Device for evaluating test strips

Claim 1

A device for evaluating test strips having individual test sections, comprising: a terminal; a platform having a holder for holding a plurality of test strips aligned in rows; a photometric sensing head having a plurality of light sources, each of a different wavelength, for directing light onto the test section of the test strip. said sensing head having a light receiver for receiving light reflected from said test section, and at least one position detecting means for determining the position of said sensing head relative said platform; a plurality of position marks formed in rows on said platform, said marks being spaced from one another in each row by a predetermined distance corresponding to the spacing of adjacent test sections on said test strips; a plurality of grooves formed in said platform, each groove extending substantially parallel to and between adjacent ones of said rows of position marks; at least three guide pins projecting from the bottom of said sensing head for supporting the sensing head above the platform, said guide pins being positioned such that at least two of said guide pins removably engage with a respective one of said guide grooves and the remaining one of said guide pins removably engages with a guide groove adjacent said respective one of said guide grooves; and means for indicating when said position detecting means aligns with a respective one of said position marks, such alignment corresponding to a desired position of said light sources and said light receiver above a test section of a test strip.

Claim 2

A device for evaluating test strips having individual test sections, comprising: a terminal; a platform having a holder for holding a plurality of test strips aligned in rows; a photometric sensing head having a plurality of light sources, each of a different wavelength, for directing light onto the test section of the test strip. said sensing head having a light receiver for receiving light reflected from said test section, and at least one position detecting means for determining the position of said sensing head relative said platform; a plurality of position marks formed in rows on said platform, said marks being spaced from one another in each row by a predetermined distance corresponding to the spacing of adjacent test sections on said test strips; a plurality of grooves formed in said platform, each groove extending substantially parallel to and between adjacent ones of said rows of position marks; at least three guide pins projecting from the bottom of said sensing head for supporting the sensing head above the platform, said guide pins being positioned such that at least two of said guide pins removably engage with a respective one of said guide grooves and the remaining one of said guide pins removably engages with a guide groove adjacent said respective one of said guide grooves; and means for indicating when said position detecting means aligns with a respective one of said position marks, such alignment corresponding to a desired position of said light sources and said light receiver above a test section of a test strip.