Patent ID: 8057753

Claim:
A test meter for use with a test strip, the test meter comprising: a test strip receiving port configured to receive, and have ejected therefrom, a test strip; a test strip ejection mechanism that includes: a framework attached to the test strip receiving port; an elongated shape memory alloy strip with a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, the first end and second end attached to the framework, the shape memory alloy strip exhibiting a solid state transition temperature; a slider configured to travel along the framework; a heating module configured to heat the shape memory alloy wire from a temperature below the solid state transition temperature to a temperature above the solid state transition temperature; and a test strip receiving port framework; wherein the shape memory alloy strip and slider are configured such that the slider travels along the framework under an applied force exerted on the slider by the shape memory alloy strip as the shape memory strip is heated by the heating module from a temperature below the solid state transition temperature to a temperature above the solid state temperature; and wherein the slider has a proximal end configured to engage a test strip received within the test strip receiving port and eject the test strip from the test strip receiving port as the slider travels along the framework, and wherein the test strip receiving port and test strip ejection mechanism are attached to the test strip receiving port framework.