Patent ID: 6146510
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A sensor cartridge for a fluid analyte analyzer, includinga. a sensor assembly, including:i. an electrically insulating substrate on which said sensor assembly is formed, the substrate having a planar surface defining a first side;ii. a plurality of sensors having a diameter between about 0.046 to about 0.078 inch deposited on said planar surface of said first side of the substrate;iii. a plurality of electrical conductors deposited on a second side of the substrate;iv. a plurality of subminiature thru-holes having a diameter in the range of about 0.002 to 0.006 inch filled with electrically conductive material, each thru-hole disposed directly under a corresponding one of the sensors for coupling one of the sensors with one of the electrical conductors;v. an electrical connector disposed on the second side of the substrate, the connector having a plurality of electrical contacts, at least some of the electrical contacts corresponding one to one with an associated one of the electrical conductors and at least some of the electrical contacts beingcoupled to the associated one of the electrical conductors; andb. an encasement into which the sensor assembly is placed for directing the flow of the analyte over the sensors, and preventing contact of the analyte with the second side of the substrate, including:i. an inlet for allowing the fluid analyte to enter the encasement;ii. an outlet for allowing the fluid analyte to exit the encasement;iii. a flow channel between the inlet and the outlet for allowing the fluid analyte to pass through the housing and over each of the sensors; andiv. an opening at one side for exposing the electrical connector.