US20120024416A1 - System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle - Google Patents
System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120024416A1 US20120024416A1 US12/845,880 US84588010A US2012024416A1 US 20120024416 A1 US20120024416 A1 US 20120024416A1 US 84588010 A US84588010 A US 84588010A US 2012024416 A1 US2012024416 A1 US 2012024416A1
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- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- fluid
- protrusion
- tip
- container
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- Abandoned
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 102
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 44
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 10
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 10
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000013060 biological fluid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 3
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003146 anticoagulant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940127219 anticoagulant drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
- B01L3/50825—Closing or opening means, corks, bungs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
- B01L3/502715—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
Definitions
- Embodiments relate in general to a system and method for dispensing the contents of a fluid container directly into a receptacle and, more particularly, to a system and method for dispensing the contents of a test tube directly into a cartridge-type receptacle.
- Test tubes are commonly used as collection containers for blood specimens and other liquids, such as biological fluids.
- an anticoagulant is placed in the test tube and a blood specimen is withdrawn from a patient directly into the test tube.
- the test tube is closed with a rubber stopper.
- the blood or other fluid must be removed from the test tube to analyze it.
- the task of conveniently and efficiently dispensing fluid from a test tube onto a desired surface must be routinely performed by laboratory workers in a variety of circumstances.
- care must be taken when dispensing such fluids to avoid contamination of the fluid to be tested, such as when dispensed fluid is drawn back into the test tube.
- Care must also be taken to avoid spillage of the fluid and the possibility of the fluid becoming airborne, such as when the fluid is dispensed from the test tube too rapidly, which can expose the laboratory worker to the fluid as well as any diseases that may be carried by the fluid.
- Pipettes are typically used to transfer the fluid from the test tube into an aperture in the cartridge. But the use of the pipette required removal of the stopper from the test tube thus again creating an aerosol as the stopper is removed, thus exposing the laboratory worker to any contaminants and diseases contained in the biological fluid.
- Embodiments are directed to a system for dispensing fluid directly from a container into a cartridge type receptacle without the need for removing a closure or stopper from the container thus avoiding the creation of the undesirable aerosol effect.
- a fluid dispenser punctures the stopper of the container and, upon creation of an increase of pressure within the container, such as by flexing the stopper inwardly, fluid exits the container through the dispenser.
- a receptacle preferably a cartridge-type receptacle, has an aperture to receive the fluid dispenser such that the fluid exiting the container through the dispenser flows directly into the receptacle.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevation partially cross-sectional view of a fluid dispensing system, showing a fluid dispenser inserted through a closure of a test tube such that, after relative movement between the test tube and/or the fluid dispenser, the closure flexes to pressurize the interior of the test tube resulting in a portion of a fluid in the test tube being dispensed.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a cartridge-type receptacle.
- FIG. 3 is a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the interface between a fluid dispenser and a hole in a fluid receptacle.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the interface between a fluid dispenser and a hole in a fluid receptacle.
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the interface between a fluid dispenser and a hole in a fluid receptacle.
- Embodiments herein are directed to systems and methods for dispensing fluid from a container. Embodiments will be explained in connection with the dispensing blood from a test tube, but the detailed description is intended only as exemplary. Indeed, it will be appreciated that aspects can be used in connection with other containers as well as with other fluids. Embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3-5 , but they are not limited to the illustrated structure or application.
- a fluid dispenser includes a base 12 having opposed first and second sides 14 , 16 , respectively.
- the base 12 can be generally circular in cross-sectional shape.
- the base 12 can have any suitable conformation, such as being rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal.
- An elongated puncturing shaft 20 can extend from the first side 14 of the base 12 .
- the puncturing shaft 20 can extend at any suitable angle relative to the first side 14 of the base 12 .
- the puncturing shaft 20 can be substantially perpendicular to the first side 14 of the base 12 .
- the puncturing shaft 20 can be substantially centrally located on the first side 14 of the base 12 .
- the puncturing shaft 20 can include a stem portion 22 that can extend directly from the first side 14 of the base 12 .
- the stem portion 22 can transition to a cannula portion 24 .
- the cannula portion 24 can culminate in a tip 25 which may be pointed or chamfered to facilitate puncturing.
- the transition between the stem portion 22 and the cannula portion 24 can have any suitable configuration.
- the transition between the stem portion 22 and the cannula portion 24 can include a shoulder 26 , which may determine an insertion length of the puncturing shaft 20 into the container.
- the stem portion 22 and cannula portion can each have a substantially circular cross-section with the diameter of the circular cross-section of stem portion 22 being greater than the substantially circular cross-section diameter of the cannula portion 24 , thereby forming the shoulder 26 .
- the cannula portion 24 can include a plurality of serrations, teeth, or barbs (not shown) for resisting any tendency of the cannula portion 24 from accidentally withdrawing from the item into which it is inserted, such as the closure of a test tube or other container.
- the serrations can minimize subsequent movement of the fluid dispenser 10 after it has been attached to a container.
- a hollow protrusion 28 can extend from the second side 16 of the base 12 .
- the protrusion 28 may be the only structure that extends from the second side 16 of the base 12 .
- the protrusion 28 can extend at any suitable angle relative to the second side 16 of the base 12 .
- the protrusion 28 can be substantially perpendicular to the second side 16 of the base 12 .
- the protrusion 28 can be substantially centrally located on the second side 16 of the base 12 .
- the hollow interior of the protrusion 28 can be substantially aligned with the hollow interior of the puncturing shaft 20 .
- the protrusion 28 can terminate at a tip 30 .
- the protrusion 28 can have an associated length L p defined as the distance between the second side 16 of the base 12 and the tip 30 .
- the protrusion 28 can have any suitable conformation.
- the protrusion 28 can be substantially circular in cross-section.
- the protrusion 28 can be rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal.
- the protrusion 28 can include one or more side walls 32 , depending on the configuration of the protrusion 28 .
- the protrusion 28 when the protrusion 28 is substantially circular, the protrusion 28 can have a single continuous side wall 28 .
- the protrusion 28 is polygonal, the protrusion 28 can have a plurality of side walls 32 .
- the one or more side walls 32 can be substantially straight. Alternatively, the one or more side walls 32 can be tapered.
- a flow passage 34 can extend through the fluid dispenser 10 from the protrusion 28 to the cannula portion 24 .
- the flow passage 34 can have an inlet opening 36 in the cannula portion 24 , such as at the cannula tip 25 .
- the flow passage 34 can have an outlet opening 38 in the protrusion 28 , such as at the protrusion tip 30 .
- the flow passage 34 can extend from the inlet opening 36 to the outlet opening 38 .
- the flow passage 34 can have any suitable size and shape.
- the cross-sectional size and shape of the flow passage 34 can be substantially constant along its length or at least one of the cross-sectional size and shape of the flow passage 34 can vary along at least a portion of the flow passage 34 .
- the flow passage 34 can be substantially circular in cross-sectional shape.
- the flow passage 34 can be substantially straight.
- the flow passage 34 can include one or more bends, turns, curves and/or angles.
- the fluid dispenser 10 can be a unitary structure. That is, all portions of the fluid dispenser 10 can be formed as a single structure, such as by plastic injection molding. Alternatively, at least a portion of the fluid dispenser 10 can be made separately and/or of a different material. For instance, the cannula portion 24 can be made of metal, and the rest of the fluid dispenser 10 can be made of plastic. In such case, stem portion 22 can be molded around the metal cannula portion 24 , or the metal cannula portion 24 can be received in a passage in the stem portion 22 . At least a portion of the fluid dispenser 10 can be transparent, such as by using a transparent plastic material, thereby allowing a user a greater field of view during use.
- Embodiments of systems and methods herein can include a container 40 .
- the container 40 can have an opening 42 .
- the container 40 can include an inner chamber 44 having an associated volume.
- the container 40 can be a test tube in which the opening 42 is provided at a first end 48 thereof. The second end 50 of the test tube can be closed.
- test tube for convenience, the following discussion will be made in connection with a test tube, but it will be understood that embodiments are not limited to test tubes, as any suitable container can be used.
- the open first end 48 of the test tube can be closed by a closure 52 .
- Any suitable structure can be used for the closure 52 .
- the closure 52 can form a seal with the opening 42 .
- the closure 52 can be a rubber stopper or other structure that is reusable, resealable, repuncturable, flexible and/or resilient.
- the closure 52 can be force fit into the opening 42 of the test tube and retained in place by at least friction.
- the inner chamber 44 of the test tube can include a fluid 60 .
- the fluid 60 can be any type of fluid.
- the fluid 60 can be blood or another biological fluid.
- FIG. 2 illustrates in general terms a cartridge-type receptacle 70 into which fluid is to be placed for subsequent evaluation.
- the receptacle which will be described as a cartridge for convenience only, is a generally thin, flat, rectangular member having an aperture 72 and an interior passageway 80 .
- the aperture or hole 70 can extend to a first depth within the receptacle such that the aperture will be in fluid communication with the interior passageway 80 .
- the first depth may be considered to extend from the top of the receptacle to an interior floor 74 of the receptacle.
- the distance from the top of the receptacle 70 to the interior floor 74 of the receptacle can be considered as the depth 74 of the hole and may be designated L d .
- the diameter of the hole 72 at the top surface of the cartridge is sufficient to receive at least a portion of the diameter of the protrusion 28 as will be more fully described below.
- the hole 72 which is formed in the receptacle, can have any suitable cross-sectional shape which is thus defined by the size and shape of the interior wall 78 of the hole.
- the cross-sectional diameter of the hole 72 can be substantially constant, as is shown in FIG. 3 .
- the cross-sectional size of the hole 72 can vary.
- the cross-sectional diameter of the hole 72 can be conical or chamfered to decrease in the downward direction toward the floor 74 as is shown in FIG. 4 .
- One or more projections 76 can extend from the wall 78 , as is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the fluid receptacle 70 can include more than one hole 72 .
- the fluid receptacle 70 can include an elongated channel 80 for receiving a fluid.
- the channel 80 can be in direct or indirect fluid communication with the hole 72 . In some instances, there can be more than one channel 80 associated with the hole 72 . At least a portion of the channel 80 can extend within the interior of the fluid receptacle 70 .
- the channel 80 can have any suitable size or shape.
- the cross-sectional area of the channel 80 can be substantially constant along its length.
- the cross-sectional area of the channel 80 can vary along at least a portion of its length.
- the channel 80 can be substantially straight.
- the channel 80 can include one or more bends, turns, curves or angles.
- the fluid receptacle 70 can be a test cartridge for use in connection with a blood/biological fluid analysis device.
- the fluid receptacle can be a test cartridge for an i-STAT 1 handheld analysis device, which is available from Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.
- the fluid receptacle 70 can include sensors, electronic components and circuitry to conduct analysis of the fluid and/or for operative communication with a blood/biological fluid analysis device.
- the fluid receptacle 70 can provide an interface for operative connection and/or communication with another device, such as a blood/biological fluid analysis device.
- the receptacle 70 is generally rectangular shaped, including a rectangular base 82 and a generally rectangular upper member 84 .
- the channel 80 may extend partially in the upper member 84 and thereafter downwardly into the base 82 .
- the channel 80 may be solely in the upper member 84 or solely in the base 82 .
- the fluid 60 to be dispensed can be collected within the inner chamber 44 of the container 40 by conventional techniques and sealed with a closure 52 .
- the fluid dispenser 10 can then inserted through the closure 52 .
- the puncturing shaft 20 can be inserted through the closure 52 until the shoulder 26 of the puncturing shaft 20 engages and abuts against the closure 52 .
- the base 12 may be gripped or held during insertion of puncturing shaft 20 into the closure 52 .
- the stem portion 22 can provide structural support for the cannula portion 24 and can help to prevent any accidental breakage of the cannula portion 24 during insertion of the puncturing shaft 20 into the closure 52 .
- At least a part of the cannula portion 24 can extend into the inner chamber 44 , thereby establishing fluid communication between the inner chamber 44 of the test tube and the exterior of the test tube.
- the test tube (with dispenser 10 attached) can be inverted into the position generally shown in FIG. 1 .
- the depth L d of the hole 72 is less than the length L p of the protrusion.
- the second side 16 of the base 12 will contact the top of the receptacle 70 . This contact prevents the dispenser protrusion from making contact with the floor 74 of the receptacle, thus reducing, if not eliminating entirely, the effect of a vacuum and/or the capillary effect.
- FIG. 4 A second embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4 , in which the side wall 78 is tapered and the diameter of the side wall 32 of the protrusion 28 may engage the side wall 78 at a point above the floor 74 , thus physically preventing the dispenser protrusion from making contact with the floor 74 of the receptacle, thus reducing, if not eliminating entirely, the effect of a vacuum and/or the capillary effect.
- the interior of the hole 72 can include an interior projection 76 that limits the degree of insertion of the protrusion 28 into the hole 72 .
- This interior projection may be accomplished during the manufacture or molding of the receptacle.
- the protrusion tip 30 is spaced from the interior floor 74 at the bottom of the hole 72 . That is, various means are provided maintain the protrusion tip 30 spaced a desired distance from the floor 74 of the receptacle.
- the test tube may be moved toward the fluid dispenser 10 and/or the fluid dispenser 10 may be moved toward the test tube such that the shoulder 26 causes the inward flexing of the closure 52 relative to the test tube, as is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the volume of the interior of the test tube is reduced thereby increasing the pressure within the interior of the test tube and the pressure increase ultimately results in a pumping or dispensing of a corresponding small volume (such as a droplet 61 ) of the fluid 60 from the test tube.
- a droplet 61 of fluid 60 can enter the flow passage 34 through the inlet opening 36 , flow through the flow passage 34 and exit through the outlet opening 38 .
- the fluid can be dispensed into the hole 72 . This process can be repeated as many times as necessary to dispense the desired amount of fluid from the test tube directly into the cartridge hole 72 .
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 individually are, conceptually, part of the prior art.
- the term “conceptually” is used to indicate that, inter alia, (1) the relative proportion of L p being less than L d , is not part of the prior art, (2) the use of an interior conical or chamfered side wall to limit the depth to which the tip 30 can be inserted is not part of the prior art, and (3) the use of the interior protrusion to limit the depth to which the tip 30 can be inserted is not part of the prior art.
- the prior art did not provide for direct transfer or direct dispensing from a container into a cartridge.
- systems and methods described herein can facilitate the convenient and efficient dispensing fluid from a test tube into a fluid receptacle.
- Systems and methods herein can also help to avoid contamination of the fluid to be tested.
- By providing a spacing between the bottom 74 of the interior of the cartridge and the fluid dispenser tip 30 the possibility that fluid dispensed into the hole 72 will be inadvertently drawn back into the test tube such as by capillary action can be minimized or eliminated.
Abstract
A system and method for transferring fluid directly from a container sealed with a closure, to a receptacle. The receptacle includes an aperture and an interior floor. The fluid dispenser has two ends—a first end pierces the closure to establish fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the container and the second end engages the aperture in the receptacle. Relative movement of the receptacle and container toward each other dispenses fluid from the container, through the dispenser, and directly into the receptacle. The second end of the dispenser is precluded from contacting the interior floor of the receptacle to avoid unintentional withdrawal of the fluid from the receptacle.
Description
- Embodiments relate in general to a system and method for dispensing the contents of a fluid container directly into a receptacle and, more particularly, to a system and method for dispensing the contents of a test tube directly into a cartridge-type receptacle.
- Test tubes are commonly used as collection containers for blood specimens and other liquids, such as biological fluids. When blood is to be collected, an anticoagulant is placed in the test tube and a blood specimen is withdrawn from a patient directly into the test tube. The test tube is closed with a rubber stopper.
- Typically, the blood or other fluid must be removed from the test tube to analyze it. Thus, the task of conveniently and efficiently dispensing fluid from a test tube onto a desired surface must be routinely performed by laboratory workers in a variety of circumstances. However, care must be taken when dispensing such fluids to avoid contamination of the fluid to be tested, such as when dispensed fluid is drawn back into the test tube. Care must also be taken to avoid spillage of the fluid and the possibility of the fluid becoming airborne, such as when the fluid is dispensed from the test tube too rapidly, which can expose the laboratory worker to the fluid as well as any diseases that may be carried by the fluid.
- Prior to the present invention, devices were available to transfer fluid directly from a test tube onto a slide. This type of device eliminated the need to remove the stopper from the test tube thus avoiding the problem of creating an aerosol effect when a stopped is removed from a test tube, since laboratory workers would no longer be exposed to any contaminants or diseases in the blood.
- Recently a cartridge-type receptacle has become popular for use in the analysis of the sample of biological fluid. Pipettes are typically used to transfer the fluid from the test tube into an aperture in the cartridge. But the use of the pipette required removal of the stopper from the test tube thus again creating an aerosol as the stopper is removed, thus exposing the laboratory worker to any contaminants and diseases contained in the biological fluid.
- Embodiments are directed to a system for dispensing fluid directly from a container into a cartridge type receptacle without the need for removing a closure or stopper from the container thus avoiding the creation of the undesirable aerosol effect.
- A fluid dispenser punctures the stopper of the container and, upon creation of an increase of pressure within the container, such as by flexing the stopper inwardly, fluid exits the container through the dispenser.
- A receptacle, preferably a cartridge-type receptacle, has an aperture to receive the fluid dispenser such that the fluid exiting the container through the dispenser flows directly into the receptacle.
- Various embodiments of the interface between the dispenser and the receptacle are described.
- In the drawings, which are not to scale, and wherein like reference numerals identify corresponding components;
-
FIG. 1 is a side elevation partially cross-sectional view of a fluid dispensing system, showing a fluid dispenser inserted through a closure of a test tube such that, after relative movement between the test tube and/or the fluid dispenser, the closure flexes to pressurize the interior of the test tube resulting in a portion of a fluid in the test tube being dispensed. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a cartridge-type receptacle. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the interface between a fluid dispenser and a hole in a fluid receptacle. -
FIG. 4 is a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the interface between a fluid dispenser and a hole in a fluid receptacle. -
FIG. 5 is a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the interface between a fluid dispenser and a hole in a fluid receptacle. - Embodiments herein are directed to systems and methods for dispensing fluid from a container. Embodiments will be explained in connection with the dispensing blood from a test tube, but the detailed description is intended only as exemplary. Indeed, it will be appreciated that aspects can be used in connection with other containers as well as with other fluids. Embodiments are shown in
FIGS. 3-5 , but they are not limited to the illustrated structure or application. - Before describing systems and methods for dispensing fluid from a container, various possible components of such systems and methods will be initially described. Referring to
FIG. 1 , a fluid dispenser includes abase 12 having opposed first andsecond sides base 12 can be generally circular in cross-sectional shape. However, thebase 12 can have any suitable conformation, such as being rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal. - An
elongated puncturing shaft 20 can extend from thefirst side 14 of thebase 12. Thepuncturing shaft 20 can extend at any suitable angle relative to thefirst side 14 of thebase 12. In one embodiment, thepuncturing shaft 20 can be substantially perpendicular to thefirst side 14 of thebase 12. Thepuncturing shaft 20 can be substantially centrally located on thefirst side 14 of thebase 12. - The
puncturing shaft 20 can include astem portion 22 that can extend directly from thefirst side 14 of thebase 12. Thestem portion 22 can transition to acannula portion 24. Thecannula portion 24 can culminate in atip 25 which may be pointed or chamfered to facilitate puncturing. - The transition between the
stem portion 22 and thecannula portion 24 can have any suitable configuration. For instance, the transition between thestem portion 22 and thecannula portion 24 can include ashoulder 26, which may determine an insertion length of thepuncturing shaft 20 into the container. In one embodiment, thestem portion 22 and cannula portion can each have a substantially circular cross-section with the diameter of the circular cross-section ofstem portion 22 being greater than the substantially circular cross-section diameter of thecannula portion 24, thereby forming theshoulder 26. - The
cannula portion 24 can include a plurality of serrations, teeth, or barbs (not shown) for resisting any tendency of thecannula portion 24 from accidentally withdrawing from the item into which it is inserted, such as the closure of a test tube or other container. Thus, the serrations can minimize subsequent movement of thefluid dispenser 10 after it has been attached to a container. - A
hollow protrusion 28 can extend from thesecond side 16 of thebase 12. In some instances, theprotrusion 28 may be the only structure that extends from thesecond side 16 of thebase 12. Theprotrusion 28 can extend at any suitable angle relative to thesecond side 16 of thebase 12. In one embodiment, theprotrusion 28 can be substantially perpendicular to thesecond side 16 of thebase 12. Theprotrusion 28 can be substantially centrally located on thesecond side 16 of thebase 12. The hollow interior of theprotrusion 28 can be substantially aligned with the hollow interior of thepuncturing shaft 20. Theprotrusion 28 can terminate at atip 30. Theprotrusion 28 can have an associated length Lp defined as the distance between thesecond side 16 of thebase 12 and thetip 30. - The
protrusion 28 can have any suitable conformation. In one embodiment, theprotrusion 28 can be substantially circular in cross-section. In other embodiments, theprotrusion 28 can be rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal. Theprotrusion 28 can include one ormore side walls 32, depending on the configuration of theprotrusion 28. For instance, when theprotrusion 28 is substantially circular, theprotrusion 28 can have a singlecontinuous side wall 28. When theprotrusion 28 is polygonal, theprotrusion 28 can have a plurality ofside walls 32. The one ormore side walls 32 can be substantially straight. Alternatively, the one ormore side walls 32 can be tapered. - A
flow passage 34 can extend through thefluid dispenser 10 from theprotrusion 28 to thecannula portion 24. Theflow passage 34 can have aninlet opening 36 in thecannula portion 24, such as at thecannula tip 25. Theflow passage 34 can have anoutlet opening 38 in theprotrusion 28, such as at theprotrusion tip 30. Theflow passage 34 can extend from the inlet opening 36 to theoutlet opening 38. - The
flow passage 34 can have any suitable size and shape. The cross-sectional size and shape of theflow passage 34 can be substantially constant along its length or at least one of the cross-sectional size and shape of theflow passage 34 can vary along at least a portion of theflow passage 34. In one embodiment, theflow passage 34 can be substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. Theflow passage 34 can be substantially straight. Alternatively, theflow passage 34 can include one or more bends, turns, curves and/or angles. - The
fluid dispenser 10 can be a unitary structure. That is, all portions of thefluid dispenser 10 can be formed as a single structure, such as by plastic injection molding. Alternatively, at least a portion of thefluid dispenser 10 can be made separately and/or of a different material. For instance, thecannula portion 24 can be made of metal, and the rest of thefluid dispenser 10 can be made of plastic. In such case, stemportion 22 can be molded around themetal cannula portion 24, or themetal cannula portion 24 can be received in a passage in thestem portion 22. At least a portion of thefluid dispenser 10 can be transparent, such as by using a transparent plastic material, thereby allowing a user a greater field of view during use. - Embodiments of systems and methods herein can include a
container 40. Thecontainer 40 can have anopening 42. Thecontainer 40 can include aninner chamber 44 having an associated volume. In one embodiment, thecontainer 40 can be a test tube in which theopening 42 is provided at afirst end 48 thereof. Thesecond end 50 of the test tube can be closed. For convenience, the following discussion will be made in connection with a test tube, but it will be understood that embodiments are not limited to test tubes, as any suitable container can be used. - The open
first end 48 of the test tube can be closed by aclosure 52. Any suitable structure can be used for theclosure 52. Theclosure 52 can form a seal with theopening 42. Theclosure 52 can be a rubber stopper or other structure that is reusable, resealable, repuncturable, flexible and/or resilient. Theclosure 52 can be force fit into theopening 42 of the test tube and retained in place by at least friction. - The
inner chamber 44 of the test tube can include afluid 60. The fluid 60 can be any type of fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid 60 can be blood or another biological fluid. There may be anair space 64 between the top of the fluid 60 and the interior end of theend 50 of the test tube. In some instances, there may be little or noair space 64 between the top of the fluid 60 and the interior of theend 50 of the test tube. -
FIG. 2 illustrates in general terms a cartridge-type receptacle 70 into which fluid is to be placed for subsequent evaluation. The receptacle, which will be described as a cartridge for convenience only, is a generally thin, flat, rectangular member having anaperture 72 and aninterior passageway 80. The aperture orhole 70 can extend to a first depth within the receptacle such that the aperture will be in fluid communication with theinterior passageway 80. The first depth may be considered to extend from the top of the receptacle to aninterior floor 74 of the receptacle. The distance from the top of thereceptacle 70 to theinterior floor 74 of the receptacle can be considered as thedepth 74 of the hole and may be designated Ld. The diameter of thehole 72 at the top surface of the cartridge is sufficient to receive at least a portion of the diameter of theprotrusion 28 as will be more fully described below. - The
hole 72, which is formed in the receptacle, can have any suitable cross-sectional shape which is thus defined by the size and shape of theinterior wall 78 of the hole. Thus the cross-sectional diameter of thehole 72 can be substantially constant, as is shown inFIG. 3 . Alternatively, the cross-sectional size of thehole 72 can vary. For instance, the cross-sectional diameter of thehole 72 can be conical or chamfered to decrease in the downward direction toward thefloor 74 as is shown inFIG. 4 . One ormore projections 76 can extend from thewall 78, as is shown inFIG. 5 . In some instances, thefluid receptacle 70 can include more than onehole 72. - The
fluid receptacle 70 can include anelongated channel 80 for receiving a fluid. Thechannel 80 can be in direct or indirect fluid communication with thehole 72. In some instances, there can be more than onechannel 80 associated with thehole 72. At least a portion of thechannel 80 can extend within the interior of thefluid receptacle 70. - The
channel 80 can have any suitable size or shape. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of thechannel 80 can be substantially constant along its length. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of thechannel 80 can vary along at least a portion of its length. Thechannel 80 can be substantially straight. Alternatively, thechannel 80 can include one or more bends, turns, curves or angles. - The
fluid receptacle 70 can be a test cartridge for use in connection with a blood/biological fluid analysis device. For instance, in one embodiment, the fluid receptacle can be a test cartridge for an i-STAT 1 handheld analysis device, which is available from Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill. Thefluid receptacle 70 can include sensors, electronic components and circuitry to conduct analysis of the fluid and/or for operative communication with a blood/biological fluid analysis device. Thefluid receptacle 70 can provide an interface for operative connection and/or communication with another device, such as a blood/biological fluid analysis device. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, thereceptacle 70 is generally rectangular shaped, including arectangular base 82 and a generally rectangularupper member 84. Thechannel 80 may extend partially in theupper member 84 and thereafter downwardly into thebase 82. Alternatively, thechannel 80 may be solely in theupper member 84 or solely in thebase 82. - Now that the individual components of the systems and methods herein have been described, an example of the interaction and operation of these various components will be presented.
- The fluid 60 to be dispensed can be collected within the
inner chamber 44 of thecontainer 40 by conventional techniques and sealed with aclosure 52. Thefluid dispenser 10 can then inserted through theclosure 52. Specifically, the puncturingshaft 20 can be inserted through theclosure 52 until theshoulder 26 of the puncturingshaft 20 engages and abuts against theclosure 52. The base 12 may be gripped or held during insertion of puncturingshaft 20 into theclosure 52. Thestem portion 22 can provide structural support for thecannula portion 24 and can help to prevent any accidental breakage of thecannula portion 24 during insertion of the puncturingshaft 20 into theclosure 52. At least a part of thecannula portion 24 can extend into theinner chamber 44, thereby establishing fluid communication between theinner chamber 44 of the test tube and the exterior of the test tube. The test tube (withdispenser 10 attached) can be inverted into the position generally shown inFIG. 1 . - When the stopper or
closure 52 is flexed inwardly towardend 50 of thecontainer 40, fluid flows through the interior of thefluid dispenser 10 and out through thedispenser tip 30. When thefluid dispenser 10 and thefluid receptacle 70 are brought together, fluid flows out through thedispenser tip 30 and directly into thehole 72 of thereceptacle 70. After a sufficient amount of fluid (or the desired amount of fluid) is dispensed into the receptacle, the container and receptacle can be separated such as by removing thedispenser tip 30 from thehole 72. - However, during the time that the
dispenser tip 30 is within thehole 72, if the pressure imparted on theclosure 52 is released, care must be taken to avoid a vacuum or capillary effect, either of which would cause fluid in the receptacle to be withdrawn back up through thedispenser tip 30 and thus not be available for analysis within the receptacle. Similarly, when thedispenser tip 30 is to be deliberately withdrawn from the receptacle, care must be taken to avoid a vacuum or capillary effect, either of which would cause fluid in the receptacle to be withdrawn back up through thedispenser tip 30 and thus not be available for analysis within the receptacle. - Several techniques will now be described which avoid the capillary or vacuum effect. In one such embodiment, as diagrammatically illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the depth Ld of thehole 72 is less than the length Lp of the protrusion. Thus as the protrusion is inserted into thehole 72, thesecond side 16 of the base 12 will contact the top of thereceptacle 70. This contact prevents the dispenser protrusion from making contact with thefloor 74 of the receptacle, thus reducing, if not eliminating entirely, the effect of a vacuum and/or the capillary effect. - A second embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 4 , in which theside wall 78 is tapered and the diameter of theside wall 32 of theprotrusion 28 may engage theside wall 78 at a point above thefloor 74, thus physically preventing the dispenser protrusion from making contact with thefloor 74 of the receptacle, thus reducing, if not eliminating entirely, the effect of a vacuum and/or the capillary effect. - In
FIG. 5 , the interior of thehole 72 can include aninterior projection 76 that limits the degree of insertion of theprotrusion 28 into thehole 72. This interior projection may be accomplished during the manufacture or molding of the receptacle. - In all three embodiments, the
protrusion tip 30 is spaced from theinterior floor 74 at the bottom of thehole 72. That is, various means are provided maintain theprotrusion tip 30 spaced a desired distance from thefloor 74 of the receptacle. - Once the
protrusion 28 is received in thehole 72, the test tube may be moved toward thefluid dispenser 10 and/or thefluid dispenser 10 may be moved toward the test tube such that theshoulder 26 causes the inward flexing of theclosure 52 relative to the test tube, as is shown inFIG. 1 . As a result, the volume of the interior of the test tube is reduced thereby increasing the pressure within the interior of the test tube and the pressure increase ultimately results in a pumping or dispensing of a corresponding small volume (such as a droplet 61) of the fluid 60 from the test tube. Adroplet 61 offluid 60 can enter theflow passage 34 through theinlet opening 36, flow through theflow passage 34 and exit through theoutlet opening 38. The fluid can be dispensed into thehole 72. This process can be repeated as many times as necessary to dispense the desired amount of fluid from the test tube directly into thecartridge hole 72. - The products illustrated in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 individually are, conceptually, part of the prior art. The term “conceptually” is used to indicate that, inter alia, (1) the relative proportion of Lp being less than Ld, is not part of the prior art, (2) the use of an interior conical or chamfered side wall to limit the depth to which thetip 30 can be inserted is not part of the prior art, and (3) the use of the interior protrusion to limit the depth to which thetip 30 can be inserted is not part of the prior art. Thus, the prior art did not provide for direct transfer or direct dispensing from a container into a cartridge. - It will be appreciated that systems and methods described herein can facilitate the convenient and efficient dispensing fluid from a test tube into a fluid receptacle. Systems and methods herein can also help to avoid contamination of the fluid to be tested. By providing a spacing between the bottom 74 of the interior of the cartridge and the
fluid dispenser tip 30, the possibility that fluid dispensed into thehole 72 will be inadvertently drawn back into the test tube such as by capillary action can be minimized or eliminated. - The foregoing description is provided in the context of one possible application for systems and methods of dispensing a fluid. While the above description is made in the context of a test tube, it will be understood that the systems and methods described herein be used in other contexts. Thus, it will of course be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A system for dispensing fluid from a container having an open end closed by a closure, the container including an inner chamber having a volume and including fluid therein, the system comprising:
a fluid dispenser; and
a receptacle having an aperture and an interior floor;
the fluid dispenser having a base with a first side and a second side, and a protrusion extending from the second side of the base and having an exterior diameter and a tip;
a flow passage extending through the protrusion, and
the protrusion adapted to extend into the fluid receptacle aperture with the tip remain spaced a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein means are provided to maintain the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the protrusion exterior diameter and the receptacle interior is configured to maintain the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interior wall of the receptacle is tapered to maintain the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second side of the fluid dispenser base contacts the receptacle to maintain the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion has an associated length Lp and the aperture has an associated length within the receptacle Ld, wherein Lp is less than Ld to maintain the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle has an interior projection to maintain the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
8. A method of transferring fluid from a container directly into a receptacle, the container closed by a closure and having a fluid therein, the receptacle having an aperture and an interior floor, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser having a base with a first side and a second side, a protrusion extending therefrom, the protrusion having a dispenser tip;
inserting the fluid dispenser through the closure and into the interior of the container;
inserting the fluid dispenser tip into the receptacle aperture, and
moving the receptacle and container relative to each other to flex the closure to dispense fluid directly from the container into the receptacle.
9. The method of claim 8 , and further including the step of maintaining the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the step of maintaining the tip of the protrusion a desired distance from the interior floor of the receptacle comprises the step of abutting the second side of the fluid dispenser base with the receptacle.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/845,880 US20120024416A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2010-07-29 | System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle |
EP11175868A EP2412440A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2011-07-28 | System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle |
CA2747461A CA2747461A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2011-07-28 | System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle |
AU2011205088A AU2011205088A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2011-07-29 | System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle |
JP2011166939A JP2013011577A (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2011-07-29 | System and method for dispensing fluid from container into fluid receptacle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/845,880 US20120024416A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2010-07-29 | System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120024416A1 true US20120024416A1 (en) | 2012-02-02 |
Family
ID=44897603
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/845,880 Abandoned US20120024416A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2010-07-29 | System and method for dispensing fluid from a container and into a fluid receptacle |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120024416A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2412440A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2013011577A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011205088A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2747461A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140016841A1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2014-01-16 | Constitution Medical, Inc. | Controlled dispensing of samples onto substrates |
US9146247B2 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2015-09-29 | Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc. | Sample applicator sensing and positioning |
US20160271613A1 (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2016-09-22 | Biomedical Polymers, Inc. | Molded plastic needle stick accident prevention dispenser |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020143293A1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2002-10-03 | Becton Dickinson And Company | Adaptor for use with point-of-care testing cartridge |
US20050176059A1 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2005-08-11 | Pal Andrew A. | Bio-safe dispenser and optical analysis disc assembly |
US20060165558A1 (en) * | 2004-12-21 | 2006-07-27 | Thomas Witty | Cartridge for diagnostic assays |
US7867449B2 (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2011-01-11 | Fujifilm Corporation | Pipette tip, liquid receiving structure, liquid supply device |
-
2010
- 2010-07-29 US US12/845,880 patent/US20120024416A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2011
- 2011-07-28 EP EP11175868A patent/EP2412440A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-07-28 CA CA2747461A patent/CA2747461A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-07-29 JP JP2011166939A patent/JP2013011577A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-07-29 AU AU2011205088A patent/AU2011205088A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9146247B2 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2015-09-29 | Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc. | Sample applicator sensing and positioning |
US20140016841A1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2014-01-16 | Constitution Medical, Inc. | Controlled dispensing of samples onto substrates |
CN104541146A (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2015-04-22 | 罗氏血液诊断股份有限公司 | Controlled dispensing of samples onto substrates |
US9269138B2 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2016-02-23 | Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc. | Controlled dispensing of samples onto substrates |
US9784652B2 (en) | 2012-07-13 | 2017-10-10 | Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc. | Controlled dispensing of samples onto substrates |
US10466146B2 (en) | 2012-07-13 | 2019-11-05 | Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc. | Controlled dispensing of samples onto substrates |
US20160271613A1 (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2016-09-22 | Biomedical Polymers, Inc. | Molded plastic needle stick accident prevention dispenser |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2412440A1 (en) | 2012-02-01 |
CA2747461A1 (en) | 2012-01-29 |
AU2011205088A1 (en) | 2012-02-16 |
JP2013011577A (en) | 2013-01-17 |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: HELENA LABORATORIES CORPORATION, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GOLIAS, TIPTON LEE;MAYES, RONALD ALLEN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100722 TO 20100726;REEL/FRAME:024758/0961 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |