Extracting Liquid from a Punctureable Liquid Storage Container

Abstract

Embodiments described herein relate to a liquid extraction device for extracting liquid from a liquid storage container, the liquid extraction device comprising: a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the liquid storage container; a liquid storage container interface housed within the receptacle, the liquid storage container interface configured to provide a fluid connection to the liquid in the liquid storage container when the liquid storage container is connected to the liquid storage container interface; and a safety mechanism operable from a first safety mechanism configuration to a second safety mechanism configuration, the safety mechanism configured to conceal the liquid storage container interface when in the first safety mechanism configuration and to expose the liquid storage container interface when in the second safety mechanism configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Field The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for extracting liquid from a puncturable liquid storage container, such as a blood collection tube. [Background technology]

[0002] background Field-of-site diagnostic devices are typically used to perform diagnostic tests, such as immunoassays, on biological samples (such as whole blood, serum, or plasma). To perform such diagnostic tests, the biological sample must be transferred to the diagnostic device. The diagnostic device is then inserted into an analytical device (or instrument) that controls the movement of fluids (e.g., biological sample, reagents, buffers, etc.) in the diagnostic device and performs the measurement of biomarkers to perform the diagnostic test.

[0003] Biological samples, such as whole blood or plasma, are typically collected from a subject using a puncturable liquid storage container, such as a venous blood tube or a blood collection tube, often referred to as a Vacutainer®. Existing systems for extracting a liquid sample from a blood collection tube require coupling the blood collection tube to a diagnostic device and then inserting the diagnostic device and coupled blood collection tube into an analytical device. Running a diagnostic test can take several minutes, meaning that the remaining amount of biological sample in the blood collection tube cannot be used until the diagnostic test is completed and the diagnostic device is removed from the analytical device. Thus, a drawback of such existing systems is that the biological sample in the blood collection tube cannot be utilized until a particular diagnostic test is completed.

[0004] Some existing systems include a needle configured to pierce the septum of the blood collection tube. A drawback of such existing systems is that there exists a risk of injury to the user. Furthermore, there exists a risk of contamination if the user injures themselves with the needle after it has been used to draw blood from the blood collection tube. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for extracting liquid from a liquid storage container that is safe and easy for a user to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview This summary introduces concepts that are further described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter or to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a liquid extraction device for extracting liquid from a liquid storage container is provided, the liquid extraction device comprising: a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the liquid storage container; a liquid storage container interface contained within the receptacle, the liquid storage container interface configured to provide a fluid connection to the liquid in the liquid storage container when the liquid storage container is connected to the liquid storage container interface; and a safety mechanism operable from a first safety mechanism configuration to a second safety mechanism configuration, the safety mechanism configured to conceal the liquid storage container interface when in the first safety mechanism configuration and to expose the liquid storage container interface when in the second safety mechanism configuration.

[0008] By hiding the liquid storage container interface (e.g. a puncturing element such as a needle) when the safety mechanism is in the first safety mechanism configuration, the liquid storage container interface is not exposed, which means that there is no chance of a user injuring themselves on the liquid storage container interface when the safety mechanism is in the first safety mechanism configuration.

[0009] The liquid reservoir interface may include at least one needle configured to provide a fluid connection to the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

[0010] The liquid extraction apparatus may further comprise an elastically deformable element configured to deform when the safety mechanism is actuated from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration, the elastically deformable element configured to bias the safety mechanism from the second safety mechanism configuration towards the first safety mechanism configuration.

[0011] The elastically deformable element ensures that the liquid storage container interface (e.g., a puncturing element such as a needle) is hidden again after the safety mechanism is actuated to the second safety mechanism configuration. For example, if the liquid extraction device comprises a needle configured to extract blood from a blood collection tube, re-hiding the needle ensures that the user cannot be injured by the needle coming into contact with potentially contaminated blood. This reduces the risk of contamination for the user.

[0012] The safety mechanism may include a release mechanism configured to engage a portion of the receptacle when the safety mechanism is in the first safety mechanism configuration. The release mechanism reduces the risk of inadvertent exposure of the needle by ensuring that the safety mechanism needs to be actively released to actuate the safety mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration. The release mechanism may be configured to allow actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the release mechanism is disengaged from the portion of the receptacle.

[0013] The release mechanism can include at least two clips, the release mechanism configured to disengage from a portion of the receptacle when a force is applied simultaneously to each of the at least two clips. The use of two clips that require simultaneous application of force makes it more difficult to operate the release mechanism using a user's fingers, reducing the risk of a user using their fingers to activate the safety mechanism. The at least two clips can be configured to be actuated by a circular force profile, such as, for example, the cap of a blood collection tube.

[0014] The liquid extraction apparatus may further comprise a blocking element configured to prevent actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus is in a first orientation and to allow actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus is in a second orientation different from the first orientation.

[0015] The blocking element ensures that the safety mechanism is activated when the liquid extraction device is in a desired orientation (e.g., a substantially vertical orientation) and cannot be activated when the liquid extraction device is not in the desired orientation. For example, allowing activation of the safety mechanism when the liquid extraction device is in a vertical orientation ensures that the needle is fluidly connected to the blood in the collection tube.

[0016] The blocking element may be configured to engage a restriction in the receptacle to prevent actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction device is in a first orientation. The second orientation may be a substantially vertical orientation.

[0017] The liquid extraction apparatus may further comprise a liquid extraction mechanism operable from a first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to a second liquid extraction mechanism configuration, the liquid extraction mechanism configured to create a pressure differential between gas in the liquid storage container and the liquid extraction outlet when actuated from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

[0018] By creating a pressure differential between the gas in the liquid storage container (eg, blood collection tube) and the liquid extraction outlet, liquid can be forced out of the liquid storage container by the pressure differential.

[0019] The safety mechanism may be configured to actuate the liquid extraction mechanism from a first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to a second liquid extraction mechanism configuration. Thus, a single continuous user action is all that is required to actuate both the safety mechanism and the liquid extraction mechanism, thereby improving ease of use. The liquid extraction mechanism may be operable from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration when the safety mechanism is actuated to the second safety mechanism configuration.

[0020] The liquid extraction apparatus may further comprise a first engagement mechanism configured to prevent actuation of the liquid extraction mechanism in a direction opposite to an actuation direction from the first liquid extraction mechanism arrangement to the second liquid extraction mechanism arrangement, thereby preventing the liquid extraction mechanism from being withdrawn from the first liquid extraction mechanism arrangement.

[0021] The liquid extraction device may further comprise a second engagement mechanism configured to hold the liquid extraction mechanism in the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration upon actuation of the liquid extraction mechanism into the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration. The second engagement mechanism may provide an audible click when engaged, thereby allowing a user to confirm that the liquid extraction device has been actuated into a configuration in which liquid is extracted.

[0022] The safety mechanism may include an opening, and the liquid storage container interface does not extend through the opening in the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in a first safety mechanism configuration, and the liquid storage container interface extends through said opening in the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in a second safety mechanism configuration.

[0023] The safety mechanism may include an actuatable platform having an opening, the actuatable platform being movable from a first configuration in which the blood collection tube interface does not extend through the opening to a second configuration in which the blood collection tube interface extends through the opening. The actuatable platform may further include a cap configured to cover the opening. The liquid reservoir interface may be configured to open the cover when the actuatable platform moves from the first configuration to the second configuration. Movement of the actuatable platform from the first configuration to the second configuration may be prevented when a force is applied to the cover to move the actuatable platform.

[0024] The safety mechanism may include an upper portion and a lower portion that cooperate to define a recess, the lower portion being operable from a first position in which the upper portion and the lower portion cooperate to prevent movement of the blocking element into the recess under gravity, to a second position in which the upper and lower portions move apart to enlarge the recess and allow movement of the blocking element into the recess under gravity.

[0025] The upper portion can include one or more holes, each of the one or more holes extending through the upper portion, and the lower portion can include one or more elongated elements (or protrusions), each of the one or more elongated elements configured to extend through a corresponding one of the one or more holes, and when the lower portion is in a first position, the one or more elongated elements extend through the one or more holes such that an end of the one or more elongated elements protrudes beyond an upper surface of the upper portion, and the lower portion is actuable from the first position to the second position by applying a force to an end of the one or more elongated elements.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid handling apparatus comprising a liquid handling device having one or more conduits and a liquid extraction device as described in any of the above paragraphs, the liquid extraction device being in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more conduits.

[0027] The liquid handling device may be suitable for use in performing diagnostic tests. The liquid extraction device may be integrated within the liquid handling device. Alternatively, the liquid extraction device may be attachable to the liquid handling device. For example, the liquid extraction device may be removably attachable to the liquid handling device.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Specific embodiments are described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first liquid extraction device in fluid communication with the cartridge. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the attachment between a first liquid extraction device and a cartridge. [Figure 2B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the attachment between a second liquid extraction device and a cartridge. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a blood collection tube. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the blood collection tube shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a liquid extraction device with a safety mechanism. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top view of the liquid extraction apparatus shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] 4B is an isometric cross-sectional view of the liquid extraction device shown in FIG. 4A taken through line AA of FIG. 4B. [Figure 4D] 4B is a cross-sectional front view of the liquid extraction apparatus shown in FIG. 4A taken through line AA of FIG. 4B. [Figure 4E] 4B is an isometric cross-sectional view of the liquid extraction device shown in FIG. 4A taken through line BB of FIG. 4B. [Figure 4F] 4B is a front cross-sectional view of the liquid extraction device shown in FIG. 4A taken through line BB of FIG. 4B. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the safety mechanism of the liquid extractor, without showing the cylinder of the liquid extractor. [Figure 5B]FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates the position of the safety mechanism when a downward force is applied to the safety mechanism, but not to one or more of the resiliently deformable clips of the safety mechanism. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a blood collection tube in contact with the resiliently deformable clip of the safety mechanism. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates the position of the safety mechanism when actuated by the application of a downward force. [Figure 7C] 1 illustrates the position of the safety mechanism when actuated by the application of a downward force. [Figure 7D] 1 illustrates the position of the safety mechanism when actuated by the application of a downward force. [Figure 7E] 1 illustrates the position of the safety mechanism when actuated by the application of a downward force. [Figure 7F] 1 illustrates the position of the safety mechanism when actuated by the application of a downward force. [Figure 7G] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing blood being extracted by a liquid extraction device. [Figure 8A] 1 shows the position of the safety mechanism when the downward force applied to activate the safety mechanism is released. [Figure 8B] 1 shows the position of the safety mechanism when the downward force applied to activate the safety mechanism is released. [Figure 8C] 1 shows the position of the safety mechanism when the downward force applied to activate the safety mechanism is released. [Figure 8D] 1 shows the position of the safety mechanism when the downward force applied to activate the safety mechanism is released. [Figure 8E] 1 shows a blood collection tube being removed from the liquid extraction device. [Figure 9A] Illustrates the safety mechanisms that operate with various types of blood collection tubes. [Figure 9B] Illustrates the safety mechanisms that operate with various types of blood collection tubes. [Figure 9C] Illustrates the safety mechanisms that operate with various types of blood collection tubes. [Figure 10] 1 shows a blood collection tube being inserted into a liquid extraction device in a vertical orientation. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a blocking element of the safety mechanism that prevents actuation of the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in a horizontal orientation. [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates a blocking element of the safety mechanism that allows actuation of the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in a substantially vertical orientation. [Figure 12B] 1 illustrates a blocking element of the safety mechanism that allows actuation of the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in a substantially vertical orientation. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional isometric view of an alternative safety mechanism. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a side cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism shown in FIG. 13A. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13 is a top view of a further alternative safety mechanism. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a side cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism shown in FIG. 14A activated by force applied by a blood collection tube. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14B is a side cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism shown in FIG. 14A activated by force applied by a user's finger. [Figure 15A] FIG. 13 is a top isometric view of yet another alternative safety mechanism comprising an upper safety mechanism portion and a lower safety mechanism portion. [Figure 15B] 15B is a side cross-sectional view of a lower safety mechanism portion of the safety mechanism shown in FIG. 15A in a first position. [Figure 15C] 15B is a side cross-sectional view of the lower safety mechanism portion of the safety mechanism shown in FIG. 15A in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Detailed Description Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with particular reference to extracting liquid from blood collection tubes, however, it will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein can also be used to extract liquid from other sealed liquid storage containers into which a liquid collection interface (such as a needle) can be inserted.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first liquid extraction device 200 in fluid communication with a liquid handling device in the form of a cartridge 100. As shown in Figure 1, the cartridge 100 includes a number of chambers in fluid communication via a number of conduits 102. Specifically, the multiple chambers include a main chamber 104, a reagent chamber 106, a mixing chamber 108, a waste chamber 110, and a measurement chamber 112. Additionally, the cartridge 100 includes a number of valves 114, each of which controls the flow of fluid through a respective conduit 102. A sensor 116 is used to perform a measurement (e.g., an electrochemical measurement) on the solution in the measurement chamber 112.

[0032] Fluid flow between the chambers is controlled by an external pump 120 configured to apply positive or negative pressure to the main chamber 104 via a pump conduit 122. The positive or negative pressure either pumps or draws fluid from one chamber to another depending on which valve 114 is open. For example, to draw reagent from the reagent chamber 106 into the main chamber 104 (e.g., to mix with a sample), the valve 114 between the reagent chamber 106 and the main chamber 104 is opened and a negative pressure is applied to the main chamber 104 by the pump 120.

[0033] The liquid extraction device 200 is in fluid communication with the cartridge 100 via the inlet conduit 14. As described in more detail below, the liquid extraction device 200 is configured to extract a liquid sample (e.g., blood) from a puncturable liquid storage container (e.g., a blood collection tube, not shown in FIG. 1). Once the liquid sample is extracted from the liquid storage container, it is transferred under pressure via the inlet conduit 14 to the metering chamber 16. The liquid sample can then be drawn from the metering chamber 16 through the outlet conduit 43 and into the main chamber 104 by applying negative pressure using the pump 120.

[0034] The sample can then be combined with one or more reagents in the main chamber 104 by aspirating the reagents from the reagent chamber 106 into the main chamber 104. The solution may be transferred repeatedly between the main chamber 104 and the mixing chamber 108 to mix the sample and reagents. The solution can then be delivered to the measurement chamber 112 where an electrochemical measurement is performed on the solution using the sensor 116. Effluent from the main chamber 104 or the measurement chamber 112 can be transferred to the waste chamber 110.

[0035] The liquid extraction device 200 comprises a receptacle in the form of a cylinder 202 (or tube) that receives a puncturable liquid storage container, such as a blood collection tube. Additionally, the liquid extraction device 200 includes an actuatable liquid extraction mechanism in the form of a piston 204 that is actuatable within the cylinder 202 from a first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to a second liquid extraction mechanism configuration. In Figure 1, the piston 204 is illustrated in the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

[0036] The piston 204 includes a sealing element in the form of an O-ring seal 210 configured to provide a seal between the piston 204 and the cylinder 202. The cylinder 202 includes a recess 212 configured to defeat the O-ring seal 210 by allowing air to flow around the O-ring seal 210 when the piston 204 is in the second configuration shown in FIG.

[0037] The liquid extraction device 200 includes a liquid reservoir interface (e.g., a blood collection tube interface) in the form of a needle 206 fixedly attached to a piston 204. The needle 206 is configured to pierce the liquid reservoir (e.g., by piercing a septum of the blood collection tube). The needle 206 includes a liquid extraction outlet 208 through which extracted liquid from the blood collection tube can flow.

[0038] The cylinder 202 includes an outlet 216 that allows the liquid extracted from the blood collection tube to be removed from the liquid extraction device 200. The outlet 216 is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 14, thereby allowing the liquid to be transferred from the liquid extraction device 200 to the cartridge 100.

[0039] In the first liquid extraction mechanism, the piston 204 is located within the cylinder 202 above the outlet 216 (ie, further from the end wall 218 of the cylinder 202 than is shown in FIG. 1).

[0040] The piston 204 and the cylinder 202 cooperate to define a chamber. After connecting the blood collection tube to the needle 206, as the piston 204 is actuated from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration, the volume of the chamber decreases. As the piston 204 is actuated past the outlet 216, the decrease in the volume of the chamber causes an increase in the pressure of the air in the chamber because the chamber is sealed by the O-ring seal 210. The increase in the pressure of the air in the chamber forces air through the needle 206 and into the blood collection tube, increasing the pressure of the gas in the blood collection tube. The pressure of the air in the chamber and in the blood collection tube continues to increase as the piston 204 is actuated toward the second configuration.

[0041] When the piston 204 is in the second configuration, the O-ring seal 210 aligns with the recess 212 and is therefore inactive, meaning that the pressurized air in the chamber can flow around the O-ring seal 210. This reduces the pressure at the liquid extraction outlet 208, which is in fluid communication with the chamber, creating a pressure differential between the gas in the blood collection tube and the liquid extraction outlet 208. This pressure differential forces liquid out of the blood collection tube, through the needle 206, around the O-ring seal 210, and out of the liquid extraction device 200 via the outlet 216.

[0042] The liquid extraction apparatus 200 includes a safety mechanism 250 that is actuable from a first safety configuration (shown in FIG. 1) that conceals the needle 206 to a second safety configuration that exposes the needle 206. The safety mechanism 250 further includes a blocking element (not shown in FIG. 1) that prevents actuation of the safety mechanism 250 from the first safety configuration to the second safety configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus 200 is in a first orientation (e.g., horizontal) but allows actuation of the safety mechanism 250 from the first safety configuration to the second safety configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus 200 is in a second orientation (e.g., vertical). Operation of the safety mechanism 250 is described in further detail below with reference to the liquid extraction apparatus 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-12B.

[0043] The cartridge 100 further comprises a sample suitability control chamber 24 that provides a visual indication to a user that a sufficient amount of liquid has been extracted from a liquid storage container (e.g., a blood collection tube). In particular, the sample suitability control chamber 24 can provide a visual indication that a sufficient amount of liquid has been extracted for a particular diagnostic test. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the sample suitability control chamber 24 is configured to provide a visual indication through an optically transparent window 130 in a sidewall of the cartridge 100 that faces upward when the liquid extraction device 200 is in a vertical orientation (i.e., when the liquid extraction device 200 is used to extract liquid from a liquid storage container).

[0044] The sample suitability control chamber 24 forms part of a first flow path that is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 14 (which receives fluid extracted using the liquid extraction device 200). The cartridge 100 further includes a metering chamber 16 configured to store a specific amount of liquid. The first flow path includes the metering chamber 16, a connector conduit 22 that provides a fluid connection between the metering chamber 16 and the sample suitability control chamber 24, the sample suitability control chamber 24, and a vent waste chamber 44 that is in fluid communication with the sample suitability control chamber 24. The cartridge 100 further includes a second flow path that includes an outlet conduit 43 that extends from an outlet port in the metering chamber 16. The outlet conduit 43 allows liquid to be aspirated into the main chamber 104 of the cartridge 100. Alternative embodiments may not include the metering chamber 16 or the connector conduit 22, in which case the outlet conduit 43 extends from an outlet port in the sample suitability control chamber configured to meter a specific amount of liquid.

[0045] The second flow path (including the outlet conduit 43) provides a greater hydraulic resistance to liquid flow than the first flow path (including the sample suitability control chamber 24, and optionally including the metering chamber 16 and the outlet conduit 22). This means that the flow rate of liquid through the first flow path is greater than the flow rate through the second flow path. The greater flow rate in the first flow path means that liquid can flow into the sample suitability control chamber 24 without filling the outlet conduit 43, providing a visual indication that a sufficient amount of liquid has been admitted.

[0046] The outlet 216 of the liquid extractor 200 shown in Figure 1 is provided in a side wall of the cylinder 202. Figure 2A shows the attachment between the first liquid extractor 200 and the cartridge 100 in more detail. When the outlet 216 is provided in the side wall of the cylinder 202, fluid communication between the liquid extractor 200 and the cartridge 100 can be provided by aligning the outlet 216 with a hole or via in the cartridge 100 that allows the passage of fluid into the inlet conduit 14. Alignment of the outlet 216 with the hole or via can be provided by attaching the liquid extractor 200 to the cartridge 100 using a layer of adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive).

[0047] Figure 2B illustrates an alternative attachment of a liquid extraction device to a cartridge, in which a second liquid extraction device 300 is attached to a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 100). Similar to the liquid extraction device 200 shown in Figure 2A, the liquid extraction device 300 includes a cylinder 302 that receives a puncturable liquid storage container, such as a blood collection tube.

[0048] Additionally, the liquid extraction device 300 comprises a piston 304 movable from a first configuration to a second configuration within the cylinder 302. Attached to the piston 304 is a liquid reservoir interface (e.g., needle 306) that provides a path for the inflow of air into the liquid reservoir and a path for the outflow of liquid (e.g., blood) from the liquid reservoir.

[0049] However, in contrast to the liquid extractor 200 shown in Figure 2A, the cylinder 302 includes an outlet 316 provided in an end wall 318 of the cylinder 302. As shown in Figure 2B, the outlet 316 in the cylinder 302 can be in fluid communication with a connector 322 protruding from the base of the cylinder 302. The connector 322 allows the liquid extractor 300 to be attached to a cartridge by push-fitting (e.g., inserting the connector 322 into a corresponding hole or opening in the cartridge), or by use of a luer lock, or any other suitable type of fluid connector.

[0050] It will be understood that these attachment mechanisms are not specific to the location of the outlet in the cylinder of the liquid extractor. In particular, the liquid extractor 300 shown in FIG. 2B may be attached to the cartridge using adhesive, and the liquid extractor 200 shown in FIG. 2A may include a connector protruding from the side wall of the cylinder 202 to allow attachment to the cartridge 100 using a push-in or luer lock mechanism, or any other suitable type of fluid connector. Alternatively, the liquid extractors 200, 300 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be integrated into the cartridge. For example, the cylinders 202, 302 may be molded (or otherwise manufactured) together with the cartridge 100.

[0051] Various embodiments of liquid extraction devices that can be used to extract a liquid sample (e.g., blood) from a puncturable liquid storage container (e.g., a blood collection tube) will now be described in further detail with reference to Figures 3A-17D.

[0052] An example of a blood collection tube that can be used with the embodiments described herein is shown diagrammatically in Figures 3A and 3B. As shown in Figure 3A, blood collection tube 11 comprises a tubular container 13 sealed with a cap 15. As best shown in Figure 3B, cap 15 comprises a septum 17 formed of a deformable material, such as rubber. Septum 17 is puncturable by a needle or cannula, thereby allowing the end of the needle or cannula to pass into the interior volume of tubular container 13. When the needle or cannula is removed from septum 17, the deformable material deforms to close the hole punctured by the needle or cannula, thereby resealing container 13. When filled, blood collection tube 11 contains a volume of liquid 19 (e.g., blood) and a headspace containing a volume of gas 21. Examples of blood collection tubes 10 include Vacutainer® blood collection tubes manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA, as well as evacuated blood collection tubes manufactured by Medtronic of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and evacuated blood collection tubes manufactured by Eppendorf, Austria. Vacuette® blood collection tubes manufactured by Greiner AG, Germany (TIFF2024528046000002.tif5114); An example is the S-Monovette (registered trademark) manufactured by Sarstedt at TIFF2024528046000003.tif5114. Figure 4A is an exploded view of a liquid extraction device 400 including a safety mechanism 700. Similar to the liquid extraction devices shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the liquid extraction device 400 includes a receptacle in the form of a cylinder 500 configured to receive a portion of a liquid storage container, such as a blood collection tube (e.g., blood collection tube 11).

[0053] The liquid extraction device 400 further comprises an actuatable liquid extraction mechanism in the form of a piston 600 movable within the cylinder 500 from a first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to a second liquid extraction mechanism configuration. The piston 600 comprises a liquid reservoir interface, such as a blood collection tube interface, shown in FIG. 4A in the form of a needle 620. The needle 620 is configured to provide a fluid connection to a liquid within the liquid reservoir when the liquid reservoir is connected to the needle 620. The needle 620 is fixedly attached to the piston 600 such that the needle 620 moves within the cylinder 500 when the piston 600 is actuated from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

[0054] The liquid extraction apparatus 400 further comprises an actuatable safety mechanism 700, which is actuatable within the cylinder 500 from a first safety mechanism configuration to a second safety mechanism configuration. The safety mechanism 700 is configured to conceal the liquid reservoir interface (i.e., needle 620) when the safety mechanism 700 is in the first safety mechanism configuration and to expose the liquid reservoir interface when the safety mechanism 700 is in the second safety mechanism configuration.

[0055] The safety mechanism 700 comprises two spherical block elements 718. At least one of the block elements 718 prevents actuation of the safety mechanism 700 from a first safety mechanism configuration to a second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus 400 is in a first orientation (such as a horizontal orientation) and at least one of the block elements 718 allows actuation of the safety mechanism 700 from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus 400 is in a second orientation (such as a vertical orientation).

[0056] The liquid extraction device 400 further comprises an elastically deformable element, shown in Fig. 4A in the form of a spring 800. The spring 800 deforms when the safety mechanism 700 moves towards the piston 600 (i.e. when the safety mechanism 700 is actuated from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration). The spring 800 is configured to bias the safety mechanism 700 away from the piston 600 when the force applied to compress the spring 800 is released. Thus, the spring 800 biases the safety mechanism 700 from the second safety mechanism configuration towards the first safety mechanism, thereby re-hiding the needle 620 after extraction of the liquid from the liquid storage container.

[0057] FIG. 4B shows a top view of the liquid extraction device 400 with the safety mechanism 700, while FIGS. 4C and 4D show cross-sectional views through line AA of FIG. 4B, and FIGS. 4E and 4F show cross-sectional views through line BB of FIG. 4A.

[0058] 4C and 4D, the cylinder 500 includes a first cylindrical portion 510 having a sidewall 512 that defines a first cylindrical interior volume 514. The sidewall 512 of the first cylindrical portion 510 has an inner surface 516 that faces the first cylindrical interior volume 514 and an outer surface 518 that defines an exterior of the first cylindrical portion 510.

[0059] The cylinder 500 further comprises a second cylindrical portion 520 defining a second cylindrical interior volume 524. The second cylindrical interior volume 524 extends from the first cylindrical interior volume 514. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second cylindrical interior volume 524 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cylindrical interior volume 514 such that the second cylindrical interior volume 524 is narrower than the first cylindrical interior volume 514.

[0060] An annular flange 506 is disposed within the cylinder 500 and connects the first cylindrical interior volume 514 to the second cylindrical interior volume 524. The annular flange 506 acts as an end wall of the first cylindrical interior volume 514.

[0061] As best shown in Figures 4E and 4F, the cylinder 500 further comprises a third cylindrical portion 530 disposed within the first cylindrical interior volume 514. The third cylindrical portion 530 has a sidewall 532 that defines a third cylindrical interior volume 534. The sidewall 532 of the third cylindrical portion 530 has an inner surface 536 that faces the third cylindrical interior volume 534 and an outer surface 538 that faces the first cylindrical interior volume 514. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third cylindrical interior volume 534 is between the cross-sectional areas of the first cylindrical interior volume 514 and the second cylindrical interior volume 524.

[0062] The third cylinder portion 530 projects from the annular flange 506 in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the second cylinder portion 520. The diameter of the third cylinder portion 530 is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical internal volume 514, which means that there is an annular gap between the outer surface 538 of the side wall 532 of the third cylinder portion 530 and the inner surface 516 of the side wall 512 of the first cylinder portion 510. The height of the side wall 532 of the third cylinder portion 530 is smaller than the height of the side wall 512 of the first cylinder portion 510, so that the third cylinder portion 510 projects only partway into the first cylindrical internal volume 514.

[0063] Returning to Figures 4C and 4D, it can be seen that the third cylindrical portion 530 further comprises a first protrusion 540 extending from its side wall 532 into the first cylindrical interior volume 514. The first protrusion 540 is an extension of the side wall 532 and has the same thickness as the side wall 532, which means that there is a gap between the first protrusion 540 and the inner surface 516 of the side wall 512 of the first cylindrical portion 510. The first protrusion 540 includes an opening, shown in Figure 4C in the form of a first opening 542 extending through the thickness of the first protrusion 540.

[0064] 4C and 4D further show a second protrusion 544 extending from the side wall 532 of the third cylinder portion 530 into the first cylindrical interior volume 514. The second protrusion 544 is also an extension of the side wall 532 and has the same thickness as the side wall 532, which means that there is a gap between the second protrusion 544 and the inner surface 516. The second protrusion 544 extends from an end of the side wall 532 at a point diametrically opposite the point of extension of the first protrusion 540.

[0065] The second protrusion 544 includes two openings, shown in FIG. 4C in the form of a second opening 546 extending through the thickness of the second protrusion 544 and a notch 548 (or recess) in the top surface of the second protrusion 544.

[0066] The first opening 542, the second opening 546, and the cutout 548 are located at different heights, which means that the distance from the annular flange 506 to the first opening 542, the distance from the annular flange 506 to the second opening 546, and the distance from the annular flange 506 to the cutout 548 are all different. Specifically, the distance from the annular flange 506 to the cutout 548 in the second protrusion 544 is greater than the distance from the annular flange 506 to the first opening 542 in the first protrusion 540, which in turn is greater than the distance from the annular flange 506 to the second opening 546 in the second protrusion 544.

[0067] The cylinder 500 further comprises an outlet 550 that allows liquid extracted from a liquid storage container (e.g., a blood collection tube) using the liquid extraction device 400 to be removed from the liquid extraction device 400. The outlet 550 is in fluid communication with the second cylinder portion 520 and extends through a side wall of the second cylinder portion 520 to provide a fluid connection to the second cylindrical interior volume 524.

[0068] The first cylinder portion 510 includes two ribs 552 on the inner surface 516 of the side wall 512. The ribs 552 extend longitudinally along the inner surface 516. As best shown in FIG. 4E and FIG. 12B, the first cylinder portion 510 further includes two openings shown in the form of openings 554. Each rib 552 extends longitudinally between a point on the inner surface 516 that is approximately flush with the tops of the projections 540, 544 and the respective opening 554. Each opening 554 extends through the side wall 512 of the first cylinder portion 510. The openings 554 are provided at the end of the first cylinder portion 510 furthest from the annular flange 506 (i.e., the top end of the first cylinder portion 510 in the orientation shown in FIG. 4E). The first cylindrical portion 510 further includes two teeth 558, each of which extends radially inward from the inner surface 516 at the top end of the first cylindrical portion 510. Each tooth 558 is aligned with a corresponding rib 552 and has the same circumferential thickness as the corresponding rib 552 (as best shown in FIG. 12B). Furthermore, the extent to which the teeth 558 protrude inward from the inner surface 516 is the same as the radial depth of the rib 552 (as shown in FIG. 4C). Each tooth 558 includes a sloped surface at the open end of the first cylindrical portion 510.

[0069] As best shown in FIG. 4E , the sidewall 512 of the first cylindrical portion 510 further includes two restrictions 556 on its inner surface 516. Each restriction 556 extends longitudinally along a portion of the inner surface 516 between the annular flange 506 and a point toward the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 510. The restrictions 556 do not extend longitudinally to the opening 554 of the first cylindrical portion 510. Each restriction 556 extends around a portion of the circumference of the inner surface 516. The diameter of the first cylindrical interior volume 514 between the restrictions 556 is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical interior volume 514 between the portions of the sidewall 512 through which the restrictions 556 do not extend. Each restriction 556 includes a sloped end wall 562 at the end of the restriction 556 furthest from the annular flange 506. That is, each angled end wall 562 extends between side wall 512 in the region above restriction 556 and the inner surface of restriction 556. First cylindrical portion 510 further includes two grooves 560, each of which extends longitudinally along the center of a respective restriction 556 (as best seen in FIG. 4C ).

[0070] The ribs 552 extend longitudinally along the inner surface 516 in the areas of the inner surface 516 where the restrictors 556 do not extend. Thus, the restrictors 556 and the ribs 552 do not overlap. As best shown in FIG. 4B, the two ribs 552 are diametrically opposed. Similarly, the two grooves 560 are diametrically opposed. The inner surface 516 is symmetrical, with each groove 560 at 90 degrees to both ribs 552. As shown in FIG. 4B, line AA (cross sections in FIGS. 4C and 4D) extends through both ribs 552, while line BB (cross sections in FIGS. 4E and 4F) extends through both grooves 560.

[0071] As discussed above with reference to Figure 4A, the liquid extraction apparatus 400 further comprises an actuatable liquid extraction mechanism in the form of a piston 600 movable within the cylinder 500. In particular, the piston 600 is actuatable from a first configuration within the cylinder 500 (i.e. a first liquid extraction mechanism configuration) to a second configuration within the cylinder 500 (i.e. a second liquid extraction mechanism configuration). In Figures 4C-4F the piston 600 is shown in the first configuration.

[0072] The piston 600 includes a first cylindrical piston portion 602 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the third cylindrical internal volume 534 such that the first cylindrical piston portion 602 is movable within the third cylindrical internal volume 534.

[0073] The piston 600 further comprises a second cylindrical piston portion 604 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second cylindrical internal volume 524, such that the second cylindrical piston portion 604 is movable within the second cylindrical internal volume 524. This means that the second cylindrical piston portion 604 is narrower than the second cylindrical internal volume 524, which allows air to flow through an annular gap between the second cylindrical piston portion 604 and the second cylinder portion 520 when the piston 600 is actuated to the positions shown in Figures 7E and 7F.

[0074] The piston 600 further comprises an annular flange 606 connecting the first cylindrical piston portion 602 to the second cylindrical piston portion 604. The annular flange 606 of the piston 600 is configured to contact the annular flange 506 of the cylinder 500 when the piston is in the second configuration (i.e., as shown in FIG. 7F).

[0075] 4C-4D , it can be seen that the piston 600 includes a first sealing element in the form of a first O-ring seal 608. The first O-ring seal 608 extends around the first cylindrical piston portion 602 and is configured to provide a seal between the first cylindrical piston portion 602 and an inner surface 536 of the side wall 532 of the third cylinder portion 530.

[0076] The piston 600 further includes a second sealing element in the form of a second O-ring seal 610. The second O-ring seal 610 extends around the second cylindrical piston portion 604 and is configured to provide a seal between the second cylindrical piston portion 604 and the inner surface of the second cylinder portion 520. As an alternative to an O-ring seal, the first and second sealing elements may be provided in the form of molded plastic seals (i.e., molded with the piston 600) or overmolded rubber seals.

[0077] The piston 600 and cylinder 500 cooperate to define a chamber 650 between the piston 600 and the wall of the cylinder 500. Specifically, the chamber 650 is defined by an annular flange 506 within the cylinder 500, an inner surface 536 of the third cylinder portion 530, an inner surface of the second cylinder portion 520, the second cylindrical piston portion 604, and the annular flange 606 of the piston 600. The chamber 650 is sealed by first and second O-ring seals 610, 612, which prevent air from escaping from the chamber 650 until the piston is actuated into the second configuration (i.e., as shown in FIG. 7F).

[0078] The first cylindrical piston portion 602 includes a first engagement mechanism configured to prevent actuation of the piston 600 in a direction opposite to the actuation direction from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration. The first engagement mechanism is shown in Figures 4C and 4D in the form of a first resiliently deformable clip 612 configured to engage with a first opening 542 of the first protrusion 540 when the piston 600 is in the first configuration (i.e., as shown in Figure 4C).

[0079] The first resiliently deformable clip 612 has a projection 616 that extends into the first opening 542. The projection 616 includes an inclined lower surface that allows the projection 616 to be pushed out of the first opening 542 when sufficient force is applied to the piston 600 in the direction of the annular flange 506 (i.e., a downward force in the orientation shown in FIG. 4C ). Additionally, the projection 616 includes an upper contact surface that is perpendicular to the axis of movement of the piston 600. The upper contact surface engages the first opening 542 to prevent movement of the piston 600 away from the annular flange 506 when the projection extends into the first opening 542 (i.e., when the piston 600 is in the first configuration).

[0080] Furthermore, the first cylindrical piston portion 602 comprises a second engagement mechanism configured to hold the piston 600 in the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration once the piston 600 is actuated into the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration. The second engagement mechanism is provided in the form of a second elastically deformable clip 614 configured to engage with a notch 548 of the second protrusion 544 when the piston 600 is in the first configuration (i.e., as shown in FIG. 4C). The second elastically deformable clip 614 is further configured to engage with a second opening 546 of the second protrusion 544 when the piston 600 is in the second configuration (i.e., as shown in FIG. 7F).

[0081] The second elastically deformable clip 614 further includes a protrusion 618 that extends into the notch 648 when the piston 600 is in the first configuration and that extends into the second opening 646 when the piston 600 is in the second configuration. The protrusion 618 has the same structure as the protrusion 616 of the first elastically deformable clip 612. Specifically, the protrusion 618 includes a sloped lower surface that allows the protrusion 618 to be pushed out of the notch 648 when a sufficient force is applied to the piston 600 in the direction of the annular flange 606. Additionally, the protrusion 618 includes an upper contact surface that is perpendicular to the axis of movement of the piston 600. The upper contact surface engages the second opening 546 to prevent movement of the piston 600 away from the annular flange 506 when the protrusion extends into the second opening 546 (i.e., when the piston 600 is in the second configuration).

[0082] 4B, the first engagement mechanism (i.e., the first elastically deformable clip 612) prevents the piston 600 from moving upwards from the first configuration, but allows the piston 600 to move downwards from the first configuration to the second configuration. This protects the user by preventing the piston 600 (and the needle 620) from being removed from the cylinder 500 prior to actuation of the piston 600. Similarly, the second engagement mechanism (i.e., the second elastically deformable clip 614) allows the piston 600 to move downwards from the first configuration to the second configuration, but prevents the piston 600 from moving upwards once the piston 600 is in the second configuration. This protects the user by preventing the piston 600 (and the needle 620) from being removed from the cylinder 500 after actuation of the piston 600.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, each resiliently deformable clip 612, 614 may be provided in the form of a living hinge extending from the first cylindrical piston portion 602.

[0084] As described with reference to FIG. 4A, the piston 600 further comprises a liquid reservoir interface (i.e., needle 620) that is fixedly attached to the piston 600 such that the needle 620 moves within the cylinder 500 when the piston 600 is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration. The needle 620 extends from the first cylindrical piston portion 602 in a direction away from the annular flange 506 (i.e., upward in the orientation shown in FIGS. 4C-4F). The needle 620 has two ends, a first end 622 (or tip) that protrudes from the piston 600 and a second end 624 that is fixed within the piston 600. The first end 622 punctures the septum 17 of the blood collection tube 11, thereby providing a fluid connection to the liquid 19 within the blood collection tube 11 and providing attachment of the needle 620 to the blood collection tube 11.

[0085] The second cylindrical piston portion 604 comprises a liquid extraction outlet 626 that allows liquid extracted from the liquid reservoir to be removed from the piston 600. The liquid extraction outlet 626 is provided in a side wall of the second cylindrical piston portion 604. The second cylindrical piston portion 604 further comprises an outlet channel 628 that provides fluid communication between the second end 624 of the needle 620 and the liquid extraction outlet 626. When the piston 600 is in the second configuration (i.e., as shown in FIG. 7F), the liquid extraction outlet 626 is aligned with the outlet 550 in the cylinder 500.

[0086] Returning to Figures 4B-4F, it can be seen that the liquid extraction apparatus 400 further comprises an actuatable safety mechanism 700, which is actuatable from a first safety mechanism configuration shown in Figure 4C to a second safety mechanism configuration shown in Figure 7D. The safety mechanism 700 is configured to conceal the needle 620 when the safety mechanism 700 is in the first configuration and to expose the needle 620 when the safety mechanism 700 is in the second configuration.

[0087] The safety mechanism 700 is shown in more detail in Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 5A is a cutaway view of the liquid extraction device 400 with the cylinder 500 removed to show the safety mechanism 700. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism 700 shown in Figure 7A.

[0088] Safety mechanism 700 includes an opening in the form of a central cylindrical portion 702 through which needle 620 (and in particular tip 622 of needle 620) extends when safety mechanism 700 is in the second configuration shown in FIG. 7D.

[0089] As best shown in Figures 4E, 4F, and 5B, two lower flange portions 704 extend from a base of the central cylindrical portion 702 (i.e., from the end of the central cylindrical portion 702 closest to the annular flange 506). Each lower flange portion 704 extends radially from the base of the central cylindrical portion 702 around a portion of the circumference of the central cylindrical portion 702 such that each lower flange portion 704 forms an annular sector. The distance between the radial limits of the lower flange portions 704 is less than the distance between the restrictions 556, meaning that the lower flange portions 704 pass inside the restrictions 556 when the safety mechanism 700 is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0090] Two upper flange portions 706 extend from the top of the central cylindrical portion 702 (i.e., from the end of the central cylindrical portion 702 furthest from the annular flange 506). The upper flange portions 706 extend radially from the top of the central cylindrical portion 702 around the same portion of the circumference of the central cylindrical portion 702 as do the lower flange portions 704. The distance between the radial limits of the upper flange portions 706 is less than the distance between the restrictions 556, meaning that the upper flange portions 706 also pass inside the restrictions 556 when the safety mechanism 700 is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0091] As best seen in FIG. 5A, an arcuate portion 708 extends longitudinally from each upper flange portion 706. Each arcuate portion 708 extends away from the lower flange portion 704 (i.e., upward in the orientation shown in FIG. 5A). Each arcuate portion 708 extends about the same circumferential extent as the corresponding upper flange portion 706 from which each arcuate portion 708 extends. Each arcuate portion 708 has an inner surface with a radius larger than the radius of the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11, which means that the blood collection tube 11 can be inserted between the arcuate portions 708, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0092] Safety mechanism 700 further includes an angled shoulder 710 at the junction between each upper flange portion 706 and its corresponding arcuate portion 708. The angled shoulder 710 extends about the same circumferential extent as the corresponding upper flange portion 706 and arcuate portion 708.

[0093] Each of the lower flange portion 704 , upper flange portion 706 , arcuate portion 708 , and angled shoulder 710 extend about the same circumferential extent as the restriction portion 556 extending from the inner surface 516 of the sidewall 512 of the first cylindrical portion 510 .

[0094] 5A and 5B , each arcuate portion 708 includes a central rib 712 that projects radially outward from the arcuate portion 708. Each central rib 712 extends from the center of the corresponding arcuate portion 708 and is configured to be slidably received within a corresponding longitudinal groove 560 that extends along a corresponding restriction 556. The central rib 712 aligns the safety mechanism 700 in the correct orientation within the cylinder 500 by preventing rotation of the safety mechanism 700 within the cylinder 500.

[0095] As best shown in FIG. 5A, the safety mechanism 700 further includes four end ribs 714 projecting outwardly from the central cylindrical portion 702. The end ribs 714 are provided at both ends of each of the arcuate portions 708. As shown in FIG. 5A, each end rib 714 defines a wall that joins one end of the arcuate portion 708, the angled shoulder 710, the lower flange portion 704, and the upper flange portion 706 to one another. In other words, each of the arcuate portions 708, the angled shoulder 710, the lower flange portion 704, and the upper flange portion 706 extends circumferentially between two ribs 714 projecting outwardly from the central cylindrical portion 702.

[0096] 4E and 4F , safety mechanism 700 and cylinder 500 cooperatively define two arcuate channels 716 between safety mechanism 700 and inner surface 516 of sidewall 512 of first cylinder portion 510. Specifically, the radially inner limit of each arcuate channel 716 is defined by central cylindrical portion 702, the radially outer limit of each arcuate channel 716 is defined by inner surface 516, the circumferential extent of each arcuate channel 716 is defined by end rib 714, the lower longitudinal limit of each arcuate channel 716 is defined by lower flange portion 704, and the upper longitudinal limit of each arcuate channel 716 is defined by upper flange portion 706 and angled shoulder 710.

[0097] Each of the spherical block elements 718 of the safety mechanism 700 is provided within a respective arcuate channel 716. The spherical block elements 718 may be, for example, ball bearings. As described in further detail below with reference to Figures 11, 12A, and 12B, at least one of the spherical block elements 718 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding arcuate channel 716 and an angled end wall 558 of the restriction 556 to prevent movement of the safety mechanism 700 from the first configuration to the second configuration when the liquid extractor 400 is in the first orientation (Figure 11) and to allow movement of the safety mechanism 700 from the first configuration to the second configuration when the liquid extractor 400 is in the second orientation (Figures 12A and 12B).

[0098] The central cylindrical portion 702, end ribs 714, lower flange portion 706, upper flange portion 708, and angled shoulder 710 cooperate to define two arcuate recesses 740. As shown in Figures 4E and 4F, each recess 740 is configured to receive a respective spherical block element 718 and not protrude from the recess 740 when the block element 718 is fully disposed within the recess 740. In other words, the block element 718 does not engage the angled end wall 558 when fully disposed within the recess 740, thus allowing movement of the safety mechanism 700 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0099] As best shown in FIG. 5A, the safety mechanism 700 further comprises a release mechanism in the form of two elastically deformable clips 720. Each elastically deformable clip 720 is attached to two of the end ribs 714. The attachment of each clip 720 to the end ribs 714 provides a living hinge that allows the clip 720 to be elastically deformed. The elastically deformable clips 720 are disposed between the end ribs 714 in the area where the lower flange portion 704, the upper flange portion 706, the arcuate portion 708, and the angled shoulder 710 do not extend. This means that the elastically deformable clips 720 are free to pivot inwardly towards the central cylindrical portion 702.

[0100] As best shown in FIGS. 4E and 5A, each resiliently deformable clip 720 includes a U-shaped portion 722 that extends upward (i.e., longitudinally away from the lower flange portion 704) from a point of attachment to the end rib 714. When undeformed (i.e., as shown in FIG. 5A), the U-shaped portion 722 is biased radially outward. The release mechanism is configured to engage a portion of the cylinder 500 when the safety mechanism 700 is in the first configuration. Specifically, each U-shaped portion 722 is configured to clip onto an end of a respective rib 552 in the first cylinder portion 502 (as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4E). When the U-shaped portion 722 clips onto the end of the rib 552, the clip 720 prevents movement of the safety mechanism 700 from the first configuration to the second configuration. Optionally, the U-shaped portion 722 may protrude into the opening 554 when the safety mechanism 700 is in the first configuration.

[0101] The angled surfaces of the teeth 558 at the open end of the first cylinder portion 502 urge the resiliently deformable clip 720 inward when the safety mechanism 700 is inserted into the cylinder 500 during assembly of the liquid extraction device 400. Additionally, the teeth 558 act to hold the safety mechanism 700 in place by preventing the safety mechanism 700 from moving upwardly from the first configuration. In particular, the clip 720 is held in the gap between the teeth 558 and the end of the rib 552. Thus, when the clip 720 is held in the gap between the teeth 558 and the end of the rib 552, the safety mechanism 700 is held in the first configuration.

[0102] 4C and 5B, each resiliently deformable clip 720 further includes an L-shaped lever 724 extending inwardly from a corresponding U-shaped portion 722. Specifically, each lever 724 includes a longitudinal portion 726 extending longitudinally from the U-shaped portion 722 toward the upper limit of the central cylindrical portion 702. The longitudinal portion 726 is configured to contact the rib 552 to which the U-shaped portion 722 is fastened.

[0103] Each lever 724 further includes a radial portion 728 extending radially inward from an end of the longitudinal portion 726. The radial portions 728 of the levers 724 extend inward far enough to contact the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11. Thus, when a downward force is applied to the blood collection tube 11, the cap 15 simultaneously applies a downward force to each radial portion 728.

[0104] A longitudinal portion 726 of each lever 724 is connected to a radial portion 728 at an elbow 730. The elbow is configured to contact the rib 552 to which the U-shaped portion 722 is fastened and to provide a pivot point against the rib 552 when a downward force is applied to the corresponding radial portion 728.

[0105] When the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11 is pressed against the radial portion 728 of the lever 724, the force applied to each radial portion 728 of the lever 724 causes the lever 724 to pivot about the contact point between the elbow 730 and the rib 552 to which the clip 720 is attached. The pivoting of the lever 724 causes the clip 720 to collapse inwardly about its attachment to the end rib 714 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B ). This means that the U-shaped portion 722 is pulled out of the gap between the end of the rib 552 and the teeth 558, thereby allowing the safety mechanism 700 to be displaced from the first configuration to the second configuration within the cylinder 500. When the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11 pivots the clip 720 inwardly, there is a gap between the cap 15 and the top end of the central cylindrical portion 702.

[0106] Thus, safety mechanism 700 is configured to be released by simultaneous application of force to elastically deformable clips 720 (specifically, to radial portions 728 of levers 724 of clips 720). The force may be simultaneously applied to radial portions 728 by application of an annular force profile, such as that applied by cap 15 of blood collection tube 11.

[0107] As shown in Figures 4C-4F, the elastically deformable element (spring 800) of the liquid extraction device 400 is disposed between the annular flange 506 of the cylinder 500 and the lower flange portion 704 of the safety mechanism 700. The spring 800 biases the safety mechanism 700 upwards such that the U-shaped portion 722 of the clip 720 contacts the underside of the teeth 558 when the safety mechanism 700 is in the first configuration (as shown in Figure 4C). The spring 800 is configured to be compressed when a downward force is applied to the safety mechanism 700 to actuate the safety mechanism 700 from the first configuration to the second configuration. When the applied force is removed (or becomes less than the force on the safety mechanism 700 by the compressed spring 800), the spring 800 returns the safety mechanism 700 to the second configuration to hide the needle 620 again by applying a force to actuate the safety mechanism 700 from the second configuration towards the first configuration.

[0108] Next, the operation of the safety mechanism 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12B. Figure 6 illustrates the position of safety mechanism 700 when a force is applied to the top of arcuate portion 708, the top of end rib 714, or the top of upper cylinder portion 702. For example, Figure 6 illustrates the position of safety mechanism 700 when a force is applied to safety mechanism 700 by a user's finger.

[0109] When a force is applied to one or more of these elements, the radial portion 728 of the L-shaped lever 724 does not displace, meaning that the clip 720 is held in the gap between the end of the rib 552 and the teeth 558. As shown in FIG. 6, when a force is applied, the U-shaped portion 722 abuts the end of the rib 552. However, the abutment of the U-shaped portion 722 against the end of the rib 552 prevents further downward movement of the safety mechanism 700. This prevents the safety mechanism 700 from moving out of the first configuration and the needle 620 remains hidden within the first cylinder portion 510.

[0110] Specifically, when force is applied in this manner, the effective pivot point of each clip 720 relative to the surface of the corresponding rib 552 is at the base of the U-shaped portion 722, approximately coincident with the attachment point of clip 720 to end rib 714. This effective pivot point location prevents clip 720 from tipping inward about its attachment point to end rib 714.

[0111] 7A-7G illustrate the operation of the safety mechanism 700 and the piston 600 when a force is applied to the elastically deformable clip 720 by the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11. FIG.

[0112] 7A shows the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11 in contact with the elastically deformable clip 720. Specifically, the cap 15 fits between the two arcuate portions 708 and contacts the radial portion 728 of the L-shaped lever 724 of the clip 720. When a force is applied to the blood collection tube 11 in the direction of the needle 620 (i.e., a downward force when the liquid extraction device 400 is in the orientation shown in FIG. 7A), the U-shaped portion 722 is pushed downward and abuts against the end of the rib 552, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0113] Further application of force to the blood collection tube 11 exerts a downward force on the radial portion 728 of the lever 724, which causes each lever 724 to pivot about the contact point between the elbow 730 of the lever 724 and the rib 552, as shown in FIG. 7B. The pivoting of the lever 724 causes the elastically deformable clip 720 to collapse inward about its attachment to the end rib 712, pulling the U-shaped portion 722 out of engagement with the end of the rib 552. This releases the safety mechanism 700, allowing it to be displaced downward. Once the U-shaped portion 722 is clear of the end of the rib 552, the safety mechanism 700 can be displaced downward by applying a force to the blood collection tube 11 (transmitting the force to the safety mechanism 700 via the clip 720).

[0114] Further application of force to the blood collection tube 11 exerts a downward force on the safety mechanism 700. This pushes the safety mechanism 700 downward, exposing the needle 620 by extending it through the central cylindrical portion 702 as shown in FIG. 7C. Once the needle 620 passes through the central cylindrical portion 702, it protrudes from the safety mechanism 700 and can puncture the septum 17 of the blood collection tube 11. The applied downward force also compresses the spring 800.

[0115] Continued application of force to the blood collection tube 11 activates the safety mechanism 700 to the second configuration, where the safety mechanism 700 contacts the piston 600. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7D, the base of the central cylindrical portion 702 presses into contact with the top of the first cylindrical piston portion 602, further compressing the spring 800. In this position, the needle 620 is forced through the septum 17 and in fluid communication with the liquid 19 within the blood collection tube 11.

[0116] When in the second configuration, safety mechanism 700 is configured to actuate piston 600. Specifically, safety mechanism 700 transmits a force applied by a user to blood collection tube 11 to piston 600. Optionally, safety mechanism 700 may be configured to release piston 600 (e.g., when piston 600 includes a resiliently deformable clip similar to resiliently deformable clip 720 of safety mechanism 700).

[0117] When the piston 600 is in the position shown in FIG. 7D (i.e., the first configuration of the piston 600), the second elastically deformable clip 614 engages the notch 548 of the second protrusion 544. The engagement of the second elastically deformable clip 614 with the notch 548 prevents downward movement of the piston 600 before the needle 620 is fully inserted through the septum 17. To prevent downward movement of the piston 600 before the needle 620 is properly inserted, the force required to displace the second elastically deformable clip 614 from the notch 548 is greater than the force required to insert the needle 620 through the septum 17. To achieve this, the second elastically deformable clip 614 can be formed of a material that has sufficient stiffness to resist deformation until a greater force is applied, for example.

[0118] 7D , upward movement of the piston 600 is prevented by engagement of the first resiliently deformable clip 612 with the first opening 542 of the first projection 540. This prevents the piston 600 from being pulled out of the third cylinder portion 530 if the user applies an upward force to the blood collection tube 11 (e.g., before the needle 620 is fully inserted through the septum 17).

[0119] Continued application of a downward force to the blood collection tube 11 exerts a downward force on the safety mechanism 700, which in turn exerts a downward force on the piston 600, further compressing the spring 800. As shown in FIG. 7E, this downward force disengages the second resiliently deformable clip 614 from the notch 548 in the second protrusion 544 and the first resiliently deformable clip 612 from the first opening 542 in the first protrusion 540, thereby allowing the piston 600 to be actuated in the direction of the annular flange 506 (i.e., downward in the orientation shown in FIG. 7E).

[0120] The downward movement of the piston 600 reduces the volume of the chamber 650 defined by the piston 600 and the cylinder 500. As shown in Figure 7E, while the volume of the chamber 650 is reduced, the escape of air from the chamber is prevented by the first and second O-ring seals 610, 612. The reduction in the volume of the chamber 650 increases the pressure of the air in the chamber 650, forcing air into the blood collection tube 11 through the liquid extraction outlet 626, the outlet channel 628, and the needle 620, increasing the pressure of the gas 21 in the blood collection tube 11.

[0121] Further downward movement of the piston 600 by continuing to apply a downward force via the safety mechanism 700 results in a further increase in the pressure of the air in the chamber 650 and the blood collection tube 11 until the piston 600 reaches the second configuration shown in FIG. 7F. In this position, the spring 800 is further compressed. Once the piston 600 is in the second configuration, the second O-ring seal 612 aligns with the outlet 550, thereby causing the loss of the seal provided by the second O-ring seal 612, placing the chamber 650 (and the liquid extraction outlet 626) in fluid communication with the outlet 550. This allows any remaining air in the chamber 650 (which is now a small amount) to escape via the outlet 550. Because the outlet 550 is at atmospheric pressure, the fluid communication between the outlet 550 and the liquid extraction outlet 626 in the piston 600 means that the liquid extraction outlet 626 is also at atmospheric pressure. At this point, a pressure difference exists between the gas 21 in the blood collection tube 11 and the liquid extraction outlet 626. Specifically, the pressure of the gas 21 in the blood collection tube 11 is higher than the pressure (which is at atmospheric pressure) of the liquid extraction outlet 626. The pressure difference between the gas 21 in the blood collection tube 11 and the liquid extraction outlet 626 forces liquid through the needle 620, through the outlet channel 628, and out of the cylinder 500 to the outlet 550, as shown in FIG.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 7F and FIG. 7G, the second elastically deformable clip 614 engages with the second opening 546 of the second protrusion 544 when the piston 600 is actuated to the second configuration. The engagement of the second elastically deformable clip 614 with the second opening 546 provides an audible click sound that informs the user that the piston 600 has been actuated to the second configuration. The user perceives that liquid is being extracted from the blood collection tube 11 when he hears the audible click sound of the engagement between the second elastically deformable clip 614 and the second opening 546. The engagement of the second elastically deformable clip 614 with the second opening 546 also prevents the piston 600 from moving upward from the second configuration. This means that as long as there is a fluid connection between the needle 620 and the liquid 19 in the blood collection tube 11, liquid will continue to be extracted even with a momentary reduction or release of the force applied by the user.

[0123] 8A-8E illustrate the operation of safety mechanism 700 when the force applied by the user is released.

[0124] FIG. 8A shows the piston 600 in the second configuration (i.e., the same position as in FIG. 7F). When the force applied by the user is released, the compressed spring 800 exerts a force on the safety mechanism 700, moving the safety mechanism 700 away from the annular flange 506. As shown in FIG. 8B, the force acting on the safety mechanism 700 pushes the safety mechanism 700 away from contact with the piston 600, pulling the needle 620 out of fluid connection with the liquid 19 and out of the septum 17. As described with respect to FIGS. 7F and 7G, the piston 600 is held in the first configuration by engagement of the second engagement mechanism (i.e., the second resiliently deformable clip 614 and the second opening 546 of the second projection 544).

[0125] The force exerted by the spring 800 on the safety mechanism 700 continues to push the safety mechanism 700 away from the annular flange 506 until the safety mechanism 700 reaches the position shown in FIG. 8C. In this position, the needle 620 no longer protrudes through the opening (i.e., the central cylindrical portion 702) of the safety mechanism 700, meaning that the needle 620 is hidden by the safety mechanism 700. At this point, the U-shaped portion 722 of the elastically deformable clip 720 has been displaced to the end of the rib 552. This causes each L-shaped lever 724 to pivot about the elbow 730 so that the U-shaped portion 722 rests on the end of the rib 552, thus returning the safety mechanism 700 to the first configuration, as shown in FIG. 8D. The blood collection tube 11 can then be removed from engagement with the radial portion 728 of the lever 724 of the elastically deformable clip 720.

[0126] The operation of the liquid extraction device 400 has been described with respect to the extraction of liquid from a Vacutainer® (shown as blood collection tube 11 in Figures 7A-8D) manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA. However, as shown in Figures 9A-9C, the liquid extraction device 400 can also be used to extract liquid from other blood collection tubes.

[0127] In particular, FIG. 9A shows that the liquid extraction device 400 is adapted to fit evacuated blood collection tubes 31 manufactured by Medtronic of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. FIG. 9B shows that the liquid extraction device 400 is adapted to fit evacuated blood collection tubes 31 manufactured by Medtronic of Austria. FIG. 9C shows that the liquid extraction device 400 is compatible with a Vacuette® blood collection tube 51 manufactured by Greiner AG of Germany. 9C, the septum of Sarstedt's blood collection tube 71 is pierced before the cap of the blood collection tube 71 engages with the lever 724 of the safety mechanism 700. Additionally, the central cylindrical portion 702 defines an opening configured to receive the protruding portion of the cap of the blood collection tube 71.

[0128] To ensure compatibility with these different types of blood collection tubes, radial portion 728 of lever 724 is sized to be displaced by the cap of each type of blood collection tube. It will be appreciated that the size of cylinder 500 and safety mechanism 700 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized blood collection tubes (e.g., containing different sample types).

[0129] Additionally, the safety mechanism 700 ensures that the blood collection tube 11 is inserted into the liquid extraction device 400 in the correct orientation. As mentioned above, the needle 620 must provide a fluid connection to the liquid 19 in the blood collection tube 11 in order to extract liquid from the blood collection tube 11. It will be appreciated that if the blood collection tube 11 has a high liquid fill level, the needle 620 can provide a fluid connection to the liquid 19 even when the liquid extraction device 400 is in a horizontal orientation.

[0130] However, to ensure that a fluid connection is provided even at lower fill volumes, the safety mechanism 700 is operable from the first configuration to the second configuration only when the liquid extraction device 400 is in a vertical (or near vertical) orientation (i.e., when the needle 620 is pointing upwards), as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a blood collection tube 11 inserted into the liquid extraction device 400 when the liquid extraction device 400 is in a vertical orientation. In this example, the liquid extraction device 400 is integral with the cartridge 100. Additionally, a wall is shown that allows the sample suitability control chamber to be visible. The sample suitability control chamber may be visible, for example, through an optically transparent window 130 in the wall. The user perceives that the application of a downward force to the blood collection tube 11 can be stopped when the user determines that liquid is present in the sample suitability control chamber.

[0131] FIG. 11 illustrates how the safety mechanism 700 is prevented from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration when the liquid extraction device 400 is in a horizontal orientation.

[0132] The spherical block element 718 is free to move under gravity within the arcuate channel 716 defined by the safety mechanism 700 and the inner surface 516 of the first cylinder portion 510. As shown in FIG. 11, when the liquid extractor 400 is in a horizontal orientation, one of the spherical block elements 718 is only partially located within the recess 740 defined by the central cylindrical portion 702, the lower flange portion 704, the upper flange portion 706, and the angled shoulder 710. This means that the block element 718 engages with the angled end wall 562 of the end of one of the restrictions 556. Thus, the block element 718 becomes sandwiched between the angled shoulder 710 of the safety mechanism 700 and the angled end wall 562 of the restriction 556 that protrudes from the inner surface 516 of the first cylinder portion 510. The pinched blocking element 718 prevents movement of the safety mechanism 700 relative to the cylinder 500, which means that the safety mechanism 700 cannot be actuated from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration.

[0133] It will be appreciated that cooperation of the blocking element 718 and the arcuate channel 716 prevents movement of the safety mechanism 700 relative to the cylinder 500 when the liquid extractor 400 is in any orientation other than horizontal. In particular, the blocking element 718 cooperates with the arcuate channel 716 to prevent movement of the safety mechanism in all orientations except near vertical.

[0134] In contrast, Figures 12A and 12B show how the safety mechanism 700 is permitted to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the liquid extraction apparatus 400 is in a near vertical orientation.

[0135] 12A, the spherical blocking element 718 moves under gravity and drops into a recess 740 defined by the central cylindrical portion 702, the lower flange portion 704, the upper flange portion 706, and the angled shoulder 710. This means that the blocking element 718 is disposed within the recess 740 and is not pinched between the angled shoulder 710 of the safety mechanism 700 and the angled end wall 562 of the restrictor 556. Because the blocking element 718 is disposed within the recess 740, it does not impede the movement of the safety mechanism 700, which means that the safety mechanism 700 can be actuated downwards from the first configuration to the second configuration when the resiliently deformable clip 720 disengages from the end of the rib 552 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12B).

[0136] Variations or modifications of the systems and methods described herein are described in the following paragraphs. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the alternative safety mechanism 1700 may be implemented in the form of an actuatable platform 1702 with an opening 1704. The platform 1702 includes an annular soft seal overmold 1706 that engages with the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11. The opening 1704 is covered by a cap 1708 that is hinged to the platform 1702. The cap 1708 hinges upward when a force is applied to the cap 1708 from below the cap 1708, but is prevented from moving downward by the platform 1702. Similar to the liquid extraction device 400 described above, the needle 1620 is disposed below the safety mechanism 1700 (specifically, below the cap 1708), and a spring 1800 biases the safety mechanism 1700 away from the second safety mechanism configuration. The needle 1620 is concealed by a cap 1708 of the actuatable platform 1702 .

[0137] In operation, the blood collection tube 11 engages the soft seal overmold 1706 when the safety mechanism 1700 is in the first safety mechanism configuration. A downward force is then applied to the blood collection tube 11 by the user. The annular shape of the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11 means that the downward force is applied to the actuatable platform 1702 and not to the cap 1708. The downward force applied to the actuatable platform 1702 brings the needle 1620 into contact with the cap 1708, so that an upward force is applied to the cap 1708 by the needle 1620. The upward force applied by the needle 1620 hinges the cap 1708 upward, allowing the needle 1620 to protrude through the opening 1704 as shown in FIG. 13B (i.e., the second safety mechanism configuration). Thus, the safety mechanism 1700 exposes the needle 1620 when in the second safety mechanism configuration.

[0138] In contrast, when a user applies a downward force to safety mechanism 1700 with their finger, a force is applied to cap 1708. The downward force applied to cap 1708 counters the upward force applied to cap 1708 by needle 1620, which means that the needle will not protrude through opening 1704 and the user's finger is protected.

[0139] Although not shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the safety mechanism 1700 can be used in conjunction with a liquid extraction mechanism (e.g., a piston) configured to extract liquid from the blood collection tube 11 in a manner similar to the piston 600 of the liquid extraction device 400 described above.

[0140] 14A-14C show a further alternative safety mechanism 2700 that operates in the same manner as the safety mechanism 1700 described above. In contrast to safety mechanism 1700, actuatable platform 2702 of safety mechanism 2700 includes a hinged cap 2708 integral with actuatable platform 2702, which is provided in the form of a living hinge 2712.

[0141] The hinged cap 2708 allows the needle 2620 to pass through the opening 2704 in the actuatable platform 2702 when a circular force is applied by, for example, the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11, as shown in FIGURE 14B. However, the cap 2708 prevents the needle 2620 from passing through the opening 2704 when a force is applied to the actuatable platform 2702 (specifically, the cap 2708) by a user's finger, as shown in FIGURE 14C.

[0142] 15A-15C show a further alternative safety mechanism 3700. As shown in FIG. 15B, the safety mechanism 3700 includes a lower safety mechanism portion 3710 and an upper safety mechanism portion 3720. The safety mechanism 3700 is operable within a cylinder 3500 that includes a circumferentially extending annular restriction 3556. The restriction 3556 extends from an end wall 3518 of the cylinder 3500 and terminates in an annular angled end wall 3562. The safety mechanism 3700 is movable within the region of the cylinder 3500 that includes the restriction 3556.

[0143] The upper safety portion 3720 and the lower safety portion 3710 each include an aligned opening 3726, 3716 through which the needle 3620 can extend when the safety 3700 is actuated to the second safety configuration. The lower safety portion 3710 is biased upwardly by a spring 3800 contained within the cylinder 3500.

[0144] The upper safety portion 3720 and the lower safety portion 3710 cooperate to define a recess 3740 configured to receive the spherical block element 3718. Specifically, the upper safety portion 3720 includes an annular angled shoulder 3722 that defines an upper portion of the recess 3740, while the lower safety portion 3710 includes an annular flange 3712 that defines a lower portion of the recess 3740.

[0145] The inner surface 3516 of the cylinder 3500, the angled end wall 3562 of the restriction 3556, and the recess 3740 cooperate to define an annular channel 3716 in which the spherical block element 3718 is free to move under the force of gravity.

[0146] The lower safety portion 3710 is actuable from a first position relative to the upper safety portion 3720 to a second position relative to the upper safety portion 3720. To enable actuation of the lower safety portion 3710, the lower safety portion 3710 includes one or more protrusions (shown in the form of four prongs 3714 in FIGS. 15A and 15B ) that extend through corresponding holes 3724 in the upper safety portion 3720. The prongs 3714 protrude from a top surface of the upper safety portion 3720 when the lower safety portion 3710 is in the first position. The prongs 3714 and corresponding holes 3724 are provided in an annular pattern such that a force is applied to the ends of the prongs 3714 when a circular force profile is applied (e.g., by the cap 15 of the blood collection tube 11).

[0147] When the lower safety portion 3710 is in the first position, the volume of the recess 3740 is reduced, which means that the blocking element 3718 cannot be fully accommodated within the recess 3740. When in this position, shown in FIG. 15B, the blocking element 3718 partially protrudes from the recess 3740, i.e., engages with the angled end wall 3516 within the cylinder 3500. The engagement of the blocking element 3718 with the angled end wall 3516 conceals the needle by preventing downward movement of the safety 3700 within the cylinder 3500.

[0148] To actuate the lower safety part 3710 to the second position, a downward force is applied to the prong 3714 protruding from the upper safety part 3720. The force applied to the prong 3714 pushes the lower safety part 3710 downward by compressing the spring 3800. The downward movement of the lower safety part 3710 widens the recess 3740, thereby allowing the blocking element 3718 to be fully received within the recess 3740, as shown in FIG.

[0149] The blocking element 3718 and the annular channel 3716 thereby cooperate in the same manner as described with reference to Figures 11, 12A and 12B. In particular, when the liquid extractor including the safety mechanism 3700 is not in a near vertical orientation, the blocking element 3718 engages the inclined end wall 3562 to prevent movement of the safety mechanism 3700 within the cylinder 3500. When the liquid extractor is in a near vertical orientation, the blocking element 3718 drops under gravity into the recess 3740 and is fully received within the recess 3740 to allow movement of the safety mechanism 3700 within the cylinder 3500. This allows the safety mechanism 3700 to be actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby exposing the needle protruding through the openings 3716, 3726.

[0150] Although the above embodiment has been described with respect to the extraction of liquid from a blood collection tube, such as a Vacutainer®, it will be appreciated that the above embodiment is also suitable for the extraction of liquid from other forms of puncturable liquid storage containers that may differ in size and / or shape from a blood collection tube. In such cases, the dimensions of the safety mechanism, receptacle, and piston can be adapted to the size and shape of the liquid storage container from which the liquid is to be extracted. For example, while the above embodiment has been described with respect to a cylindrical tube that receives the blood collection tube 11, it will be appreciated that other cross sections for the tube, piston, and safety mechanism may be implemented to allow the extraction of liquid from other liquid storage containers.

[0151] Additionally, while the above embodiments use a liquid reservoir interface (e.g., a blood collection tube interface) in the form of one or more needles, other liquid reservoir interfaces may be implemented so long as they provide a fluid connection to the liquid in the liquid reservoir (e.g., liquid 19 in blood collection tube 11). The safety mechanisms described herein may expose or conceal such other liquid reservoir interfaces.

[0152] Although the safety mechanism 700 has been described above as part of the liquid extraction device 400 with an actuatable liquid extraction mechanism, it will be appreciated that the safety mechanism 700 also applies to a static liquid extraction mechanism (e.g., a static needle) that extracts liquid from a liquid storage container (e.g., a blood collection tube) by the action of a pump. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the safety mechanism 700 described above may be used to protect a user from a needle that is placed in a receptacle for any other purpose other than extracting liquid from a liquid storage container. That is, the safety mechanism 700 is not limited to implementation as part of a liquid extraction device.

[0153] The term "needle" in the above embodiments is not intended to be limited to a metal needle, but is intended to encompass other piercing elements configured to pierce the septum of a blood collection tube, such as a piercing element integral with a piston.

[0154] Although particular implementations are described above using resiliently deformable elements such as springs, it will be appreciated that other resiliently deformable elements may be implemented.

[0155] While certain embodiments utilize one or more sealing elements attached to the piston, the sealing elements may alternatively be attached to the inner wall of the cylinder. Although the above embodiments describe sealing elements in the form of O-ring seals, the sealing elements may alternatively be provided in the form of molded plastic seals or overmolded rubber seals.

[0156] Finally, although the above embodiments are described with respect to a force applied by a user to activate the liquid extraction mechanism, it will be appreciated that the liquid extraction mechanism may alternatively operate without the need for user input (e.g., under the control of a motor).

[0157] In general terms, although the above embodiments have been described with respect to extracting liquid for use in diagnostic tests performed using the cartridge, it will be appreciated that the liquid extraction device described above is suitable for extracting liquid from liquid storage containers (e.g., blood collection tubes) for a wide range of other purposes.

[0158] The singular terms "a" and "an" should not be construed to mean "one and only one." Rather, unless otherwise specified, they should be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more." The word "comprising" and its derivatives such as "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the features stated therein but do not exclude the inclusion of one or more additional features.

[0159] The above-described embodiments have been described by way of example only, and the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be understood that modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be apparent that there are numerous variations which, although not described, are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A liquid extraction device for extracting liquid from a liquid storage container, comprising: a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the liquid storage container; a liquid reservoir interface housed within the receptacle, the liquid reservoir interface configured to provide a fluid connection to a liquid in the liquid reservoir when the liquid reservoir is connected to the liquid reservoir interface; a safety mechanism actuatable from a first safety mechanism configuration to a second safety mechanism configuration, the safety mechanism configured to conceal the liquid reservoir interface when in the first safety mechanism configuration and to expose the liquid reservoir interface when in the second safety mechanism configuration; A liquid extraction device comprising:

2. The liquid extraction device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir interface comprises at least one needle configured to provide a fluid connection to the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

3. a resiliently deformable element configured to deform when the safety mechanism is actuated from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration; 2. The liquid extraction device of claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable element is configured to bias the safety mechanism from the second safety mechanism configuration toward the first safety mechanism configuration.

4. 2. The liquid extraction device of claim 1, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a release mechanism configured to engage a portion of the receptacle when the safety mechanism is in the first safety mechanism configuration.

5. 5. The liquid extraction device of claim 4, wherein the release mechanism is configured to allow actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the release mechanism disengages from the portion of the receptacle.

6. 5. The liquid extraction device of claim 4, wherein the release mechanism comprises at least two clips, the release mechanism configured to disengage from the portion of the receptacle when a force is applied to each of the at least two clips simultaneously.

7. preventing actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction device is in a first orientation; enabling actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extraction device is in a second orientation different from the first orientation; 10. The liquid extraction device of claim 1, further comprising a blocking element configured to:

8. 8. The liquid extractor of claim 7, wherein the blocking element is configured to engage a restriction in the receptacle to prevent actuation of the safety mechanism from the first safety mechanism configuration to the second safety mechanism configuration when the liquid extractor is in the first orientation.

9. 8. The liquid extraction apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second orientation is a substantially vertical orientation.

10. further comprising a liquid extraction mechanism operable from a first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to a second liquid extraction mechanism configuration; 2. The liquid extraction device of claim 1, wherein the liquid extraction mechanism is configured to create a pressure differential between gas in the liquid storage vessel and a liquid extraction outlet when actuated from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

11. The liquid extraction device of claim 10 , wherein the safety mechanism is configured to actuate the liquid extraction mechanism from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

12. 11. The liquid extraction device of claim 10, wherein the liquid extraction mechanism is operable from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration when the safety mechanism is activated to the second safety mechanism configuration.

13. 11. The liquid extraction device of claim 10, further comprising a first engagement mechanism configured to prevent the liquid extraction mechanism from operating in a direction opposite to an operating direction from the first liquid extraction mechanism configuration to the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

14. The liquid extractor of claim 10, further comprising a second engagement mechanism configured to hold the liquid extractor in the second liquid extractor configuration when the liquid extractor is actuated into the second liquid extractor configuration.

15. 15. The liquid extraction device of claim 14, wherein the second engagement mechanism is configured to provide an audible click when the liquid extraction mechanism is actuated into the second liquid extraction mechanism configuration.

16. the safety mechanism comprises an opening; the liquid reservoir interface does not extend through the opening in the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in the first safety mechanism configuration; The liquid reservoir interface extends through the opening in the safety mechanism when the safety mechanism is in the second safety mechanism configuration. The liquid extraction device of claim 1.

17. a liquid handling device comprising one or more conduits; The liquid extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 16. Equipped with A liquid handling apparatus, wherein the liquid extraction device is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more conduits.

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