Low volume aliquot tube

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

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480061286.6 (22) Application Date 2024.09.24 (30) Priority Data 63 / 585,140 2023.09.25 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2026.03.25 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 048179 2024.09.24 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2025 / 072179 EN 2025.04.03 (71) Applicant: U.S. Holding Laboratory Company Address: U.S. (72) Inventors: D. Wilson, K. Mayer, S. Cohen, L. Priest (74) Patent Agency: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Patent & Trademark Office Co., Ltd. 11038 Patent Attorney Zhu Haitao (51) Int.Cl. B01L 3 / 00 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Low-Volume Dispensing Tube (57) Abstract: A sampling tube for a sampling process (such as, but not limited to, automated sampling processes) includes a sample cavity having a variable diameter section near the bottom end of the sampling tube to minimize dead sample volume. In some cases, the variable diameter section of the sample cavity has multiple sub-sections, including at least one sub-section with a gradually decreasing diameter and at least one sub-section with a constant diameter. The outer surface of the sampling tube may include one or more recessed portions defined in the outer surface near the bottom end of the sampling tube. Claims (2 pages), Description (6 pages), Drawings (7 pages), CN 121925312 A, 2026.04.24, CN 1 21 92 53 12 A 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, wherein a plurality of recessed portions are defined in the outer surface near the bottom end of the sampling tube. 2. The sampling tube of claim 1, 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. 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 including the bottom end, the bottom portion including a circular profile. 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: 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 segment and a variable-diameter segment, wherein the variable-diameter segment is adjacent to the bottom end, wherein the variable-diameter segment includes a plurality of sub-segments, and wherein a first sub-segment of the plurality of sub-segments includes a gradually decreasing diameter, and a 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-segment with a gradually decreasing diameter, and wherein the third sub-segment defines the bottom end of the sample cavity. 10. The sampling tube of claim 9, wherein the second sub-segment is located between the first sub-segment and the third sub-segment. 11. The sampling tube of 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-segment is greater than the constant diameter of the second sub-segment. 13. The sampling tube of claim 8, wherein the first sub-segment is adjacent to the tubular segment. Claims 1 / 2 Page 2 CN 121925312 A 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, 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 adjacent to 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 tip. 16. The sampling tube of claim 14, wherein the tapered portion includes 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 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 includes at least four recessed portions. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121925312 A Low-volume dispensing tube Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to sampling tubes, such as, but not limited to, low-volume sampling tubes. Background Art

[0002] In hospital and clinical settings, blood samples and other biological fluid specimens are typically collected and analyzed for various medical purposes. The collection, handling, and testing of these samples typically require the use of various medical testing instruments. Since blood and body fluid specimens are typically collected in standard-sized collection tubes, medical devices for testing samples are designed to take into account these standard-sized collection tubes.

[0003] Conventional blood collection tubes used in most clinical situations are long, thin tubes with one end closed by a hemispherical or circular portion and an opposite open end. This open end can be sealed with an elastic cap or stopper. The tube defines a sample chamber for collecting and preserving blood samples. However, the circular bottom makes it difficult to completely remove the sample from the sample chamber during automated sampling, and often leaves 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 amount of sample retrieved may be insufficient for analysis and / or produce erroneous analytical results, potentially affecting 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 bottom makes it difficult to securely place the tube on standard equipment, and / or makes the tube easily movable during sample retrieval.

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

[0006] In view of the limitations of the tubes described above, additional devices or structures have been proposed. For example, tapered inserts have been proposed for use on conventional tubes with rounded ends, and sleeves have been proposed for use on tubes with tapered or false 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 interrupting 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 rather than the Summary of the Invention. The Summary of the Invention is a high-level generalization of various embodiments and introduces some concepts that will be further described in the following Detailed Description section. The Summary of the Invention is neither intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to be used alone to define 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 drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages should be included within the disclosure of this specification on page 1 / 6 of 4 CN 121925312 A and protected by the appended claims.

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

[0011] FIG1 is a perspective view of a sampling tube according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG2 is another perspective view of the sampling tube of FIG1. ​​

[0013] FIG3 is a side view of the sampling tube of FIG1. ​​

[0014] FIG4 is another side view of the sampling tube of FIG1. ​​

[0015] FIG5 is a top view of the sampling tube of FIG1. ​​

[0016] FIG6 is a bottom view of the sampling tube of FIG1. ​​

[0017] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling tube of FIG1 taken along line A–A in FIG4.

[0018] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling tube of FIG1 taken along line B–B in FIG5.

[0019] FIG9 is a perspective view of a sampling tube according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG10 is another perspective view of the sampling tube of FIG9.

[0021] FIG11 is a side view of the sampling tube of FIG9.

[0022] FIG12 is another side view of the sampling tube of FIG9.

[0023] FIG13 is a top view of the sampling tube of FIG9.

[0024] FIG14 is a bottom view of the sampling tube of FIG9.

[0025] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling tube of FIG9 taken along line A–A in FIG12.

[0026] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling tube of FIG9 taken along line B–B in FIG13. Detailed Description

[0027] This document describes an improved sampling tube for automated sampling systems, but it is not limited to automated sampling systems.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 wide range 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 the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0028] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate examples of a sampling tube 10 according to an embodiment. 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. Specification 2 / 6 pages 5 CN 121925312 A

[0029] The sampling tube 10 generally includes a top end 12 and a bottom end 14 opposite to the top end 12. The sampling tube 10 further includes: an outer surface 16 extending from a top end 12 to a 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 body fluid samples).

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

[0031] The sample cavity 20 can have various desired volumes.In a non-limiting example, the volume of sample chamber 20 may be 8.2 mL, but it is not necessarily 8.2 mL in other embodiments. As best shown in Figures 7 and 8, 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 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 sample chamber 20 can facilitate the retrieval of smaller samples within sample chamber 20 because less sample remains in the tip or bottom end 30 of sample chamber 20 compared to the rounded bottom end. In some embodiments, the volume of variable-diameter section 28 may differ from the volume of tubular section 26. As a non-limiting example, the volume of variable-diameter section 28 may be 1.4 mL, and the volume of tubular section 26 may be 6.8 mL, but in other embodiments, sections 26 and 28 may have other desired volumes.

[0032] In some embodiments, and best shown in Figures 7 and 8, 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, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, 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 defined at least partially within the 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 recessed portions, three recessed portions, four recessed portions, five recessed portions, six recessed portions, etc. Each recessed portion 36 has a recessed portion surface 38 that is 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 as described on page 3 / 6 of the specification, CN 121925312 A. Optionally, and preferably as shown in Figures 2 and 8, a portion of the recessed surface 38 may be located between the outer surface 16 and the inner surface 18, thereby defining a 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 that of a standard sampling tube, thereby allowing the sampling tube 10 to be used in standard equipment of an automated sampling system. In some embodiments, multiple recessed portions 36 can facilitate insertion of the sampling tube 10 into standard equipment used in automated sampling systems. In other embodiments, and as shown in Figures 9 through 16, the sampling tube 10 does not need to include the optional recessed portions 36.

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

[0038] In various embodiments, and as shown in FIG15, the variable diameter section 28 includes two sub-sections 32. Similar to the sampling tube 10, the variable diameter section 28 having 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-sections 32 of the sampling tube 910 include a first sub-section 32A that is tapered (e.g., with a diameter that gradually decreases toward the bottom end 14) and a second sub-section 32B with a constant diameter but smaller than the full diameter of the sample cavity 20.

[0039] A collection of exemplary embodiments is provided below, 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 recessed portions 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 preceding 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 preceding or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the outer surface includes a bottom portion, the bottom portion including the bottom end, and the bottom portion including a circular outline.

[0044] Example 5. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing 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 foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein each of the plurality of recessed portions includes a fan-shaped opening. Specification 4 / 6 pages 7 CN 121925312 A

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

[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 segment and a variable diameter segment, wherein the variable diameter segment is adjacent to the bottom end, wherein the variable diameter segment includes a plurality of sub-segments, and wherein a first sub-segment of the plurality of sub-segments includes a gradually decreasing diameter, and a second sub-segment of the plurality of sub-segments 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-segment with a gradually decreasing diameter, and wherein the third sub-segment 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 foregoing 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 foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the maximum diameter of the first sub-segment is greater than the constant diameter of the second sub-segment.

[0052] Example 13. A sampling tube as described in any of the foregoing 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, 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 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 foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the tapered portion includes 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 foregoing 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 foregoing 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 foregoing 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 has been 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 combination with other existing or future techniques. 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 explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “rear,” etc., are intended to refer to the orientation shown and described in one or more figures referring to components and orientations. Throughout this disclosure, lettered reference numerals refer to specific instances of elements, while non-lettered reference numerals refer to elements in general or collectively. Thus, by example (not shown in the figures), device “12A” refers to an instance of a class of devices that can be collectively referred to as device “12,” and any one of these devices can be collectively referred to as device “12.” The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted 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 may 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 a clear understanding of 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 herein 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. Instruction manual, page 6 / 6, 9 CN 121925312 A, Figure 1, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 7, page 10 CN 121925312 A, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 7, page 11 CN 121925312 A, Figure 6, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 7, page 12 CN 121925312 A, Figure 8, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 7, page 13 CN 121925312 A, Figure 10, Figure 11; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 7, page 14 CN 121925312 A, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 7, page 15 CN 121925312 A, Figure 15, Figure 16; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 7, page 16 CN 121925312 A.

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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