JP2011501722A - Liquid dispensing tip with reservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention includes an apparatus for containing and dispensing a liquid solution. The apparatus of the present invention further minimizes sample leakage or fluid movement above the sides of the dispensing tip, while further facilitating sample volume control and thus sample application. In addition, the device ensures proper sample volume.

Description

Disclosure details

(Field of the Invention)
The present invention relates to an apparatus for containing and dispensing liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many medical and laboratory applications, it is necessary to supply or administer a single or accurately measured dose of a liquid agent, such as a drug or reagent. One such application where an accurate amount of reagent fluid is required is for the patient to use a system for measuring bodily analytes in physiological fluids. Such systems typically include a test strip containing a reagent material, and a physiological sample is applied to the test strip. The meter is configured to receive such a test strip and measure the analyte concentration of the sample. Such weighers and test strips are inspected prior to their use by methods that test the accuracy and effectiveness of the test strips, usually using a monitoring agent, often referred to as a control solution.

  The control solution is often packed in a plastic or glass container with a dispensing end configured with a small opening at the end of the taper, and by squeezing the bottle, the control solution is passed through the opening. Relatively inaccurate droplets can be dispensed. It is generally difficult to accurately control the amount of control solution dispensed from such containers. While developments have been remarkable in the development of systems and devices for measuring analyte concentrations, there has been limited development in the field of confinement and distribution of control solutions for use in these advanced systems and devices. It has become a thing. Commercially available control solution containers typically have a tapered dispensing tip that functions reliably for diagnostic test strips that require large volumes, eg, 5 to 20 microliters of control solution. However, such containers are less accurate at the smaller dosages required by today's more advanced specimens using less than 1 microliter.

  Because sample volume requirements for some commercial specimens have reached sub-microliter levels, excess control solution is dispensed by the current tapered dispensing tip, which is inconvenient and uncomfortable to the user May occur. While keeping the control solution bottle under pressure, it can be difficult to direct large droplets precisely over the reaction zone of the specimen. This is especially true for elderly patients or patients with dexterity problems. Since the test strip cannot absorb the excess control solution dispensed, the excess will flow out. This is particularly problematic because the control solution is usually a red that realistically mimics blood.

2 shows an example of a prior art container used to contain and dispense a control solution. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shown with a cap removed. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 2 along line A-A ′. It is a perspective view of the container of Drawings 1-3 seen in the reverse posture. 1 is a side view of an exemplary fluid distribution container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B ′ of FIG. 5, showing an exemplary embodiment of the internal structure of the container according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, showing the container in an inverted position where the control solution enters the reservoir. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a container according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the dispensing tip of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the dispensing tip of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view seen through a container according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cap specifically designed to cooperate with one embodiment of a fluid dispensing tip of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a cap specifically designed to cooperate with a further embodiment of the dispensing tip of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Invention and Preferred Embodiments
In the following description, the present invention will be described in the context of analyte concentration measurement applications, particularly in the context of blood glucose concentration. However, this is not intended to be limiting and, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the subject devices, systems, and methods include, but are not limited to, blood cholesterol levels or limitations. Although not, it is useful in measuring other physical and chemical properties that involve the use of reagents, including other biological materials such as urine, saliva and the like. Similarly, the present invention may be used in connection with other substances or drugs that also need to conveniently provide accurate dosing.

  FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a commercially available fluid dispensing container 2 that includes a body 4 and a removable cap 6. The cap 6 is not shown in FIG. 1 when not in use, but can be screwed or snapped onto the body 4 as desired to keep the dispensing tip clean. The cap 6 also helps to prevent fluid from flowing out or leaking out of the container during storage or transportation. Container 2 holds a large volume of liquid control solution, typically in the range of about 3 mL to 5 mL, provides about 100 to 200 doses and is typically used by a user for about 3 months. Is.

  The container body 4 may be made of a deformable plastic. However, other suitable container materials, such as glass, are contemplated for the container body 4 and are therefore intended to be included. Although the term “container” is used throughout, other terms such as bottles or bottles may be used interchangeably and are therefore intended to be encompassed by the term “container” in this application. Also, although the use for dispensing the control solution is primarily described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such containers may be used to dispense liquids other than the control solution. It will be.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the container 2 of FIG. 1, where the cap 6 is shown removed from the container body 4 so that a protruding neck portion 10 appears, the neck portion 10 receiving the cap 6. It has an optional thread 12 designed to do and a nozzle-shaped dispensing tip 8 with a small dispensing outlet 14 located at the tip. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of the prior art container 2 of FIG. 2 and includes an internal cavity 16 that contains the fluid to be dispensed, and a neck portion 10 with optional threads 12; Here, the container body 4 is shown including a dispensing tip 8 representing an internal frustoconical structure 18, which forms a gradually narrowing channel 20 leading to a small outlet 14. 14 provides direct fluid communication between the storage cavity 16 and the external environment.

  FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of the container 2 of FIGS. 1-3, where the container 2 is shown here in a general inverted position during normal use to dispense a droplet of control solution. Yes. FIG. 4 includes many of the same features already described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3 and further includes a droplet 22 shown emerging from the outlet 14 of the nozzle-shaped dispensing tip 8. Yes. A simplified exemplary specimen 24 having a sample receiving area 26 is also shown in FIG.

  Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, when a patient is about to use a control solution, first the cap 6 is typically placed in a container using another action, such as a screwdriver action or a push-pull action, for example. It is removed from the main body 4. The container body 4 is then tilted so that the dispensing tip 8 is kept a few millimeters above the sample receiving area 26 of the new test strip 24, such as the orientation shown in FIG. The user can then be asked to apply a slight squeeze pressure to the container body 4 to dispense a droplet 22 of control solution from the container 2 via the outlet 14 which provides fluid communication with the external environment. The droplet 22 first emerges from the outlet 14 and then accumulates, then suspends from the outer surface area of the dispensing tip 8 and immediately surrounds the outlet 14 by the inherent capillary attraction of the liquid against the surface. This suspended or suspended droplet can be problematic because even a single such droplet can contain a relatively large amount of liquid, As such, it is problematic if it is desired to dispense a very small amount.

  To perform the control solution test, the user then brings the droplet 22 closer to the sample receiving area 26 of the test strip 24. Upon contact, fluid is taken into the reaction chamber of the test piece 24 by capillary action.

  The process for dispensing the fluid such as the control solution from the container 2 and the container 2 is disadvantageous. First, the container is repeatedly opened over a long period of time, whereby the control solution is repeatedly exposed to air or to contaminants on the surface, such as a user's finger that can carry contaminants. Control solution users often lack dexterity and handle cap 6 clumsy and / or drop cap 6 and, in some cases, further contaminate the control solution that has accumulated in cap 6 and cause false testing. May produce results. If it is determined that the control solution is contaminated, the entire control solution container must be discarded and a new container opened, increasing the cost to the user.

  In addition, because such a relatively large amount of control solution is provided, the effectiveness of the control solution is lost before most of the control solution is used, thereby reducing the cost of treating the patient as well. In terms of increase, such a prior art control solution container 2 can be problematic. The shelf life of the control solution sealed in the original containment vessel is usually about 1 to 2 years, but when the user opens the vessel 2, the shelf life is only a few months due to the contamination problem described above. It shortens rapidly. Further, the user may not return the cap 6 to the container body 4 after use. Regardless of whether it is intentional or accidental to return the cap 6 to the container body 4, leaving the dispensing nozzle exposed to the atmosphere causes the control solution to evaporate, thereby changing the relative concentration of the active ingredients. In some cases, this relative concentration change may result in an incorrect value.

  Also, it is difficult to accurately and accurately dispense the required amount of control solution from within such prior art containers 2. The amount dispensed is highly user dependent in that the user may over-apply the control solution by over-squeezing the container, or under-squeeze the solution by not fully squeezing. . In addition, the fluid of the control solution may contain a small amount of surfactant to promote filling of the specimen, and the surface tension is reduced by adding the surfactant, and the control solution is distributed. A tendency to creep up to the side of the tip 8 may be exhibited. This can make it more difficult for the user to accurately direct the control solution to the receiving area 26 of the test strip 24.

  FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary fluid distribution container 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The fluid dispensing container of FIG. 5 includes a container body 102, a neck portion 104 with optional threads 106, a nozzle-shaped dispensing tip 108, and a sleeve 110. A line B-B ′ in FIG. 5 indicates the line of sight of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6. Although not shown, the container 100 is expected to include a cap similar to the cap 6 shown in FIG. 1, which may be threaded as desired to the neck portion 104 of the container body 102 with screws 106, for example, Other means of attaching the cap, such as an indentation, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. 5, which shows an exemplary embodiment of the internal structure of the container 100, which includes a container body 102, a desired A neck portion 104 with a thread 106, a nozzle-shaped or tapered dispensing tip 108, a sleeve 110, a cavity region 112, a narrow tapered frustoconical inner channel 114, a small outlet 116, and an outlet. And a reservoir region 118 surrounding 116. The reservoir 118 is formed by the boundary of the sleeve 110.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but shown in the inverted position that is common during normal use of the container 100 to dispense drops of control solution. FIG. 7 includes many of the same elements described above in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6, and here also shows that the liquid 120 is present in the cavity 112 of the container body 102. Yes.

  Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the objective is to provide the proper fluid volume necessary to fill the specimen without causing spillage. An improvement over user-controlled dispensing of a control solution from a conventional container can be achieved by attaching a sleeve 110, such as a piece of cylindrical tube, to the dispensing tip. By providing the sleeve 110, a predetermined fixed volume of the reservoir 118 is provided, making it easier to dispense the required amount of control solution. In addition, the sleeve 110 can make application of the control solution easier for the user because the sleeve 110 eliminates the need for hanging drops, as discussed with reference to FIG.

  In fact, the user need only squeeze the container gently to fill the reservoir region 118 around the outlet 116 surrounded by the sleeve 110. The user can accomplish this while keeping the container 100 in an upright position, which simply pushes the container body 102 gently and forces the control solution through the channel 114 and out through the outlet 116. Because you can. When used in a substantially upward position, the user can clearly see the control solution moving into the reservoir region 118 and filling the reservoir 118. Alternatively, the user can tilt the container 100 to a generally inverted position, as shown in FIG. 7, to distribute the fluid 120 through the narrow tapered channel 114 and out through the outlet 116. May reach into the reservoir region 118. The required volume of control solution fluid 120 is then retained within the boundary of the sleeve 110 by capillary action. By matching the volume of the reservoir 118 to that required for the test strip, the present invention reduces the waste of the control solution.

  The sleeve 110 provides an enlarged zone or reservoir area that can be filled with the control solution 120 and retained by capillary action until the user contacts the end of the sleeve 110 with the receiving portion 26 of the test strip 24. When the sample receiving portion 26 of the test strip 24 contacts the edge of the reservoir region 118, the control solution is drawn into the test strip 24 by capillary action. Reservoir region 118 is sized to hold only the volume of control solution necessary to fill the test strip. When the test strip is in fluid communication with the control solution, sample fullness is achieved by capillary action, thus reducing the likelihood of the control solution flowing out.

  By providing an enlarged zone or “reservoir” region 118 within a simple sleeve 110 attached to the dispensing tip 108, it is possible to temporarily store the required volume of control solution. This simplifies the application procedure for the user and requires minimal dexterity.

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a container 200 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the container 200 comprising a container body 202, a neck portion 204 with optional threads 206, and an integral dispensing tip. 208, narrow tapered channel 214 leading to outlet 216, and enlarged reservoir region 218. FIG. 8 illustrates a container 200 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention suitable for use in dispensing a liquid such as a control solution. According to this embodiment, the dispensing tip 208 may be made in one piece, thereby eliminating the additional or separate sleeve element 110 described in connection with FIGS. Manufacturing in one piece can have a number of advantages, for example, reduced complexity, time, and cost. The dispensing tip 208 may be manufactured using any suitable technique, such as injection molding. Such technology also provides the advantage of mass productivity.

  The dispensing tip 208 of FIG. 8 incorporates a narrow tapered inner channel 214 (similar to the channel 114 of FIGS. 6 and 7) that is in fluid communication with the external environment by an outlet 216. In this embodiment, the channel 214 may be an annulus concentrically centered with respect to the axis of the fluid outlet 216. As pressure is applied to the outer surface of the container body 202 by the user, fluid emerges through the outlet 216 and fills the enlarged reservoir region 218. The approximate size of the enlarged opening 218 may be about 5 to 20 times larger than the size of the narrow inner channel 214. In accordance with the present invention, the enlarged reservoir area 218 is designed to accommodate the volume of control solution necessary to fill the receiving area of the test strip for the user to perform control solution testing.

  FIG. 8 shows a square shaped enlarged reservoir region 218 and more detailed information is provided in connection with FIGS. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged reservoir region 318 that is similar but round or semi-circular in shape. The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 are merely intended to describe embodiments of the present invention and, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, any size and shape of the enlarged reservoir region. For example, cylindrical, conical, or hemispherical reservoirs are contemplated and are therefore intended to be included in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing tip 208 of FIG. 8, which includes a fluid outlet 216 and an enlarged reservoir region 218 having a diameter d ₁ and a height h ₁ . Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing tip 208 of Figure 8, the dispensing tip 208 includes an outlet 216, the expanded reservoir region 218 having a diameter _{d 2} and a height _{h 2,} the.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show two exemplary embodiments for the dispensing tip 208 of FIG. 8 according to the present invention, the difference being the relative diameter (d) and height (h) of the enlarged reservoir region 218. ) FIG. 9 has a diameter d ₁ in the range of about 1 mm to 4 mm, more typically about 2 mm, and a height h ₁ in the range of about ₁ mm to 2 mm, more typically about 1.6 mm. A possible enlarged reservoir region 218 is shown. Such dimensions provide a volume capacity of about 5 μL and may be appropriately sized to accommodate smaller or larger quantities.

A second embodiment of the reservoir region 218 shown in FIG. 10 has a diameter d ₂ in the range of about 1 mm to 5 mm, more typically about 3 mm, and more in the range of about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. typically it has a height _{h 2} of about 0.7 mm. The dimensions of the second embodiment are also specifically designed to hold about 5 μL of the control solution.

  Each of the dispensing tip embodiments shown in both FIGS. 9 and 10 prepares the user for testing, thus bringing the edge of reservoir region 218 into contact with the sample receiving portion of a new test strip, and the capillary tube. A sufficient amount of control solution is temporarily held until the phenomenon causes fluid to be drawn into the reaction chamber of the test strip. Reservoir region 218 temporarily holds the fluid and allows the user to contact the specimen with the container in an upward position, or alternatively, the user is most likely to dispense a control solution over the specimen. You may choose to flip the container to a suitable angle that makes it easier. As will be apparent, a further advantage of the present invention is that the control solution can be dispensed using an upward facing container.

Depending on the application in which the control solution or other liquid agent is used, the volume of the enlarged reservoir region of the present invention can be specifically designed and can range from about 100 nL to 200 μL. For the control solution used on the test strip sensor for analyte detection and for example blood glucose measurement, the reservoir volume typically ranges from about 1 μL to 20 μL. The diameter of the enlarged reservoir region may thus typically be in the range of about 1 mm to 10 mm, more typically in the range of about 2 mm to 4 mm. Similarly, the depth of the enlarged reservoir region (or the “height” indicated by h ₁ in FIG. 9 and h ₂ in FIG. 10) is typically in the range of about 0.5 mm to 5 mm, more typically. Can be in the range of about 1 mm to 2 mm. Where a range of values is provided, all values that fall between the upper and lower limits of the range, and any other stated value or value that falls between the stated ranges, are encompassed by the present invention. Please understand that.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a container 300 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, which includes a container body 302, a neck portion 304 with threads 306 (if desired), and a dispensing tip portion 308. And a narrow tapered internal channel 314 leading to a small fluid outlet 316 and an enlarged reservoir region 318. While the container 300 of FIG. 11 is similar to the container 200 of FIG. 8, there are some differences. The first difference is in the shape of each enlarged reservoir region surrounding the fluid distribution outlet. Although the embodiment of the enlarged reservoir region 318 of FIG. 11 is shown to have a curved or hemispherical shape, the shape of the enlarged reservoir region 218 in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. Are shown to be primarily square or rectangular. Both shapes of the reservoir area, as well as other shapes contemplated by those skilled in the art, allow the user to apply a drop of control solution to the sample receiving area of the test strip to confirm the accuracy and effectiveness of the analyte test system. The required volume of control solution can be retained by capillary action at least temporarily until ready to do so.

  It should be understood that the shape of the dispensing tip shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 exemplifies a suitable shape in terms of volume and cross-sectional area, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any suitable three-dimensional shape may be used, such as a sphere, ellipse, paraboloid, cylinder, cone, etc., and any suitable two-dimensional shape, such as a cross-sectional area, for example, A quadrangle such as a rectangle, a triangle, an ellipse, and a parallelogram, and a polygon such as a pentagon may be used.

  A second major difference between the container 300 of FIG. 11 and the container 200 of FIG. 8 is in their manufacture, if desired. The dispensing tip 208 of the container 200 is shown as a separate moldable component, optionally manufactured separately from the container body 202 and the neck region 204, whereas the dispensing tip 308 of the container 300 is shown. The region may be shaped as a single element, i.e. combined with the container body 302 and the neck region 304, for example. By molding the container 300 as a single piece, the complexity of the container and the manufacturing and assembly process can be reduced. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, differences in the procedure for making containers incorporating the present invention are envisioned and are therefore intended to be included in this application.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view 400 of an exemplary embodiment of a cap 408 specifically designed to cooperate with an embodiment of the fluid dispensing tip 402 of the present invention, which cap 408 includes a fluid outlet 404 and , An enlarged reservoir region 406 having a diameter d ₃ and a height h ₃ , and a cap inner protrusion 410 having a corresponding depth p ₃ .

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view 500 of a further exemplary embodiment of a cap 508 specifically designed to cooperate with an embodiment of the fluid dispensing tip 502 of the present invention, which cap 508 includes a fluid outlet. including the 504, the expanded reservoir region 506 of conical shape having a basic diameter _{d 4} and a height _{h 4,} a cap internal protrusion 510 having a corresponding depth _{p 4,} a.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing tip design according to the present invention, where the design includes a container cap specifically designed to seal the tip opening (items 410 and respectively). 510) incorporates complementary features and ensures that the container is liquid-tight during transport, ensuring storage. In one embodiment, the cap protrusions 410, 510 may have a male-female cooperative relationship with the dispensing tip portions 402, 502, respectively, to ensure sealing.

As can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13, the inner protrusions 410 and 510 are specifically designed to connect with the receiving portion of the cooperating dispensing tip, the enlarged reservoir regions 406 and 506, respectively. The enlarged reservoir regions 406 and 506 are sized and shaped to receive the protrusions 410, 510. As FIG. 12 shows, the dimensions and shape of the enlarged region 406 are only designed to hold an appropriate volume of the control solution until the user is ready to apply the control solution to the test sensor. Rather, it cooperates with the inner protrusion 410 to provide a means to ensure a secure and reliable seal, thereby substantially preventing the control solution from leaking out of the container when not in use. Is excluded. Depth _{p 3} of internal protrusion cooperates with height _{h 3} of expanded reservoir region 406, the diameter _{d 3} of reservoir region 406 also cooperates with the corresponding diameter of the internal protrusion 410. Thus, when the control solution container is not in use, the cap 408 can be secured to the container body and primarily contact the dispensing tip portion 402 of the container body. Inner protrusion 410 is slip fit into reservoir region 406, thereby forming a positive seal on fluid outlet 404.

Similarly, FIG. 13 shows a depth _{p 4} of the inner protrusion 510 of the conical, the depth _{p 4} corresponds to the height _{h 4} of reservoir region 506. Thus, when the user attaches the cap 508 to the control solution container at the dispensing tip 502, the protrusion 510 is received by the reservoir region 506 and forms a positive seal across the fluid outlet 504. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container cap that incorporates a specific design of sealing.

  The present invention includes an apparatus for containing and dispensing a liquid solution. The liquid solution may be any type of drug, reagent, or control solution. Since a wide variety of liquids are used in various types of applications and environments, it is beyond the scope of this disclosure to list all possible liquids that can be used in the system of the present invention. However, the subject system can be used in any application that requires a single dose of liquid with high or low frequency use. In need of describing the subject matter below, the liquid is a control solution for evaluating the performance of the system for measuring the analyte concentration in a sample of physiological fluid. Examples of such control solutions are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,187,100 and 5,605,837, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

  The present invention provides a number of advantages, including easy control of the sample volume, thus facilitating sample application and increasing user confidence in the control solution testing procedure. It is also an object of the dispensing tip of the present invention to minimize sample leakage or fluid movement above the side of the dispensing tip simply by providing a volume of control solution close to the required volume. . In addition, each time a control solution test is performed, that volume of fluid is held at least temporarily in the enlarged region of the dispensing tip, helping to ensure proper sample volume.

  The exemplary embodiment of the fluid dispensing tip shown herein facilitates the user directing the sample to the sample receiving area of the test sensor. Also, improved sample application substantially eliminates the need to clean up after accidental leakage. The fluid dispensing tip of the present invention also minimizes the user's dexterity requirements and facilitates the control solution testing procedure. In addition, the cooperative cap design ensures that the container remains liquid tight when not in use and during transport and storage.

  A control solution container incorporating the dispensing tip of the present invention also reduces the risk of contamination of unused control solution, thereby providing a more reliable measurement system and, in addition, storage. Maximizing the lifetime makes it more cost effective for the user. Contaminated control solutions can produce inaccurate results and should be discarded.

Embodiment
(1) a deformable container body having a dispensing tip and a hollow interior for containing the liquid dispensed from the dispensing tip;
A tapered internal channel leading to an outlet allowing the passage of droplets;
A reservoir surrounding the outlet, the reservoir being dimensioned to hold a predetermined volume of liquid.
(2) The container of embodiment 1, wherein the reservoir region has a diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm and a depth in the range of about 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.
3. The container of embodiment 1, wherein the reservoir region has a diameter in the range of about 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm and a depth in the range of about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.
(4) The container according to embodiment 1, wherein the predetermined volume of the liquid is in the range of about 100 nL to 200 μL.
(5) The container according to embodiment 1, wherein the predetermined volume of the liquid is in the range of about 1 μL to 20 μL.
(6) The container according to embodiment 1, wherein the reservoir is removable from the container body.

Claims (6)

A deformable container body having a dispensing tip and a hollow interior for containing liquid dispensed from the dispensing tip;
A tapered internal channel leading to an outlet allowing the passage of droplets;
A reservoir surrounding the outlet, the reservoir being dimensioned to hold a predetermined volume of liquid.   The container of claim 1, wherein the reservoir region has a diameter in the range of about 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm and a depth in the range of about 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.   The container of claim 1, wherein the reservoir region has a diameter in the range of about 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm and a depth in the range of about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.   The container of claim 1, wherein the predetermined volume of liquid is in the range of about 100 nL to 200 μL.   The container of claim 1, wherein the predetermined volume of liquid is in the range of about 1 μL to 20 μL.   The container of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is removable from the container body.

Images