Analyte sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . An applicator system configured to insert a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host, the applicator system comprising:
 a housing configured for placement against a skin of the host;   a sensor configured for transcutaneous placement through the skin of a host; and   an applicator comprising an applicator component, a needle, a trigger, and a spring, wherein the applicator is configured to insert the needle and the sensor into the host, wherein the applicator component is configured to rotate with a continuous torque to insert the sensor into the host, wherein the sensor is inserted automatically into the host to a predetermined depth responsive to actuation of the trigger.   
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35 , further comprising sensor electronics configured to be releasably electrically connected to the sensor. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 36 , further comprising a sealing member configured to seal the electrical connection of the sensor with the sensor electronics from external moisture when the sensor electronics are releasably electrically connected to the sensor. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the applicator is releasably connected to the housing. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein the releasable connection is automatic. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the housing comprises a body and an adhesive configured for adhering the body to the skin of the host. 
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 40 , further comprising a vent hole located between the body and the adhesive. 
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 40 , wherein the body is flexible. 
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the sensor comprises a wire. 
     
     
         44 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the sensor comprises a planar substrate. 
     
     
         45 . An applicator system configured to insert a transcutaneous analyte sensor into a host, the applicator system comprising:
 a housing configured for placement against a skin of the host;   a sensor configured for transcutaneous placement through the skin of the host; and   an applicator comprising applicator components, a spring loaded mechanism including a trigger, and a needle configured for inserting the sensor through the housing and into the skin of the host, wherein the applicator components rotatingly engage one another with a continuous torque to automatically, in response to the trigger being actuated, insert the needle and the sensor into the host.   
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45 , further comprising sensor electronics configured to be releasably electrically connected to the sensor. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 46 , further comprising a sealing member configured to seal the electrical connection of the sensor with the sensor electronics from external moisture when the sensor electronics are releasably electrically connected to the sensor. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the housing comprises a body and an adhesive configured for adhering the body to the skin of the host. 
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 48 , further comprising a vent hole located between the body and the adhesive. 
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the body is flexible. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the sensor comprises a wire. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the sensor comprises a planar substrate.