US20080093235A1 - Packaging Container for Test Sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument. The container comprises a housing, a first foil cover, and a second foil cover The housing has first and second housing layers. The first housing layer has a first plurality of test sensor containing regions. The second housing layer has a second plurality of test sensor containing regions. Each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protrude radially outward from the center of the housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel. Each of the test sensors has width and thickness directions. The first foil cover is adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer The second foil cover is adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to a packaging container for test sensors and, more particularly, to a circular packaging container for test sensors to be used in conjunction with a liquid sample monitoring device to provide an analyte concentration in a liquid sample.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Individuals who have irregular blood glucose concentration levels are often medically required to self-monitor their blood glucose concentration level. An irregular blood glucose level can be brought on by a variety of reasons, including illness, such as diabetes. The purpose of monitoring the blood glucose level is to determine the concentration level and then to take corrective action, based on whether the level is too high or too low, to bring the level back within a normal range. The failure to take corrective action may have serious adverse effects on the individual.
• Beyond the above-described blood glucose concentration level monitoring, self-testing systems are used for determining the presence or concentration of other analytes in body fluids, such as, for example, cholesterol, alcohol, and hemoglobin in blood, interstitial fluid, or chemical substances in saliva.
• One method of monitoring a person's blood glucose level is with a portable, hand-held, blood glucose testing device. The portable nature of these devices enables users to conveniently test their blood glucose levels wherever the users may be. The test device receives a test sensor for harvesting the blood for analysis. The test sensor, one of which is required for each test, contains a reaction area including a reagent for producing a measurable reaction with the glucose indicative of the blood glucose concentration level. The test sensor harvests the blood for reaction with the reagent stored within.
• Prior art test devices exist that contain a plurality of test sensors or test strips in either a circular sensor packaging container or a cartridge sensor packaging container. An exemplary prior art circular sensor packaging container is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,403. In the prior art devices, a plane parallel to the width of the test sensor is parallel to a plane running through the top portion of the housing of the sensor packaging container
• One drawback with prior art circular sensor packaging container is the limited number of test sensors contained in the container. The number of test sensors contained in the sensor packaging container is limited by the physical space available for the sensor packaging container within the handheld test device. Therefore, a need exists for a circular sensor packaging container that contains a greater number of test sensors without needing to dramatically increase the physical space taken up within the handheld test device by the circular sensor packaging container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, a test sensor packaging container for use in sensor instrument is provided. The test sensor packaging container comprises a housing, a first foil cover, and a second foil cover. The housing has a first housing layer and a second housing layer. The first housing layer has a first plurality of test sensor containing regions. Each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions protrude radially outward from the center of the housing. The second housing layer has a second plurality of test sensor containing regions. Each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions protrude radially outward from the center of the housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel. Each of the test sensors has a width direction and a thickness direction. The first foil cover is adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing. The second foil cover is adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer.
• According to another embodiment of the present invention, a test sensor packaging container for use in sensor instrument is provided. The test sensor packaging container comprises a housing, a first foil cover, and a second foil cover. The housing has a first housing layer and a second housing layer. The first housing layer has a first plurality of test sensor containing regions and a first plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions. The second housing layer has a second plurality of test sensor containing regions and a second plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions. Each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions has a proximal end and a distal end and is adapted to contain a test sensor. The first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protrude radially outward from the center of the housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel. Each of the test sensors has a width direction and a thickness direction. The first foil cover is adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing. The second foil cover is adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing. The third foil cover is adapted to cover the distal end of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions. The fourth foil cover is adapted to cover the distal end of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions. A plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.
• According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a test sensor packaging container for use in sensor instrument is provided. The test sensor packaging container comprises a molded polymeric housing, a first foil cover, and a second foil cover. The housing has a first housing layer and a second housing layer. The first housing layer has a first plurality of test sensor containing regions and a first plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions. The second housing layer has a second plurality of test sensor containing regions and a second plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions. Each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions has a proximal end and a distal end and is adapted to contain a test sensor. The first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protrude radially outward from the center of the housing. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel. Each of the test sensors has a width direction and a thickness direction. The first foil cover is adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing. The second foil cover is adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing. The third foil cover is adapted to cover the distal end of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions. The fourth foil cover is adapted to cover the distal end of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions. A plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.
• The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detailed description and Figures will describe many of the embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a top view of a circular sensor packaging container according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the circular sensor packaging container ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a top view of a circular sensor packaging container according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the circular sensor packaging container ofFIG. 3.
• FIGS. 5a-cshow a partial cross-sectional view of a test sensor being dispensed from the circular sensor packaging container ofFIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 6a-bshow a partial cross-sectional view of a test sensor being dispensed from the circular sensor packaging container ofFIG. 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a top view of a circular sensor packaging container according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of the circular sensor packaging container ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a top view of a circular sensor packaging container according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a side view of the circular sensor packaging container ofFIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
• Referring now to the drawings, and initially toFIGS. 1 and 2, a circularsensor packaging container10 for holding a plurality oftest sensors12 used in determining a user's analyte concentration level in a fluid sample is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. While the following discussion describes the use of test sensors for determining the glucose concentration in blood, it is understood that the present invention may be employed in determining the concentration of other analytes in other types of samples. Analytes that may be measured using the present invention include glucose, lipid profiles (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL), microalbumin, hemoglobin A_1C, fructose, lactate, or biliribin. The present invention is not limited, however, to these specific analytes and it is contemplated that other analyte concentrations may be determined. The analytes may be in, for example, a whole blood sample, a blood serum sample, a blood plasma sample, or other body fluids like ISF (interstitial fluid) and urine.
• Thesensor packaging container10 comprises ahousing14 having afirst housing layer16 and asecond housing layer18. Thefirst housing layer16 having a plurality of first testsensor containing regions20. Thesecond housing layer18 having a plurality of second testsensor containing regions22. Each of the plurality of first and second testsensor containing regions20,22 contain asingle test sensor12. Thehousing14 has afirst foil cover24 that is adapted to cover thefirst housing layer16 of thepackaging container10, sealing each of the plurality oftest sensors12 within the plurality of first testsensor containing regions20 of thecontainer10. Additionally, thehousing14 has asecond foil cover26 that is adapted to cover thesecond housing layer18 of thepackaging container10, sealing each of the plurality oftest sensors12 within the plurality of second testsensor containing regions22 of thecontainer10. Thehousing14 and the first and second foil covers24,26 completely seal thetest sensor12 from environment. Thetest sensor12 has an angledface13 for piercing the respective foil covers24,26 covering the first or second testsensor containing region20,22 of thecontainer10.
• A plurality offirst desiccant cavities28 is in fluid communication with each of the corresponding firstsensor containing regions20. Additionally, a plurality ofsecond desiccant cavities30 are in fluid communication with each of the corresponding secondsensor containing regions22. Desiccant material is disposed in thedesiccant cavities28,30 in order to ensure that thesensor containing regions20,22 are maintained at an appropriate humidity level so that the reagent material in thetest sensor12 disposed in the particularsensor containing regions20,22 is not adversely affected prior to being used. The desiccant material might be in the form of a small bag or a bead of material or any other form that can be readily disposed in the plurality ofdesiccant cavities28,30. Thefirst desiccant cavities28 are each in fluid communication with only a single firstsensor containing region20. As a result, the opening of one of the firstsensor containing regions20 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other firstsensor containing regions20. Similarly,second desiccant cavities30 are each in fluid communication with only a single secondsensor containing region22. As a result, the opening of one of the secondsensor containing regions22 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other secondsensor containing regions22.
• As is shown inFIG. 2, thetest sensor12 is positioned within the plurality ofsensor containing regions16 of thepackaging container10 such that a plane generally parallel to the width of thetest sensor12 is also generally parallel to the plane of the first and second foil covers24,26. By having thefirst housing layer16 and thesecond housing layer18 the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container10 increases. Increasing the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container10 increases user satisfaction by increasing the number of sample tests that may be performed between changing test sensor packaging containers. The testsensor packaging container10 is adapted to contain from about fifteen (15) to about twenty five (25)test sensors12. More specifically, the testsensor packaging container10 is adapted to contain about twenty (20)test sensors12. The testsensor packaging container10 has a diameter D. The diameter D may range from about 40 mm to about 60 mm. More specifically, the diameter D may range from about 50 mm to about 55 mm. The testsensor packaging container10 has a thickness T. The thickness T of thepackaging container10 may range from about 2 mm to about 8 mm. More specifically, the thickness T of the test sensor packaging container is about 4 mm.
• Turning now toFIGS. 3 and 4, a circularsensor packaging container110 for holding a plurality oftest sensors12 used in determining a user's analyte concentration level in a fluid sample is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thesensor packaging container110 comprises ahousing114 having afirst housing layer116 and asecond housing layer118. Thefirst housing layer114 has a plurality of first testsensor containing regions120. Thesecond housing layer118 has a plurality of second testsensor containing regions122. Each of the plurality of first and second testsensor containing regions120,122 contains asingle test sensor12.
• The plurality of testsensor containing regions120,122 protrudes out from the center of thehousing114. An open region132 is formed between each of the plurality ofsensor containing regions120,122. Thesensor containing regions120,122 and the open regions132 forms a generally gear shaped pattern on thesensor packaging container110.
• Thefirst housing layer116 has afirst foil cover124 that is adapted to cover the top portion of thefirst housing layer116 of thepackaging container110, sealing thetest sensor12 within thecontainer110. Additionally, thefirst housing layer116 has athird foil cover134 that is adapted to cover a distal end of the plurality of firstsensor containing regions120 of thefirst housing layer116, further sealing thetest sensor12 within thepackaging container110. Thefirst housing layer116 and the first and third foil covers124,134 completely seal thetest sensor12 of thefirst housing layer116 from environment.
• Similarly, thesecond housing layer118 has asecond foil cover126 that is adapted to cover the bottom portion of thesecond housing layer118 of thepackaging container110, sealing thetest sensor12 within thecontainer110. Additionally, thesecond housing layer118 has afourth foil cover136 that is adapted to cover a distal end of the plurality of secondsensor containing regions122 of thesecond housing layer118, further sealing thetest sensor12 within thepackaging container110. Thesecond housing layer118 and the second and fourth foil covers126,136 completely seal thetest sensor12 of thesecond housing layer118 from environment.
• Thetest sensor12 has an angledface13 for piercing the respective foil covers134,136 covering the distal end of the first or second testsensor containing region120,122 of thecontainer110.
• A plurality offirst desiccant cavities128 is in fluid communication with each of the corresponding firstsensor containing regions120. Additionally, a plurality ofsecond desiccant cavities130 is in fluid communication with each of the corresponding secondsensor containing regions122. Desiccant material is disposed in thedesiccant cavities128,130 in order to ensure that thesensor containing regions120,122 are maintained at an appropriate humidity level so that the reagent material in thetest sensor12 disposed in the particularsensor containing regions120,122 is not adversely affected prior to being used. The desiccant material might be in the form of a small bag or a bead of material or any other form that can be readily disposed in the plurality ofdesiccant cavities128,130. Thefirst desiccant cavities128 are each in fluid communication with only a single firstsensor containing region120. As a result, the opening of one of the firstsensor containing regions120 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other firstsensor containing regions120. Similarly,second desiccant cavities130 are each in fluid communication with only a single secondsensor containing region122. As a result, the opening of one of the secondsensor containing regions122 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other secondsensor containing regions122.
• Referring toFIG. 3, thehousing114 of the testsensor packaging container110 comprises a molded polymeric material according to one embodiment of the present invention. Using a molded polymeric material for thehousing114 increases the structural rigidity of the testsensor packaging container110. The increased structural rigidity of thehousing114 provided by using a molded polymeric material to form thehousing114 allows the open regions132 located between each of the plurality ofsensor containing regions120,122 to be used to align the testsensor packaging container110 within a testing device.
• As is shown inFIG. 4, thetest sensor12 is positioned within the plurality ofsensor containing regions120,122 of thepackaging container110 such that a plane generally parallel to the width of thetest sensor12 is generally perpendicular to the plane of the top portion of thehousing114 of the testsensor packaging container110. Arranging thetest sensor12 in such a configuration reduces the amount of space along the periphery of thehousing114 required for eachtest sensor12 as thetest sensors12 have a width that is greater than their thickness. Therefore,additional test sensors12 may be placed within thepackaging container110. In this way the diameter of the testsensor packaging container110 does not dramatically increase in order to increase the number oftest sensors12 held by the testsensor packaging container110. Increasing the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container110 increases user satisfaction by increasing the number of sample tests that may be performed between changing test sensor packaging containers. The testsensor packaging container110 is adapted to contain from about fifty (50) to about seventy (70)test sensors12. More specifically, the test sensor packaging container is adapted to contain about sixty (60)test sensors12. The testsensor packaging container110 has a diameter D′. The diameter D′ may range from about 40 mm to about 55 mm. More specifically, the diameter D′ may range from about 45 mm to about 50 mm. The testsensor packaging container110 has a thickness T′. The thickness T′ of thepackaging container110 may range from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. More specifically, the thickness T′ of the test sensor packaging container is about 4 mm.
• Turning now toFIGS. 5a-c, the dispensing of one of thetest sensors12 of thefirst housing layer116 of testsensor packaging container110 is shown. As seen inFIG. 5athe testsensor packaging container110 is shown in conjunction with aknife assembly160. As shown inFIG. 5atheknife assembly160 has generally a “T” shape, however, other shapes may be used forknife assembly160. Theknife assembly160 is positioned above thefirst foil cover124 of one of the plurality of first testsensor containing regions120. Theknife assembly160 is adapted move in the direction of arrow A to puncture thefirst foil cover124 of thepackaging container110. As shown inFIG. 5b, theknife assembly160 is positioned after it punctures thefirst foil cover124 and position theknife assembly160 within one of the first testsensor containing regions120.FIG. 5cshows thetest sensor12 after it has been dispensed from the first testsensor containing region120 of thepackaging container110. Theknife assembly160 moves in the direction shown by arrow B in a radial direction towards the distal end of the first testsensor containing region120 of thepackaging container110. As theknife assembly160 moves in the direction of arrow B it contact thetest sensor12, forcing thetest sensor12 towards the distal end of the first testsensor containing region120. Thetest sensor12 contains anangled face13 that contacts thethird foil cover134 of thepackaging container110. Theangled face13 of thetest sensor12 is adapted to puncture thethird foil cover134 of thepackaging container110. As theknife assembly160 moves, it continues to puncture thefirst foil cover124 covering the first testsensor containing region120 corresponding to thetest sensor12 being dispensed.
• Turning now toFIGS. 6aand6b, the dispensing of one of thetest sensors12 of thefirst housing layer116 of the testsensor packaging container110 is shown. As seen inFIG. 6athe testsensor packaging container110 is shown in conjunction with aknife assembly162. As shown inFIG. 6atheknife assembly162 is positioned at a proximal end of one of the plurality of first testsensor containing regions120. Theknife assembly162 is adapted to slide outward in a radial direction, as shown by arrow C, from the proximal end of one of the plurality of first testsensor containing regions120 towards the distal end of one of the first testsensor containing regions120. As shown inFIG. 6b, thetest sensor12 is shown after it has been dispensed from one of the first testsensor containing regions120 of thepackaging container110. Theknife assembly162 moves in the direction of arrow C towards the distal end of one of the first testsensor containing regions120 of thepackaging container110. As theknife assembly162 moves, it contact thetest sensor12 forcing thetest sensor12 towards the distal end of the test sensor containing region. Thetest sensor12 contains anangled face13 that contacts thethird foil cover134 of thepackaging container110. Theangled face13 of thetest sensor12 is adapted to puncture thethird foil cover134 of thepackaging container10.
• Turning now toFIGS. 7 and 8, a circularsensor packaging container710 for holding a plurality oftest sensors12 used in determining a user's analyte concentration level in a fluid sample is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• Thesensor packaging container710 comprises ahousing714 having afirst housing layer716 and asecond housing layer718. Thefirst housing layer716 having a plurality of first testsensor containing regions720. Thesecond housing layer718 having a plurality of second testsensor containing regions722. Each of the plurality of first and second testsensor containing regions720,722 contain asingle test sensor12. Thehousing714 has afirst foil cover724 that is adapted to cover thefirst housing layer716 of thepackaging container710, sealing each of the plurality oftest sensors12 within the plurality of first testsensor containing regions720 of thecontainer710. Additionally, thehousing714 has asecond foil cover726 that is adapted to cover thesecond housing layer718 of thepackaging container710, sealing each of the plurality oftest sensors12 within the plurality of second testsensor containing regions722 of thecontainer710. Thehousing714 and the first and second foil covers724,726 completely seal thetest sensor12 from environment. Thetest sensor12 has an angledface13 for piercing the respective foil covers724,726 covering the first or second testsensor containing region720,722 of thecontainer710.
• A plurality offirst desiccant cavities728 is in fluid communication with each of the corresponding firstsensor containing regions720. Additionally, a plurality of second desiccant cavities730 are in fluid communication with each of the corresponding secondsensor containing regions722. Thedesiccant cavities728,730 are located at the proximal end of thesensor containing regions720,722. Desiccant material is disposed in thedesiccant cavities728,730 in order to ensure that thesensor containing regions720,722 are maintained at an appropriate humidity level so that the reagent material in thetest sensor12 disposed in the particularsensor containing regions720,722 is not adversely affected prior to being used. The desiccant material might be in the form of a small bag or a bead of material or any other form that can be readily disposed in the plurality ofdesiccant cavities728,730. Thefirst desiccant cavities728 are each in fluid communication with only a single firstsensor containing region720. As a result, the opening of one of the firstsensor containing regions720 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other firstsensor containing regions720. Similarly, second desiccant cavities730 are each in fluid communication with only a single secondsensor containing region722. As a result, the opening of one of the secondsensor containing regions722 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other secondsensor containing regions722.
• As is shown inFIG. 8, thetest sensor12 is positioned within the plurality ofsensor containing regions716 of thepackaging container710 such that a plane generally parallel to the width of the test sensor712 is also generally parallel to the plane of the first and second foil covers724,726. By having thefirst housing layer716 and thesecond housing layer718 the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container710 increases. Increasing the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container710 increases user satisfaction by increasing the number of sample tests that may be performed between changing test sensor packaging containers. The testsensor packaging container710 is adapted to contain from about fifteen (15) to about twenty five (25)test sensors12. More specifically, the testsensor packaging container710 is adapted to contain about twenty (20)test sensors12. The testsensor packaging container710 has a diameter D. The diameter D may range from about 40 mm to about 60 mm. More specifically, the diameter D may range from about 50 mm to about 55 mm. The testsensor packaging container710 has a thickness T. The thickness T of thepackaging container710 may range from about 2 mm to about 8 mm. More specifically, the thickness T of the testsensor packaging container710 is about 4 mm.
• Turning now toFIGS. 9 and 10, a circularsensor packaging container910 for holding a plurality oftest sensors12 used in determining a user's analyte concentration level in a fluid sample is shown according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Thesensor packaging container910 comprises ahousing914 having afirst housing layer916 and asecond housing layer918. Thefirst housing layer916 has a plurality of first testsensor containing regions920. Thesecond housing layer918 has a plurality of second testsensor containing regions922. Each of the plurality of first and second testsensor containing regions920,922 contains a single test sensor912. Thehousing914 has afirst foil cover924 that is adapted to cover thefirst housing layer916 of thepackaging container910, sealing each of the plurality oftest sensors12 within the plurality of first testsensor containing regions920 of thecontainer910. Additionally, thehousing914 has asecond foil cover926 that is adapted to cover thesecond housing layer918 of thepackaging container910, sealing each of the plurality oftest sensors12 within the plurality of second testsensor containing regions922 of thecontainer910. Thehousing914 and the first and second foil covers924,926 completely seal thetest sensor12 from environment. Thetest sensor12 has an angledface13 for piercing the respective foil covers924,926 covering the first or second testsensor containing region920,922 of thecontainer910.
• A plurality offirst desiccant regions928 is in fluid communication with each of the corresponding firstsensor containing regions920. Additionally, a plurality of second desiccant regions930 is in fluid communication with each of the corresponding secondsensor containing regions922. Desiccant material is disposed in thedesiccant regions928,930 in order to ensure that thesensor containing regions920,922 are maintained at an appropriate humidity level so that the reagent material in thetest sensor12 disposed in the particularsensor containing regions920,922 is not adversely affected prior to being used. The desiccant material of thedesiccant regions928,930 is in the form of a hot-melt desiccant. The hot-melt desiccant is molded into thehousing914 of the testsensor packaging container910. Using a hot-mold desiccant material simplifies the manufacturing of thepackaging container910 by avoiding the need to fill a desiccant cavity with a desiccant material. The hot-melt desiccant also may be formed in a wide variety of shapes, giving greater flexibility in the positioning of the desiccant. Thefirst desiccant regions928 are each in fluid communication with only a single firstsensor containing region920. As a result, the opening of one of the firstsensor containing regions920 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other firstsensor containing regions920. Similarly, second desiccant regions930 are each in fluid communication with only a single secondsensor containing region922. As a result, the opening of one of the secondsensor containing regions922 will not affect the desiccated state of any of the other secondsensor containing regions922.
• As is shown inFIG. 10, thetest sensor12 is positioned within the plurality ofsensor containing regions916 of thepackaging container910 such that a plane generally parallel to the width of thetest sensor12 is also generally parallel to the plane of the first and second foil covers924,926. By having thefirst housing layer916 and thesecond housing layer918 the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container910 increases. Increasing the number oftest sensors12 held by thepackaging container910 increases user satisfaction by increasing the number of sample tests that may be performed between changing test sensor packaging containers. The testsensor packaging container910 is adapted to contain from about fifteen (15) to about twenty five (25)test sensors12. More specifically, the testsensor packaging container910 is adapted to contain about twenty (20)test sensors12. The testsensor packaging container910 has a diameter D. The diameter D may range from about 40 mm to about 60 mm. More specifically, the diameter D may range from about 50 mm to about 55 mm. The testsensor packaging container910 has a thickness T. The thickness T of thepackaging container910 may range from about 2 mm to about 8 mm. More specifically, the thickness T of the testsensor packaging container910 is about 4 mm.
Alternative Embodiment A
• A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument for handling a plurality of test sensors, the test sensor packaging container comprising:
• a housing having first housing layer and a second housing layer, the first housing layer having a first plurality of test sensor containing regions, each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions being adapted to contain one of the plurality of test sensors, each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the second housing layer having a second plurality of sensor containing regions, each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the housing having a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel, each of the plurality of test sensors having a width direction and a thickness direction;
• a first foil cover adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing; and
• a second foil cover adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing.
Alternative Embodiment B
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment A further comprising a plurality of first desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first test sensor containing regions; and
• a plurality of second desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment C
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment B further having desiccant material in each of the plurality of first and second desiccant cavities such that each of the test sensor containing regions is maintained in a desiccate state.
Alternative Embodiment D
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment A wherein the housing has from about fifteen (15) to about twenty five (25) test sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment E
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment D wherein the housing has about twenty (20) test sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment F
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment A wherein the housing has a diameter from about 40 mm to about 60 mm.
Alternative Embodiment G
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment F wherein the housing has a diameter of from about 50 mm to about 55 mm.
Alternative Embodiment H
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment A wherein the housing has a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 8 mm.
Alternative Embodiment I
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment H wherein the housing has a thickness of about 4 mm.
Alternative Embodiment J
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment A wherein the housing of the test sensor packaging container is made of a molded polymeric material.
Alternative Embodiment K
• A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument for handling a plurality of test sensors, the test sensor packaging container comprising:
• a housing having a first housing layer and a second housing layer, the first housing layer having a first plurality of test sensor containing regions and a first plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions, the second housing layer having a second plurality of test sensor containing regions and a second plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions having a proximal end and a distal end and being adapted to contain one of the plurality of test sensors, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the housing having a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel, each of the plurality of test sensors having a width direction and a thickness direction;
• a first foil cover adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing;
• a second foil cover adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing;
• a third foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions; and
• a fourth foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions,
• wherein a plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.
Alternative Embodiment L
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment K further comprising a plurality of open regions formed between each of the first and second plurality of sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment M
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment L wherein the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions and the plurality of open regions form a generally gear shaped container, the open regions being positioned on the housing to properly position the test sensor packaging container when the test sensor packaging container is in the sensor instrument.
Alternative Embodiment N
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment K wherein the container has from about fifty (50) to about seventy (70) test sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment O
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment N wherein the container has about sixty (60) test sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment P
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment K wherein the housing has a diameter from about 40 mm to about 55 mm.
Alternative Embodiment Q
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment P wherein the housing has a diameter of from about 45 mm to about 50 mm.
Alternative Embodiment R
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment K wherein the housing has a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 6 mm.
Alternative Embodiment S
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment R wherein the housing has a thickness of about 4 mm.
Alternative Embodiment T
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment K wherein the housing of the test sensor packaging container is made of a molded polymeric material.
Alternative Embodiment U
• A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument for handling a plurality of test sensors, the test sensor packaging container comprising:
• a molded polymeric housing having a first housing layer and a second housing layer, the first housing layer having a first plurality of test sensor containing regions and a first plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions, the second housing layer having a second plurality of test sensor containing regions and a second plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions having a proximal end and a distal end and being adapted to contain one of the plurality of test sensors, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the housing having a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel, each of the plurality of test sensors having a width direction and a thickness direction;
• a first foil cover adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing;
• a second foil cover adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing;
• a third foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions; and
• a fourth foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions,
• wherein a plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.
Alternative Embodiment V
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment U wherein the housing has from about fifty (50) to about seventy (70) test sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment W
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment U wherein the housing has about sixty (60) test sensor containing regions.
Alternative Embodiment X
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment U wherein the housing has a diameter from about 40 mm to about 55 mm.
Alternative Embodiment Y
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment X wherein the housing has a diameter of from about 45 mm to about 50 mm.
Alternative Embodiment Z
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment U wherein the housing has a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 6 mm.
Alternative Embodiment AA
• The test sensor packaging container of Alternative Embodiment Z wherein the housing has a thickness of about 4 mm.
• While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument for handling a plurality of test sensors, the test sensor packaging container comprising:

a housing having first housing layer and a second housing layer, the first housing layer having a first plurality of test sensor containing regions, each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions being adapted to contain one of the plurality of test sensors, each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the second housing layer having a second plurality of sensor containing regions, each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the housing having a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel, each of the plurality of test sensors having a width direction and a thickness direction;

a first foil cover adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing; and

a second foil cover adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing.

2. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of first desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first test sensor containing regions; and

a plurality of second desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second sensor containing regions.

3. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 2, further having desiccant material in each of the plurality of first and second desiccant cavities such that each of the test sensor containing regions is maintained in a desiccate state.

4. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 1, wherein the housing has from about fifteen (15) to about twenty five (25) test sensor containing regions.

5. (canceled)

6. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 1, wherein the housing has a diameter from about 40 mm to about 60 mm.

7. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 6, wherein the housing has a diameter of from about 50 mm to about 55 mm.

8. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 1, wherein the housing has a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

9. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 8, wherein the housing has a thickness of about 4 mm.

10. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 1, wherein the housing of the test sensor packaging container is made of a molded polymeric material.

11. A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument for handling a plurality of test sensors, the test sensor packaging container comprising:

a housing having a first housing layer and a second housing layer, the first housing layer having a first plurality of test sensor containing regions and a first plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions, the second housing layer having a second plurality of test sensor containing regions and a second plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions having a proximal end and a distal end and being adapted to contain one of the plurality of test sensors, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the housing having a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel, each of the plurality of test sensors having a width direction and a thickness direction;

a first foil cover adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing;

a second foil cover adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing;

a third foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions; and

a fourth foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions,

wherein a plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.

12. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 11, further comprising a plurality of open regions formed between each of the first and second plurality of sensor containing regions.

13. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 12, wherein the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions and the plurality of open regions form a generally gear shaped container, the open regions being positioned on the housing to properly position the test sensor packaging container when the test sensor packaging container is in the sensor instrument.

14. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 11, wherein the container has from about fifty (50) to about seventy (70) test sensor containing regions.

15. (canceled)

16. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 11, wherein the housing has a diameter from about 40 mm to about 55 mm.

17. (canceled)

18. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 11, wherein the housing has a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 6 mm.

19. (canceled)

20. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 11, wherein the housing of the test sensor packaging container is made of a molded polymeric material.

21. A test sensor packaging container for use in a sensor instrument for handling a plurality of test sensors, the test sensor packaging container comprising:

a molded polymeric housing having a first housing layer and a second housing layer, the first housing layer having a first plurality of test sensor containing regions and a first plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions, the second housing layer having a second plurality of test sensor containing regions and a second plurality of desiccant cavities in fluid communication with each of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions having a proximal end and a distal end and being adapted to contain one of the plurality of test sensors, each of the first and second plurality of test sensor containing regions protruding radially outward from the center of the housing, the housing having a top portion and a bottom portion that are generally parallel, each of the plurality of test sensors having a width direction and a thickness direction;

a first foil cover adapted to cover the top portion of the first housing layer of the housing;

a second foil cover adapted to cover the bottom portion of the second housing layer of the housing;

a third foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the first plurality of test sensor containing regions; and

a fourth foil cover adapted to cover the distal end of the second plurality of test sensor containing regions,

wherein a plane generally parallel to the width direction of each of the plurality of test sensors is generally perpendicular to the top and bottom portion of the housing.

22. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 21, wherein the housing has from about fifty (50) to about seventy (70) test sensor containing regions.

23. (canceled)

24. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 21, wherein the housing has a diameter from about 40 mm to about 55 mm.

25. (canceled)

26. The test sensor packaging container ofclaim 21, wherein the housing has a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 6 mm.

27. (canceled)

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