Abstract:
An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user&#39;s hand.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to diagnostic test strips for testing biological fluids. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing diagnostic test strips.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     Diagnostic test strips are used to measure analyte concentrations in biological fluids. For example, diagnostic test strips are often used by diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose levels.  
         [0005]     To preserve their integrity, diagnostic test strips must be maintained in appropriate environmental conditions. That is, the test strips should be maintained at appropriate humidity levels, and should remain free of foreign substances. Furthermore, to avoid contamination by oils or foreign substances, test strips should not be handled prior to use.  
         [0006]     Thus, to preserve test strips, they are typically maintained in a storage vial or the like. In order to use the test strip, a user must reach into the vial, and retrieve a single test strip. However, many users, such as diabetic patients, have impaired vision or physical dexterity. Such users may find it difficult to retrieve a single test strip from a storage vial. Further, users may accidentally touch multiple test strips while reaching into the storage vial to withdraw a test strip, and potentially contaminate the unused test strips.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for storing diagnostic test strips in appropriate environmental conditions, and for conveniently dispensing the test strips one at a time.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     An object of the present invention is to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for storing a plurality of test strips and for dispensing the test strips one at a time.  
         [0009]     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by an apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip which comprises a container configured to store a stack of test strips, a roller disposed in the container, the roller adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips, and an actuator for actuating the roller to dispense the one test strip from the container.  
         [0010]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip comprises a container configured to store a stack of test strips, a lid connected to the container by a living hinge, and a linkage assembly operatively connected to the lid. The linkage assembly is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips so that when the lid is opened, a test strip is dispensed.  
         [0011]     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips comprises a container configured to store a stack of test strips, a spring disposed in the container, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips, and an actuator for actuating the spring to dispense the one test strip from the container.  
         [0012]     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for storing and dispensing test strips comprises means for storing a stack of test strips, means for contacting one test strip of the stack of test strips, and means for actuating the contacting means to dispense the contacted test strip.  
         [0013]     According to a still further embodiment of present invention, a method of storing and dispensing test strips comprises the steps of arranging a plurality of test strips to form a stack of test strips, storing the plurality of test strips in a storage container, urging the stack of test strips toward a dispensing position, engaging the stack of test strips with an engaging member, actuating the engaging member to dispense the contacted test strip, and urging the remaining test strips toward the dispensing position so that another test strip is placed into a dispensing position. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The above and other objects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a partially cut-away perspective view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 1 , with a test strip partially dispensed;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 1 , with a motor for operating the dispenser;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view of certain elements of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is another sectional view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is a cut-away perspective view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of certain elements of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 15 , with a partially dispensed test strip;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is a cut-away perspective view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 19  is a cut-away perspective view of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 18 , with a partially dispensed test strip;  
         [0034]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a linkage member of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to a eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 24  is perspective view of a cartridge of the storage vial shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
       [0039]     Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features and structures.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     The matters defined in the description such as detailed construction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.  
       First Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0041]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , a storage vial  100  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  102  configured to store a stack of test strips  104 , a strip roller  106  rotatably disposed in the container, and a thumbwheel  108  rotatably disposed in the container. The strip roller  106  contacts one test strip  142  of the stack of test strips  104 . The thumbwheel  108  operates the strip roller  106  so that when the thumbwheel  108  is rotated, the strip roller  106  rotates to dispense the test strip  142  in contact with the strip roller  106 .  
         [0042]     The storage container  102  includes a lower body portion  110  and a top wall  112  mounted in the lower body portion  110 . The lower body portion  110  of the storage container  102  is generally rectangular and forms a cavity  114  which is configured to store a stack of test strips  104 . A test strip supporting wall  116  extends upwardly from the bottom wall  118  of the container. The test strip supporting wall  116  is tall enough to provide support for the stack of test strips  104  loaded in the storage container  102 . The test strip supporting wall  116  may end short of the strip roller  106  so that it does not interfere with the strip roller  106 . Alternatively, the test strip supporting wall may extend to the bottom surface of the top wall  112  of the storage container  102 , and have an elongated slot to provide clearance for installation and operation of the strip roller  106  (refer to element  331  in  FIG. 14 ).  
         [0043]     The storage container  102  may be formed of a desiccant entrained polymer to regulate the specific relative humidity inside the container. U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,937, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses one suitable desiccant entrained polymer. Alternatively, the storage container  102  may be formed of a polymer with an insert-molded desiccant, or a desiccant may be placed in the cavity  114 .  
         [0044]     The top wall  112  of the storage container  102  is preferably formed separately from the remainder of the storage container  102  for easier manufacturing and assembly. After the test strips  104  are loaded into the storage container  102 , the top wall  112  may be fixed to the storage container  102  by ultrasonic welding, by an adhesive, by mechanical engagement (such as a snap-fit), or by any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art. The top wall  112  of the storage container  102  forms a dispensing slot  120  through which test strips are dispensed. The top surface  122  of the top wall  112  may bear indicia  136  (such as an arrow) for indicating the direction to rotate the thumbwheel  108  to dispense a test strip. A first supporting member  124  extends from the bottom surface  126  of the top wall  112  to rotatably support the strip roller  106 , as will be discussed in detail below. A second supporting member  128  also extends from the bottom surface of the top wall  112 . The thumbwheel  108  is rotatably supported by the second supporting member  128 , and the thumbwheel  108  extends through a second slot through the top wall  112  of the storage container  102 . A downwardly extending test strip supporting wall may be located adjacent to the test strip dispensing slot  120  to support and guide test strips into the dispensing slot  120  while they are being dispensed (refer to element  831  in  FIG. 14 ).  
         [0045]     The storage container  102  may be provided with a lid  138  to prevent humidity and other environmental contaminants from entering the storage container  102 . The lid  138  may be a separate component, but preferably the lid  138  is connected to the storage container  102  by a hinge  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lid  138  is formed integrally with the lower body portion  110  of the storage container  102  so that it is connected to the storage container  121  by a living hinge  140 . The lid  138  preferably forms a substantially hermetic seal with the lower body portion  110  of the storage container  102 . Such seals are known to those skilled in the art, and therefore, a detailed description of the seal will be omitted for conciseness. Also, for convenience of explanation, the lid is only shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0046]     A biasing element  132 , such as a compression spring or a leaf spring, urges the stack of test strips  104  stored in the storage container  102  into contact with the strip roller  106 . A platform  134  may be disposed between the biasing element  132  and the stack of test strips  104  to uniformly distribute the force generated by the biasing element  132  along the length of the stack of test strips  104 . If the test strips are sufficiently rigid, however, the biasing element  132  may directly contact the test strips.  
         [0047]     The strip roller  106  is rotatably supported by the first supporting member  124 , which extends downwardly from the top wall  112  of the storage container  102 . The strip roller  106  contacts one of the test strips  142  in the stack of test strips  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, ( FIG. 4 ), the strip roller  106  engages the right-most test strip  142 . Preferably, the strip roller  106  engages the test strip in the upper portion of the test strip. The outer circumferential surface  144  of the strip roller  106  should have a sufficient coefficient of friction to frictionally engage and dispense a test strip. For example, the strip roller  106  may be formed of rubber bonded to a metal or molded plastic roller insert. A strip roller gear  146  is located on one side of the strip roller  106 .  
         [0048]     A thumbwheel  108  is rotatably supported by the second supporting member  128 . A plurality of gear teeth  148  are located around the outer circumference of the thumbwheel  108 , and the gear teeth  148  on the thumbwheel  108  engage the strip roller gear  146 . The gear teeth  148  also provide friction to allow a user to more conveniently operate the thumbwheel  108  with a thumb, a finger, or the like.  
         [0049]     Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the storage container  102  may be used in a fully automated test strip dispenser. In this case, the automated test strip dispenser is provided with a motor  150  with a pinion gear  152 , and the storage container  102  is disposed in the automated test strip dispenser so that the pinion gear  152  engages the thumbwheel  108 . The automated test strip dispenser can, if desired, be combined with a blood glucose meter that reads the test strips  104 .  
         [0050]     Furthermore, a locking member  154 , such as a ratchet or pawl, may be disposed on the storage container  102  to engage the thumbwheel  108 . The locking member  154  allows the thumbwheel  108  to rotate in one direction (that is, a dispensing direction), but prevents the thumbwheel  108  from rotating in the opposite direction.  
         [0051]     The method of using the storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, the strip roller  106  and the thumbwheel  108  are assembled to the first and second supporting members  128 ,  130 , respectively, on the top wall  112  of the storage container  102 . A stack of test strips  104  is loaded into the lower body portion  110  of the storage container  102  so that the stack of test strips  104  is disposed between the platform  132  and the test strip supporting wall  130 . The biasing element  132  is installed in the cavity  114  between the platform  132  and the opposite wall of the storage container. The top wall  112 , with the strip roller  106  and the thumbwheel  108  installed, is then assembled to the lower body of the storage container  102 . The lid  138  is placed on the storage container  102  to form a substantially hermetic seal. The storage vial  100  may now be stored, and the stack of test strips  104  will be protected from environmental hazards, such as moisture. Typically, these steps will be performed by a manufacturer, rather than an end user of the storage vial.  
         [0052]     To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid  138  to expose the thumbwheel  108  and the strip dispensing slot  120 . The user then rotates the thumbwheel  108  in the dispensing direction by manipulating the thumbwheel  108 , with the user&#39;s fingers or the like. Upon rotation of the thumbwheel  108 , the thumbwheel  108  transmits the rotational force to the strip roller  106  through the gear teeth  148  on the thumbwheel  108  and the strip roller gear  146 . Therefore, the strip roller  106  rotates. The strip roller  106  contacts one test strip  142  of the stack of test strips  104 , and through frictional force generated between the strip roller  106  and the contacted test strip  142 , dispenses the contacted test strip  142  through the test strip dispensing slot  120 . The thumbwheel  108  may be rotated so that the test strip  142  is completely dispensed out of the storage container  102 , or the test strip  142  may be partially dispensed from the storage container  102  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip  142  to completely withdraw the test strip and use the test strip.  
         [0053]     Once the test strip is completely dispensed from the storage container  102 , the biasing element  132  urges the remaining test strips in the stack of test strips  104  toward the strip roller  106  so that a new test strip is placed into contact with the strip roller  106 . Thus, to dispense another test strip, the user rotates the thumbwheel  108  again. After dispensing the desired number of test strips, the user may then replace the lid on the storage container  102  to store the remaining test strips for future use.  
         [0054]     After all of the stored test strips stored in the storage container  102  have been dispensed, the storage vial  100  may be discarded, or may be returned to the manufacturer for recycling. Alternatively, the storage container  102  may be adapted to be reusable (e.g., by making the top wall  112  removable from the lower body portion  110 ).  
       Second Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0055]     Referring to  FIGS. 8-12 , a storage vial  200  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  202  configured to store a stack of test strips  204 , a strip roller  206  rotatably disposed in the storage container  202 , and a pushbutton  208  disposed in the container. The strip roller  206  contacts one test strip  226  of the stack of test strips  204 . The pushbutton  208  is connected with the strip roller  206  by a gear train  230  so that when the pushbutton  208  is pushed, the strip roller  206  rotates to dispense the test strip  226  in contact with the strip roller.  
         [0056]     The storage container  202  includes a lower body portion  210  and a top wall  212  mounted in the lower body portion  210 . The lower body portion  210  of the storage container  202  is configured substantially the same as the lower body portion  110  of the storage container  100  of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, a detailed description of the lower body portion  210  will not be repeated.  
         [0057]     The top wall  212  of the storage container  202  has a test strip dispensing slot  216  through which test strips are dispensed. A first supporting member  218  extends from the bottom surface  220  of the top wall  212  to rotatably support the strip roller  206 , as will be discussed in detail below. A second supporting member  222  extends from the bottom surface  220  of the top wall  212  to rotatably support an intermediate gear  232 .  
         [0058]     The pushbutton  208  has a first end  234  and a second end  236 . The first end  234  of the pushbutton  208  extends through a slot located in the top wall  212  of the storage container  202  so that it may be manipulated by a user. The second end  236  of the pushbutton  208  is disposed inside the cavity  214  of the storage container  202 . A rack gear  238  is formed along the length of the pushbutton  208  near the second end  236  of the pushbutton  208 .  
         [0059]     The pushbutton is movable between a resting position (illustrated in  FIG. 10 , for example) and a dispensing position. A biasing element  240 , such as an extension spring, is disposed between the top wall  212  and the pushbutton  208 . The biasing element  240  urges the pushbutton  208  toward the resting position.  
         [0060]     The pushbutton  208  has at least one track  242  located on one side of the pushbutton, and may have tracks located on both sides of the pushbutton  208 . The tracks  242  are configured to guide the movement of the pushbutton  208  so that when the pushbutton  208  is pressed to dispense a test strip, the rack gear  238  on the pushbutton  208  engages the intermediate gear  232 . When the pushbutton  208  is released, the tracks  242  are configured to cause the rack gear  238  to disengage from the intermediate gear  232 . Therefore, the pushbutton  208  may be restored from the dispensing position to the resting position without rotating the intermediate gear  238 .  
         [0061]     The intermediate gear  232  is rotatably disposed on the second supporting member  222  which extends downwardly from the bottom surface  220  of the top wall  212  of the storage container  202 . The intermediate gear  232  is disposed between the rack gear  238  on the pushbutton  208  and the strip roller gear  228  on the strip roller  206  to operatively connect the gears and form a gear train  230 .  
         [0062]     The strip roller  206  is rotatably supported by the first supporting member  218 , which extends downwardly from bottom surface  220  of the top wall  212  of the storage container  202 . The strip roller  206  is generally configured the same as the strip roller  106  of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, a detailed description of the strip roller  206  will not be repeated.  
         [0063]     The method of using the storage vial  200  for storing and dispensing test strips according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, the strip roller  206 , the pushbutton  208 , the biasing element  240 , and the intermediate gear  232  are assembled to the top wall  212  of the storage container  202 . A stack of test strips  204  is loaded into the lower body portion  210  of the storage container  202  so that the stack of test strips  204  is disposed between the platform  246  (and the biasing element  232 ) and the test strip supporting wall  224 . The top wall  212 , with the installed components, is then assembled to the lower body portion  210  of the storage container  202  so that the strip roller  206  engages one test strip  226  of the stack of test strips  226 . The lid  224  may then be closed, and the stack of test strips may be stored as long as desired.  
         [0064]     To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid  224 , and pushes the pushbutton  208  to move the pushbutton  208  from a resting position to a dispensing position. Initially, the tracks  242  on the pushbutton  208  cause the rack gear  238  to engage the intermediate gear  232 . Consequently, movement of the pushbutton  208  causes the rack gear  238  to rotate the intermediate gear  232 . The rotation of the intermediate gear  232  rotates the strip roller gear  228  and causes the strip roller  206  to dispense the test strip  226  which the strip roller  206  contacts. The pushbutton  208  may be configured to completely dispense the test strip  226  out of the storage container  202 , or the test strip  226  may be partially dispensed from the storage container  202  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip  226  to completely withdraw the test strip from the storage container  202 .  
         [0065]     After the test strip  226  has been dispensed, the biasing element  244  urges the platform  246  and the stack of test strips  204  against the test strip supporting wall  248  so that a new test strip may be dispensed.  
         [0066]     When a user releases the pushbutton  108 , the configuration of the tracks  242  on the pushbutton cause the pushbutton  208 , along with the rack gear  238 , to move away from and disengage the intermediate gear  232 . Therefore, the pushbutton  208  may be returned to the resting position without rotating the intermediate and strip roller gears  232 ,  228  in a reverse direction.  
       Third Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0067]     Referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , a storage vial  300  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  302  configured to store a stack of test strips, a strip roller  306  rotatably disposed in the storage container  302 , and a pushbutton  308  disposed in the storage container  302 . The strip roller  306  contacts one test strip of the stack of test strips. The pushbutton  308  is connected with the strip roller  306  by a gear train so that when the pushbutton  308  is pushed, the strip roller  306  rotates to dispense the test strip in contact with the strip roller  306 .  
         [0068]     The storage container  302  of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally the same as the storage container  202  of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, except for the configuration of the intermediate gear  316  of the gear train and the pushbutton  308 .  
         [0069]     In this embodiment of the invention, the pushbutton  308  does not have tracks for engaging and disengaging the rack gear from the intermediate gear  316 . Instead, the pushbutton  308  has extended guide pins (not shown) which are disposed in and guided by pushbutton guide tracks  310  disposed on the inner surface of the outer wall of the lower body portion  304  of the storage container  302 . The guide tracks  310  are generally parallel to the edge of the lower body portion so that the pushbutton member moves substantially straight into and out of the storage container  302 .  
         [0070]     The intermediate gear  316  of this embodiment of the invention is not supported by a supporting member which extends from the top wall of the storage container. Instead, the intermediate gear  316  has extended shaft portions (not shown) which are disposed in and guided by a pair of intermediate gear guide tracks  312  formed on the inner surface of the outer wall of the lower body portion  304  of the storage container  302 . Accordingly, the intermediate gear  316  is free to move linearly along the length of the intermediate gear guide tracks  312 .  
         [0071]     The method of using the storage vial  300  for storing and dispensing test strips according to the third exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, the storage vial  300  is loaded with a stack of test strips and assembled in substantially the same manner described above.  
         [0072]     To dispense a test strip, a user pushes the pushbutton  308  to move the pushbutton  308  from a resting position to a dispensing position. Initially, a rack gear on the pushbutton  308  engages the intermediate gear  316 , and the intermediate gear  316  moves linearly toward the lower end  314  of the intermediate gear guide tracks  312 . Upon reaching the lower end  314  of the intermediate gear guide tracks  312 , the guide tracks  312  prevent the intermediate gear  316  from any further linear movement. Accordingly, further movement of the pushbutton  308  causes the rack gear on the pushbutton  308  to rotate the intermediate gear  316 . The rotation of the intermediate gear  316  rotates a strip roller gear and causes the strip roller  306  to dispense a test strip. The pushbutton  308  may be configured to completely dispense a test strip, or a test strip may be partially dispensed from the storage container  302  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completely withdraw the test strip from the storage container  302 .  
         [0073]     When a user releases the pushbutton  308 , a biasing element urges the pushbutton  308  from the dispensing position back to the resting position. During the initial movement of the pushbutton  308  toward the resting position, the intermediate gear  316  translates along the intermediate gear guide tracks  312  to move toward the upper end of the guide tracks. When the intermediate gear  316  moves far enough, it disengages the strip roller gear. Therefore, the pushbutton  308  may be returned to the resting position without rotating the strip roller gear in a reverse direction.  
       Fourth Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0074]     Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , a storage vial  400  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  402  configured to store a stack of test strips  404 , a lid  406  connected to the storage container by a hinge  408 , and a linkage assembly  410  operatively connected to the lid  406 . When the lid  406  is opened, the linkage assembly  410  engages one test strip  412  of the stack of test strips  404  and dispenses the test strip  412 .  
         [0075]     The storage container  402  has a generally rectangular lower body portion  414  and forms a cavity  416  which is configured to store a stack of test strips  404 . The storage container  402  is formed of any suitable material, as previously discussed.  
         [0076]     The storage vial  400  is provided with a lid  406  to prevent humidity and other environmental contaminants from entering the storage container. The lid  406  is connected to the storage vial by a hinge  408 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lid  406  is formed integrally with the lower body portion of the storage container so that it is connected by a living hinge  408 . Any type of hinge arrangement may be used, however. The lid  406  preferably forms a hermetic seal with the lower body portion  414  of the storage container  402 .  
         [0077]     The linkage assembly  410  includes a first arm member  418  connected to the lid  406 , a second arm member  420  connected to the first arm member  418  by a living hinge  428 , and a third arm member  422  connected to the second arm member  420  by a living hinge  428 . The first arm member  418  is a generally V-shaped member. The two legs of the V-shaped member form, in the illustrated embodiment, an obtuse angle with respect to one another. The first arm member  418  is attached to the lid  406  by heat staking, by ultrasonic welding, by mechanical attachment, or by any other suitable method known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0078]     The second arm member  420  joins the first and third arm members  418 ,  422  by living hinges  428  at both ends of the second arm. The use of living hinges provide certain benefits, such as lower manufacturing costs, but it should be understood that the arms also may be joined by other types of hinges.  
         [0079]     The third arm member  422  has guide members  430 , such as guide pins, which are disposed in and configured to travel in rails located in the side wall of the lower body portion  414  of the storage container  402 . The third arm member  422  has a lower contacting member  426  which is configured to contact the lower edge of one test strip  412  of the stack of test strips  404 . In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the third arm member  422  contacts the lower edge of the right-most test strip  412 .  
         [0080]     As illustrated, one set of first, second, and third arm members is provided at the front side of the storage container  402 . For stability, a second set of first, second, and third arm members, which is substantially identical to the first set of first, second, and third arm members, may be located at the back side of the storage container  402 .  
         [0081]     The method of using the storage vial  400  for storing and dispensing test strips according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, the lid  406  is opened, a stack of test strips  404  is loaded into the container between a platform  432  and the outer wall  434  of the storage container  402 , and the lid  406  is closed. With the lid  406  closed, the linkage assembly  410  is placed into a resting position. In the resting position, the third arm member  422  is located at the bottom of the storage container, and the lower contacting member  426  is located underneath the bottom edge of the right-most test strip  412 .  
         [0082]     To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid  406  of the storage container  402 . The opening of the lid  406  causes the first arm member  418  to rotate up and out of the storage container. The second and third arm members  420 ,  422 , which are connected to the first arm member  418 , are also raised. The third arm member  422  travels substantially vertically up due to the cooperation of the guide member  430  and the guide rails and is raised up to a dispensing position. Since the lower contacting member  426  of the third arm member  422  is located under a test strip  412 , it raises and dispenses the test strip  412 . Once the third arm member  422  reaches the dispensing position, a user may grasp the test strip and remove the dispensed test strip  412 . The first, second, and third arm members  418 ,  420 , and  422  may be configured to completely dispense the test strip  412  out of the storage container  402 , or the test strip  412  may be partially dispensed from the storage container  402  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip  412  to completely withdraw the test strip from the storage container  402  and use the test strip.  
         [0083]     After the test strip  412  has been dispensed, a user may then close the lid  406 . Closing the lid  406  causes the linkage assembly  410  to return to its resting position. When the linkage assembly  410 , and the third arm member  422  in particular, reaches the resting position, the biasing element  436  urges the stack of test strips  404  toward the outer wall  434  so that a new test strip is placed over the lower contacting member  426  of the new test strip. Consequently, the storage vial  400  is ready to dispense another test strip.  
       Fifth Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0084]     Referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , a storage vial  500  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  502  configured to store a stack of test strips, a lid  504  connected to the storage container  502  by a hinge  506 , and a linkage assembly  508  operatively connected to the lid  504 . When the lid  504  is opened, the linkage assembly  508  engages one test strip  510  of the stack of test strips and dispenses the test strip.  
         [0085]     The storage container  502  and lid  504  of this embodiment is generally configured the same as the storage container  502  and lid  504  of the fourth exemplary embodiment.  
         [0086]     The linkage assembly  508  includes at least one slider arm  512 , at least one first linkage member  514 , and at least one second linkage member  516 . In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of slider arms  512 , a pair of first linkage members  514 , and a pair of second linkage members  516  are provided to increase the stability and reliability of the linkage assembly.  
         [0087]     First ends  518  of the slider arms  512  are pivotably connected to the lid  504 . Second ends  520  of the slider arms  512  are pivotably connected to the first linkage members  514 . Each of the slider arms  512  has a slot  522  that engages a guide boss  536  disposed on the storage container  502 .  
         [0088]     First ends  524  of the first linkage members  514  are pivotably connected to the second ends  520  of the slider arms  512 , and second ends  526  of the first linkage members  514  are pivotably connected to the second linkage members  516 .  
         [0089]     The second linkage members  516  have guide members  528 , such as guide pins, which are disposed in and configured to travel in guide rails located in the side walls of the storage container  502 . The first ends  530  of the second linkage members  516  are connected to the second ends  526  of the first linkage members  514 . A lower contacting member  534  is disposed between the second ends  532  of the second linkage members  516 . The lower contacting member contacts one test strip  510  so that the test strip  510  is dispensed when the lid  504  is opened.  
         [0090]     The method of using the storage vial  500  for storing and dispensing test strips according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, the lid  504  is opened, a stack of test strips is loaded into the storage container  502 , and the lid  504  is closed. With the lid  504  closed, the linkage assembly  508  is placed into a resting position. In the resting position, the second linkage members  516  are located at the bottom of the storage container  502 , and the lower contacting member  534  is located underneath the lower edge of the bottom edge of the right-most test strip  510 .  
         [0091]     To dispense a test strip, a user opens the lid  504  of the storage container  502 . The opening of the lid  504  causes the slider arms  512  to rotate up and out of the storage container  502 . The slider arms  512  are guided by cooperation of the guide bosses  536  and the slots in the slider arms  512  along a predetermined path. The second ends  520  of the slider arms  512  pull the first linkage members  514 , which, in turn, pull the second linkage members  516 . The second linkage members  516  travel substantially vertically up insider the storage container  502  due to the cooperation of the guide members  528  and guide rails and is raised up to a dispensing position. Since the lower contacting member  534  is located under a test strip, it raises and dispenses the test strip. Once the second linkage members  516  reach the dispensing position, a user may grasp the test strip and remove the dispensed test strip. The slider arms  512  and the first and second linkage members  514 ,  516  may be configured to completely dispense a test strip out of the storage container  502 , or the test strip may be partially dispensed from the storage container  502  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completely withdraw the test strip from the storage container and use the test strip.  
         [0092]     After the test strip has been dispensed, a user may then close the lid  504 . Closing the lid  504  causes the linkage assembly  508  to return to its resting position. When the linkage assembly  508 , and the second linkage members  516  in particular, reach the resting position, a biasing element urges the stack of test strips towards the side wall of the storage container  502  so that a new test strip is placed over the lower contacting member. Consequently, the storage container  502  is ready to dispense another test strip.  
       Sixth Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0093]     Referring to  FIG. 21 , a storage vial  600  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  602  configured to store a stack of test strips, a spiral pusher spring  604 , and a thumbwheel  606  connected to the spiral pusher spring  604  by a gear train  628  so that rotation of the thumbwheel  606  causes the spring to dispense one test strip of the stack of test strips.  
         [0094]     The storage container  602  is generally rectangular and forms a cavity  612  which is configured to receive a cartridge  610  for storing a stack of test strips. The storage container  602  may be formed of any suitable material, as previously discussed.  
         [0095]     The storage vial  600  is provided with a lid  608  to prevent humidity and other environmental contaminants from entering the storage container  602 . The lid  608  may be connected to the storage vial by any suitable type of hinge, such as a living hinge.  
         [0096]     A cartridge  610  is inserted into the cavity in the storage container  602 . The spiral pusher spring  604  and the associated gear train  628  are disposed in the cartridge  610 . The cavity  612  in the cartridge  610  is configured to hold a stack of test strips, and a platform, as well as a biasing element, are located in the cavity to urge the stack of elements toward one wall of the cartridge  610 . The cartridge  610  may be removable from the storage container  602  or permanently affixed thereto.  
         [0097]     The spiral pusher spring  604  is wound around a cylindrical spring drum  614 . A first end  616  of the spiral pusher spring  604  is disposed in a guide track  618  formed in the cartridge  610 . A second end  620  of the spiral pusher spring  604  is fixed to the cylindrical spring drum  614 . The first end  616  of the spiral pusher spring  604  is configured to contact the edge of a test strip. Accordingly, when the spring drum  614  is rotated, the first end  616  of the spiral pusher spring  604  is extended and moves along the guide track  618  to dispense a test strip.  
         [0098]     In the illustrated embodiment, the gear train  628  comprises a thumbwheel driving gear  606 , a first idler gear  622 , a second idler gear  624 , and a spring drum driving gear.  626 . The thumbwheel driving gear  606  is partially exposed to the outside of the storage container  602  so that a user may manipulate the thumbwheel  606 . The first and second idler gears  622 ,  624  engage the thumbwheel  606 , and transmit a rotational force generated by the thumbwheel  606  to the spring drum driving gear  626 . The gear train  628  may be configured with any desired gear ratios.  
         [0099]     The method of using the storage vial  600  for storing and dispensing test strips according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, a stack of test strips is loaded into the cartridge  610 , the spiral pusher spring  604  is retracted into an initial resting position, and the cartridge is inserted into the storage container  602 . In the resting position, the spiral pusher spring  604  is retracted so that the end of the spring is located at the bottom of the storage container  602  and is underneath the lower edge of one edge of a test strip.  
         [0100]     To dispense a test strip, a user rotates the exposed thumbwheel  606  in a dispensing direction. The rotational force of the thumbwheel  606  is transmitted to the spiral pusher spring  604  through the gear train  628 . The spiral pusher spring  604  is extended and dispenses the test strip. The thumbwheel  606  may be rotated so that the test strip is completely dispensed out of the storage container  602 , or the test strip may be partially dispensed from the storage container  602  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completely withdraw the test strip and use the test strip.  
         [0101]     After the test strip has been dispensed, a user may then rotate the thumbwheel  606  in an opposite direction to the dispensing direction to return the spiral pusher spring  604  to its resting position. Alternatively, the inherent spring force of the spiral pusher spring  604  may cause it to return to its resting position automatically. When the spiral pusher spring  604  reaches the resting position, the biasing element urges the stack of test strips towards the spiral spring so that a new test strip is placed over the end of the pusher spring. Consequently, the storage container  602  is ready to dispense another test strip.  
       Seventh Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0102]     Referring to  FIG. 22 , a storage vial  700  for storing and dispensing test strips according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  702  configured to store a stack of test strips, a spring  704  configured to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips, a rack  706  connected to the spring  704 , a pinion  708  engaging the rack  706 , and a thumbwheel  710  engaging the pinion  708  so that rotation of the thumbwheel  710  displaces the rack  706  and causes the spring  704  to dispense the contacted test strip.  
         [0103]     The storage container  702  and lid of this embodiment is generally configured the same as the storage container  702  and lid of the sixth exemplary embodiment.  
         [0104]     A cartridge  712  is inserted into a cavity  714  in the storage container  702   502 . The cartridge  712  has a cavity which is configured to hold a stack of test strips, and a platform, as well as a biasing element, are located in the cartridge  712  to urge the stack of test strips toward one wall of the cartridge  712 . The cartridge  712  may be removable from the storage container  602  or permanently affixed thereto.  
         [0105]     The spring  704  is disposed in a guide track  722  formed in the cartridge  712 . A first end  716  of the spring  704  is guided by the guide track  722  and is configured to contact the edge of a test strip. A second end  718  of the spring  704  is fixed to the rack  706 .  
         [0106]     The rack  706  is linearly movable within the storage container  702 . The rack  706  has a rack gear  720  located on one side of the rack.  
         [0107]     A pinion gear  708  is rotatably disposed on the cartridge  712 , and engages the rack gear  720 .  
         [0108]     The thumbwheel  710  is also rotatable disposed on the cartridge  712 , and engages the pinion gear  708 . Accordingly, when the thumbwheel  710  is rotated, the pinion gear  708  rotates, and the rack  706  translates linearly. Thus, the first end of the attached spring  704  is moved along the guide track  722 .  
         [0109]     The method of using the storage vial for storing and dispensing test strips according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, a stack of test strips is loaded into the cartridge  712 , the pusher spring  704  and rack  706  are placed into an initial resting position, and the cartridge is inserted into the storage container  702 . In the resting position, the rack  706  and pusher spring  704  are retracted so that the end of the spring  704  is located at the bottom of the storage container  702  and is underneath the lower edge of one edge of a test strip.  
         [0110]     To dispense a test strip, a user rotates the exposed thumbwheel  710  in a dispensing direction. The rotational force of the thumbwheel  710  is transmitted to the pinion  708  gear, and the pinion gear  708  engages the rack  706  gear to translate the rotational force of the pinion gear  708  into linear movement of the rack  706 . The linear movement of the rack  706  extends the pusher spring  704 , and dispenses the test strip. The thumbwheel  710  may be rotated so that the test strip is completely dispensed out of the storage container  702 , or the test strip may be partially dispensed from the storage container  702  to expose the test strip so that a user may grasp the exposed test strip to completely withdraw the test strip and use the test strip.  
         [0111]     After the test strip has been dispensed, a user may then rotate the thumbwheel  710  in an opposite direction to the dispensing direction to return the pusher spring  704  to its resting position. Alternatively, the pusher spring can return to its resting position automatically. When the pusher spring  704  reaches the resting position, the biasing element urges the stack of test strips towards the pusher spring  704  so that a new test strip is placed over the end of the pusher spring  704 . Consequently, the storage container  702  is ready to dispense another test strip.  
       Eighth Exemplary Embodiment  
       [0112]     Referring to  FIGS. 23-24 , a storage vial  800  for storing and dispensing test strips according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a storage container  802  configured to store a stack of test strips rack, a spring  804  configured to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips, and a lever arm  806  that pivots about a pivot point  808 . A first end  810  of the lever arm  806  is connected to the spring  804  to drive the spring  804  so that pivoting of the lever causes the spring  804  to dispense the contacted test strip.  
         [0113]     The storage container  802  and lid (not shown) of this embodiment is generally configured the same as the storage container  602  and lid  608  of the sixth exemplary embodiment.  
         [0114]     A cartridge  814  is inserted into a cavity in the storage container  802 . A cavity in the cartridge  814  is configured to hold a stack of test strips, and a platform, as well as a biasing element, are located in the cavity to urge the stack of test strips toward one wall of the cartridge. The cartridge  814  may be removable from the storage container  802  or permanently affixed thereto.  
         [0115]     The spring  804  is disposed in a guide track  818  formed by the cartridge and  814 . The first end  820  of the spring  804  is guided by the guide track  818  and is configured to contact the edge of a test strip  816 . A second end  822  of the spring  804  is fixed to a first end  810  of the lever arm  806 .  
         [0116]     The lever arm  806  is pivotably disposed about a pivot point  808  on the cartridge. The second end  824  of the lever arm  806  extends above the top end of the cartridge so that a user may manipulate the lever arm  806 .  
         [0117]     The method of using the storage vial  800  for storing and dispensing test strips according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described. Initially, a stack of test strips is loaded into the cartridge  814 , the lever arm  806  and the pusher spring  804  are placed into an initial resting position, and the cartridge is inserted into the storage container  802 . In the resting position, the lever arm  806  is pivoted to one side of the storage container  802 , and the pusher spring  804  is retracted so that the end of the spring  804  is located at the bottom of the storage container  802  and is underneath the lower edge of one edge of a test strip.  
         [0118]     To dispense a test strip, a user presses the lever arm  806  to pivot the lever arm  806 . The pivoting of the lever arm  806  causes the pusher spring  804  to extend along the guide track, and dispenses the test strip. The lever arm  806  is pivoted far enough for a user to grasp the test strip and remove the dispensed test strip.  
         [0119]     After removing the test strip, a user may then pivot the lever arm  806  back to its initial resting position. Alternatively, the lever arm may return to its resting position automatically. When the lever arm  806  reaches the resting position, the biasing element urges the stack of test strips towards the pusher spring  804  so that a new test strip is placed over the end of the pusher spring  804 . Consequently, the storage container  802  is ready to dispense another test strip.  
         [0120]     While various embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.