Abstract: A method of slitting a film material of a biosensor test strip is disclosed. The film material includes a working surface and an opposed bottom surface. The film material is moved relative to a bottom laser beam directed against the bottom surface of the film material, and relative to a working surface laser beam directed against the working surface of the film material. The bottom laser cuts partially into the bottom surface of the film material to a first depth. The working surface laser cuts into the working surface of the film material to a second depth. The bottom and working surface laser cuts are aligned and cooperate to define first and second portions of the film material on opposite sides of cuts. The bottom and working surface laser cuts either intersect and thereby separate the first and second portions, or are closely adjacent, leaving a connecting bridge which is subsequently severed into two portions.

Abstract: An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state.

Abstract: An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state.

Abstract: An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include a test element operable to receive a sample and to provide an indication of an analyte of the sample to a meter. In one form test element comprises a substrate and an optically readable pattern provided on the substrate which encodes information relating to the test element.

Abstract: An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include a test element operable to receive a sample and to provide an indication of an analyte of the sample to a meter. In one form test element comprises a substrate and an optically readable pattern provided on the substrate which encodes information relating to the test element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substrate, an electrically conductive coating positioned on the support substrate, the coating being formed to define electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and a cover cooperating with the support substrate to define a channel. At least a portion of the electrodes are positioned in the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substrate, an electrically conductive coating positioned on the support substrate, the coating being formed to define electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and a cover cooperating with the support substrate to define a channel. At least a portion of the electrodes are positioned in the channel.

Abstract: A method of forming a biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The method includes providing a metallized electrode support substrate and a sensor support, ablating the electrode support substrate to form electrodes, coupling the sensor support substrate to the electrode support substrate, and positioning spaced-apart electrically conductive tracks across the sensor support substrate so that each track is in electrical communication with one electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a biosensor. The method includes providing a substrate coated with a electrically conductive material, ablating the electrically conductive material to form electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and applying a reagent to at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substrate having first and second ends, electrodes positioned on the support substrate, the electrodes cooperating with one another to define electrode arrays situated adjacent to the first end, a spacer substrate positioned on the support substrate, and a cover positioned on the spacer substrate. The cover cooperates with the support substrate to define a channel. The channel includes an inlet adjacent to the first end and opposite ends. Each electrode array is positioned in the channel adjacent to one of the ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a biosensor. The method includes providing a substrate coated with a electrically conductive material, ablating the electrically conductive material to form electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and applying a reagent to at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes an electrode support substrate, electrodes positioned on the electrode support, each electrode including a meter-contact portion and a measurement portion, and a sensor support substrate. The sensor support substrate cooperates with the electrode support substrate to define channel in alignment with the measurement portion of the electrodes. Additionally, the sensor support substrate includes opposite ends and at least one window. The at least one window is spaced-apart from the ends and in alignment with the meter-contact portion of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substate, an electrically conductive coating positioned on the support substrate, the coating being formed to define electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and a cover cooperating with the support substrate to define a channel. At least a portion of the electrodes are positioned in the channel.

Abstract: A method of forming a biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The method includes providing a metallized electrode support substrate and a sensor support, ablating the electrode support substrate to form electrodes, coupling the sensor support substrate to the electrode support substrate, and positioning spaced-apart electrically conductive tracks across the sensor support substrate so that each track is in electrical communication with one electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substrate, an electrically conductive coating positioned on the support substrate, the coating being formed to define electrodes and a code pattern, wherein there is sufficient contrast between the conductive coating and the substrate such that the code pattern is discernible, and a cover cooperating with the support substrate to define a channel. At least a portion of the electrodes are positioned in the channel.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes an electrode support substrate, electrodes positioned on the electrode support substrate, a sensor support substrate coupled to the electrode support substrate, and electrically conductive tracks positioned on the sensor support substrate. Each track is in electrical communication with one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes an electrode support substrate, electrodes positioned on the electrode support substrate, a sensor support substrate coupled to the electrode support substrate, and electrically conductive tracks positioned on the sensor support substrate. Each track is in electrical communication with one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes a substrate and a cover extending across at least a portion of the substrate. The cover includes a first surface facing the substrate and a second surface. At least a portion of the first surface is removed to define a capillary channel. The capillary channel has a surface energy ranging from about 60 mN/m to about 72 mN/m.