US4948737A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cartridge for properly receiving test elements
Assignee: Clinical Diagnostic Systems Inc
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Filing: 1989-01-05
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Granted: 1990-08-14
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Expires: 2009-01-05
Abstract
Abstract There is described a cartridge for receiving test elements sensitive to improper orientation. A key and keyway are provided on the inside surface of a wall of the cartridge and on the test element in an asymmetric disposition, so that test elements can be inserted only with a proper orientation.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Quenin
- 👤 Mark J. Spath
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 05:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/00029; G01N2035/00089; G01N2035/00099; G01N2035/00138; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/11; Y10T436/112499
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of properly orienting in a cartridge a stack of one or more test elements some of which can include locations for deposition of liquid that are asymmetrically located, the cartridge including wall means for confining the stack, and two generally opposite openings in opposite ones of said wall means, one of said openings being shaped to allow test elements to be inserted into and removed from the stack, the other being shaped to receive pusher means for pushing a test element out of the stack and cartridge; the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing on said test elements in an asymmetric location a keyway or key, (b) providing on one of said wall means other than the one having said one opening, a corresponding key or keyway, respectively, shaped and located to mate with the keyway or key of the test element, and (c) loading the test elements into the cartridge through said one opening one at a time so that the keyway or key of the test element aligns and mates with the key or keyway of said cartridge, respectively.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of properly orienting in a cartridge a stack of one or more test elements some of which can include locations for deposition of liquid that are asymmetrically located, the cartridge including wall means for confining the stack, and two generally opposite openings in opposite ones of said wall means, one of said openings being shaped to allow test elements to be inserted into and removed from the stack, the other being shaped to receive pusher means for pushing a test element out of the stack and cartridge; the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing on said test elements in an asymmetric location a keyway or key, (b) providing on one of said wall means other than the one having said one opening, a corresponding key or keyway, respectively, shaped and located to mate with the keyway or key of the test element, and (c) loading the test elements into the cartridge through said one opening one at a time so that the keyway or key of the test element aligns and mates with the key or keyway of said cartridge, respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said loading step includes the step of inserting each following test element under the preceding test element to create a stack of test elements having the most recent member of the elements at the bottom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-08-13 | 1994-02-12 | 1994-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-13 | 1998-02-12 | 1998-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-13 | 2002-02-12 | 2002-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |