Patent ID: 9295786
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: A61B,A61M

Claim Text:
1. An introducer configured to insert a sensor into a patient, the introducer comprising: a housing detachably connectable to a sensor hub containing a sensor, wherein the sensor hub contains the sensor prior to connection to the housing, the housing having a top side and a base and including a needle cover, wherein the needle cover is an internal compartment of the housing; a needle that is moveable with respect to the needle cover and is extendable out of, and retractable into, the housing; a needle holder connected to the needle and contained within the housing, wherein the needle holder has a top portion having an upper surface and an undersurface; and a spring having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the undersurface of the needle holder's top portion rests on the spring's top end at all times, and wherein the spring's bottom end rests on the housing's base at all times, wherein the introducer is configured such that, when the housing is connected to the sensor hub, the needle holder is in a needle extended position and the needle extends out of the housing to insert the sensor into the patient, and disconnection of the housing from the sensor hub causes the needle holder to move in the housing to a needle covered position such that the needle is covered by the needle cover inside the housing and the sensor remains inserted in the patient; wherein said needle holder and spring are configured such that, when the housing is connected to the sensor hub, said spring is in a compressed position, and such that disconnection of the housing from the sensor hub causes said spring to expand, thereby moving the needle holder towards the needle covered position and retracting the needle into the housing to be covered by said needle cover; wherein the housing includes a mating component to mate with the sensor hub and hold said spring in a compressed position when the housing is connected to the sensor hub; wherein the mating component includes a lock that locks the needle holder into the needle extended position when the housing is connected to the sensor hub; and wherein said upper surface of the needle holder's top portion abuts said top side of the housing when the needle holder is in the needle covered position.