US20050209531A1 - Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same - Google Patents
Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same Download PDFInfo
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- US20050209531A1 US20050209531A1 US11/074,466 US7446605A US2005209531A1 US 20050209531 A1 US20050209531 A1 US 20050209531A1 US 7446605 A US7446605 A US 7446605A US 2005209531 A1 US2005209531 A1 US 2005209531A1
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- ampoule
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- liquid
- sampling apparatus
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 41
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000003708 ampul Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 218
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims description 65
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000011534 incubation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 5
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 4
- PKDBCJSWQUOKDO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].C1=CC=CC=C1C(N=[N+]1C=2C=CC=CC=2)=NN1C1=CC=CC=C1 PKDBCJSWQUOKDO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000004166 bioassay Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009461 vacuum packaging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000382 dechlorinating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003999 initiator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012009 microbiological test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005353 urine analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
- A61B10/0045—Devices for taking samples of body liquids
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
- B01L3/50825—Closing or opening means, corks, bungs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
- G01N1/14—Suction devices, e.g. pumps; Ejector devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00535—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated
- A61B2017/00561—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated creating a vacuum
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/03—Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety
- A61B2090/037—Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
- B01L2200/0642—Filling fluids into wells by specific techniques
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
- B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
- B01L2300/0832—Geometry, shape and general structure cylindrical, tube shaped
- B01L2300/0835—Ampoules
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/06—Valves, specific forms thereof
- B01L2400/0677—Valves, specific forms thereof phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers
- B01L2400/0683—Valves, specific forms thereof phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers mechanically breaking a wall or membrane within a channel or chamber
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
- G01N1/14—Suction devices, e.g. pumps; Ejector devices
- G01N2001/1418—Depression, aspiration
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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.
Description
- 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.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to sampling liquids, and more particularly, to an apparatus for sampling a liquid and automatically performing a test.
- 2. Discussion of Related Art
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The sampling apparatus includes a cap for covering the second opening of the ampoule barrel.
- 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.
- 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.
- The method includes extracting the ampoule from the ampoule barrel.
- The method includes determining a test result according to the reagent and liquid sample.
- 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.
- 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.
- The ampoule barrel includes at least a third opening on a sidewall of the ampoule barrel for flowing the liquid into the ampoule barrel.
- The ampoule barrel includes a flange at an end portion, opposite the tip.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:
- FIGS. 1A-C are an illustration of a test system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
-
FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the test system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a tip area of the test system ofFIG. 1 ; - FIGS. 4A-C are illustrations of a sampling cap, sheath and ampoule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
- FIGS. 5A-D are illustrations of an ampoule barrel having no offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
- FIGS. 6A-D are illustrations of an ampoule barrel having an offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
- FIGS. 7A-D are illustrations of an ampoule barrel having an offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
- FIGS. 8A-C are illustrations of a carrier for a test system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
- FIGS. 9A-C are illustrations of a breaking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
-
FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. - A test system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a self-contained total microbe test. Referring to
FIG. 1A , atest system 100 includes anampoule barrel 101, anampoule 102 and acap 103. Theampoule 102 may be removed from theampoule barrel 101. - Referring to
FIG. 1B , theampoule 102 includes afrangible tip 104. Thefrangible tip 104 may be offset from a center of amain body 105 of theampoule 102. Theampoule 102 is a sealed container, which is opened open breaking thefrangible tip 104. The interior of theampoule 102 is a vacuum-sealed environment. Upon breaking thetip 104, theampoule 102 is adapted to draw a predetermined volume of liquid according to an internal pressure of theampoule 102. - Referring to
FIG. 1C , theampoule barrel 101 includes an opening 106 for receiving an ampoule. Theampoule barrel 101 includes atip 107 for allowing a liquid into theampoule barrel 101. Thebarrel tip 107 includes one or more ports for drawing the liquid into theampoule barrel 101 under the vacuum of an ampoule. Thetip 107 of the ampoule barrel may be off center relative to a longitudinal center of theampoule barrel 101. An offcenter 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 offcenter tip 107 may be immersed in the pooled sample. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of atest system 100. Anampoule barrel 101 receives anampoule 102. Aseal 201, formed of for example, a rubber substance secures theampoule 102. Atip 104 of theampoule 102 projects through theseal 201 and into a sample chamber. Upon placing thebarrel tip 107 in a liquid, theseal 201 prevents the liquid from passing into an upper portion of theampoule barrel 101. Thecap 103 is removable. Thecap 103 prevents contaminants from entering theampoule barrel 101 or contacting thebarrel tip 107 prior to a test. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , theampoule barrel 101 includes ports, e.g., 301 and 302, for allowing a liquid to pass into a lower portion orsample chamber 303 of theampoule barrel 101. The ports may be located on an end, e.g., 301, of theampoule barrel 101 and/or on a side of the ampoule barrel, e.g., 302. Theseal 201 prevents the liquid form passing into an upper portion of theampoule barrel 101. Theampoule 102 includes afrangible tip 104. Thetip 104 includes aterminus 305. Theterminus 305 has a rounded structure. Above theterminus 305, ascore 306 is provided on a portion of thetip 104. Thescore 306 is located to control the height at which thetip 104 breaks. Thescore 306 may be located on a portion, e.g., about 90 degrees or about 180 degrees, of the circumference of thetip 104. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 , thescore 306 is located on a portion of thetip 104 away from the direction of the intended breakage. Theampoule 102 may be depressed into theampoule barrel 101, wherein theterminus 305 meets anangled face 304 of theampoule barrel 101. A pressure applied to theampoule 102 causes the ampoule to descend into theampoule barrel 101 with theseal 201. Theangled face 304 converts the pressure into a lateral pressure on theterminus 305 of thetip 104. Thetip 104 breaks at about the height of thescore 306 under the lateral pressure. Theterminus 305 breaks away from thetip 104 allowing the liquid in thelower portion 303 of theampoule barrel 101 into theampoule 102. A flow rate at which theampoule 102 draws liquid may be slower than a flow rate of the ports of theampoule barrel 101. Thetip 104 may be sheathed, such that upon breaking theterminus 305, a lower portion of the tip drop away into theampoule barrel 101 and a remaining portion of thetip 104 is guarded within the sheath. - 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 theampoule 102. Asheath 402 guards any sharps. Thesampling cap 401 includes anipple 403. Thenipple 403 fits within thesheath 402. Thecap 401 reduces a potential for contact with the liquid in theampoule 102. Thenipple 403 cooperates with thesheath 402, securing thesampling cap 401 to theampoule 102. Thenipple 403 may be a tube through which asyringe 404 or other device may gain access to the contents of theampoule 102. - 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. - Referring to FIGS. 5A-D, ampoule barrels 101 having a
bottom port 501 with no offset relative to a centerline of theampoule barrel 101 are shown. Referring toFIG. 5A , a lead inangle 502 of theface 304 is about 60 degrees. Theampoule 102 includes an offsettip 104. Thetip 104 is guarded by asheath 402. The offsettip 104 is aligned to meet theface 304 as theampoule 102 descends into theampoule barrel 101.FIG. 5B illustrates anampoule barrel 101 having aface 304 with a lead in angle of about 30 degrees.FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate ampoule barrels 101 having aface 304. Theface 304 has a radius. For example, the radius of theface 304 inFIG. 5C is about 0.500 inches and the radius of theface 304 inFIG. 5D is about 0.110 inches. The radius of theface 304 converts the descent of theampoule 102 into a lateral force that breaks thetip 104. - Referring to FIGS. 6A-D, a
bottom port 501 of theampoule barrel 101 is offset, for example, by 0.065 inches from a centerline of theampoule barrel 101. Referring toFIG. 6A , a lead inangle 502 of theface 304 is about 30 degrees. A height of the face is not uniform around theampoule barrel 101. The rotation of theampoule 102 within theampoule barrel 101 ensures that thetip 104 contacts theface 304 upon descending into theampoule barrel 101. The rotation may be adjusted manually. A mechanism, such as a cooperating shape of theampoule barrel 101 andampoule 102, may secure an alignment. Asheath 402 may be implemented as a guard over thetip 104. Referring toFIG. 6B , a lead in angle of theface 304 is about 60 degrees. Referring toFIGS. 6C and 6D aface 304 has a radius of about 0.500 inches and 0.250 inches, respectively. - Referring to FIGS. 7A-D, a
bottom port 501 of theampoule barrel 101 is offset, for example, by 0.130 inches from a centerline of theampoule barrel 101. Referring toFIG. 7A , a lead inangle 502 of theface 304 is about 30 degrees. The angle of the face varies around the circumference of theampoule barrel 101 between about 90 degrees and about 75 degrees. A height of the face is not uniform around theampoule barrel 101. The rotation of theampoule 102 within theampoule barrel 101 ensures that thetip 104 contacts theface 304 upon descending into theampoule barrel 101. Referring toFIG. 7B , a lead in angle of theface 304 is about 60 degrees. Referring toFIGS. 7C and 7D aface 304 has a radius of about 0.500 inches and 0.250 inches, respectively. Asheath 402 may be implemented as a guard over thetip 104. - Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, a
test system 100 may be loaded into acarrier 801. Thecarrier 801 may be capped by a top 802. The carrier comprises one ormore trenches 804 for receiving a portion of anampoule 102. Thetrench 804 has a depth adapted to support anunused system 100 such that theampoule 102 is not pressed into theampoule barrel 101; a distance between a bottom of the trench and theupper surface 805 prevents the descent of the ampoule into the ampoule barrel. Aflange 803 of theampoule barrel 101 rests on an upper surface of thecarrier 801. - 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. Theampoule 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. - A test of a liquid may be performed using a
test system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A sample module orampoule barrel 101 secures atest ampoule 102 for extracting a liquid sample. Theampoule barrel 101 limits a sample taker's exposure to the liquid. When used with apre-dosed test ampoule 102, theampoule barrel 101 andtest ampoule 102 automatically start a test of the sampled liquid under the pressure of the vacuum. - Referring to
FIG. 9A , thesample chamber 303 houses an ampouletip breaker assembly 900. The ports or inlets, e.g., 301 and 302, may be formed on the walls of theampoule barrel 101 and at a tip of theampoule 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 theampoule 102. Thus, the sample may enter theampoule 102 in a predetermined dose, substantially unaffected by suction or fluid resistance. The ampouletip breaker assembly 900 is stabilized in thesample chamber 303 to receive atip 104 of theampoule 102. - Referring to
FIGS. 9B and 9C , the ampouletip breaker assembly 900 is formed such that the sample may flow around the assembly and enter theampoule 102. The ampouletip breaker assembly 900 includes a surface disposed at an angle for breaking the frangible portion of the test ampoule. The surface may be ahollow tube 901 for receiving atip 104 of anampoule 102 and for breaking thetip 104. Thehollow 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. Theassembly 900 includes astabilizer support 902 disposed at an angle for supporting thehollow tube 901, e.g., at about 90 degrees from the angle of thehollow tube 901. Thestabilizer support 302 and thehollow tube 901 may be formed as one piece. Thehollow tube 901 may collect a broken portion of the tip of theampoule 102 upon breaking away from theampoule 102. - The stabilized
ampoule tip breaker 900 breaks the tip of theampoule 102 upon the application of pressure to theampoule 102, forcing thetest ampoule tip 104 to engage a surface disposed at an angle. Thetip 104 of theampoule 102 is submerged in liquid as to avoid suction entrained air and creating an unacceptable ampoule fill. - 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.
- 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.
- 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 101 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° 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.
- 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.
- 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 thesample 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 anautoincubation 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 apredetermined end time 1004. The timing shown inFIG. 10 are provide as examples, actual times may differ depending on the test and procedures. - 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.
Claims (18)
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.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/074,466 US20050209531A1 (en) | 2004-03-05 | 2005-03-07 | Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US55074304P | 2004-03-05 | 2004-03-05 | |
US11/074,466 US20050209531A1 (en) | 2004-03-05 | 2005-03-07 | Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050209531A1 true US20050209531A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
Family
ID=34976165
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/074,466 Abandoned US20050209531A1 (en) | 2004-03-05 | 2005-03-07 | Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050209531A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1749421A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007527998A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20060135015A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005220891A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0508120A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2610629A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL177835A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20064455L (en) |
RU (1) | RU2006135014A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005086816A2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200607870B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007106257A2 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2007-09-20 | Rising Peter E | Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same |
US9108191B2 (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2015-08-18 | Perkinelmer Chemagen Technologie Gmbh | Device and method for the complete uptake of liquids from vessels |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4921851B2 (en) * | 2006-05-22 | 2012-04-25 | 柴田科学株式会社 | Cap that can be attached to the gas sampler |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2610629A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
NO20064455L (en) | 2006-10-02 |
ZA200607870B (en) | 2008-08-27 |
RU2006135014A (en) | 2008-04-10 |
EP1749421A4 (en) | 2010-06-16 |
WO2005086816A3 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
JP2007527998A (en) | 2007-10-04 |
WO2005086816A2 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
AU2005220891A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
BRPI0508120A (en) | 2007-07-10 |
EP1749421A2 (en) | 2007-02-07 |
IL177835A0 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
IL177835A (en) | 2010-11-30 |
KR20060135015A (en) | 2006-12-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INDUSTRIAL MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT, INC., MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RISING, PETER E.;RUTLEDGE, BRIAN H.;REEL/FRAME:016295/0762 Effective date: 20050419 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |