Sensor dispensing device

1. A cartridge assembly for use in a test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the cartridge assembly comprising:

a) a housing having a plurality of sensors arranged in a stack therein, each sensor carrying reagent means for producing a signal in response to the concentration of analyte in an applied fluid;

b) the housing having an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening;

c) a stop member located beyond the opening which limits outward travel of sensors from the stack;

d) a spring means which urges the sensors towards and into contact with the stop member;

e) a fixed gap between the stop member and the said opening of suitable dimensions to permit a sensor to be pushed through the said gap; and

f) at least one sealing surface on or around the housing for making a moisture-tight seal with a suitable sealing member so as to protect sensors in the housing from atmospheric moisture;

g) wherein the housing comprises a cartridge inner member; and

h) wherein the cartridge assembly further comprises a cartridge outer member in which the cartridge inner member is located, the sealing surface being provided around the periphery of the cartridge outer member.

2. A cartridge assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said sealing surface is provided on a flange around the cartridge outer member.

3. A cartridge assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the opening of the housing has two opposed edges, the stop member being attached to or integrally formed with one of the said opposed edges and spaced apart from at least a portion of the other opposed edge.

4. A cartridge inner member for a cartridge assembly for use in a test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the cartridge inner member comprising:

a) a housing having a plurality of sensors arranged in a stack therein, each sensor carrying reagent means for producing a signal in response to the concentration of analyte in an applied fluid;

b) the housing having an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening;

c) a stop member located beyond the opening which limits outward travel of sensors from the stack;

d) a spring means which urges the sensors towards and into contact with the stop member;

e) a fixed gap between the stop member and the said opening of suitable dimensions to permit a sensor to be pushed through the said gap;

wherein the opening of the housing has two opposed edges, the stop member being attached to or integrally formed with one of the said opposed edges, and spaced apart from at least a portion of the other opposed edge.

5. A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the device comprising:

a) a plurality of test members arranged in a stack, each test member carrying reagent means for producing an electrical signal in response to the concentration of analyte in an applied fluid and having a plurality of electrode tracks for transmitting said electrical signal;

b) a cartridge assembly comprising a housing containing the said stack of test members, the housing having an opening and a peripheral sealing surface around the opening, and a stop member above the opening which limits outward travel of test members from the stack, the said stack of test members being urged towards the stop member by spring means; wherein there is a gap between the stop member and the opening of suitable dimensions to permit a single test member to be pushed from the housing through the said gap;

c) electrical contacts mounted in relation to the housing for engaging with electrode tracks on a test member at an engagement location;

d) a meter connected to the said electrical contacts, having electronics means for producing a signal output which is dependent on the electrical signal from a test member when the test member is engaged with the said contacts;

e) a cap for closing the said opening, the cap and housing being movable relative to each other between an open position wherein a test member can pass between them and a closed position in which the cap is urged against the sealing surface, at least one of the cap and the sealing surface being provided with sealing means for making a moisture-tight seal therebetween when in the closed position;

f) an externally actuable pushing member which is reciprocally slidable between a first position and a second position,

the arrangement being such that movement of the pushing member from the first position to the second position will cause at least a part of the pushing member to be inserted between the sealing surface and the cap so as to adjust the cap to the open position and to push the stack of test members against the force of the spring means, and then to travel to an extent sufficient to permit a test member to be urged to a position where it will be pushed through the said gap to the engagement location by the pushing member in the course of its return journey to the first position.

6. A cartridge assembly for use in a test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the cartridge assembly comprising:

a) a housing having a plurality of sensors arranged in a stack therein, each sensor carrying reagent means for producing a signal in response to the concentration of analyte in an applied fluid;

b) the housing having an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening;

c) a stop member located beyond the opening which limits outward travel of sensors from the stack;

d) a spring means which urges the sensors towards and into contact with the stop member;

e) a fixed gap between the stop member and the said opening of suitable dimensions to permit a sensor to be pushed through the said gap;

f) at least one sealing surface on or around the housing for making a moisture-tight seal with a suitable sealing member so as to protect sensors in the housing from atmospheric moisture; and

g) wherein the opening of the housing has two opposed edges, the stop member being attached to or integrally formed with one of the said opposed edges and spaced apart from at least a portion of the other opposed edge.