Patent Publication Number: US-2023136648-A1

Title: Analyte sensor transmitter unit configuration for a data monitoring and management system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 17/517,069, filed Nov. 2, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 17/209,758, filed Mar. 23, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,179,072, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 16/210,965, filed Dec. 5, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,064,916, is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 15/132,119, filed Apr. 18, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,159,433, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 13/252,118, filed Oct. 3, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,149, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 11/365,334, filed Feb. 28, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,029,441, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Analyte monitoring systems including continuous glucose monitoring systems generally include an analyte sensor such as a subcutaneous analyte sensor, at least a portion of which is configured for fluid contact with biological fluid, for detecting analyte levels such as for example glucose or lactate levels, a transmitter (such as for example a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter) in communication with the sensor and configured to receive the sensor signals and to transmit them to a corresponding receiver unit by for example, using an RF data transmission protocol. The receiver may be operatively coupled to a glucose monitor that performs glucose related calculations and data analysis. 
     The transmitter may be mounted or adhered to the skin of a patient and also in signal communication with the sensor. Generally, the sensor is configured to detect the analyte of the patient over a predetermined period of time, and the transmitter is configured to transmit the detected analyte information over the predetermined period of time for further analysis. To initially deploy the sensor so that the sensor contacts and electrodes are in fluid contact with the patient’s analyte fluids, a separate deployment mechanism such as a sensor inserter or introducer is used. Moreover, a separate base component or mounting unit is provided on the skin of the patient so that the transmitter unit may be mounted thereon, and also, to establish signal communication between the transmitter unit and the analyte sensor. 
     As discussed above, the base component or mounting unit is generally adhered to the skin of the patient using an adhesive layer that is fixedly provided on the bottom surface of the base component or the mounting unit for the transmitter. 
     To minimize data errors in the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring system, it is important to properly insert the sensor through the patient’s skin and securely retain the sensor during the time that the sensor is configured to detect analyte levels. In addition to accurate positioning of the sensor through the skin of the patient, it is important to ensure that the appropriate electrode of the analyte sensor are in continuous and proper electrical connection or communication with the corresponding contact points or pads on the transmitter unit. 
     Additionally, for the period of continuous or semi-continuous monitoring which can include, for example, 3 days, 5 days or 7 days, it is important to have the transmitter unit securely mounted to the patient, and more importantly, in proper contact with the analyte sensor so as to minimize the potential errors in the monitored data. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have an approach to provide methods and system for accurate and simple ways in which to securely couple the analyte sensor with the transmitter unit so as to maintain continuous electrical connection therebetween. Moreover, it would be desirable to have methods and system for easy deployment of sensors and subsequent simple removal of the same in a time effective and straight forward manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided method and system for providing analyte sensor alignment and retention mechanism for improved connectivity with a transmitter unit for electrical connection, and further including transmitter unit contact pins with metal components to improve electrical conductivity with the analyte sensor in an analyte monitoring and management system. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating a data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor alignment with a transmitter unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor alignment with a transmitter unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 E  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor latch configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor latch configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor latch configuration in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  illustrate a transmitter unit interconnect configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate a polymer pin with contact cap of the transmitter unit interconnect shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a data monitoring and management system such as, for example, an analyte monitoring and management system  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In such embodiment, the glucose monitoring system  100  includes a sensor  101 , a transmitter unit  102  coupled to the sensor  101 , and a receiver unit  104  which is configured to communicate with the transmitter  102  via a communication link  103 . The receiver unit  104  may be further configured to transmit data to a data processing terminal  105  for evaluating the data received by the receiver unit  104 . In addition, as shown in the Figure, a medication delivery unit  106  may be provided and operatively coupled to the receiver unit  104  and configured to receive one or more of data or commands directed to the control of the medication delivery unit  106  for delivering medication to a patient such as insulin. 
     Only one sensor  101 , transmitter unit  102 , communication link  103 , receiver unit  104 , data processing terminal  105 , and medication delivery unit  106  are shown in the embodiment of the analyte monitoring and management system  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the glucose monitoring system  100  may include one or more sensor  101 , transmitter unit  102 , communication link  103 , receiver unit  104 , and data processing terminal  105 , where each receiver unit  104  is uniquely synchronized with a respective transmitter unit  102  to deliver medication through the medication delivery unit  106  such as an infusion pump. Moreover, within the scope of the present invention, the analyte monitoring and management system  100  may be a continuous monitoring and management system, or a semi-continuous or discrete monitoring and management system. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor  101  is physically positioned on the body of a user whose glucose level is being monitored. The sensor  101  may be configured to continuously sample the glucose level of the user and convert the sampled analyte level into a corresponding data signal for transmission by the transmitter unit  102 . In one embodiment, the transmitter unit  102  is mounted on the sensor  101  so that both devices are positioned on the user’s body. The transmitter unit  102  performs data processing such as filtering and encoding on data signals, each of which corresponds to a sampled analyte level of the user, for transmission to the receiver unit  104  via the communication link  103 . 
     In one embodiment, the analyte monitoring and management system  100  is configured as a one-way RF communication path from the transmitter unit  102  to the receiver unit  104 . In such embodiment, the transmitter unit  102  transmits the sampled data signals received from the sensor  101  without acknowledgement from the receiver unit  104  that the transmitted sampled data signals have been received. For example, the transmitter unit  102  may be configured to transmit the encoded sampled data signals at a fixed rate (e.g., at one minute intervals) after the completion of the initial power on procedure. Likewise, the receiver unit  104  may be configured to detect such transmitted encoded sampled data signals at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the analyte monitoring and management system  100  may be configured with a bidirectional RF communication between the transmitter unit  102  and the receiver unit  104 . 
     Additionally, in one aspect, the receiver unit  104  may include two sections. The first section is an analog interface section that is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit  102  via the communication link  103 . In one embodiment, the analog interface section may include an RF receiver and an antenna for receiving and amplifying the data signals from the transmitter  102 , which are thereafter, demodulated with a local oscillator and filtered through a band-pass filter. The second section of the receiver unit  104  is a data processing section which is configured to process the data signals received from the transmitter unit  102  such as by performing data decoding, error detection and correction, data clock generation, and data bit recovery. 
     In operation, upon completing the power-on procedure, the receiver unit  104  is configured to detect the presence of the transmitter unit  102  within its range based on, for example, the strength of the detected data signals received from the transmitter unit  102  or a predetermined transmitter identification information. Upon successful synchronization with the corresponding transmitter unit  102 , the receiver unit  104  is configured to begin receiving from the transmitter unit  102  data signals corresponding to the user’s detected glucose level. More specifically, the receiver unit  104  in one embodiment is configured to perform synchronized time hopping with the corresponding synchronized transmitter unit  102  via the communication link  103  to obtain the user’s detected analyte level. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the data processing terminal  105  may include a desktop computer terminal, a data communication enabled kiosk, a laptop computer, a handheld computing device such as a personal digital assistant (PDAs), or a data communication enabled mobile telephone, and the like, each of which may be configured for data communication with the receiver via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processing terminal  105  may further be connected to a data network (not shown) for storing, retrieving and updating data corresponding to the detected glucose level of the user. In addition, the data processing terminal  105  in one embodiment may include physician’s terminal and/or a bedside terminal in a hospital environment, for example. 
     Moreover, the medication delivery unit  106  may include an infusion device such as an insulin infusion pump, which may be configured to administer insulin to patients, and which is configured to communicate with the receiver unit  104  for receiving, among others, the measured analyte level. Alternatively, the receiver unit  104  may be configured to integrate an infusion device therein so that the receiver unit  104  is configured to administer insulin therapy to patients, for example, for administering and modifying basal profiles, as well as for determining appropriate boluses for administration based on, among others, the detected glucose levels received from the transmitter unit  102 . Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the medication delivery unit  106  may include, but is not limited to, an external infusion device such as an external insulin infusion pump, an implantable pump, a pen-type insulin injector device, a patch pump, an inhalable infusion device for nasal insulin delivery, or any other type of suitable delivery system. 
     Each of the transmitter unit  102 , the receiver unit  104 , the data processing unit  105 , and the medication delivery unit  106  may be configured to communicate with each other over a wireless data communication link similar to the communication link  103  such as, but not limited to, RF communication link, Bluetooth® communication link, infrared communication link, or any other type of suitable wireless communication connection between two or more electronic devices. The data communication link may also include wired cable connection such as, for example, but not limited to, RS232 connection, USB connection, or serial cable connection. 
     Moreover, referring to  FIG.  1   , the analyte sensor  101  may include, but is not limited to, short term subcutaneous analyte sensors or transdermal analyte sensors, for example, which are configured to detect analyte levels of a patient over a predetermined time period. 
     Additional analytes that may be monitored, determined or detected by the analyte sensor  101  include, for example, acetyl choline, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin, creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose, glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketones, lactate, peroxide, prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulating hormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example, antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin, digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also be determined. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor alignment with a transmitter unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG.  2 A , a transmitter unit  102  ( FIG.  1   ) housing  210  is provided with a protrusion  220  substantially on the same side as the location of a plurality of transmitter contacts  230 A,  230 B,  230 C,  230 D, each of which are configured to couple to a respective segment of an analyte sensor  250  ( FIG.  2 B ). 
     That is, when the transmitter unit housing  210  is positioned on an adhesive layer  240  for adhesion to a skin surface of a patient, the protrusion  220  of the transmitter unit housing  210  is configured to correspondingly mate with a notch or hole  260  on the surface of the analyte sensor  250  such that during the process of placing and guiding the transmitter unit on the adhesive layer  240  (and upon a transmitter mounting unit  270  ( FIG.  2 C )), it is possible to accurately position and align the transmitter contacts  230 A,  230 B,  230 C, and  230 D and to electrically couple to a respective one of the working electrode, the counter electrode, the reference electrode, and a guard trace, provided on the analyte sensor  250 . Referring to  FIGS.  2 C and  2 D , side cross sectional view of the transmitter contacts before and after alignment and engagement with the analyte sensor  250 , respectively, are shown. 
     In the manner described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a protrusion  220  on the transmitter unit housing  210  which is configured to mate with a notch or hole  260  on the analyte sensor  250  such that substantially accurate positioning and alignment of the analyte sensor  250  with respect to the transmitter unit  102  may be provided. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor alignment with a transmitter unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , it can be seen that the analyte sensor  330  is provided with a seal  340  having a plurality of substantially circular lead-in segments  341 A,  341 B,  341 C,  341 D, each provided substantially respectively on one of the working electrode, counter electrode, reference electrode, and the guard trace of the analyte sensor  330 . Moreover, referring to  FIG.  3 C , the electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D on the transmitter unit housing  310  is each configured in substantially tapered manner extending outwards and away from the transmitter unit housing  310 . 
     In this manner, in one embodiment of the present invention, when after analyte sensor  330  has been subcutaneously positioned through the skin of the patient, the transmitter unit housing  310  may be configured to mate with the transmitter mount unit  360  provided on the adhesive layer  320  such that the electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D guided by the respective lead-in segments  341 A,  341 B,  341 C,  341 D on the sensor seal  340  such that the proper alignment of the sensor electrodes and guard trace are provided to the respective electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D to establish electrical contacts with the same. 
       FIG.  3 D  illustrates a side cross sectional view of the electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D on the transmitter unit  102  coupled to the respective lead-in segments  341 A,  341 B,  341 C,  341 D on the sensor seal  340  to establish electrical contact between the transmitter unit  102  ( FIG.  1   ) and the analyte sensor  101 . In one embodiment, the sensor seal  340  is provided on the analyte sensor  330  during the sensor manufacturing process, and as such, it is possible to achieve a high degree of accuracy in positioning the seal  340 , and further, to obtain a substantially concentric lead-in segments  341 A,  341 B,  341 C,  341 D as shown, for example, in  FIG.  3 B , such that when the tip portion of the electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D on the transmitter unit  102  are positioned within the concentric lead-in segments  341 A,  341 B,  341 C,  341 D, the proper alignment of the sensor contact pads or electrodes and guard trace with the respective electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D on the transmitter unit  102  can be achieved. 
     Referring back to  FIG.  3 B , the seal  340  on the analyte sensor  330  may be provided during the manufacturing process of the sensor  330  and as such, pre-bonded to the sensor  330 . In this manner, accurate alignment of the analyte sensor  330  with the transmitter unit  102  with a degree of tolerating potential misalignment of the electrical contact pins  350 A,  350 B,  350 C,  350 D on the transmitter unit  102  may be tolerated given the concentric shape of the lead-in segments  341 A,  341 B,  341 C,  341 D on the seal  340  of the analyte sensor  330 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 E  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor latch configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG.  4 A , there is shown a sensor  410  having an upper flap portion  412  and a lower flap portion  411 . The lower flap portion of the sensor  410  is configured in one embodiment to retain the sensor in proper position within a sharp or introducer  430  ( FIG.  4 B ) of an insertion mechanism  420  ( FIG.  4 B ) so as to minimize the potential sensor displacement prior to positioning the sensor in fluid contact with the patient’s analytes using the insertion mechanism  420 . 
     Referring back to  FIG.  4 A , the upper flap portion  412  of the sensor  410  is configured in one embodiment to facilitate the removal of the sensor  410  after its intended use (for example, 3 days, 5 days or 7 days), by providing an area which may be manually manipulated for removal from the inserted position in the patient. In one embodiment, the upper flap portion  412  and the lower flap portion  411  are extended in opposite directions relative to the body of the analyte sensor  410 . This configuration further provides secure sensor positioning during the sensor insertion process such that the sensor movement when coupled to the introducer  430  is minimized.  FIG.  4 C  illustrates the transmitter mount  440  in cooperation with the insertion mechanism  420  having the sensor  410  loaded in the introducer  430  before the sensor is placed in the patient.  FIGS.  4 D and  4 E  illustrate the insertion mechanism  420  coupled with the transmitter mount  440  after the insertion mechanism has deployed the introducer  430  so as to place at least a portion of the sensor  410  in fluid contact with the patient’s analytes. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor latch configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , transmitter mount  520  is provided with a plurality of hooks (or barbs)  521 A,  521 B, each of which are configured to mate with a corresponding one of a plurality of open segments  511 A,  511 B on the sensor  510 . During deployment of the sensor  510  for example, using an insertion mechanism  550  having an introducer  540  coupled to the sensor  510 , the sensor  510  is positioned relative to the transmitter mount  520  such that the open segments  511 A,  511 B of the sensor  510   are coupled or latched with the respective hook/latch  521 A,  521 B on the transmitter mount  520 , to securely retain the sensor  510  in position relative to the transmitter unit  102  being mounted on the transmitter mount  520  to couple to the sensor  510 . 
     In one embodiment, the plurality of hooks/barbs  521 A,  521 B on the transmitter mount  520  are provided as molded plastic protrusions on the transmitter mount  520 . Upon engaging with the respective open segments  511 A,  511 B on the sensor  510 , it can be seen that the sensor  510  is retained substantially in a fixed position relative to the transmitter mount  520  (which is in turn, fixedly positioned on the patient’s skin by the adhesive layer  530 ), so that proper alignment and coupling with the respective electrical contact pins on the transmitter unit  102  may be achieved. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  illustrate various views of the analyte sensor latch configuration in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG.  6 A  illustrating a component view of the latch configuration, there is provided a transmitter mount  620 , adhesive layer  610 , a retaining segment  630  having a plurality of clip portions  631 A,  631 B, and a mounting segment  640 . Referring to  FIG.  6 B , it can be seen that the retaining segment  630  is positioned on the transmitter mount  620  with the mounting segment provided thereon. Moreover, the transmitter mount is provided on the adhesive layer  610 , which is in turn, placed on the patient’s skin and adhered thereto for secure positioning. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 C- 6 D , in one embodiment, the clip portions  631 A,  631 B of the retaining segment  630  are each spring biased and configured for spring loading the sensor  650  in the direction towards the electrical contact pins of the transmitter unit  102 , thus facilitating the sensor ( 650 ) — transmitter ( 670 ) connection. Moreover, the clip portions  631 A,  631 B are further configured to provide a latch/locking mechanism of the subcutaneously positioned sensor  650  relative to the transmitter mount  620 , such that the sensor  650  is held firmly in place. 
     In the manner described above, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there are provided different mechanisms for sensor alignment relative to the transmitter electrical contact pins to effectively couple the sensor contacts (working, reference and counter electrodes and the guard trace), with the corresponding electrical contact pads or connections on the transmitter unit  102 . Moreover, as further described above, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there are provided mechanism for sensor retention and secure positioning relative to the transmitter mount which is placed on the patient’s skin such that the transmitter unit  102  may be easily and accurately guided to establish proper connection with the sensor  101 . 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  illustrate a transmitter unit interconnect configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,  FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  show various different perspectives and views of the transmitter unit housing  710  that includes a plurality of electrical contact pins  711 A,  711 B,  711 C,  711 D, each configured to establish electrical connection to a respective portion of the analyte sensor  720 . As discussed below, each of the electrical contact pins  711 A,  711 B,  711 C,  711 D in one embodiment includes a polymer pin with a contact cap that provides improved electrical conductivity between the transmitter unit  102  and the sensor  101 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate a polymer pin with contact cap of the transmitter unit interconnect shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , contact pin  800  includes an outer body portion  810  and an inner contact portion  820  with an end segment  821 . In one embodiment, the inner contact portion  820  is configured to substantially entirely be positioned within the outer body portion  810  (as shown in  FIG.  8 A ), except for the end segment  821  of the inner contact portion  820  extending out of one end of the outer body portion  810 . 
     In one embodiment, the outer body portion  810  may be injection molded using a silicone based, carbon loaded (impregnated, for example) soft polymer material. Furthermore, the end segment  821  and the inner contact portion  820  comprise a metal such as for example, Beryllium copper (BeCu), Nickel Silver, Phosphor Bronze Brass, Rhodium or gold plated to provide improved electrical conductivity. More specifically, the inner contact portion  820  placed within the outer body portion  810  may comprise a light gauge wire (such as 30 g), and may be insert molded into the outer body portion  810 . 
     In this manner, the contact pin  800  in one embodiment includes a carbon loaded, silicone based, injection molded soft polymer pin with a metal cap or end segment  821  which is shaped and positioned to cover substantially a large portion of the contact area where the sensor contact is to occur. Moreover, the metal inner contact portion  820  extending the length of the outer body portion  810  of the contact pin  800  further improves electrical conductivity. Moreover, a metal end segment  821  provides additional resistance to wear over a prolonged use based on repeated contact with other surfaces (for example, sensor surfaces). 
     Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmitter unit  102  may be provided with a plurality of contact pins  800  that have a large metal sensor contact surface to increase the electrical conductivity with the sensor. In addition, the metal contact surface may provide improved resistance to abrasion, wear and damage to the end segment  821  of the contact pin  800 . In addition, the contact pin  800  configuration described above also provides flexibility, desired compliance and self-sealing capability, and further, may be press fit into the transmitter housing. Further, the contact pins  800  may additionally be chemically resistant, substantially water proof, and thus improve the transmitter unit  102  interconnect assembly life. 
     Accordingly, an apparatus for providing alignment in one embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor having a hole thereon, and a transmitter housing including a protrusion at a first end, the protrusion configured to substantially engage with the hole of the sensor such that the transmitter is in electrical contact with the sensor. 
     An apparatus for providing alignment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor including a plurality of conductive pads, and a transmitter housing including a plurality of electrical contacts, each of the electrical contacts configured to substantially align with a respective one of the plurality of the conductive pads. 
     The apparatus may further include a seal segment adhered to the sensor, where the seal segment includes a plurality of radial seal holes disposed on the seal segment, and further, where each of the radial holes may be configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of electrical contacts. 
     In another aspect, each of the electrical contacts may be substantially tapered. 
     Moreover, the transmitter electrical contacts may be configured to self-align with a respective one of the conductive pads of the sensor when the transmitter is coupled to the sensor. 
     An apparatus for providing a sensor connection in a data monitoring system in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor having a plurality of conductive pads, and a transmitter housing, the housing including a plurality of electrical contacts, each of the contacts configured to substantially contact the respective one of the sensor conductive pads, where each of the plurality of electrical contacts include conductive polymer. 
     The electrical contacts in one embodiment may be silicon doped with carbon. 
     Moreover, the electrical contacts may be substantially conical shaped. 
     In another aspect, each of the electrical contacts may include a metal component disposed therein, wherein at least a first end of each of the electrical contacts is configured to substantially contact the respective one of the sensor conductive pads. 
     The metal component may include one of gold or beryllium copper. 
     An apparatus for providing a sensor connection in a data monitoring system in still another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor having a plurality of conductive pads, a transmitter mount having a spring biased mechanism, and a transmitter housing, the housing including a plurality of electrical contacts, where each of the plurality of electrical contacts of the transmitter is configured to substantially contact the respective one of the sensor conductive pads by the spring biased mechanism of the transmitter housing. 
     In yet another aspect, the spring biased mechanism of the transmitter mount may include a tapered cantilever beam disposed on the transmitter mount. 
     An apparatus for positioning a sensor in a data monitoring system in yet still another embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor having a cutout portion, and a transmitter mount having a latch mechanism, the transmitter mount configured to couple to the sensor by the latch mechanism engaging the cutout portion of the sensor. 
     An apparatus for positioning a sensor in a data monitoring system in yet still a further embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor, and a transmitter mount, the transmitter including a latch mechanism, the latch mechanism configured to engage with the sensor for substantially permanently positioning the sensor relative to the transmitter. 
     Further, the latch mechanism may, in one embodiment, include a metal clip. 
     Various other modifications and alterations in the structure and method of operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present invention and that structures and methods within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.