Sensor-dispensing device and mechanism for extracting sensor
First Claim
1. A sensor-dispensing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid, the device comprising:
- a cartridge assembly including an outer cartridge and an inner cartridge, the inner cartridge containing a plurality of sensors arranged in a stack therein, the outer cartridge including a holding mechanism configured to engage at least one of the sensors to hold the at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge with respect to the outer cartridge; and
a gripping mechanism external to the cartridge assembly and moveable between a first position and a second position, the gripping mechanism including an engaging end with a slot configured to engage and grip the at least one of the sensors such that a portion of the at least one of the sensors is inside the slot in response to the gripping mechanism being in the second position, the engaging end of the gripping mechanism being configured to cause the inner cartridge to move with respect to the outer cartridge in response to the gripping mechanism being moved toward the second position, the gripping mechanism being configured to extend into an opening in the outer cartridge and to pull the at least one of the sensors from the stack through the opening in the outer cartridge, the opening being of sufficient dimensions to permit the at least one of the sensors and the gripping mechanism to pass therethrough.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cartridge assembly is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing device. The cartridge assembly comprises an end cap, a disposable cartridge and a sealing mechanism. The end cap includes one opening. The disposable cartridge comprises an outer and inner cartridge. The inner cartridge contains sensors arranged in a stack therein. Each of the sensors carries a reagent sufficient to produce a signal in response to the analyte concentration in a fluid. The outer cartridge forms an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening. The outer cartridge includes a holding mechanism that holds at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge. The sealing mechanism is adapted to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.
90 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A sensor-dispensing device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid, the device comprising:
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a cartridge assembly including an outer cartridge and an inner cartridge, the inner cartridge containing a plurality of sensors arranged in a stack therein, the outer cartridge including a holding mechanism configured to engage at least one of the sensors to hold the at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge with respect to the outer cartridge; and a gripping mechanism external to the cartridge assembly and moveable between a first position and a second position, the gripping mechanism including an engaging end with a slot configured to engage and grip the at least one of the sensors such that a portion of the at least one of the sensors is inside the slot in response to the gripping mechanism being in the second position, the engaging end of the gripping mechanism being configured to cause the inner cartridge to move with respect to the outer cartridge in response to the gripping mechanism being moved toward the second position, the gripping mechanism being configured to extend into an opening in the outer cartridge and to pull the at least one of the sensors from the stack through the opening in the outer cartridge, the opening being of sufficient dimensions to permit the at least one of the sensors and the gripping mechanism to pass therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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12. A cartridge assembly being adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing device, the sensor-dispensing device being adapted to determine the analyte concentration of a fluid, the cartridge assembly comprising:
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an end cap; a disposable cartridge comprising an outer cartridge and an inner cartridge, the inner cartridge containing a plurality of sensors arranged in a stack therein, the outer cartridge forming an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor and a gripping mechanism to pass through the opening, the gripping mechanism being external to the cartridge assembly and being configured to extend into the opening in the outer cartridge, the outer cartridge including a holding mechanism having a lip, the lip being configured to engage an end of at least one of the sensors to hold the at least one of the sensors in place during lateral movement of the inner cartridge with respect to the outer cartridge, the disposable cartridge being removably located within the end cap; and a sealing mechanism attached within the end cap and configured to engage the disposable cartridge located within the end cap such that the sealing mechanism is adapted to form a substantially moisture-tight seal so as to protect the sensors within the inner cartridge from atmospheric moisture. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 26, 27)
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28. A method of dispensing a test sensor, comprising:
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providing a sensor-dispensing device including a cartridge assembly coupled to a device housing including a gripping mechanism external to the cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly including an outer cartridge and an inner cartridge, the inner cartridge including a plurality of sensors therein; moving the gripping mechanism from a first position in the device housing towards a second position at least partially within the cartridge assembly, during the moving; (1) moving an engaging end of the gripping mechanism through an opening in the outer cartridge; (2) engaging the engaging end of the gripping mechanism with the inner cartridge; (3) moving the inner cartridge with respect to the outer cartridge; and (4) gripping one of the plurality of sensors with the gripping mechanism such that a portion of the one of the plurality of sensors is positioned within a slot of the engaging end of the gripping mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification