EP0612403B1 - Systeme de raccordement et microtube - Google Patents

Systeme de raccordement et microtube Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0612403B1
EP0612403B1 EP92925198A EP92925198A EP0612403B1 EP 0612403 B1 EP0612403 B1 EP 0612403B1 EP 92925198 A EP92925198 A EP 92925198A EP 92925198 A EP92925198 A EP 92925198A EP 0612403 B1 EP0612403 B1 EP 0612403B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microtube
membrane
connector assembly
open end
connector
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP92925198A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0612403A4 (fr
EP0612403A1 (fr
Inventor
Yuan Chuan Lee
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Artchem Inc
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Artchem Inc
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
    • B01L3/565—Seals
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5021—Test tubes specially adapted for centrifugation purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dual invertible microtube and connector assembly for micro solutions capable of performing efficient and continuous transfer and/or treatment of a small amount of sample solution.
  • an instrument such as for example a micropipet, is used to transfer the sample solution from the reaction tube into another device for ultrafiltration.
  • a certain amount of loss of the sample is inevitable in the process of transferring the sample solution. The loss is greater when the sample quantities are smaller.
  • a protein may be labeled using radioisotopes, and then the labeled protein constituent and the isotopes should be separated.
  • the invention comprises an assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5.
  • the present invention permits simultaneous transfer of a sample solution between containers as well as a predetermined treatment of the solution using two containers and a specially adapted connector assembly for connecting these containers. Accordingly, use of transferring instruments, such as a micropipet, are not required, and the problems of sample loss and contamination risk are substantially reduced or minimized.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a connection-type transfer and treatment system and method for micro solutions.
  • Fig. 2 is partial sectional view illustrating a specific structure of a centrifugal connection-type micro solution transfer and treatment device constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 3a-3b is a series of diagrams illustrating the structure of the tube 10 shown in Fig. 2.
  • Figs. 4a-4b is a series of diagrams illustrating structure of the dual tube connector 16 shown in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 5 is a four part series diagram illustrating structure of the filter element supporting member 22 shown in Fig. 2.
  • Figs. 6a-6b is a series of diagrams illustrating structure of the stopper 34 shown in Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 7 is partial sectional view of a centrifugal connection-type micro solution transfer and treatment system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a partial section view of a tube of the second embodiment micro solution transfer/treatment device of Fig. 7 shown here provided with a screw-on cap 122.
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the second embodiment micro solution transfer/treatment device of Fig. 7 shown with the upper or source tube 110b omitted.
  • Fig. 10 is a top end view of the stopper 150 of the second embodiment micro solution treatment device of Fig. 7 taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 10-10 of Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 11 is an isometric view of the stopper 150 of the second embodiment device of Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 11a is a perspective view of a tool 162 for inserting the stopper 150 into the inner cylinder 130 of the connector 126.
  • Fig. 12 is a top end view of the connector 126 of the second embodiment micro solution treatment device illustrating the membrane support region of the connector.
  • Fig. 13 is a fragmentary cross section view of the membrane support region of the connector of the second embodiment micro solution treatment device taken along the line and looking into the direction of arrows 13-13 of Fig. 12.
  • Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of an adapter 170 used for securing the second embodiment for the microsolution treatment device of the present invention in a centrifuge rotor.
  • Fig. 15 is a side elevation view in cross section of the adapter 170 of Fig. 14.
  • Fig. 16 is an isometric view illustrating how the second embodiment micro solution treatment device fits within the adapter (shown in cross-section).
  • Fig. 17 is a functional schematic view in partial cross-section of the second embodiment micro solution treatment device of the present invention held by the adapter and positioned in a fixed angle rotor.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagram which describes in schematic fashion the overall system principles and method steps for the connection-type micro solution transfer and treatment system and method of the present invention.
  • the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to a treatment system and method for pretreatment of solutions for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an ultrafiltration membrane.
  • HPLC high performance liquid chromatography
  • a researcher first carries out a predetermined chemical reaction such as, for example, an enzyme reaction, in a container or tube A schematically shown in Fig. 1 (a).
  • the resulting solution or product is designated by oblique lines in Fig. 1.
  • a cap (not shown) may be used on the open end of the tube.
  • Fig. 1 (b) At the end of the reaction, the experimenter then removes a cap (not shown) from tube A and attaches one end of a connector C to the tube A opening.
  • a second container indicated in the drawing as container or tube B, having substantially the same shape as tube A, is connected in upside-down fashion to the other side of the connector C.
  • the connector C includes an ultrafiltration membrane (not shown) therein.
  • tube A is referred to as the "source tube” or “reaction tube” and tube B is referred to as the "target tube”.
  • the sample solution inside reaction (source) tube A passes through the ultrafiltration membrane included inside connector C into the target tube B. Molecules, stripped of solvent, having predetermined or larger molecular weights are trapped by the ultrafiltration membrane.
  • the centrifugation is executed with the reaction tube containing the sample solution and the tube for the centrifugation treatment being integrally connected with the connector having an ultrafiltration membrane therein. Therefore, by eliminating the need for use of a micropipet to transfer the solution between source and target tubes, there is no solution loss due to solution remaining in the micropipet instrument. Also, possible contamination of the pipet is avoided. Further, as compared to when solution transfer is performed by a "direct pour" method whereby the contents of the reaction (source) tube are poured into the target tube, virtually no sample solution residue remains on the inner source tube wall in the present invention in view of the completeness afforded by filtration through centrifugation.
  • the treatment in the above figures 1 (a) - (d) may be repeated in each step after the second step using tube B (originally the target tube), now containing the filtered solution (Fig. 1 (d)), as the new reaction (source) tube A', and adding a new target tube B', and so on.
  • Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of a micro solution transfer/treatment system apparatus constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the micro solution treatment system apparatus 1 is illustrated in a connected state corresponding to the schematic representations of Figs. 1 (c) and (d).
  • the micro solution treatment system apparatus 1 comprises reaction or source tube 10a and target tube 10b, each having an open end 12a, 12b oriented opposed facing one another and joined together by a connector assembly 16.
  • the tubes 10a, 10b are similarly shaped and are preferably fabricated from a known plastic material of the type commonly used in micro-centrifuge applications, such as for example, polypropylene or polyethylene.
  • the tubes 10a, 10b correspond to the tubes A and B of Fig. 1, respectively, and the connector assembly 16 corresponds to the connector C of Fig. 1.
  • the connector assembly 16 comprises a connector member 17, a membrane support 22, and a stopper 34.
  • the connector member or connector 17 is provided with two different connector ends for engagement with the tube openings 12a, 12b of the respective tubes 10a, 10b including a first connector end 18 defined as an open mouth-type member having tapered receiving inner walls 19 dimensioned for snug, slip-fit engagement with an outer peripheral wall 14a, 14b of a corresponding tube opening 12a or 12b, and a second connector end 20 having a male screw portion 19 provided along its outer peripheral wall for engagement with a corresponding female screw portion 15a, 15b provided to an inner peripheral wall of a corresponding tube opening 12a, 12b.
  • a first connector end 18 defined as an open mouth-type member having tapered receiving inner walls 19 dimensioned for snug, slip-fit engagement with an outer peripheral wall 14a, 14b of a corresponding tube opening 12a or 12b
  • a second connector end 20 having a male screw portion 19 provided along its outer peripheral wall for engagement with a corresponding female screw portion 15
  • the connector 17 is shown having its first connector end 18 fitted over the outer peripheral wall 14a of tube opening 12a of the source tube 10a, while the male screw portion 19 of the second connector end 20 threadingly engages the inner female screw portion 15b of tube opening 12b of the target tube 10b.
  • the membrane support 22 is provided with a male screw portion 24 formed along an outer peripheral wall and having threads sized for receivingly engaging the threads of the inner peripheral wall female screw portions 15a, 15b of a tube opening 12a, 12b.
  • the outer peripheral wall male screw portion 24 of membrane support 22 engages the inner peripheral wall female screw portion 15a of the source tube opening 12a.
  • the membrane support 22 is adjusted for receiving an ultrafiltration membrane 30 placed along a bottom supporting surface 26 thereof (See Fig. 5).
  • a stopper 34 is provided for ensuring that the membrane remains fixed within the membrane support 22.
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged two view diagram showing in more detail the structure of the tube 10.
  • tube 10 may be either source tube 10a or target tube 10b.
  • part (a) is a plan view of the tube 10 looking into the tube opening 12
  • part (b) is a cross-section view showing the flat outer peripheral wall 14 and female screw portion inner peripheral wall 15 of the tube opening 12.
  • the wall thickness "t" of the tube opening 12 preferably tapers slightly towards its free end to permit ease of insertion within the receiving connector end 18 of the connector member 17.
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged two view series diagram showing structure of the connector 17 of Fig. 2 wherein part (a) is a plan view and part (b) is a cross-section view.
  • the connector 17 is generally circular in cross section and includes an inner stop surface or ledge 19 against which end portions of the tube opening 12 and membrane support 24 are constrained in abutting engagement when the system apparatus 1 is fully connected together (see Fig. 2).
  • the connector 17 is provided with a central bore hole 23 for permitting transfer of solution material from a first tube to a second tube connected thereto.
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged four view series diagram illustrating the structure of the membrane support member 22 of Fig. 2 wherein part (a) is a top plan view (supporting surface 26 omitted); part (b) is a cross sectional view; part (c) is a side elevation view; and part (d) is an enlarged bottom plan view showing the configuration of a plurality of through holes or ducts 28 formed in the bottom wall 26 shown in part (a). Note, for purposes of clarity, the ducts 28 are not shown in the cross sectional view of part (b).
  • Fig. 6 is a two view series diagram illustrating structure of tubular stopper 34 of Fig. 2 wherein part (a) is a side elevation view, and part (b) is a top plan view.
  • Stopper 34 resembles a ring or tubular member and includes a circumferential rib 36 provided on its outer peripheral wall 38 which is adapted for snap fit insertion within a corresponding convex groove 27 provided to the inner peripheral wall 29 of the membrane support 22 (see Fig. 5).
  • Combination of two tubes 10a and 10b as described above can simultaneously achieve efficient transfer of solutions and the centrifugation treatment as shown in Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 7-13 illustrate a second embodiment for the microsolution/transfer treatment system apparatus of the present invention which is designated generally as element 100 in the drawings.
  • the second embodiment 100 for the microsolution treatment system apparatus comprises two similarly shaped containers or tubes 110a, 110b each having an open end 112a, 112b which in use are connected together by a connector assembly 126.
  • the connector assembly 126 of the second embodiment comprises two principle elements including a connector/filter retainer member 127 and a stopper 150.
  • the connector member 127 is formed as a bi-annular structure having an outer perimeter cylindrical shell portion or sleeve 128 surrounding an inner cylinder portion 130 and connected integrally thereto by a lateral, radially extending web 132.
  • the outer shell (sleeve) 128 and inner cylinder define two connector ends including a first threaded connector end 136 and a second slip-on connector end 140.
  • the outer shell portion or sleeve 128 is preferably serrated or knurled at 137 to facilitate handling by a user. Similar grip facilitating surfaces 120a, 120b may be provided to the outer surfaces of the tubes 110a, 110b.
  • the threaded connector end 136 includes female screw threads disposed along an inner peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion 128 adapted to engage the male screw threads 114a disposed along the outer peripheral wall of the tube opening 112a of tube 110a.
  • the slip on connector end 140 fits over the open end 112b (and the male threads 114b) of the target tube 110b.
  • the inner cylinder portion 130 of the connector 127 also includes a transverse membrane support surface or region 134. In use, the connector member 127 is attached to the tube opening such that the membrane supporting inner cylinder 130 is oriented to fit within the tube opening 112b of the target tube 110b.
  • the membrane support surface 134 of the inner cylinder 130 defines a foramenous plate on which the ultrafiltration membrane 156 rests. The ultrafiltration membrane 156 is tightly held in place by a stopper 150 which fits within the inner cylinder 130 during use.
  • the preferred height dimension of the wall for the tubular stopper 150 and inner cylinder 130 is sufficiently high to ensure that all solution remains within the cylindrical volume defined by the bore of tubular stopper 150 during centrifuge operation such that a meniscus, which represents loss of solution, is not permitted to form above the stopper 150 or cylinder 130.
  • This volume or capacity is typically on the order of 500 ⁇ l to 600 ⁇ l for microsolution work.
  • the wall height of the stopper 150 is preferably slightly less than the surrounding wall portion of the inner cylinder 130 so that the inwardly tapered ends 158 of the stopper 150 form a gradual transition to promote full flow of fluid in the downward direction from the source tube into the target tube during centrifuge operation.
  • the end walls forming the mouth opening of the inner cylinder 130 are preferably provided with a slight chamfer at 166 (see Fig. 9) to further promote complete flow of fluid down into the inner cylinder 130.
  • Fig. 8 shows a single tube 110 having a screw top cap 122 for threading onto the outer male screw threads 114 of the tube opening 112.
  • the cap 122 includes an O-ring 124 to ensure against fluid loss.
  • the screw on cap 122 is useful for sealing a source tube 110a, such as for example after an enzyme reaction has occurred, or for sealing a target tube after the desired treatment for the microsolution has been obtained.
  • the stopper 150 includes plurality of notched relieved portions 160 spaced equidistant along the top perimeter wall 154. These notched portions 160 facilitate press fit insertion of the stopper within the inner cylinder membrane support 130 of the connector assembly 126.
  • the stopper 150 preferably includes a longitudinal groove (not shown) formed along its outer cylindrical wall to facilitate air exchange and thereby relieve any trapped air within the inner cylinder membrane support 130 and the stopper 150 when the stopper 150 is fitted within the membrane inner cylinder membrane support 130.
  • Fig. 11a illustrates an example tool 162 useful for inserting the stopper 150 within the inner cylinder 130.
  • the tool 162 preferably includes axially extending peripheral tab members 164 for engaging the notched relieved portion 160 of the tubular stopper 150.
  • the top perimeter edge 154 of the stopper 150 is preferably tapered at 158 to ensure that all microsolution drains towards the ultrafiltration membrane during use and does not get trapped above the stopper perimeter edge 154.
  • all the edges contours of the notches 160 are preferably rounded to promote and ensure fluid flow.
  • Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate in more detail the generally foramenous plate-like membrane support region 134 of the inner cylinder 130 of the connector 127.
  • the porous plate region 134 includes a plurality of arcuate and semi-arcuate through holes or ducts 142 interspaced by ribs or land portions 144.
  • the membrane's support region of foramenous plate 134 includes a slightly upraised rib member 146 having a peak disposed coordinately aligned with lower end wall 152 of the tubular stopper 150 when the stopper 150 is fitted within the inner cylinder 130. This is best seen with reference to Fig. 13 (stopper 150 and membrane 152 are indicated in phantom). In this way, the membrane 156 is maintained taut and prevented from moving by the engagement of the bottom end wall 152 stopper against the upraised rib member 146.
  • Figs. 14-16 show an adapter 170 which may be used for fitting the first or second embodiments of the microsolution transfer/treatment system 100 within a receiving socket of a centrifuge rotor.
  • the microsolution treatment system has a slightly increased outer radius as compared to conventional centrifuge tubes. Accordingly, a wider diameter socket in a centrifuge rotor is preferably provided for receiving the dual tube/connector system.
  • an adapter 170 is provided to ensure proper fit and support of the microsolution system 100 within the centrifuge rotor.
  • the adapter 170 is generally cylindrical in cross section and has an inner diameter sized for a close tolerance fit with the connection-type microsolution system when inserted in it.
  • the outer surface of the adapter 170 is provided with a laterally extended circumferential ledge member 174 (an annular flange), which acts as a stop member and rest support when fitted into a receiving socket 176 of a centrifuge rotor.
  • Fig. 17 shows the system apparatus 100 placed within the adapter 170 and inserted within an appropriate receiving socket or hole 176 of a rotor 178.
  • the adapter includes at its bottom end a reduced radius opening 180 sized to engage an outer portion of one of the tubes of the microsolution system 100 at a location along the bottom tube adjacent the connector assembly, such that the bottom end 182 of the system apparatus 100 is prevented from contacting a base portion 184 or side wall 185 of the centrifuge rotor 178.
  • the upstanding walls 186 of the adapter 170 above the ledge member 174 are of sufficient length to ensure adequate support of the connection-type microsolution treatment system apparatus during centrifuge operation.
  • the forward portion of the adapter may be cut away (indicated in phantom) at 188, thereby leaving only a high back supporting portion of the upper adapter walls above the annular flange or ledge member 174. (The cut away portion is indicated as element 171.) In this way, a lightweight adapter having sufficient support for reducing stresses placed on the system apparatus from centrifuged forces is achieved.
  • a pretreatment system utilizing affinity can be implemented by providing an affinity functional membrane in the connection.
  • the connector membrane may contain antibody or antigens and lectins or an ion-exchange membrane, or a membrane having other suitable functions.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un appareil (100) et à un procédé associés à un système de transfert et de traitement de fluides du type à raccordement, pour réaliser efficacement et en continu les opérations de transfert et de traitement de petites quantités de solutions échantillons, sans perte de transfert substantielle. A cet effet, on utilise un premier tube (110a) ayant une première extrémité ouverte (112a) et une seconde extrémité fermée, un second tube (110b) sensiblement de même forme que le premier tube et ayant également une première extrémité ouverte (112b) et une seconde extrémité fermée, ainsi qu'un ensemble de raccords (126) pour raccorder l'extrémité ouverte (112a) du premier tube (110a) à l'extrémité ouverte (112b) du second tube (110b). L'ensemble de raccords (126) comporte un support porte-membrane avec orifice (134), qui sert à recevoir de façon amovible les membranes traitées chimiquement ou biologiquement (156), afin d'appliquer un traitement prédéterminé à une solution, tout en faisant passer la solution échantillon du premier tube (110a) vers le second tube (110b). L'échantillon est généralement filtré à travers la membrane (156) par centrifugation. Un adaptateur spécial (170) est prévu pour recevoir et retenir le système de transfert (100) pendant la centrifugation. Un tel système (100) permet de manipuler des quantités de solutions réactives de l'ordre du microlitre lors d'analyses, de traitements et de dosages biochimiques sans utiliser de micropipettes, sans la perte habituelle de solution.

Claims (10)

  1. Ensemble double inversible à microtube et à connecteur pour le transfert et le traitement de microsolutions et pour la centrifugation, comprenant en combinaison fonctionnelle :
    (a) un premier microtube source (10a) ayant une première extrémité ouverte (12a) et se terminant par une seconde extrémité en rétrécissement (12c), fermée en permanence, ledit premier microtube étant adapté à contenir un échantillon de microsolution à l'intérieur pour un traitement par inversion ;
    (b) un second microtube cible (10b) ayant sensiblement la même forme que ledit premier microtube et ayant une première extrémité ouverte (12b) et se terminant par une seconde extrémité en rétrécissement (12c), fermée en permanence ;
    (c) chacun desdits microtubes comprenant, en position adjacente à son extrémité ouverte :
    (c1) un pas de vis (15a, 15b) disposé le long d'une première surface de paroi périphérique ; et
    (c2) une seconde surface de paroi périphérique (14a, 14b), lisse et cylindrique ;
    (d) un ensemble de connecteur (16) pour connecter l'extrémité ouverte dudit premier microtube à l'extrémité ouverte dudit second microtube, ledit ensemble de connecteur ayant une extrémité de connecteur à pas de vis (20) pour être engagée par vissage avec l'extrémité ouverte à pas de vis de l'un ou l'autre parmi le premier et second microtube, et
    (e) une membrane (30) étant prévue à l'intérieur dudit ensemble de connecteur et associée avec une surface de support de membrane, poreuse et généralement plane, de manière à permettre un écoulement de liquide entre lesdits deux microtubes uniquement à travers la membrane,
    caractérisé en ce que
    (f) ledit ensemble de connecteur (16) est tel que son autre extrémité de connecteur généralement cylindrique (18) présente une surface de paroi périphérique intérieure lisse (19) en vue d'une connexion par glissement autour d'une paroi périphérique extérieure de l'extrémité ouverte de l'autre parmi ledit premier et ledit second microtube ;
    (g) un support de membrane généralement tubulaire (20) ayant une paroi périphérique extérieure, une paroi périphérique intérieure, et ladite surface de support de membrane poreuse et généralement plane (26) disposées à l'intérieur de ladite paroi périphérique intérieure, ladite paroi périphérique intérieure et ledit support de membrane poreux définissant une cavité centrale en vue de l'introduction à l'intérieur de l'extrémité ouverte du microtube et ayant ladite première extrémité de connecteur engagée par glissement par-dessus ;
    (h) un moyen unique (34) pour attacher une membrane (30) sur ladite surface poreuse dudit support de membrane de manière à assurer un joint étanche aux liquides entre la périphérie dudit support de membrane et ladite membrane ;
    (i) ledit support de membrane, en combinaison avec ledit moyen d'attache, retenant ladite membrane à une distance en retrait à l'intérieur de l'extrémité ouverte de l'un ou l'autre parmi ledit premier et ledit second microtube afin de filtrer et d'appliquer un traitement prédéterminé à ladite solution échantillon tout en faisant passer ladite solution échantillon depuis ledit premier microtube source jusque dans ledit second microtube cible par inversion dudit premier microtube source contenant ladite solution échantillon à filtrer par-dessus ledit second microtube cible.
  2. Ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur pour des échantillons de microsolutions, selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit support de membrane (22) inclut un pas de vis (24) le long du de paroi périphérique de lui-même pour être engagé par vissage avec ledit pas de vis de l'un ou l'autre parmi ledit premier et ledit second microtube (10a, 10b).
  3. Ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur pour des échantillons de microsolutions, selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit moyen d'attache pour ladite membrane est un élément d'arrêt (34) sous la forme d'une bague ayant une configuration de surface extérieure adaptée à être introduite par encliquetage à l'intérieur de ladite cavité centrale dudit élément de support.
  4. Ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur pour des échantillons de microsolutions, selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite membrane (30) est une membrane d'ultrafiltration.
  5. Ensemble double inversible à microtube et à connecteur, pour le transfert et le traitement de microsolutions et pour la centrifugation, comprenant en combinaison fonctionnelle :
    (a) un premier microtube source (110a) ayant une première extrémité ouverte et se terminant par une seconde extrémité en rétrécissement et fermée en permanence, ledit premier microtube étant adapté à contenir à l'intérieur un échantillon de microsolution ;
    (b) un second microtube cible (110b) ayant sensiblement la même forme que ledit premier microtube et ayant une première extrémité ouverte et se terminant par une seconde extrémité en rétrécissement et fermée en permanence ;
    (c) chacun desdits microtubes comprenant, en position adjacente à son extrémité ouverte :
    (c1) un pas de vis (114a ; 114b) disposé le long d'une première surface de paroi périphérique ; et
    (c2) une seconde surface de paroi périphérique, lisse et cylindrique ;
    (d) un ensemble de connecteur (126) pour connecter l'extrémité ouverte dudit premier microtube à l'extrémité ouverte dudit second microtube, ledit ensemble de connecteur ayant une extrémité de connecteur à pas de vis afin d'être engagée par vissage avec l'extrémité ouverte à pas de vis de l'un ou l'autre parmi ledit premier et ledit second microtube ;
    (e) une membrane (30) étant prévue à l'intérieur dudit ensemble de connecteur, et associée avec une surface poreuse et généralement plane, de manière à permettre l'écoulement de liquide entre lesdits deux microtubes uniquement à travers la membrane ;
    caractérisé en ce que
    (f) ledit ensemble de connecteur inclut des moyens (130, 134, 124, 150) pour retenir ladite membrane (156) à une distance en retrait à l'intérieur de l'extrémité ouverte dudit second microtube pour filtrer et pour appliquer un traitement prédéterminé audit échantillon de microsolution tout en faisant passer ledit échantillon de microsolution depuis ledit premier microtube source jusque dans ledit second microtube cible par inversion dudit premier microtube source qui contient ladite solution échantillon à filtrer par-dessus ledit second microtube cible, et en ce que ledit ensemble de connecteur inclut :
    (g) une partie de fourreau extérieur (128) ayant une paroi intérieure avec une première partie de connecteur à pas de vis (136) sur celle-ci pour engager l'extrémité ouverte à pas de vis dudit premier microtube, et une seconde partie de connecteur (140) de ladite paroi ayant une surface lisse afin de glisser par-dessus le pas de vis de ladite seconde extrémité de microtube ;
    (h) un support de membrane tubulaire intérieur (130) ayant une première extrémité intégralement attachée à ladite paroi intérieure du fourreau extérieur, et une seconde extrémité libre de taille propre à être introduite par emboítement à l'intérieur de l'extrémité ouverte dudit second microtube, ladite seconde extrémité dudit support de membrane tubulaire intérieur comprenant ladite surface poreuse et généralement plane (134) pour recevoir ladite membrane ;
    (i) un moyen (150) pour attacher ladite membrane sur ladite surface poreuse dudit support de membrane, et pour assurer un joint étanche aux fluides entre une périphérie dudit support de membrane et ladite membrane, et pour sensiblement éliminer la rétention de fluide dans ledit connecteur et dans ledit premier microtube.
  6. Ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur pour des échantillons de microsolutions, selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit moyen d'attache pour ladite membrane (156) inclut un élément d'arrêt généralement tubulaire (150) adapté à être introduit par emboítement à l'intérieur dudit support de membrane (130) et ayant une paroi d'extrémité inférieure conjointement alignée avec un élément en nervure périmétrique redressé (145) prévu sur ladite surface poreuse (134) dudit support de membrane afin de coincer ladite membrane sur ledit support de membrane.
  7. Ensemble double inversible à microtube et à connecteur selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 5 et 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un adaptateur tubulaire (170) qui engage en le recevant au moins ledit ensemble de connecteur (126) pour positionner correctement et supporter ledit ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur (110a, 110b, 126) à l'intérieur d'un rotor de centrifuge (178) lorsque ledit premier et ledit second microtube (110a, 110b) sont connectés par lesdits moyens de connexion (126).
  8. Ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 6 et 7, caractérisé en ce que ladite membrane est une membrane d'ultrafiltration (156).
  9. Ensemble double à microtube et à connecteur selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite membrane d'ultrafiltration (156) inclut un composant pour traiter ladite solution pendant son passage à travers elle-même.
  10. Ensemble selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit composant comprend un enzyme.
EP92925198A 1991-11-14 1992-11-13 Systeme de raccordement et microtube Expired - Lifetime EP0612403B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US791837 1985-10-28
US79183791A 1991-11-14 1991-11-14
US93001792A 1992-08-13 1992-08-13
US930017 1992-08-13
PCT/US1992/009789 WO1993010433A1 (fr) 1991-11-14 1992-11-13 Systeme et procede avec raccordement pour le traitement de solutions en quantites de l'ordre du microlitre

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0612403A1 EP0612403A1 (fr) 1994-08-31
EP0612403A4 EP0612403A4 (fr) 1994-12-28
EP0612403B1 true EP0612403B1 (fr) 1999-02-03

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92925198A Expired - Lifetime EP0612403B1 (fr) 1991-11-14 1992-11-13 Systeme de raccordement et microtube

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EP (1) EP0612403B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07501150A (fr)
AU (1) AU3135093A (fr)
CA (1) CA2123203A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69228386T2 (fr)
TW (1) TW209853B (fr)
WO (1) WO1993010433A1 (fr)

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AU702874B2 (en) * 1993-07-30 1999-03-11 Kidde Products Limited Smoke detection system
GB9315779D0 (en) * 1993-07-30 1993-09-15 Stoneplan Limited Apparatus and methods
DE9418060U1 (de) * 1994-11-11 1996-03-14 Sc Sanguis Counting Kontrollbl Probenröhre und Abschlußkappe, insesondere für Kapillar-Blutentnahme
US5603900A (en) * 1995-05-19 1997-02-18 Millipore Investment Holdings Limited Vacuum filter device
GB2321857B (en) * 1997-02-05 2000-05-24 Intersep Ltd Improvements in filters
DE10141817B4 (de) 2001-08-27 2005-03-03 Eppendorf Ag Membranvorrichtung zum Aufnehmen von Proben und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Vorrichtung
US7456024B2 (en) 2001-08-29 2008-11-25 Hexal Pharma Gmbh Method and device for preparing a sample of biological origin in order to determine at least one constituent contained therein
EP2768594B1 (fr) * 2011-10-18 2023-06-07 The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York Appareil médical et procédé de prélèvement d'échantillons biologiques
WO2014081877A1 (fr) 2012-11-20 2014-05-30 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Appareil médical et procédé de collecte d'échantillons biologiques
CN115163953A (zh) * 2016-03-23 2022-10-11 富世华股份有限公司 具有水流稳定性的水龙头接头
CN110146583B (zh) * 2019-04-26 2020-08-11 中国科学院地质与地球物理研究所 Carius管分解样品的方法和Re-Os同位素分析的方法

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US3701434A (en) * 1971-03-15 1972-10-31 Hugh C Moore Test tube system for separating blood into serum and red cells
US3802843A (en) * 1971-05-28 1974-04-09 American Hospital Supply Corp Fluid testing apparatus
US4632761A (en) * 1983-08-15 1986-12-30 W. R. Grace & Co. Centrifugal microconcentrator and methods for its use
US4678559A (en) * 1984-07-23 1987-07-07 Andreas Szabados Test specimen container for pasty specimen material
US4675110A (en) * 1986-01-31 1987-06-23 Biomedical Polymers, Inc. Filter device and apparatus with multiple gas return passages
US4832678A (en) * 1987-12-03 1989-05-23 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Adapter for a centrifuge tube and a removal tool therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW209853B (fr) 1993-07-21
DE69228386D1 (de) 1999-03-18
DE69228386T2 (de) 1999-09-30
AU3135093A (en) 1993-06-15
EP0612403A4 (fr) 1994-12-28
EP0612403A1 (fr) 1994-08-31
JPH07501150A (ja) 1995-02-02
CA2123203A1 (fr) 1993-05-27
WO1993010433A1 (fr) 1993-05-27

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