KR20180131564A

KR20180131564A - Biology samplers, collectors and storage containers

Info

Publication number: KR20180131564A
Application number: KR1020187028915A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 로리 블레이든; 로이 빅터 블레이든; 마이클 스튜어트 가드너
Original assignee: 에스엔피샷 트러스티 리미티드
Priority date: 2016-03-08
Filing date: 2017-02-27
Publication date: 2018-12-10
Also published as: CA3031581A1; AU2017230983A1; BR112018068083A2; WO2017153865A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembled elongated string comprising a sample collector and a sample collector driver for driving at least the sample collector through an item to be sampled. The sample collector is driven along a sampling axis aligned in the lengthwise direction of the string. The sample collector includes a punch having a longitudinally aligned bore. One end of the punch and bore provides a cutter that cuts the sample from the item and holds it in the bore as the punch passes through the sample. The sample collector also includes a plunger slidably supported on the punch so as to be movable within the bore between the retracted position and the advanced position relative to the punch. In use, movement of the plunger from the withdrawn position to the advanced position causes the sample held on the cutter to be displaced from the cutter. The sample collector driver includes a body that is telescopically contacted with the sample collector. In the retracted and compacted position, the driver can drive the sample collector through the item while keeping the plunger in the retracted position so that the sample can be cut and held by the cutter. In the telescopically expanded position, the driver can be driven in the same direction as when driving the collector through the item, moving the plunger from its retracted position to its advanced position.

Description

Biological samplers, collectors and storage containers

The present invention relates to improvements in or related to the collection of biological samples.

Typically, the collection of biological samples such as animal tissue collected from the ear of an animal needs to be performed efficiently without the risk of contamination of samples collected from previous samples being collected. As an example, a large herd of cows may sometimes need to be sampled at a predetermined time. If the sampler tool and sample collector are to be treated separately for each cow, the process can take time. There is also the risk of cross contamination of the samples. Further, in order to prevent the sample taken from the animal from deteriorating, it is necessary to provide sufficient deterrent measures to prevent sample deterioration, and at the same time to match with other animal information and / or to trace the sample normally held in the sealed storage container It is important to make it possible.

As used herein, tissue refers to any portion of an organism, particularly any portion of similar cells, or any portion or portion that performs a similar function. Tissue refers to any form of biological sample, preferably from plants and animals, in particular pigs, goats, sheep, sheep, poultry, and fish. The biological sample may be an animal tissue such as, for example, flesh, blood, hair, fur, saliva, sweat, urine or the like, or a plant tissue such as a leaf, bark, roots or trees, or any other part of a plant or animal, Particularly those comprising similar cells, or performing similar functions.

The present invention can be used for at least one of production animals and companion animals or both. Production animals are expected to include, but are not limited to, cattle, pigs, deer, and sheep. In addition, companion animals are expected to include, but are not limited to, horses, cats, and dogs.

Thus, the present invention can be broadly described as an assembled elongated string, which is a sample collector driver that drives at least the sample collector through a sample collector and an item to be sampled along a sampling axis aligned with the longitudinal direction of the string ,

The sample collector,

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A punch providing at one end a cutter for cutting and holding a sample from an item as it passes through the item, comprising: a punch having a longitudinally aligned bore;

A plunger slidably supported on the bore so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from a retracted position to an advanced position causes the sample held on the cutter to displace Including a plunger,

The sample collector driver,

A body that is in contact with the sample collector in a stretchable manner, wherein the driver can drive the sample collector through the item while keeping the plunger in the retracted position so that the sample can be cut and held by the cutter in the retracted and densely packed position, In which the driver is driven in the same direction as when driving the collector through the item to move the plunger from its retracted position to its advanced position.

Preferably, when the sample collector and the body are in a retracted and densely positioned position, the body and the punch are in contact with each other to drive the sample collector past the item by pushing the punch while the body is in motion.

Preferably, when the sample collector and the body are in a retracted and densified position, the body and the punch are in contact with each other to drive the sample collector past the item by pushing the punch without pushing the plunger while the body is in motion.

Preferably, when the sample collector and the body are in the collapsed and retracted position, the body and the punch are driven by pushing the punch through the item collectors without moving the plunger to its advanced position, So that they are in contact with each other.

Preferably, when the sample collector and the body are in a telescopically expanded position, the body and the plunger are in contact with each other to push the plunger to move the plunger to its advanced position while the body is moving in the same direction.

Preferably, when the sample collector and the body are in a telescopically expanded position, the body and the plunger are moved such that the body is moved in the same direction, pushing the plunger without pushing the punch and moving the plunger to its advanced position They are in contact with each other.

Preferably, when the sample collector and the body are in the retracted extended position, the body and the plunger move the plunger to its advanced position by pushing the plunger without moving the punch while the body is moving in the same direction Respectively.

Preferably, one of the body and the plunger helps in an inactive mode to prevent the plunger from being driven to its advanced position by the body in the densely populated position, ).

Preferably, the dog is held under bias by the plunger and the other one of the body when in the non-active mode when the sample collector and body are in a densely populated position, And is a flexible member.

Preferably, the dog is configured such that when the sample collector and the body are in the extended position, the plunger is moved toward the advancing position when the body is moved in the same direction, And is biased toward a position that represents itself to engage, said resiliently flexible member being one of said body and said plunger.

Preferably, the dog is supported by the plunger and can be aligned with the drive surface of the body when the body is in an extended position relative to the sample collector.

Preferably, the sample collector is comprised of a cutter, generally circular in cross-section and elongated and straight, located at one end of the collector.

Preferably, the punch is comprised of a cutter, generally circular in cross section, elongated and straight, located at one end of the collector.

Preferably, the plunger protrudes from the end of the punch opposed to the cutter.

Preferably, the plunger includes an umbrella that serves as the dog, and the umbrella-shaped portion is elastically movable between the retracted and expanded states, and the umbrella-shaped portion has: (a) Said umbrella-shaped portion being held in one of said retracted and expanded states by the lateral surfaces or surfaces of said body that can slide when said umbrella-shaped portion is moved to an extended position relative to said collector, When the main body is moved to the extended position so as to be able to move the plunger to the advanced position by being coupled to the main body, the main body can move to the other one of the extended state or the contracted state.

Preferably, the plunger is rod-shaped.

Preferably, the umbrella-shaped portion is located at the end of the plunger farthest from the cutter.

Preferably, the body is elongated and straight.

Preferably, the body is elongated and straight, and is configured with the same outer cross-section as the punch.

Preferably, the body and the punch form a continuous elongated drivable member when in a densely populated position.

Preferably, the body includes a receptacle section for receiving, either directly or indirectly, a driver of the sampler device which can force the sample collector to be driven through the item.

Preferably, the receptacle section is adapted and configured to be directly or indirectly coupled by the driver such that the body is displaced in a direction opposite to the driving direction and the driving direction.

Preferably, the body is to seal the inlet of the sample storage container from which the string is to be joined after sampling.

In a further aspect, the present invention is a set of sample storage containers defining an inlet opening leading to a storage area of a string and storage container as described herein, the inlet opening being such that after the cutter is driven through the item, Can be widely referred to as being capable of accommodating a string that contains a string.

Preferably, the storage container is configured such that, when the sample collector (preferably the punch) is received in the inlet opening, the driver is moved relative to the sample collector and the storage container in a direction to move the driver to the extended position relative to the sample collector And is moved and configured to hold the sample collector.

Advantageously, the body advances toward the punch again when driving the plunger to its advanced position, whereby a body that is advanced thereby causes sealing of the inlet opening.

Advantageously, said inlet opening and said body comprise areas of cooperating surfaces or surfaces that allow the body to seal the inlet opening and hence the containment area of the storage container.

Preferably, the container includes a container body and a cap detachably coupled to the container body, wherein the inlet opening is a passage defined by the cap.

Preferably, the passageway and the body of the driver are adjusted and configured to seal the containment area in a snap-fit manner to retain the driver's body with the cap.

Also, in a further aspect, the invention can be broadly described as a method of sampling and storing samples from items by means of the following steps using sets as described herein:

(a) arranging a storage vessel and a string on either side of the gap so as to remain in axial alignment by the sampler device, the sampler device including an actuator acting directly or indirectly to the sample collector driver,

(b) placing a portion of the item to be sampled in the gap such that a portion of the item is also axially aligned;

(c) moving the actuator in a driving direction that drives the string toward the containment vessel such that the sample collector is driven into an inlet opening of the storage vessel to hold the punch by the storage vessel,

(d) moving the actuator in a direction opposite to the drive direction to allow the sample collector driver to mate with the plunger to drive the plunger in the drive direction; and

(e) moving the actuator in the driving direction to cause the sample collector driver to displace the plunger to its advanced position.

Preferably, in steps (a) and (b) and (c), the plunger is in its retracted position relative to the punch and the sample collector driver is in a densely positioned position relative to the punch.

Preferably, in step (d), the plunger is in its retracted position relative to the punch, and the sample collector driver is in an extended position relative to the punch.

Preferably, in step (e), the plunger is in its advanced position relative to the punch, and the sample collector is located at its densest position relative to the punch or at a position closer to its densely positioned position than its extended position have.

Preferably, in step (e), the sample collector driver is driven into the inlet opening in a manner that seals the inlet opening.

Further, in a further aspect, the present invention can be broadly referred to as being a sampling assembly driven in one direction with respect to the item and collecting biological samples from the item and dispensing into a storage container,

As a sample collector,

A punch providing at one end a cutter for cutting and holding the sample from the item when passing or going through the item,

A plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position causes the sample held by the cutter A sample collector including a plunger,

As a sample collector driver,

Wherein in the first position relative to the punch and plunger, the punch and the plunger can be driven in the one direction, and in the second position relative to the punch and the plug, when the sample collector driver is again driven in the one direction And a sample collector driver including a body that ratchetically engages the plunger in a manner that allows the plunger to move relative to the punch and retractably contacts the sample collector to move in a direction opposite to the one direction.

Further, in a further aspect, the present invention can be broadly referred to as being a sampling string for collecting biological samples from an item,

As a sample collector,

In use, in use, is coupled to the punch so as to be able to drive the punch through or through the item when in a first position relative to the punch, and drives the plunger from its retracted position to its advanced position And a sample collector driver slidable with respect to the plunger in a second state of ratchet engagement with the plunger such that the plunger is disengaged and / or unmated relative to the punch.

Preferably, in the first state, the driver is prevented from driving the plunger to its advanced position.

Preferably, in the first state, the plunger is not in driving contact with the driver, and in the second state, the punch is not in driving contact with the driver.

Advantageously, the string is a elongated straight string, and the string is longer when the driver is in the second position than when the driver is in the first position.

Advantageously, the driver includes a recess extending inward when the plunger of the sample collector is at least in a first state.

Preferably, the plunger projects into the driver from the bore.

Further, in a further aspect, the present invention can be broadly referred to as being a sample collector driven by a driver so that it can be driven through / through the item to detach and hold the sample from the item,

A punch for providing a cutter, comprising: a punch providing a driver engageable area for allowing a driver to drive the punch to detach the sample from the item;

A plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position causes the sample held by the cutter Wherein the driver moves the plunger from its retracted position to its advanced position in the first position when the driver moves from the first position relative to the driver to the second position with respect to the driver, The plunger is configured and configured to ratchet-engage with the driver such that the plunger is coupled to the driver such that the driver can move the plunger to its advanced position.

As a sample collector,

A sample collector including a plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch,

And a sample collector driver coupled to the punch so as to be able to drive the punch in use, either through or through the item in a first state,

In use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position is activated by the retractable displacement of the driver from the punch, causing the sample held on the cutter to displace from the cutter and ratchet-coupling the plunger and driver into an operative operating state .

Further, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a body comprising a storage vessel holding section in which the storage vessel described herein is located and a sample collector holding section in which the sample collector described herein is located, wherein the plunger has a retracted Position and can not be moved to its advanced position by the sample collector driver, it is preferable that a sample collector driver is coupled to the sample collector, wherein the sample collector driver is aligned with the sample collector A cartridge including a body for holding the sample collector and the storage container so as to be spaced apart with sufficient clearance to allow the portion to be placed in the gap.

Preferably, the cartridge is adapted and configured to be loaded and unloaded with respect to a sampler device including an actuator for generating sampling.

Preferably, the body of the cartridge is adapted and configured to shield the sampler device in the gap from the item located in the gap, and any exudates extracted or ejected from the item, during sampling.

Preferably, one (or more than one) of the present invention (s) described herein may be used for production animals and companion animals.

Preferably, one (or more than one) of the present invention (s) described herein may be used only for production animals.

Preferably, one (or more than one) of the present invention (s) described herein may be used only for companion animals.

Preferably, the producer animal includes, but is not limited to, cattle, pigs, deer, and sheep.

Preferably, the companion animal includes, but is not limited to, horses, cats, and dogs.

The present invention may also be broadly described as comprising, individually or collectively, parts, elements or features mentioned or indicated in the specification herein, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the foregoing, elements or features And certain integers having known equivalents in the art to which this invention pertains are referred to herein, such known equivalents are considered to be included herein as if individually recited.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:
1 shows an exploded view of a sample collector and a sample collector driver and an associated push rod and axially aligned storage container,
2 is an exploded view of a string of components consisting of a sample collector consisting of a punch and a plunger and a sample collector driver and a push rod,
Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view through the components of Figure 2 showing the plunger in the operable state in the expanded, umbrella-shaped section,
Figure 3b shows the umbrella-shaped portion of the plunger in its contracted state,
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the storage container and sample collector / sample collector driver / push rod string prior to sampling, in which a portion of the animal's ear is located midway,
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the components of Figure 4 with the cutter of the sample collector punched into the ear of the animal,
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the components of Figure 4, in which a sample collected from the ear of an animal is driven into a containment vessel,
Figure 7 shows the components of Figure 4 in a state where the punch tries to rupture the rupturable seal of the cap of the containment vessel,
Figure 8 is a view of the components of Figure 4 with the rupturable seal ruptured so that the sampler can enter the storage area of the storage container,
Figure 9 illustrates a process of the components of Figure 4 in which the sample collector driver causes a retraction movement with respect to the plunger and allows the two components to be ratchetically coupled to the second state such that the plunger is moved to a position advanced by the sample collector To the pre-delivery position to allow the user to move backward,
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger and its sample collector driver, shown with the plunger and its umbrella-shaped portion in a contracted state,
FIG. 11A is a view of FIG. 10 in which the umbrella-shaped portion of the plunger is not fully expanded,
11B-11J are variations of the retractable ratchet relationship that can be established between the sample collector driver and the plunger to allow the plunger and sample collector driver to move between withdrawn and advanced positions, The coupling relationship is provided by changing the detailed characteristics of the sample collector driver and punch,
Figure 12 shows a sample collector driver and plunger in a telescopically expanded relationship showing that the plunger is still in a position that is still retracted relative to the punch but can be driven to a position advanced by the sample collector driver,
Figure 13 illustrates a sample collector driver and plunger that indicates that there may be contact between the inner wall of the sample collector driver and the drive end of the plunger,
Figure 14 shows a sample collector driver and plunger, in which the umbrella-shaped portion of the plunger is in an expanded state and can be driven by another surface of the sample collector driver,
Figure 15 illustrates a sample collector driver that is being advanced back to the storage containment area to drive the plunger against the punch to drop the sample into the storage containment area after a temporary retraction where the sample collector driver Illustrating that it is coupled to the passageway of the cap of the containment vessel,
Figure 16 shows that the push load is withdrawn from the sample collector driver and the sampling and storage process is complete,
17 is an enlarged view of a string of components including a sample collector, a sample collector driver, and a push rod, wherein these components are in a state of punching through the ears of an animal,
Figure 18 shows that the sample collector driver can be retractably coupled to the sample collector and to its expanded position relative thereto to ratchet the plunger for later re-advancing the plunger for the purpose of driving the plunger, Figure 17 shows the components of Figure 17 moved,
Figure 19 shows that the plunger is moved to its advanced position relative to the punch by re-advancing the sample collector driver,
20 shows an assembly of a string of components including a storage container and a sample collector and a sample collector driver coupled with the cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a sample collector-related string and a storage container in which the animal's ears can be placed in a gap therebetween And may be delivered to the end user in a pre-sorted state,
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 20,
Figure 22 shows a partial exploded view of the components of Figure 20,
Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the components of Figure 20,
Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the components of Figure 20, with a string of components including the sample collector being advanced towards the storage container until just before sampling from the animal's ear,
25 shows a sample container in which a sample container is sealed and a sample container is sealed,
Figure 26 shows a perspective view of the sampler device in which the cartridge of Figure 20 is loaded,
Fig. 27 is another perspective view of Fig. 26,
28 is a side view of the sample collector device and cartridge in the expanded state,
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of Fig. 28,
30 is a cross-sectional view of a sampler device in which a cartridge is loaded, showing a portion of a mechanism for driving a string of components including a sample collector through an ear of an animal, wherein the mechanism is in an open state prior to sampling Lt; / RTI >
Figure 31 is a side elevation view of the sampler device in which the sample collector string is advanced towards the storage container and the sample collector has entered the storage container and the rupturable membrane has been ruptured before the mechanism of the sampler device is actuated to move the plunger to its advanced position, Figure 30 shows the mechanism of Figure 30,
32 is a view of the mechanism of the sampler device with the mechanism advancing the plunger relative to the punch for the purpose of distributing the sample to the sample containment area,
33 is a view of the mechanism of the sampler device in which the actuator of the sampler drives the sample collector driver to its final position to seal the storage container and move the plunger to its advanced position to distribute the sample to the storage containment area,
34 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of Fig. 30 with additional components in accordance with an embodiment for actuation of the drive rod. Fig.

Reference will now be made to various components and variations of such components that may be used for the purpose of collecting and storing biological samples such as tissue samples from animals. First, reference is made to the collection and storage components and then to the sampler arrangement and related components that can be used to collect samples using the collection and storage components.

Biological samples can be collected from an organism, including plants or animals, particularly pigs, goats, cattle, sheep, poultry, and fish, by the sample collectors described herein. In a preferred form, the sample is a tissue sample taken from the ear of an animal.

Referring to Figures 1-33, a sample collector 601 and a storage vessel 602 are shown. The collector can be driven (and preferably fixed) by a tool, such as the tool shown in the drawing, with a container that is similarly held by a tool that aligns the two elements together at a predetermined position.

1, the sample storage container 602 includes a container body 615 having a containment region 616 terminated by an end wall 618 and a side wall 617 and including a cap 619, .

In a preferred form, the end wall 618 of the containment region 616 is closed and not openable. Alternatively, the end wall may be openable. In a preferred form, the side wall and the end wall are integrally formed. The container body 615 is preferably made of a plastic material. The container body may be a molded plastic material. Inside the containment zone 616 a sterile preservative may be provided.

Storage vessel 602 may receive a sample collector having a sample. It is preferred that the containment zone 616 be sealed prior to accepting the sample. In a preferred form, the storage container 602 is also preferably formed in such a way that the sample collector penetrates the storage container, is integrally formed with or fixed to the container body 615, And includes an end in the form of a cap 619. The cap 619 receives a sample collector 601, for example, when sampling from the ear of an animal.

The cap 619 is preferably threadably coupled to the container body 615 by a threaded portion 620. The cap may be threaded onto the container body 615 and preferably partially into the container body. The cap can be released from the container body to access the containment area. This may occur in the laboratory to access samples in containment.

In a preferred form, the cap has a passage 621 having an inlet 622 and an end 623 opposite the inlet 622. The passageway 621 is configured and configured to fit the sample collector 601 snugly. The passageway is preferably cylindrical in shape. In a preferred form, the sidewalls of passageway 621 substantially correspond to the outer sidewalls of punch 604. The outer side wall is preferably circular in sectional shape. It is preferred that there is no gap or passage between the cap and the sample collector when the sample collector is located in the passageway. This helps to seal the storage area 616.

In the passageway, preferably at the end 623 facing the entrance, the passageway is sealed with a rupturable seal 624. It may be a plug or a membrane. The rupturable seal 624 seals the containment region 616 of the container body before the cap 619 is secured to the container body 615 and the sample collector is received. The rupturable seal 624 is configured to pierce the seal 624 at least partially to dislodge the seal 624 and to allow the sample to be pushed into the storage compartment 616 when delivering the sample collector into the passageway 621 , It is preferable to be attached fragile. In a preferred form, the sample is continuously retained within the bore 608 at the cut end of the punch 604 when the rupturable seal is at least partially disengaged to open the storage area 616.

The cap preferably has additional features and / or features to help seal the containment area described herein.

The sample storage container 602 can also receive the sample collector 601 shown in FIG.

The sample collector 601 includes a cutter 605 at the cut end 606 that is associated with or is part of the punch 604.

The sample collector 601 shown in Fig. 4 is arranged with the storage container 602 for the organism 603 and the storage container 620 to be sampled and a part of the animal's ear 603, for example, And is in a pre-sampling state where it is located.

The sample collector 601 includes a punch 604 having a body with a cutter 605 that provides a cut end 606 that can penetrate into the organism to be sampled.

The cutter 605 is provided at the first end of the punch 604. The punch has opposed drive ends 607. At the drive end, for example, a driver (to be described below) is provided for the purpose of pushing at least the cut end (and preferably the entire collector) completely through the organism to be sampled, So that the punch can be driven. In a preferred form, the entire sample collector 601 passes through the tissue to be sampled.

The body of the punch 604 preferably has a bore 608. The bore 608 extends from one end of the punch 604 to the other end. Preferably, the bore extends along the length of the punch 604 between the cut end 606 and the drive end 607. Preferably, the punch 604 is a elongated straight body and the bore is centrally located within the punch. The cutter 605 defines at least a portion of this bore. The bore is preferably circular in cross section.

In a preferred form, as seen in Figure 2, the cutter 605 preferably has a circular cut end. Preferably, the cutter is substantially cylindrical in shape. It will be appreciated that alternative shapes may be used. The alternative shape may be, for example, three or more sides.

The cutter 605 is provided at the cut end of the punch to easily remove the sample from the organism. The cutter may be attached to the punch or may be integral with the punch such that the cutter and punch are formed into a single piece. It is not necessary to be formed to take a core sample by passing through an organism, but instead a sample can be taken at the edge of the surface of the organism. However, the hollow section, such as the cylindrical section, provides the additional advantage of a cutter that can retain the sample as a plug. When driven into and preferably through the organism, the sample is cut from the organism and held in the bore 608 of the punch. The cutter 605 preferably extends from one end of the punch bore 608 at the cut end of the punch to its periphery.

1 and 2, the bore 608 effectively becomes a blind bore since the plunger 609 is positioned within the bore of the punch 604. [ The plunger 609 is aligned with the bore. The plunger 609 is held in the bore 608 of the punch to form a portion of the sample collector 601. In one form, the plunger protrudes, at least in part, from the bore, as seen in FIG. The plungers and punches in the pre-sampling state have cavities that extend inwardly from the cut end 608 and are part of the bore for the sample to be collected when the sample collector 601 is driven into and / or through the organism .

The plunger has a first end 687 and a second end 666. The first end is a pushing end for pushing the sample onto the sample to push it out of the cavity. The second end is a drive end for driving the plunger in the manner described herein below. The fit of the plunger 609 in the bore 608 is tight, allowing the plunger to slide relative to the punch. In a preferred form, the outer surface of the plunger abuts the inner surface of the bore. This ensures that a tight fit between the punch 604 and the plunger 609 is provided and thus prevents the penetration of contaminants from the drive end of the punch through the bore to the cut end of the punch or towards the cut end Help. The plunger and the punch are in a slidable relationship with each other. Because they are in a slidable relationship with one another, the sample can be withdrawn therefrom by the plunger 609 if it is collected from the organism at and near the cut end 606 and held in the bore. Preferably, the first end is fully pushed to the cut end 606 and the collected sample can be withdrawn from the sample collector. The actuation of the plunger may be to push the first end 687 of the plunger. The plunger may be located in an active position, as shown in FIG. 17, and may be moved to a plunged position, as shown in FIG. 19, in the manner described herein below.

Preferably, the plunger 609 includes an enlarged area 613 that prevents the plunger from falling out of the punch 604 from the drive end 607. The corresponding constrictions in the enlargement and punch bores limit movement of the plunger and the plunger can not be removed by pulling it out of the punch from the drive end 607. [ This prevents external access to the collected sample and helps to keep the sample in the cavity or further to the containment area 616 of the storage container.

In a preferred form, when the plunger is actuated, the sample is discharged from the bore into the containment zone 616.

The plunger 609 preferably includes an EID tag 614.

The plunger may be moved axially along the bore of the punch to cause the sample collected by the cutter 605 to be pushed into the containment section 616 of the storage container 602 from the collector as previously described. The plunger includes a pushing end 687 that can push the sample from the cutter, while including a drive end 666. [

At the drive end opposite the cut end, the sample collector 601 is preferably pushed to be displaced by the sampler device, for example, through the ear of the animal, to allow the sample to be collected.

The sample collector 601 is coupled with the sample collector driver 626 during the sampling process. The sample collector and the sample collector driver may be assembled into three elongated strings. In use, the sample collector driver first causes the sample collector to pass through the animal's ears. Thereafter, the plunger may be pushed to dispense the sample into the containment zone, and then selectively seal the containment zone. Now, I will explain this.

A sample collector driver 626 is provided for sampling and is connected to the sampler collector, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, for example. The shape of the connected sample collector driver and sample collector is similar to a three-pronged (preferably straight) string similar to a drill string, with the components aligned in an axial direction and along an aligned axis.

In a preferred form, the pushrod 662 is removably coupled to the sample collector driver 626 during the sampling process. The push rod 662 is optionally provided for the purpose of driving the sample collector and sample collector driver through the animal's ear and provides an extension or sleeve to the driving rod of the sampler device 1300. This helps prevent cross contamination of the samples during the sampling process. The push rod 662 may be removed from the sample collector driver 626 once sampling has occurred. 3A, an interference fit plug 667 is provided. The interference fit plug 667 may be located within the socket 668 at the end of the sample collector driver 626, but may be removed therefrom with sufficient force. The assembly of the sample collector 601 and the sample collector driver 626 and, optionally, the push rod 662, when included, is of a substantially slender, elongated configuration, with a substantially constant diameter or other external profile. This helps to allow the assembly to pass through the animal's ears to collect the sample. As can be seen, the sample collectors and sample collector drivers and push rods are preferably elongated, straight and serially connected as in a drill string. These are preferably aligned in the axial direction.

As can be seen in Figure 3A, the push rod 662 is preferably configured to act as a sleeve for the actuator driver of the sampler device. A cavity 669 is provided that allows the actuator driver to be positioned therein to drive the assembly of the sample collector, sample collector driver, and push rod by pushing the end wall 670 of the push rod 662. [

Because the plunger 609 has a telescoping relationship with the sample collector driver 626, the plunger and sample collector driver can move between the first and second positions relative to each other. The plunger and sample collector driver can be coupled at the ratchet-like connection, as is enabled by the expansion and contraction relationship. The ratchet-type connecting portion allows movement in one stretching direction but prevents movement in the opposite direction or prevents movement in a reverse direction through a certain point. The ratchet-like connection may be in the form of a dog or umbrella-shaped portion 665 or other physical obstacle or joint provided by a plunger or sample collector driver or provided by the interaction of a plunger and a sample collector driver.

Several embodiments of possible ratchet-type connections are shown in Figures 11B-11J. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger may include a drive end 666 defined by an umbrella portion 665. The umbrella shape is deflected naturally as shown in Fig. 14, but can be caused / forced to assume a contracted state, as can be seen in Fig.

The relationship between the sample collector driver 626 and the punch 604 and the plunger 609 allows these components to be displaced axially relative to each other. Now, I will explain this. The sample collector, the sample collector driver, and the storage container can be held by the sampler device 1300 for sampling.

5, in a first state (punching state), a sample collector driver 626 is coupled at the interface 671 to the punch 604 and a push rod 662, which pushes onto the sample collector driver 626, The force exerted by the actuator mechanism of the sampler device 1300 can push the punch 604. The punch 604 and the sample collector driver 626 are in close proximity to each other for pushing so as to drive the sample collector and sample collector driver through the animal's ears. The punch and plunger are in a retracted position with the cavity defined by the cutter and plunger to allow the sample to be collected and held in the cavity. The plunger and sample collector driver are in a first position in which the plunger is located within the cavity 672 of the sample collector driver. The umbrella portion of the plunger is in a contracted state. Thus, in the first state:

1. The sample collector driver and punch are in a densely populated position,

2. The punch and plunger are in the retracted position,

3. The plunger and sample collector driver are in the first position where the umbrella shape is contracted.

The sample collector and preferably the sample collector driver, in this first state, can be driven through the ear of the animal and combined with the storage container, as can be seen in Fig.

9, the plunger 609 is held in a retracted position relative to the punch 604, after the cutter has passed through the animal's ears and the sample is held in the cavity. The punch is held in place by the cap of the storage container and the sample collector driver is returned towards its original position by the mechanism of the sampler device. The sample collector driver and punches are in an extended position with respect to each other in the second state. These are preferably joined together by stretching. The plunger and plunger are maintained in the retracted position, but the plunger and sample collector driver are in the second position relative to each other in the expanded state where the umbrella shaped portion is no longer in the cavity 672.

Thus, in the second state:

1. The sample collector driver and punch are in the extended position,

2. The punch and plunger are in the retracted position,

3. The plunger and sample collector driver are in the second position with the umbrella shape expanded.

In the third state, as seen in FIG. 15, the sample collector driver is pushed back towards the punch, preferably again to or near its initial densified position. This is achieved by the drive mechanism of the sampler device, which will be described later in this specification. In the third state, the plunger moved to the advanced position relative to the punch. The sample collector driver and plunger are held in the second position with the umbrella shape expanded. Now, the sample collector driver is fully seated with the storage container in a cap that can seal the storage container.

Thus, in the third state:

1. The sample collector driver and punch are in or near dense locations,

2. The punch and plunger are in the advanced position,

The opposite distal end of the plunger includes an umbrella portion 665 in a contracted state when the punch and sample collector driver are in a densified position. The umbrella shape is held in a contracted state because it is in the first cavity 672 of the sample collector driver 626. The first cavity 672 has a property that the umbrella-shaped portion 665 of the plunger 609 is kept in a contracted state as shown in Fig. 3B. In a preferred form, the drive end 666 of the plunger is positioned against the end wall 673 of the first cavity 672. The plunger 609 extends from the first cavity through the second cavity 674 in the sample collector driver 626. [ Preferably, the first cavity 672 is a first diameter bore. The second cavity 674 is preferably a larger diameter bore so that when the plunger is axially displaced out of the first cavity 672 relative to the sample collector driver 626 the drive end 666 of the plunger And includes an end wall 675 that can be coupled. Upon displacement, the umbrella-shaped portion 665, which naturally deflects to the expanded state, can expand and can not re-enter the first cavity 672 when expanded. Instead, the drive end 666 may contact the end wall 675 of the second cavity 674. When the sample collector driver 626 is further driven toward the storage container in the axial displaced state relative to the sample collector driver 626, eventually the plunger will be displaced relative to the punch. This is caused by the interaction of the drive end 666 with the end wall 675 of the second cavity.

It is preferable that the umbrella-shaped portion 665 is integrally formed as a part of the plunger 609. The plunger and the umbrella-shaped portion are preferably made of a plastic material, and the umbrella-shaped portion is naturally expanded. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is preferable that the plunger and the umbrella portion are configured to be folded in a contracted state.

5 and 6, when the sample collector and the sample collector driver are driven into the ear of the animal, the sample collector and the sample collector driver are in a densified position, and the driving of the punch is performed at the interface between the sample collector driver and the punch Lt; / RTI > In Fig. 6, it can be seen that the sample 612 is detached and held by the cutter 605. The plunger was still in the retracted position relative to the cutter and was not moved to eject the sample from the cutter 605. [

The storage container 602 and preferably its cap 619 can be guided to fit snugly against the punch 604 and slide into the bore of the cap 619. [ The assembly of the sample collector and the sample collector driver can be driven through the ears of the animal, as can be seen in Fig. As previously described, the axial relationship between the punch and sample collector driver and plunger remains the same in this sampling step as before the sample was taken. The assembly of the sample collector driver and sample collector was simply displaced through the ear of the animal and engaged with the cap of the storage container 620. The sample collector can advance within the bore of the cap to reach the rupturable seal. It is preferable that the sealing portion is constructed as described above. The punch can be removed by pushing the rupturable seal 624.

Preferably, the axial relationship between the sample collector driver 626 and the sample collector 601 changes when the puncturable seal 624 is broken (but alternatively before this point). The sample collector driver 626 is at least partially retracted back toward its original position and retracts at least partially out of the cap, as seen in FIG. The mechanism of the sampling device can cause this displacement. The sample collector 601 (punch 604 and plunger 609) is held in its position relative to the storage container, which was delivered by the sampler device, and is not retracted back with the sample collector driver 626. The partial withdrawal of the sample collector driver 626 may result in a relative axial displacement of sufficient distance to allow the drive end 666 of the plunger 609 to be displaced out of the first cavity 672 of the sample collector driver 626 . This extends the umbrella shape. Preferably, the retraction distance is not substantially greater than the distance required to move the drive end 666 out of the first cavity 672 to expand the umbrella configuration. The expanded state of the umbrella portion can now engage with the end wall 675 of the second cavity 674 of the sample collector driver 626.

10 and 11A, the size or shape d1 of the drive end 666 of the plunger is approximately equal to the size d2 of the cavity 672 of the sample collector driver. This is the case where the punch is in its dense position relative to the sample collector driver and the plunger is in the first position relative to the sample collector driver. In the second position of the plunger relative to the sample collector driver, the size or shape D1 of the drive end corresponds to the size or shape D2 of the second cavity of the sample collector driver.

Additional displacement of the sample collector driver 626 into the cap causes the sample collector driver 626 to drive the plunger 609 to eject the sample 612 from the cutter 605, .

As can be seen in Figure 15, the continued displacement of the sample collector driver 626 causes the sample collector driver 626 to enter the passageway of the cap, thereby providing an additional seal for the containment zone. The sample collector driver 626 may include an enlargement 676 that can be pushed into the annular recess 677 of the bore of the cap. The interaction of the enlargement and annular recesses may provide an additional barrier to the penetration or leakage of contaminants and / or sample material into the storage area 616 of the storage container 602. The interaction of the enlargement and annular recesses also keeps the sample collector driver in a fixed relationship with respect to the cap so that the retracting force exerted on the push rod 662 is transmitted from the sample collector driver 626 Which helps to cause the separation of the push rod 662.

17, the sample collector driver 626 and the punch 604 are in a dense relationship with respect to each other, and the plunger 609 is in a < RTI ID = 0.0 > Is in a retracted position with respect to the punch (604). This is the punch mode of the assembly. 18, the punch and sample collector driver are in an extended position with respect to each other where the sample collector driver 626 extends the umbrella portion 665 and the end wall 675 of the sample collector driver and the drive end 666 The punch 604 has been removed. The advance of the sample collector driver 626 toward the punch 604 will displace the plunger 609 relative to the punch 604 to its advanced position to cause the sample to be drained. The displacement toward the punch 604 also causes the sample collector driver 626 to displace into the cap more than when it was in the punch condition visible in Figure 17 so that the sample collector driver 626 completely seals the bore of the cap can do.

In an alternative form, the sample collector driver may be removed from the sample collector after driving the sample collector into the containment vessel and actuating the plunger. The sample collector driver may not seal the storage container. The sample collector driver may be disposed.

Figures 11B-11J illustrate variations on the retractable ratchet relationship of the plunger and the sample collector driver. Figs. 11C, 11E, 11G and 11I show the driver and the plunger when the relationship between the driver and the plunger becomes the plunger in the withdrawn position at the time of assembly, and Figs. 11D, 11F, Figure 11J shows the driver and plunger, respectively, in which the relationship between the driver and the plunger is at the assembly when the plunger is in the advanced position.

The sample collector and the sample collector driver and the storage container may be provided in a form coupled with the cartridge 1303. The cartridge can be a body defining the storage container holding section 1306 and the sample collector and sample collector driver holding section 1307, as can be seen in FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. An exploded view of this is shown in Fig. The main body of the cartridge 1303 maintains the sample collector, the storage container, and the sample collector driver in an axially aligned state. The main body of the cartridge keeps the storage container separated from the sample collector by the gap 1308. As can be seen in FIG. 24, the gap 1308 is large enough to allow the animal's ears 630 to be inserted into the gap and aligned in the axial direction for the purpose of sampling the sample. Cartridge 1303 may be loaded into sampler apparatus 1300, as shown in Figs. 26-30. The cartridge is preferably removably loadable so that once the sample has been taken, the cartridge can be removed. Upon removal, the storage container may be delivered to the laboratory as a unit while being coupled to the cartridge for further processing.

A cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 21 is shown in FIG. This is a pre-sampling state in which the sample collector driver and sample collector 601 are on one side of the gap 1308 and the storage container 602 is on the opposite side of the gap. Figure 24 shows a sample collector 601 and a sample collector driver 626 assembly that are delivered to sample a sample of an animal's ear 603. Figure 25 shows a sample collector driver delivered to the sample collector and sample collector, a sample collector driver 626 that seals the cap of the sample collector, and a plunger that is actuated to push the sample 612 into the storage area 616 .

Referring to Fig. 26, a sampler device 1300 including a main body 1301 and a handle 1310 is shown. The handle is actuated by a user to collect and deliver the sample to the containment vessel so that the shaft 1360 of the sampler apparatus is actuated by the sample collector and sample collector driver assembly, preferably via the push rod 662 can do. The cartridge 1303 may be removably coupled to the sampler device 1300. In the removed state shown in Fig. 28, a cartridge 1303 with a sample collector, a sample collector driver and a storage container pre-coupled to each other (preferably before delivery to the factory and to the end point of use) May be inserted into the sampler device 1300. The cartridge 1303 can be inserted and held there releasably.

The cartridge may include an area where a person can record information. You can use a pen to do this. The information may be, for example, a date and / or animal number that can be found in an animal's eartag.

The cartridge can have an EID. This may contain information that matches the EID information of the sample collector and / or container.

Referring to Figure 30, the mechanism of the sampler device is shown. The mechanism includes a drive shaft 1360 that can be actuated to drive towards the gap 1308, which in use is aligned with the sample collector storage vessel, the sample collector driver, and the push rod, respectively. These elements are in a straight line and aligned with the displacement direction of the drive shaft. The drive shaft can move the sample collector and the sample collector driver across the gap, through the animal's ears, and into the containment vessel.

The trigger mechanism used in the sampler device may be to cause movement of the drive shaft in the direction to drive the collector toward the storage container and may be used to move the plunger from the sample collector driver so that the umbrella- The shaft can be partially retracted manually to partially withdraw. Thereafter, the drive shaft may again be manually driven in the drive direction to complete the movement of the plunger and sample collector driver to the third state.

This can be caused by properly moving the handle of the sampler device in one direction and in the opposite direction. Alternatively, this may be caused by operation of an intermittent drive mechanism which may cause driving under a single drive input, partial withdrawal, and then return to drive. The drive input may be a movement of the handle of the sampler, or it may be the operation of a motor such as an electric motor.

Also, alternatively, the trigger mechanism may be such that the drive shaft can be driven in this manner by operation of an appropriately controlled motor, such as an electric motor or more particularly a DC servo motor. The electric motor can be used with or without auxiliary intermittent mechanisms to drive the drive shaft 1360. This configuration is shown in Fig. 34, in which the servo motor 1370 drives the drive shaft 1360. Fig.

In Fig. 34, the coupling device between the servo motor 1370 and the drive shaft 1360 may include a mechanism in which the drive rod is allowed to withdraw a specific amount once the drive rod reaches its specific extension point, for example under bias . Thereafter, the mechanism may rejoin the coupling device to the servo motor 1370 so that the drive rod 1360 may be driven forward again.

Alternatively, in Fig. 34, the coupling device between the servo motor 1370 and the driving rod 1360 may be a fixed coupling device without an intermittent mechanism, in which the driving rod 1360 is extended, retracted, Is provided by the drive of the servo motor 1370. Control on the timing, speed and duration of the operation of the driving rod 1360 in each direction can be provided by the control of the servo motor 1370. [ It is contemplated that the combined use of commonly available control systems and electric motors may be suitable to provide control properties that include the speed, direction and position desired to perform the functions of the drive rods described above.

Servo motor 1370 can be powered by an internal power source such as battery 1371. The operation of the servomotor 1370 can be initiated by the operation of the handle 1302 resulting in the connection of the switch 1372. [ Alternatively, the drive rod 1360 can be coupled to the linear motor, and the linear motor can be controlled and actuated to drive the drive rod 1360 in both directions as previously described. In such a configuration, a drive connection device may not be required between the motor and the drive rod.

Claims

An assembled elongated string comprising a sample collector and a sample collector driver for driving at least the sample collector through an item to be sampled along a sampling axis aligned with the longitudinal direction of the string,
The sample collector includes:
A punch having a bore provided in the longitudinal direction and provided at one end of the punch and supporting a cutter for cutting the sample from the item and holding it in the bore when the punch penetrates the sample,
A plunger slidably supported on the punch so as to be movable within the bore between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position is provided to the cutter Which causes the retained sample to be displaced from the cutter,
Lt; / RTI >
The sample collector driver includes:
Wherein the driver is configured to pass the sample collector through the item while maintaining the plunger in the retracted position so that the sample can be cut and held by the cutter in a retracted and densely populated position And in a telescopically expanded position, the driver can be driven in the same direction as when driving the collector through the item to move the plunger from its retracted position to its advanced position , main body
Containing
String.

The method according to claim 1,
When the sample collector and the body are in the retracted and densified position, the main body and the punch are in contact with each other so that the main body pushes the punch while driving the sample collector to drive the sample collector through the item
String.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
When the sample collector and the main body are in the retracted and densely packed position, the main body and the punch are moved by driving the sample collector through the item by pushing the punch without pushing the plunger, Abutting
String.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the sample collector and the main body are in the retracted and densified position, the main body and the punch are pushed to the sample collector by pushing the punch without moving the plunger to its advanced position, Which are in contact with one another to drive the item
String.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the sample collector and the body are in the telescopically expanded position, the body and the plunger are moved such that the body moves in the same direction, pushing the plunger to move the plunger to its advanced position Abutting
String.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the sample collector and the main body are in the telescopically expanded position, the main body and the plunger are moved in the same direction while pushing the plunger without pushing the punch, In contact with each other to move the
String.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
When the sample collector and the main body are in the telescopically expanded position, the main body and the plunger are moved in the same direction, pushing the plunger without moving the punch, To move to the advanced position
String.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Wherein one of the body and the plunger is adapted to assist in an inactive mode to prevent the plunger from being driven to its advanced position by the body in the densely populated position and to engage the dog dog
String.

9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the dog is held under bias by the plunger and the other one of the body when in the non-active mode when the sample collector and the body are in the densified position, The flexible member
String.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
Wherein the dog is configured to move the plunger and the other one of the body of the body such that when the body is moved in the same direction the plunger is driven towards its advanced position, Which is biased towards a position that represents itself to engage with the body and the plunger,
String.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
Wherein the dog is supported by the plunger and can be aligned with the drive surface of the body when the body is in the extended position relative to the sample collector
String.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Wherein the sample collector is comprised of the cutter, which is generally circular in cross section and is elongated and straight, positioned at one end of the collector
String.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein the punch comprises a cutter positioned at one end of the collector and having a generally circular cross-section and elongate,
String.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Wherein the punch comprises a cutter positioned at one end of the collector and having a generally circular cross-section and elongate,
String.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Wherein the plunger has a protruding portion projecting from an end portion of the punch opposed to the cutter
String.

The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
Wherein the plunger includes an umbrella that acts as the dog, the umbrella-shaped portion being resiliently movable between a retracted and expanded state, the umbrella-shaped portion having: (a) Wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is maintained in one of the retracted and expanded states by the lateral surfaces or surfaces of the body that can slide when the umbrella-shaped portion is moved relative to the sample collector, Wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is coupled to the body so that when the body is moved to the extended position, the body may be moved to the other of the expanded or contracted states to allow the plunger to move to the advanced position Mobile
String.

The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The plunger has a rod-
String.

17. The method of claim 16,
The umbrella-shaped portion is located at the end of the plunger farthest from the cutter
String.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
The body may be elongated and straight
String.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
Wherein the body is elongated and straight and has the same outer cross-section as the punch
String.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
Wherein the main body and the punch form a continuous elongated drivable member when in the densified position
String.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
The body including a receptacle section for receiving, directly or indirectly, a driver of a sampler device that can force the sample collector to be driven through the item
String.

22. The method of claim 21,
The receptacle section is adapted and configured to be directly or indirectly coupled by the driver such that the body is displaced in a direction opposite to the driving direction and the driving direction
String.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
Wherein the body seals the inlet of the sample storage container into which the string is to be coupled after sampling the sample
String.

24. A set of sample storage containers defining an inlet opening leading to a storage space of a string and storage container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, said inlet opening being such that after said cutter is driven through said item A method of receiving a string containing a sample
set.

26. The method of claim 25,
The storage container is configured such that, when the sample collector (preferably the punch) is received in the inlet opening, the driver moves the sample collector and the storage container &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI >
set.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26,
The main body advances toward the punch again when driving the plunger to its advanced position, whereby the body being advanced thereby causes sealing of the inlet opening
set.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27,
The inlet opening and the body including a zone of cooperating surface or surfaces that allow the body to seal the inlet opening and consequently the containment zone of the storage container
set.

29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28,
The container includes a container body and a cap detachably coupled to the container body, wherein the inlet opening is a passage defined by the cap
set.

30. The method of claim 29,
The passageway and the body of the driver are adjusted and configured to seal in the containment zone in a snap-fit manner to retain the body of the driver with the cap
set.

31. A method of collecting and storing a sample from an item using the set of any one of claims 25 to 30,
a. Positioning the storage vessel and the string on either side of the gap such that the sampler device is maintained in axial alignment by the sampler device, the sampler device including an actuator acting directly or indirectly on the sample collector driver,
b. Placing a portion of the item to be sampled in the gap such that a portion of the item is also axially aligned,
c. Moving the actuator in a driving direction that drives the string toward the storage container so that the sample collector is driven into an inlet opening of the storage container to maintain the punch by the storage container,
d. Moving the actuator in a direction opposite to the driving direction to allow the sample collector driver to mate with the plunger to drive the plunger in the driving direction,
e. Moving the actuator in the driving direction to cause the sample collector driver to displace the plunger to its advanced position
Way.

32. The method of claim 31,
In steps (a) and (b) and (c), the plunger is in its retracted position relative to the punch, and the sample collector driver is located in the densely populated position with respect to the punch
Way.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32,
In step (d), the plunger is in its retracted position relative to the punch and the sample collector driver is in its extended position relative to the punch
Way.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33,
In step (e), the plunger is in its advanced position with respect to the punch, and the sample collector is in its densified position relative to the punch or in a position closer to its densified position than its extended position
Way.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34,
Wherein in the step (e), the sample collector driver is driven into the inlet opening in a manner that seals the inlet opening
Way.

A sampling assembly driven in one direction relative to the item and collecting biological samples from the item and dispensing into a storage container,
a) as a sample collector,
A punch providing at one end a cutter for cutting and holding the sample from the item when passing or going through the item,
A plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position causes the sample held by the cutter Displaceable plunger
A sample collector,
b) As a sample collector driver,
Wherein in the first position relative to the punch and plunger, the punch and the plunger can be driven in the one direction, and in the second position relative to the punch and the plug, when the sample collector driver is again driven in the one direction The plunger being ratchet-engaged with the plunger in such a manner as to move the plunger relative to the punch and to be retractably contacted with the sample collector to move in a direction opposite to the one direction,
And a sample collector driver
Sampling assembly.

A sampling string for collecting a biological sample from an item,
a) as a sample collector,
A punch providing at one end a cutter for cutting and holding the sample from the item when passing or going through the item,
A plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position causes the sample Is displaced from the cutter,
A sample collector,
b) in use in a first state, in use, being coupled to the punch so as to be able to drive the punch through or through the item when in a first position relative to the punch, the plunger being moved from its retracted position And a sample collector driver slidable and retractable relative to the plunger in a second condition ratchetically engaged with the plunger such that the plunger is distanced and /
String.

39. The method of claim 37,
In the first state, the driver is prevented from driving the plunger to its advanced position
String.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38,
In the first state, the plunger is not in driving contact with the driver, and in the second state, the punch is not in driving contact with the driver
String.

40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39,
In the first state, the plunger is not in driving contact with the driver, and in the second state, the punch is not in driving contact with the driver
String.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40,
Wherein the string is a elongated straight string and the string is longer when the driver is in the second position than when the driver is in the first position
String.

42. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41,
Wherein the driver includes a recess extending inward when the plunger of the sample collector is at least in the first state
String.

43. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 42,
The plunger is configured to project from the bore into the driver
String.

A sample collector driven by a driver so that it can be driven through and passed through an item to detach and maintain the sample from the item,
A punch providing a cutter comprising: a punch providing a driver engageable area for driving the punch to allow the driver to remove the sample from the item;
A plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch, wherein, in use, movement from the retracted position to the advanced position causes the sample Wherein the driver moves the plunger from its retracted position to its advanced position in the first position upon movement from a first position relative to the driver to a second position relative to the driver, And the plunger is adapted to be ratchet-engaged with the driver such that the plunger is coupled to the driver such that the driver can move the plunger to its advanced position in the second position
Sample Collector.

A sampling string for collecting a biological sample from an item,
a) as a sample collector,
A punch providing at one end a cutter for cutting and holding the sample from the item when passing or going through the item,
A plunger slidably supported by the punch so as to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the punch,
A sample collector,
b) a sample collector driver coupled to the punch to enable the punch to be driven in or out of use in the first state, in use,
In use, movement from said retracted position to said advanced position causes said sample held on said cutter to be displaced from said cutter and ratchet-engages said plunger and driver into an operative operative state, Operated by stretching displacement
String.

As a body comprising a storage vessel holding area described herein and / or where the storage vessel claimed in the claims is located and a sample collector holding area described herein and / or in which the sample collector claimed in the claims is located , The plunger is in its retracted position and can not be moved to its advanced position by the sample collector driver, preferably the sample collector driver is associated with the sample collector, And a body for holding the sample collector and the storage container so as to be spaced apart from each other with a sufficient clearance to allow a portion of the item to be sampled to be placed in the gap.

47. The method of claim 46,
The sampler device including an actuator for generating sampling is adjusted and configured to be loaded and unloaded
cartridge.

49. The method of claim 47,
Wherein the body of the cartridge is adapted and configured to shield the sampler device in the gap from the item located in the gap and any exudates extracted or ejected from the item during sampling
cartridge.