U.S. patent application number 12/805956 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for sample collection implement.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARKRAY, INC.. Invention is credited to Toshihiko Harada, Kazuya Iketani, Masufumi Koike, Koji Okumura.
Application Number | 20110048981 12/805956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43623250 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110048981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okumura; Koji ; et
al. |
March 3, 2011 |
Sample collection implement
Abstract
A sample collection implement S1 includes a container 1 having
an accommodation portion 10 in which a liquid 5 for suspending or
diluting a sample is accommodated, a sample collection stick 2
being able to be disposed in the accommodation portion 10, a filter
3 provided inside the container 1, and a movable member 4 that can
be moved in a predetermined direction inside the container 1 and
has a function of pushing the liquid 5 and causing the liquid to
pass through the filter 3, when moved in the predetermined
direction. With such a configuration, when the liquid 5 is
filtered, it is not necessary to move the filter 3 by directly
pushing it and a filter with a low mechanical strength can be used
as the filter 3. In addition, it is not necessary to use a
centrifugal apparatus.
Inventors: |
Okumura; Koji; (Kyoto,
JP) ; Harada; Toshihiko; (Kyoto, JP) ;
Iketani; Kazuya; (Kyoto, JP) ; Koike; Masufumi;
(Kyoto, JP) |
Assignee: |
ARKRAY, INC.
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
43623250 |
Appl. No.: |
12/805956 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61272180 |
Aug 27, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 10/0038 20130101;
A61B 10/0096 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/223 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00 |
Claims
1. A sample collection implement comprising: a container having an
accommodation portion in which a liquid for suspending or diluting
a sample is accommodated, a sample collection stick being able to
be disposed in the accommodation portion, and a filter provided
inside the container, the sample collection implement further
comprising a movable member that can be moved in a predetermined
direction inside the container and has a function of pushing the
liquid and causing the liquid to pass through the filter, when
moved in the predetermined direction.
2. The sample collection implement according to claim 1, wherein
the movable member is provided separately from the filter and can
be moved by being pushed from outside the container.
3. The sample collection implement according to claim 2, wherein
adjacent first and second regions partitioned by a partition wall
are formed inside the container, the filter is disposed in the
first region, and when the liquid passes through the filter by the
movement of the movable member, at least part of the liquid that
has passed through the filter flows into the second region over the
partition wall, and is retained in the second region.
4. The sample collection implement according to claim 3, wherein
the movable member is slidably inserted into the second region and
can move down when pushed from above to push the liquid so as to
cause the liquid to pass through the filter, and when the liquid
that has passed through the filter flows into the second region,
the liquid can be retained on the movable member.
5. The sample collection implement according to claim 3, wherein
the movable member is provided in a location different from the
second region, the second region has a fort such that a bottom
portion thereof is closed by part of the container or by a fixing
member separate from the container, and when the liquid that has
passed through the filter flows into the second region, the liquid
can be retained on the bottom portion.
6. The sample collection implement according to claim 1, further
comprising linking means capable of linking the sample collection
stick to the movable member in a state in which the sample
collection stick is inserted into the container, wherein the filter
is held by the movable member, and the movable member can be moved
in the predetermined direction by operating the sample collection
stick in a state in which the sample collection stick is linked to
the movable member by the linking means.
7. The sample collection implement according to claim 6, wherein
the linking means includes a pair of threaded portions provided at
the movable member and the sample collection stick, and an advance
operation of the sample collection stick towards the movable member
and a rotation operation thereof can be performed in a state in
which the sample collection stick is inserted into the container,
and the pair of threaded portions can be screwed together by the
operations.
8. The sample collection implement according to claim 6, wherein
the linking means includes a concave portion provided in one of the
movable member and the sample collection stick, and a convex
portion that is provided in the other of the two and can be
inserted into the concave portion when the sample collection stick
is advanced towards the movable member, the concave portion has a
constriction portion that is locally reduced in width, and the
convex portion has a protruding portion that engages with the
constriction portion to prevent the convex portion from slipping
out of the concave portion after the convex portion is inserted
into the concave portion.
9. The sample collection implement according to claim 1, further
comprising a power generating element that is disposed inside the
container and serves to generate a force that causes the movable
member to move in the predetermined direction, wherein the power
generating element can be actuated by a predetermined operation or
action outside the container or by the operation of the sample
collection stick.
10. The sample collection implement according to claim 9, wherein
the power generating element is a magnet or a non-magnetized
ferromagnetic material constituting at least part of the movable
member, and the movable member can be moved in the predetermined
direction by causing a magnetic force to act upon the magnet or the
ferromagnetic material from the outside of the container or from
the sample collection stick.
11. The sample collection implement according to claim 9, wherein
the movable member is provided so as to form a space partitioned
from the accommodation portion inside the container, and the power
generating element is a substance for gas generation that is
accommodated in the space, and the movable member can be moved in
the predetermined direction by a gas pressure created when the
substance for gas generation generates gas.
12. The sample collection implement according to claim 1, wherein
the movable member can be engaged with the sample collection stick,
an operation causing at least one action from among rotation and
movement can be performed with respect to the sample collection
stick in a state in which the sample collection stick is inserted
into the container, and when the operation is performed and the
sample collection stick acts, the movable member moves in the
predetermined direction in conjunction with this action.
13. The sample collection implement according to claim 12, wherein
an outer circumferential surface of the movable member and an inner
circumferential surface of the container are provided with a pair
of threaded portions that are screwed together, when the sample
collection stick is inserted into the container, the sample
collection stick assumes a state in which the sample collection
stick is inserted into a through hole provided in the movable
member, can move in the predetermined direction relative to the
movable member, and is blocked from rotating relative to the
movable member, and when the sample collection stick is rotated,
the movable member can be moved in the predetermined direction by a
screw feed action of the pair of threaded portions.
14. The sample collection implement according to claim 12, wherein
the sample collection stick is inserted into a through hole
provided in the movable member when the sample collection stick is
inserted into the container, and when the sample collection stick
is advanced in the direction of insertion into the container by a
distance equal to or longer than a predetermined distance, the
movable member and the sample collection stick are engaged together
and the movable member advances in conjunction with the sample
collection stick.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a sample collection
implement for use in collecting a sample such as feces for
examination.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Specific examples of sample collection implements are
described in Patent Documents 1 to 3. The sample collection
implements described in these documents are all feces collection
implements and include a container accommodating a liquid for
suspending the feces, a feces collection stick, and a filter. The
feces collection stick can be inserted into the container, and the
feces collected by the feces collection stick are caused to diffuse
into the liquid by this insertion operation. The filter serves to
filter the liquid into which the feces have diffused (feces
suspension) and remove the solid component of the feces present in
the liquid. The liquid filtered by the filter is sucked in, for
example, by a suction nozzle of an automatic analyzer and supplied
for analysis.
[0003] As an example of a means for filtering the liquid by using
the filter, Patent Document 1 describes bringing the suction nozzle
of the automatic analyzer into contact with the filter and pushing
the filter into the container by using the suction nozzle. In the
configuration described in Patent Document 2, the filter is held in
a cylindrical member and the cylindrical member is slidably fitted
into the container. Where the cylindrical member is caused to slide
and the filter is pushed into the container, the liquid passes
through the filter. In the configuration described in Patent
Document 3, a centrifugal apparatus is used as a means for
filtering the liquid. Where a sample collection implement is set
into the centrifugal apparatus and rotated at a high speed, the
liquid is caused by the centrifugal force to pass through the
filter.
[0004] However, the following drawbacks are associated with the
above-described conventional technology.
[0005] Thus, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1,
when the filter is pushed into the container by using the suction
nozzle of the automatic analyzer, the suction nozzle comes into
direct contact with the filter. In this case, the filter can be
damaged by contact with the suction nozzle, thereby making it
impossible to push the filter adequately into the container. Even
if the filter has been pushed into the container, since a damaged
portion has appeared in the filter, the liquid (feces suspension)
can pass directly through the damaged portion and the liquid cannot
be filtered adequately. For this reason, in the configuration
described in Patent Document 1, a material that has a high
mechanical strength and cannot be easily damaged should be used as
the filter and a filter with a low strength cannot be used.
[0006] In the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the
cylindrical member holding the filter is fitted externally and
slidably on the container. The cylindrical member is accordingly of
a comparatively large size. Therefore, there is space for
improvement in terms of reducing the size of the entire sample
collection implement.
[0007] In the configuration described in Patent Document 3, when
the liquid (feces suspension) is filtered, a centrifugal apparatus
should be used. Therefore, a centrifugal apparatus should be
prepared for the analysis, thereby placing a significant burden on
the party involved.
[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2005-114654
[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3718017
[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2007-170979
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample
collection implement that can adequately prevent or eliminate the
above-described inconveniences.
[0012] The present invention employs the following technical means
for resolving the above-described problems.
[0013] A sample collection implement provided by the present
invention includes a container having an accommodation portion in
which a liquid for suspending or diluting a sample is accommodated,
a sample collection stick being able to be disposed in the
accommodation portion, and a filter provided inside the container,
the sample collection implement further comprising a movable member
that can be moved in a predetermined direction inside the container
and has a function of pushing the liquid and causing the liquid to
pass through the filter, when moved in the predetermined
direction.
[0014] It is preferred that the movable member be provided
separately from the filter and can be moved by being pushed from
outside the container.
[0015] It is preferred that adjacent first and second regions
partitioned by a partition wall be formed inside the container; the
filter be disposed in the first region, and when the liquid passes
through the filter by the movement of the movable member, at least
part of the liquid that has passed through the filter flow into the
second region over the partition wall, and be retained in the
second region.
[0016] It is preferred that the movable member be slidably inserted
into the second region and can move down when pushed from above to
push the liquid so as to cause the liquid to pass through the
filter, and when the liquid that has passed through the filter
flows into the second region, the liquid can be retained on the
movable member.
[0017] It is preferred that the movable member be provided in a
location different from the second region; the second region have a
form such that a bottom portion thereof is closed by part of the
container or by a fixing member separate from the container, and
when the liquid that has passed through the filter flows into the
second region, the liquid can be retained on the bottom
portion.
[0018] It is preferred that linking means be further provided that
is capable of linking the sample collection stick to the movable
member in a state in which the sample collection stick is inserted
into the container; the filter be held by the movable member, and
the movable member can be moved in the predetermined direction by
operating the sample collection stick in a state in which the
sample collection stick is linked to the movable member by the
linking means.
[0019] It is preferred that the linking means include a pair of
threaded portions provided at the movable member and the sample
collection stick, and an advance operation of the sample collection
stick towards the movable member and a rotation operation thereof
can be performed in a state in which the sample collection stick is
inserted into the container, and the pair of threaded portions can
be screwed together by the operations.
[0020] It is preferred that the linking means include a concave
portion provided in one of the movable member and the sample
collection stick, and a convex portion that is provided in the
other of the two and can be inserted into the concave portion when
the sample collection stick is advanced towards the movable member;
the concave portion have a constriction portion that is locally
reduced in width, and the convex portion have a protruding portion
that engages with the constriction portion to prevent the convex
portion from slipping out of the concave portion after the convex
portion is inserted into the concave portion.
[0021] It is preferred that the sample collection implement in
accordance with the present invention further include a power
generating element that is disposed inside the container and serves
to generate a force that causes the movable member to move in the
predetermined direction, and the power generating element can be
actuated by a predetermined operation or action outside the
container or by the operation of the sample collection stick.
[0022] It is preferred that the power generating element be a
magnet or a non-magnetized ferromagnetic material constituting at
least part of the movable member, and the movable member can be
moved in the predetermined direction by causing a magnetic force to
act upon the magnet or the ferromagnetic material from the outside
of the container or from the sample collection stick.
[0023] It is preferred that the movable member be provided so as to
form a space partitioned from the accommodation portion inside the
container, and the power generating element be a substance for gas
generation that is accommodated in the space and the movable member
can be moved in the predetermined direction by a gas pressure
created when the substance for gas generation generates gas.
[0024] It is preferred that the movable member can be engaged with
the sample collection stick; an operation causing at least one
action from among rotation and movement can be performed with
respect to the sample collection stick in a state in which the
sample collection stick is inserted into the container, and when
the operation is performed and the sample collection stick acts,
the movable member moves in the predetermined direction in
conjunction with this action.
[0025] It is preferred that an outer circumferential surface of the
movable member and an inner circumferential surface of the
container be provided with a pair of threaded portions that are
screwed together; when the sample collection stick is inserted into
the container, the sample collection stick assume a state in which
the sample collection stick is inserted into a through hole
provided in the movable member, can move in the predetermined
direction relative to the movable member, and is blocked from
rotating relative to the movable member, and when the sample
collection stick is rotated, the movable member can be moved in the
predetermined direction by a screw feed action of the pair of
threaded portions.
[0026] It is preferred that the sample collection stick be inserted
into a through hole provided in the movable member when the sample
collection stick is inserted into the container, and when the
sample collection stick is advanced in the direction of insertion
into the container by a distance equal to or longer than a
predetermined distance, the movable member and the sample
collection stick be engaged with each other and the movable member
advances in conjunction with the sample collection stick.
[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be made more apparent from the description of preferred embodiments
thereof illustrated by the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of
a sample collection implement in accordance with the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a II-II sectional view of the configuration shown
in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIGS. 3A and 3B are principal cross-sectional views
illustrating specific examples of a detailed structure of a movable
member provided in the sample collection implement shown in FIG.
1.
[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
usage state of the sample collection implement shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of the sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the usage state thereof.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of the sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the usage state thereof.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of the sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the usage state thereof.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 10A is a plan view of the movable member provided in
the sample collection implement shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10B is an
XB-XB sectional view of the configuration shown in FIG. 10A.
[0038] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
usage state of the sample collection implement shown in FIG. 9.
[0039] FIG. 12A is a principal cross-sectional view illustrating
another example of a sample collection implement in accordance with
the present invention, and FIGS. 12B and 12C are principal
cross-sectional views illustrating the usage state thereof.
[0040] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the usage state thereof.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention.
[0042] FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
usage state of the sample collection implement shown in FIG.
14.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a principal cross-sectional view illustrating
another example of a sample collection implement in accordance with
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 18A and 18B are cross-sectional views illustrating the
usage state of the sample collection implement shown in FIG.
17.
[0046] FIG. 19A is a principal cross-sectional view illustrating
another example of a sample collection implement in accordance with
the present invention, and FIG. 19B is a principal cross-sectional
view illustrating the usage state thereof.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a principal cross-sectional view illustrating
another example of a sample collection implement in accordance with
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a XXII-XXII cross-sectional view of the
configuration shown in FIG. 21.
[0050] FIG. 23 is a principal cross-sectional view illustrating the
usage state of the sample collection implement shown in FIG.
21.
[0051] FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
example of a sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention, and FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view
illustrating the usage state thereof.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0052] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described below in greater details with reference to the appended
drawings.
[0053] There are first to fourth representative types of the sample
collection implement in accordance with the present invention.
These types will be successively explained below.
[0054] [Sample Collection Implement of the First Type]
[0055] The sample collection implement of the first type is
provided with a movable member that is separate from a filter.
Where the movable member is pushed from the outside of a container
and moves, a predetermined liquid is filtered by the filter.
[0056] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example of such a sample
collection implement of the first type. In the explanation below,
the directions such as an up-down direction and a horizontal
direction are represented in the drawings. As clearly shown in FIG.
1, the sample collection implement S1 of the present embodiment is
provided with a container 1, a sample collection stick 2, a filter
3, and a movable member 4.
[0057] The container 1 is made from a synthetic resin and has
formed inside thereof an accommodation portion 10 that accommodates
a liquid 5 for suspending or diluting a sample. The liquid 5 is,
for example, sterilized distilled water or physiological salt
solution. A partition wall 11 extending in the up-down direction is
provided in a position close to the top portion inside the
container 1, and the adjacent first and second regions 13A, 13B are
compartmentalized by the partition wall 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the
partition wall 11 is linked to a circumferential wall portion 12 of
the container 1, and these partition wall 11 and circumferential
wall portion 12 constitute two cylindrical potions 19A, 19B
defining the first and second regions 13A, 13B, respectively. The
filter 3 is arranged in the first region 13A. The movable member 4
is arranged in the second region 13B.
[0058] The filter 3 serves to remove components that are
unnecessary for analyzing the sample and is fixedly attached to a
position close to the upper portion of the first region 13A. For
example, when the sample is feces and a fecal occult blood test or
a cancer cell test is conducted, the filter 3 serves to remove
undigested matter or solid matter such as fiber substances
contained in the feces. Specific examples of the filter 3 include a
porous body, filtration paper, artificial sponge, degreased cotton,
woven fabric, unwoven fabric, a paper filter, a plastic filter,
glass fibers, sea sponge, a sintered molding, or a fine gold mesh.
Specific examples of the porous body include bodies formed from
synthetic resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The
average pore diameter of the filter 3 is not limited and is for
example, 1 to 1000 .mu.m. A shield material 9 is disposed below the
filter 3, and the liquid 5 is normally prevented from advancing
towards the filter 3. The shield material 9 is for example an
aluminum laminated sheet.
[0059] A proximal end portion of the sample collection stick 2 is
supported by a lid 20 that is screwed onto the lower portion of the
container 1. The outer circumferential surface of the distal end
portion of the sample collection stick 2 and the peripheral portion
thereof are a sample collection portion 21a formed to have a
convex-concave outer circumferential surface. The sample collection
stick 2 can be inserted into the container 1 from a lower opening
14a of the container 1. In the inserted state of the sample
collection stick, the lower opening 14a is closed by the lid 20. In
addition, in the inserted state, the distal end of the sample
collection stick 2 is disposed close to the lower side of the
shield material 9. In the lid 20, a joining portion 20a that is
joined to the sample collection stick 2 can be deflected in the
up-down direction under the effect of an elastic restoration force.
Where the joining portion 20a is pushed upward, as shown by arrow
N2, a portion of the shield material 9 can be pierced by the distal
end portion of the sample collection stick 2, as shown in FIG. 4A.
An extra sample disposal member 25 is provided in the lower portion
inside the container 1. The extra sample disposal member 25 serves
to dispose of the extra sample that adheres to the sample
collection portion 21a when the sample collection stick 2 is
inserted into the container 1.
[0060] The movable member 4 serves as a piston that applies
pressure to the liquid 5 and is made from a comparatively hard
synthetic resin. The movable member 4 is disposed close to the
upper portion of the second region 13B and descends along an inner
circumferential surface 19B' of the cylindrical portion 19B when a
pressure is applied to the movable member downward from above by a
force equal to or higher than a predetermined force. FIG. 1 and
FIG. 4 represent the form of the movable member 4 in a simplified
manner, but the movable member 4 is preferably configured, for
example, as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B. In the configuration shown
in FIG. 3A, a plurality of protruding portions 40 are formed on the
outer circumferential surface of the movable member 4. When the
movable member 4 descends, the plurality of protruding portions 40
slide in contact with the inner circumferential surface 19B' of the
cylindrical portion 19B, thereby demonstrating a sealing function.
It is even more preferable that the protruding portions 40 be
elastically deformable. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3B, a
plurality of O-rings 40a composed of an elastic material are fitted
and mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the movable
member 4. When the movable member 4 descends, the plurality of
O-rings 40a slide in contact with the inner circumferential surface
19B', thereby demonstrating a sealing function. The configurations
shown in FIG. 3A or 3B can be also applied to movable members 4A to
4M of the below-described other embodiments.
[0061] An opening 14b that is closed by a lid 7 is formed in the
upper portion of the container 1, and the upper side of the movable
member 4 is open when the lid 7 is removed. Accordingly, as shown
in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a suction nozzle 8 of an automatic analyzer
(not shown in the figure) can be lowered from above the container 1
to apply pressure to the movable member 4.
[0062] Where the movable member 4 descends, a pressure is applied
to the liquid 5 in the accommodation portion 10. Therefore, as
shown in FIG. 4B, where the shield material 9 has been ruptured in
advance, part of the liquid 5 passes upward through the filter 3.
The height H from the upper surface of the filter 3 to the upper
end of the partition wall 11 is comparatively small. Where the
filtered amount of the liquid 5 becomes equal to or greater than a
predetermined amount, the liquid 5' that has passed through the
filter 3 flows over the upper end of the partition wall 11, as
shown by arrow N1 in FIG. 4B, flows onto the movable member 4 and
stays on the movable member 4.
[0063] The operation of the sample collection implement S1 will be
explained below.
[0064] When feces are collected as a sample, the sample collection
stick 2 is pulled out of the container 1, and a sample (not shown
in the figure) is caused to adhere to the sample collection portion
21a. The sample collection stick 2 is then inserted into the
container 1 to assume an original position. As a result, part of
the sample that has adhered to the sample collection portion 21a
diffuses into the liquid 5 and the liquid 5 becomes a suspension.
For example, a configuration can be used in which the sample
collection stick 2 is shaken in the horizontal direction after
being inserted into the container 1 as a means for enhancing the
diffusion of the sample.
[0065] Then, where a fecal occult blood test or a cancer cell test
is conducted, part of the shield material 9 is ruptured by using
the sample collection stick 2, as has been explained with reference
to FIG. 4A. The lid 7 is then removed from the container 1. In such
a state, the sample collection implement S1 is set to a
predetermined position in an automatic analyzer (not shown in the
figure). In the course of analysis, the suction nozzle 8 of the
analyzer that can be moved in the vertical direction is used to
apply a pressure to the movable member 4 and move the movable
member down as shown in FIG. 4B. As a result of this operation, as
has already been explained above, the liquid 5 (sample suspension)
passes upward through the filter 3. Where the amount of liquid 5'
that has been filtered by the filter 3 becomes equal to or greater
than a predetermine amount, the liquid 5' flows over the upper
portion of the partition wall 11 onto the movable member 4 and
stays thereon. Therefore, the liquid 5' can be directly sucked in
by the suction nozzle 8 and taken into the automatic analyzer.
[0066] As mentioned hereinabove, in the sample collection implement
S1, it is not necessary to apply a pressure to the filter 3 by the
nozzle 8, and the filter 3 remains in a fixed state. The resultant
advantage is that a material with a comparatively low mechanical
strength can be used as the filter 3. Meanwhile, since a
configuration may be used in which when a pressure is applied by
the suction nozzle 8 to the movable member 4, the movable member
moves down so as to push the liquid 5 in the second region 13B.
Therefore, the structure of the movable member can be simplified.
In addition, the movable member 4 can be formed in a small size. As
a consequence, the sample collection implement S1 can be
advantageously reduced in size and production cost. Furthermore, in
the sample collection implement S1, the liquid 5' that has passed
through the filter 3 flows onto the movable member 4 and can be
directly sucked by the suction nozzle 8 that pushes and lowers the
movable member 4. Therefore, no special means for pushing the
movable member 4 has to be separately provided, and a more rational
configuration of the sample collection implement is obtained.
[0067] FIGS. 5A to 8B illustrate another example of the sample
collection implement of the first type. In these figures, elements
identical or analogous to those in the above-described embodiment
are assigned with same reference numerals as in the above-described
embodiment. The same is true for the below-described FIGS. 9 to
24B, and the explanation of features identical to those of the
earlier described embodiments will be omitted.
[0068] In a sample collection implement S2 shown in FIG. 5A, a
cylindrical portion 70 having a filter 3A inserted therein and
fixed thereto is provided in the upper portion inside a container
1A. The cylindrical portion 70 is provided, for example, in a lid
7A mounted on the upper portion of the container 1A. A seal
material 9 is provided in the lower portion of the cylindrical
portion 70. A movable member 4A formed in a ring-like shape is
slidably inserted into a space portion 15 formed between the
cylindrical portion 70 and a circumferential wall portion 12 of the
container 1A. A plurality of holes 71 are provided to pass through
the lid 7A in the up-down direction above the movable member 4A. A
cover sheet 79 that closes the plurality of holes 71 and an upper
opening of the cylindrical portion 70 is adhesively bonded to the
upper surface of the lid 7A to prevent dust or the like from
penetrating into the container 1A.
[0069] When the sample collection implement S2 is set in an
automatic analyzer, the sample that has been collected in advance
by using the sample collection stick 2 is caused to diffuse into
the liquid 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shield material 9
is ruptured by using the sample collection stick 2. In such a
state, the suction nozzle 8 and a pusher 80 provided separately
therefrom are lowered from above the container 1A into the
cylindrical portion 70 and the space portion 15. In this case, the
cover sheet 79 is pierced by the suction nozzle 8 and the pusher
80. The, movable member 4A is then pushed by the pusher 80 and
lowered. As a result, the liquid 5 penetrates upward through the
filter 3A, and the liquid 5' that has been filtered by the filter
3A can be sucked in by the suction nozzle 8 and taken into the
automatic analyzer.
[0070] In the present embodiment, although the pusher 80 has to be
provided in the automatic analyzer as a means for pushing down and
lowering the movable member 4A, the pusher 80 can simply perform
the lifting-lowering operation. Therefore, a simple mechanism can
be used for operating the pusher 80. Further, in the present
embodiment, the movable member 4A has a ring-like shape and the
movable member 4A moves at a circumference of an attachment
location of the filter 3A. Therefore, the movable member 4A and the
filter 3A can be efficiently disposed in a space-saving manner
inside the container 1A and the increase in size of the container
1A is inhibited. The upper region where the movable member 4A and
the filter 3A are provided and the lower region where the sample
collection stick 2 is mounted, in the container 1A, can be easily
made to have substantially the same diameter and the entire sample
collection implement S2 can be made slimmer.
[0071] In a sample collection implement S3 shown in FIG. 6A, first
and second regions 13A, 13B partitioned by a partition wall 11 are
compartmentalized and formed in the upper portion inside a
container 1B. The lower portion of the second region 13B has no
opening and is closed by a bottom portion 17 formed by part of the
container 1B. A reagent R for sample analysis is provided in the
bottom portion 17. A cylindrical portion 16 linked by the inside
thereof to an accommodation portion 10 of a liquid 5 is provided in
a position in the container 1B such that interference with the
sample collection stick 2 can be avoided, and a movable member 4B
is inserted into the cylindrical portion 16 so that the movable
member can slide in the vertical direction.
[0072] When the sample collection implement S3 is set in an
automatic analyzer, the sample that has been collected in advance
by using the sample collection stick 2 is caused to diffuse into
the liquid 5 and then, as shown in FIG. 6B, a shield material 9 is
ruptured by using the sample collection stick 2. A lid 7 is also
removed. Where the movable member 4B is pushed and lifted by a
pusher 81 in this state, the liquid 5 passes through a filter 3B
and the liquid 5' that has been filtered by the filter 3B flows
over the partition wall 11 and into the second region 13B and
remains on the bottom portion 17. As a result, the reagent R and
the liquid 5' react in the second region 13B and the reaction
liquid 5'' thereof is produced.
[0073] Where the reaction liquid 5'' is produced, analysis of the
sample can be performed by disposing an optical analyzer (not shown
in the figure) for examining the reaction liquid 5'', for example,
by colorimetry above the container 1B. Thus, in the sample
collection implement S3, the second region 13B functions as a
reaction chamber for the liquid 5' and the reagent R, and the
liquid 5' can be rapidly analyzed without being taken to the
outside of the sample collection implement S3. It goes without
saying that in accordance with the present invention a
configuration in which the reagent R is not provided in advance in
the second region 13B can be also used, this configuration being
different from that described above. In this case, a reagent is
charged at a later stage into the second region 13B, the second
region 13B is caused to function as a reaction chamber, and a
technique of analyzing the sample can be used. Further, a technique
can be also used by which a test piece is immersed in the liquid 5'
remaining in the second region 13B and the sample is analyzed; in
this case the second region 13B can be caused to function as a
measurement unit for the liquid 5'. In addition, it is also
possible to take the liquid 5' from the second region 13B into an
analytical processing device.
[0074] A sample collection implement S4 shown in FIG. 7 shares the
basic configuration with the above-described sample collection
implement S3. However, the cylindrical portion 16 formed in a
container 1C extends almost horizontally and a movable member 4C is
inserted into the cylindrical portion 16 so that the movable member
can slide in a substantially horizontal direction. In the sample
collection implement S4, where the movable member 4C is pushed and
moved by a pusher 82 in a substantially horizontal direction, part
of the liquid 5 passes upward through a filter 3B and the operation
that is generally similar to that of the above-described sample
collection implement S3 is obtained. As follows from this
embodiment and the above-described other embodiments, in accordance
with the present invention, no limitation is placed on the
direction in which the movable member is pushed.
[0075] In a sample collection implement S5 shown in FIG. 8A, a
movable member 4D is disposed close to the upper portion of a
second region 13B. A filter 3D is inserted in and fixed to a hole
12a provided in a circumferential wall portion 12 of the container
1D. An auxiliary portion 18 with an open top is formed in the upper
portion of the container 1D for retaining the liquid 5' that has
passed through the filter 3D.
[0076] When the sample collection implement S5 is set in an
automatic analyzer, a lid 7D located on the top of the container 1D
is removed and a shield material 9 is ruptured, as shown in FIG.
8B. Where a movable member 4D is pushed and lowered by a pusher 83
in this state, part of the liquid 5 passes through the filter 3D in
a substantially horizontal direction, and the liquid 5' that has
been filtered by the filter 3D is retained in the auxiliary portion
18. This liquid 5' can be sucked in by a suction nozzle 8 inserted
from above the auxiliary portion 18. As follows from this
embodiment and the above-described other embodiments, in accordance
with the present invention, a direction in which the liquid passes
through the filter is not particularly limited and can be also a
substantially horizontal direction, instead of the upward
direction.
[0077] [Sample Collection Implement of the Second Type]
[0078] The sample collection implement of the second type is
provided with a movable member that holds a filter. The movable
member can be linked to a sample collection stick, and the movable
member and the filter can be moved according to the operation of
the sample collection stick, thereby performing filtration of a
predetermined liquid by using the filter.
[0079] FIGS. 9 to 11B illustrate an example of the sample
collection implement of the second type. As clearly shown in FIG.
9, in a sample collection implement S6 of the present embodiment, a
movable member 4E is inserted into the upper portion inside a
substantially cylindrical container 1E so that the movable member
can slide in the up-down direction. A filter 3E is supported by the
movable member 4E. The movable member 4E and a sample collection
stick 2E can be linked together by using threaded portions 41a,
21b.
[0080] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a threaded
hole 41 that is open downward and has a threaded portion 41a and a
ring-shaped concave portion 42 that is open downward and positioned
around the threaded hole 41 are formed in the movable member 4E.
The filter 3E has a ring-like shape and is inserted and held in the
concave portion 42. A shield material 9 is provided in the lower
portion of the movable member 4E, and in the normal state, the
liquid 5 is prevented from moving towards the filter 3E. A
plurality of openings 43 are provided in the upper portion of the
movable member 4E.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 9, a threaded portion 21b is provided in
the distal end portion of the sample collection stick 2E. An
operation knob 29 positioned below a lid body 20E is provided at
the proximal end of the sample collection stick 2E. In the lid body
20E, a linking portion 20a that is linked to the sample collection
stick 2E has comparatively high flexibility in the up-down
direction, and the sample collection stick 2E can be moved in the
up-down direction shown by an arrow N3 by gripping and operating
the knob 29. In addition, the sample collection stick 2E can be
rotated relative to the linking portion 20a, and can be rotated in
the direction shown by an arrow N4 by gripping and operating the
knob 29. Therefore, in the sample collection stick S6, as shown in
FIG. 11A, after the shield material 9 has been ruptured by raising
the sample collection stick 2E, the sample collection stick 2E can
be further raised and rotated, thereby screwing the threaded 21b
into the threaded portion 41a and linking the sample collection
stick 2E to the movable member 4E. The combination of the threaded
portions 21b, 41a corresponds to an example of the linking means in
accordance with the present invention.
[0082] In order to examine the sample after the sample has been
caused to diffuse into the liquid 5, first, as has been explained
with reference to FIG. 11A, the threaded portions 21b, 41a are
screwed together to link the sample collection stick 2E and the
movable member 4E. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the knob 29 is
gripped and the sample collection stick 2E is lowered. As a result,
the movable member 4E is also lowered and part of the liquid 5
passes upward through the filter 3E. The liquid 5' that has thus
been filtered is retained on the movable member 4E and sucked in,
for example, by using the suction nozzle 8 of the automatic
analyzer.
[0083] Thus, in the present embodiment the movable member 4E
holding the filter 3E is lowered by using the sample collection
stick 2E. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply a pressure
directly to the filter 3E. As a result, the filer 3E can be
prevented from damage. Further, since it is not necessary to
provide the sample collection implement S6 with a special part for
lowering the movable member 4E, separately from the sample
collection stick 2E, the increase in the number of parts in the
entire device can be inhibited, the entire configuration can be
simplified and the size thereof can be reduced. Further, since the
movable member 4E and the sample collection stick 2E are linked by
screwing together the pair of threaded portions 21b, 41a, these
movable member 4E and sample collection stick 2E can be linked
strongly and reliably. Therefore, even when friction resistance is
comparatively high when the movable member 4E is lowered, the
movable member 4E can be adequately lowered together with the
filter 3E.
[0084] FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate another example of the sample
collection implement of the second type.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 12A, in a sample collection implement S7 of
the present embodiment, a structure in which a concave portion 45
that is open at a lower end and formed in a movable member 4E is
combined with a convex portion 26 formed at the distal end portion
of a sample collection stick 2E is used as a means for linking the
movable member 4E and the sample collection stick 2E. The concave
portion 45 has a configuration in which an auxiliary cavity 45b in
the form of a truncated cone is coupled with a lower side of a main
cavity 45a of a substantially spherical shape, and a boundary
portion of the main cavity 45a and the auxiliary cavity 45b serves
as a constriction portion 45c. The convex portion 26 has a sharp
distal end portion 26b for piercing a shield material 9 and a
substantially spherical protruding portion 26a. The diameter of the
protruding portion 26a is larger than the inner diameter of the
constriction portion 45c. When the protruding portion 26a is moved
forward into the concave portion 45 and strongly pressed against
the constriction portion 45c, the constriction portion 45c is
elastically deformed and the protruding portion 26a can be inserted
into the main cavity 45a. In such an inserted state, the protruding
portion 26a is engaged with the constriction portion 45c so that
the protruding portion cannot be easily released downward of the
main cavity 45a. A stopper convex portion 17a that prevents the
movable member 4E from rising when the convex portion 26 is
inserted into the concave portion 45 is provided in the upper
portion of the container 1E.
[0086] In the sample collection implement S7, after the sample
collection stick 2E has been raised and the shield material 9 has
been ruptured, as shown in FIG. 12B, the convex portion 26 can be
inserted into the concave portion 45. In a state in which these
concave portion 45 and convex portion 26 are joined, the protruding
portion 26a and the constriction portion 45c are engaged, the
convex portion 26 is prevented from easily falling down from the
concave portion 45, and the movable member 4E and the sample
collection stick 2E can be reliably linked. Therefore, where the
sample collection stick 2E is thereafter lowered as shown in FIG.
12C, the movable member 4E is also lowered and part of the liquid 5
passes through the filter 4E. The filtered liquid 5' is retained on
the movable member 4E.
[0087] In the present embodiment, when the movable member 4E and
the sample collection stick 2E are linked, it is possible only to
lift the sample collection stick 2E and, by contrast with the
above-described sample collection implement S6, it is not necessary
to rotate the sample collection stick 2E. Therefore, in the present
embodiment, operability is further improved. Further, since it is
not necessary to make the sample collection stick 2E rotatable, the
structure of the sample collection implement S7 can be
simplified.
[0088] In the sample collection implement of the second type such
as described above, the linking means for linking the sample
collection stick and the movable member is not limited to the
above-described configuration using the joining portions or the
structure combining the concave portion having the constriction
portion and the convex portion having the protruding portion. For
example, the sample collection stick and movable member can be also
configured by forming a concave portion or a convex portion of a
shape different from that of the above-descried concave portion or
convex portion and joining the portions so that they can be
prevented from separating. The concave portion and convex portion
can be prevented by separating, for example, by rotating the sample
collection stick through an appropriate angle. Furthermore, a more
traditional technique of adhesively bonding and joining when the
distal end portion of the sample collection stick is brought into
contact with the movable member can be also used.
[0089] [Sample Collection Implement of the Third Type]
[0090] The sample collection implement of the third type has a
configuration in which a movable member and a power generating
element are disposed inside a container. The movable member is
moved by actuating the power generating element, and the filtration
of a predetermined liquid by a filter is performed by the movement
of the movable member.
[0091] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an example of a sample
collection implement of the third type. In a sample collection
implement S8 of the present embodiment, a movable member 4F is
disposed inside an auxiliary chamber 13 provided in a container 1F.
The movable member 4F is provided with a sheet-like magnet 49. The
magnet 49 corresponds to an example of a power generating element
in accordance with the present invention.
[0092] More specifically, a filter 3F held in a holder 30 is
fixedly provided in the upper portion inside the container 1F, and
a shielding material 9 is provided below the filter 3F. The
auxiliary chamber 13 is provided by stretching out part of a
circumferential wall portion 12 of the container 1F to the outside
of the container 1F, and the auxiliary chamber constitutes part of
an accommodation portion 10 where a liquid 5 is accommodated. The
movable member 4F has a configuration in which a sheet-like magnet
49 is fixedly attached to one surface of a main body 46 made from a
synthetic resin. Therefore, where a magnet MG is disposed in the
vicinity of the magnet 49 on the outside of the container 1F, as
shown by virtual lines in FIG. 13B, and a repulsion force is
generated between these magnets 49 and MG, the movable member 4F
can be moved towards the center of the container 1 as shown by an
arrow N5. The main body 46 can slide with respect to an inner wall
surface 13a of the auxiliary chamber 13, while maintaining sealing
ability. Therefore, when the movable member 4F moves in the
direction shown by the arrow N5, the liquid 5 is pushed by the main
body 46.
[0093] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the magnet
49 is provided over substantially the entire one surface of the
main body 46. However, in accordance with the present invention,
the magnet 49 can be instead provided only in a portion of one
surface of the main body 46 or can be provided in a dispersed
manner in a plurality of places. In a configuration in which only
one magnet 49 is provided and the magnet 49 has a pair of magnetic
poles, namely, an N pole and a S pole, when a separate magnet is
accidentally disposed in the vicinity of the container 1 and this
separate magnet is oriented to repulse the magnet 49, the movable
member 4F can be moved unintentionally. Therefore, for example, it
is possible to use a configuration in which a plurality of magnets
49 are disposed in a dispersed manner and a plurality of
combinations of magnetic poles (N poles and S poles) are provided
in the movable member 4F, such a configuration preventing the
aforementioned inconvenience. With such a configuration, the
movable member 4F cannot be moved unintentionally, unless a
plurality of magnets corresponding to the plurality of combinations
of magnetic poles are disposed in the vicinity of the container 1,
and the possibility of the movable member 4F being accidentally
moved is reduced.
[0094] In the sample collection implement S8 of the present
embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiments, a sample
is dispersed in advance in the liquid 5, the sample collection
stick 2 is pushed upward as shown by an arrow N6, and the part of
the shield material 9 is ruptured. In this state, as described with
reference to FIG. 13B, the magnet MG is disposed in the vicinity of
the magnet 49 of the movable member 4F and a force of mutual
repulsion is generated between the two magnets. Thus, the movable
member 4F is moved towards the center of the container 1F and the
liquid 5 is pushed by the movable member 4F. As a result, part of
the liquid 5 passes through the filter 3F. A liquid 5' that has
thus been filtered is retained on the filter 3F and can be taken
into an automatic analyzer by using a suction nozzle 8.
[0095] Thus, in the sample collection implement S8, similarly to
the sample collection implements S1 to S7 of the above-described
first and second types, it is not necessary to push the filter 3F
with the suction nozzle 8 and the filter 3F remains fixed.
Therefore, a filter with a comparatively low mechanical strength
can be used as the filter 3F. Since it is suffice to dispose the
magnet MG at one side of the container 1 and bring this magnet
relatively close to the magnet 49 to perform the operation of
moving the movable member 4F, the operation is extremely simple and
can be easily automated. An electromagnet can be also used, instead
of a permanent magnet, as the magnet MG.
[0096] FIGS. 14 to 20 show another example of a sample collection
implement of the third type.
[0097] In a sample collection implement S9 shown in FIG. 14, a
movable member 4G provided with a magnet 49 is slidably inserted in
a lower portion of a substantially cylindrical container 1G. A
region close to the lower portion inside the container 1G is an
accommodation portion 10 that accommodates a liquid 5 and is sealed
by a sealing material 9. A ring-shaped filter 3G supported by a
holder 30G is fixedly provided above the shielding material 9.
[0098] A sample collection stick 2G can be inserted downward into
the container 1G from an opening 14a' provided in the upper portion
of the container 1G, and the distal end portion of the sample
collection stick can be inserted into a cylindrical portion 31
provided at the holder 30G. FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which
the sample collection stick 2G has not yet been used for sample
collection. In this state, the lower end tip of the sample
collection stick 2G is positioned above the shielding material 9,
without piercing the shielding material 9. A linking portion 20a of
a lid 20 has comparatively large flexibility in the up-down
direction and is configured such that the sample collection stick
2G can be lowered with a comparatively large stroke, as shown in
FIG. 15A, from the state shown in FIG. 14 and a sample collection
portion 21a can be sufficiently dipped into the liquid 5 after the
shielding material 9 has been pierced. A hole 28a that is sealed by
a cover sheet 28b is provided in a flange portion 28 in the upper
portion of the sample collection stick 2G. The hole 28a serves to
insert a suction nozzle 8, as shown in FIG. 15B.
[0099] When the sample collection implement S9 of the present
embodiment is used, first, in a state shown in FIG. 14, the sample
collection stick 2G is pulled out of the container 1G and the
sample is collected in the sample collection portion 21a. Then, as
shown in FIG. 15A, the sample collection stick 2G is inserted into
the container 1G. In the insertion process, the sample collection
stick 2G is used to pierce the shielding material 9 and the sample
collection portion 21a is dipped into the liquid 5. As a result,
the sample can be caused to diffuse adequately into the liquid 5.
When sample examination is thereafter performed, the magnet MG is
disposed in the vicinity of the lower side of the container 1G, as
shown in FIG. 15B, and a repulsion force is generated between the
magnets 49 and MG. As a result, the movable member 4G is lifted.
Therefore, the liquid 5 is pushed up by the movable member 4G and
part of the liquid 5 passes upward through the filter 3G. The
liquid 5' that has thus been filtered can be sucked in by the
suction nozzle 8 and taken into a predetermined automatic analyzer.
The suction nozzle 8 can be adequately introduced into the
container 1G by piercing the cover sheet 28b and inserting into the
hole 28a.
[0100] In the present embodiment, the movable member 4G is disposed
in the lower portion of the container 1G. Therefore, the movable
member 4G can be operated and the liquid 5 can be adequately
filtered by using the magnet MG as in the above-described sample
collection implement S8. The structures of the sample collection
implements S8 and S9 clearly indicate that no limitation is placed
on specific orientation and movement direction of the movable
member provided with a magnet in the configurations according to
the present invention.
[0101] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the magnet 27 is
provided at a distal end of the sample collection stick 2G, this
feature being different from those of the above-described sample
collection implement S9. In the present embodiment, when the distal
end of the sample collection stick 2G is brought close to the
movable member 4G, the movable member 4G can be raised by repulsion
forces of the magnet 27 and the magnet 49 of the movable member 4G.
As follows from the present embodiment, in accordance with the
present invention, a means for providing a magnet at the sample
collection stick can be used instead of the means for disposing a
magnet outside of the container as a means for causing a magnetic
force to act upon the movable member.
[0102] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A to 16, part of the
movable member is taken as a magnet, but the present invention is
not limited to this configuration. Thus, the entire movable member
can be configured as a magnet. Furthermore, in accordance with the
present invention, a non-magnetized ferromagnetic material can be
also used instead of the magnet. When the entire movable member or
part thereof is from a ferromagnetic material, by disposing a
magnet outside of the container it is possible to move the movable
member close to the magnet and push the liquid located inside the
container. However, when the entire movable member or part thereof
is from a ferromagnetic material, when a magnet is accidentally
disposed close to the container, the movable member can be
attracted to the magnet and moved unintentionally, regardless of
the kind of poles of the magnet. Therefore, from the standpoint of
reducing the probability of such inconvenience, it is preferred
that the entire movable member or part thereof be a magnet.
[0103] In a sample collection implement S10 shown in FIG. 17, a
movable member 4H and a means for raising the movable member 4H are
different from those of the sample collection implement S9 shown in
FIG. 14, but other features are similar to those of the sample
collection implement S9. The movable member 4H is inserted into the
container 1G to a position close to the lower end thereof, so that
the movable member can slide in the up-down direction. The movable
member has a through hole 47 having an opening closed by an
auxiliary shielding material 48. The auxiliary shielding material
48 can be pierced by lowering a sample collection stick 2G.
[0104] A space 15a separated from the accommodation portion 10 of
the liquid 5 by the movable member 4H is formed below the movable
member 4H. Solid calcium peroxide 60 and a water-containing bag 61
are disposed as substances 6 for gas generation in the space 15a.
The water-containing bag 61 has a bag body made from a flexible
film that contains water. As shown in FIG. 18B, the distal end
portion at the lower end of the sample collection stick 2G can be
introduced into the space 15a and lowered to a height at which the
water-containing bag 61 is pierced. Where the water-containing bag
61 is pierced, water flows therefrom to the outside and this water
reacts with calcium peroxide 60, thereby generating oxygen. The
pressure of the oxygen becomes a force moving the movable member
4H.
[0105] When the sample collection implement S10 of the present
embodiment is used, the sample collection operation is similar to
that performed with the above-described sample collection implement
S9. Thus, in the state shown in FIG. 17, the sample collection
stick 2G is taken out of the container 1G and a sample is collected
in a sample collection portion 21a. Then, as shown in FIG. 18A, the
sample collection stick 2G is inserted into the container 1G.
During this insertion, the shielding material 9 is pierced by using
the sample collection stick 2G and the sample collection portion
21a is dipped into the liquid 5. As a result, the sample diffuses
into the liquid 5. When the sample is then examined, the sample
collection stick 2G is further lowered as shown in FIG. 18B,
whereby the auxiliary shielding material 48 is pierced, the distal
end portion at the lower end of the sample collection stick 2G is
introduced into the space 15a and the water-containing bag 61 is
also pierced. As a result, as mentioned hereinabove, water that has
flown out of the water-containing bag 61 reacts with the calcium
peroxide 60, thereby generating oxygen, and the pressure of the
oxygen rises the movable member 4H. As a result, the liquid 5 is
pushed up by the movable member 4H and part of the liquid 5 passes
upward through the filter 3G. The filtered liquid 5' is sucked in
by the suction nozzle 8 that has pierced the cover sheet 28b and
was inserted into the container 1G. The filtered liquid is then
taken into an automatic analyzer.
[0106] In the sample collection implement S10 of the present
embodiment, the filter 3G may be permanently fixed and a filter
with a low mechanical strength can be used as the filter 3G, in the
same manner as in the above-described sample collection implement
S9. Since the movable member 4H is moved by using a gas pressure
generated by a gas generating substance 6 accommodated inside the
container 1G, it is not necessary to apply a pressure to the
movable member 4H from the outside. The operation of generating a
gas pressure by using the gas generating substance 6 may be
performed by lowering the sample collection stick 2G, and the
advantage of such an operation is that it is easy to perform and
places but a small operation load on the person examining the
sample.
[0107] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19A, a member 88 provided
separately from the container 1G is used as a means for rupturing a
water-containing bag 61 accommodated in a space 15a inside the
container 1G. The member 88 has one or a plurality of protruding
portions 88a. Holes 18 that make it possible to rupture the
portions to which a pressure is applied when the protruding
portions 88a are inserted and pushed by a strong force are provided
in the bottom portion of the container 1G. In order to perform the
filtration of the liquid 5, the protruding portions 88a are
introduced into the container 1G from the zones where the holes 18
are formed, as shown in FIG. 19B. As a result, the water-containing
bag 61 is ruptured, the water is caused to react with calcium
peroxide 60, oxygen is generated, and a movable member 4J is
lifted. By contrast with the above-described sample collection
implement S10, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to
lower the sample collection stick through a large stroke in order
to reach the water-containing bag 61.
[0108] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, sodium percarbonate 62
is accommodated as a gas-generating substance in a space 15a inside
the container 1G. In the present embodiment, where the sodium
percarbonate 62 is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than
a predetermined temperature by using a heater H, the sodium
percarbonate 62 is decomposed into sodium carbonate and hydrogen
peroxide, and the hydrogen peroxide is then decomposed into water
and oxygen. The movable member 4J can be raised by the oxygen
pressure. As follows from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 to 20,
a variety of substances can be used as the gas-generating substance
in accordance with the present invention.
[0109] In the above-described sample collection implement of the
third type, any element capable of generating a force that will
move the movable member in the predetermined direction may be used
as the power generating element in accordance with the present
invention. Therefore, a means other that the above-described magnet
(or non-magnetized ferromagnetic material) or gas-generating
substance can be used.
[0110] [Sample Collection Implement of the Fourth Type]
[0111] The sample collection implement of the fourth type has a
configuration in which a movable member and a sample collection
stick are engaged and the movable member moves in conjunction with
the operation of the sample collection stick. A predetermined
liquid is caused by the movement of the movable member to pass
through a filter.
[0112] FIGS. 21 to 23 show an example of the sample collection
implement of the fourth type. As shown in FIG. 21, in a sample
collection implement S11 of the present embodiment, a sample
collection stick 2L passes through a movable member 4L, and when
the sample collection stick 2L is rotated, the movable member 4L is
lifted towards a filter 3L by a screw feed action of threaded
portions 17b, 42b.
[0113] More specifically, a filter 3L held in a holder 30L is
fixedly provided in the upper portion inside a container 1L, and a
region below a shielding material 9 is provided below the holder
30L is an accommodation portion 10 of a liquid 5. A threaded
portion 17b is formed at the inner circumferential surface in the
central portion in the up-down direction of the container 1L. The
container 1L is constricted by linking two cylindrical members 18A,
18B. With such a configuration, the threaded portion 17b can be
easily formed at the inner circumferential surface of the container
1L. However, in a configuration different from that of the present
embodiment, the container 1 can be formed as a single member. The
movable member 4L serves to push the liquid 5 upward. A threaded
portion 42b that is screwed into the threaded portion 17b is formed
at the outer circumferential surface of the movable member, and a
through hole 44 for inserting a sample collection stick 2L is
provided in the central portion of the movable member.
[0114] The sample collection stick 2L is provided with an operation
knob 29 positioned below a lid 20L, and the sample collection stick
can be raised as shown by an arrow N7 and rotated as shown by an
arrow N8 by operating the knob 29. The sample collection stick 2L
is inserted into the through hole 44 of the movable member 4L so
that the sample collection stick can slide in the up-down direction
(axial direction of the sample collection stick 2L), and only the
sample collection stick 2L can be lifted, while the movable member
4L stays fixed. Therefore, a shielding material 9 can be pierced by
lifting only the sample collection stick 2L. However, relative
rotation of the sample collection stick 2L and the movable member
4L is blocked. An engagement convex portion 23 extending in the
up-down direction is formed as a means for blocking the relative
rotation at the outer circumferential surface of the sample
collection stick 2L, and this engagement convex portion 23 is
engaged with a concave portion 44a in the form of a key groove that
is formed at the inner circumferential surface of the through hole
44, as shown in FIG. 22. Obviously, instead of using the
above-described configuration, it is also possible to form a
polygonal cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion of the sample
collection stick 2L and provide the through hole 44 with the
polygonal shape corresponding thereto, thereby making it possible
to obtain a configuration that blocks the relative rotation of the
sample collection stick 2L and the movable member 4L. The threaded
portion 17b of the container 1L, the movable member 4L, and the
sample collection stick 2L constitute a screw feed mechanism that
can move the movable member 4L in the up-down direction by rotating
the sample collection stick 2L.
[0115] In order to conduct the examination of the sample after the
sample has diffused into the liquid 5, the sample collection stick
2L is lifted and part of the shielding material 9 is ruptured.
Then, the sample collection stick 2L is rotated in the
predetermined direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23, the
movable member 4L is lifted by the screw feed action of the
threaded portions 17b, 42b and the liquid 5 is pushed up. As a
result, part of the liquid 5 passes through the filter 3L upward. A
liquid 5' that has thus been filtered is retained on the filter 3L
and can be taken into a predetermined automatic analyzer by using a
suction nozzle 8.
[0116] Thus, in the sample collection implement S11 of the present
embodiment, it is not necessary to push the filter 3L directly with
the suction nozzle 8 as a means for filtering the liquid 5, and a
material with a low mechanical strength also can be used for the
filter 3L. The operation of the sample collection stick 2L serving
to move the movable member 4L involves gripping and rotating the
knob 29 and such an operation can be easily performed. Since the
movable member 4L is moved by using a screw feed mechanism, the
movable member can moved reliably. Furthermore, the sample
collection implement S11 should be anyway provided with the sample
collection stick 2L that can also be effectively used as an
operational member for moving the movable member 4L. Therefore, the
sample collection implement has a rational configuration, and the
increase in the number of parts can be reduced to a minimum.
[0117] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate another example of a sample
collection implement of the fourth type.
[0118] In a sample collection implement S12 of the present
embodiment. A movable member 4M is slidably inserted into a
container 1M. A linking portion 20a of a lid 20 has high
flexibility in the up-down direction, and the sample collection
stick 2M can be lifted by a comparatively large stroke. The sample
collection stick 2M is inserted into a through hole 44 of the
movable member 4M. A convex engagement portion 22 is provided at
the outer surface of the sample collection stick 2M in a portion
close to the lower end of the movable member 4M, and when the
sample collection stick 2M is lifted, this engagement portion 22
comes into contact with the lower surface portion of the movable
member 4M and pushes the movable member 4M upward. A concave
portion 39 that is open at a lower end is formed in the central
portion of a holder 30M of a filter 3M. This concave portion 39
serves to avoid interference with the sample collection stick 2M
when the sample collection stick 2M is lifted. Since the
interference is avoided, the lift stroke of the sample collection
stick 2M and the movable member 4M can be sufficiently increased.
The filter 3M is formed in a ring-like shape and disposed around
the concave portion 39.
[0119] In the sample collection implement S12, where the sample
collection stick 2M is lifted by a large stroke, as shown in FIG.
24B, a shielding material 9 is ruptured and the movable member 4M
is pushed by the engagement portion 22 and lifted. As a result, the
liquid 5 is pushed by the movable member 4M and part of the liquid
5 passes through the filter 3M. A liquid 5' that has thus been
filtered is retained on the filter 3M. Thus, in the sample
collection implement S12, the liquid 5 can be caused to pass
through the filter 3M by a simple configuration using the sample
collection stick 2M, in the same manner as in the above-described
sample collection implement S11. In the sample collection implement
S12, it is not necessary to rotate the sample collection stick 2M
and the sample collection stick may be lifted in a simple manner.
Therefore, the operation of the sample collection implement is
easier than that of the sample collection implement S11.
[0120] The present invention is not limited to the contents of the
above-described embodiments. The design of specific configurations
of parts of the sample collection implement in accordance with the
present invention can be changed variously.
[0121] Although the sample collection implement in accordance with
the present invention is advantageous for sampling feces, the type
of samples is not limited to feces. Various substances such as
clayish substances or soils close thereto can be also used as
samples. A sample may be in the form of an aqueous solution. In
this case, impurities can be removed by using a filter after the
sample has been diluted with the liquid accommodated in the
accommodation portion of the sample collection implement. Various
liquids for suspending or diluting a sample and a variety of
filters including the conventional or newly developed ones can be
used, and specific components and materials thereof can be
appropriately selected according to the sample type or sample
examination contents. Specific shapes and materials of the movable
member, container, and sample collection stick are not particularly
limited.
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