Abstract: A blade dispenser includes a housing with a bottom and sidewalls defining a blade storage. A lid covers an entry opening and is movable in relation to the blade storage to provide access to the entry opening for arranging blades in a stacked configuration into the blade storage. A protrusion protrudes from a sidewall into the upper part of the blade storage in a first part of the blade storage. A latch protrudes from a sidewall into the upper part of the blade storage in a second part of the blade storage, the protrusion and latch have contact surfaces preventing the spring force from moving blades out of the blade storage via the entry opening. An exit opening at a sidewall of the housing allows a blade to pass through the exit opening out of the blade storage.

Abstract: A novel convenient ejection-type card box comprises a card box body, wherein a push component is arranged inside the card box body, and the push component comprises a pressing member, one end of which is connected with the pushing member, and one side of the pushing member is connected with a connecting post; one end of the pressing member is provided with a movable groove adapted to the connecting post, and a torsion spring is connected between the pressing member and the card box body. A pressing member with a movable groove, a pushing member with a connecting post and a torsion spring are arranged in the card box body for cooperative use, and the pressing member is pressed inward into the card box body to eject the card from the card box body, so that the ejected cards are arranged in a stepped manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle channel usable in a hair transplant device, and the needle channel can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of a central shaft inside the hair transplant device so as to be slidable in a vertical direction, and comprises: a body part having a tubular inner space; a needle coupled to the lower end of the body part; a core shaft slidably arranged in the tubular inner space and inside the needle; a slot longitudinally formed in the body part, and opened radially and outwardly from the central axis of the central shaft; a lever coupled to the upper end of the core shaft, and arranged to be slidable in a vertical direction in the slot.

Abstract: A surgical device for applying clips is disclosed including a cartridge, an RFID tag, and a controller. The cartridge includes a plurality of clips. A crimping drive is configured to move a first jaw and a second jaw to a closed position during a crimping stroke. One of the plurality of clips is crimped around tissue during the crimping stroke. Stored data on the RFID tag relates to an identifying characteristic of at least one of the plurality of clips within the cartridge. An RFID scanner is configured to receive a first signal from the RFID tag in response to an interrogation signal. The first signal includes the stored data on the RFID tag. A controller in communication with the RFID scanner is configured to compare the stored data to a set of compatibility data and vary an operational parameter of the surgical device based on the stored data.

Abstract: Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to carrying and dispensing electronic cigarettes, electronic cigarette components, and electronic cigarette accessories; and more particularly for dispensing an electronic cigarette while one or more electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette components remain secured within a carrier.

Abstract: A method includes. determining numbers of a cards sequentially removed from a card shooter and delivered to one or more persons during a round of a card game. The method further includes determining, based on the determined numbers of the cards and based on one or more signals received from a set of card detecting optical sensors of a group of sensors located on one or more card guide rails, whether there is an attempt to draw a card from the card shooter after the round of the card game is over. The method also includes, based a determination of that the attempt occurred, generating a signal indicating the attempt.

Abstract: A rubbing alcohol dispenser apparatus for applying rubbing alcohol includes a casing having a casing dispense aperture and a thumb slot extending through to a casing inside. A cartridge housing has a housing dispense aperture and a pin slot extending through to a cartridge inside. The cartridge housing is slidably engageable within the casing inside. A dispense plunger and a lift plunger are coupled within the cartridge inside to manipulate a plurality of alcohol pads through a plurality of pad tracks towards the housing dispense aperture. The dispense plunger has a thumb pin extending through the pin slot and accessible through the thumb slot to reset the dispense plunger and allow the lift plunger to advance the plurality of alcohol pads. The housing dispense aperture aligns with the casing dispense aperture to release rubbing alcohol as needed.

Abstract: A card dispenser can include a planar sleeve, an actuator, and a lifter assembly. More specifically, the planar sleeve can be shaped to receive a plurality of cards within a card chamber. A dispense opening within the planar sleeve can be shaped to pass the plurality of cards edgewise. The actuator can extend along an edge of the planar sleeve. The actuator can be pivotable about an actuator pivot located between a retaining end and an actuation end of the actuator. The actuator pivots from a retaining position to a dispense position. The retaining position orients a card contact surface of the retaining end against the plurality of cards to prevent removal of the plurality of cards. The lifter assembly can be associated with the actuation end and can be oriented adjacent a bottom edge of the card chamber.

Abstract: A card storing case includes a left plate and a right plate arranged opposite to one another. An inner side of the left plate and an inner side of the right plate are respectively provided with a plurality of guide grooves. The card storing case further includes a card bracket slidably arranged in the guide groove. When a card is transferred into the card bracket, the card bracket slides along the guide groove, such that the card is moved and stored in the guide groove. A card bracket and a guide groove are arranged in the card storing case, such that a card is moved and stored in the guide groove via the card bracket, which not only shortens a transfer path of the card in a process of storing or withdrawing the card, but also reduces operation time in storing or withdrawing the card.

Abstract: A card feed-out device may include a card housing; a feed-out claw; a claw feed mechanism; a gate member; and a gate moving mechanism. A front opening is formed in a lower end of a front surface of the card housing. A lower opening is formed in a front end of a lower surface portion of the card housing. The gate member may include a front surface and a bottom surface. The gate may be formed between a lower end surface of the front surface and a top surface of the bottom surface. During standby, the gate member is at a retracted position. When the first card is fed out, the gate member moves until at least a part of the bottom surface passes through an upper end of the lower opening, and a lower surface of the gate is disposed above the top surface of the housing bottom surface.

Abstract: Magazines for light sticks have an elongated tubular body defining a chamber configured to contain a stack of elongated light sticks, the body defining an exit aperture communicating with the chamber and proximate to a light stick feeding position, a movable actuator proximate the exit aperture and movable between a rest position and an actuated position, the body having a retention element proximate the exit aperture, the actuator having a contact portion spaced apart from the retention element, and the retention element and contact portion being operable to flex a light stick occupying the light stick feeding position in response to movement of the actuator from the rest position to the actuated position. The retention element and contact portion may be operable to eject the light stick occupying the light stick feeding position in response to movement of the actuator from the rest position to the actuated position.

Abstract: Safety-blade dispensers for safely storing surgical blades prior to surgery and optionally for retrieving used surgical blades after surgery. In either case, the safety-blade dispenser is configured to store one or more surgical blades in an orientation that allows a user to simply and safely attach a surgical tool handle to the surgical blades (and optionally remove the handle from the surgical blades) without requiring the user to physically touch or manipulate the surgical blades by hand. The safety-blade dispensers disclosed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with a system and method of preventing wrong-site surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test-strip storage vial, comprising a vial body, a test-strip storing chamber, a button pole, and a baffle; wherein the test strip storing chamber is disposed inside the vial body; wherein the button pole is provided at the side of the vial body and capable of moving vertically; wherein the baffle is provided at one end of the storing chamber and capable of moving horizontally, wherein a top-lifted unit is provided at another end of the storing chamber; wherein the top-lifted is capable of vertically supporting test strips disposed in the storing chamber and enables the test strips to move towards the baffle; wherein the button pole is connected to the baffle through a flexible part; wherein the baffle is connected to the vial body through an elastic part; wherein the test strip is ejected by the horizontal movement of the baffle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multipurpose opening and closing device. The device includes a casing having an opening, a manipulation unit moved up and down in the casing by a user's manipulation, an opening and closing unit operated in conjunction with the up-and-down movement of the manipulation unit to open or close the opening, and a fixing unit intended to prevent the manipulation unit from deviating from a predetermined course when the manipulation unit is moved up and down, so that a structure where the opening is opened or closed by the opening and closing unit operated in conjunction with the manipulation unit is simplified, thus reducing a failure in the device, enabling easy repair, and allowing an interior space of the casing to be efficiently used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test-strip storage vial, comprising a vial body, a storing chamber for storing test strips, a push button, and a top-lifted unit; wherein the push button is located at one end of the storing chamber; wherein a top-lifted unit is located at another end of the storing chamber; wherein the push button slides horizontal to remove test strips the storing chamber; wherein the top-lifted unit supports the test strips and lifts the test strips in a vertical direction; wherein the vial body further comprising an upper cover and lower vial body, wherein the lower vial body is detachably connected to the upper cover; wherein the push button is glidingly connected with the upper cover, wherein the top-lifted unit is located in the lower vial body; wherein a push button spring provides horizontal tensile force is disposed between the upper cover and the push button.

Abstract: An implant delivery device includes a body having a first portion and a second transverse portion. The second transverse portion defines a cavity in at least a portion thereof. A first member has at least a portion thereof disposable in the cavity and movable relative to the second portion. A second member has a surface disposed about an implant disposable in the cavity. The surface of the second member includes an opening. The first member is engageable with the implant to expel the implant from the cavity and through the opening. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A blade dispenser for housing a plurality of unshelled blades, dispensing the blades one at a time therefrom and receiving used blades and storing the used blades therein. The dispenser includes a housing that has ribs forming a track, a dispensing slot at a first end of the housing, a pusher and a spring that aid in dispensing blades through the slot art the first end of the housing and a closure element that includes a slot connected to a second end of the housing to receive used blades.

Abstract: A blade dispenser apparatus includes a body, a blade receptacle coupled to and repositionable in relation to the body, a blade holder coupled to and repositionable in relation to the blade receptacle, and an actuator coupled to the blade holder, the actuator being deployable for repositioning of the blade holder to dispense a blade or for disengaging a portion of the blade receptacle from the body allowing a user of the blade dispenser to access the blade receptacle.

Abstract: A container system for an item, where the item comprises a shaft and at least one working end. The container system comprises a container, a cartridge, a slide, and a shaft projection extending from the shaft. The container defines a container chamber and a guide slot. The cartridge defines a plurality of item chambers, and an access slot is associated with each item chamber. The slide adapted extends through the guide slot. The shaft projection extends through the access opening and engages the slide such that movement of the slide causes movement of the item.

Abstract: A blade dispenser (100) has a blade supply container (110), a blade disposal container (120), and a detachable and reconnectable connecting means (130, 131, 132) that is embodied to connect the blade supply container (110) and blade disposal container (120) detachably to one another. The blade supply container (110) has a blade supply container upper side and a blade supply container underside, and is embodied to receive a blade stack (111) made up of multiple mutually abutting blades (112, 115). The blade supply container (110) also has a removal opening (116) through which at least one blade (112, 115) of the blade stack (111) is removable from the blade supply container (110). The blade disposal container (120) has a blade disposal container upper side and a blade disposal container underside, and is embodied to receive blades (120) to be disposed of.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing elongated articles such as straws, including: a container for holding the elongated articles; a hopper to receive some of the elongated articles, where the hopper is reversibly movable between a closed state and an open state; and a manipulator for performing a cycle to release a single elongated article by isolating a single article and then moving the hopper from the closed state to the open state, thereby releasing only the single elongated article.

Abstract: The invention provides dispensers for sensors. The dispensers of the invention are capable of storing a plurality of sensors and dispensing them one-by-one.

Abstract: A multi-function card dispenser and related apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like at customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card apparatus can include a card hopper having a card eject surface and a card track having a card transport surface positioned below the card eject surface. A first roller is configured to rotate to draw a first card from a card port and onto the card track. A second roller is configured to rotate to dispense a second (ejected) card from the card hopper and onto the card track and further toward the card port. In one embodiment, the second roller is further configured to rotate to deposit cards below the card hopper.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A vending machine system for stackable goods such as vehicle air fresheners includes a hopper and a reciprocating arm. The hopper is configured to hold a stack of the stackable goods. The hopper has an aperture formed in a base of the hopper for dispensing the stackable goods from the hopper. The reciprocating arm is disposed adjacent the aperture. The reciprocating arm is linearly movable between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the stackable goods is received by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the retracted position, and is pushed from the stack of stackable goods by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus has a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber that are divided by a dividing wall, a lid covering the second chamber and a cover covering the first chamber, with the first chamber holding a plurality of articles, and an opening provided in the dividing wall to allow an article to pass through to the second chamber. A figure is retained inside the second chamber, the figure having a pair of arms that are normally positioned adjacent the opening in the dividing wall to receive an article that is transferred from the first chamber via the opening in the dividing wall. An actuator is coupled to the figure to push the figure upwardly through the lid so that the figure, and the article held in the arms of the figure, are delivered outside the housing.

Abstract: A card extracting device for use with a plurality of cards may include a card storage, a gate through which the cards pass toward an outside of the card storage, an extracting tab to engage with and extract one of the cards, a tab-moving mechanism to move the extracting tab, an extracting roller outside the card storage to further forward the extracted card, a motor to drive the tab-moving mechanism and the extracting roller, a card-extraction detecting section to detect that card extraction is completed, and a control section to control the motor. An engaging section may be formed in the extracting tab to abut a rear end portion of the card and extract the card. The control section may drive the motor forward to extract the card or drive the motor in reverse based on a detection result from the card extraction detecting section.

Abstract: An automated Braille inserter for inserting a Braille element into a surface including a container for containing a plurality of Braille elements; a drive pin in operative juxtaposition with respect to said container and adapted for movement along a drive axis between a receiving position and a driving position, and having a driving face for driving a Braille element from said Braille inserter; a Braille element passage operatively associated with said drive pin and providing operative passage of a Braille element from said container to a deployment position in operative alignment with said driving face of said drive pin; the drive pin being arranged in operative juxtaposition in respect of the container such that the Braille element passage is closed to receiving Braille elements from the container when the drive pin is the driving position, but may receive a predetermined number of Braille elements into said Braille element passage when the drive pin is in the receiving position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A test strip container comprising a housing defining a cavity having a dispensing wall, a housing inlet, and a dispensing outlet is presented. The container may also comprise a lid mounted movably on the housing to define a primed position and an unprimed position therebetween. A cartridge may be provided within the cavity and holding a plurality of test strips. The cartridge may have a plunger entrance seal and a strip exit seal. A biasing member may be disposed within the cartridge urging the plurality of test strips towards the dispensing wall to be aligned with the dispensing outlet. A plunger may be provided, and oriented to open the plunger entrance seal through the housing inlet when the lid is in the primed position, and to urge a single test strip from the plurality of test strips through the strip exit seal of the cartridge and the dispensing outlet of the housing when the lid is transitioned from the primed position to the unprimed position.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A business card case includes a storage case, a fixing part, a lifting part, a guiding part and a discharging button. The storage case comprises a discharging opening for discharging a card, which stores cards in its interior and comprises a lower case and an upper case vertically detachable from each other. The fixing part fixes the lower case and the upper case while both the cases overlap each other. The lifting part provided on the lower case lifts up cards stored in the lower case toward the upper case. The guiding part attached to one of sides of the storage case bends at least of the ones at the top of the cards stored in the lower case. The discharging button slidably provided toward the discharging opening on the upper case includes a locking portion for locking the cards at the top.

Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.

Abstract: The test strip containers accurately dispense one test strip for easy removal. One test strip container includes a slider with a slot that catches a single test strip therein from a stack positioned inside the container. The slider retaining the single test strip moves across the container while the single test strip rides along a ramp or track on the exterior of the container until the single test strip extends above the container. Another test strip container includes inner and outer cylinders. The inner cylinder defines an opening through which a test strip from a stack is dispensed and an external ramp or track. As the outer cylinder rotates about the inner cylinder, a recessed slot in the outer cylinder captures a single test strip, and continued rotation of the outer cylinder causes the test strip to ride along the ramp or track to extend above the cylinders for removal.

Abstract: A covered retracted confectionery including a housing with covers hinged adjacent the top for movement between closed and open positions. The lower part of each of the covers being contacted by a part of a shaft moveable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing to keep the covers closed against the force of gravity. A confectionery carried adjacent the top of the shaft is enclosed by the covers until they are manually moved to the open position by operation of an actuator slideably mounted on the exterior of the housing against a bias. Upon release of the actuator, the bias will automatically retract the shaft and confectionery as well as close the covers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).

Abstract: A method of administering small, bioadhesive drug tablets includes moving an end portion of a delivery member. A surface of the delivery member can be positioned to prevent movement of the drug tablet from a tablet cartridge channel to a delivery passage of a delivery device when the end portion of the delivery member is in a first stopped position. The end portion of the delivery member can be moved to a second position within the delivery passage such that the tablet cartridge channel is in communication with the delivery passage. The drug tablet can be conveyed into the delivery passage via the tablet cartridge channel. The end portion of the delivery member can be moved to a third position within the delivery passage to convey the drug tablet through an exit opening of the delivery device.

Abstract: An automatic shoe cover dispenser includes a shoe cover feeding arrangement holding a plurality of shoe covers each having a shoe opening; and a shoe cover pulling mechanism for pulling one of the shoe covers into an open-up condition as a standby shoe cover and being ready for putting on a user's shoe, wherein after the standby shoe cover is dispensed for being worn at the shoe of the user, the shoe cover at a subsequent position is pulled into the open-up condition.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

Abstract: Two components slide with respect to one another, and hold a stack of cards. A first component includes three members extending into a chamber formed by its C-shaped cross-section. When the components are slid apart, the first card in the stack is partially exposed. The card is pushed back past the outer members providing resistance to prevent the cards from moving while allowing only the top card to be pushed past the outer appendages to expose the next card. When the components are pushed together, a bump on an L-shaped component assures that the cards are aligned in a stack. The two outer members include tangs at their terminations that retain a stack of cards within the chamber and prevent them from sliding past. Between the outer members, a central spring extends in an angled configuration into the chamber and presses against the cards and frictionally retains them in position within the chamber.

Abstract: The rack has an inclined bottom, a slightly angled upstanding back wall, a right endwall and a short front wall defining a media cassette receiving area. Upon activation by a manually operated handle a withdrawal mechanism disposed behind the back wall, containing a carriage having a finger selectively protruding therethrough urges the rearmost media cassette in the rack along the back wall until it may be grasped by an operator. Subsequent cassettes settle backward against the back wall upon withdrawal of the rearmost media cassette. Cassettes may be added to the rack forward of any media cassettes currently therein. In this way a FIFO queue is maintained regardless of the number or mix of media cassettes stored in the rack.

Abstract: A collapsible container dispenser dispenses a collapsible container. In a collapsed state, the collapsible container has a thickness that is much smaller than its length and width. In some embodiments, the collapsible container is an insulated cooler designed for containing ice. The collapsible containers are preferably stacked at an angle in the dispenser prior to being dispensed. In some embodiments, the only moving mechanical part in the dispenser is a push bar, which pushes a collapsible container toward an opening in the dispenser to dispense the collapsible container. In some embodiments, at least one wing maintains the collapsible container to be dispensed on the floor of the holding area as the push bar extends to push the collapsible container through the dispensing opening. In some embodiments, the dispenser also dispenses ice that may be contained in the collapsible container.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected.

Abstract: A dispenser for packets comprises a plurality of horizontal rows comprising a plurality of side by said dispenser compartments. Each compartment defines a channel for receiving a horizontal stack of packets and comprises a front edge. A movement imparting assembly is mounted within each compartment and comprises a pusher member for engaging the horizontal stack of packets. The movement imparting assembly provides for the pusher member to selectively push forward the horizontal stack of packets so as to push at least one of the packets in the compartment off the edge thereof for retrieval. Sensor are mounted to the dispenser so as to detect dispensing of packets and to communicate this information to a controller.

Abstract: A pellet loading apparatus includes a tablet pusher including a support surfaces including a pusher mechanism coupled thereto for vertical movement upon actuation. A tablet holder on the tablet pusher includes locations framed by sidewall members aligned in the vertical direction that form columns having open tops for holding a pellet stacks of mold component pellets. A pellet separator having a solid portion and apertures is sized to fit around a portion of a top mold pellet in the pellet stacks. The pellet separator includes a pellet drive for lateral moving the top mold pellets relative to under pellets so that after lateral movement the top mold pellets are laterally offset from the under pellets. A tablet lifter includes a pellet stopper having receiving positions for receiving top mold pellets upon receipt after a transfer actuation of the pusher mechanism.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided which comprises an analysis device with at least one of a measurement function and a sample collection function, and also at least one magazine configured to receive at least one consumer element therein. The magazine comprises a magazine housing having a pair of openings. The magazine is designed as an exchangeable magazine that can be selectively operatively connected to the analysis device. The analysis device further comprises a closure mechanism having at least one sealing element which is designed to convey at least one consumer element from one of the openings. The sealing element is further configured to sealingly close the openings of the magazine when the sealing element is disposed therein.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing device. The cartridge assembly comprises an end cap, a disposable cartridge and a sealing mechanism. The end cap includes one opening. The disposable cartridge comprises an outer and inner cartridge. The inner cartridge contains sensors arranged in a stack therein. Each of the sensors carries a reagent sufficient to produce a signal in response to the analyte concentration in a fluid. The outer cartridge forms an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening. The outer cartridge includes a holding mechanism that holds at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge. The sealing mechanism is adapted to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.