Abstract:
Substantially moisture-proof, airtight dispensers for both storing and dispensing several flattened articles such as diagnostic test strips is disclosed. The dispensers fits comfortably in a user&#39;s hand and can be configured to provide a test strip either by a squeezing motion or by flipping a trigger at the top of the dispenser, for example with the user&#39;s thumb. The dispensers are easy to manually operate and are thus well suited for diabetics suffering from nerve damage in their extremities and other complications resulting from the disease. When used with a separate meter, an integrated RFID tag can provide automated coding of the test strip information into the meter.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA  
       [0001]     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/871,943 filed Jun. 18, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to dispensers and more particularly to dispensers for flattened articles such as test strips.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Test strips or biosensors for measuring the presence or concentrations of selected analytes in test samples are well known. Typically, several of the test strips are packaged and stored in a disposable vial having a lid that snaps off or unscrews to open. Desiccant material is normally packaged within the vial to maintain the test strips dry. To conduct a test, the user must open the vial and remove a test strip. The strip is then typically inserted into a meter and a fluid sample (normally whole blood) is deposited onto it. The meter then measures the concentration of analyte using photometric or electrochemical methods. When the test is finished, the strip is removed from the meter and discarded. Also, before beginning use of a new vial of test strips, a user is typically given the opportunity to code the meter for the particular test strips, in other words input identifying information about the test strips (such as a calibration date, lot number, expiration date, etc.) into the meter. This coding is sometimes accomplished via a memory chip provided with the test strips that the user then manually inserts into the meter.  
         [0004]     Test strips are commonly used by diabetics to measure the level of glucose in their blood, which for most diabetics needs to be done three to four times per day, sometimes more frequently. Unfortunately, many diabetics develop complications from having the disease, such as impaired vision, loss of hand-eye coordination, and loss of sensitivity and dexterity of the fingers and toes. These complications of the disease can make opening a test strip vial, extracting a single test strip, manipulating the test strip and/or coding the meter quite difficult.  
         [0005]     Equally undesirably, opening a conventional vial of test strips exposes the strips to moisture in the atmosphere and causes the reagents contained in them to degrade much more quickly than if the vial remained sealed. This exposure significantly reduces shelf life.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there are needs for advances in this area of technology. More specifically, but not exclusively, there are needs for dispensers that ease handling of the test strips and/or that provide for automatic coding of the meter.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     In one form, the present invention provides substantially moisture-proof, airtight dispensers for both storing and dispensing several diagnostic test strips. In another form, the present invention provides a dispenser having means for automatically coding a meter with test strip information. These and other forms are discussed more fully below.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The above-mentioned and other advantages of the present invention, and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of an article dispenser in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the home and dispensed positions of the dispenser;  
         [0010]      FIGS. 1   a  and  2   a  are perspective views of an alternate embodiment of an article dispenser in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the home and dispensed positions of the dispenser;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view in partial cross section of the dispenser shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating the interior components of the dispenser;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0013]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are an enlarged fragmentary perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, of a seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser body or cassette in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   d  are side sectional views that illustrate the movement of the dispenser of an embodiment of the present invention from the home position to the dispense position and then back;  
         [0016]      FIG. 8   a  is an exploded perspective view with portions broken away of the dispenser of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8   b  is an enlarged fragmentary view of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8   c  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating the connection of a flexible arm member to a trigger;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are enlarged fragmentary perspective views illustrating a lip seal cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are enlarged fragmentary perspective views in partial cross section illustrating a platform and a lip seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are enlarged fragmentary perspective views in partial cross section illustrating a lip seal and a reconfigured lip seal, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  are enlarged fragmentary perspective views in partial cross section illustrating a lip seal and a reconfigured lip seal, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating a cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view in partial cross section illustrating a cap and an exit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIGS. 15   a - 15   c  are enlarged fragmentary perspective views in partial cross section illustrating a flexible seal, a reconfigured flexible seal, and a reconfigured flexible seal with an article exiting the seal, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  is a side sectional view illustrating the movement of the dispenser of an embodiment of the present invention from the home position to an optional detent position; and  
         [0027]      FIGS. 17   a - 17   c  are perspective views illustrating a method of using the article dispenser in accordance with the present invention with a meter that reads the articles that are dispensed.  
         [0028]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an article dispenser with integrated RFID tag.  
         [0029]      FIGS. 19 and 20  are partial sectional views of an article dispenser of the flip top design in the home and dispensed positions.  
         [0030]      FIG. 21  is a partial cutaway assembly view of the outer housing and trigger assembly of the dispenser of  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view of the housing and trigger assembly of  FIG. 21  being inserted over the cassette to form the dispenser of  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 23  is a partial cutaway view of the trigger of the dispenser of  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the pusher head portion of the dispenser of  FIGS. 19 and 20  received in one half of the inner cassette.  
         [0034]      FIG. 25  is a view of the pusher head portion as shown in  FIG. 24  with the outer housing shown in cutaway.  
         [0035]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of the umbrella seal engaged with the outer housing to isolate the contents of the cassette from the external environment. 
     
    
       [0036]     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the specific embodiments illustrated herein and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described processes or devices, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0038]     In one form, the present invention provides devices for storing and individually dispensing test strips. As described more fully below, these test strip dispensers include a housing that contains a stack of test strips and has an exit through which the strips are dispensed. A trigger is coupled to an actuator for individually advancing test strips from the stack through the exit. Various arrangements of the trigger and actuator are contemplated. In certain illustrated embodiments, the actuator includes a pusher head that is slidably disposed above the test strip stack and, upon activation, frictionally engages the top strip in the stack to advance that strip out of the exit.  
         [0039]     The trigger is adapted for ease of one-handed operation according to two basic arrangements. In the first arrangement, the trigger is pivotally coupled to the housing and is activated by the user squeezing the trigger and housing together. In a preferred form of this arrangement, the trigger is located on one side of the dispenser with the test strips being ejected from the opposite side. An example of a dispenser according to this first arrangement is shown in, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0040]     In the second arrangement, the trigger is pivotally coupled at the top of the housing and is configured to be activated by the user rotating the trigger relative to the housing, such as with the thumb of the user&#39;s hand. An example of a dispenser according to this second arrangement is shown in, for example,  FIG. 18 .  
         [0041]     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a specific example of a dispenser according to the first arrangement is illustrated. However, it is be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the principles of construction and operation of this first arrangement can be applied in the second arrangement as would occur to those of skill in the art. Article dispenser  20  for dispensing flattened articles such as biosensors or test strips is shown having a main housing  22  pivotably connected to a trigger or rear housing  24 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a “home” position whereas  FIG. 2  illustrates a “dispensed” position for dispenser  20 . Dispenser  20  includes front grip section  26  and rear grip section  28 , which, when pivoted together as shown in  FIG. 2  and explained in detail below, causes an article  30  to be pushed at least partially out of exit  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, article  30  is a test strip, e.g., an Accu-Chek® brand glucose test strip that is commercially available from the assignee of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the teachings of the dispenser disclosed herein may be employed for dispensers of other flattened articles. As shown in  FIG. 3 , main housing  22  carries a stack  34  of test strips  30  to be successively dispensed from dispenser  20 , as explained below. Housing  22  includes a window  36  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) for viewing the quantity of articles  30  remaining in stack  34 . Window  36  may be formed of any number of clear materials, e.g., clear polypropylene.  
         [0042]     In the illustrated embodiment, housing  22  and trigger  24  are formed of polypropylene and polystyrene, respectively, but it should be readily appreciated that many other plastics, composites or other materials may be used. Grip section  26  includes protruding ribs  38  that are preferably formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as Santoprene®, available from Advanced Elastomer Systems, Akron, OHio Exit  32  includes flaps  40  that define a lip seal  42 . Flaps  40  are also made from Santoprene® and are integrally formed with ribs  38  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0043]     With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , trigger  24  and housing  22  are pivotably connected at bottom portions  44  and  46 , respectively, which results in housing  22  nesting within trigger  24  mainly at the top of dispenser  20 . The bottom portions of the trigger and housing do not significantly nest together, which allows cassette  84  ( FIG. 4 ) to be secured to the bottom of housing  22  without interference from trigger  24  when the two are pivoted together during dispensing. As shown in  FIG. 4 , housing  22  includes cylindrical posts  48  extending laterally therefrom that are rotatably received in corresponding cylindrical openings  50  in trigger  24 . The inside surface of trigger  24  is formed with slots  52  that lead to openings  50 , which aids assembly of dispenser  20  by allowing posts  48  to slide through slots  52 . While the illustrated embodiment includes posts  48  formed on housing  22  and openings  50  on trigger  24 , the situation could be reversed. Further, other means for making the pivotal connection between housing  22  and trigger  24 , e.g., a hinge, could be substituted for the posts and openings.  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , since the pivotal connection is made at bottom portions  44  and  46 , most of the movement of trigger  24  and housing  22  relative to one another occurs toward the top of dispenser  20 . Trigger  24  has a profile that substantially matches that of housing  22  but is slightly larger, such that the inner surface of trigger  24  defines a receptacle for housing  22 . As shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 , trigger  24  defines an arcuate inner wall  54  that has an arcuate profile similar to that of outer wall  56  defined by housing  22 . Thus, when trigger  24  and housing  22  are pivoted toward one another, housing  22  partially nests within trigger  24  while an article  30  is expelled partially from dispenser  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 7   c , inner wall  54  and outer wall  56  approximate concentric segments when trigger  24  and housing  22  are pivoted together.  
         [0045]     While in the preferred embodiment the trigger forms the receptacle, the inventive pivoting housing principle could be employed if the situation were reversed. As shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  2   a , trigger  24   a  partially nests within a receptacle defined by main housing  22   a  as the two parts are pivoted together, and a test strip  30  is expelled partially from container  20   a . Other variations of the novel housing of the present invention would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. As noted above, one advantage of this novel pivoting housing is that the actuable parts of the housing that cause a strip to be dispensed can be made as large as the dispenser itself. Thus, dispensing a strip with dispenser  20  or  20   a  requires only an overall squeeze of the hand, and which does not require individual movement of the fingers. As noted above, this is especially advantageous to diabetics who have lost finger sensation and dexterity and thus have trouble manipulating the small dials, caps and sliders present in prior art dispensers. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a torsion spring  62  has upstanding legs  64  and  66  which push against the interior of trigger  24  and housing  22 , respectively, biasing the dispenser in the home position shown in  FIG. 1 . Spring  62  is held in place by means of channels  68  formed by spring retaining plates  70  and  72  formed in trigger  24  and which channels  68  captively hold legs  64 . One of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize many alternative spring mechanisms that could be configured and substituted for the torsion spring  62  of the illustrated embodiment.  
         [0046]     To prevent spring  62  from biasing trigger  24  and housing  22  beyond the home position and to prevent removal of trigger  24  by a user, trigger  24  includes a flange  58  that mates with an upstanding ridge  60 . The inventive housing also includes a locking mechanism or “passive lock” that provides sufficient force to prevent the user from accidentally dispensing an article but not too much force to prevent intended dispensing. That is, the passive lock requires initially overcoming a greater force than that provided by spring  62 . With reference to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , trigger  24  defines a home cavity or recess  72  that receives an ear or protrusion  74  formed on back plate  76  ( FIG. 4 ) when the dispenser is in the home position. When the user squeezes the dispenser, sufficient force must be applied to unseat the protrusion  74  from the recess  72 . It has been found that a depth of about 0.5 mm for cavity  72  provides a passive lock that provides sufficient force to prevent accidental dispensing. As shown in the detail of  FIG. 8   b , an inclined recess  80  is provided to guide the protrusion  74  past wall  78  and into the recess  72  during initial assembly.  
         [0047]     With reference to  FIGS. 3, 4  and  6 , a cassette  84  that carries stack  34  of test strips  30  is disposed within housing  22 . The cassette is preferably made from a three-phase polymer that has moisture-absorbing properties, such as Active-Pak®, available from Capital Specialty Plastics, Auburn, Ala., 2AP®, available from Südchemie Performance Packaging Europe, Choisy le Roi, France, and Flotech® “S”, available from Grace Davison, Worms, Germany. As noted above, the reagent materials contained in many test strips degrade when exposed to moisture, and housing them in a desiccant material such as cassette  84  helps address this issue.  
         [0048]     The major components of cassette  84  include back plate  76 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and hollow body  86 , top cap  88 , pressure pad  90 , pressure pad springs  92  and flexible arm member  94 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Pressure pad  90  carries the stack of test strips  34  and is movable vertically with respect to hollow body  86 . Specifically, pressure pad  90  includes protrusions  96  that are slidingly received in guide slots  98 . Two additional protrusions (not shown) extend from the back of pressure pad  90  and are slidingly received into guide slots  100  shown in  FIG. 6 . The protrusions and guide slots maintain the pressure pad aligned as it advances upward as test strips are dispensed. Once the protrusions reach the top end of the slots, further upward movement of pressure pad  90  is prevented, which would occur when the dispenser is empty. When test strips  30  are present in dispenser  20 , upward movement of pressure pad  90  is limited by the uppermost strip abutting against shelves  104  formed in top cap  88 . Similarly, the lowermost vertical position of pressure pad  90  occurs when the protrusions reach the bottom of the slots, which occurs when the cassette is filled to capacity with test strips. Cassette  84  preferably holds a range from five to one-hundred fifty of the test strips  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, cassette  84  holds fifty test strips.  
         [0049]     With further reference to  FIG. 6 , body  86  includes cylindrical spring retention posts  102  on which are received springs  92 . Springs  92  extend into cylinders  106  formed in pressure pad  90 , and their spring force biases the pressure pad upward as strips are dispensed. Top cap  88  is attached to hollow body  86  by means of anchor stanchions  112  that fit into slots  114 . An opening  89  ( FIG. 4 ) is formed between top cap  88  and hollow body  86  to allow a strip to exit the cassette. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cap is formed from polypropylene, although many other materials would be suitable. Spring fingers  116  provide pressure to seat the cassette subassembly in housing  22  as can be seen with reference to  FIG. 7   a . A toe clip  118  extending from the bottom of body  86  guides the cassette in place during assembly and fits under front rail  120  ( FIG. 3 ) to hold the front of the cassette body  86  in the housing  22 . Retention boss  122  retains the lower back half of the cassette subassembly in the housing  22 .  
         [0050]     With further reference to  FIG. 4 , during assembly of dispenser  20 , ribs  82  temporarily hold cassette  84  in place within housing  22 . Back plate  76  is then welded to the main housing  22  and holds the cassette body  86  within housing  22 , which means main housing  22  is essentially sealed from the ambient. The seal is only broken when aperture  124  in back plate  76  is unsealed while a test strip is being dispensed through lip seal  42 . However, as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , flexible arm member  94  includes a sealing member  126  that engages a sealing surface  128  when dispenser  20  is in the home position. Sealing member  126  has an “umbrella” type geometry that circumscribes the flexible arm member and that flexes to conform to the conical recess shape of sealing member  128 , thereby forming a tight seal. Sealing member  126  is preferably formed from Santoprene®. When the trigger  24  is squeezed, arm member  94  is actuated and the seal is temporarily broken until dispenser  20  returns to the home position.  
         [0051]     In an alternate embodiment (not shown), sealing member  126  is attached to sealing surface  128 , such that it stays in place when dispenser  20  is in the home and the dispensed positions. In this embodiment, the sealing member  126  is configured such that flexible arm member  94  passes through the sealing member  126  when the trigger  24  is squeezed. Sealing member  126  circumscribes the flexible arm member  94  but allows arm member  94  to slide through sealing member  126 .  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , flexible arm member  94  is connected on one end to trigger housing  24  by means of clip fingers  130  that wrap around retention member  132 . Ears  134  press against angled sides  135  of trigger housing  24  and prevent clips  130  from disengaging during operation of the dispenser. On its other end, the flexible arm member terminates in a pusher head  136  that is positioned above the test strips and is slidably disposed in groove  138 . More particularly, pusher head  136  includes cams  140  and posts  142  extending into grooves  138 . The cams, posts and grooves comprise part of a guiding mechanism that moves the pusher head up and down as it reciprocates, as described in more detail below. The pusher head also includes resilient fingers or engagement members  144  that frictionally engage the top surface of the top test strip and slide it out of the dispenser, as discussed in more detail below.  
         [0053]     Pusher head  136  is preferably integrally formed with the remainder of flexible arm member  94  and is hingedly connected thereto by a “working hinge”  146 . The working hinge provides stronger resistance than a normal “living hinge” but will still flex, allowing the pusher head to pivot or rotate down onto and up and away from the test strips. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible arm member  94  is formed from polypropylene, but one of ordinary skill in the art could substitute many other flexible materials.  
         [0054]     When not in use, the inventive dispenser is positioned in the “home” position depicted in  FIGS. 1   a  and  7   a . As the user begins to squeeze trigger  24  and housing  22  together, he or she must first overcome the “passive lock” described above. Thereafter, trigger  24  and housing  22  can be squeezed together against the force of spring  62 , thereby defining a dispense stroke. Since flexible arm member  94  is coupled to trigger  24 , the pivoting movement of the dispenser parts actuates the arm member and causes it to slide through aperture  124 . The seal made by umbrella seal  126  is thus broken. Advantageously, however, arm member  94  has a profile that substantially matches that of aperture  124  such that arm member  94  engages the periphery of aperture  124  as it passes through it. A quasi-seal between arm member  94  and aperture  124  thus remains as arm member  94  slides through aperture  124 . In other words, even though seal  126  moves away from aperture  124  when the dispenser is activated, because there is a close fit between arm member  94  and aperture  124 , the seal there between is not significantly compromised.  
         [0055]     Turning now to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , this initial movement of the arm member causes pusher head  136  to pivot about cams  140  from a disengaged station spaced away from the stack of strips to an engaged station in which fingers  144  frictionally engage the top test strip. In other words, cams  140  define a pivot axis and the sliding movement in the direction of arrow  150  of arm member  94  as shown in  FIG. 7   b  is translated through working hinge  146  and produces a moment about cams  140 . This in turn causes pusher head  136  to pivot down as shown by arrow  152 . At the same time, the pusher head slides to the right as shown and the top strip displaces flaps  40  of lip seal  42  as it exits the dispenser. Lip seal  42  maintains a quasi-seal even as strip  30  passes through it. Test strips  30  can be arranged in cassette  84  such that a dosing end or a meter insertion end of the test strip  30  exits first as the pusher head slides to the right.  
         [0056]     As shown in  FIG. 7   b , groove  138  defines an inclined portion  148  at an end thereof. At the end of the dispense stroke, posts  142  are engaged by inclined portion  148 , such that pusher head  136  pivots upward and away from the top test strip of the stack, as shown in  FIG. 7   c . This upward pivoting occurs despite there being a moment about cams  140  through the end of the dispense stroke. Advantageously, since pusher head  136  is pivoted away from the top test strip, the top strip can be easily pulled from dispenser  20  against only a slight frictional force produced by lip seal  42 . The flexible arm member flexes into a substantially straight configuration at the end of the dispense stroke as shown in  FIG. 7   c . The bending or straightening of arm member  94  is due to the fact that the end of arm member  94  that is coupled to trigger  24  moves upward relative to housing  22  as the housing and trigger are squeezed together.  
         [0057]     As the user loosens his or her grip and allows spring  62  to return trigger  24  and housing  22  to the home position, an opposite moment is created about cams  140  as shown in  FIG. 7   d . On the return stroke, the sliding movement in the direction of arrow  156  of arm member  94  as shown in  FIG. 7   d is translated through working hinge  146  and produces a moment about cams  140  which maintains the pusher head  136  in the disengaged position. Advantageously, even if the user loosens his or her grip before pulling the top strip completely from the dispenser, the pusher head will not engage this top strip on the return stroke. That is, the top strip will not retract on the return stroke simply because the user fails to pull it from the dispenser before releasing the trigger and housing.  
         [0058]     It should be appreciated that after the strip is dispensed and the dispenser has returned to the home position, lip seal  42  has automatically returned to its sealed or closed position on its own volition, thereby making it unnecessary for the user to remember to close the dispenser.  
         [0059]     Optionally, the dispenser  20  can be integrated with a test meter that reads the test strips. The meter can also receive data from the test strip  30  and/or dispenser  20  and interpret the data. Dispenser  20  can be configured with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that stores information about the strips such as lot number, expiration date, type of test strip, among other information. The meter can be configured with an RFID reader which sends a signal to the RFID tag when the dispenser is brought within close proximity of the meter. The meter can thus receive the data that is stored on the RFID tag. The RFID reader and the RFID tag are referred to generally herein as an RFID system.  
         [0060]     In one example of an RFID system suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention, the RFID reader includes a transceiver and an antenna that emits electromagnetic radio signals to activate the RFID tag, which includes its own transceiver and antenna. Interrogation signals from the reader activate the tag, causing the tag to send a return signal including the information encoded on the tag.  
         [0061]     The RFID system can operate via a technique known as continuous wave backscatter. In this technique, the reader transmits a continuous-wave interrogation signal to the tag, and the tag modulates the continuous wave interrogation signal to produce a backscatter response signal that is transmitted back to the reader. This backscatter response signal includes the information encoded on the tag, such as the lot number, expiration date, calibration data or other information concerning the test strips.  
         [0062]     A variety of suitable RFID tag systems are commercially available. Presently, there are three main categories of commercially available RFID systems. There are systems that employ beam-powered passive tags, battery-powered semi-passive tags, and active tags. A beam-powered RFID tag is often referred to as a passive device, in that it derives the energy needed for its operation from the radio frequency energy beamed at it (from the reader). Such a passive tag rectifies the field and changes the reflective characteristics of the tag itself, creating a change in reflectivity (RF crosssection) that is then seen at the reader. A battery-powered semi-passive RFID tag operates in a similar fashion, modulating its RF cross-section in order to change its reflectivity that is seen at the interrogator to develop a communication link. However, the semi-passive RFID tag has a battery to provide the tag&#39;s operational power. Finally, in the active RFID tag, both the tag and reader have transceivers to communicate and are each powered by their own batteries.  
         [0063]     In the illustrated embodiment in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b , housing  22  includes a lip seal cover  190  for covering the exit  32 . Lip seal cover  190  has an inner surface  192  that defines a receptacle that receives protruding lip  194  of exit  32  by a friction fit engagement. As shown, the lip seal cover  190  is hingedly connected to housing  22 . However, other means for making the connection between lip seal cover  190  and exit  32 , e.g., a snap-on connection, could be substituted for the hinge connection. When the dispenser is in use, the lip seal cover  190  is pivoted away from the exit  32  by the user applying a finger or thumb to tab  196 , which exposes the flaps  40  of lip seal  42 , as shown in  FIG. 9   a . When the dispenser is not in use, the lip seal cover  190  is positioned over the exit  32  to cover the flaps  40  of lip seal  42  as shown in  FIG. 9   b . Lip seal cover  190  may be formed of any number of materials such as plastics, composites, metals and the like. Advantageously, lip seal cover  190  acts as a dust cover for exit  32  and protects exit  32  from contact damage by items such as keys, coins, cosmetic containers, and the like when the dispenser is carried in a pocket or container having such items.  
         [0064]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   b , housing  22  includes a platform  230  inserted between flaps  40  of lip seal  42  and integrally attached to the housing  22 . The platform  230  is sized to fit within the lip seal  42  as shown in  FIG. 10   a . When the dispenser is not in use, the platform  230  inserted between the flaps  40  acts as a plug and forms an airtight seal with the flaps  40 . As shown in  FIG. 10   b , when dispensing the first test strip  30  from the dispenser, the test strip  30  displaces or biases the top flap outwardly as it exits the dispenser. Thereafter, top flap  40  will remain in an outward position, but remains nonetheless biased against platform  230 . The platform  230  provides a surface that the test strip  30  can ride on or slide over as the test strip  30  passes through the lip seal  42 . It should be appreciated that the dispenser could be configured to dispense test strips between the bottom flap and the platform or the top flap and the platform. Platform  230  may be formed of any number of materials such as plastics, composites, metals or other materials.  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b , housing  22  includes an exit  330  that can be reconfigured to form an airtight seal. To achieve manufacturing efficiency, it is desirable to form seal  346  in a single step, e.g., by injection molding. It is further desirable to form ribs  38  ( FIG. 2 ) integrally with seal  346 . One of the drawbacks of injection molding is that discontinuities such as lip seal  42  require a part in the mold that separates flaps  342  and  344  that are to be formed with the mold. If the seal  346  is to be integrally formed, it will thus include a small gap such as gap  348  illustrated in  FIG. 11   a  between the two flaps.  
         [0066]     As formed, seal  346  depicted in  FIG. 11   a  is unsuitable because it is not air-tight. Recognizing that a gap will be present in the originally molded part, the seal  346  shown in  FIG. 11   a  is designed so that it can be “inverted” or “reconfigured” after initially being molded to form an airtight seal in which the two flaps not only contact one another, but are biased together. Specifically, bottom flap  344  is angled to the left or inwardly of the dispenser and includes a nub  350  that points to the left or inside of the dispenser. Flap  342  is preferably angled opposite to flap  344  and also includes a nub  352  that points outwardly or to the right as shown in  FIG. 11   a . However, after molding, the flexible seal  346  can be reconfigured by inverting the position of the flaps such that flap  342  and flap  344  are biased against each other to form an airtight seal as shown in  FIG. 11   b . For example, in  FIG. 11   a , a force can be applied to the top flap  342  to push the top flap  342  to the left and over the bottom flap  344  and/or a force can be applied to the bottom flap  344  to push the bottom flap  344  to the right and under the top flap  342 . Alternatively, the airtight seal shown in  FIG. 11   b  can be formed by ejecting the first test strip from dispenser  20 , during which the test strip will push flap  344  to the right, past flap  342 . When the test strip is fully removed from the dispenser, the configuration shown in  FIG. 11   b  will be achieved.  
         [0067]     Since flap  342  as molded tends to point to the right and flap  344  as molded tends to point to the left, inverting the seal to the configuration shown in  FIG. 11   b  creates an advantageously airtight seal in which the flaps are pressed against one another. As shown reconfigured in  FIG. 11   b , the top flap  342  is displaced to the left of bottom flap  344 . Further, the top flap  342  and the bottom flap  344  are biased together as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 11   b . When dispensing a test strip, the test strip displaces or biases apart the bottom flap  344  from the top flap  342  as it passes between the flaps and exits the dispenser. As described with reference to other embodiments, seal  346  can be formed from Santoprene® or another elastic material that allows top flap  342  and bottom flap  344  to flex or bend. Additionally, the flexible seal  346  can be covered with a cap (see  FIG. 9   a ).  
         [0068]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12   a - 12   b , housing  22  includes an exit  430  that can be reconfigured to form an airtight seal. As shown in  FIG. 12   a , exit  430  as molded includes top flap  442  and bottom flap  444  that form a flexible seal  446 . The bottom flap  444  is positioned initially to the left of top flap  442 . In this configuration, top flap  442  and bottom flap  444  are substantially in the same position as when the flexible seal  446  was formed or molded. The flexible seal  446  can be reconfigured by inverting the positions of the flaps such that flap  442  and flap  444  are biased against each other. For example, a force can be applied to the bottom flap  444  shown in  FIG. 12   a  to push or pull it to the right and under the top flap  442 .  
         [0069]     As shown reconfigured in  FIG. 12   b , the top flap  442  is displaced to the left of bottom flap  444 . Further, the top flap  442  and the bottom flap  444  are biased together as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 12   b . When dispensing a test strip, the test strip displaces or biases apart the bottom flap  444  from the top flap  442  as it passes between the flaps to exit the dispenser. Top flap  442  and bottom flap  444  can be formed from Santoprene® or another elastic material that allows top flap  442  and bottom flap  444  to flex or bend. Further, top flap  442  and/or bottom flap  444  can be integrally formed with ribs  38  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Additionally, the flexible seal  446  can be covered with a cap (see  FIG. 9   a ).  
         [0070]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 , housing  22  includes a cap  530  for covering exit  532 . Cap  530  has an outer periphery that substantially matches that of exit  532  but is slightly smaller, such that cap  530  fits snugly within the periphery defined by exit  532 . Cap  530  includes an opening  536  from which test strips  30  are dispensed. Cap  530  may be formed of any number of materials such as plastics, composites, metals or other materials. Cap  530 , like lip seal cover  190 , also acts as a dust cover for exit  532  and protects exit  532  from contact damage by foreign objects.  
         [0071]     Exit  532  includes flaps  540  that form a flexible seal  542  as shown in  FIG. 14 . Further, biasing members  534  are wedged between the housing  22  and the flaps  540  to reconfigure the flexible seal  542  as shown in  FIG. 14  such that the biasing members  534  bias the flaps  540  together to form an airtight seal. That is, as cap  530  is installed into dispenser  20 , wedge-shaped biasing members  534  are inserted between the housing  22  and seal  542  such that biasing members  534  squeeze the flaps  540  together. As shown, biasing members  534  are integrally formed with cap  530 . When dispensing a test strip, the test strip displaces or biases apart the flaps  540  as it passes between the flaps  540  to exit the dispenser through opening  536 . Flaps  540  can be formed of Santoprene® or another elastic material that allows the flaps  540  to flex or bend. Also, it should be appreciated that the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  can also be configured to include biasing members that squeeze the flaps together.  
         [0072]     As shown in  FIGS. 15   a - 15   c , housing  22  includes an exit  630  that can be reconfigured to form a substantially or completely airtight “duckbill” seal. Exit  630  is shaped as a duckbill with walls  640  that form an elongated channel  644 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15   a . The walls  640  point to the left in  FIG. 15   a . In this configuration, walls  640  are substantially in the same position as when the flexible seal  642  was formed or molded. As described elsewhere, since the seal  642  is preferably integrally formed by injection molding, the walls  640  define a gap  646  therebetween when the part leaves the mold from which it is made. However, the gap  646  can be eliminated by inverting or turning the duckbill seal  642  inside out, as can be appreciated by comparing  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b . The curved or profiled outer sides  648  of walls  640  shown in  FIG. 15   a  become the inner walls of the seal shown in  FIG. 15   b , in which the walls  640  are biased together and form an air-tight seal, as indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 15   b . The profiled shape of walls  640  shown in  FIG. 15   a  enhances the bias between walls  640  when the seal  642  is turned inside out to form the structure shown in  FIG. 15   b.    
         [0073]     When dispensing test strip  30  as shown in  FIG. 15   c , the test strip  30  displaces or pushes apart the top wall from the bottom wall as it passes between the walls  640  to exit the dispenser. Walls  640  can be formed from Santoprene® or another elastic material that allows the walls  640  to flex or bend. Further, walls  640  can be integrally formed with ribs  38  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In addition, the flexible seal  642  can be covered with a cap (see  FIG. 9   a ).  
         [0074]     In certain embodiments, the dispenser can be configured to facilitate inserting a strip into a meter without the need for the user to have to touch a strip. For example, in  FIG. 16 , the stack of test strips is loaded into the dispenser such that the “meter insertion end” of the test strips exits the dispenser first upon dispensing. (This is opposite to that shown in  FIG. 2 .) Further, the dispenser is configured with an additional “detent” position between the home and dispense positions described above, which is used to hold the test strip in place after the end of it has extended from the dispenser.  
         [0075]     With further reference to  FIG. 16 , groove  138  defines a notch or detent  147  such that posts  142  engage the detent  147  as the pusher head  136  slides to the right as the user squeezes the trigger and housing together. The detent  147  is positioned such that the posts  142  are guided into it as the dispenser is actuated. This happens after test strip  30  has passed partially through lip seal  42  and has a portion thereof extending from the dispenser as shown. The user experiences a tactile sensation when the forward movement of pusher head  136  stops as the posts  142  engage the detent  147 . In this detent position, the fingers  144  remain frictionally engaged with the top test strip. The fingers  144  captively hold the test strip  30  such that the meter insertion end of the test strip  30  extends from the exit  32  of the dispenser.  
         [0076]     In this intermediate or detent position, the user can “dock” dispenser  20  to a test meter to receive the test strip  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 17   a - 17   c , test meter  700  has an opening  702  to receive the meter insertion end  33  of test strip  30 . In  FIG. 17   a , the user has squeezed trigger  24  and housing  22  together in the direction of arrows  704  to overcome the “passive lock” described above and has continued to squeeze trigger  24  and housing  22  together to the detent position. The detent position is signaled to the user through a tactile sensation produced by posts  142  engaging detent  147 , at which point the forward movement of pusher head  136  stops. In this embodiment, the meter insertion end  33  of the test strip  30  extends from exit  32  of dispenser  20  and fingers  144  remain frictionally engaged with the test strip.  
         [0077]     The user then aligns the end  33  of the test strip  30  with the opening  702  and moves the dispenser in the direction of arrow  706  in  FIG. 17   b  so that the meter insertion end of the test strip is inserted into opening  702  of test meter  700 . Preferably, the test meter  700  engages and captively holds the end of the test strip after it is inserted to the required depth.  
         [0078]     At this point, the meter and dispenser are in close proximity. If the dispenser is configured with the optional RFID tag noted above, and meter  700  includes an RFID reader, the meter will download data from the RFID tag. Such data may include calibration data, expiration date and the like for the strips housed in dispenser  20 . In many traditional test strip vials, this information is included in a memory chip that is packaged with the vial. The memory chip must be inserted into the meter by the user before using the strips in a given vial. The RFID tag disclosed herein can avoid the need for these memory chips and the need for the user to have to insert them into the meter or otherwise code the meter for the test strips.  
         [0079]     After the dispenser and meter are “docked” as shown in  FIG. 17   b , the user then “releases” the test strip from the dispenser. With reference to  FIG. 17   c , this is done by fully squeezing the trigger  24  and the housing  22  together in the direction of arrows  708  to arrive at the “dispensed” position described above with respect to other embodiments. In the dispensed position, the fingers lift from the strip, thus releasing it. The dispenser can then be pulled away from the meter as shown by arrow  710  while leaving test strip  30  inserted in opening  702  of test meter  700 , as shown in  FIG. 17   c . A dosing end  35  is thus protruding from the meter and is ready to receive a fluid sample.  
         [0080]     The range of communication for RFID tags in general depends upon the transmission power of the reader and of the tag, with a greater range requiring greater transmission power. RFID reader power for proper operation of passive RFID systems is a function of distance, antenna sizes, frequency, and orientation. Most RFID systems are intended for near-field applications. Distances between readers and tags are normally on the order of millimeters. An example of a simplified equation for inductive based passive devices that help illustrate the impact of distance changes is as follows:
 
 H =( IN )/(2 r (1+( d   2   /r   2 )) 1.5 
 
 where H=magnetic field intensity, I=current through reader antenna coil, N=number of turns on the reader antenna coil, r=radius of the reader antenna coil, d=distance between the center of the reader antenna coil &amp; the center of the tag antenna coil. 
 
         [0081]     However, these equations are typically useful only when the d is of the same order of magnitude as r (i.e., near-field).  
         [0082]     Because a passive tag derives its power from the interrogation signal of the reader, the transmission power is dependent on the transmission power of the reader. To reduce the power demands on the reader and prolong its battery life (and thereby the battery life of the reader), RFID systems used in the present invention can be configured to operate in a relatively short transmission range (on the order of inches), thus reducing transmission power requirements. For example, in one embodiment the power of the interrogation signal is less than about 1 watt and in other embodiments is less than about 50 milliwatts. In these or in other forms, the overall power consumed by the reader to interrogate and read the RFID tag in one embodiment is less than about 325 milliwatts, and in other embodiments is less than about 30 milliwatts.  
         [0083]     Limiting the RFID communications sessions to situations when the tag and reader are in close proximity further conserves battery life. For example, an RFID communication protocol may be employed that limits communications attempts from the reader (i.e. the sending of interrogations signals) to situations where a tag is present to be read. One such protocol places the reader in sleep mode until a test strip is inserted into the meter. Insertion of the test strip activates the reader to send out its interrogation signal and to look for the response from the RFID tag. The response comes in a matter of milliseconds, and once the information from the RFID tag has been received at the meter, the reader goes back into battery conservation/sleep mode. Triggering the RFID tag interrogation signal based on the docking of a test strip into a meter serves to assure that communication is only attempted when the meter and the dispenser are in sufficiently close proximity.  
         [0084]      FIG. 18  illustrates a dispenser  900  according to another embodiment. Like dispenser  20  described above, dispenser  900  is constructed to sequentially dispense test strips  30  out of an opening  932 , and as illustrated has strip  33  extending from opening  932  so as to be ready to dock with meter  700 . Dispenser  900  includes an RFID tag  999  snap fit into a receiving pocket  998  near opening  932  such that, when docked with meter  700  in the manner shown in  FIG. 17   a , the absolute distance between tag  999  and the reader in meter  700  is minimized. Depending on the precise location of the RFID reader in meter  700 , similar proximity can be achieved by locating tag  999  above or to the side of opening  932 . In still other variations, and particularly where close proximity is not needed, tag  999  can be located anywhere in dispenser  900 .  
         [0085]     Aside from the inclusion of receiving pocket  998  for tag  999 , the primary difference between dispensers  20  and  900  relates to the manner of activation by the user. More specifically, while each are constructed for one handed operation, dispenser  900  employs a trigger  924  rotatable about the housing  922  for activation whereas dispenser  20  utilizes squeeze action. As described more fully below with respect to  FIGS. 19-23 , the trigger  924  can be operated with the user&#39;s thumb while holding the dispenser  900 . Such a construction provides a compact and user friendly device that, like the dispenser  20 , is particularly suitable for operation by patients with limited dexterity in the hands.  
         [0086]     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-26 , the activation of the trigger will be described in connection with dispenser  800 , which is a variation of dispenser  900  without the RFID tag  999  or the receiving pocket  998 . Dispenser  800  includes two main components: a main outer housing  822  and an inner cassette  884  that holds a stack  834  of test strips. A trigger  824  is pivotally mounted to the housing  822  and is coupled to a flexible arm  894 . The housing  822  receives the cassette  884 , as indicated by the downward arrows showing assembly direction in  FIG. 22 , and a rigid portion  895  of flexible arm  894  couples via a yoke type coupling to pusher head  936 . Pusher head  936  is slideably contained in cassette  884  above the test strip stack  834 , and head  936  includes a friction pad with flexible fingers  936  for frictionally engaging the uppermost test strip in the stack  834 . A pair of guide slots  938 ,  939  in cassette  884  receive corresponding guide followers  940 ,  891  on pusher head  936  and the rigid portion  895  of flexible arm  894 , respectively. In use, a user grips the dispenser and depresses the outer surface of trigger  824 , for example at a frictional element such as ridge  823 , with his thumb to pivot the trigger  824  about the axis defined by pin  801 . This moves trigger  824  from the home/closed position ( FIG. 19 ) to the dispensed/open position ( FIG. 20 ) and causes arm  894  to cause pusher head  936  to slide from left to right in  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  
         [0087]     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , because the pivotal connection is made between a central lower portion of the trigger  824  and a central upper portion of the housing  822 , the movement of trigger  824  and housing  822  relative to one another maintains the nesting relationship between them from the home position to the dispense position and back again. Trigger  824  has a profile that substantially matches that of housing  822  but is slightly larger, such that the inner surface of trigger  824  defines a receptacle for housing  822 . As shown more clearly in  FIG. 21 , trigger  824  defines an arcuate inner wall  854  that has an arcuate profile similar to that of outer wall  856  defined by housing  822 . Thus, when trigger  824  is rotated from a home position to a dispense position, housing  822  is substantially continually nested within trigger  824  while an article  33  is expelled partially from dispenser  800 . Thus, trigger  824  is rotatable about the housing  822 .  
         [0088]     In the home position of  FIG. 19 , a pusher pad pressure control follower  950  of pusher head  936  is received in detent  945  of a pressure control cam rail  946  of housing  822 . As head  936  slides to the right, cam rail  946  applies downward pressure, pressing the fingers  937  of head  936  against the top strip of stack  834  to achieve a secure frictional coupling. This frictional coupling forces the top strip out lip seal  842  as head  936  completes its operative stroke. When follower  950  of head  936  reaches detent  947  (the dispensed position of  FIG. 20 ), the downward pressure is released, reducing the frictional engagement and allowing easy withdrawal of the strip from the dispenser  800 . As head  936  returns to the home position, the next strip in stack  834  is biased upward by cassette springs  892  to be in position for the next dispensing. Accordingly, the cam rail  946  provides a biasing surface that follower  950  slides along to apply downward pressure on the pusher head  936  during its dispense stroke, and recesses  945 ,  947  in the biasing surface serve to reduce this downward pressure when the pusher head  936  is in its home and dispensed positions.  
         [0089]     During operation, and as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , flexible arm  894  follows a C-shaped or arcurate path and is at least partially guided therein by guide rail  893  (see  FIG. 21 ). When sized as a handheld device, this arcuate path of arm  894  with be of relatively small size, for example portions having a radius of curvature less than 3, 2 or 1 inch. Likewise, to achieve a compact device, a substantial portion of the arcuate path, including, therefore, a substantial portion of the arm  864 , is maintained above the stack  834  (per the views of  FIGS. 19 and 20 ) during the operative stroke.  
         [0090]     As shown more particularly in  FIG. 21 , the trigger  824  is biased to be in the home, or closed position of  FIG. 19  by a pair of elastic bands  960 . Bands  960  are secured at one end (to housing  822 ) and have their open ends looped around one or more catches  963  formed on the inside of trigger  824 . In one embodiment, bands  960  are formed as a part of elastic member  961  which is a unitary elastomeric piece (e.g. Santoprene®) that defines the lip seal  842  at one end and the bands  960  at another. In other embodiments, bands and lip seal are separate pieces.  
         [0091]     As depicted, there are four fingers  937  on the pusher head  936 , each angled in the direction of dispensing. These fingers  937  are formed of a resilient material, such as rubber or polypropylene, and are rigid enough to remain angled in the direction of dispensing during the dispensing stroke, but are flexible enough to “give” during the return stoke. Thus, the bias of the bands  960  is sufficient to overcome the drag force of the fingers  937  against the top strip in the stack and to return the pusher head  936  to the home position ( FIG. 19 ).  
         [0092]     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , in one embodiment, catches  963  also comprise a series of ratchet members  864  that interact with first and second pawls  962 ,  864  (also shown in perspective in  FIGS. 21 and 25 ) to indicate when the trigger  824  is in the home position or dispense position, respectively. In operation, when trigger  824  is in the home position, the ratchet members  864  of catches  963  engage first pawls  962  to yieldingly retain the trigger  824  in the home position in order to reduce the chances that trigger  824  will be accidentally opened. When trigger  824  is opened, the ratchet members  864  of catches  963  engage second pawls  864  to yieldingly retain the trigger  824  in the dispense position against the restoring force of bands  960 .  
         [0093]     In the closed position, portion  825  of trigger  824  is covering and protecting the exit defined by lip seal  842 . Thus, by helping to keep trigger  824  closed, first pawls  962  are helping to protect and maintain the integrity of the seal  842 . Optionally, pawls  962  and/or bands  960  bias portion  825  of trigger  824  to contact and/or exert pressure on seal  842  to further help preserve its integrity. In other embodiments, trigger  824  covers but does not directly contact seal  842 .  
         [0094]     In one mode of construction, at least the upper portion of the inner cassette  884  is constructed in two pieces that are snapped and/or sealed together around the pusher head  936 . FIGS.  24  shows a perspective view of the pusher head  936  received in one half of the upper part of cassette  884 , and  FIG. 25  shows the  FIG. 24  arrangement with the outer housing  882  attached over the cassette. The flexible arm  894  is not shown in FIGS.  24  and  25 , but it is to be understood that, as depicted in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the rigid portion  895  may be attached to the flexible arm  894  before being coupled to the pusher head  936 .  
         [0095]     The cassette  884  and upper housing  822  cooperate to form a substantially airtight and/or moisture proof enclosure around the test strip stack  834 , which serves to increase the shelf life of the test strips. The primary means for moisture in the air to access stack is via the path traveled by the flexible arm  894 . As shown in the enlarged view of  FIG. 25 , an umbrella seal  892  is provided along arm  894  near the rigid portion  895  to form a seal along this path when the pusher head  936  is in its home position ( FIG. 19 ). It is to be understood that umbrella seal  892  mates with a corresponding recess in housing  822  in the same manner that umbrella sealing member  126  engages sealing surface  128  in device  20  above (see  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ). Because the devices ( 20 ,  800 ) are in their home positions a majority of the time, this sealing from the external environment can substantially increase the shelf life of the test strips. A dessicant material is optionally provided at the bottom of the stack between cassette springs  892  for similar purposes.  
         [0096]     While the operation of the second arrangement of a dispenser has been described with respect to the particular embodiment of the figures, it is to be appreciated that a number of variations could also be employed. For example, other mechanisms for translating the pivoting motion of the trigger to linear motion of a test strip that do not rely on a flexible arm can be employed as would occur to those of skill in the art. For example a slotted cam arrangement could be coupled to the trigger to linearly drive an ejector pad when the top is flipped. In another example, a set of gears could be used to translate the motion of the trigger into a linear driving force to eject a test strip.  
         [0097]     While preferred embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention has been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, as noted above, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.