Patent ID: 7677409
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A sensor-dispensing instrument comprising: a cartridge including a cartridge housing, a plurality of test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and a pusher assembly, the cartridge housing forming at least one cartridge opening therethrough, the plurality of test sensors being stacked in the cartridge housing, the plurality of test sensors being adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte, the mechanical mechanism being adapted to urge the plurality of test sensors in a first direction, one of the plurality of test sensors being positioned for extraction from the cartridge, the pusher assembly being adapted to push one of the plurality of test sensors from the cartridge, the pusher assembly including a ferromagnetic material or a magnet; an instrument housing forming a dispensing outlet and being adapted to receive the cartridge; a lid being moveable between a closed position and an open position such that the lid seals at least one of the dispensing outlet and the cartridge opening in the closed position; and a slider comprising a ferromagnetic material or a magnet, the slider being adapted to be magnetically coupled to the pusher assembly of the cartridge, the slider being adapted to slide from a first position to a second position, wherein during the movement of the slider from the first position to the second position, the pusher assembly contacts one of the plurality of test sensors and pushes it at least partially through the dispensing opening, wherein at least one of the pusher assembly or the slider comprises a magnet.