Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying at least a portion of an analyte monitor includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and an opening, a resilient member having at least a first portion fixed relative to the frame and a second portion movable axially relative to the frame, a needle, and a cap engageable with the frame to cover at least part of the opening. The cap is adjustable to increase a bias on the resilient member and to move the second portion of the resilient member away from the opening. When the cap is separated from the frame, the second portion of the resilient member is configured to be held relative to the frame. The hold on the second portion of the resilient member is releasable, such that the bias on the resilient member advances the second portion of the resilient member and the needle towards the opening.

Abstract: A method of applying a portion of an analyte monitor to a patient using an applicator assembly includes adhering the portion of the analyte monitor to an application site while the portion of the analyte monitor is connected to an applicator assembly, and actuating the applicator assembly to advance a needle carrying at least a sensing region of a sensor member towards the desired application site. The applicator assembly is configured to release the connection between the portion of the analyte monitor from the applicator assembly prior to the tip of the needle reaching the desired application site. After the tip of the needle punctures the desired application site, the sensor member is configured to be connected to and remain held by the portion of the analyte monitor at the desired application site while the needle is configured to retract away from the desired application site.

Abstract: A monitor for determining analyte concentrations in vivo, includes a housing configured to adhere to the skin of a subject, an elongate sensor body configured to extend from the housing into the skin of the subject, an analyte sensing region positioned on the sensor body such that the analyte sensing region is configured to be held in the dermis of the skin of the subject, and at least one engagement surface configured to facilitate increased anchoring of the sensor body in the skin of the subject.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying at least a portion of an analyte monitor includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and an opening, a resilient member having at least a first portion fixed relative to the frame and a second portion movable axially relative to the frame, a needle, and a cap engageable with the frame to cover at least part of the opening. The cap is adjustable to increase a bias on the resilient member and to move the second portion of the resilient member away from the opening. When the cap is separated from the frame, the second portion of the resilient member is configured to be held relative to the frame. The hold on the second portion of the resilient member is releasable, such that the bias on the resilient member advances the second portion of the resilient member and the needle towards the opening.