Methods of indexing a test-sensor cartridge

摘要

A method of indexing and excising a test sensor from a test-sensor cartridge including rotating an indexer in a first direction such that a flexible pawl thereon is positioned between a first and second notch of the test-sensor cartridge. Rotating the indexer in a first direction, but not in a second generally opposite direction, likewise rotates the cartridge. The method further includes rotating the indexer in the second direction such that the flexible pawl is positioned between the second notch and a third notch, and an aperture of the indexer face is generally aligned with a first cavity of the test-sensor cartridge. The method further includes moving an excise mechanism such that a push rod extends through the second aperture and through the first cavity until the first test sensor is excised through an opposing end of the first cavity into a read position.

主权项

1. A method of indexing a test-sensor cartridge positioned in an analyte-testing instrument, the method comprising the acts of:
providing a test-sensor cartridge comprising a first face, a second opposing face, and a side portion bridging the first face and the second opposing face, the test-sensor cartridge including a plurality of test-sensor cavities that is generally uniformly positioned therethrough, the test-sensor cartridge further comprising a plurality of generally uniformly spaced notches extending from the side portion, the number and position of the notches corresponding with the number and position of the test-sensor cavities, each of the plurality of test-sensor cavities generally extending from the first face to the second opposing face of the test-sensor cartridge, each of the plurality of test-sensor cavities including a respective test sensor therein; providing an indexer comprising an indexer face and a flexible pawl positioned near an edge of the indexer face, the flexible pawl being positioned between a first and second notch of the plurality of notches of the test-sensor cartridge; rotating the indexer in a first direction, the rotating in the first direction causing the flexible pawl to push against the first notch, thereby rotating the test-sensor cartridge in the first direction; androtating the indexer in a second direction to position the flexible pawl between the second notch and an adjacent third notch of the plurality of notches, the test-sensor cartridge remaining stationary during the rotation of the indexer in the second direction.