Integrated transmitter unit and sensor introducer mechanism and methods of use

Abstract

Method and apparatus for providing an integrated transmitter unit and sensor insertion mechanism is provided.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method of using an assembly comprising a sensor, a sensor casing, a sensor introducer mechanism, and a base unit, the method comprising:
 positioning the base unit over a skin surface of a user, wherein at least a portion of the sensor and the sensor casing are at an angle relative to the base unit;   activating an insertion trigger mechanism of the sensor introducer mechanism to displace the at least a portion of the sensor and the sensor introducer mechanism beneath the skin surface and in contact with a bodily fluid of the user;   causing, with a spring-biased mechanism, the sensor introducer mechanism to retract from beneath the skin surface; and   causing the sensor casing to rotate from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the sensor casing is at the angle relative to the base unit, and wherein in the second position, the sensor casing is locked against the base unit.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein, in the first position, the angle relative to the base unit is less than 90 degrees. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein causing the sensor casing to rotate from the first position to the second position includes causing the sensor casing to pivot about a sensor insertion point of the base unit. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the sensor casing comprises a compressible seal configured to prevent moisture, particulate, or other foreign materials from compromising the integrity of a plurality of electrical contacts or a sensor signal. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising causing the introducer to disengage from the sensor casing after the introducer is retracted from beneath the skin surface. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein at least a portion of the sensor and the introducer are disposed in the sensor casing before the insertion trigger mechanism is activated. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the sensor casing includes one or more inner channels configured to guide movement of the introducer and the sensor through the sensor casing. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein a tip portion of the introducer is aligned with the sensor insertion point prior to activating the insertion trigger mechanism of the sensor introducer assembly. 
     
     
         37 . An assembly comprising:
 a sensor;   a sensor introducer mechanism;   a sensor casing configured to rotate from a first position to a second position;   a base unit;   an insertion trigger mechanism configured to displace at least a portion of the sensor and the sensor introducer mechanism beneath a skin surface and in contact with a bodily fluid of a user; and   a spring-biased mechanism configured to retract the sensor introducer mechanism from beneath the skin surface,   wherein the base unit is configured to be positioned over the skin surface of the user, wherein at least a portion of the sensor and the sensor casing are at an angle relative to the base unit, wherein in the first position, the sensor casing is at the angle relative to the base unit, and wherein in the second position, the sensor casing is locked against the base unit.   
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein, in the first position, the angle relative to the base is less than 90 degrees. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the sensor casing is further configured to pivot about a sensor insertion point of the base unit as the sensor casing rotates from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the sensor casing comprises a compressible seal configured to prevent moisture, particulate, or other foreign materials from compromising the integrity of a plurality of electrical contacts or a sensor signal. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the introducer is configured to disengage from the sensor casing after the introducer is retracted from beneath the skin surface. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein at least a portion of the sensor and the introducer are disposed in the sensor casing. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the sensor casing includes one or more inner channels configured to guide movement of the introducer and the sensor through the sensor casing. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 39 , wherein a tip portion of the introducer is aligned with the sensor insertion point prior to being displaced beneath the skin surface.