridge having a membrane. The cartridge is removably mounted on the housing and the membrane is maintained operably associated by osmotic pressure with the electrode. The cartridge also includes means for protecting the membrane when the device is not in use. An enzyme electrode is also disclosed comprising a multilayered homogeneous monolithic membrane and an intermediate water-swellable coating.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark G. Shults
- 👤 Christopher C. Capelli
- 👤 Stuart J. Updike
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/28; G01N27/30; G01N27/327; G01N27/3271; C; C12; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/001; C12Q1/002; C12Q1/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 82
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a main housing including electronic circuit means associated with at least two electrodes; (b) a disposable cartridge having a homogeneous, monolithic membrane and being removably mounted on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes, the cartridge including means for protecting the membrane when not in use and means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes at the electrode-membrane interface by osmotic pressure during storage and use, the maintaining means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane; and (c) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a main housing including electronic circuit means associated with at least two electrodes; (b) a disposable cartridge having a homogeneous, monolithic membrane and being removably mounted on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes, the cartridge including means for protecting the membrane when not in use and means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes at the electrode-membrane interface by osmotic pressure during storage and use, the maintaining means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane; and (c) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 wherein the maintaining means is a liquid that applies an osmotic pressure across the membrane of about 30-90 millimeters mercury column height under ambient room temperature and pressure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 wherein the osmotic agent is a water-soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight between about 800 and about 20,000.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 wherein the cartridge includes a body portion retaining the membrane and the protection means includes a cover movably mounted on the body portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 4 wherein the cartridge includes a hinge for mounting the cover on the body portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 4 wherein the body portion and membrane define a well having sides and a bottom with the bottom being defined at least in part, by the membrane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 6 wherein the well has a volume of less than about 0.2 cubic centimeters and is adapted to accept a sample as small as about 5 microliters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 wherein the protection means seals the membrane from ambient air.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 8 wherein the protection means includes a flexible gasket.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 further including retaining means for releasably retaining the cartridge on the housing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 10 wherein the retaining means includes a detente on the cartridge that is received in a recess defined by the housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 wherein the housing defines a base surface with the electrode projecting upwardly of the base surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 12 wherein the membrane is stretched over the electrode-membrane interface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
149 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 wherein the membrane includes a first layer of nonporous block copolymer having hydrophobic segments and hydrophilic segments that limits the amount of the substance passing therethrough, a second layer of a nonporous block copolymer including an enzyme bound to the first layer, said enzyme reacting with the substance to form a product, and a third layer of a nonporous block copolymer having hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments that is bound to the second layer, the third layer having a water-swellable coating on the unbound surface intermediate to the electrode and covering the surface of the electrode, so that the third layer restricts the passage of the substance therethrough but permits the passage of the product and the intermediate coating maintains electrolyte at the membrane-electrode interface whereby the measurable amount of product formed corresponds to the amount of the substance in the sample.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 1 further including display means carried by the main housing and operably associated with the electronic circuit means for displaying a result.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
219 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a case having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining a cavity, the upper portion also defining a recessed cell having a base surface; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the upper portion of the case and extending upwardly from the base surface; (c) electronic circuit means carried by the case within the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (d) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means for displaying a result; (e) a disposable cartridge having a body portion defining a receiving surface, the cartridge also including a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the receiving surface, means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use, the maintaining means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane, and a cover movably mounted on the body portion, the body portion being removably mounted in the recessed cell of the upper portion of the case with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes; and (f) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
219 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a case having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining a cavity, the upper portion also defining a recessed cell having a base surface; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the upper portion of the case and extending upwardly from the base surface; (c) electronic circuit means carried by the case within the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (d) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means for displaying a result; (e) a disposable cartridge having a body portion defining a receiving surface, the cartridge also including a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the receiving surface, means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use, the maintaining means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane, and a cover movably mounted on the body portion, the body portion being removably mounted in the recessed cell of the upper portion of the case with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes; and (f) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 wherein the maintaining means is a liquid comprising an osmotic agent capable of applying an osmotic pressure of about 30-90 millimeters mercury column height at ambient room temperature and pressure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 wherein the cartridge includes a hinge which movably mounts the cover on the body portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 wherein the body portion and membrane define a well that is adapted to receive the biological fluid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 including an electrically nonconductive support material, the electrodes and electrically nonconductive support material defining a membrane contact surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 wherein the membrane is stretched over the electrode-membrane interface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 including a gasket about the well cooperating with the body portion and cover to seal the well from ambient air.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 16 wherein the electrodes are carried by a post mounted on the upper portion of the case and extending upwardly of the base surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 23 wherein the body portion includes a collar which extends about the post, the membrane being attached to the collar.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 23 wherein the post includes an electrically nonconductive support material to retain the electrodes in a fixed position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
190 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a case defining a cavity; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the case; (c) means for supporting the electrodes; (d) electronic circuit means carried in the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (e) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means; (f) a body portion defining an opening being removably mounted on the case; (g) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion and being operably associated with the electrodes; means for maintaining the membrane in association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface including an osmotic agent that does not permeate the membrane whereby the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact during use to provide an electrode assembly, the membrane and the opening together defining a well; and (h) a cover movably mounted on one of the case and body portion, the cover having a first position which permits access to the well and a second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
190 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a case defining a cavity; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the case; (c) means for supporting the electrodes; (d) electronic circuit means carried in the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (e) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means; (f) a body portion defining an opening being removably mounted on the case; (g) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion and being operably associated with the electrodes; means for maintaining the membrane in association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface including an osmotic agent that does not permeate the membrane whereby the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact during use to provide an electrode assembly, the membrane and the opening together defining a well; and (h) a cover movably mounted on one of the case and body portion, the cover having a first position which permits access to the well and a second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
40 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 26 wherein the maintaining means is a liquid comprising an osmotic agent capable of applying a pressure of about 30-90 millimeters mercury column height across the membrane under ambient room temperature and pressure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
40 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 26 including a gasket carried by one of the cover and body portion for sealing with the cover and body portion to protect the well when the cover is in its second position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
157 words
A cartridge for use as part of a biological fluid measuring device having a housing carrying electronic circuit means and at least two electrodes, the cartridge comprising: (a) a body portion having a side wall defining an opening; (b) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion across the opening, whereby the sidewall and membrane together define a well, the well including means received above and in contact with the membrane for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrode by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use, the maintaining means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane; (c) means for mounting the body portion on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrode; and (d) a cover movably mounted on the body portion and having a first position which permits access to the well and the second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
157 words
A cartridge for use as part of a biological fluid measuring device having a housing carrying electronic circuit means and at least two electrodes, the cartridge comprising: (a) a body portion having a side wall defining an opening; (b) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion across the opening, whereby the sidewall and membrane together define a well, the well including means received above and in contact with the membrane for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrode by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use, the maintaining means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane; (c) means for mounting the body portion on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrode; and (d) a cover movably mounted on the body portion and having a first position which permits access to the well and the second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cartridge of claim 29 further including a hinge for movably mounting the cover on the body portion.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
The cartridge of claim 29 further including a gasket and cooperating with the cover and body portion to seal the well from the ambient surroundings when the cover is in its second position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
The cartridge of claim 29 wherein the gasket is carried by the body portion and extends about the well, and the cover includes a ring which engages the gasket when the cover is in its second position.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
The cartridge of claim 29 wherein the body portion includes a collar opposite the well with respect to the portion of the membrane which defines the well, the membrane being attached to the collar.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The cartridge of claim 29 wherein the body portion includes at least one wing which engages a slot defined by the housing.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
170 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a working electrode; (b) a counter electrode; (c) a reference electrode; (d) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane maintained in operable association with the working electrode, counter electrode and reference electrode by osmotic pressure means at the membrane-electrode interface, the osmotic pressure means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane; (e) means for supporting the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrodes so that each electrode is in operative contact with the membrane to provide an electrode assembly; (f) processing circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and the counter electrode for analyzing the current at the working electrode and counter electrode when a body fluid is placed on the membrane; (g) calibration circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and counter electrode and the processing circuit means for calibrating the processing circuit means when a reference solution is placed on the membrane; and (h) display means operably associated with the processing circuit means for displaying a result.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
170 words
A biological fluid measuring device comprising: (a) a working electrode; (b) a counter electrode; (c) a reference electrode; (d) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane maintained in operable association with the working electrode, counter electrode and reference electrode by osmotic pressure means at the membrane-electrode interface, the osmotic pressure means including an osmotic agent which does not permeate the membrane; (e) means for supporting the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrodes so that each electrode is in operative contact with the membrane to provide an electrode assembly; (f) processing circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and the counter electrode for analyzing the current at the working electrode and counter electrode when a body fluid is placed on the membrane; (g) calibration circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and counter electrode and the processing circuit means for calibrating the processing circuit means when a reference solution is placed on the membrane; and (h) display means operably associated with the processing circuit means for displaying a result.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 35 wherein the working electrode is anodic and the counter electrode is cathodic.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 35 wherein the counter electrode is anodic and the working electrode is cathodic.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 35 wherein the osmotic pressure means is a liquid capable of applying about 30-90 millimeters mercury column pressure under ambient room temperature and pressure.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
135 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a main housing including electronic circuit means associated with at least two electrodes; (b) a disposable cartridge having a homogeneous, monolithic membrane and being removably mounted on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes, the cartridge including means for protecting the membrane when not in use and means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes at the electrode-membrane interface by osmotic pressure during storage and use; and (c) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
135 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a main housing including electronic circuit means associated with at least two electrodes; (b) a disposable cartridge having a homogeneous, monolithic membrane and being removably mounted on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes, the cartridge including means for protecting the membrane when not in use and means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes at the electrode-membrane interface by osmotic pressure during storage and use; and (c) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
36 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 wherein the maintaining means is a liquid that applies an osmotic pressure across the membrane of about 30-90 millimeters mercury column height under ambient room temperature and pressure.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 wherein the maintaining means includes an osmotic agent comprising a water-soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight between about 800 and about 20,000.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 wherein the cartridge includes a body portion retaining the membrane and the protection means includes a cover movably mounted on the body portion.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 42 wherein the cartridge includes a hinge for mounting the cover on the body portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 42 wherein the body portion and membrane define a well having sides and a bottom with the bottom being defined at least in part by the membrane.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 44 wherein the well has a volume of less than about 0.2 cubic centimeters and is adapted to accept a sample as small as about 5 microliters.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 wherein the protection means seals the membrane from ambient air.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 46 wherein the protection means includes a flexible gasket.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 further including retaining means for releasably retaining the cartridge on the housing.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 48 wherein the retaining means includes a detente on the cartridge that is received in a recess defined by the housing.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 wherein the housing defines a base surface with the electrode projecting upwardly of the base surface.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 50 wherein the membrane is stretched over the electrode-membrane interface.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
29 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 39 further including display means carried by the main housing and operably associated with the electronic circuit means for displaying a result.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
233 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a case having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining a cavity, the upper portion also defining a recessed cell having a base surface; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the upper portion of the case and extending upwardly from the base surface; (c) electronic circuit means carried by the case within the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (d) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means for displaying a result; (e) a disposable cartridge having a body portion defining a receiving surface, the cartridge also including a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the receiving surface, means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use and a cover movably mounted on the body portion, the body portion being removably mounted in the recessed cell of the upper portion of the case with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes; and (f) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
233 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a case having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining a cavity, the upper portion also defining a recessed cell having a base surface; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the upper portion of the case and extending upwardly from the base surface; (c) electronic circuit means carried by the case within the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (d) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means for displaying a result; (e) a disposable cartridge having a body portion defining a receiving surface, the cartridge also including a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the receiving surface, means for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use and a cover movably mounted on the body portion, the body portion being removably mounted in the recessed cell of the upper portion of the case with the membrane operably associated with the electrodes; and (f) means for supporting the electrodes so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the maintaining means and the membrane are in operative contact to provide an electrode assembly wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 53 wherein the cartridge includes a hinge which movably mounts the cover on the body portion.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 53 wherein the body portion and membrane define a well that is adapted to receive the biological fluid.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
26 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 53 including an electrically nonconductive support material, the electrodes and electrically nonconductive support material defining a membrane contact surface.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
17 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 53 wherein the membrane is stretched over the electrode-membrane interface.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
28 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 53 including a gasket about the well cooperating with the body portion and cover to seal the well from ambient air.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 53 wherein the electrodes are carried by a post mounted on the upper portion of the case and extending upwardly of the base surface.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
27 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 59 wherein the body portion includes a collar which extends about the post, the membrane being attached to the collar.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 59 wherein the post includes an electrically nonconductive support material to retain the electrodes in a fixed position.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
208 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a case defining a cavity; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the case; (c) means for supporting the electrodes; (d) electronic circuit means carried in the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (e) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means; (f) a body portion defining an opening being removably mounted on the case; (g) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion and being operably associated with the electrodes; means for maintaining the membrane in association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the pressure means and the membrane are in operative contact during use to provide an electrode assembly, the membrane and the opening together defining a well; and (h) a cover movably mounted on one of the case and body portion, the cover having a first position which permits access to the well and a second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
208 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a case defining a cavity; (b) at least two electrodes mounted on the case; (c) means for supporting the electrodes; (d) electronic circuit means carried in the cavity and operably associated with the electrodes for processing a signal from the electrodes; (e) display means carried by the case and operably associated with the electronic circuit means; (f) a body portion defining an opening being removably mounted on the case; (g) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion and being operably associated with the electrodes; means for maintaining the membrane in association with the electrodes by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface so that the supporting means, the electrodes, the pressure means and the membrane are in operative contact during use to provide an electrode assembly, the membrane and the opening together defining a well; and (h) a cover movably mounted on one of the case and body portion, the cover having a first position which permits access to the well and a second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
40 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 62 including a gasket carried by one of the cover and body portion for sealing with the cover and body portion to protect the well when the cover is in its second position.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
171 words
A cartridge for use as part of a device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid having a housing carrying electronic circuit means and at least two electrodes, the cartridge comprising: (a) a body portion having a side wall defining an opening; (b) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion across the opening, whereby the sidewall and membrane together define a well, the well including means received above and in contact with the membrane for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrode by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use; (c) means for mounting the body portion on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrode; and (d) a cover movably mounted on the body portion and having a first position which permits access to the well and the second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
171 words
A cartridge for use as part of a device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid having a housing carrying electronic circuit means and at least two electrodes, the cartridge comprising: (a) a body portion having a side wall defining an opening; (b) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane mounted on the body portion across the opening, whereby the sidewall and membrane together define a well, the well including means received above and in contact with the membrane for maintaining the membrane in operative association with the electrode by osmotic pressure at the electrode-membrane interface during storage and use; (c) means for mounting the body portion on the housing with the membrane operably associated with the electrode; and (d) a cover movably mounted on the body portion and having a first position which permits access to the well and the second position which protects the well from the ambient surroundings wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cartridge of claim 64 further including a hinge for movably mounting the cover on the body portion.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
The cartridge of claim 64 further including a gasket and cooperating with the cover and body portion to seal the well from the ambient surroundings when the cover is in its second position.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
37 words
The cartridge of claim 64 wherein the gasket is carried by the body portion and extends about the well, and the cover includes a ring which engages the gasket when the cover is in its second position.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
34 words
The cartridge of claim 64 wherein the body portion includes a collar opposite the well with respect to the portion of the membrane which defines the well, the membrane being attached to the collar.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
The cartridge of claim 64 wherein the body portion includes at least one wing which engages a slot defined by the housing.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
183 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a working electrode; (b) a counter electrode; (c) a reference electrode; (d) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane maintained in operable association with the working electrode, counter electrode and reference electrode by osmotic pressure means at the membrane-electrode interface; (e) means for supporting the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrodes so that each electrode is in operative contact with the membrane to provide an electrode assembly; (f) processing circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and the counter electrode for analyzing the current at the working electrode and counter electrode when a body fluid is placed on the membrane; (g) calibration circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and counter electrode and the processing circuit means for calibrating the processing circuit means when a reference solution is placed on the membrane; and (h) display means operably associated with the processing circuit means for displaying a result wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
183 words
A device for determining the amount of a substance in a biological fluid comprising: (a) a working electrode; (b) a counter electrode; (c) a reference electrode; (d) a homogeneous, monolithic membrane maintained in operable association with the working electrode, counter electrode and reference electrode by osmotic pressure means at the membrane-electrode interface; (e) means for supporting the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reference electrodes so that each electrode is in operative contact with the membrane to provide an electrode assembly; (f) processing circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and the counter electrode for analyzing the current at the working electrode and counter electrode when a body fluid is placed on the membrane; (g) calibration circuit means operably associated with the working electrode and counter electrode and the processing circuit means for calibrating the processing circuit means when a reference solution is placed on the membrane; and (h) display means operably associated with the processing circuit means for displaying a result wherein the amount of substance in the biological fluid can be determined without dilution or pretreatment of the fluid.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
20 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 70 wherein the working electrode is anodic and the counter electrode is cathodic.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The biological fluid measuring device of claim 70 wherein the counter electrode is anodic and the working electrode is cathodic.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-18 | 1994-08-20 | 1995-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-18 | 1998-08-20 | 1999-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-18 | 2002-08-20 | 2003-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |