Abstract: A sensor dispensing device (1) comprises a cartridge (2) having an outer casing (11) and a plurality of sensors (6) arranged one upon another in a stack. The cartridge has a first dispensing end (13) and a second opposing end (14) spaced a fixed distance apart, and the cartridge includes a first aperture (15) for the ejection of a sensor closest to the first end and a second aperture (16) opposed to the first aperture, for access by a pushing member (25). The first aperture and the second aperture are each provided with compliant sealing means (17) which are at least partly disposed outside the outer casing. The sealing means have first and second sealing surfaces which are capable of co-operating to releasably form a substantially moisture-tight seal when acted upon by suitable clamping forces. The device has a housing (34) for receiving the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and detecting motile spermatozoa in a liquid sample, comprises: a separation vessel including (i) an inlet port, (ii) an outlet port arranged to be opened, (iii) a separation medium into which motile spermatozoa in the sample can flow via the inlet port, and (iv) an actuator operable to open the outlet port for allowing the separation medium to flow out of the vessel through the outlet port; and a spermatozoa detection device including (i) an application zone in communication with the outlet port, (ii) a detection zone, in which presence of spermatozoa can be detected, and (iii) a reagent zone containing a reagent which is capable of reacting with spermatozoa to facilitate detection of the spermatozoa in the detection zone, with the application zone, the detection zone and the reagent zone being arranged to permit capillary flow of spermatozoa from the application zone to the detection zone.

Abstract: Device (10, 110) for separating motile sperm from a sample (100, 200), comprises a vessel (15, 115) having an inlet port (20, 120), an outlet port (35, 135) which is initially closed, a medium (40, 140) into which motile sperm in the sample (100, 200) can migrate into the vessel (15, 115) via the inlet (20, 120), and an actuator (50, 150), the operation of which opens the outlet (35, 135), thereby allowing the medium (40, 140) to flow out of the vessel (15, 115) through the outlet (35, 135). The medium (40, 140) in the vessel (15, 115) is initially prevented from flowing through the outlet (35, 135), thus allowing an incubation period which allows motile sperm sufficient time to migrate from the sample (100, 200) into the medium (40, 140) before the medium (40, 140) leaves the vessel (35, 135). The device (10, 110) preferably comprises a spermatozoa detector in communication with the outlet.

Abstract: An embodiment of a sensor dispensing device for dispensing sensors for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid includes a cartridge assembly (32) having a housing (70) with an opening and means (16) for making a moisture-proof seal around the opening. A stack of sensors (12) is stored in the housing (70) and urged through the opening towards a stop member (73) by spring means. The device is provided with an externally actuable pusher (18) for breaking the seal and for pushing a single sensor from the housing.

Abstract: Device (10, 110) for separating motile sperm from a sample (100, 200), comprises a vessel (15, 115) having an inlet port (20, 120), an outlet port (35, 135) which is initially closed, a medium (40, 140) into which motile sperm in the sample (100, 200) can migrate into the vessel (15, 115) via the inlet (20, 120), and an actuator (50, 150), the operation of which opens the outlet (35, 135), thereby allowing the medium (40, 140) to flow out of the vessel (15, 115) through the outlet (35, 135). The medium (40, 140) in the vessel (15, 115) is initially prevented from flowing through the outlet (35, 135), thus allowing an incubation period which allows motile sperm sufficient time to migrate from the sample (100, 200) into the medium (40, 140) before the medium (40, 140) leaves the vessel (35, 135). The device (10, 110) preferably comprises a spermatozoa detector in communication with the outlet.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing device (1) comprises a cartridge (2) having an outer casing (11) and a plurality of sensors (6) arranged one upon another in a stack. The cartridge has a first dispensing end (13) and a second opposing end (14) spaced a fixed distance apart, and the cartridge includes a first aperture (15) for the ejection of a sensor closest to the first end and a second aperture (16) opposed to the first aperture, for access by a pushing member (25). The first aperture and the second aperture are each provided with compliant sealing means (17) which are at least partly disposed outside the outer casing. The sealing means have first and second sealing surfaces which are capable of co-operating to releasably form a substantially moisture-tight seal when acted upon by suitable clamping forces. The device has a housing (34) for receiving the cartridge.

Abstract: Device (10, 110) for separating motile sperm from a sample (100, 200), comprising a vessel (15, 115) having an inlet port (20, 120), an outlet port (35, 135) which is initially closed, a medium (40, 140) into which motile sperm in the sample (100, 200) can migrate into the vessel (15, 115) via the inlet (20, 120), and an actuator (50, 150), the operation of which opens the outlet (35, 135), thereby allowing the medium (40, 140) to flow out of the vessel (15, 115) through the outlet (35, 135). The medium (40, 140) in the vessel (15, 115) is initially prevented from flowing through the outlet (35, 135), thus allowing an incubation period which allows motile sperm sufficient time to migrate from the sample (100, 200) into the medium (40, 140) before the medium (40, 140) leaves the vessel (35, 135). The device (10, 110) preferably comprises spermatozoa detection means in communication with the outlet.

Abstract: An embodiment of a sensor dispensing device for dispensing sensors for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid includes a cartridge assembly (32) having a housing (70) with an opening and means (16) for making a moisture-proof seal around the opening. A stack of sensors (12) is stored in the housing (70) and urged through the opening towards a stop member (73) by spring means. The device is provided with an externally actuable pusher (18) for breaking the seal and for pushing a single sensor from the housing.