U.S. patent application number 11/074466 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Rising, Peter E., Rutledge, Brian H..
Application Number | 20050209531 11/074466 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34976165 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050209531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rising, Peter E. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same
Abstract
A sampling apparatus includes an ampoule barrel for receiving an
ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel comprising a
second opening adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel and
a structure adapted break a frangible tip of the ampoule.
Inventors: |
Rising, Peter E.;
(Brightwaters, NY) ; Rutledge, Brian H.;
(Eldersburg, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NATHANIEL T. WALLACE
24 EVARTS LANE
MADISON
CT
06443
US
|
Family ID: |
34976165 |
Appl. No.: |
11/074466 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60550743 |
Mar 5, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/573 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2001/1418 20130101;
A61B 2017/00561 20130101; B01L 2200/0642 20130101; A61B 10/00
20130101; B01L 2400/0683 20130101; B01L 2300/0835 20130101; A61B
2090/037 20160201; G01N 1/14 20130101; A61B 10/0045 20130101; B01L
3/50825 20130101; B01L 2300/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/573 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sampling apparatus comprising an ampoule barrel for receiving
an ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel comprising a
second opening adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel and
a structure adapted break a frangible tip of the ampoule.
2. The sampling apparatus of claims 1, wherein the ampoule is a
sealed container having a negative pressure therein for drawing a
predetermined volume of liquid into the ampoule, wherein a flow
rate of the ampoule is less than or equal to a flow rate of the
second opening.
3. The sampling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seal
located between an outer surface of the ampoule and an inner
surface of the ampoule barrel.
4. The sampling apparatus of claim 3, wherein the seal prevents the
liquid from passing into an upper portion of the ampoule
barrel.
5. The sampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frangible tip is
scored to promote a break in the frangible tip in a predetermined
direction.
6. The sampling apparatus of claim 5, the predetermined direction
is substantially perpendicular to a descent of the ampoule into the
ampoule barrel.
7. The sampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frangible tip
includes a rounded terminus.
8. The sampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frangible tip is
offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule.
9. The sampling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cap for
covering the second opening of the ampoule barrel.
10. The sampling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a trench receiving an end
portion of the ampoule, opposite from the frangible tip, and an
upper surface supporting the ampoule barrel, wherein a distance
between a bottom of the trench and the upper surface is adapted to
prevent the descent of the ampoule into the ampoule barrel.
11. A method for taking a liquid sample comprising: selecting a
test system including an ampoule barrel and an ampoule comprising a
desired reagent; immersing a portion of the ampoule barrel in a
liquid; and breaking the ampoule within the ampoule barrel, wherein
the ampoule draws the liquid sample.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising extracting the
ampoule from the ampoule barrel.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining a test
result according to the reagent and liquid sample.
14. An ampoule barrel comprising: a first opening for receiving an
ampoule; a tip, offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule
barrel, the tip including an elongated second opening for flowing a
liquid into the ampoule barrel; and an inner surface effective for
breaking a tip of the ampoule.
15. The ampoule barrel of claim 14, wherein the inner surface is
disposed at an angle is between about 15 degrees and about 30
degrees from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel.
16. The ampoule barrel of claim 14, wherein the inner surface is a
convex radius relative to an interior of the ampoule barrel.
17. The ampoule barrel of claim 14, further comprising at least a
third opening on a sidewall of the ampoule barrel for flowing the
liquid into the ampoule barrel.
18. The ampoule barrel of claim 14, further comprising a flange at
an end portion, opposite the tip.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/550,743, filed on Mar. 5, 2004, which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to sampling liquids, and more
particularly, to an apparatus for sampling a liquid and
automatically performing a test.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] Sampling methods for liquids typically involve drawing a
sample into a pipet, syringe, or other container from a cup. Such a
sampling method exposes the sample taker to the liquid. Limiting a
sample taker's exposure to a sample may be desirable, such as in
urine analysis. Further, sampling methods may include exposing the
sample to contaminants leading to, for example, sampling
errors.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists at least for a system and/or method
for reducing exposure to a sample, reducing sampling errors and
limiting contamination of test samples.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
sampling apparatus comprises an ampoule barrel for receiving an
ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel comprising a
second opening adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel and
a structure adapted break a frangible tip of the ampoule.
[0008] The ampoule is a sealed container having a negative pressure
therein for drawing a predetermined volume of liquid into the
ampoule, wherein a flow rate of the ampoule is less than or equal
to a flow rate of the second opening.
[0009] The sampling apparatus includes a seal located between an
outer surface of the ampoule and an inner surface of the ampoule
barrel. The seal prevents the liquid from passing into an upper
portion of the ampoule barrel.
[0010] The frangible tip is scored to promote a break in the
frangible tip in a predetermined direction. The predetermined
direction is substantially perpendicular to a descent of the
ampoule into the ampoule barrel. The frangible tip includes a
rounded terminus. The frangible tip is offset from a longitudinal
center of the ampoule.
[0011] The sampling apparatus includes a cap for covering the
second opening of the ampoule barrel.
[0012] The sampling apparatus includes a carrier, wherein the
carrier comprises a trench receiving an end portion of the ampoule,
opposite from the frangible tip, and an upper surface supporting
the ampoule barrel, wherein a distance between a bottom of the
trench and the upper surface is adapted to prevent the descent of
the ampoule into the ampoule barrel.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
method for taking a liquid sample comprises selecting a test system
including an ampoule barrel and an ampoule comprising a desired
reagent, immersing a portion of the ampoule barrel in a liquid, and
breaking the ampoule within the ampoule barrel, wherein the ampoule
draws the liquid sample.
[0014] The method includes extracting the ampoule from the ampoule
barrel.
[0015] The method includes determining a test result according to
the reagent and liquid sample.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an
ampoule barrel comprises a first opening for receiving an ampoule,
a tip, offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel, the
tip including an elongated second opening for flowing a liquid into
the ampoule barrel, and an inner surface effective for breaking a
tip of the ampoule.
[0017] The inner surface is disposed at an angle is between about
15 degrees and about 30 degrees from the longitudinal center of the
ampoule barrel. The inner surface is a convex radius relative to an
interior of the ampoule barrel.
[0018] The ampoule barrel includes at least a third opening on a
sidewall of the ampoule barrel for flowing the liquid into the
ampoule barrel.
[0019] The ampoule barrel includes a flange at an end portion,
opposite the tip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying
drawings:
[0021] FIGS. 1A-C are an illustration of a test system according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the test system of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a tip area of the test
system of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIGS. 4A-C are illustrations of a sampling cap, sheath and
ampoule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIGS. 5A-D are illustrations of an ampoule barrel having no
offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIGS. 6A-D are illustrations of an ampoule barrel having an
offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIGS. 7A-D are illustrations of an ampoule barrel having an
offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIGS. 8A-C are illustrations of a carrier for a test system
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIGS. 9A-C are illustrations of a breaking mechanism
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] A test system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure is a self-contained total microbe test. Referring to
FIG. 1A, a test system 100 includes an ampoule barrel 101, an
ampoule 102 and a cap 103. The ampoule 102 may be removed from the
ampoule barrel 101.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1B, the ampoule 102 includes a frangible
tip 104. The frangible tip 104 may be offset from a center of a
main body 105 of the ampoule 102. The ampoule 102 is a sealed
container, which is opened open breaking the frangible tip 104. The
interior of the ampoule 102 is a vacuum-sealed environment. Upon
breaking the tip 104, the ampoule 102 is adapted to draw a
predetermined volume of liquid according to an internal pressure of
the ampoule 102.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1C, the ampoule barrel 101 includes an
opening 106 for receiving an ampoule. The ampoule barrel 101
includes a tip 107 for allowing a liquid into the ampoule barrel
101. The barrel tip 107 includes one or more ports for drawing the
liquid into the ampoule barrel 101 under the vacuum of an ampoule.
The tip 107 of the ampoule barrel may be off center relative to a
longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel 101. An off center tip
107 may be inserted into a sampling cup, wherein the sampling cup
may be held on edge to pool a sample, increasing a depth of the
sample. The off center tip 107 may be immersed in the pooled
sample.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a test system 100. An
ampoule barrel 101 receives an ampoule 102. A seal 201, formed of
for example, a rubber substance secures the ampoule 102. A tip 104
of the ampoule 102 projects through the seal 201 and into a sample
chamber. Upon placing the barrel tip 107 in a liquid, the seal 201
prevents the liquid from passing into an upper portion of the
ampoule barrel 101. The cap 103 is removable. The cap 103 prevents
contaminants from entering the ampoule barrel 101 or contacting the
barrel tip 107 prior to a test.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the ampoule barrel 101 includes ports,
e.g., 301 and 302, for allowing a liquid to pass into a lower
portion or sample chamber 303 of the ampoule barrel 101. The ports
may be located on an end, e.g., 301, of the ampoule barrel 101
and/or on a side of the ampoule barrel, e.g., 302. The seal 201
prevents the liquid form passing into an upper portion of the
ampoule barrel 101. The ampoule 102 includes a frangible tip 104.
The tip 104 includes a terminus 305. The terminus 305 has a rounded
structure. Above the terminus 305, a score 306 is provided on a
portion of the tip 104. The score 306 is located to control the
height at which the tip 104 breaks. The score 306 may be located on
a portion, e.g., about 90 degrees or about 180 degrees, of the
circumference of the tip 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the
score 306 is located on a portion of the tip 104 away from the
direction of the intended breakage. The ampoule 102 may be
depressed into the ampoule barrel 101, wherein the terminus 305
meets an angled face 304 of the ampoule barrel 101. A pressure
applied to the ampoule 102 causes the ampoule to descend into the
ampoule barrel 101 with the seal 201. The angled face 304 converts
the pressure into a lateral pressure on the terminus 305 of the tip
104. The tip 104 breaks at about the height of the score 306 under
the lateral pressure. The terminus 305 breaks away from the tip 104
allowing the liquid in the lower portion 303 of the ampoule barrel
101 into the ampoule 102. A flow rate at which the ampoule 102
draws liquid may be slower than a flow rate of the ports of the
ampoule barrel 101. The tip 104 may be sheathed, such that upon
breaking the terminus 305, a lower portion of the tip drop away
into the ampoule barrel 101 and a remaining portion of the tip 104
is guarded within the sheath.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4A-C, upon drawing a sample into the
ampoule 102 a sampling cap 401 may be placed over a broken tip of
the ampoule 102. A sheath 402 guards any sharps. The sampling cap
401 includes a nipple 403. The nipple 403 fits within the sheath
402. The cap 401 reduces a potential for contact with the liquid in
the ampoule 102. The nipple 403 cooperates with the sheath 402,
securing the sampling cap 401 to the ampoule 102. The nipple 403
may be a tube through which a syringe 404 or other device may gain
access to the contents of the ampoule 102.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, various ampoule barrels are
depicted. It should be noted that modifications and variations of
the ampoule barrels are contemplated herein.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5A-D, ampoule barrels 101 having a bottom
port 501 with no offset relative to a centerline of the ampoule
barrel 101 are shown. Referring to FIG. 5A, a lead in angle 502 of
the face 304 is about 60 degrees. The ampoule 102 includes an
offset tip 104. The tip 104 is guarded by a sheath 402. The offset
tip 104 is aligned to meet the face 304 as the ampoule 102 descends
into the ampoule barrel 101. FIG. 5B illustrates an ampoule barrel
101 having a face 304 with a lead in angle of about 30 degrees.
FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate ampoule barrels 101 having a face 304.
The face 304 has a radius. For example, the radius of the face 304
in FIG. 5C is about 0.500 inches and the radius of the face 304 in
FIG. 5D is about 0.110 inches. The radius of the face 304 converts
the descent of the ampoule 102 into a lateral force that breaks the
tip 104.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6A-D, a bottom port 501 of the ampoule
barrel 101 is offset, for example, by 0.065 inches from a
centerline of the ampoule barrel 101. Referring to FIG. 6A, a lead
in angle 502 of the face 304 is about 30 degrees. A height of the
face is not uniform around the ampoule barrel 101. The rotation of
the ampoule 102 within the ampoule barrel 101 ensures that the tip
104 contacts the face 304 upon descending into the ampoule barrel
101. The rotation may be adjusted manually. A mechanism, such as a
cooperating shape of the ampoule barrel 101 and ampoule 102, may
secure an alignment. A sheath 402 may be implemented as a guard
over the tip 104. Referring to FIG. 6B, a lead in angle of the face
304 is about 60 degrees. Referring to FIGS. 6C and 6D a face 304
has a radius of about 0.500 inches and 0.250 inches,
respectively.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 7A-D, a bottom port 501 of the ampoule
barrel 101 is offset, for example, by 0.130 inches from a
centerline of the ampoule barrel 101. Referring to FIG. 7A, a lead
in angle 502 of the face 304 is about 30 degrees. The angle of the
face varies around the circumference of the ampoule barrel 101
between about 90 degrees and about 75 degrees. A height of the face
is not uniform around the ampoule barrel 101. The rotation of the
ampoule 102 within the ampoule barrel 101 ensures that the tip 104
contacts the face 304 upon descending into the ampoule barrel 101.
Referring to FIG. 7B, a lead in angle of the face 304 is about 60
degrees. Referring to FIGS. 7C and 7D a face 304 has a radius of
about 0.500 inches and 0.250 inches, respectively. A sheath 402 may
be implemented as a guard over the tip 104.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, a test system 100 may be loaded
into a carrier 801. The carrier 801 may be capped by a top 802. The
carrier comprises one or more trenches 804 for receiving a portion
of an ampoule 102. The trench 804 has a depth adapted to support an
unused system 100 such that the ampoule 102 is not pressed into the
ampoule barrel 101; a distance between a bottom of the trench and
the upper surface 805 prevents the descent of the ampoule into the
ampoule barrel. A flange 803 of the ampoule barrel 101 rests on an
upper surface of the carrier 801.
[0042] An ampoule 102 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure is a sterile vacuum packaging ampoule containing a dry,
non-hazardous, test reagent system. The ampoule 102 prevents user
contamination or hazard, has about a 4-year product shelf life,
does not trigger transportation restrictions and does not need
climate-controlled storage.
[0043] A test of a liquid may be performed using a test system 100
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A sample
module or ampoule barrel 101 secures a test ampoule 102 for
extracting a liquid sample. The ampoule barrel 101 limits a sample
taker's exposure to the liquid. When used with a pre-dosed test
ampoule 102, the ampoule barrel 101 and test ampoule 102
automatically start a test of the sampled liquid under the pressure
of the vacuum.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 9A, the sample chamber 303 houses an
ampoule tip breaker assembly 900. The ports or inlets, e.g., 301
and 302, may be formed on the walls of the ampoule barrel 101 and
at a tip of the ampoule barrel 101. Any number of inlets may be
used. The inlets allow the sample to freely enter the sample
chamber at a rate at least as great as the sample enters the
ampoule 102. Thus, the sample may enter the ampoule 102 in a
predetermined dose, substantially unaffected by suction or fluid
resistance. The ampoule tip breaker assembly 900 is stabilized in
the sample chamber 303 to receive a tip 104 of the ampoule 102.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 9B and 9C, the ampoule tip breaker
assembly 900 is formed such that the sample may flow around the
assembly and enter the ampoule 102. The ampoule tip breaker
assembly 900 includes a surface disposed at an angle for breaking
the frangible portion of the test ampoule. The surface may be a
hollow tube 901 for receiving a tip 104 of an ampoule 102 and for
breaking the tip 104. The hollow tube 901 is disposed at an angle
to apply a substantially lateral force against the tip to
facilitate the breaking of the tip. 104 For example, the hollow
tube may be disposed at about 45 degrees from the walls of the
sample chamber. The assembly 900 includes a stabilizer support 902
disposed at an angle for supporting the hollow tube 901, e.g., at
about 90 degrees from the angle of the hollow tube 901. The
stabilizer support 302 and the hollow tube 901 may be formed as one
piece. The hollow tube 901 may collect a broken portion of the tip
of the ampoule 102 upon breaking away from the ampoule 102.
[0046] The stabilized ampoule tip breaker 900 breaks the tip of the
ampoule 102 upon the application of pressure to the ampoule 102,
forcing the test ampoule tip 104 to engage a surface disposed at an
angle. The tip 104 of the ampoule 102 is submerged in liquid as to
avoid suction entrained air and creating an unacceptable ampoule
fill.
[0047] The test ampoule may be a hard-surfaced, self-filling
container. The test ampoule includes mixed test indicators/media in
predetermined quantities for performing a complete microbiological
test. The test ampoules may be sealed, having a vacuum of about
20-30 inches of mercury or more. The test ampoule and contents may
be insensitivity to storage conditions and may have a shelf life of
about 4 years or more. The test ampoule includes a frangible area
that can be broken, allowing a predetermined amount of sample to
enter the test ampoule and be exposed to the test
indicators/media.
[0048] The test ampoule may be an ampoule as described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,159,799 entitled VIAL WITH POWDERED REAGENT, 5,550,032
entitled BIOLOGICAL ASSAY FOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION, and
5,935,799 entitled BIOLOGICAL ASSAY FOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION,
each patent being incorporated herein by reference in the
entirety.
[0049] A test ampoule may be a pre-dosed, hermetically sealed,
vacuum ampoule. The vacuum packaging of test ampoule preserves the
reagent/media for years and needs no special storage conditions
such as refrigeration. When the test is started, a aqueous sample
of a predetermined volume, e.g., 7.5 ml, is automatically drawn
into the test ampoule. The volume of sample drawn can be any
predetermined amount, depending on, for example, the size of the
test ampoule and the strength of the vacuum. The test may be
concluded when the test ampoule turns a predetermined color, e.g.,
orange or red. The elapsed time from test start to test end
determines the level of microbial contamination. Test results may
come as fast as one (1) hour for concentrations of 201 or twelve
(12) hours for 10.sup.1 microbial concentrations. The test ampoule
may be used as presence/absence test at 24 hours. A
Triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) indicator may react to aerobic
microbial activity in the sample to include facultative species.
Fungi may also be detected. The presence of fungi may be indicated
by floating red particles after 24 hours. Time/Concentration
calibrations are based upon mixed microbial populations typically
found in industrial and natural waters. Waters dominated by a
particular species may use a one-time calibration adjustment. Each
test ampoule comes complete with a sample/ampoule, snapping cup,
dechlorinating solution, sample identification labels, waste-water
instructions and a results/instruction chart. Test incubation
temperature can be controlled, and may be set to, for example,
95.degree. F. or room temperature. Test incubation can be performed
manually by purchasing a reusable carry incubation tube or using a
standard laboratory heat block or oven. Automatic incubation and
end of test detection can accomplished using an
incubator/auto-analyzer. Factory-prepared test
calibrations/formulations and/or private labeling may also to
used.
[0050] An insulated chamber, such as an autoincubation chamber,
suitable to hold a plurality of test ampoules at a controlled
temperature and for specific time initiates and maintains an
incubation temperature for a period of time and may return to
refrigeration. This chamber may be transportable for all
operational phases of the test (refrigeration to incubation back to
refrigeration). The test ampoule, sample module, and insulated
chamber may be pre-assembled into a clean or sterilized product
that is operated by the sample technician or test initiator.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 10, an ampoule for a desired test is
selected 1000. The ampoule is placed in an ampoule barrel. The
ampoule barrel is at least partially immersed in a liquid sample,
and the tip of the ampoule is broken to begin a test 1001. The
ampoule containing a sample is extracted from the sample module
1002. A cap may be placed over the broken tip of the test ampoule.
The cap may include, for example, a bar code for tracking and/or a
color chart for determining results. The test ampoule may be placed
in an autoincubation testing chamber 1003. The autoincubation
testing chamber may be designed for shipping to a laboratory or
other location, wherein the autoincubation testing chamber may be
coupled to a power source. A control device of the autoincubation
testing chamber controls a temperature profile (e.g., heating or
cooling of samples under test). The control device may include a
processor for outputting control signals to a heater or chiller,
and memory device for storing, for example, temperature and time
settings. The results may be checked at a predetermined end time
1004. The timing shown in FIG. 10 are provide as examples, actual
times may differ depending on the test and procedures.
[0052] Having described embodiments for apparatus and method for
sampling a liquid, it is noted that modifications and variations
can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above
teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be
made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which
are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the
details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is
claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the
appended claims.
* * * * *