Small Volume Liquid Sampler

Abstract

An apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream is disclosed, comprising an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a valve casing. The valve casing has a passage formed therethrough. A sample outlet extends through the valve casing and into the passage. A valve structure is disposed within the valve casing for axial movement. A gate of the valve structure obstructs the passage when the valve structure is moved to a sampling position, preventing the initial volume of the liquid stream from being transported to the outlet conduit. A stem of the valve structure obstructs the sample outlet without obstructing the passage when the valve structure is moved to a redirection position. At least one elongated groove is formed in a surface of the gate and extends into the stem so that the initial volume is directed through the sample outlet and toward a receptacle when the valve structure is moved to the sampling position. A lifting member moves the valve structure from the sampling position to the redirection position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid volume sampling devices, and in particular to devices for sampling small initial volumes of liquid streams. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests for pathogen DNA, self-collected first urine has become a valuable non-invasive sample for diagnostic purposes for the detection of urogenital infections, e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis, and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, the results of this test method are only conclusive if the sampled urine fraction is not diluted or contaminated by subsequent midstream urine. Furthermore, even within the first urine volume of urine, there is a variation in the microbial load in the urine sample that depends on the exact sampled initial volume, e.g., only a small fraction of the first urine. Thus, there is a need for liquid sampling devices that allow accurate sampling of the initial volume of the liquid stream, e.g., urine, and that are hygienic and comfortable in their use.

[0003] WO2014 / 037152 relates to a liquid sampling device for capturing a first portion of a liquid flow. The device comprises an inlet, an outlet and a guide with a displaceable element that captures a first portion of the liquid flow, e.g. a first urine stream, flowing into a reservoir in a first position and blocks access to the reservoir in a second position, instead directing subsequent liquid through the outlet. The displaceable element moves transversely to the liquid flow and has lifting means. Although this device is suitable for sampling first urine streams, it remains difficult to limit the amount of sampled first urine stream to its small initial volume fraction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 037152 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] It is difficult to miniaturize the buoyancy-driven liquid sampling device described in WO2014 / 037152A1 to fit the liquid sampling device into the smaller volumes required for diagnostics, since the buoyancy required to raise the displaceable element (e.g., valve) is strongly reduced due to the smaller size of the lifting means, such as an air pocket or a float, which still fits into the sampling receptacle. Another problem faced by miniaturization is the limited wall thickness available so far by injection molding techniques, which is limited to, for example, 0.5 mm. Indeed, designs with limited material use and therefore very thin walls with wall thicknesses less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.4 mm or less, may face filling problems in the mold when injection molded. Furthermore, the redirection of the sampled liquid volume through the small diameter tubular duct is slow and probably dominated by capillary action, which may result in a rapid accumulation of liquid in the chamber (e.g., induction section) connected between the inlet and outlet conduits. When the liquid is stopped and rises in the chamber, the entry of the initial fraction is impeded and delayed. Ultimately, the subsequent volumes can result in dilution or mixing or contamination of the initial volume being sampled if the initial volume is not drained fast enough.

[0006] It is therefore an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream that is hygienic and comfortable to use, and which is also adapted to reliably sample small initial volumes, for example volumes of less than 20 ml, for example volumes of about 5 ml or less.

[0007] The above objectives are achieved by an apparatus and kit of parts according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream, the apparatus comprising an inlet conduit for receiving the liquid stream, an outlet conduit for discharging a subsequent volume of the liquid stream, and a valve casing disposed between the inlet and outlet conduits. The valve casing has a passage formed to fluidly connect the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit through the valve casing, e.g., providing an inlet and an outlet through a protruding side wall. A sample outlet for discharging the initial volume of the liquid stream extends through the valve casing into the passage. Further, a valve structure is disposed within the valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through the passage. The valve structure comprises a gate for obstructing the passage and preventing the initial volume of the liquid stream from being transported to the outlet conduit when the valve structure is in a sampling position, e.g., when moved to the sampling position. Further, the valve structure comprises a stem coupled to the gate and adapted to obstruct the sample outlet without obstructing the passage when the valve structure is in a redirecting position, e.g., when moved to the redirecting position. At least one elongated groove is formed in a surface of the gate facing the inlet conduit. The at least one groove extends from the gate into the stem such that when the valve structure is in the sampling position, e.g., when moved to the sampling position, an initial volume of the liquid flow is directed through the sample outlet and towards a receptacle connectable to the valve casing. The at least one elongated groove forms a narrow channel in the gate and the stem, which is adapted to receive the incoming initial volume and direct it in a downward movement along the gate and the stem and through the sample outlet when the valve structure is moved to the sampling position. Thus, the at least one elongated groove allows a liquid passage for the initial volume flow between the inlet conduit and the sample outlet when the valve structure is in the sampling position. Furthermore, a lifting member is connected to the stem for moving the valve structure from the sampling position to the redirecting position while the initial volume of the liquid flow is sampled through the sample outlet.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the gate includes a beveled wall for achieving obstruction of the passage through the valve casing and at the same time for obtaining additional lifting force.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, a resilient stopper protrudes from the inner surface of the valve casing to prevent vertical displacement of the valve structure beyond the deflection position. Various height positions of the stopper can be determined to correspond to a predetermined initial volume to be sampled into a standardized receptacle, e.g., a test tube.

[0011] In some embodiments of the invention, the rim of the cap and / or the outer edge of the lower part of the stem are fitted flush with (e.g., complementary in size and shape) the corresponding surfaces of the valve casing and the bore of the sample outlet, respectively, which provides an efficient sealing effect.

[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, the cap and / or ribbed edge of the valve structure are in telescopic relationship with the inner surface of the valve casing and the bore of the sample outlet, respectively, which improves the sliding axial movement of the valve structure relative to the valve casing by guiding aid with reduced friction.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the invention, the cap has an asymmetric shape (e.g., defined by its rim) to prevent rotational movement of the valve structure about its translational axis, where the valve structure may have a mating asymmetric shape.

[0014] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the device can accommodate a wide range of volumetric flow rates, including those typical of urine, for example in the range 1 ml / sec to 55 ml / sec.

[0015] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the device components may be constructed from biodegradable polymers or other suitable biomaterials and can be easily disposed of after use.

[0016] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the inlet conduit and / or funnel may be adapted for use by a particular gender, improving user comfort and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0017] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the components of the sampling device can be manufactured separately and later assembled, therefore they can be sent to a user as a kit of parts with minimal shipping costs, allowing the user to collect a sample at home.

[0018] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of parts for assembling a device according to an embodiment of the first aspect, comprising a bonnet having at least three openings, an inlet conduit connectable to a first opening of the bonnet, an outlet conduit connectable to a second opening of the bonnet, and a valve casing removably insertable into the bonnet via a third opening in the bonnet. A base of the valve casing is connectable to the third opening, the valve casing having an inlet and an outlet formed therethrough defining a liquid passage through the valve casing. A sample outlet extends through the base of the valve casing into the passage. Additionally, the valve casing has an opening on an upper side opposite the base through which the valve structure can be inserted. The valve structure, also included in the kit, is removably insertable into the valve casing. The valve structure is arranged for axial movement within the valve casing transverse to the direction of liquid flow through the passage. A gate of the valve structure is configured to obstruct the passageway when the valve structure is in, e.g., moved to, the sampling position, and a stem of the valve structure is coupled to the gate and adapted to obstruct the sample outlet without obstructing the passageway when the valve structure is in, e.g., moved to the redirection position. At least one elongated groove is formed in a surface of the gate and extends into the stem. Additionally, the kit includes a lifting member coupleable to the stem.

[0019] Alternatively, the kit of parts includes a valve casing having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and outlet being formed through the valve casing to define a liquid passageway through the valve casing. The kit further includes a sample outlet extending through a base of the valve casing into the passageway, and an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit connectable to the inlet and outlet of the valve casing, respectively. The opening is provided on an upper side of the valve casing opposite the base. The kit further includes a valve structure removably insertable into the valve casing. The valve structure is disposed within the valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through the passageway. A gate of the valve structure is adapted to obstruct the passageway when the valve structure is in a sampling position, e.g., when moved to the sampling position, and a stem of the valve structure is coupled to the gate and adapted to obstruct the sample outlet without obstructing the passageway when the valve structure is in a redirecting position, e.g., when moved to the redirecting position. At least one elongated groove is formed in a surface of the gate and extends from the gate into the stem. The kit further includes a lifting member connectable to the stem.

[0020] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

[0021] For the purpose of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention are described hereinabove. Of course, it should be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one or a group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0022] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the one or more embodiments described hereinafter. The present specification also provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) 1. An apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream, comprising: an inlet conduit for receiving said liquid stream; an outlet conduit for discharging a subsequent volume of said liquid flow; a valve casing disposed between said inlet conduit and said outlet conduit, said valve casing having a passageway formed through said valve casing to fluidly connect said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said sample outlet extending through said valve casing into said passageway for discharging said initial volume of said liquid flow; a valve structure arranged within said valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through said passage, said valve structure comprising a gate for obstructing said passage and preventing said initial volume of said liquid flow from being transported to said outlet conduit when said valve structure is in a sampling position, said valve structure further comprising a stem coupled to said gate and adapted to obstruct said sample outlet without obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a redirecting position, at least one elongated groove being formed in a surface of said gate facing said inlet conduit, said at least one groove extending from said gate to said stem, said at least one groove adapted to receive said initial volume of said liquid flow when said valve structure is in said sampling position and to direct said initial volume along said gate, said stem, through said sample outlet and towards a receptacle connectable to said valve casing; a lifting member coupled to the stem for moving the valve structure from the sampling position to the redirecting position while the initial volume of the liquid stream is sampled through the sample outlet. (Item 2) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lifting member comprises an air cavity formed in a lower portion of the stem. (Item 3) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gate comprises a beveled wall having an edge that lies flush with an inner surface of the valve casing when the valve structure is in the sampling position. (Item 4) 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the stem comprises a narrow upper portion, a wider lower portion, and a transition section connected between the upper portion and the lower portion for tapering the narrower upper portion to the wider lower portion, and wherein the at least one groove extends into the upper portion of the stem, and wherein an outer surface of the lower portion of the stem lies flush with the sample outlet bore when the valve structure is in the redirected position. (Item 5) 5. The device of claim 4, wherein a ribbed edge protrudes from an outer surface of the upper portion of the stem, the ribbed edge being in telescopic relationship with the bore of the sample outlet. (Item 6) 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sampling coupling coupled to a base of the valve casing and at least partially circumferentially surrounding the sample outlet formed through the base. (Item 7) 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sampling coupler comprises an angled or baffle-formed opening at a lower end of the sampling coupler opposite the base. (Item 8) 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve structure further comprises a cap coupled to the gate, the rim of the cap being flush with and in telescopic relationship with an inner surface of the valve casing. (Item 9) 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the rim of the cap and the inner surface of the valve casing have mating asymmetric shapes to prevent rotational movement of the valve structure relative to the valve casing. (Item 10) 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve casing comprises a resilient stopper protruding from an inner surface of the valve casing and positioned to cooperate with an upper edge of the valve structure, whereby further axial movement of the valve structure is limited when the upper edge of the valve structure presses against the stopper in the redirected position. (Item 11) 2. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one groove is separated into two grooves by a stabilizing wall. (Item 12) 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet conduit, outlet conduit and valve casing are monolithically formed as a single piece, and proximal openings of the inlet conduit and outlet conduit are aligned with the inlet and outlet of the passage through the valve casing, respectively. (Item 13) 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bonnet connected between the inlet and outlet conduits and forming a lid for the valve casing, the bonnet having proximal openings of the inlet and outlet conduits formed therethrough, the bonnet being secured to a base of the valve casing such that the proximal openings of the inlet and outlet conduits are aligned with the inlet and outlet, respectively, of the passage through the valve casing. (Item 14) 1. A parts kit comprising: - a bonnet with at least three openings, an inlet conduit connectable to a first opening in the bonnet; an outlet conduit connectable to a second opening of said bonnet; a valve casing removably insertable into the bonnet through a third opening in the bonnet, a base of the valve casing being connectable to the third opening, the valve casing having an inlet and an outlet formed therethrough defining a liquid passageway through the valve casing, a sample outlet extending through the base of the valve casing and into the passageway, the valve casing having an opening on an upper side of the valve casing opposite the base; a valve structure removably insertable within said valve casing, said valve structure arranged within said valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through said passage, said valve structure comprising a gate for obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a sampling position, said valve structure further comprising a stem coupled to said gate and adapted to obstruct said sample outlet without obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a redirecting position, at least one elongated groove formed in a surface of said gate, said at least one groove extending from said gate into said stem; a lifting member connectable to said stem. (Item 15) 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit, and the bonnet are provided as a monolithic part. (Item 16) 1. A parts kit comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being formed through the valve casing to define a liquid passageway through the valve casing, a sample outlet extending through a base of the valve casing and into the passageway, the valve casing having an opening on an upper side of the valve casing opposite the base; an inlet conduit connectable to the inlet of the valve casing; an outlet conduit connectable to the outlet of the valve casing; a valve structure removably insertable within said valve casing, said valve structure arranged within said valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through said passage, said valve structure comprising a gate for obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a sampling position, said valve structure further comprising a stem coupled to said gate and adapted to obstruct said sample outlet without obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a redirecting position, at least one elongated groove formed in a surface of said gate, said at least one groove extending from said gate into said stem; a lifting member connectable to said stem. (Item 17) 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit, and the valve casing are provided as a monolithic part. (Item 18) 18. The kit of any one of items 14 to 17, wherein the lifting member and the stem of the valve structure are provided as a monolithic part, the lifting member comprising an air cavity. (Item 19) 19. The kit of any one of items 14 to 18, wherein the gate comprises a beveled wall having an edge that fits onto an inner surface of the valve casing. (Item 20) 20. The kit of claim 14 or 19, wherein the valve structure further comprises a cap coupled to the gate, the rim of the cap mating with and establishing a telescopic relationship with an inner surface of the valve casing. (Item 21) 21. The kit of any one of items 14 to 20, wherein the valve casing comprises a resilient stopper protruding from an inner surface of the valve casing and positioned to cooperate with an upper edge of the valve structure, whereby further axial movement of the valve structure is limited when the upper edge of the valve structure presses against the stopper in the redirected position. (Item 22) 22. The kit according to any one of items 14 to 21, further comprising a receptacle having a volume in the range of 1 ml to 50 ml, the receptacle being connectable to a sampling connector provided on the underside of the valve casing base. (Item 23) 23. The kit of any one of items 14 to 22, further comprising a funnel connectable to the inlet conduit, the inlet conduit adapted to receive and secure the funnel. (Item 24) 24. The kit according to any one of items 14 to 23, wherein the inlet conduit has a flexible shape. (Item 25) 25. The kit according to any one of items 14 to 24, wherein one or more parts of the kit are made from a biodegradable polymer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] [Figure 1]1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid flow, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A-1D are side and front views of a valve structure used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1A-1D are side and front views of a valve structure used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a kit of parts comprising an apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid flow, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A-1D are exploded views of a kit of parts comprising an apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid flow according to different embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual scale to implementations of the invention.

[0026] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0027] In the different drawings, the same reference signs refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.

[0029] Additionally, directional terms such as top, bottom, front, back, leading, rear, lower, and upper in the description and claims are used for descriptive purposes with reference to the orientation of the drawings being described and are not necessarily used to describe relative positions. Because components of embodiments of the present invention may be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting in any way unless otherwise indicated. Thus, it should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are capable of operation in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0030] It should be noted that the term "comprises" used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means recited thereafter, and does not exclude other elements or steps. It is therefore interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components, as referred to, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting of only components A and B. This means that in the context of the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0031] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[0032] Similarly, in describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that various features of the invention may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, this method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, aspects of the invention lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Moreover, while some embodiments described herein include some features and not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are within the scope of the present invention and are meant to form different embodiments, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0034] It should be noted that the use of a particular term when describing a particular feature or embodiment of the invention should not be taken to imply that the term is being redefined herein to be limited to include any particular characteristic of the feature or embodiment of the invention with which the term is associated.

[0035] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, when referring to the initial volume of urine, this generally designates the initial urinary flow of 20ml to 50ml. In this respect, a small volume refers to a volume of the initial volume of urine less than 20ml, e.g. less than 10ml, e.g. less than 5ml, such as 4ml.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1-5 of the drawings, a device for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream (consisting of an initial volume and a subsequent volume) according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 10, the cross-section being taken in a mirror plane of the device perpendicular to the y-axis. The device 10 comprises an inlet conduit 12, an outlet conduit 11, a valve casing 13, and a valve structure 17. The valve structure 17 is arranged to be inserted into the valve casing 13 and move axially inside the valve casing 13 between a sampling position and a redirecting position. The inlet conduit 12 is adapted to receive the liquid stream, e.g. urine, at a distal opening 12a and direct it towards the valve casing 13, and the outlet conduit 11 is adapted to drain the subsequent volume of the liquid stream, e.g. urine, away from the valve casing 13 and expel the subsequent volume of the liquid stream from the device 10 at a distal opening 11a. The inlet conduit 12 and the opening 12a can be shaped in a number of ways, but for the purpose of efficient and leak-free collection of liquid, an inlet conduit 12 forming a funnel is preferred, and particularly for urine sampling, a funnel-shaped inlet conduit 12 with a flared receiving lip is preferred, as the opening 12a provides the user with a more hygienic and more comfortable use of the device 10. Furthermore, the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 are preferably positioned in an oblique position, for example at an angle ranging from 20 arc degrees to 70 arc degrees, for example about 45 arc degrees, with respect to the vertical z-axis along which the elongated valve structure 17 is typically aligned when the device 10 is operated. This has the advantage that the liquid flow entering the device 10 at the opening 12a with a low flow rate is forced forward without delay, thereby achieving faster sampling of its initial volume while preventing contamination and sticking of the liquid to the walls of the inlet conduit 12. Similarly, removal of subsequent volumes of the received liquid stream from the valve casing 13 is accelerated by the angled outlet conduit 11, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of the initial volume sampled by residues of the subsequent volume remaining within the valve casing 13.The valve casing 13 has an inlet 13a and an outlet 13b formed therethrough, for example formed as openings in a protruding wall (in the z-direction) of the valve casing, a flat base supporting the protruding wall at the bottom, and an opening at the top, which opening is adapted to receive the valve structure 17. A passage for liquid extends between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b through the hollow interior of the valve casing 13, the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b being permanently aligned with the proximal openings of the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11, respectively. The proximal openings of the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 may be of equal shape and size to the inlet 13a, respectively the outlet 13b of the valve casing 13, or may be of different shape and / or size. In this particular embodiment, this permanent alignment is achieved by providing the inlet conduit 12, the outlet conduit 11, and the valve casing 13 as a single monolithic formed unit, where the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 are directly connected to the protruding wall of the valve casing 13. However, this method of connecting the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 to the valve casing 13 is not limited, and other connection means may be provided instead. For example, a snap-fit ​​connection may be made between the plastic parts, or a push-fit or compression joint may be used to connect the valve casing 13 to the soft or hard tubes used for the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11. Different connection schemes between the valve casing 13 and the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 are further described below with reference to FIG. 7 for alternative embodiments. A sample outlet 13c, e.g., a circular opening, is formed through the valve casing 13 at its flat base, leading to a passage between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the valve structure 17 is in an inserted configuration with at least the gate 14 of the valve structure 17 received within the valve casing 13, e.g., in a hollow interior defined by a protruding wall, and the elongated stem 15 of the valve structure 17 extending through the sample outlet 13c. Additionally, the valve structure 17 is arranged to move axially within the valve casing 13 from a sampling position to a redirecting position. For the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the axial movement corresponds to linear movement along a vertical direction (e.g., the z-axis) in a direction transverse to the direction of flow through the passage between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b, e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow through the passage. Notwithstanding the preferred 90 degree angle between the axial movement of the valve structure 17 and the direction of flow through the passage (e.g., as determined by the tilt angle of the flat base of the valve casing about the z-axis), embodiments of the present invention are not limited to an angle of 90 degrees or close to an angle of 90 degrees. For example, the flow direction for the inclined base may be oblique, and the resulting angle between the flow direction through the passageway and the axial movement of the valvular structure 17 may range from (90+ / -25) degrees of arc. In this particular embodiment, the lifting member 15a is provided as an elongated air-filled cavity formed in the lower portion of the stem 15 and extending in the direction of the axial movement of the valvular structure 17, e.g., in the vertical z-direction. However, different embodiments of the invention may include different lifting members, e.g., a block comprising one or more air pockets, air-filled cavities, or comprising a porous material, e.g., foam (e.g., extruded polystyrene foam), connected to the end of the stem, or tethered to and surrounding the stem.

[0039] 1 is adopted when the gate 14 contacts the base of the valve casing 13 and prevents further downward movement of the valve structure 17 relative to the stationary valve casing 13. More specifically, the valve structure has been moved to the sampling position when the laterally outward extension of the bottom edge of the gate 14 physically contacts the upper side of the base in an area that does not overlap with the sample outlet 13c, e.g., when the portion of the base surrounding the sample outlet 13c serves as a seat for the gate 14. When moved to the sampling position, the gate 14 of the valve structure 17 obstructs the flow of an initial volume of liquid through the passage between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b.

[0040] This obstruction mechanism of the gate 14 of the valve structure in the sampling position can be more easily understood by referring to Figures 2 and 3, which show more detailed side and front views of the valve structure 17, respectively. In particular, the attention of the skilled person is drawn to the presence of the inclined wall 14b of the gate 14 on its front side. The wall 14b is in the form of two wing-like parts, extending laterally from a wedge-shaped tapered central shaft that is a continuation of the stem 15 in an upward direction. The inclination angle of the wall 14b may be determined as the intersection angle between a first plane that includes the base of the valve casing and a second plane that intersects the first plane and includes a diameter in the y direction across the sample outlet 13c of the base and the apex (in the z direction) of the arcuate curve that defines the contour of the inlet 13a. The bottom edge 14e of the wall 14b joins the central shaft to the upper narrowed portion of the stem 15 above a tapered (e.g. conical) transition section 14d, the upper edge of the wall being delimited by a flat cap 16. The wall 14b may have a spade-shaped profile and may resemble the spade-shaped profile of the corresponding beak-shaped inlet 13a of the valve casing 13. In particular, the projecting profile of the wall 14b preferably covers the profile of the inlet 13a when projected on the frontal plane. Furthermore, the profile of the wall 14b may be defined by a curve obtained by cutting a cylinder (e.g. a cylindrical valve casing) in the above-mentioned second plane. At least one groove 14a is formed in the surface of the wall 14b and extends therein towards the surface of the central shaft in the upper narrowed portion of the stem 15. The at least one groove 14a is more easily distinguished in the perspective view of the valve structure in FIG. 5. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, at least one groove 14a may be considered as two separate grooves in the presence of a thin upwardly rising second wall 14c that divides the groove space into two halves. This additional separating wall 14c has the advantage of increasing the structural integrity of the valve structure 17. The numerous details presented for the valve structure 17 help to clarify the obstruction mechanism for the valve structure's gate 14 at the sampling location inside the valve casing 13.When the gate 14 is moved to the sampling position, the bottom edge 14e of the wall 14b is in contact with the upper side of the valve casing base, and the lateral wing-like edges of the wall 14b are flush with the inner surface of the protruding wall of the valve casing 13, thereby providing a sealing effect for the initial volume of liquid flow in the passage through the valve casing. Furthermore, a rim of the valve structure 17 is provided by the outwardly facing edge of the cap 16. An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the cross section of the cap 16 (perpendicular to the z-axis in plan view) can be fitted to match in shape and size with the inner boundary of the valve casing protruding wall, such that the axial movement of the valve structure relative to the stationary valve casing is assisted and guided by the cap, e.g., the inner surface of the protruding wall of the valve casing 13 and the cap 16 are in a telescopic relationship. It should be noted that the aforementioned guiding aspect can be further improved by fitting the outer diameter of the stem in the y direction to the inner diameter of the sample outlet 13 in the same direction, thus representing a telescopic relationship also with respect to their edges at least in the y direction. As a result of the improved guidance of the valve structure 17 at two different heights (z-direction), tilting movement of the valve structure 17 can be prevented, while still allowing it to move axially. In addition, the cap 16 thus fitted provides enhanced sealing of the passage, not only with respect to the initial volume of the received liquid flow, but also with respect to splashing or leakage of the subsequent volume of the received liquid flow, for example when urine is directed through the passage to be discharged at the outlet conduit opening 11a. The skilled person knows how to select, by design routine or trial and error, suitable gaps between the cap and the inner surface of the protruding wall, between the contour of the wall 14b and the inner surface of the protruding wall, and between the stem and the sample outlet, so that the guidance is performed without significant friction and further suitable for sealing the passage.

[0041] As mentioned above, when the valve structure 17 is moved to the sampling position and the passage between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b of the valve casing is blocked, the initial volume is prevented from entering the outlet conduit 11 and is therefore well preserved for sampling. In any way, as long as the initial volume of the liquid flow is received and sampled, there is a fluid connection between the inlet 13a and the sample outlet 13c. More specifically, at least one groove 14a formed in the wall 14b of the gate 14 ensures that the received initial volume is redirected towards the sample outlet 13c. Since at least one groove 14a (e.g., one single groove or two grooves separated by the wall 14c) extends downward beyond the bottom edge 14a of the wall 14b to the upper narrow part of the stem 15, the redirected flow of the initial volume certainly crosses the sample outlet 13c and flows continuously downward along the outer surface of the stem 15. This is facilitated by the smoothly tapered transition section 14d of the stem 15, which avoids the initial volume of the redirected flow projecting back into the valve casing 13 if the lower, wider part of the stem 15 is processed too abruptly. As a result, reaction forces that would prevent the valve structure 17 from quickly lifting into the turning position to secure the small sample volume are also significantly reduced. Furthermore, the beveled wall 14b also contributes to the redirection of the initial volume of flow towards the base of the valve casing 13, where the redirected flow can still be discharged through the sample outlet 13c, due to the narrower section of the stem 15, e.g., the narrower cross-sectional area of ​​the upper part of the stem, between the transition section 14d and the bottom edge 14e of the wall 14b, compared to the wider cross-sectional area of ​​the lower part of the stem 15 (perpendicular to the z-axis as seen in plan view). A further advantage of the inclined wall 14b is given by the fact that the initial volume of the received liquid flow exerts a (dynamic) pressure force on the wall 15b that is resolved into a component parallel to the flow direction and a component parallel to the z-axis; e.g., the inclined wall 14b can be used to further enhance an upward lifting force in addition to the buoyancy force via the lifting member 15a that is moving the valve structure 17 from the sampling position to the redirection position.This auxiliary lifting force by the inclined wall 14b is very much appreciated because with a small sampled initial volume, e.g. about 4 ml of first urine, the volume of the lifting member already submerged in the sampled and collected liquid is typically small and therefore the volume of the collection receptacle cannot be made arbitrarily small if only a small buoyancy force is achieved, otherwise with a receptacle of too small volume the capillary adhesion forces become decisive and the initial volume is not removed fast enough to prevent subsequent volumes from contaminating the initial volume, e.g. contaminating the earlier fractions of the first urine by the later fractions of the first voided urine or midstream urine.

[0042] Preferably, the tubular sampling coupling 13e extends downwards from the underside of the base of the valve casing 13 and at least partially surrounds the opening of the sample outlet 13c in a circumferential direction. A receptacle for collecting the initial volume of the sampled liquid flow may be removably connectable to the sampling coupling 13e, for example via a snap-fit ​​or screw-fit connection. Gravitational acceleration forces assist in the discharge of the initial volume through the sample outlet 13c, along the outer surface of the stem 15, towards a receptacle that is connected to the sampling device 10 prior to use. Providing the sampling coupling 13e with a recess over a portion of its circumference to obtain a sampling coupling with a baffle-type end is advantageous, as this further assists and accelerates the discharge process of the initial volume from the lower end of the groove 14a, over the sloped transition section 14d towards the outer surface of the lower part of the stem 15, thereby reducing the risk of sticking and jamming due to accumulation of discharged liquid.

[0043] During use of the device 10, the liquid flow belonging to the initial volume is sampled through the sample outlet 13c, generating a liquid column in a receptacle previously connected to the device 10, for example to the sampling coupling 13e. Preferably, the shape and depth of the receptacle are selected to cooperate with the lifting member 15a in that the formation of the liquid column in the receptacle is accompanied by a rapidly progressing immersion of the lifting member 15a. The lifting member 15a may be provided as an air-filled cavity located in the hollow interior of the lower part of the stem 15. This has the added advantage that the material weight and costs associated with the formation of the elongated stem 15 are advantageously saved by the provision of an inexpensive, low density fluid air. This also allows the use of smaller diameter connectable receptacles, effectively increasing the immersion volume of the lifting member 15a and therefore the buoyancy. Nevertheless, embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto and other floating structures and / or materials may be used instead of or in addition to the air cavity in the lower part of the stem 15, such as, for example, a foam block into which the lower end of the stem extends. As a result of the buoyant forces acting on the lifting members 15a as a floating body, the valve structure 17 as a whole is lifted and forced upwards as the height of the sampled liquid column continues to rise. The buoyancy-driven vertical displacement is stopped as soon as the turning position is adopted, preventing further lifting of the valve structure 17.

[0044] In the redirection position, the upper side of the cap 16 is pressed up against an elastic stopper 13d, a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the valve casing 13, e.g. a small flexible pin or stud extending inwardly into the valve casing bore. The cap 16 is provided as a disk of asymmetric shape, e.g. an original circular disk with a piece removed along a chord, best seen in the perspective view of FIG. 4. The rim of the cap 16 is thus located flush with the inner side of the protruding wall of the valve casing 13 in the sampling position, in the redirection position and in all positions along the axial movement of the valve structure 17, thereby obtaining a sealing and guiding effect. Moreover, the asymmetric shape of the cap 16 and the bore of the valve casing 13 (e.g. the hollow interior defined by the protruding wall) are adapted to prevent a rotational movement about the vertical axis of displacement. Other shapes of the cap and the bore can be selected to produce the same effect, e.g. elliptical, polygonal, etc. The elastic stopper 13d is formed at a height (z-direction) corresponding to the buoyancy-driven elevation of the valve structure 17 when the initial volume is discharged through the sample outlet 13c. Especially for high volumetric flow rates of the liquid to be sampled, the opening size of the sample outlet 13c and / or the beveled wall 14b help to obtain a rapid transition of the valve structure 17 from the sampling position to the redirection position, thereby effectively preventing the subsequent volume of the liquid flow from passing through the sample outlet 13c and contaminating the initial volume sample. It is further noted that the narrowed portion of the stem connected between the bottom edge 14e of the one or more gate walls 14b and the transition section 14d, and especially the reduced lateral dimension in the y-direction (see FIG. 3), allows the subsequent volume of the liquid flow to be redirected and pass through the passage of the valve casing 13 between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b. The gate 14 of the valve structure 17 is elevated in the redirection position, lifting the obstruction of the passage. The valve structure 17 is also adapted to close the fluid connection between the inlet 13a and the sample outlet 13c when moved to the redirected position. The transition section 14d allows smooth flow of the trailing volume around the narrow portion of the stem while ensuring that the thicker, lower portion of the stem 15 provides a plug for the sample outlet 13c.That is, the outer surface of the lower portion of stem 15 and the bore of sample outlet 13c are sized and shaped to mate flush in the redirected position, thereby closing off sample outlet 13c. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a small clearance is necessary and acceptable to move valve structure 17 back to the sampling position after liquid flow has stopped and the initial sampled volume has been reliably removed.

[0045] The outlet conduit 11 may be adapted to connect to a further receptacle for capturing the subsequent volume, or may be adapted to connect to a further liquid sampling device according to the above embodiments, e.g. a second sampling device (and suitable outlet-inlet coupling) for sampling a fraction of the subsequent volume of the liquid stream, e.g. a fraction of midstream urine.

[0046] The components of the device 10 for sampling an initial volume of a liquid flow as described above, and the attachable accessories, may be provided separately in a kit of parts. With reference to FIG. 6, an exploded view of such a kit 60 is shown. It is an advantage of the kit 60 that the parts can be manufactured separately before being delivered as a complete kit in a compact box (e.g., smaller than 380 mm x 265 mm x 32 mm, shipped by regular mail) or as a replacement part for a previously purchased kit to a user who assembles the sampling device according to the instructions. The kit of parts 60 comprises the valve structure 17, the inlet conduit 12, the outlet conduit 11, the valve casing 13, and an optional receptacle 63. Preferably, the valve casing 13 and the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 are provided as a single integrally formed unit 61 such that both conduits 11, 12 are connected to the valve casing 13 with their proximal openings permanently aligned with the inlet 13a and outlet 13b of the valve casing 13. The receptacle 63 (preferably with a closing lid) is connectable to the valve casing 13 at the sample connector 13e of the valve casing 13 and has a collection volume equal to or greater than the initial volume of the liquid stream to be sampled, e.g., less than the first 15 ml of first urine, e.g., 4 ml or less of first urine. A layer of preservative or buffer soluble material may be added to the bottom of the receptacle 63 prior to sampling of the initial volume. This allows the initial sampled volume to be preserved for the time required to send the closed receptacle 63 to the laboratory responsible for the urine analysis. Suitable materials for the components of the sampling device include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, biodegradable polymers, or shaped bagasse, and are resistant to body temperature urine, e.g., at least 40° C. Plastic components of the sampling device may be manufactured on a large scale by injection molding. Preferably, the materials for the components of the sampling device are also easily compressed or folded so that they can be sent to a user by mail (e.g., if the thickness is less than 28 mm) as a kit or as separate parts, and the user then unfolds or unpacks the components for assembly.In embodiments of the invention where the inlet conduit 12 is not formed as a funnel 62, such an inlet conduit may be adapted to receive and secure a separate funnel at the distal opening, for example the funnel support may comprise a V-groove for placing and aligning the funnel and a clip for securing and maintaining the open configuration of the funnel. The accessory funnel may be part of the kit 60 and may be deliverable in a compact form, for example folded or folded, before being deployed or unfolded before use. A separate funnel has the advantage that it can be provided as a disposable funnel, made from a biodegradable polymer and suitable for direct flushing, in addition to being suitable for the anatomy of a particular gender, for example male or female. It should be noted that the valve structure 17 as one of the components of the kit 60 is removably insertable into the valve casing 13 at its upper opening. In this case, the aforementioned elastic stopper 13d bends under the pressure of the cap 16 when the valve structure 17 is inserted. Once the cap 16 has passed the stopper 13d, the stopper 13d snaps back into its original position, thus limiting axial movement of the inserted valve structure 17 relative to the interior of the valve casing 13 and preventing the valve structure 17 from falling out of the valve casing 13. To facilitate insertion during assembly, the stopper 13d may have a downwardly sloping top side.

[0047] A variant of the previous embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. A kit of parts 70 comprises the valve structure 17, the inlet conduit 12, the outlet conduit 11, the bonnet 18, the valve casing 13 and an optional receptacle 73. Preferably, the bonnet 18 and the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 11 are provided as a single integrally formed unit 71, such that both conduits 11, 12 are connected to the bonnet 18 and their proximal openings are formed through the bonnet side wall. This embodiment differs in that the valve casing 13 now takes the form of a sleeve that is inserted into and covered by the bonnet 18. From Fig. 6 it can be seen that the valve structure 17 is first inserted into the valve casing 13 before the valve casing with the valve structure is inserted into the bonnet 18 or the bonnet 18 is slid over it. Thus, the hollow interior of the assembled sampling device valve casing 13 is bounded by the base 13f of the valve casing 13, a double-walled section including the protruding sidewall of the valve casing and the bonnet sidewall, and the top wall of the bonnet. As a result, the liquid passage between the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b is completely enclosed, providing additional protection against leakage to the top of the valve casing as well. The bonnet 18 may have a flexible annular section at its lower end, which snap-fits into the base 13f of the valve casing 13 to securely anchor these two parts together. To slide the bonnet 18 onto the valve casing 13 and ensure the correct orientation, the bonnet 18 may have a cylindrical shape similar to the valve casing 13, for example a general cylindrical shape with an asymmetric base, for example a circular section. This also enables the inlet 13a to be permanently aligned with the proximal opening of the inlet conduit 12 (formed through the bonnet) and the outlet 13b to be permanently aligned with the proximal opening of the outlet conduit 11 (also formed through the bonnet). A receptacle 73 (preferably having a closing lid) is connectable to the valve casing 13 at the sample connector 13e of the valve casing 13 and has a collection volume equal to or greater than the initial volume of the liquid stream to be sampled, for example less than the first 15 ml of first urine, for example 4 ml or less of first urine.Sampling coupling 13e shown in Figure 7 has a baffle-forming recess at its lower end. As previously mentioned, a layer of soluble material, such as a preservative or buffer, may be added to the bottom of receptacle 73 prior to sampling the initial volume.

[0048] The following describes the best mode of operation of the device for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream according to an embodiment of the present invention. To detect sexually transmitted diseases in a urine sample, a sample taken from the first urine, e.g. the first 4 ml of urine, is recommended, which improves the reliability of the results obtained by urinalysis. Therefore, care must be taken not to leak or lose any of the initial volume in the process of taking the sample. This should not come at the expense of the comfort of handling and hygiene when using the sampling device. Before sampling the initial volume of liquid, e.g. urine, the user of the sampling device will couple the receptacle to the valve casing (e.g. by screwing, snap-fitting, push-fitting the receptacle to the sampling coupling) or, if the receptacle has been previously connected to the valve casing, may ensure that it is connected in a secure manner, e.g. without the possibility of it coming loose afterwards and falling off. If the sampling device is delivered to the user as a kit of parts and optionally includes further parts such as an expandable funnel, the user is prompted to assemble these parts as described above. A buffer or retention agent may be added to the bottom of the receptacle. The user then positions the distal opening 12a of the inlet conduit 12 over the urethral meatus, where the wide funnel-shaped opening 12a is adapted to the anatomical shape around the urethral meatus to prevent leakage or loss while the urine is being rejected by the user's body and received by the inlet conduit 12. At the same time, the user positions the distal opening 11a of the outlet conduit 11 over or in a further receiver, for example, in a larger container or a toilet. The user then ensures that the sampling device is oriented approximately vertically and begins the urination process. An initial volume of first urine into the sampling device. Here, it is received by the inlet 13a and directed through the sampling outlet 13c into the receptacle. While receiving the initial volume, the lifting member 15a pushes the valve structure 17 upwards, for example, until the valve structure has been moved from the sampling position to the redirected position, where the cap 16 is pressed against the stopper 13d.At that point, the initial volume of urine has been sampled and the sample outlet 13c is blocked by the lower part of the stem 15. However, the thinner part of the stem allows the subsequent volume of urine to flow through a passage in the valve casing 13 towards the outlet 13b and the distal opening of the outlet conduit 11a, where the subsequent volume is expelled from the sampling device. Once urination is complete and no more urine will enter the inlet conduit 12, the user undoes the receptacle with the initial volume sampled. The closing lid can be screwed or snapped tightly onto the receptacle to safely deliver the urine sample to the laboratory responsible for urinalysis and pathogen detection. The user may further dispose of the sampling device, for example by flushing the biodegradable device down the toilet, or may clean or flush and disinfect the sampling device for next use (optionally replacing accessories such as a funnel).

[0049] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered as illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the present invention. However, no matter how detailed the above appears in the text, it will be understood that the invention can be implemented in many ways. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art of practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for sampling an initial volume of a liquid stream, comprising: - an inlet conduit for receiving said liquid flow, an outlet conduit for discharging a subsequent volume of said liquid flow, a valve casing disposed between said inlet conduit and said outlet conduit, said valve casing having a passageway formed through said valve casing to fluidly connect said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said sample outlet extending through said valve casing into said passageway for discharging said initial volume of said liquid flow; a valve structure arranged within said valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through said passage, said valve structure comprising a gate for obstructing said passage and preventing said initial volume of said liquid flow from being transported to said outlet conduit when said valve structure is in a sampling position, said valve structure further comprising a stem coupled to said gate and adapted to obstruct said sample outlet without obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a redirecting position, at least one elongated groove being formed in a surface of said gate facing said inlet conduit, said at least one elongated groove extending from said gate to said stem, said at least one elongated groove adapted to receive said initial volume of said liquid flow when said valve structure is in said sampling position and to direct said initial volume along said gate, said stem, through said sample outlet and towards a receptacle connectable to said valve casing; a lifting member coupled to the stem for moving the valve structure from the sampling position to the redirecting position while the initial volume of the liquid stream is sampled through the sample outlet.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the lifting member comprises an air cavity formed in a lower portion of the stem.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the gate comprises a beveled wall having an edge that lies flush with an inner surface of the valve casing when the valve structure is in the sampling position.

4. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the stem comprises a narrow upper portion, a wider lower portion, and a transition section connected between the narrow upper portion and the wider lower portion for tapering the narrow upper portion relative to the wider lower portion, and wherein the at least one elongated groove extends into the narrow upper portion of the stem, and an outer surface of the wider lower portion of the stem lies flush with the sample outlet bore when the valve structure is in the redirected position.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein a ribbed edge protrudes from an outer surface of the narrow upper portion of the stem, the ribbed edge being axially movable relative to the bore of the sample outlet.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve casing further comprises a sampling coupling coupled to a base of the valve casing and at least partially circumferentially surrounding the sample outlet formed through the base.

7. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the sampling coupler includes an angled or baffle-formed opening at a lower end of the sampling coupler opposite the base.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve structure further comprises a cap coupled to the gate, the rim of the cap lying flush with and axially movable relative to the inner surface of the valve casing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the rim of the cap and the inner surface of the valve casing have mating asymmetric shapes to prevent rotational movement of the valve structure relative to the valve casing.

10. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve casing comprises a resilient stopper protruding from an inner surface of the valve casing and positioned to cooperate with an upper edge of the valve structure, whereby further axial movement of the valve structure is limited when the upper edge of the valve structure presses against the resilient stopper in the redirected position.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one elongate groove is separated into two grooves by a stabilizing wall.

12. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet conduit, outlet conduit and valve casing are monolithically formed as a single piece, and proximal openings of the inlet conduit and outlet conduit are aligned with the inlet and outlet, respectively, of the passage through the valve casing.

13. 13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a bonnet connected between the inlet and outlet conduits and forming a lid for the valve casing, the bonnet having proximal openings of the inlet and outlet conduits formed therethrough, the bonnet being secured to a base of the valve casing such that the proximal openings of the inlet and outlet conduits are aligned with the inlet and outlet, respectively, of the passage through the valve casing.

14. 1. A parts kit comprising: a bonnet with at least three openings; an inlet conduit connectable to a first opening in said bonnet; an outlet conduit connectable to a second opening in said bonnet; a valve casing removably insertable into the bonnet via a third opening in the bonnet, a base of the valve casing being connectable to the third opening, the valve casing having an inlet and an outlet formed therethrough defining a liquid passageway through the valve casing, a sample outlet extending through the base of the valve casing and into the passageway, the valve casing having an opening on an upper side of the valve casing opposite the base; a valve structure removably insertable within said valve casing, said valve structure arranged within said valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through said passage, said valve structure comprising a gate for obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a sampling position, said valve structure further comprising a stem coupled to said gate and adapted to obstruct said sample outlet without obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a redirecting position, at least one elongated groove formed in a surface of said gate, said at least one elongated groove extending from said gate into said stem, said at least one elongated groove adapted to receive an initial volume of liquid flow when said valve structure is in said sampling position and to direct said initial volume along said gate, said stem, through said sample outlet and towards a receptacle connectable to said valve casing, when said kit of parts is assembled and in use; a lifting member connectable to said stem.

15. The kit of claim 14 , wherein the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit, and the bonnet are provided as a monolithic component.

16. 1. A parts kit comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being formed through the valve casing to define a liquid passageway through the valve casing, a sample outlet extending through a base of the valve casing and into the passageway, the valve casing having an opening on an upper side of the valve casing opposite the base; an inlet conduit connectable to the inlet of the valve casing, an outlet conduit connectable to said outlet of said valve casing, a valve structure removably insertable within said valve casing, said valve structure arranged within said valve casing for axial movement transverse to a direction of liquid flow through said passage, said valve structure comprising a gate for obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a sampling position, said valve structure further comprising a stem coupled to said gate and adapted to obstruct said sample outlet without obstructing said passage when said valve structure is in a redirecting position, at least one elongated groove formed in a surface of said gate, said at least one elongated groove extending from said gate into said stem, said at least one elongated groove adapted to receive an initial volume of liquid flow when said valve structure is in said sampling position and to direct said initial volume along said gate, said stem, through said sample outlet and towards a receptacle connectable to said valve casing, when said kit of parts is assembled and in use; a lifting member connectable to said stem.

17. 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit and the valve casing are provided as a monolithic component.

18. A kit according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the lifting member and the stem of the valve structure are provided as a monolithic part, the lifting member comprising an air cavity.

19. A kit according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the gate comprises a bevelled wall having an edge fitted to an inner surface of the valve casing.

20. 20. The kit of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the valve structure further comprises a cap coupled to the gate, a rim of the cap mated with the inner surface of the valve casing such that the cap is axially movable relative to the inner surface of the valve casing.

21. 21. The kit of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the valve casing comprises a resilient stopper protruding from an inner surface of the valve casing and positioned to cooperate with an upper edge of the valve structure, whereby further axial movement of the valve structure is limited when the upper edge of the valve structure presses against the resilient stopper in the redirected position.

22. 22. The kit of any one of claims 14 to 21, further comprising a receptacle having a volume in the range of 1 ml to 50 ml, said receptacle connectable to a sampling coupling provided on the underside of the base of the valve casing.

23. 23. The kit of any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising a funnel connectable to the inlet conduit, the inlet conduit adapted to receive and secure the funnel.

24. The kit according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the inlet conduit has a flexible shape.

25. The kit according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein one or more parts of the kit are made from a biodegradable polymer.

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