The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 2001
Filed:
Feb. 17, 1998
John W. Stoughton, Indianapolis, IN (US);
UMM Electronics, Inc., Indianapolis, IN (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting proper strip insertion into an optical reflectance meter. An electrical or electromagnetic device within the optical reflectance meter launches a signal when a test strip is inserted therein. The test strip which is designed for use in such a meter contains a material which enhances the coupling of the signal to a receiver within the meter. The meter then receives the signal and will not produce reading until a signal of a proper level is received. Use of the meter and special test strip of the present invention comprises a more cost effective system for detection of proper test strip insertion which is not dependent upon clean optics as in prior art devices. The present invention therefore ensures reliable protection of strip insertion with the ability to distinguish not only whether the test strip has been inserted incorrectly by the user, but also whether the test strip was designed for use with the meter into which it has been inserted.