Cartridge and sensor-dispensing instrument

摘要

A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

主权项

1. A sensor-dispensing instrument, comprising:
a cartridge housing; a plurality of test sensors stacked in the cartridge housing; an instrument housing to removably receive the cartridge housing and the plurality of test sensors therein; a mechanical mechanism including a plate coupled to a spring, the mechanical mechanism being configured to engage and urge the plurality of test sensors stacked in the cartridge housing in a first direction; a pair of extensions positioned to guide the mechanical mechanism, the spring of the mechanical mechanism being positioned between the pair of extensions, the pair of extensions being detached from the plate; and a pusher assembly including a slider and a bar coupled to the slider, the slider being movable in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of the slider from the first position to the second position causes the bar to engage one of the plurality of test sensors stacked in the cartridge housing and to urge that test sensor towards an exterior of the cartridge housing, wherein the bar is configured to engage a top one of the test sensors stacked in the cartridge without passing through a seal.