US20010054324A1 - Sampling device - Google Patents

Sampling device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20010054324A1
US20010054324A1 US09/855,184 US85518401A US2001054324A1 US 20010054324 A1 US20010054324 A1 US 20010054324A1 US 85518401 A US85518401 A US 85518401A US 2001054324 A1 US2001054324 A1 US 2001054324A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tube
transponder
clip
sampling
identification device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
US09/855,184
Other versions
US6446515B2 (en
Inventor
Alun Cole
Elizabeth Woolfenden
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Markes International Ltd
Original Assignee
Markes International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Markes International Ltd filed Critical Markes International Ltd
Assigned to MARKES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED reassignment MARKES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: COLE, ALUN, WOOLFENDEN, ELIZABETH ANGELA
Publication of US20010054324A1 publication Critical patent/US20010054324A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6446515B2 publication Critical patent/US6446515B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
    • G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
    • G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/54—Labware with identification means
    • B01L3/545—Labware with identification means for laboratory containers
    • B01L3/5453—Labware with identification means for laboratory containers for test tubes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/02—Identification, exchange or storage of information
    • B01L2300/021—Identification, e.g. bar codes
    • B01L2300/022—Transponder chips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G01N1/2273—Atmospheric sampling
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
    • G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
    • G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
    • G01N2035/00742—Type of codes
    • G01N2035/00782—Type of codes reprogrammmable code

Abstract

A sampling device comprising an elongate tube and an identification device. The identification device comprises a transponder which is removably attached to the tube by means of a clip. The identification device may thus be removed from the tube prior to analysis and/or replaced between successive sampling operations.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • The present invention relates to a device for sampling atmospheric conditions at a test location for subsequent analysis. [0002]
  • 2. State of the Art [0003]
  • It is known to provide a sampling device in the form of an elongate tube containing a quantity of adsorbing material. At least one end of the tube is provided with a removable cap which allows the interior of the tube, once exposed to the surrounding atmosphere at a test site, to be sealed prior to the analysis of its contents. [0004]
  • Analysis of the contents of the tube involves removing the cap from the end of the tube, applying heat to the tube to release adsorbed substances from the adsorbing material and driving the released substances out of the tube using a flow of gas. [0005]
  • However, a difficulty arises in labelling such tubes, in a convenient manner, such that they may be readily distinguished from one another at an analysis site and such that the tubes may be subsequently re-used. [0006]
  • We have now devised an arrangement which overcomes the limitations of existing sampling devices. [0007]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sampling device comprising an elongate tube and an identification device comprising a transponder which is removably attached to the tube by means of a clip. [0008]
  • The identification device may thus be removed from the tube prior to analysis and/or replaced between successive sampling operations. [0009]
  • Preferably the transponder is attached to the tube such that it does not directly contact the exterior surface of the tube. The transponder is thus thermally isolated from the tube to a substantial extent, thereby allowing the identification device to remain attached to the tube during analysis. [0010]
  • Preferably the tube is formed with a reduced diameter portion within which the clip is attached to inhibit movement of the identification device along the length of the tube. [0011]
  • Preferably the reduced diameter portion is situated towards one end of the elongate tube, so that the opposite end of the tube may be heated during analysis without damaging the transponder. [0012]
  • Preferably the clip comprises a first part for attaching to the tube and a second part for attaching the transponder to the first part, thereby allowing a spent transponder to be readily replaced without sacrificing the clip. [0013]
  • Preferably the first part comprises a pair of resilient arms which engage opposite sides of the tube and connecting portions which extend between the two arms at spaced apart points along the axis of the tube, with the second part comprising a generally U-shaped member which clips around the transponder and the two connecting portions of the first part to hold the transponder against the undersides of those portions. The transponder is thus substantially encapsulated, with the gap between the two connecting portions providing a window through which the transponder may be read. [0014]
  • Preferably the resilient arms are arcuate in form and engage the sides of a cylindrical tube. [0015]
  • The clip, or at least the first part of the two part clip described above, is preferably formed from a material having low thermal conductivity, thereby further thermally isolating the transponder from the tube. [0016]
  • The sampling tube may be formed from glass or from a metallic material. [0017]
  • Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an identification device comprising a transponder and a clip for attaching the transponder to an elongate sampling tube. [0018]
  • Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of labelling a sampling tube comprising removably attaching a transponder to the tube by means of a clip.[0019]
  • An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0020]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a sampling device in accordance with the present invention; [0021]
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the device of FIG. 1; and [0022]
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the device of FIG. 1 along the line A,A′.[0023]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Referring to the drawings, a sampling device is shown comprising an elongate [0024] cylindrical glass tube 2 containing a quantity of adsorbing material 4, the opposite ends of the tube 2 being closed by removable end- caps 6,8.
  • To acquire an atmospheric sample at a test location, the end-[0025] caps 6,8 are first removed from the tube 2 for a predetermined period of time and then replaced to prevent contamination of the sample. The caps 6,8 are once again removed for analysis of the sample, which requires the tube 2 to be heated to approximately 250° C. to release adsorbed substances from the adsorbing material 4 into a flow of inert gas through the tube.
  • An identification device in the form of a generally flat, [0026] rectangular transponder 10 is removably attached to a reduced diameter portion 12 at one end of the tube 2 by means of a two- part clip 14,16, the side- walls 18,20 of the reduced diameter portion 12 acting to prevent the clip 14,16 from sliding along the tube. The transponder 10 may, for example. be programmed with a unique identification code or with data relating to the sample contained within the tube 2, for subsequently identifying or processing the sample.
  • The [0027] first part 14 of the clip comprises a pair of resilient arms 22,24 formed with arcuate distal ends 26,28 which engage the surface of the tube 2 on opposite sides of the reduced diameter portion 12, and connecting portions 30,32 which extend between the proximal ends of the arms 22,24 on opposite sides of the clip, the connecting portions 30,32 comprising a generally straight centre section from which respective end sections project to the arms 22,24 (FIG. 3).
  • The [0028] second part 16 of the clip comprises a generally U-shaped aluminium strip which passes around the transponder 10 and clips around the outer edges of the straight central sections of the two connecting portions 30,32, such that the transponder is held against the undersides of the straight central sections of the two connecting portions, spaced from the surface of the tube 2.
  • The [0029] window 34 formed between the two connecting portions 30,32 allows the transponder 10 to be read and/or programmed by an external device.
  • By mounting the transponder to the tube by means of a clip, it will be appreciated that the transponder may be removed from the tube prior to analysis to prevent it from becoming damaged as the tube is heated. [0030]
  • However, by mounting the transponder at the opposite end of the tube to that which is to be heated during analysis and by arranging the clip such that thermal conduction between the tube and the transponder is minimised, the transponder may, if necessary, remain attached to the [0031] sampling tube 2 during analysis.
  • In the latter case, it will further be appreciated that the two-[0032] part clip arrangement 14,16 of the present invention allows a transponder which may have become damaged during analysis to be readily replaced by un-clipping the second part 16 of the clip from the first part 14.
  • The arrangement thus described provides a convenient means for labelling a tube containing an atmospheric sample. [0033]

Claims (29)

1. A sampling device comprising an elongate tube and an identification device comprising a transponder which is removably attached to the tube by means of a clip.
2. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 1
, wherein the transponder is attached to the tube such that it does not directly contact the exterior surface of the tube.
3. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 1
, wherein the tube is formed with a reduced diameter portion within which the clip is attached to inhibit movement of the identification device along the length of the tube.
4. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 3
, wherein the reduced diameter portion is situated towards one end of the elongate tube, so that the opposite end of the tube may be heated during analysis without damaging the transponder.
5. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 1
, wherein the clip comprises a first part for attaching to the tube and a second part for attaching the transponder to the first part.
6. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 5
, wherein the first part comprises a pair of resilient arms which engage opposite sides of the tube and connecting portions which extend between the two arms at spaced apart points along the axis of the tube, with the second part comprising a generally U-shaped member which clips around the transponder and the two connecting portions of the first part to hold the transponder against the undersides of those portions.
7. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 6
, wherein the resilient arms are arcuate in form and engage the sides of a cylindrical tube.
8. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 1
, wherein the clip is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
9. A sampling device as claimed in claims 5, wherein at least the first part of the two-part clip is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
10. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 1
, wherein the sampling tube is formed from glass.
11. A sampling device as claimed in
claim 1
, wherein the sampling tube is formed from a metallic material.
12. Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an identification device comprising a transponder and a clip for attaching the transponder to an elongate sampling tube.
13. An identification device as claimed in
claim 12
, arranged such that the transponder is attached to the tube such that it does not directly contact the exterior surface of the tube.
14. An identification device as claimed in
claim 12
, wherein the clip comprises a first part for attaching to the tube and a second part for attaching the transponder to the first part.
15. An identification device as claimed in
claim 14
, wherein the first part comprises a pair of resilient arms which engage opposite sides of the tube and connecting portions which extend between the two arms at spaced apart points along the axis of the tube, with the second part comprising a generally U-shaped member which clips around the transponder and the two connecting portions of the first part to hold the transponder against the undersides of those portions.
16. An identification device as claimed in
claim 15
, wherein the resilient arms are arcuate in form to engage the sides of a cylindrical tube.
17. An identification device as claimed in
claim 12
, wherein the clip is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
18. An identification device as claimed in
claim 14
, wherein at least the first part of the two-part clip is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
19. A method of labelling a sampling tube comprising removably attaching a transponder to the tube by means of a clip.
20. A method as claimed in
claim 19
, wherein the transponder is attached to the tube such that it does not directly contact the exterior surface of the tube.
21. A method as claimed in
claim 19
, wherein the tube is formed with a reduced diameter portion within which the clip is attached to inhibit movement of the identification device along the length of the tube.
22. A method as claimed in
claim 21
, wherein the reduced diameter portion is situated towards one end of the elongate tube, so that the opposite end of the tube may be heated during analysis without damaging the transponder.
23. A method as claimed in
claim 19
, wherein the clip comprises a first part for attaching to the tube and a second part for attaching the transponder to the first part.
24. A method as claimed in
claim 23
, wherein the first part comprises a pair of resilient arms which engage opposite sides of the tube and connecting portions which extend between the two arms at spaced apart points along the axis of the tube, with the second part comprising a generally U-shaped member which clips around the transponder and the two connecting portions of the first part to hold the transponder against the undersides of those portions.
25. A method as claimed in
claim 24
, wherein the resilient arms are arcuate in form and engage the sides of a cylindrical tube.
26. A method as claimed in
claim 19
, wherein the clip is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
27. A method as claimed in
claim 23
, wherein at least the first part of the two-part clip is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
28. A method as claimed in
claim 19
, wherein the sampling tube is formed from glass.
29. A method as claimed in
claim 19
, wherein the sampling tube is formed from a metallic material.
US09/855,184 2000-05-17 2001-05-14 Sampling device Expired - Lifetime US6446515B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0011729A GB2362464A (en) 2000-05-17 2000-05-17 Sampling tube having a transponder
GB0011729.1 2000-05-17
GB0011729 2000-05-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20010054324A1 true US20010054324A1 (en) 2001-12-27
US6446515B2 US6446515B2 (en) 2002-09-10

Family

ID=9891653

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/855,184 Expired - Lifetime US6446515B2 (en) 2000-05-17 2001-05-14 Sampling device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US6446515B2 (en)
GB (1) GB2362464A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008155532A2 (en) * 2007-06-16 2008-12-24 Markes International Ltd A connector to enable an identification element to be attached to a sampling device
US20190099576A1 (en) * 2016-12-05 2019-04-04 Medipines Corporation Breathing tube assembly for respiratory gas measurement for steady-state breathing
US11660021B2 (en) 2018-12-13 2023-05-30 Diagnose Early, Inc. Devices, methods, and systems for collection of volatile organic compounds

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1005914C2 (en) * 1997-04-28 1998-10-29 Sgt Exploitatie Bv Device for storing and / or treating chemicals.
US6770883B2 (en) * 2002-01-30 2004-08-03 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Sample level detection system
US10598637B2 (en) 2017-07-18 2020-03-24 Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc. Automated thermal desorption systems configured to determine sample tube orientation and/or cap presence, and related methods
US10816516B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2020-10-27 Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc. Autosamplers and gas chromatographic systems and methods including same

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2153214A1 (en) * 1971-10-26 1973-05-03 Philips Patentverwaltung DEVICE TO ACCEPT AN IDENTIFICATION CARRIER HOLDER
US4478095A (en) * 1981-03-09 1984-10-23 Spectra-Physics, Inc. Autosampler mechanism
NL9400573A (en) 1994-04-11 1995-11-01 Sgt Exploitatie Bv Apparatus for processing samples, sample container for use in such an apparatus and system for processing and analyzing substantially liquid samples.
US5517866A (en) * 1994-05-23 1996-05-21 Assay Technology, Inc. Enhanced rate monitor for fluid sampling
US5777303A (en) * 1994-09-09 1998-07-07 Gay Freres, Vente Et Exportation S.A. Device for associating test tube samples with electronic labels for storage of identifying data
EP0783445B1 (en) * 1994-09-15 2001-03-21 Clids Oy Method for handling samples
DE9416270U1 (en) * 1994-10-10 1994-12-08 Grieb Reinhard Laboratory sample container
DE19621179C2 (en) * 1996-05-25 2000-09-07 Nonnenmacher Klaus Transport unit for samples
NL1003492C2 (en) 1996-07-03 1998-01-07 Sgt Exploitatie Bv Sample tube and a method of manufacturing such a sample tube.
US5717147A (en) * 1996-08-22 1998-02-10 Rupprecht & Patashnick Company, Inc. Air sampler filter cassette carrier
DE19646994A1 (en) 1996-11-14 1998-05-20 Roellgen Dorit Identification element for tubular metal workpiece
NL1005914C2 (en) * 1997-04-28 1998-10-29 Sgt Exploitatie Bv Device for storing and / or treating chemicals.
DE19723627A1 (en) 1997-06-05 1998-12-17 Siemens Ag Medical device with control and interchangeable components
FI102731B1 (en) * 1997-07-16 1999-02-15 Clids Oy thimble
DE29819987U1 (en) * 1998-11-09 1999-01-07 Bartec Componenten & Syst Gmbh Sample bottle
DE29907313U1 (en) 1999-04-26 1999-07-22 Macherey Photometer and cuvette therefor
DE29915334U1 (en) * 1999-09-01 1999-12-16 Schulze Siegfried Device for taking up and / or treating liquid laboratory samples

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008155532A2 (en) * 2007-06-16 2008-12-24 Markes International Ltd A connector to enable an identification element to be attached to a sampling device
WO2008155532A3 (en) * 2007-06-16 2009-04-16 Markes Int Ltd A connector to enable an identification element to be attached to a sampling device
US20190099576A1 (en) * 2016-12-05 2019-04-04 Medipines Corporation Breathing tube assembly for respiratory gas measurement for steady-state breathing
US20190175862A1 (en) * 2016-12-05 2019-06-13 Medipines Corporation Breathing tube assembly for respiratory gas measurement for steady-state breathing
US11660021B2 (en) 2018-12-13 2023-05-30 Diagnose Early, Inc. Devices, methods, and systems for collection of volatile organic compounds

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0011729D0 (en) 2000-07-05
US6446515B2 (en) 2002-09-10
GB2362464A (en) 2001-11-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6733731B2 (en) Device for storing and/or treating chemicals
US20080058676A1 (en) Retractable segmented bio-molecular collector swab system
US6446515B2 (en) Sampling device
US4175008A (en) Culture specimen collection and transport package
US7559980B2 (en) Absorbent transfer for passive sampling badge
BR9406010A (en) Apparatus and process for detecting at least one substance reacting specifically in a sample collection test liquid and device
CA2175843A1 (en) Capillary sampling flow controller
US6825046B1 (en) Micro extraction technique
US4481297A (en) Vapor detection tube and method of testing for a vapor
US7655188B2 (en) Assembly for collecting samples for purposes of identification or analysis and method of use
KR19990067678A (en) Sample identification
EP1649932A1 (en) Sealing devices
US6607581B2 (en) Passive sampling badge
GB1595672A (en) Headspace-sampling apparatus
JP4866132B2 (en) Connector for analyzer and method of using the same
US20020136665A1 (en) Swab assembly
US7566421B2 (en) Encapsulated sorbent tube
EP1111365B1 (en) Sampling method using a cap with a helical gas passage.
JP3799317B2 (en) Column positioning method and jig for ion source for mass spectrometer
US20210156768A1 (en) Methods and vial closures for headspace microextraction under vacuum
GB2263769A (en) Vapour sampling device
JPH0526530Y2 (en)
JP3234036B2 (en) Gas sampler
EP0404291B1 (en) Holder for molten metal sampling device
WO2008155532A2 (en) A connector to enable an identification element to be attached to a sampling device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MARKES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:COLE, ALUN;WOOLFENDEN, ELIZABETH ANGELA;REEL/FRAME:012006/0231

Effective date: 20010601

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAT HOLDER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: LTOS); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12

SULP Surcharge for late payment

Year of fee payment: 11

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAT HOLDER NO LONGER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY