Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips, comprising:
- a container configured to store a stack of test strips;
a spring disposed in the container, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips; and
an actuator for actuating the spring to dispense the contacted test strip from the container, wherein the actuator comprises a thumbwheel disposed at least partially within the container and at least partially exposed outside of the container for direct operation by a user.
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Abstract
An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user'"'"'s hand.
41 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips, comprising:
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a container configured to store a stack of test strips; a spring disposed in the container, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips; and an actuator for actuating the spring to dispense the contacted test strip from the container, wherein the actuator comprises a thumbwheel disposed at least partially within the container and at least partially exposed outside of the container for direct operation by a user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15)
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9. An apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips, comprising:
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a container for storing a stack of test strips; a spring for contacting one test strip of the stack of test strips, the spring contacting an edge of one test strip of the stack of test strips; and an actuator for actuating the spring to dispense the contacted test strip, wherein the actuator comprises a thumbwheel disposed at least partially within the container and at least partially exposed outside of the container for direct operation by a user. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16)
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Specification