Low-volume liquid distribution pipe

Abstract

A sampling tube for a sampling process, such as but not limited to an automated sampling process, includes a sample chamber having a variable diameter section proximate a bottom end of the sampling tube to minimize dead sample volume. In some cases, the variable diameter section of the sample chamber has a plurality of sub-sections having at least one sub-section of gradually decreasing diameter and at least one sub-section of constant diameter. The outer surface of the sampling tube may include one or more recessed portions defined in the outer surface proximate the bottom end of the sampling tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to sampling tubes, such as, but not limited to, low-capacity sampling tubes. Background Technology

[0002] In hospital and clinical settings, blood samples and other biological fluid specimens are commonly collected and analyzed for various medical purposes. The collection, processing, and testing of these samples typically require the use of a variety of medical testing instruments. Because blood and body fluid specimens are usually collected in standard-sized collection tubes, medical devices used to test these samples are designed to accommodate these standard-sized tubes.

[0003] In most clinical settings, standard blood collection tubes are thin, elongated tubes with one end closed by a hemispherical or circular portion and an opposite open end. This open end can be sealed with a resilient cap or stopper. The tube defines a sample lumen for collecting and preserving blood samples. However, the circular bottom makes it difficult to completely remove the sample from the lumen during automated sampling, often leaving a significant amount of residual sample or dead volume at the bottom of the tube. Such a large amount of residual sample in conventional tubes can be particularly problematic for low-volume samples (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, and / or hospital samples), as the total sample volume may be only 1 mL or less, and the retrieved sample volume may be insufficient for analysis and / or produce erroneous analytical results, potentially impacting the diagnosis and treatment given to the patient.

[0004] To reduce dead volume, tubes with tapered bottoms have been proposed. However, such tubes are incompatible with standard equipment in automated sampling systems, and the tapered bottoms prevent the tubes from being securely placed on standard equipment and / or make the tubes easy to move during sample retrieval.

[0005] Tubes with "false bottoms" have been proposed, but because these tubes are designed with generally flat or flat bottom ends, they are incompatible with standard equipment in automated sampling systems.

[0006] Given the limitations of the aforementioned tubes, additional devices or structures have been proposed. For example, the use of tapered inserts on conventional tubes with rounded bottom ends has been proposed, as well as the use of sleeves on tubes with tapered or pseudo-bottom ends. However, such additional devices or structures are separate from the tube and must be manually inserted or assembled with the tube, thus making them unsuitable for automated sampling systems, requiring time-consuming manual intervention, and disrupting the automation process.

[0007] Therefore, there is still a need for sampling tubes that are compatible with standard equipment and / or instruments, while improving sample retrieval and minimizing dead volume during automated sampling. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the following claims, not by the content of this invention. The content of this invention is a high-level summary of various embodiments and introduces some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description section. The content of this invention is neither intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the appropriate portions of the complete specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0009] The various embodiments described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that may not necessarily be explicitly disclosed herein but will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this disclosure and protected by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The specification references the following figures, in which the same reference numerals are used in different figures to indicate the same or similar components.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the sampling tube according to the implementation plan.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the sampling tube.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the sampling tube.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another side view of the sampling tube.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the sampling tube.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the sampling tube.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The sampling tube along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line A–A in the diagram.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The sampling tube along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line B–B in the diagram.

[0019] Figure 9This is a perspective view of the sampling tube according to the implementation plan.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another perspective view of the sampling tube.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A side view of the sampling tube.

[0022] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Another side view of the sampling tube.

[0023] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 A top view of the sampling tube.

[0024] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 A bottom view of the sampling tube.

[0025] Figure 15 yes Figure 9 The sampling tube along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken by line A–A in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 16 yes Figure 9 The sampling tube along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view taken by line B–B in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This document describes improved sampling tubes for automated sampling systems, but is not limited to them. In some embodiments, the sampling tubes described herein have a sample cavity that minimizes dead volume during sample retrieval, while also having an external profile similar to standard sampling tubes with a rounded bottom, thereby allowing the sampling tubes to be used with standard equipment in automated sampling systems (e.g., they can be inserted and securely positioned in a conventional cartridge holder). The sampling tubes described herein may have a sample cavity with a tapered section and / or a variable diameter section at the bottom of the tube to reduce sample dead volume. In some embodiments, the tapered section may include multiple sub-sections, which can allow efficient collection and diversion of low-volume samples to the bottom of the sample cavity. In some embodiments, multiple sub-sections may also provide a smaller diameter and a smaller dead volume compared to a single tapered section. While the sampling tubes described herein can be used for a variety of tube diameters and / or sample volumes, they may be particularly suitable for samples less than or equal to about 1 mL. In some embodiments, the sampling tubes described herein can reduce the dead volume of a sample from about 0.5 mL to less than about 0.1 mL. Various other benefits and advantages can be achieved using the systems, apparatus and methods provided herein, and these advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0028] Figures 1 to 8 An example of a sampling tube 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The sampling tube 10 can be constructed from various materials as needed. In a non-limiting example, the sampling tube 10 can be constructed from plastic materials such as, but not limited to, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polyethylene naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, combinations thereof, and / or other desired materials. The sampling tube 10 can be formed via various desired techniques such as, but not limited to, injection molding, vacuum forming, compression molding, extrusion, casting, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable desired techniques.

[0029] The sampling tube 10 typically includes a top end 12 and a bottom end 14 opposite to the top end 12. The sampling tube 10 also includes an outer surface 16 extending from the top end 12 to the bottom end 14; and an inner surface 18 defining a sample cavity 20 for receiving a sample or specimen (such as, but not limited to, biological fluid samples).

[0030] The tip 12 of the sampling tube 10 defines an opening 22 leading to the sample chamber 20. When the sampling tube 10 is not in use and / or a sample is not fed into and / or retrieved from the sample chamber, the opening 22 can be selectively closed or sealed (e.g., with a cap, stopper, plug, or other suitable means or mechanism). Optionally, a flange 24 is provided at the tip 12 and can be used to facilitate engagement with a cap, stopper, plug, or other means for closing the opening 22, and / or to facilitate orientation during automated disposal; however, in other embodiments, the sampling tube 10 does not need to include a flange 24.

[0031] The sample chamber 20 can have various desired volumes. In a non-limiting example, the volume of the sample chamber 20 can be 8.2 mL, but it is not necessarily 8.2 mL in other embodiments. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best shown, the sample chamber 20 includes a tubular (or cylindrical) section 26 and a variable-diameter section 28, with the variable-diameter section 28 disposed near the bottom end 14 of the sampling tube 10. In some embodiments, the variable-diameter section 28 may be a tapered section and / or have any other desired profile. The variable-diameter section 28 of the sample chamber 20 can facilitate the retrieval of smaller samples within the sample chamber 20 because less sample remains in the tip or bottom end 30 of the sample chamber 20 compared to the rounded bottom end. In some embodiments, the volume of the variable-diameter section 28 may differ from the volume of the tubular section 26. As a non-limiting example, the volume of the variable-diameter section 28 may be 1.4 mL, and the volume of the tubular section 26 may be 6.8 mL, but in other embodiments, sections 26 and 28 may have other desired volumes.

[0032] In some implementation schemes, and as such Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best shown, the variable diameter section 28 includes a plurality of sub-sections 32. In these embodiments, the variable diameter section 28 having sub-sections 32 can facilitate the collection and flow of the sample within the sample cavity 20. The sub-sections 32 can also allow the sub-section defining the bottom end 30 of the sample cavity 20 (e.g., sub-section 32C) to have a smaller diameter compared to a tapered section having a full diameter, and therefore a smaller dead volume. In a non-limiting example, the sampling tube 10 having the variable diameter section 28 can reduce the dead volume of the sample from about 0.5 mL to less than about 0.1 mL. In other words, the sampling tube 10 having the variable diameter section 28 improves the retrieval of the sample from the sample cavity 20 during sampling (such as, but not limited to, automated sampling).

[0033] In various embodiments, the plurality of sub-segments 32A-C include at least one sub-segment with a constant diameter (e.g., sub-segment 32B) and at least one sub-segment with a gradually decreasing diameter (e.g., sub-segment 32A or sub-segment 32C). In the illustrated embodiment, the variable diameter segment 28 includes three sub-segments – a first sub-segment 32A with a gradually decreasing diameter, a second sub-segment 32B with a constant diameter, and a third sub-segment 32C with a gradually decreasing diameter. In this example, the first sub-segment 32A is adjacent to the tubular segment 26, and the maximum diameter of the tubular segment 26 may be the same as the diameter of the tubular segment 26. The minimum diameter of the first sub-segment 32A may be the same as the constant diameter of the second sub-segment 32B. The maximum diameter of the third sub-segment 32C may be the same as the constant diameter of the second sub-segment 32B. As mentioned, the third sub-segment 32C may include the bottom end 30 of the sample cavity 20. Although three sub-segments 32A-C are shown, any number may be included.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer surface 16 of the sampling tube 10 may include a tubular portion 34 and a dome-shaped or circular portion 35. The tubular portion 34 may include a top end 12, and the circular portion 35 may include a bottom end 14.

[0035] In some embodiments, one or more recessed portions 36 are defined in the outer surface 16 near the bottom end 14. One or more recessed portions 36 may be at least partially defined within a circular portion 35 of the outer surface 16. Although four recessed portions 36A-D are shown, any number may be included. As other non-limiting examples, the outer surface 16 may include two, three, four, five, six, etc., recessed portions. Each recessed portion 36 has a recessed portion surface 38 recessed relative to the outer surface 16. In some embodiments, the recessed portions 36 may form rib segments 42 of the outer surface 16 between adjacent recessed portions 36, and the number of rib segments 42 of the outer surface 16 may depend on the number of recessed portions 36 defined in the outer surface 16. Optionally, and as... Figure 2 and Figure 8 As best shown, a portion of the recessed surface 38 may lie between the outer surface 16 and the inner surface 18, thereby defining the groove 37; however, in other embodiments, this is not necessary, and the groove 37 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the length of each recessed portion 36 is less than the length of the sample cavity 20. The opening 40 of each recessed portion 36 may have various shapes or profiles. As a non-limiting example, and as shown, the opening 40 may be a fan-shaped opening.

[0036] A sampling tube 10 having one or more recessed portions 36 can facilitate the manufacture of the sampling tube 10 and reduce the amount of material used to construct the sampling tube 10. As an example, one or more recessed portions 36 can eliminate a solid void volume that would otherwise be formed between the inner surface 18 and the outer surface 16 (particularly between the variable diameter section 28 of the sampling cavity 20 and the outer surface 16). One or more recessed portions 36 can also allow the sampling tube 10 to have an external profile similar to a standard sampling tube, thereby allowing the sampling tube 10 to be used in standard equipment of automated sampling systems. In some embodiments, multiple recessed portions 36 can facilitate the insertion of the sampling tube 10 into standard equipment used in automated sampling systems. In other embodiments, and as... Figures 9 to 16 As shown, the sampling tube 10 does not need to include the optional recessed portion 36.

[0037] Figures 9 to 16 Another example of a sampling tube 910 according to an embodiment is shown. Sampling tube 910 is similar to sampling tube 910, except that sampling tube 910 omits the groove 37. Additionally, and as... Figure 11As shown, for example, the outer surface 16 of sampling tube 910 may include a tubular portion 34 and a dome-shaped or circular portion 935. In this example, and compared to sampling tube 10, the dome-shaped or circular portion 935 is pyramidal (e.g., having a linearly sloping section). The tubular portion 34 may include a top end 12, and the circular portion 35 may include a bottom end 14.

[0038] In various implementation schemes, and as Figure 15 As shown, the variable diameter section 28 includes two sub-sections 32. Similar to the sampling tube 10, the variable diameter section 28 with sub-sections 32 can facilitate the collection and flow of the sample within the sample cavity 20. Compared to the sampling tube 10, the sub-section 32 of the sampling tube 910 includes a tapered first sub-section 32A (e.g., with a diameter that gradually decreases towards the bottom 14) and a second sub-section 32B with a constant diameter but smaller than the full diameter of the sample cavity 20.

[0039] The following provides a collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some exemplary embodiments that are explicitly listed as “examples” providing additional descriptions of various exemplary embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting; and this disclosure is not limited to these exemplary examples, but covers all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the proposed claims and their equivalents.

[0040] Example 1. A sampling tube comprising: a top end; a bottom end; an outer surface extending from the top end to the bottom end; and an inner surface defining a sample cavity, wherein the top end defines an opening of the sample cavity, and wherein a plurality of recesses are defined in the outer surface near the bottom end of the sampling tube.

[0041] Example 2. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a recessed portion surface, and wherein at least a portion of the recessed portion surface defines a groove between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0042] Example 3. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the plurality of recessed portions includes at least four recessed portions.

[0043] Example 4. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the outer surface includes a bottom portion, the bottom portion includes the bottom end, and the bottom portion includes a circular outline.

[0044] Example 5. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the sample cavity includes a cylindrical portion and a conical portion, wherein the conical portion of the sample cavity is located near the bottom end of the sampling tube.

[0045] Example 6. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a fan-shaped opening.

[0046] Example 7. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the length of each recessed portion is less than the distance from the top to the bottom.

[0047] Example 8. A sampling tube comprising: a top end; a bottom end; an outer surface extending from the top end to the bottom end; and an inner surface defining a sample cavity, wherein the top end defines an opening of the sample cavity, wherein the sample cavity includes a tubular section and a variable diameter section, wherein the variable diameter section is adjacent to the bottom end, wherein the variable diameter section includes a plurality of sub-sections, and wherein a first sub-section of the plurality of sub-sections includes a gradually decreasing diameter, and a second sub-section of the plurality of sub-sections includes a constant diameter.

[0048] Example 9. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, further comprising a third sub-section with a gradually decreasing diameter, wherein the third sub-section defines the bottom end of the sample cavity.

[0049] Example 10. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the second sub-segment is located between the first sub-segment and the third sub-segment.

[0050] Example 11. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein: the maximum diameter of the first sub-segment is the same as the diameter of the tubular segment; the minimum diameter of the first sub-segment is the same as the constant diameter of the second sub-segment; and the maximum diameter of the third sub-segment is the same as the constant diameter of the second sub-segment.

[0051] Example 12. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the maximum diameter of the first sub-section is greater than the constant diameter of the second sub-section.

[0052] Example 13. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the first sub-segment is adjacent to the tubular segment.

[0053] Example 14. A sampling tube comprising: a top end; a bottom end; an outer surface extending from the top end to the bottom end, wherein the outer surface includes a tubular portion and a circular portion including the bottom end; and an inner surface defining a sample cavity, wherein the top end defines an opening of the sample cavity, and wherein the sample cavity includes a tubular portion and a tapered portion adjacent to the bottom end.

[0054] Example 15. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the tubular portion of the outer surface and the tubular portion of the sample cavity include the top end.

[0055] Example 16. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the tapered portion comprises a plurality of sub-segments, the plurality of sub-segments including at least one sub-segment with a gradually decreasing diameter and at least one sub-segment with a constant diameter.

[0056] Example 17. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein a plurality of recessed portions are defined in the outer surface near the bottom end of the sampling tube.

[0057] Example 18. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a recessed portion surface, and wherein at least a portion of the recessed portion surface is located between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0058] Example 19. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the length of each of the plurality of recessed portions is less than the length of the sample cavity.

[0059] Example 20. A sampling tube as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the plurality of recessed portions includes at least four recessed portions.

[0060] The subject matter of embodiments of this disclosure is specifically described herein to satisfy statutory requirements, but such description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement of the various steps or elements, except where the order of the arrangement of the various steps or elements is clearly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “rear,” etc., are intended to refer to orientations shown and described in one or more figures referring to components and directions. Throughout this disclosure, lettered reference numerals refer to specific instances of elements, while unlettered reference numerals refer to or collectively refer to elements. Thus, by example (not shown in the figures), device “12A” refers to an instance of a class of devices that may be collectively referred to as device “12,” and any device therein may be collectively referred to as device “12.” The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise specified herein, the enumeration of value ranges herein is merely intended as a shorthand method for individually representing each individual value belonging to the range or its gradient, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as individually described herein. Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein are intended only to better illustrate embodiments of the invention and, unless otherwise required, do not limit the scope of the invention. The language in this specification should not be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as necessary for practicing the invention.

[0061] The aspects described above are merely examples of possible implementations, set forth only for the purpose of clearly understanding the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to one or more of the above embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure, and all possible claims relating to aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by this disclosure. Furthermore, although specific terms are used herein and in the following claims, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to limit the described embodiments or the purposes of limiting the following claims.

Claims

1. A sampling tube, comprising: top; bottom; The outer surface extends from the top end to the bottom end; as well as An inner surface defining a sample cavity, wherein the top end defines an opening of the sample cavity. Multiple recessed portions are located near the bottom end of the sampling tube and are defined in the outer surface.

2. The sampling tube of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a recessed portion surface, and at least a portion thereof defines a groove between the inner surface and the outer surface.

3. The sampling tube of claim 1, wherein the plurality of recessed portions includes at least four recessed portions.

4. The sampling tube of claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes a bottom portion, the bottom portion includes the bottom end, and the bottom portion includes a circular outline.

5. The sampling tube of claim 1, wherein the sample cavity comprises a cylindrical portion and a conical portion, wherein the conical portion of the sample cavity is located near the bottom end of the sampling tube.

6. The sampling tube of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a fan-shaped opening.

7. The sampling tube of claim 1, wherein the length of each recessed portion is less than the distance from the top end to the bottom end.

8. A sampling tube comprising: top; bottom; The outer surface extends from the top end to the bottom end; as well as An inner surface defining a sample cavity, wherein the top end defines an opening of the sample cavity. The sample cavity includes a tubular section and a variable diameter section. The variable diameter section is located near the bottom end. The variable diameter section includes multiple sub-sections, and The first sub-segment of the plurality of sub-segments includes a gradually decreasing diameter, and the second sub-segment of the plurality of sub-segments includes a constant diameter.

9. The sampling tube of claim 8, further comprising a third sub-section with a gradually decreasing diameter, wherein the third sub-section defines the bottom end of the sample cavity.

10. The sampling tube of claim 9, wherein the second sub-section is located between the first sub-section and the third sub-section.

11. The sampling tube as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The maximum diameter of the first sub-segment is the same as the diameter of the tubular segment; The minimum diameter of the first sub-segment is the same as the constant diameter of the second sub-segment; and The maximum diameter of the third sub-segment is the same as the constant diameter of the second sub-segment.

12. The sampling tube of claim 8, wherein the maximum diameter of the first sub-section is greater than the constant diameter of the second sub-section.

13. The sampling tube of claim 8, wherein the first sub-segment is adjacent to the tubular segment.

14. A sampling tube comprising: top; bottom; An outer surface extending from the top end to the bottom end, wherein the outer surface includes a tubular portion and a circular portion, the circular portion including the bottom end; and An inner surface defining a sample cavity, wherein the top end defines an opening of the sample cavity, and wherein the sample cavity includes a tubular portion and a tapered portion near the bottom end.

15. The sampling tube of claim 14, wherein the tubular portion of the outer surface and the tubular portion of the sample cavity include the top end.

16. The sampling tube of claim 14, wherein the tapered portion comprises a plurality of sub-segments, the plurality of sub-segments including at least one sub-segment with a gradually decreasing diameter and at least one sub-segment with a constant diameter.

17. The sampling tube of claim 14, wherein a plurality of recessed portions are defined in the outer surface near the bottom end of the sampling tube.

18. The sampling tube of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a recessed portion surface, and wherein at least a portion of the recessed portion surface is located between the inner surface and the outer surface.

19. The sampling tube of claim 17, wherein the length of each of the plurality of recessed portions is less than the length of the sample cavity.

20. The sampling tube of claim 17, wherein the plurality of recessed portions comprises at least four recessed portions.

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