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US6983177B2
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Layered spectroscopic sample element with microporous membrane
Assignee: Hercules Capital Inc
•
Filing: 2003-01-06
•
Granted: 2006-01-03
•
Expires: 2023-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A spectroscopic sample holder comprises a microporous sheet. The microporous sheet has a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one side surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces. The side surface forms an exposed transit opening configured to contact a material sample and distribute the contacted material sample into the microporous sheet. The spectroscopic sample holder further comprises a first planar support member positioned on, and substantially parallel to, the top surface of the microporous sheet. The spectroscopic sample holder further comprises a second planar support member positioned on the bottom surface of the microporous sheet, and oriented substantially parallel to the first planar support member.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Rule
- 👤 James R. Braig
- 👤 Philip C. Hartstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:20
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/50; B01L3/502; B01L3/5023; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/145; A61B5/14532; A61B5/14546; A61B5/1455; A61B5/1491; B01L3/508; G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/01; G01N21/03; G01N21/84; G01N21/8483; B01L2200/00; B01L2200/02; B01L2200/026; B01L2200/027; B01L2300/00; B01L2300/06; B01L2300/0627; B01L2300/0654; B01L2300/069; B01L2300/08; B01L2300/0809; B01L2300/0825; B01L2300/0887; B01L2400/00; B01L2400/04; B01L2400/0403; B01L2400/0406; B01L3/5027; G01N2021/0346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 121
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A spectroscopic sample holder comprising: a microporous sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one side surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces, the side surface forming an exposed transit opening configured to contact a material sample and distribute the contacted material sample into the microporous sheet, a first planar support member positioned on, and substantially parallel to, the top surface of the microporous sheet; a skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed transit opening; and a second planar support member positioned on the bottom surface of the microporous sheet, and oriented substantially parallel to the first planar support member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A spectroscopic sample holder comprising: a microporous sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one side surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces, the side surface forming an exposed transit opening configured to contact a material sample and distribute the contacted material sample into the microporous sheet, a first planar support member positioned on, and substantially parallel to, the top surface of the microporous sheet; a skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed transit opening; and a second planar support member positioned on the bottom surface of the microporous sheet, and oriented substantially parallel to the first planar support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the exposed transit opening comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the planar support members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , further comprising a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 6 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second planar support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 8 , wherein the first and second planar support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed transit opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic sample holder has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic sample holder has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic sample holder has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 19 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume of between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume of between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the exposed transit opening has a structured surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 32
Independent Claim
60 words
An apparatus comprising: a microporous sheet positioned between first and second support members, wherein at least a portion of the microporous sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute a material sample into the microporous sheet; and a skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed transit opening.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
60 words
An apparatus comprising: a microporous sheet positioned between first and second support members, wherein at least a portion of the microporous sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute a material sample into the microporous sheet; and a skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed transit opening.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the exposed transit opening comprises art entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the support members.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , further comprising a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 38 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed transit opening.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the exposed transit opening has a structured surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the apparatus has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the apparatus has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the apparatus has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 50 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 63
Independent Claim
113 words
A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the material sample in the microporous sheet; piercing a patient's skin with a skin-piercing structure, the skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed portion of the microporous sheet; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
113 words
A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the material sample in the microporous sheet; piercing a patient's skin with a skin-piercing structure, the skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed portion of the microporous sheet; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the material sample is allowed to dry before electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the microporous sheet.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 61 , further comprising determining the baseline transmittance of the microporous sheet before contacting the material sample to the microporous sheet.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the material sample is a solvent soluble material, and further comprising dissolving the sample in solvent before contacting the material sample to the microporous sheet.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the support members.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 69 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 71 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 61 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed portion of the microporous sheet.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet has a structured surface.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 83 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 61 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
194 words
An analyte detection system for determining the concentration of analyte in a biological fluid sample drawn from a patient, the system comprising: a near patient optical detection system comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; and a detector positioned in an optical path of the radiation; a sample element configured for removable engagement with the optical detection system, the sample element comprising: a sample cell configured to hold the biological fluid sample, the sample cell being located in the optical path upon engagement of the sample cell with the optical detection system, the sample cell being defined by at least one window which is highly transmissive of infrared radiation; and a sample supply passage extending from and in fluid communication with the sample cell and including a pierceable portion; and a sample extractor comprising a skin piercing member, the skin piercing member configured to create a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the pierceable portion of the sample supply passage of the sample element; wherein the detection system performs optical analysis on the material sample to assess the concentration of at least one constituent of the material sample.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
194 words
An analyte detection system for determining the concentration of analyte in a biological fluid sample drawn from a patient, the system comprising: a near patient optical detection system comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; and a detector positioned in an optical path of the radiation; a sample element configured for removable engagement with the optical detection system, the sample element comprising: a sample cell configured to hold the biological fluid sample, the sample cell being located in the optical path upon engagement of the sample cell with the optical detection system, the sample cell being defined by at least one window which is highly transmissive of infrared radiation; and a sample supply passage extending from and in fluid communication with the sample cell and including a pierceable portion; and a sample extractor comprising a skin piercing member, the skin piercing member configured to create a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the pierceable portion of the sample supply passage of the sample element; wherein the detection system performs optical analysis on the material sample to assess the concentration of at least one constituent of the material sample.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 94 , further comprising a filter positioned in the sample supply passage, the filter configured to filter the material sample passing therethrough.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 94 , further comprising a microporous sheet situated in the optical path of the radiation, wherein the microporous sheet is positioned within the sample cell.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 96 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
117 words
A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in the microporous sheet to a detector; piercing a patient's skin with a skin-piercing structure, the skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed portion of the microporous sheet; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
117 words
A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in the microporous sheet to a detector; piercing a patient's skin with a skin-piercing structure, the skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed portion of the microporous sheet; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 98 , further comprising determining the baseline transmittance of the microporous sheet before contacting the material sample to the microporous sheet.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the material sample is a biological fluid.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 104 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet has a structured surface.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
158 words
An analyte detection system for determining the concentration of analyte in a biological fluid sample drawn from a patient, the system comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; a detector positioned to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source; a sample element configured to hold the biological fluid sample in a sample cell that is defined by a window, wherein the window is highly transmissive of infrared radiation, and a microporous sheet positioned in the sample cell wherein at least a portion of the sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute the biological fluid sample; a sample supply passage extending from a skin-piercing structure to the exposed transit opening; and a filter positioned in the sample supply passage to filter the biological sample; wherein the detection system performs optical analysis on the biological sample to assess the concentration of at least one constituent of the biological sample.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
158 words
An analyte detection system for determining the concentration of analyte in a biological fluid sample drawn from a patient, the system comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; a detector positioned to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source; a sample element configured to hold the biological fluid sample in a sample cell that is defined by a window, wherein the window is highly transmissive of infrared radiation, and a microporous sheet positioned in the sample cell wherein at least a portion of the sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute the biological fluid sample; a sample supply passage extending from a skin-piercing structure to the exposed transit opening; and a filter positioned in the sample supply passage to filter the biological sample; wherein the detection system performs optical analysis on the biological sample to assess the concentration of at least one constituent of the biological sample.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 108 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 108 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume of greater than about 20%.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 108 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 108 , wherein the sample element is configured to be removably positioned within an optical path extending from the source to the detector.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 108 , wherein the sample cell is reagentless.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 108 , wherein the skin-piercing structure forms a part of the sample element.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 108 , further comprising an optical filtering system that allows at least one wavelength between about 3.5 μm and about 14 μm to pass through the sample cell.
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Cited
US6562014B2
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-01-02 | 2009-07-04 | 2010-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-01-02 | 2013-07-04 | 2014-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-01-02 | 2017-07-04 | 2018-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |