Patent ID: 7497827

Claim:
A transcutaneous analyte sensor assembly, the assembly comprising: a housing adapted for mounting on a skin of a host, wherein the housing comprises a first portion adapted for mounting on the skin of the host and a second portion that angularly articulates relative to the first portion between an insertion position and a sensing position such that the insertion position and the sensing position are not the same; a sensor configured to measure a level of an analyte in the host, wherein the sensor extends from the housing and is adapted to be inserted through the skin of the host; and an applicator configured to releasably attach to the housing, wherein the applicator is configured to maintain the second portion at a predetermined angle of insertion relative to the first portion in the insertion position, and wherein the second portion receives and guides insertion of the sensor into the host, wherein the insertion position allows insertion of the sensor through the housing and into the host's tissue, and wherein the sensing position maintains the sensor within the host during the measurement of the level of the analyte in the host.