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  Fluid handling methodsUSPTO Application #: 20060000710Title: Fluid handling methods Abstract: Devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid are provided. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods. (end of abstract) Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP - East Palo Alto, CA, US Inventors: Klaus Peter Weidenhaupt, James Moffat, Sebastian Bohm USPTO Applicaton #: 20060000710 - Class: 204403010 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Chemistry: Electrical And Wave Energy, Apparatus, Electrolytic, Analysis And Testing, Biological Material (e.g., Microbe, Enzyme, Antigen, Etc.) Analyzed, Tested, Or Included In Apparatus The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060000710. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] A variety of medical diagnostic procedures involve tests on biological fluids, such as blood, urine, or saliva, and are based on a change in a physical characteristic of such a fluid or an element of the fluid, such as interstitial fluid, blood, etc. [0002] A variety of devices have been developed for performing tests on fluids. In many such devices, fluid is introduced into the device at one location but analyzed at another. In such devices, movement of the introduced fluid from the introduction location to the measurement location is necessary. As such, these devices require a reliable way in which to move fluid from an introduction site to a measurement site easily and without adversely affecting the fluid. [0003] A variety of different design configurations have been developed to provide for this fluid movement. One type of device relies on capillary action to move fluid through the device, where the fluid paths through the device are dimensioned to provide for this capillary action. Other designs include those intended for use with gravity, those intended for use with injection of the sample under pressure, and the like. However, moving fluid using these types of device may not be completely reliable. For example, gravity may not provide enough force to efficiently move a fluid in a flow path or flow may not be controllable. [0004] As the interest in devices for testing an analyte continues, a need for devices that are capable of reliably moving fluid between different areas of the device remains. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] Fluid handling devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid are provided. Embodiments of the subject fluid handling devices include a skin piercing element, at least one analyte sensing chamber and a pumping chamber having a deflectable membrane, wherein the pumping chamber is capable of transporting fluid from the skin piercing element to a sensing chamber upon deflection of the deflectable membrane. Also provided are novel kits that include the subject devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid handling device and a housing in the form of a local controller module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0007] FIG. 2 illustrates the fluid handling device and local controller module of FIG. 1 from another perspective. [0008] FIG. 3 illustrates the fluid handling device and local controller module of FIG. 1 retained in a fixed position on an arm of a user. Also shown is an exemplary embodiment of a remote controller module according to the present invention. [0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the fluid handling device of FIG. 1. [0010] FIG. 5 is perspective, partially assembled view of the fluid handling device of FIG. 1. [0011] FIG. 6 is another perspective, partially assembled view of the fluid handling device of FIG. 1. [0012] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the fluid handling device of FIG. 1 taken along the section line 7-7 of FIG. 5. [0013] FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the subject invention. [0014] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0015] Fluid handling devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid are provided. Embodiments of the subject fluid handling devices include a skin piercing element, at least one analyte sensing chamber and a pumping chamber having a deflectable membrane, wherein the pumping chamber is capable of transporting fluid from the skin piercing element to a sensing chamber upon deflection of the deflectable membrane. Also provided are novel kits that include the subject devices. [0016] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. [0017] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. [0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. [0019] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0020] When two or more items (for example, elements or processes) are referenced by an alternative "or", this indicates that either could be present separately or any combination of them could be present together except where the presence of one necessarily excludes the other or others. Continue reading... Full patent description for Fluid handling methods Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fluid handling methods patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Fluid handling methods or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Noble metal contacts for plating applications Next Patent Application: Methods for modulation of flow in a flow pathway Industry Class: Chemistry: electrical and wave energy ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fluid handling methods patent info. 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