Test strip dispenser

• US 20050169810A1
• Filed: 01/31/2005
• Published: 08/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lifescan Incorporated (Duv Holding Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lifescan Incorporated (Duv Holding Corporation)
• Inventors: Hagen, Robert, Olson, Lorin P., Hagen, Colleen, Shartle, Robert J.
• Application Number:
  US11/048,250
• Publication Number:
  US 20050169810A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/102
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00089 Magazines
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/48757 Test elements dispensed from a stack
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/11 Automated chemical analysis

Abstract

Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing made of a cover and a base configured to retain a plurality of test strips. In certain embodiments, the height of the base is less than the height of each of the test strips, such that a portion of each of the test strips extends beyond the distal or top edge of the base. The subject devices may further be characterized as having a substantially air and moisture tight seal. In using the subject devices, a plurality of test strips stored in a subject device are provided. A single test strip is removed from the subject device by moving the test strip distal to the remaining test strips. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Claims

1-96. -96. (canceled)

97. A method for storing one or more test strips and dispensing a single test strip at a time, said method comprising:

(a) providing a housing having a stack of test strips stored therein;

(b) exerting a first force to a first side said stack;

(c) exerting a second opposing force to an opposing, second side of said stack; and

(d) moving a single test strip at a time in a direction away from said stack, whereby said single test strip is dispensed from said housing.

98. The method according to claim 127, wherein said step of moving comprises moving said single test strip adjacent a lip extension, whereby said lip extension permits said single test strip to be dispensed from said housing while preventing other test strips from being dispensed from said housing.

99. The method according to claim 128, wherein said lip extension prevents said other test strips from being dispensed by catching said remaining test strips under said lip extension.

100. The method according to claim 127, wherein said step of moving comprises grasping said single test strip with a grasping means.

101. The method according to claim 127, wherein said step of moving is accomplished automatically.

102. The method according to claim 127, wherein said step of moving is accomplished manually.