Multistrip cartridge
First Claim
1. A test meter for analyzing a body fluid sample applied to a test strip, the test meter comprising:
- a cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked test strips and for dispensing individually the plurality of stacked test strips, the cartridge comprising;
an outer housing having an opening and configured to receive the plurality of stacked test strips in a first direction parallel to a height of the plurality of stacked test strips;
a cover portion removably joined to the outer housing, the cover portion having a top surface and comprising at least one connection member extending perpendicularly away from the top surface and into the outer housing in the first direction; and
a dispensing member received within the outer housing and having a first end and a second end, the first end being a free end and the second end hingedly connected to the at least one connection member of the cover portion, the dispensing member configured to rotate about the second end; and
a meter housing configured to receive the cartridge therein, the meter housing comprising an actuator attached to the cover portion;
wherein;
in response to actuation of the actuator, the cover portion moves between a first position and a second actuated position; and
in response to movement of the cover portion, the dispensing member rotates about the second end wherein the first end is configured to engage and move one test strip from the plurality of stacked test strips through the opening.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A test meter for analyzing a body fluid sample applied to a test strip includes an outer housing having an opening, an actuator, and a cartridge positioned adjacent the outer housing. The cartridge further includes a dispensing member connected to the actuator, a plurality of stacked test strips biased toward the dispensing member, and a cartridge outer housing that is adjacent at least a portion of the dispensing member. Each time the actuator is actuated, the dispensing member is rotated to cause movement of one test strip from the plurality of stacked test strips through the opening, and another test strip is biased toward the dispensing member.
77 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A test meter for analyzing a body fluid sample applied to a test strip, the test meter comprising:
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a cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked test strips and for dispensing individually the plurality of stacked test strips, the cartridge comprising; an outer housing having an opening and configured to receive the plurality of stacked test strips in a first direction parallel to a height of the plurality of stacked test strips; a cover portion removably joined to the outer housing, the cover portion having a top surface and comprising at least one connection member extending perpendicularly away from the top surface and into the outer housing in the first direction; and a dispensing member received within the outer housing and having a first end and a second end, the first end being a free end and the second end hingedly connected to the at least one connection member of the cover portion, the dispensing member configured to rotate about the second end; and a meter housing configured to receive the cartridge therein, the meter housing comprising an actuator attached to the cover portion;
wherein;in response to actuation of the actuator, the cover portion moves between a first position and a second actuated position; and in response to movement of the cover portion, the dispensing member rotates about the second end wherein the first end is configured to engage and move one test strip from the plurality of stacked test strips through the opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A test meter for analyzing a body fluid sample applied to a test strip, the test meter comprising:
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a cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked test strips and for dispensing individually the plurality of stacked test strips, the cartridge comprising; an outer housing having an opening and configured to receive the plurality of stacked test strips in a first direction parallel to a height of the plurality of stacked test strips; a cover portion removably joined to the outer housing, the cover portion having a top surface and comprising at least one connection member extending perpendicularly away from the top surface and into the outer housing in the first direction; and a dispensing member received within the outer housing and having a first end and a second end, the first end being a free end and the second end hingedly connected to the at least one connection member of the cover portion, the dispensing member configured to rotate about the second end; and a meter housing configured to receive the cartridge therein, the meter housing comprising an actuator attached to the cover portion;
wherein;in response to actuation of the actuator, the cover portion moves along a length of an axis between a first position, wherein a bottom surface of the cover portion joins with a surface of the outer housing to seal the cartridge closed, and a second actuated position, wherein the bottom surface of the covering element is spaced away from the surface of the outer housing; and in response to movement of the cover portion, the dispensing member is configured to engage and move one test strip from the plurality of stacked test strips through the opening. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A cartridge for storing a plurality of stacked test strips in a test meter, the cartridge comprising:
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an outer housing; a cover portion removably joined with the outer housing, the cover portion having a top surface and comprising at least one connection member extending perpendicularly away from the top surface and into the outer housing; and a dispensing assembly seated within the outer housing, the dispensing assembly comprising; a test strip storage area for storing the plurality of stacked test strips therein in a first direction parallel to a height of the plurality of stacked test strips, wherein the at least one connection member extends alongside the test strip storage area in the first direction, and a dispensing member movably connected to the at least one connection member of the cover portion and configured to rotate between a first position and a second dispensing position, the dispensing member having a first end configured to contact a single test strip of the plurality of test strips;
wherein;the cover portion is configured to move along a length of an axis between a first axial position, wherein at least a portion of the cover portion is adjacent the outer housing, and a second axial position, wherein the at least a portion of the cover portion is spaced away from the outer housing in the second axial position; and in response to the cover portion moving to the second axial position, the dispensing member is configured to move one of the plurality of stacked test strips through an opening. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification