Mechanical mechanism for a sensor-dispensing instrument

Abstract

A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The mechanical mechanism of the sensor dispensing instrument is operated by first moving a disk drive pusher in a first direction to rotate the sensor pack, and then moving the disk drive pusher in a second direction to eject a sensor from the sensor cavity and through the sensor slot.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 207,758, filed on Jul. 30, 2002 and is incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 207,758 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 311,759, filed on Aug. 13, 2001, now expired.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to a fluid monitoring system, and, more particularly, to a new and improved instrument for handling multiple sensors that are used in analyzing blood glucose or other analytes contained therein. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] People suffering from various forms of diabetes routinely need to test their blood to determine the level of blood glucose. The results of such tests can be used to determine what, if any, insulin or other medication needs to be administered. In one type of blood glucose testing system, sensor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved sensor dispensing instrument for handling the sensors contained in a sensor pack of multiple sensors used in testing blood glucose. In particular, objects of the present invention are to provide a new and improved fluid sensor dispensing instrument handling device having a mechanical mechanism that can be more easily operated by a user with limited finger strength or dexterity, that reduces the possibility of jams, eliminates the spoilage of sensors because of user error, and which otherwise overcomes the problems or limitations discussed above.

Problems solved by technology

Alternatively, some packages require the user to exert force against one side of the package resulting in the sensor bursting or rupturing the foil on the other side.

As can be appreciated, the opening of these packages can be difficult.

Although the sensor instrument disclosed in the '986 patent overcomes many of the problems discussed above in connection with the use of individual sensors, some users of have experienced difficulties in the operation and / or manipulation of the disclosed sensor instrument.

For example, users with limited dexterity may find the manipulation of the slide latch difficult.

Similarly, some users, elderly users in particular, may find the operation of this device complicated or confusing.

This may lead to user errors in the manipulation of the slide latch, which can result in a jam in the operation of the device.

In addition, some users have encountered spoiled sensors resulting from partial or incorrect manipulation of the device.

If, for example, a user intending to activate the display mode of the device accidentally moves the slide latch into the testing mode direction, the knife blade may puncture the foil covering the sensor cavity of the new sensor.

Images