HK1217281B - Strip grabber - Google Patents

Description

Strip collector

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/776,506, filed March 11, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to collecting, processing and/or disposing of items. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to collecting, processing and/or disposing of thin strips of material, such as reagent test strips.

For the detection, management and treatment of a variety of different medical conditions, it is necessary to detect a wide range of analytes present in body fluids. Quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is very important for the diagnosis and maintenance of specific physiological conditions. For example, some diabetic patients need to test their blood sugar levels frequently to regulate the glucose intake in their diet. The results of such tests can be used to determine, if necessary, which drug treatment should be given, such as insulin.

Traditionally, the detection of analytes in body fluids (such as blood, saliva, or urine) is performed in a laboratory by trained technicians. However, more and more fluid analyte systems are being used for rapid and point-of-care testing. These fluid analyte systems allow testing to be performed at the patient's bedside without the need for time-consuming and expensive laboratory analysis.

These fluid analyte systems typically use test strips that provide an indication of the presence and/or concentration of a specific substance in the body fluid being analyzed. Test strips are often thin strips of material (e.g., paper or plastic) that contain one or more pads impregnated with a reagent. A reagent is a substance that undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to a specified substance. When the test strip comes into contact with the body fluid, the test strip absorbs the body fluid; if the specified substance is present in the body fluid, the reagent reacts with the substance. The reaction of the reagent upon contact with the body fluid provides an indication of the presence and/or concentration of the specific substance.

Because used test strips have been exposed to potentially hazardous bodily fluids, it is desirable to properly handle and dispose of them so that the possibility of unprotected exposure is minimized. There is a continuing need for devices that facilitate the clean handling and disposal of used test strips.

Summary of the Invention

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a test strip processing device may include a housing and an internal compartment within the housing. The internal compartment may have a space for storing at least one target. The housing may include an opening connected to the space of the internal compartment. The device may further include a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being configured to securely receive the at least one target therebetween and guide the at least one target through the opening into the space in the internal compartment. The first member and the second member may prevent the at least one target from being removed via the opening. A guide channel may be provided to receive the at least one target through the guide channel, thereby guiding the at least one target to the space in the internal compartment. A door may be formed in the housing, through which the at least one target may be removed from the internal compartment.

The first member and the second member may each be a roller. The first roller and the second roller may contact each other and/or engage each other by friction. The first member may be a roller, and the second member may be a roller. The first roller may have a generally cylindrical structure and may have a first axis extending in the length direction. The second roller may have a generally cylindrical structure and may have a second axis extending in the length direction. The first axis and the second axis may be generally parallel to each other. The first roller and the second roller may be capable of relative rotation. The first roller and the second roller may be configured to cause at least one object to translate when the at least one object is placed between the first roller and the second roller. An actuator may be provided to cause the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other.

The energy storage device can bias the first roller and the second roller to cause relative rotation. The energy storage device may include a third roller, a spring, and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state. Rotation of the third roller in a first direction causes the spring to wind and store potential energy. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the spring is prevented from unwinding; when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the spring unwinds and converts the potential energy into kinetic energy, causing the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other. The locking mechanism may include a pinion and a rack, wherein the pinion is operably connected to at least one of the first roller and the second roller, and the rack is configured to engage with the pinion when in the locked state and disengage from the pinion when in the unlocked state.

In another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a test strip processing device can be used to store test strips, the test strips comprising a reagent suitable for reacting with an analyte in a fluid sample and producing a reaction indicating the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample. The test strip processing device comprises a housing having an external opening, an internal compartment, and a first component and a second component. The internal compartment can be located inside the housing and include a space for storing the at least one test strip. A first member and a second member can be placed adjacent to each other within the housing and constructed and arranged to receive the at least one test strip therebetween and guide the at least one test strip from the opening into the space within the internal compartment. In some embodiments, the at least one test strip can be stored in the internal compartment, and the first member and the second member can prevent the at least one test strip from being removed through the opening. A guide channel can be provided so that the at least one test strip is received through the guide channel in a direction toward the space within the internal compartment.

The first member may be a first roller, and the second member may be a second roller. The first roller may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may have a first axis extending in a longitudinal direction. The second member may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may have a second axis extending in a longitudinal direction. The first axis and the second axis may be generally parallel to each other.

The first roller and the second roller are capable of rotating relative to each other, and the first roller and the second roller can be configured to cause at least one test strip to translate when the at least one test strip is placed between the first roller and the second roller. In some embodiments, the first roller is in contact with the second roller. In alternative embodiments, the first roller and the second roller can be spaced apart to create a gap therebetween. The gap can be sized to receive a test strip therein.

When the at least one test strip is placed between the first roller and the second roller, counterclockwise rotation of the first roller and clockwise rotation of the second roller can translate the at least one test strip in a direction toward the space of the interior compartment.

An actuator may be provided to cause the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other. An energy storage device may be provided to bias the first roller and the second roller so that they rotate relative to each other. In one embodiment, the energy storage device includes a third roller, a spring, and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state. The third roller rotates in a first direction, causing the spring to wind and store potential energy. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the spring is prevented from unwinding. Alternatively, when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the spring unwinds and converts the potential energy into kinetic energy, causing the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a shaft gear and a rack, wherein the shaft gear is operably connected to at least one of the first roller and the second roller, and the rack is configured to engage with the shaft gear when in the locked state and disengage from the shaft gear when in the unlocked state.

In another aspect of the present invention, a test strip processing device includes a housing, an interior compartment within the housing, and a first roller and a second roller, the first roller and the second roller being positioned adjacent to each other within the housing and capable of relative rotation. The interior compartment may include space for storing at least one test strip, the at least one test strip containing a reagent suitable for reacting with an analyte in a fluid sample and producing a reaction indicative of the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample. When the at least one test strip is positioned adjacent to the first roller and the second roller, counterclockwise rotation of the first roller and clockwise rotation of the second roller cause the at least one test strip to translate toward the space within the interior compartment. The first roller may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may have a first axis extending in a longitudinal direction. The second roller may have a generally cylindrical configuration and may have a second axis extending in a longitudinal direction. The first axis and the second axis may be generally parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first roller and the second roller are in contact with each other. In other embodiments, the first roller and the second roller can be spaced apart from each other to create a gap therebetween, the gap being sized to receive a test strip therein. As previously described in the Summary of the Invention, a stored energy device can also be used to bias the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other.

In another aspect, a method for storing a test strip comprising a reagent adapted to react with an analyte in a fluid sample and produce a reaction indicative of the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample is provided. The method comprises: inserting an end of the test strip into an opening of a test strip processing device, and positioning the test strip at a junction between a first roller and a second roller within the test strip processing device such that the test strip is adjacent to the first roller and the second roller; applying an actuation to rotate the first roller in a first direction and the second roller in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction; and drawing the test strip into an interior compartment of the test strip processing device as the first roller and the second roller rotate. In some embodiments, the actuating step is performed after the inserting step.

These and other embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of protection.

FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of a strip processing apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG2 is a perspective schematic diagram of the strip processing device of FIG1 with some components removed;

FIG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a strip processing device according to the present disclosure;

FIG4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the strip processing device of FIG3 along section line 4-4;

FIG5 is a perspective schematic diagram of the strip processing device of FIG3 with some components removed;

FIG6A is a schematic side view of a strip processing apparatus in a first condition with some components removed; and

FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the strip processing apparatus shown in FIG. 6A in a second state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings and the following description, the same reference numerals represent similar or identical elements.

The test strip processing device 100 is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The test strip processing device 100 may include a housing 110 having an interior compartment 112 therein. The interior compartment 112 defines a space for receiving and storing one or more strips S. A door 114 may be formed on the housing 110 to facilitate access to the interior compartment 112, thereby allowing the interior compartment to be emptied. A window 116 formed in the housing 110 may also provide access to the interior compartment 112. A first roller 118 and a second roller 120 may be positioned between the window 116 and the interior compartment 112, such that the first roller 120 prevents an object from exiting the interior compartment through the window. The combination of the first roller 118 and the second roller 120 may substantially occupy the space in the window 116, thereby preventing an object from passing through the window 116 without passing between the first and second rollers. Rollers 118 and 120 may be pivotally coupled and supported by housing 110 such that the rollers are rotatable while being prevented from otherwise moving.

The first roller 118 and the second roller 120 may be in frictional contact with each other, or may have a gap therebetween corresponding to the thickness of the strip S. The first roller 118 and the second roller 120 may rotate relative to each other. When the strip S is placed between the first roller 118 and the second roller 120, the first roller and the second roller rotate relative to each other in opposite directions, causing the strip S to translate between the first roller and the second roller.

Depending on the direction of rotation of the first and second rollers, the strip S can be moved toward or away from the interior compartment 112. For example, counterclockwise rotation of the first roller 118 (indicated by arrow A) and clockwise rotation of the second roller 120 (indicated by arrow B) causes the strip S to translate (indicated by arrow X) toward and into the interior compartment 112. The actuator 122 selectively activates the device 100 to cause the first and second rollers 118, 120 to rotate.

2 , a motor M (e.g., an electric motor) can be operably connected to the first roller 118 and the second roller 120 so that when the motor M is actuated, the first and second rollers rotate relative to each other. The motor M can have a spindle Ma extending from the motor, and the spindle rotates when the motor is operated. The second roller 120 can have a spindle 120a extending from the motor itself, the rotation of which causes the second roller to rotate. The spindle Ma of the motor M and the spindle 120a of the second roller 120 can be operably connected to each other by a cable C, so that when the motor is operated, the second roller rotates. As the second roller 120 rotates, the frictional engagement of the second roller with the first roller 118 causes the first roller to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation of the second roller.

The motor M can be electrically connected to a power source B, such as a battery (not shown). The actuator 122 acts as a switch for activating the power source B (e.g., a battery) so that when it is in the on state, power is supplied to the motor M, and when it is in the off state, power is not supplied to the motor. When power is supplied to the motor M, the motor rotates the first roller 118 and the second roller 120 as described above.

During use, the strip S can be extended from a medical device, such as a glucose meter (not shown). The strip S can be removed by placing the end of the strip at the junction of the first roller 118 and the second roller 120, contacting the first roller and the second roller, so that the strip is positioned between the first roller and the second roller. The operator can then rotate the first roller 118 in the A direction and the second roller in the B direction, thereby pulling the strip S into the internal compartment 112 in the X direction. When the internal compartment 112 is full, the device 100 can be discarded or otherwise disposed of. Alternatively, the internal compartment 112 can be emptied by, for example, opening the door 114 and removing the collected strip S from the internal compartment.

Another embodiment of a test strip processing device is described below with reference to Figures 3-6B. The test strip processing device 200 may include a housing 210 having an interior compartment 212 therein. The interior compartment 212 defines a space in which one or more strips S can be received and stored. A door 214 may be formed on the housing 210 to provide access to the interior compartment 212, thereby allowing the interior compartment to be emptied.

A window 216 may be formed on the housing 210 between the housing exterior and the interior compartment 212. The first roller 218 and the second roller 220 may substantially fill the space in the window 216, thereby preventing the object from being removed from the interior compartment 212 through the window 216. The first roller 218 and the second roller 220 may each include a pair of main shafts at opposite ends thereof, which are pivotally supported by the housing 210 such that the two rollers are rotatable.

An actuator 221 can be operably coupled to the first roller 218 and the second roller 220 so as to cause relative rotation of the first and second rollers. The first roller 218 and the second roller 220 can be in frictional contact with each other, such that rotation of one roller causes the other roller to rotate. The first roller 218 and the second roller 220 can be separated by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the strip S, such that when the strip S is positioned between the first and second rollers, they frictionally engage each other. When the strip S is positioned between the first and second rollers 218 and 220, counterclockwise rotation of the first roller in direction A and clockwise rotation of the second roller in direction B causes the strip S to translate toward and into the interior compartment 212.

The winding mechanism 222 may include a roller 223 and a torsion spring 224 supported by the housing 210. The roller 223 may include a main shaft 223a that may be pivotally secured to the housing 210, thereby enabling the roller 223 to rotate. The torsion spring 224 may be positioned on the main shaft 223a. The torsion spring 224 may include a first end 224a and a second end 224b. The first end 224a may be secured to the roller 223, while the second end 224b may be secured to the housing 210. Rotation of the roller 223 in a first direction causes the torsion spring 224 to wind and store potential energy. The roller 223 may be in frictional engagement with the second roller 220, which in turn may be in frictional engagement with the first roller 218. Therefore, when winding occurs, the torsion spring 224 biases the first roller 218 to rotate in direction A and the second roller 220 to rotate in direction B. When the torsion spring is allowed to unwind, the potential energy stored in the wound torsion spring is converted into kinetic energy, causing roller 223 to rotate in direction A. Since roller 223 is in contact with roller 220, second roller 220 moves in direction B, which is opposite to direction A. As second roller 220 rotates, the frictional engagement of the second roller with first roller 218 causes the first roller to rotate in direction A accordingly.

Thus, when a strip S is placed between the first roller 218 and the second roller 220, the strip is pulled toward and into the interior compartment 212. As shown in FIG4 , the first roller 218 and the second roller 220 can draw the strip S into a channel defined by the space between a pair of guide members 227, thereby guiding the strip into the interior compartment 212. The guide members 227 facilitate predictable placement and stacking of successively received strips S within the interior compartment 212. Proper placement and stacking of the strips S within the interior compartment 212 maximizes the number of strips that can be received and stored within the interior compartment. The strips S can be removed from the interior compartment 212 for disposal by opening the door 214, which can be operably connected to the housing 210 via a hinge 214a.

The selective actuation of the strip processing device 200 is described with reference to Figures 3 and 5. The actuator 221 can be moved through the opening 210a of the housing 210 to selectively actuate the locking mechanism 233. The actuator 221 can have a flange surface 221a, which is configured to interact with the outer surface of the housing 210 so that the actuator can only be pressed into a predetermined depth of the housing. The biasing member 230 can be fixed to the bottom surface 221b of the actuator 221 so as to bias the actuator toward an unpressed position. The biasing member 230 is capable of a small deflection so that as the actuator 221 is pressed downward into the housing 210, the biasing member deflects and returns the actuator to its initial, unpressed position.

Each of rollers 218, 220, and 223 may include a main shaft 218a, 220a, 223a, respectively, which may be mounted within housing 210 such that the rollers can rotate but are otherwise fixed relative to the housing. A locking mechanism 233 may include a pawl 234 comprising a rack 235 engageable with a shaft gear 236 operatively coupled to at least one of rollers 218, 220, and 223. Actuator 221 switches pawl 234 between a first position, in which rack 235 engages shaft gear 236 ( FIG. 6A ), and a second position, in which rack 235 does not engage shaft gear 236 ( FIG. 6B ). When rack 235 engages shaft gear 236, the ratchet teeth of the rack interact with the ratchet teeth of the gear, thereby preventing the shaft gear from rotating. As shown in FIG. 5 , the shaft gear 236 may be fixed to the first roller 218 such that when the locking mechanism 233 is in the locked condition, the rack 235 engages the first roller 218 and prevents rotation.

The pawl 234 can be biased toward a position in which it engages the shaft gear 236, thereby locking the rollers 218, 220, and 223 from rotating relative to one another when the actuator 221 is not actuated. The pawl 234 can include a spindle 239 that can be fixed and mounted within the housing, such that the pawl 234 can pivot but is otherwise fixed in position relative to the housing. A torsion spring 237 can be disposed about the spindle 239 of the pawl 234 and can have a first end fixed to the pawl and a second end fixed to the housing 210. The torsion spring 237 can have stored potential energy to bias the rack 235 of the pawl 234 radially toward the shaft gear 236.

The pawl 234 may have a generally L-shaped configuration and may include an arm member 238 that contacts a depressing member 232 extending longitudinally from the actuator 221. As shown in FIG6A , when unactuated, the rack 235 of the pawl 234 contacts the shaft gear 236. As shown in FIG6B , when the actuator 221 is depressed, i.e., moved in the y-direction, the depressing member 232 engages the arm member 238, causing the pawl 234 to pivot in the j-direction away from the shaft gear 236, thereby allowing the rollers 218, 220, and 223 to rotate. As the pawl 234 pivots, causing the rack 235 to move away from the shaft gear 236, the spring 237 winds more tightly.

When the actuator 221 is no longer depressed, the pawl 234 pivots back to its initial position ( FIG. 6A ), and the rack 235 automatically returns to a position where it engages the shaft gear 236, thereby locking the relative rotation of the rollers 218, 220, and 223. Because the first roller 218 is in frictional contact with the second roller 220, and the second roller 220 is in frictional contact with the roller 223, the engagement of the shaft gear 236 with the rack 235 prevents all of the rollers 218, 220, and 223 from rotating.

During use, the end of the strip S is brought into contact with the junction of the first roller 218 and the second roller 220, so that when the roller 223 rotates in the direction B, the corresponding rotation of the first and second rollers will cause the strip S to be drawn into the interior compartment 212. Once the end of the strip S is positioned between the first and second rollers 218, 220, the actuator 221 can be depressed. Depression of the actuator 221 causes the first and second rollers to rotate as described above, thereby drawing the strip into the interior compartment 212. When the interior compartment 212 is filled with collected strip S, the device 200 can be disposed of with the collected strip, or the interior compartment can be emptied and the device reused.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in the following paragraphs.

Alternative Implementation A

A test strip processing device, the test strip processing device comprising:

shell;

an internal compartment within the housing, the internal compartment having a space for storing at least one object;

an opening in the outer shell, the opening being connected to the space in the inner compartment;

a first component; and

The second component,

The first member and the second member are configured to securely receive the at least one object therebetween and guide the at least one object through the opening into the space of the internal compartment.

Alternative Implementation B

The device of embodiment A, wherein the first member and the second member prevent removal of the at least one object through the opening.

Alternative Implementation C

The device according to embodiment A, wherein the first member is a first roller and the second member is a second roller.

Alternative Implementation D

An apparatus as described in embodiment C, wherein the first roller has a generally cylindrical configuration and has a first axis extending in a length direction, the second roller has a generally cylindrical configuration and has a second axis extending in a length direction, and the first axis and the second axis are generally parallel to each other.

Alternative Embodiment E

An apparatus as described in embodiment C, wherein the first roller and the second roller are capable of relative rotation, and during the relative rotation of the first roller and the second roller, the first roller and the second roller are configured to cause the at least one target to translate when the at least one target is placed between the first roller and the second roller.

Alternative Embodiment F

The apparatus of embodiment E, wherein the first roller is in contact with the second roller.

The apparatus of embodiment E, wherein when the at least one object is placed between the first roller and the second roller, the counterclockwise rotation of the first roller and the clockwise rotation of the second roller cause the at least one object to translate in a direction toward the space of the internal compartment.

Alternative Embodiment H

In the device of embodiment C, the test strip processing device further comprises an energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller so that the first roller and the second roller rotate relative to each other.

Alternative Implementation Method I

The device of embodiment H, wherein the energy storage device comprises:

The third roller;

Springs; and

A locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state.

wherein the third roller rotates in a first direction so that the spring is wound and stores potential energy, and

When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the spring is prevented from unwinding; when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the spring is unwound, thereby converting the potential energy into kinetic energy, and the kinetic energy causes the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other.

Alternative Implementation J

A device as described in embodiment I, wherein the locking mechanism includes a shaft gear and a rack, the shaft gear is connected to at least one of the first roller and the second roller in a manner that allows it to operate, and the rack is configured to engage with the shaft gear when in the locked state and disengage from the shaft gear when in the unlocked state.

Alternative Embodiment K

The device of embodiment C, wherein the test strip processing device further comprises:

An actuator is configured to cause the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other.

Alternative Embodiment L

The device of embodiment A, wherein the test strip processing device further comprises:

A door is formed in the housing through which the at least one object can be removed from the interior compartment.

Alternative Embodiment M

The device of embodiment A, wherein the test strip processing device further comprises:

A guide passage is provided to receive the at least one object therethrough in a direction toward the space of the inner compartment.

It will be appreciated that the various features set forth in the embodiments discussed herein may be combined in ways different from those presented herein. It will also be appreciated that features described in relation to individual embodiments may be shared with other embodiments discussed herein.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. It will be understood that many modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is set forth in detail in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A test strip processing device, the test strip processing device comprising: The housing has an external opening; An internal compartment, located within the outer shell, has space for storing at least one test strip, the at least one test strip containing a reagent suitable for reacting with an analyte in a fluid sample and producing a reaction indicating the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample; A first component and a second component, the first component and the second component being positioned adjacent to each other within the housing, wherein the first component and the second component are in frictional contact with each other, or the first component and the second component have a spacing corresponding to the thickness of the at least one test strip, such that when the test strip is placed between the first component and the second component, the first component and the second component are frictionally engaged with each other; and An energy storage device includes a third member that is frictionally engaged with one of the first and second members, the third member being configured to rotate in a first direction to store potential energy, and to bias the first and second members upon releasing the stored potential energy, causing the first and second members to rotate relative to each other. The first and second components are constructed and arranged such that at least one test strip is received therebetween and the at least one test strip is guided from the opening into the space of the internal compartment. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the at least one test strip is stored in the internal compartment, the first member and the second member prevent the removal of the at least one test strip through the opening. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first component is a first roller and the second component is a second roller. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first roller has a generally cylindrical structure and a first shaft extending along its length, the second roller has a generally cylindrical structure and a second shaft extending along its length, and the first shaft and the second shaft are generally parallel to each other. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first roller and the second roller are rotatable relative to each other, and wherein the first roller and the second roller are configured such that when the at least one test strip is placed between the first roller and the second roller, the at least one test strip is translated. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the at least one test strip is placed between the first roller and the second roller, the counterclockwise rotation of the first roller and the clockwise rotation of the second roller cause the at least one test strip to translate in a direction toward the space of the inner compartment. 7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the energy storage device is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller such that the first roller and the second roller rotate relative to each other. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the third component is a third roller, and the energy storage device comprises: Spring; and A locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked and unlocked state. Wherein, the third roller rotates in the first direction, causing the spring to coil and store potential energy, and When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, it prevents the spring from unwinding; when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the spring unwinds, thereby converting the potential energy into kinetic energy, which causes the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a shaft gear and a rack, the shaft gear being operably connected to at least one of the first roller and the second roller, and the rack being configured to engage with the shaft gear when in the locked state and disengage from the shaft gear when in the unlocked state. 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the test strip processing apparatus further comprises: An actuator configured to cause the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the test strip processing apparatus further comprises: A guide channel is configured to receive the at least one test strip in a direction toward the space of the internal compartment. 12. A test strip processing apparatus, the test strip processing apparatus comprising: shell; An internal compartment, located within the outer shell, has space for storing at least one test strip, the at least one test strip containing a reagent suitable for reacting with an analyte in a fluid sample and producing a reaction indicating the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample; A first roller and a second roller, located adjacent to each other within the housing and capable of relative rotation, wherein the first roller and the second roller are in frictional contact with each other, or have a spacing between them corresponding to the thickness of the at least one test strip, such that when the test strip is placed between the first roller and the second roller, the first roller and the second roller engage with each other in a frictional manner; and An energy storage device comprising a third roller that is frictionally engaged with one of the first roller and the second roller, the third roller being configured to rotate in a first direction to store potential energy and to bias the first roller and the second roller upon releasing the stored potential energy, such that the first roller and the second roller rotate relative to each other. When the at least one test strip is placed adjacent to the first roller and the second roller, the counterclockwise rotation of the first roller and the clockwise rotation of the second roller cause the at least one test strip to translate in the direction toward the space of the inner compartment. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first roller has a generally cylindrical construction and a first shaft extending along its length, the second roller has a generally cylindrical construction and a second shaft extending along its length, and the first shaft and the second shaft are generally parallel to each other. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the energy storage device further comprises: Spring; and A locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked and unlocked state. Wherein, the third roller rotates in the first direction, causing the spring to coil and store potential energy, and When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, it prevents the spring from unwinding; when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the spring unwinds, thereby converting the potential energy into kinetic energy, which causes the first roller and the second roller to rotate relative to each other. 15. A method for storing test strips, the method comprising: The end of the test strip is placed into the opening of the test strip processing device, the test strip containing a reagent suitable for reacting with an analyte in a fluid sample and producing a reaction indicating the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample; The test strip is placed at the junction between the first roller and the second roller within the test strip processing device, such that the test strip is adjacent to the first roller and the second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller are in frictional contact with each other. The third roller is rotated to store energy, which is used to rotate the first and second rollers during actuation; An actuation is applied, causing the first roller to rotate in a first direction and the second roller to rotate in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction; and When the first roller and the second roller rotate, the test strip is pulled into the internal compartment of the test strip processing device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rotation step is performed before the insertion step.