KR20060135015A - Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A sampling apparatus (100) includes an ampoule barrel (101) for receiving an ampoule (102) through a first opening, the ampoule barrel (101) comprising a second opening (301) adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel (101) and a structure (304) adapted break a frangible tip (104) of the ampoule (102).

Description

Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 550,743, filed March 5, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to the sampling of a liquid, and more particularly, to an apparatus for automatically sampling and testing a liquid.

Methods of sampling liquids generally involve sucking samples from a cup into a pipette, syringe, or other container. Such sampling methods expose the sampler to liquid. For example in urine analysis it is desirable to limit the sampler exposure to the sample. Furthermore, the sampling method may involve, for example, exposure of the sample to contaminants, leading to sampling errors, for example.

Accordingly, what is needed is a system and / or method for at least reducing exposure to a sample, reducing sampling error, and limiting sample contamination.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sampling device comprises an ampoule barrel for receiving an ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel having a second opening provided for flowing liquid therein. And a structure provided to break the frangible tip of the ampoule.

The ampoule is a sealed container with a negative pressure inside to draw a volume of liquid into the ampoule, the flow rate of the ampoule being less than or equal to the flow rate of the second opening.

The sampling device includes a seal located between the ampoule outer surface and the ampoule barrel inner surface. The seal prevents liquid from flowing into the top of the ampoule barrel.

The brittle tip is marked with a score so that breakage of the tip occurs in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the ampoule descends into the ampoule barrel. The breakable tip includes a round shaped terminal. The breakable tip is spaced apart from the longitudinal center of the ampoule.

The sampling device includes a cap for covering the second opening of the ampoule barrel.

The sampling device includes a carrier, the carrier including a trench for receiving an ampoule end opposite the brittle tip and an upper surface for supporting the ampoule barrel, to prevent the ampoule from descending into the ampoule barrel. A gap is provided between the base and the top surface of the trench.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of sampling a liquid sample comprises selecting a test system comprising an ampoule barrel and an ampoule comprising the reagent of interest, immersing a portion of the ampoule barrel in liquid, and in the ampoule barrel. Breaking the ampoule in the ampoule includes sucking a liquid sample.

The method includes extracting the ampoule from the ampoule barrel.

The method includes determining test results in accordance with reagents and liquid samples.

According to one embodiment of the present specification, an ampoule barrel includes a first opening for receiving an ampoule, a tip spaced from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel, and an inner surface effective to break the tip of the ampoule, the tip being an ampoule barrel An elongated second opening through which liquid flows.

The inner surface is disposed at an angle of about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel. The inner surface is a convex radius with respect to the interior of the ampoule barrel.

The ampoule barrel includes at least a third opening, which is intended to allow liquid to flow into the ampoule barrel and is located on the sidewall of the ampoule barrel.

The ampoule barrel includes a flange located at the opposite end of the tip.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A-1C are diagrams of test systems in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the test system of FIG. 1.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the tip region of the test system of FIG. 1.

4A-4C are illustrations of a sampling lid, sheath and ampoule according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

5A-5D are exemplary diagrams for a spaced ampoule barrel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

6A-6D illustrate exemplary ampoule barrels having a spacing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

7A-7D illustrate exemplary ampoule barrels having a spacing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

8A-8C illustrate exemplary carriers of a test system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

9A-9C are illustrations of a breaking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 is a flow chart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The test system according to one embodiment of the present specification is a self-contained total microbe test. Referring to FIG. 1A, the test system 100 includes an ampoule barrel 101, an ampoule 102, and a lid 103. The ampoule 102 may be removed from the ampoule barrel 101.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the ampoule 102 includes a breakable tip 104. The breakable tip 104 may be spaced from the center of the main body 105 of the ampoule 102. The ampoule 102 is a sealed container and is opened by open breaking the fragile tip 104. The interior of the ampoule 102 is a vacuum sealed environment. Breaking tip 104 causes ampoule 102 to draw in a volume of liquid depending on the internal pressure of ampoule 102.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the ampoule barrel 101 includes an opening 106 for receiving the ampoule. The ampoule barrel 101 includes a tip 107 that allows liquid to enter the ampoule barrel 101. The barrel tip 107 includes one or more ports for sucking liquid into the ampoule barrel 101 under the vacuum of the ampoule. The tip 107 of the ampoule barrel may be biased to one side with respect to the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel 101. A deflection tip 107 may be inserted into the sampling cup, which may grab the edges and cause the sample to accumulate to increase the depth of the sample. The deflection tip 107 may be immersed in the collected sample.

2 is a cross-sectional view of test system 100. Ampoule barrel 101 receives ampoule 102. For example, a seal 201 made of rubber material fixes the ampoule 102. The tip 104 of the ampoule 102 penetrates the seal 201 and protrudes into the sample chamber. Placing barrel tip 107 into liquid seal 201 prevents liquid from flowing into the top of ampoule barrel 101. The lid 103 is removable. The lid 103 prevents contaminants from entering the ampoule barrel 101 or contacting the barrel tip 107 before testing.

Referring to FIG. 3, the ampoule barrel 101 includes ports (eg, reference numerals 301 and 302) to allow liquid to flow into the lower portion of the ampoule barrel 101 and into the sample chamber 303. The port may be located at the end of the ampoule barrel 101 (eg, 301) and / or on the side of the ampoule barrel (eg, 302). Seal 201 prevents liquid from flowing into the top of ampoule barrel 101. The ampoule 102 includes a tip 104 that is brittle. Tip 104 includes a terminal 305. Terminal 305 has a round structure. On top of the terminal 305 is a gold 306 drawn at one portion of the tip 104. Gold 306 is positioned to control the height at which tip 104 breaks. The gold 306 may be located at a portion around the tip 104, such as about 90 degrees or about 180 degrees. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the gold 306 is located at a portion far from the desired break direction. The ampoule 102 may be pressed down into the ampoule barrel 101, with the terminal 305 touching the angled face 304 of the ampoule barrel 101. The pressure applied to the ampoule 102 causes the ampoule to descend into the ampoule barrel 101 together with the seal 201. Angled face 304 converts the pressure to lateral pressure against terminal 305 of tip 104. Tip 104 breaks near the height at which gold 306 is drawn under lateral pressure. Breaking terminal 305 from tip 104 allows liquid contained in lower portion 303 of ampoule barrel 101 to enter ampoule 102. The flow rate at which the ampoule 102 sucks liquid may be slower than the flow rates of the ports of the ampoule barrel 101. When the terminal 305 is destroyed, the lower portion of the tip may fall into the ampoule barrel 101 and the tip 104 may be sheathed so that the remaining portion of the tip 104 is protected within the enclosure.

4A-4C, when the sample is sucked into the ampoule 102, the sampling lid 401 may be positioned over the broken tip of the ampoule 102. Sheath 402 protects any sharp shape. Sampling cover 401 includes a nipple 403. Nipple 403 fits within sheath 402. The lid 401 reduces the likelihood of contact with the liquid in the ampoule 102. The nipple 403 cooperates with the sheath 402 to secure the sampling lid 401 to the ampoule 102. Nipple 403 may be a tube such that syringe 404 or other device can penetrate the interior and access the contents of ampoule 102.

5-7, various ampoule barrels are depicted. Note that various changes or modifications to the ampoule barrel are possible.

5A-5D, an ampoule barrel 101 is shown having a base port 501 and spaced apart from the centerline of the ampoule barrel 101. Referring to FIG. 5A, the lead in angle 502 of face 304 is about 60 degrees. Ampoule 102 includes a spacing tip 104. Tip 104 is protected by sheath 402. The spacing tip 104 is aligned to meet the face 304 as the ampoule 102 is lowered into the ampoule barrel 101. 5B shows an ampoule barrel having a face 304 of which each lead is about 30 degrees. 5C and 5D show ampoule barrel 101 with face 304. Face 304 has a radius. For example, the radius of face 304 of FIG. 5C is about 0.500 inch, and the radius of face 304 of FIG. 5D is about 0.110 inch. The radius of face 304 translates the lowering of ampoule 102 into a lateral force that destroys tip 104.

6A-6D, the base port 501 of the ampoule barrel 101 is spaced, for example, 0.065 inches from the centerline of the ampoule barrel 101. Referring to FIG. 6A, each lead 502 of face 304 is about 30 degrees. The height of the face is not uniform along the circumference of the ampoule barrel 101. Rotation of the ampoule 102 in the ampoule barrel 101 ensures that the tip 104 contacts the face 304 when lowered into the ampoule barrel 101. The rotation can be adjusted manually. For example, a mechanism such as a shape in which the ampoule barrel 101 and the ampoule 102 cooperate can ensure alignment. The sheath 402 can function as a defense of the tip 104. Referring to FIG. 6B, each lead of face 304 is about 60 degrees. 6C and 6D, face 304 has a radius of 0.500 inch and 0.250 inch, respectively.

7A-7D, the base port 501 of the ampoule barrel 101 is spaced, for example, 0.130 inches from the centerline of the ampoule barrel 101. Referring to FIG. 7A, each lead 502 of face 304 is about 30 degrees. The angle of the face varies between about 90 degrees and about 75 degrees along the circumference of the ampoule barrel 101. The height of the face is not uniform along the circumference of the ampoule barrel 101. Rotation of the ampoule 102 in the ampoule barrel 101 ensures that the tip 104 contacts the face 304 when lowered into the ampoule barrel 101. Referring to FIG. 7B, each lead of face 304 is about 60 degrees. 7C and 7D, face 304 has a radius of about 0.500 inches and 0.250 inches, respectively. The sheath 402 can function as a defense of the tip 104.

8A-8C, test system 100 may be mounted within carrier 801. The carrier 801 may be covered with an upper top 802. The carrier includes one or more trenches 804 that receive a portion of the ampoule 102. The trench 804 has a deep hole provided to support an unused system 100 so that the ampoule 102 is not pressed into the ampoule barrel 101; The gap between the base and the top surface 805 of the trench prevents the ampoule from descending into the ampoule barrel. The flange 803 of the ampoule barrel 101 is located on the top surface of the carrier 801.

Ampoule 102 according to one embodiment herein is a sterile vacuum packed ampoule comprising a dry and non-hazardous test reagent system. The ampoule 102 prevents contamination or danger of the user, has a product shelf life of about four years, does not cause transportation restrictions, and does not require climate controlled storage.

The test system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be used to test the liquid. The sample module or ampoule barrel 101 holds the test ampoule 102 for extracting a liquid sample. The ampoule barrel 101 limits the sampler's exposure to the liquid. When used with the pre-prepared test ampoule 102, the ampoule barrel 101 and the test ampoule 102 automatically start a test on the sampled liquid under vacuum pressure.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the sample chamber 303 houses an ampoule tip breaking assembly 900. Ports or inlets (eg, reference numerals 301 and 302) may be formed in the wall of ampoule barrel 101 and the tip of ampoule barrel 101. Any number of inlets may be used. The inlet allows the sample to flow freely into the sample chamber at a rate as high as at least the sample entering the ampoule 102. Thus, the sample may be introduced into the ampoule 102 in a pre-prepared state without being substantially affected by suction or fluid resistance. The ampoule tip breaking assembly 900 is secured in the sample chamber 303 to receive the tip 104 of the ampoule 102.

9B and 9C, ampoule tip breaking assembly 900 is formed such that a sample flows around the assembly and into ampoule 102. The ampoule tip breaking assembly 900 includes a surface disposed at an angle to break a brittle portion of the test ampoule. The surface may be a hollow tube 901 for receiving the tip 104 of the ampoule 102 and breaking the tip 104. The hollow tube 901 is disposed at an angle to apply a substantially lateral force against the tip to facilitate breaking of the tip 104. For example, the hollow may be disposed about 45 degrees from the wall of the sample chamber. The assembly 900 includes a stabilizer support 902 disposed about 90 degrees from the angle for supporting the hollow tube 901, such as the angle of the hollow tube 901. Stabilization support 302 and hollow tube 901 may be made of one piece. The hollow tube 901 may collect the broken portion of the tip of the ampoule 102 when the tip breaks out of the ampoule 102.

The stabilized ampoule tip breaking assembly 900 breaks the tip of the ampoule 102 by applying pressure to the ampoule 102 such that the test ampoule tip 104 abuts against an angled surface. The tip 104 of the ampoule 102 is immersed in the liquid to prevent air bubbles from entering or filling the ampoule improperly upon inhalation.

The test ampoule may be a self-filling container with a hard surface. The test ampoule contains a predetermined amount of mixed test indicators / media for performing a complete microbiological test. The test ampoule may be sealed in a vacuum of about 20 to 30 inches or more with mercury. Test ampoules and contents may not be sensitive to storage conditions and may have a shelf life of about four years or more. The test ampoule includes breakable, fragile areas, allowing a predetermined amount of sample to enter the test ampoule and be exposed to the test indicator / medium.

The test ampoule is US Patent No. 5,159,700, entitled "VIAL WITH POWDERED REAGENT," US Patent No. 5,550,032, entitled "BIOLOGICAL ASSAY FOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION." , Ampoule disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,935,799, entitled "BIOLOGICAL ASSAY FOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The test ampoule may be a preliminary closed vacuum ampoule. The vacuum packaging of the test ampoule allows the reagents / medium to be retained for years and eliminates the need for special storage conditions such as refrigeration. At the start of the test, a volume, such as 7.5 ml of aqueous sample, is automatically drawn into the test ampoule. The volume of sample drawn in may be any amount predetermined depending on, for example, the size of the test ampoule and the vacuum strength. The test may end when the test ampoule changes to a predetermined color such as orange or red. The time elapsed from the start of the test to the end of the test determines the extent of microbial contamination. Test results can be obtained in 1 hour for 201 concentration, or 12 hours for 10 ¹ microbial concentration. In samples containing facultative species, triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) indicators may respond to aerobic bacterial activity. Fungi can also be detected. The presence of fungi can be manifested by red suspended particles after 24 hours. Time / concentration corrections are based on mixed bacterial populations commonly found in industrial and natural waters. Water dominated by certain species can use one-time calibration. Each test ampoule is completed with a sample / mpool, snapping cup, chlorine removal solution, sample identification label, wastewater instructions and results / instruction chart. The test incubation temperature is adjustable and can be adapted, for example, from 95 ° F to room temperature. Test cultures can be performed manually by purchasing reusable transport culture tubes or by using standard laboratory heat blocks or ovens. Termination of automatic incubation and test detection can be accomplished using an incubator / automatic analyzer. Test scales / official markings and / or personal labeling prepared at the factory may also be used.

Adiabatic chambers, such as, for example, automatic culture chambers, suitable to accommodate multiple test ampoules at a controlled temperature and for a specific time period can begin operation to maintain the culture temperature for a period of time and return to refrigeration. The chamber may be movable at all operating stages of the test (from refrigeration to incubation). The test ampoule, sample module, and insulation chamber may be preassembled into a clean or sterile product operated by a sample technician or test initiator.

Referring to FIG. 10, an ampoule for a predetermined test is selected (1000). The ampoule is placed in an ampoule barrel. The ampoule barrel is at least partially immersed in the liquid sample and the ampoule tip is broken (1001) to begin the test. The ampoule containing the sample is extracted from the ampoule module (1002). A cover may be placed over the broken tip of the test ampoule. The lid may, for example, comprise a barcode for tracking and / or a color chart for determining the result. The test ampoule may be placed in an automated culture test chamber (1003). The automated culture test chamber can be designed to be transported to a laboratory or other location, and the automated culture test chamber can be connected to a power source. The control device of the automated culture test chamber controls the temperature profile (eg, heating or cooling of the test sample). The control device may comprise a processor for outputting control signals to a heater or cooler and for example a memory device for storing temperature and time settings. The result can be confirmed 1004 at a predetermined end time. The timing shown in FIG. 10 is shown as an example, and the actual time may vary depending on the test and the procedure.

While embodiments of the apparatus and method for sampling a liquid have been described so far, various modifications and changes are possible by those skilled in the art in view of the above-described invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that modifications may be made to certain embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. Although the invention has been described in detail as required by the patent law, the scope of the invention which should be claimed and protected by this specification is determined by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

And an ampoule barrel containing an ampoule through the first opening, the ampoule barrel including a second opening provided for flowing liquid into the ampoule barrel and a structure provided for breaking the breakable tip of the ampoule. The method of claim 2, The ampoule is a sealed container having a negative pressure that sucks a predetermined volume of liquid into the ampoule, the flow rate of the ampoule being less than or equal to the flow rate of the second opening. The method of claim 1, And a seal located between the outer surface of the ampoule and the inner surface of the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 3, wherein And the seal prevents liquid from flowing into the top of the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 1, And the breakable tip is gold-plated to encourage breakage at the breakable tip in a predetermined direction. The method of claim 5, And said predetermined direction is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the ampoule descends into the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 1, And the breakable tip comprises a round terminal. The method of claim 1, And the breakable tip is offset from the longitudinal center of the ampoule. The method of claim 1, And a lid covering the second opening of the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 1, An additional carrier, wherein The carrier includes a trench for receiving an ampoule end opposite the brittle tip, and an upper surface for supporting the ampoule barrel, wherein the base and the upper surface of the trench to prevent the ampoule from descending into the ampoule barrel. Sampling device, characterized in that the interval is provided between. Determining a test system comprising an ampoule and an ampoule barrel containing a desired reagent; Immersing a portion of the ampoule barrel in a liquid; And Breaking the ampoule in an ampoule barrel, wherein the ampoule sucks the liquid sample. The method of claim 11, And extracting the ampoule from the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 11, And determining the test results in accordance with the reagents and the liquid sample. A first opening for receiving an ampoule; A tip including an extended second opening for flowing liquid into the ampoule barrel, the tip spaced from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel; And An ampoule barrel comprising an inner surface effective for breaking the tip of the ampoule. The method of claim 14, And the inner surface is disposed at an angle between about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 14, The inner surface of the ampoule barrel, characterized in that having a relatively convex radius with respect to the interior of the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 14, And an at least third opening in the sidewall of the ampoule barrel to allow liquid to flow into the ampoule barrel. The method of claim 14, An ampoule barrel further comprising a flange at an end opposite the tip.

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