STACK MAGAZINE SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A meter system, comprising:
- a supply magazine storing a plurality of lancet integrated test elements in a stacked manner;
the lancet integrated test elements each includinga test strip for testing a body fluid sample, the test strip being generally flat, the test strip having a sample opening at one end and side edges, anda lancet coupled to the test strip for forming an incision where the body fluid sample is drawn, the lancet being configured to extend proximal the sample opening;
a meter having a connector portion configured to operatively couple to the lancet integrated test element, the meter being configured to fire the lancets on the lancet integrated test elements;
a transport mechanism to transfer the lancet integrated test elements to the connector portion of the meter, wherein the transport mechanism being configured to engage at least one of the side edges to minimize risk of damaging the test strip and the lancet proximal the sample opening of the lancet integrated test element;
the transport mechanism including a drum that rotates to transport the lancet integrated test elements; and
the drum including one or more rails that engage at least one of the side edges of the lancet integrated test elements.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A meter system for analyzing body fluids includes a supply magazine for storing a stack of test elements, a meter for analyzing fluid samples, and a transport system for transporting test elements from the supply magazine to the meter. The test element in one embodiment includes a lancet integrated test element that has a lancet coupled to a test strip. The transport system is configured to minimize damage to the test element. In one form, the transport system includes a shuttle that slides the top-most test element from the stack onto a connection portion of the meter. In another form, the transport system includes a drum that rotates to transport test elements from the supply magazine to a testing position and, once used, to a waste magazine for disposal. In a further form, the transport system includes a disc that rotates to transport the test elements.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A meter system, comprising:
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a supply magazine storing a plurality of lancet integrated test elements in a stacked manner; the lancet integrated test elements each including a test strip for testing a body fluid sample, the test strip being generally flat, the test strip having a sample opening at one end and side edges, and a lancet coupled to the test strip for forming an incision where the body fluid sample is drawn, the lancet being configured to extend proximal the sample opening; a meter having a connector portion configured to operatively couple to the lancet integrated test element, the meter being configured to fire the lancets on the lancet integrated test elements; a transport mechanism to transfer the lancet integrated test elements to the connector portion of the meter, wherein the transport mechanism being configured to engage at least one of the side edges to minimize risk of damaging the test strip and the lancet proximal the sample opening of the lancet integrated test element; the transport mechanism including a drum that rotates to transport the lancet integrated test elements; and the drum including one or more rails that engage at least one of the side edges of the lancet integrated test elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system, comprising:
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a supply magazine configured to store test elements in a stacked manner prior to use, wherein the test elements are configured to analyze body fluid; a waste magazine configured to store the test elements in a stacked manner after use; and a transport drum disposed between the supply magazine and the waste magazine to transport the test elements from the supply magazine to the waste magazine. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method, comprising:
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loading a test element from a supply magazine into a relief notch of a drum orienting the test element to a sampling position by rotating the drum; collecting body fluid with the test element while at the sampling position; and unloading the test element from the drum and into a waste magazine by rotating the drum after said collecting the body fluid. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification