Abstract:
A sensor insertion assembly comprising a sensor cartridge having an insertion needle and a sensor within a sterile capsule. The sensor insertion assembly further comprises an inserter comprising a chamber for receiving the sensor cartridge, wherein the inserter further comprises an insertion mechanism operable for actuating the insertion needle for inserting the sensor into a subject. The sensor cartridge is removable from the chamber. The sensor cartridge is operable for shielding the insertion needle upon removal of the sensor cartridge from the chamber.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of PCT/EP2013/060367, filed May 21, 2013, which claims priority to EP 12170223.7, filed May 31, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention relates to sensors for in vivo monitoring of an analyte, in particular to devices for inserting a sensor into a subject. 
         [0003]    For the proper management of chronic health conditions it may be crucial for a subject to periodically monitor one or more analyte levels in his or her blood stream. In the case of diabetes the subject routinely monitors the glucose levels to avoid hypoglycemic episodes and hyperglycemic episodes. For other situations where health monitoring is important, other analytes, such as lactate or oxygen, may be measured. 
         [0004]    A typical means of performing such monitoring is the repeated drawing of blood by the subject to provide a sample for analysis by a monitoring system. This provides a cost effective way monitoring chronic diseases such as diabetes, but it may be inconvenient and only provides data on the analyte concentration at the time intervals when the test was performed. 
         [0005]    Systems have also been developed which allow a sensor to be implanted into a subject to monitor the analyte concentration directly within the bloodstream or within the interstitial fluids. For instance, an electrochemical sensor may be inserted into a subcutaneous region of the subject where the analyte concentration is continuously monitored and/or logged. 
         [0006]    For instance, United States patent application US 2008/0242962 A1 discloses a monitoring system for monitoring analyte concentration, such as glucose, with an implantable sensor. 
         [0007]    A disadvantage of current systems for inserting subcutaneous sensor systems is that the they may require that an inserter is used each time a sensor is inserted into a subject. This may require the disposal of the inserter. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    This disclosure teaches a sensor insertion assembly, a sensor cartridge, and an inserter. In one aspect, a sensor insertion assembly is disclosed comprising a sensor cartridge comprising an insertion needle and a sensor within a sterile capsule. The insertion needle may be a hollow needle with a cross-section that has been removed. For example, the needle may have a cross-section that resembles the letter “c.” This enables the insertion needle to insert the sensor and then remove the needle while leaving the sensor within a subject. The sterile capsule keeps the insertion needle and the sensor sterile in order to prevent an infection in a subject. The sensor insertion assembly further comprises an inserter comprising a chamber for receiving the sensor cartridge. 
         [0009]    The inserter further comprises an insertion mechanism, or actuator, operable for actuating the insertion needle for inserting the sensor into a subject. The sensor cartridge is removable from the chamber. The sensor cartridge is operable for shielding the insertion needle upon removal of the sensor cartridge from the chamber. This embodiment may have several advantages. Being able to insert a sensor cartridge into the inserter and remove it after use may be advantageous because the inserter may be reused. This reduces waste produced by the use of the inserter and may also reduce the costs. The use of a sensor cartridge may be advantageous because the insertion needle is protected after use. This may eliminate the need for a patient, particularly a home patient, to have his or her own sharps container. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the insertion mechanism is operable for removing at least a portion of the insertion needle from the sterile capsule a predetermined time before inserting the sensor into the subject. The embodiment may be beneficial because the insertion needle is kept sterile for as long as possible before insertion into the subject. From the point of view of a subject or operator of the sensor insertion assembly the removal of the insertion needle from the sterile capsule and inserting the sensor into the subject occur simultaneously. The subject or operator performs one action and the insertion needle at least partially leaves the sterile capsule and then the insertion needle inserts the sensor into the subject. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the sensor insertion assembly further comprises a failsafe mechanism which is operable for permitting the actuation of the insertion needle only once. This may be advantageous because it prevents the same insertion needle from being used twice. This reduces the chance of injury due to the insertion needle and may also reduce the chance of spreading infection when a needle is used by more than one subject. In one embodiment, the sensor insertion assembly may be operable for resetting the fail safe mechanism when the sensor cartridge is inserted into the chamber. This may be advantageous because the fail safe ensures that the needle is used only once and when the sensor cartridge is inserted into the chamber ensures that the fail safe mechanism is in the proper state. Alternatively, the sensor assembly may be operable for resetting the fail safe mechanism when a sensor cartridge is removed from the chamber. This embodiment may have the advantage that the sensor insertion assembly does not need to be reset when a new cartridge is inserted into the chamber. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the fail safe is incorporated into the sensor cartridge. In embodiments where there are multiple sensor cartridges, the fail safe may be incorporated into each of the multiple sensor cartridges. This embodiment may be beneficial because it prevents a particular sensor cartridge from being used more than once. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the sensor insertion assembly comprises a magazine comprising multiple sensor cartridges. The inserter is operable for reloading a second sensor cartridge into the chamber from the magazine after actuation of the insertion mechanism. This embodiment may be advantageous because it may simplify the use of the sensor insertion assembly. For instance a healthcare provider could provide a patient with a sensor insertion assembly that has been loaded with a cartridge. When the subject visits the doctor&#39;s office or is visited by a nurse at home the healthcare provider could change the magazine for the patient. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the magazine is a linear magazine. For instance the linear magazine could contain multiple sensor cartridges aligned in a linear fashion. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the magazine is a cylindrical magazine. In this embodiment the magazines may be arranged in a cylindrical fashion. The sensor insertion assembly could therefore have a revolver-like arrangement for loading and unloading the sensor cartridges. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the magazine is operable for shielding of the insertion needle after actuation of the insertion mechanism. For instance after use the sensor cartridge and the needle could be withdrawn back into a cell or container within the insertion mechanism. This embodiment may be advantageous because it protects the needle and may eliminate the need for a separate or individual sharps container when the magazine is disposed of. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the sterile capsule is a hollow cavity. The insertion mechanism comprises a piston. The insertion mechanism is operable for pushing the piston into the hollow cavity for inserting the insertion needle into the subject. The insertion mechanism is further operable for retracting the insertion needle back into the hollow cavity after insertion of the sensor into the subject using the piston. This embodiment may be advantageous because the hollow cavity performs multiple functions. First it provides the sterile capsule to keep the insertion needle and sensor sterile and then later it also serves as a means of protecting the needle after use. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the sterile capsule comprises a seal for sealing the sterile capsule. The use of a seal is advantageous because it keeps the contents of the sterile capsule from becoming contaminated. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, the seal is a septum. The insertion mechanism is operable for pushing the insertion needle through the septum. The septum is operable for attaching to a sensor mounting unit with an adhesive for attaching to the outer surface of the subject. The sensor mounting unit is able to be attached to the subject using the adhesive. For instance the adhesive may be a surface that holds the mounting unit onto the subject. In this embodiment the insertion needle is pressed through the septum and the mechanism also pushes the septum such that it attaches or sticks to the sensor mounting unit. After insertion the septum is operable for remaining fixed to the mounting unit and the insertion needle is withdrawn. The insertion needle is withdrawn back into the hollow cavity and is therefore protected. In some examples the sensor mounting unit may be a component of the sensor insertion assembly. In other examples the sensor mounting unit may be a separate component that is first attached to the subject using the adhesive and then the sensor insertion assembly inserts the sensor into the subject and the attaches the septum to the sensor mounting unit. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the seal is a pre-stressed foil. The insertion mechanism is operable for pushing the insertion needle through the pre-stressed foil. The pre-stressed foil is operable for opening the sterile capsule when pierced by the insertion needle. When the needle pierces the pre-stressed foil the stresses within the pre-stressed foil cause the pre-stressed foil to open automatically. Essentially the needle weakens the pre-stressed foil and the forces already present in the pre-stressed foil cause it to open. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the insertion mechanism is operable for actuating a cable when actuating the insertion needle. The cable is operable for removing the seal when actuated. This may be implemented in a variety of ways. For instance if the sterile capsule is a hollow cavity and the insertion mechanism is used when the piston is actuated it may also pull on a cable which is used to remove the seal. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, the sterile capsule contains a coil. The coil is operable for cutting open the seal when the insertion needle is actuated. For instance in the use of a hollow cavity there may be a cylindrical coil or spring within the cavity. A knife-edge or sharp cutting edge may be at the end of the spring in contact with the seal. As a piston is actuated the coil spins and cuts open the seal. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the chamber comprises a chamber knife-edge mount for receiving the sterile capsule. The chamber knife-edge mount as used herein is a knife-edge mounting or mount located in the chamber. The knife-edge mount is operable for opening the seal when the insertion mechanism is actuated. For instance the actuation of the insertion mechanism could cause the sterile capsule to be pressed against the knife-edge in such a way that the seal opens. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the sterile capsule is in a fixed position and the knife-edge mount is moved during the actuation of the insertion mechanism such that the seal is opened. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, one of the sterile capsule and the inserter comprises a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is operable for being put under stress when the sterile capsule is inserted into the chamber. The spring mechanism is operable for opening the seal when the insertion mechanism is actuated. This embodiment may be beneficial because the work necessary for opening the seal is stored in the spring mechanism. This reduces the amount of force necessary to actuate the insertion mechanism. This may make it easier or more pleasant for a subject to use the sensor insertion assembly for inserting the sensor. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the insertion mechanism is operable for removing the seal automatically during actuation of the insertion needle. This embodiment may be advantageous because the operator of the insertion assembly does not need to worry about removing the seal. Depending upon the features of the insertion mechanism, the opening of the sterile capsule and/or the insertion of the insertion needle and/or the retraction of the insertion needle and/or the mounting of the sensor or a portion of the sensor onto a mounting base may be performed automatically by the insertion mechanism. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the sensor cartridge further comprises a sensor connector connected to the sensor. The insertion mechanism is operable for mounting the sensor connector into a sensor mounting unit upon actuation of the insertion needle. 
         [0028]    In some examples, the sensor mounting unit may be a component of the sensor insertion assembly. The sensor cartridge may comprise the sensor mounting unit. 
         [0029]    In other examples, the sensor mounting unit may be a separate component that is first operable to be attached to the subject using the adhesive and then the sensor insertion assembly is operable to insert the sensor into the subject and attach the sensor connector to the sensor mounting unit. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the sensor mounting unit comprises a knife edge mount for receiving the sterile capsule. The knife edge mount is operable for opening the seal. The insertion mechanism may press the seal against the knife edge mount when the insertion mechanism is actuated and open the seal. Alternatively, a user may press the sterile capsule against the knife edge mount during the process of aligning the sensor insertion assembly to the sensor mounting unit. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the sensor connector is not mounted into a sensor mounting unit. The sensor may be left free or hanging. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the sensor connector is inserted automatically into an electronic component instead of into the sensor mounting unit. The electronic component may, for example, be for logging or transmitting sensor data. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, the sensor is an electrochemical sensor. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, the sensor is any one of the following: a glucose sensor, a lactate sensor, and an oxygen sensor. 
         [0035]    In another aspect, this disclosure provides for a sensor cartridge as described in any one of the preceding embodiments. 
         [0036]    In another aspect, this disclosure provides for an inserter as described in any one of the preceding embodiments. 
         [0037]    In another aspect, this disclosure provides for a sensor cartridge comprising an insertion needle and a sensor within a sterile capsule. The sensor cartridge is operable for insertion into a chamber of an inserter. The insertion needle is operable for being actuated by an insertion mechanism of the inserter. The sensor cartridge is operable for removal from the chamber. The sensor cartridge is operable for shielding the insertion needle upon removal of the sensor cartridge from the chamber. The advantages of this have been previously discussed. 
         [0038]    In another aspect, this disclosure provides for an inserter comprising a chamber for receiving a sensor cartridge according to an embodiment of this disclosure. 
         [0039]    It is understood that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments may be combined as long as the combined embodiments are not mutually exclusive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    The above-mentioned aspects of exemplary embodiments will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  illustrates a sensor cartridge according to this disclosure; 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  illustrates a sensor insertion assembly according to this disclosure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  illustrates a magazine according to this disclosure. 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  illustrates a magazine 400 according to a further embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a failsafe mechanism according to an embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  illustrates a sensor cartridge according to a further embodiment; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  illustrates the operation of the sensor cartridge shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  illustrates a sensor cartridge according to a further embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  illustrates a sensor cartridge according to a further embodiment; 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a sensor cartridge according to a further embodiment; 
           [0051]      FIG. 11  illustrates a sensor cartridge according to a further embodiment; and 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  illustrates a sensor cartridge according to a further embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0053]    The embodiments described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of this disclosure. 
         [0054]    Like numbered elements in these figures are either equivalent elements or perform the same function. Elements which have been discussed previously will not necessarily be discussed in later figures if the function is equivalent. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1  illustrates a sensor cartridge  100  according to an embodiment. The sensor cartridge  100  comprises a cap  102  which encloses a sterile capsule  104 . Within the sterile capsule  104  there is an insertion needle  106  and a sensor  108 . The insertion needle  106  has a hollow channel, is flat or has a rolled structure which enables the sensor to be inserted subcutaneously into a subject. There is further within the sterile capsule  104  a sensor connector  110  which is connected to the sensor  108  via an electrical connection  112 . The needle  106  is connected to a mechanical connector  114 . The mechanical connector  114  is adapted to being connected to an insertion mechanism operable for actuating the insertion needle  106 . In some embodiments the mechanical adaptor  114  is adapted for locking or snapping into the insertion mechanism. In other embodiments the mechanical adaptor  114  is a sliding carriage. 
         [0056]      FIG. 2  shows a sensor insertion assembly  200  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The sensor insertion assembly  200  comprises a sensor cartridge  100  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The sensor insertion assembly  200  further comprises an inserter  202  with a chamber  204  operable for receiving the sensor cartridge  100 . The sensor cartridge  100  can be placed into the chamber  204 . An actuator of some form which is not shown in this Fig. is then used to drive the insertion needle  106  to insert the sensor  108  into the subject. The sensor cartridge  100  is able to be removed from the chamber  204  after the insertion needle has been actuated. The inserter  202  is reusable as a new sensor cartridge  100  can be installed in the chamber  204 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  shows a magazine  300  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The magazine  300  shows a linear arrangement of four sterile capsules  104 . Within each of the sterile capsules is a needle  106 , with a sensor  108  in an arrangement similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment the magazine  300  forms the sterile capsules  104 . Within one of the sterile capsules  104  a sensor cartridge  302  is shown. In an alternative embodiment the sensor cartridge  100  of  FIG. 1  could also be placed within a magazine. 
         [0058]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment of the magazine  400  according to this disclosure. In this embodiment a series of sterile capsules  104  are arranged in a cylindrical configuration. In this example the inserter would change to different sensor cartridges  402  by rotating the magazine  400  in the same way that a revolver would change cartridges. A sensor cartridge  402  similar to that shown in  FIG. 3  is shown in one of the sterile capsules  104 . In an alternative embodiment a sensor cartridge  100  according to  FIG. 1  is used instead. 
         [0059]    In the various embodiments the sterile capsule and the sterile magazine may be used as a container for storing the used insertion needles. In the embodiments with the magazine the needle may not be reachable by a finger. 
         [0060]      FIG. 5  shows an example of a failsafe mechanism  508  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In this example an inserter  202  with a sensor cartridge  100  is shown. There are four views, a first view  500 , a second view  502 , a third view  504  and a fourth view  506 . In the first view  500  the cartridge  100  is inserted  510  into the chamber. Next in view  2 , a plunger  508  is depressed as shown by arrow  512 . This loads the sensor cartridge  100  and the cap  102  which was protecting the insertion needle  106  is removed. Next, as shown in view  504 , the sensor may be inserted by actuating the needle as indicated by arrow  513 . After use of the inserter  202  the plunger  508  is then retracted as indicated by arrow  514 . This moves the cap  102  back into a protective place for protecting the insertion needle  106 . Finally in view  506  the sensor cartridge  100  is removed from the chamber as indicated by arrow  516 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 6  shows a sensor cartridge  600  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The sensor cartridge  600  is formed by a tube  602  which forms a sterile capsule or hollow cavity  604 . On one end a septum  608  seals the tube  602 . On the other end a mechanical actuator or adapter  610  is in contact with a top seal  612 . The mechanical adapter  610  can be used to drive an insertion needle  106  through the septum  608  and also retract it. There is also a sensor  108  within the sterile capsule  604 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 7  illustrates the operation of the sensor cartridge  600  as shown in  FIG. 6 . A portion of an insertion mechanism  700  is shown as being attached to the mechanical adapter  610 . The mechanical adapter has been used to drive the insertion needle  106  through the surface  704  of a subject. A sensor mounting unit  702  is attached to the surface of the subject  704 . A sensor  108  has been inserted into the subject and the electrical connection  112  goes back to the sensor connector  110 . The septum  608  is left in place and is connected to the sensor mounting unit  702 . The insertion needle  106  is withdrawn  708 . The retraction of the insertion mechanism  700  causes the insertion needle  106  to be withdrawn back into the tube  602 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of a sensor cartridge  800 . In this embodiment there is also a tube  602  sealed at one end by a septum  608 . A mechanical adapter or piston  610  is used to push the insertion needle  106  through the septum  608 . There is again a top seal  612  which is additionally sealed by O-rings  802 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 9  shows a further example of a sensor cartridge  900  according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Again the sensor cartridge is in a tube-like configuration with a mechanical adapter  610  that acts as a piston. In this embodiment there is a seal  902  sealing one end. There is a cable  904  attached to one end of the seal  902 . The cable is guided along rollers  908  and is connected to the mechanical adapter  610 . When the mechanical adapter  610  is actuated it pulls on the cable  904  which then in turn pulls open the seal  902 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  shows a portion of a sensor cartridge  1000  according to a further embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 9  except a different mechanism is used for opening the seal  902 . In this case a spring or coil  1002  is within the tube  602 . As a mechanical actuator is depressed it compresses the coil  1002  which causes a cutting edge  1004  in contact with the seal  902  to spin  1006 . This causes the seal  902  to open. 
         [0066]      FIG. 11  shows a further example of an embodiment of a sensor cartridge  1100  according to this disclosure. The sensor cartridge  1100  is again a tubular or cylindrical type sensor cartridge. There is a seal  902  which seals the sterile capsule or hollow cavity  604 . The sensor cartridge  1100  when inserted into the inserter undergoes a movement to open the seal  902 . The sensor cartridge  1100  may either be rotated or directly put  1104  or direct pushed to cause a motion in the direction  1106 . The motion in direction  1106  causes the sensor cartridge  1100  to force the seal  1102  against a knife-edge  1102  of the inserter. This causes the seal  902  to open. 
         [0067]    In an alternative interpretation of  FIG. 11 , the knife edge mount ( 1102 ) is on a sensor mounting unit. The insertion mechanism may actuate the sensor cartridge or the knife edge mount to open the seal. Alternatively, the operator may bring the sensor cartridge into contact with the knife edge before actuating the insertion mechanism. The knife edge may also serve as a means of aligning the sensor insertion assembly to a sensor mounting unit. 
         [0068]      FIG. 12  shows a further embodiment of a sensor cartridge  1200  according to this disclosure. In this embodiment the sensor cartridge  1200  is a cylindrical type sensor cartridge. There is a spring  1202  which is anchored at one point  1204 . When the sensor cartridge  1200  is loaded into the chamber it causes the spring  1202  to have one end moved to a loaded position  1206 . When the sensor mechanism is actuated the end of the spring  1206  travels along a trajectory  1208 . In the process this rips off the seal  902  of the sensor cartridge  1200 . 
         [0069]    While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 102 
                 cap 
               
               
                 104 
                 sterile capsule 
               
               
                 106 
                 insertion needle 
               
               
                 108 
                 sensor 
               
               
                 110 
                 sensor connector 
               
               
                 112 
                 electrical connection 
               
               
                 114 
                 mechanical connector 
               
               
                 200 
                 sensor insertion assembly 
               
               
                 202 
                 inserter 
               
               
                 204 
                 chamber 
               
               
                 300 
                 magazine 
               
               
                 302 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 400 
                 magazine 
               
               
                 402 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 500 
                 first view 
               
               
                 502 
                 second view 
               
               
                 504 
                 third view 
               
               
                 506 
                 fourth view 
               
               
                 508 
                 plunger 
               
               
                 510 
                 cartridge inserted 
               
               
                 512 
                 plunger depressed 
               
               
                 514 
                 plunger retracted 
               
               
                 515 
                 needle inserted 
               
               
                 516 
                 cartridge removed 
               
               
                 600 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 602 
                 tube 
               
               
                 604 
                 sterile capsule or hollow cavity  
               
               
                 608 
                 septum 
               
               
                 610 
                 mechanical adaptor or piston 
               
               
                 612 
                 top seal 
               
               
                 700 
                 insertion mechanism (actuator) 
               
               
                 702 
                 sensor mounting unit 
               
               
                 704 
                 surface of subject 
               
               
                 708 
                 retraction of insertion needle 
               
               
                 800 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 802 
                 O-ring 
               
               
                 900 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 902 
                 seal 
               
               
                 904 
                 cable 
               
               
                 908 
                 roller 
               
               
                 1000 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 1002 
                 spring 
               
               
                 1004 
                 cutting edge 
               
               
                 1006 
                 rotation of cutting edge 
               
               
                 1100 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 1102 
                 knife edge 
               
               
                 1104 
                 rotation 
               
               
                 1106 
                 direction of motion 
               
               
                 1200 
                 sensor cartridge 
               
               
                 1202 
                 spring mechanism 
               
               
                 1204 
                 anchor point 
               
               
                 1206 
                 loaded position 
               
               
                 1208 
                 direction of travel