Straw for preserving a predetermined dose of a substance and assembly comprising such a straw

Abstract

The invention relates to a straw (1) for preserving a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, the straw comprising a tube (2) extending between a first end (3) and a second end (4) and defining an inner space (5), and a stopper (7) which is accommodated in the inner space (5), closer to the first end (3) than to the second end (4), the stopper (7) comprising an inner pad (10), an outer pad (11) which is at least twice as long as the inner pad (10), and a sealing member (12) positioned between the inner pad (10) and the outer pad (11) and which is configured to transform in contact with the substance into a liquid-tight paste or gel, the outer pad (11) being made of a first woven fibrous substance (15) and coated with an indicator component (16).

Description

[0001] Title: Straw for preserving a predetermined dose of a substance and assembly comprising such a straw

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to a straw for the preservation of a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular a biological substance containing water.

[0004]

[0002] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a sequin and a sequin filling machine.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006]

[0003] A straw for storing a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular a biological substance containing water, generally comprises a tube and a stopper, of the tripartite type, arranged to slide in the tube.

[0007]

[0004] French patent FR 2 753 367 is known in particular of flakes provided with such a stopper, comprising an internal pad, an external pad, and a powder enclosed between the internal pad and the external pad.

[0008]

[0005] The powder is intended to transform, upon contact with the liquid-based substance, into a paste or an impermeable gel which adheres to the wall of the tube so that the cap is liquid-tight.

[0009]

[0006] In an unfilled state of such a straw, the stopper is located near one end of the tube. In a filled state of the straw, the dose of liquid-based substance to be retained in the straw is located between the stopper and a second end of the tube, which is further from the stopper than the first end of the tube.

[0010]

[0007] To fill the straw, the first end, which is closest to the stopper, is connected to a vacuum source while the second end, which is furthest from the stopper, is connected to a container containing the liquid-based substance to be introduced into the straw.

[0011]

[0008] Air initially contained between the stopper and the second end is drawn through the stopper while the liquid-based substance progresses through the tube until it meets the stopper.

[0012]

[0009] After filling, the straw is welded in the vicinity of one or both of its ends so as to seal the straw, which is then stored in the cold.

[0013]

[0010] To empty the straw, the welded end portions are cut off, the liquid-based substance is heated, and then a rod is inserted into the tube through its first end, pressing against the stopper. Using this rod, the stopper is slid like a piston towards the second end of the tube, causing the expulsion of the predetermined dose of liquid-based substance that had been introduced into the straw.

[0011] It should be noted that in French patent FR 2 753 367, the inner and outer buffers are made of fibrous material permeable to air and liquids, in particular cotton or cellulose wadding, and the powder consists of polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, the outer buffer is at least twice as long as the inner buffer.

[0014]

[0012] Other documents are known that also describe sequins with tripartite stoppers housed in respective tubes and functioning as described above.

[0015]

[0013] For example, in French patent FR 2 824 255, the inner pad is provided with a thermoplastic core sheathed by threads forming a sheath, the outer pad is made of fibrous substance, for example polyester viscose, and the powder is gelling and chosen from alginates and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0016]

[0014] In another example described in French patent FR 2 824 256, the inner pad is provided with a core of thermoplastic material sheathed by threads forming a sheath, the outer pad is made of fibrous substance, and an intermediate part located between the inner pad and the outer pad is provided with a mixture of a gelling powder chosen from alginates and polyvinyl alcohol and a non-absorbent material in dispersed form, for example glass, PVC, diatomaceous earth or perlite in the form of beads.

[0015] In another example described in French patent FR 3 011 731, the inner pad and the outer pad are made of fibrous substance enclosing a sealing agent formed of a mixture of alginate powder and powder of a non-fluorophore salt in the dry state and fluorophore when dissolved in water, for example a fluorescein salt, a Rhodamine B salt, a Rhodamine 6G salt or an Eriochrome® Cyanine R salt.In patent FR 3 011 731, the salt powder of the sealing agent forms an indicator component configured to emit, at least when the separator is filled, light whose spectrum includes at least one peak with a predetermined wavelength. Alternatively, the indicator component can be formed by an indicator wire braided with the fibrous substance of either the outer or inner pad, or by an indicator wire associated with a different, one-piece type stopper.

[0017]

[0016] In another example described in French patent FR 3 069 755, the inner and outer pads are made of braided fibrous material enclosing a sealing agent formed by an alginate powder, and an indicator component in the form of an optical brightening agent is added to the braided fibrous material of one of the outer and inner pads. Alternatively, the sealing agent is formed by an alginate powder and by an optical brightening agent forming the indicator component. In patent FR 3 069 755, the identifier component is configured to emit, when illuminated by ultraviolet light, light whose spectrum includes at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength in visible light, whereas when illuminated by visible light the identifier component does not emit the light whose spectrum includes the peak.The indicator component thus allows a user to discriminate the sequin containing such a cap using a simple ultraviolet lamp held by that user, both in the unfilled state of the sequin and in its filled state.

[0018] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019]

[0017] The invention aims to provide a sequin, of a type similar to those described above, which is particularly simple and convenient to manufacture and use, while offering even improved performance.

[0020]

[0018] To this end, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a straw for the storage of a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, in particular a biological substance containing water, the straw comprising a tube extending between a first end and a second end opposite the first end and defining an internal space, and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper, which is housed in the internal space of the tube, closer to the first end than to the second end, so as to define between the stopper and the second end a filling zone of the straw with the liquid-based substance, the straw being configured so that the stopper can slide in the filling zone of the internal space of the tube towards the second end, with the stopper having an internal buffer located on the side of the filling zone, an external buffer opposite the internal buffer,located at the first end of the tube and at least twice as long as the inner buffer, and a sealing element interposed between the inner buffer and the outer buffer and configured to transform upon contact with the liquid-based substance into a liquid-tight paste or gel, with the outer buffer being made of a first braided fibrous substance coated with an indicator component which, when the outer buffer is at least partially moistened by the liquid-based substance, is configured to emit light having a spectrum comprising at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength.

[0021]

[0019] In the straw according to the invention, as the internal pad of the stopper is at least twice as short as the external pad of the stopper, the liquid-based substance flows rapidly towards the sealing member and towards the external pad when filling the straw.

[0022]

[0020] Thus, while the sealing element transforms into a paste or gel upon contact with the liquid-based substance, thereby rendering the stopper liquid-tight, the outer pad has time to be moistened by the liquid-based substance.

[0021] Furthermore, since the outer pad is at least twice as long as the inner pad and is directly equipped with the indicator component, it is particularly easy to monitor both the filling of the wafer and the change of state of the stopper.

[0023]

[0022] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical characteristics of the sequin according to the invention are presented below.

[0024]

[0023] The wavelength of the light emitted by the indicator component of the external buffer can be shifted relative to a wavelength of excitation light received by the indicator component and selected from a predetermined range of wavelengths.

[0025]

[0024] The indicator component of the external buffer may comprise a fluorescent agent configured to be non-fluorophore in a dry state and fluorophore in a dissolved state in the liquid-based substance.

[0026]

[0025] The indicator component of the external buffer may comprise a powder of at least one fluorescein salt or a Rhodamine B salt.

[0027]

[0026] The first braided fibrous substance of the outer pad can be made from cotton.

[0028]

[0027] The outer pad may have a first length of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm.

[0029]

[0028] The internal buffer can be made of a second braided fibrous substance secured with a hydrophobic element.

[0030]

[0029] The hydrophobic organ of the external pad may have a reed shape around which the second braided fibrous substance is subjected.

[0031]

[0030] The hydrophobic element of the external pad can be made of thermoplastic material.

[0032]

[0031] The second braided fibrous substance of the inner pad can be made from cotton.

[0033]

[0032] The internal buffer may have a second length of between approximately 2 mm and approximately 3 mm.

[0034]

[0033] The sealing element may comprise a mixture of at least one gelling agent and at least one hydrophobic agent.

[0035]

[0034] The sealing element may comprise a mixture of at least one powder of polymerizing material and at least one powder of hydrophobic material.

[0036]

[0035] The polymerizing material powder can be made from alginate and / or polyvinyl alcohol, and the hydrophobic material powder can be made from polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

[0037]

[0036] The sealing element may have a third length of between approximately 2 mm and approximately 4 mm.

[0037] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an assembly comprising a straw having a tube extending between a first end and a second end opposite the first end and defining an internal space, and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper, which is housed in the internal space of the tube, closer to the first end than to the second end, so as to define between the stopper and the second end a filling zone of the straw with a liquid-based substance, the straw being configured so that the stopper can slide in the filling zone of the internal space of the tube towards the second end, with the stopper having an internal buffer located on the side of the filling zone, an external buffer opposite the internal buffer,located at the first end of the tube and at least twice as long as the inner buffer, and a sealing element interposed between the inner buffer and the outer buffer and configured to transform upon contact with the liquid-based substance into a liquid-tight paste or gel, with the outer buffer being made of a first braided fibrous substance coated with an indicator component; and a straw-filling machine with a predetermined dose of the liquid-based substance, the filling machine comprising an emission module configured to illuminate the straw with excitation light at the level of the outer buffer such that the indicator component emits light having a spectrum comprising at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength when the outer buffer is at least partially moistened by the liquid-based substance.

[0038]

[0038] The filling machine may include a detection module configured to detect the presence or absence of at least one peak of the light emitted by the indicator component, so as to determine that the sequin is respectively in a filled state or in an unfilled state.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040]

[0039] The invention, according to an example of embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, given by way of example and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041]

[0040] Figure 1 schematically represents in longitudinal section a sequin according to the invention, in an unfilled state.

[0042]

[0041] Figure 2 is a detail view of Figure 1.

[0043]

[0042] Figure 3 schematically represents a sequin filling machine as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0044]

[0043] Figure 4 is a close-up view of Figure 3, showing the sequin positioned between an inactive emission module and a detection module of the filling machine.

[0044] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, with the emission module activated.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046]

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a straw 1 for the preservation of a predetermined dose of a liquid-based substance, and in particular of a biological substance containing water.

[0046] For example, the liquid-based substance is formed from semen of animal origin.

[0047]

[0047] However, it will be observed that in Figure 1, the sequin 1 is in an unfilled state, corresponding to an initial state in which the sequin 1 is empty of any liquid-based substance.

[0048]

[0048] The sequin 1 has a tube 2 extending between a first end 3 of the sequin 1 and a second end 4 of the sequin 1 which is opposite the first end 3.

[0049]

[0049] The tube 2 is provided with an internal space 5 extending between the first end 3 and the second end 4.

[0050]

[0050] The tube 2 is open at the first end 3 and the second end 4.

[0051]

[0051] The tube 2 has an internal wall 6 delimiting the internal space 5.

[0052]

[0052] Tube 2 is for example made of extruded plastic material, and in particular here transparent.

[0053]

[0053] In the illustrated example, tube 2 has a length between approximately 132 mm and approximately 133 mm and an internal diameter between approximately 1.5 mm and approximately 2.6 mm.

[0054]

[0054] The sequin 1 further comprises a stopper 7 configured to be permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids.

[0055]

[0055] The stopper 7 is housed in the internal space 5 of the tube 2, closer to the first end 3 than to the second end 4, so as to define between the stopper 7 and the second end 4, a filling zone 8 of the straw 1 with the liquid-based substance.

[0056]

[0056] The straw 1 is configured so that the cap 7 can slide into the filling area 8 of the internal space 5 of the tube 2 towards the second end 4 of the tube 2.

[0057]

[0057] In other words, the stopper 7 is disposed in the vicinity of the first end 3 of the tube 2 at least in the unfilled state of the straw and the stopper 7 is disposed sliding in the tube 2.

[0058]

[0058] Figure 2 shows in more detail the cap 7 of the sequin 1 visible in Figure 1.

[0059] The cap 7 has an internal buffer 10 located on the side of the filling area 8.

[0059]

[0060] The stopper 7 further includes an external pad 11 opposite the internal pad 10, located on the side of the first end 3 of the tube 2 and which is at least twice as long as the internal pad 10.

[0060]

[0061] The cap 7 also includes a sealing element 12 interposed between the inner pad 10 and the outer pad 11 and which is configured to transform upon contact with the liquid-based substance into a liquid-tight paste or gel.

[0061]

[0062] In other words, stopper 7 here is of the tripartite type.

[0062]

[0063] The outer buffer 11 has a first length of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm.

[0063]

[0064] The outer buffer 11 is made of a first braided fibrous substance 15 and coated with an indicator component 16.

[0064]

[0065] The first braided fibrous substance 15 of the outer pad 11 is made here from cotton.

[0065]

[0066] The indicator component 16 which coats the first braided fibrous substance 15 is configured to, when the outer pad 11 is at least partially moistened by the liquid-based substance, emit light having a spectrum comprising at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength.

[0066]

[0067] In particular, the wavelength of the light emitted by the indicator component 16 of the external buffer 11 is shifted relative to a wavelength of excitation light received by the indicator component 16 and selected from a predetermined range of wavelengths.

[0067]

[0068] The indicator component 16 of the external buffer 11 comprises, for example, a fluorescent agent configured to be non-fluorophore in a dry state and fluorophore in a dissolved state in the liquid-based substance.

[0068]

[0069] The indicator component 16 of the external buffer 11 here comprises as a fluorescent agent a powder of at least one fluorescein salt and / or a Rhodamine B salt.

[0069]

[0070] In the illustrated example, the internal buffer 10 has a second length of between approximately 2 mm and approximately 3 mm.

[0070]

[0071] The internal buffer 10 is made of a second braided fibrous substance 20 secured with a hydrophobic organ 21.

[0071]

[0072] The second braided fibrous substance 20 of the inner pad 10 is made here from cotton.

[0072]

[0073] The hydrophobic organ 21 of the internal buffer 10 here has a reed-like shape around which the second braided fibrous substance 20 is subjected.

[0074] The hydrophobic element 21 of the internal buffer 10 is made here of thermoplastic material.

[0073]

[0075] In the illustrated example, the sealing element 12 has a third length of between approximately 2 mm and approximately 4 mm.

[0074]

[0076] The sealing element 12 comprises a mixture of at least one gelling agent

[0075] 25 and at least one hydrophobic agent 26.

[0076]

[0077] In particular, at least one gelling agent 25 is formed by a powder of polymerizing material, and at least one hydrophobic agent 26 is formed by a powder of hydrophobic material.

[0077]

[0078] The polymerizing material powder is made here from alginate and / or polyvinyl alcohol, and the hydrophobic material powder is made here from polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

[0078]

[0079] Figures 3 to 5 partially and very schematically represent a filling machine 30 of the straw 1 with a predetermined dose of the liquid-based substance 9.

[0079]

[0080] The filling machine 30 includes, for example, a hopper (not shown) which contains flakes and which opens onto a conveyor (not shown) configured to convey flakes to a filling and detection station equipped on the one hand with a suction module 31 and a filling module 32 configured to allow the filling of the flake 1, and on the other hand with an emission module 33 and a detection module 36 configured to check a filling status of the flake 1.

[0080]

[0081] In Figure 3, the straw 1 is located on the filling and detection station, specifically between the suction module 31 and the filling module 32.

[0081]

[0082] The suction module 31 includes, for example, a suction nozzle configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the tube 2 at the first end 3 of the separator 1, and to suck through the plug 7 air initially contained between the plug 7 and the second end 4 opposite the tube 2.

[0082]

[0083] To do this, the suction nozzle can be connected to a vacuum source (not shown) by means of a first flexible conduit (not shown).

[0083]

[0084] The filling module 32 includes, for example, a filling nozzle configured to cooperate hermetically with the tube 2 at the second end 4 of the straw, and to inject a predetermined dose of liquid-based substance 9 into the filling area 8 of the tube 2.

[0084]

[0085] To do this, the filling nozzle can be connected to a container (not shown) containing the liquid-based substance 9 by means of a second flexible conduit (not shown).

[0086] As can be seen in Figure 3, the liquid-based substance 9 fills the filling area 8 and comes into contact with the stopper 7.

[0085]

[0087] The sequin 1 then goes from the unfilled state (figure 1) to a filled state (figure 3).

[0086]

[0088] In the filled state of straw 1, the predetermined dose of liquid-based substance 9 which is to be kept in straw 1 is disposed between the stopper 7 and the second end 4 of tube 2.

[0087]

[0089] In other words, in the filled state of the straw 1, the filling area 8 of the tube 2 is occupied by the predetermined dose of liquid-based substance 9.

[0088]

[0090] When the liquid-based substance 9 meets the stopper 7, as the inner buffer 10 is at least twice as short as the outer buffer 11 of the stopper 7, the liquid-based substance 9 flows rapidly through the inner buffer 10 towards the sealing member 12 and towards the outer buffer 11 of the stopper 7.

[0089]

[0091] In other words, when filling the straw 1, the liquid-based substance 9 moistens the inner buffer 10, then the sealing member 12 and the outer buffer 11 of the stopper 7.

[0090]

[0092] When the sealing element 12 is moistened by the liquid-based seed 9, the sealing element 12 reacts and transforms into a paste or gel which adheres to the inner wall 6 of the tube 2 and makes the stopper 7 liquid-tight.

[0091]

[0093] This reaction is not instantaneous and while the sealing organ 12 is transformed, the liquid-based substance 9 spreads to and into the external buffer 11, which therefore has time to be at least partially moistened by the liquid-based substance 9.

[0092]

[0094] In particular, the indicator component 16 of the external buffer 11 is at least partially moistened and passes from the dry state, where the indicator component 16 is non-fluorophore, to the dissolved state in the liquid-based substance 9, where the indicator component 16 is fluorophore.

[0093]

[0095] A greater or lesser part of the outer buffer 11 of the plug 7, depending on the rate of transformation of the sealing element 12, passes from a powder state to a paste or gel state and defines a wetted zone 29 of the outer buffer 11.

[0094]

[0096] Thus, in the filled state of the sequin 1, the stopper 7 is made liquid-tight and the indicator component 16 of its external buffer 11 is made fluorophore.

[0095]

[0097] It should be noted that the structure of the internal buffer 10 allows the integrity of the plug 7 to be maintained at least during the wetting by the liquid-based substance 9 and the transformation time of the sealing element 12, and preferably afterwards during a storage step of the straw 1 thus filled.

[0096]

[0098] Indeed, to ensure proper preservation of the dose of liquid-based substance 9 contained in the straw 1, the cap 7 must remain liquid-tight and this depends in particular on the degree of wetting by the liquid-based substance 9 when filling the straw 1.

[0097]

[0099] In figures 3 to 5, the sequin 1 is also located between the emission module 33 and the detection module 36 of the filling and detection station.

[0098]

[0100] The emission module 33 and the detection module 36 are configured to allow monitoring of the filling of the straw 1 with the predetermined dose of liquid-based substance 9 and to detect a change of state of the stopper 7 when it is moistened by the liquid-based substance 9, so as to determine whether the straw 1 is in a filled state or in an unfilled state.

[0099]

[0101] In other words, the emission module 33 and the detection module 36 are configured to check the wetness status of the cap 7.

[0100]

[0102] The emission module 33 includes a lighting device configured to illuminate with an excitation light 34 the sequin 1 at the external buffer 11.

[0101]

[0103] The detection module 36 is configured to receive and detect light emitted by the external pad 11 of the cap 7 of the sequin 1, in response to the excitation light 34.

[0102]

[0104] In particular, it is estimated that if the buffer component has had time to be sufficiently moistened by the liquid-based substance 9, then the straw 1 is considered to be correctly filled and the stopper 7 to be correctly moistened in the sense that the transformation of the sealing member 12 has been carried out to make the stopper 7 liquid-tight.

[0103]

[0105] To know the degree of wetness of the plug 7 and in particular of the external pad 11, the lighting device of the emission module 33 illuminates at least the external pad 11 with the excitation light 34 and the detection module 36 receives the light emitted by the external pad 11 in response (figure 5).

[0104]

[0106] If the external buffer 11 is properly, i.e. at least partially, moistened by the liquid-based substance 9, the indicator component 16 emits light 35 having a spectrum comprising at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength.

[0105]

[0107] Conversely, if the external buffer 11 is not moistened or illuminated, then the indicator component 16 is not excited and therefore does not emit back light having a spectrum containing at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength.

[0106]

[0108] The detection module 36 may for example include a photoreceptor organ (not shown) and an analysis unit (not shown) configured to analyze information provided by the photoreceptor organ so as to detect a presence or absence of at least one peak of the light 35 emitted by the indicator component 16.

[0107]

[0109] In particular, the light 35 emitted by the indicator component 16 is captured by the photoreceptor organ and is analyzed by the analysis unit of the detection module 36 which detects the presence of at least one peak in the spectrum of the light 35 emitted by the indicator component 16.

[0108]

[0110] The excitation light 34 is selected here from a predetermined range of wavelengths, so that the wavelength of the light 35 emitted by the indicator component 16 of the external buffer 11 is shifted relative to a wavelength of the excitation light 34. It should be noted that the excitation light 34 may have a wavelength from a range of wavelengths in the visible domain, or a wavelength from a range of wavelengths in the ultraviolet domain.

[0109]

[0111] For example, excitation light 34 may have a wavelength of about 470 nm with a re-emission peak at 530 nm for fluorescein salt as the indicator component, or a wavelength of about 562 nm with a re-emission peak at 573 nm for Rhodamine B salt as the indicator component.

[0110]

[0112] The detection module 36 is therefore configured to detect the presence or absence of at least one peak of the light 35 emitted by the indicator component 16, so as to check the degree of wetness of the cap 7 and thus determine whether the sequin 1 is in the filled state or not.

[0111]

[0113] This is facilitated by the fact that in the straw 1, as the inner buffer 10 of the stopper 7 is at least twice as short as the outer buffer 11 of the stopper 7, the liquid-based substance 9 flows rapidly towards the sealing member 12 and towards the outer buffer 11 when filling the straw 1.

[0112]

[0114] Thus, while the sealing element 12 transforms into a paste or gel upon contact with the liquid-based substance 9 so as to make the stopper 7 liquid-tight, the outer pad 11 has time to be moistened by the liquid-based substance 9 and as the outer pad 11 is at least twice as long as the inner pad 10 and is directly provided with the indicator component 16, it is particularly easy to detect the change of state of the indicator component 16 and thus to follow the filling of the wafer 1.

[0113]

[0115] It should be noted that after filling and checking, the straw 1 is welded in the vicinity of one of the first end 3 and the second end 4 of the tube 2 or in the vicinity of the first end 3 and the second end 4 so as to seal the straw 1, which is then stored in the cold.

[0114]

[0116] Alternatively, the first end and / or the second end may not be welded, but rather sealed by suitable sealing devices.

[0117] To empty the straw 1, the first end 3 and the second end 4 of the tube 2 which are welded are cut, the liquid-based substance 9 is heated, then a rod is inserted into the tube 2 through the first end 3 of the straw 1 which comes to rest against the stopper 7. With this rod, the stopper 7 is slid in the tube 2 like a piston towards the second end 4 of the straw 1, which causes the predetermined dose of liquid-based substance 9 which had been introduced into the straw 1 to be expelled from this second end 4.

[0115]

[0118] Alternatively, the obturators must be removed to empty the straw as explained above.

[0116]

[0119] Furthermore, the fact that the stopper 7 has a sufficient degree of wetting, verified when filling the straw 1 with the liquid-based substance 9, allows the stopper 7, housed at the first end 3, to slide like a piston towards the second end 4 of the tube 2 when the straw 1 is emptied, while avoiding leaks between the tube 2 and the stopper 7.

[0117]

[0120] More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims

Demands 1. Straw for preserving a predetermined dose of liquid-based substance (9), comprising a tube (2) extending between a first end (3) and a second end (4) opposite the first end (3) and defining an internal space (5), and a gas-permeable, liquid-tight stopper (7) housed in the internal space (5) of the tube (2), closer to the first end (3) than to the second end (4), so as to define, between the stopper (7) and the second end (4), a filling zone (8) for the straw (1) with the liquid-based substance (9), the straw (1) being configured so that the stopper (7) can slide into the filling zone (8) of the internal space (5) of the tube (2) towards the second end (4), with the stopper (7) having an internal buffer (10) located on the side of the filling zone (8), an external buffer (11) opposite the internal buffer (10), located on the side of the first end (3) of the tube (2) and which is at least twice as long as the internal buffer (10), and a sealing member (12) interposed between the internal buffer (10) and the external buffer (11) and which is configured to transform upon contact with the liquid-based substance (9) into a liquid-tight paste or gel, with the external buffer (11) which is made of a first braided fibrous substance (15) and coated with an indicator component (16) which, when the external buffer (11) is at least partially moistened by the liquid-based substance (9), is configured to emit a light (35) having a spectrum comprising at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength.

2. Glitter according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the light (35) emitted by the indicator component (16) of the external pad (11) is shifted with respect to a wavelength of an excitation light (34) received by the indicator component (16) and selected from a predetermined range of wavelengths.

3. Glitter according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the indicator component (16) of the external buffer (11) comprises a fluorescent agent configured to be non-fluorophore in a dry state and fluorophore in a dissolved state in the liquid-based substance (9).

4. Glitter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the indicator component (16) of the external buffer (11) comprises a powder of at least one fluorescein salt or a Rhodamine B salt.

5. Sequin according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first braided fibrous substance (15) of the outer pad (11) is made from cotton.

6. Sequin according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer pad (11) has a first length of between about 4 mm and about 8 mm.

7. Sequin according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inner pad (10) is made of a second braided fibrous substance (20) secured with a hydrophobic organ (21).

8. Sequin according to claim 7, characterized in that the hydrophobic organ (21) of the outer pad (11) has a reed shape around which the second braided fibrous substance (20) is subjected.

9. Sequin according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the hydrophobic element (21) of the external pad (11) is made of thermoplastic material.

10. Sequin according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the second braided fibrous substance (20) of the inner pad (10) is made from cotton.

11. Sequin according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inner pad (10) has a second length of between approximately 2 mm and approximately 3 mm.

12. Sequin according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sealing member (12) comprises a mixture of at least one gelling agent (25) and at least one hydrophobic agent (26).

13. Glitter according to claim 12, characterized in that the sealing member (12) comprises a mixture of at least one powder of polymerizing material and at least one powder of hydrophobic material.

14. Glitter according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymerizing material powder is made from alginate and / or polyvinyl alcohol, and the hydrophobic material powder is made from polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

15. Sequin according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the sealing member (12) has a third length of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

16. An assembly comprising a straw (1) having a tube (2) extending between a first end (3) and a second end (4) opposite the first end (3) and defining an internal space (5), and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper (7) housed in the internal space (5) of the tube (2), closer to the first end (3) than to the second end (4), so as to define between the stopper (7) and the second end (4) a filling zone (8) of the straw (1) with a liquid-based substance (9), the straw (1) being configured so that the stopper (7) can slide in the filling zone (8) of the internal space (5) of the tube (2) towards the second end (4), with the stopper (7) having an internal buffer (10) located on the side of the filling zone (8), an external buffer (11) opposite the internal buffer (10),located on the side of the first end (3) of the tube (2) and which is at least twice as long as the internal buffer (10), and an organ, a sealing element (12) interposed between the inner pad (10) and the outer pad (11) and configured to transform upon contact with the liquid-based substance (9) into a liquid-tight paste or gel, with the outer pad (11) being made of a first braided fibrous substance (15) and coated with an indicator component (16); and a filling machine (30) for the straw (1) with a predetermined dose of the liquid-based substance (9), the filling machine (30) having an emission module (33) configured to illuminate the straw (1) with an excitation light (34) at the level of the outer pad (11) such that the indicator component (16) emits a light (35) having a spectrum comprising at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength when the outer pad (11) is at least partially moistened by the liquid-based substance (9). 17.Assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the filling machine (30) comprising a detection module (36) configured to detect the presence or absence of at least one peak of the light (35) emitted by the indicator component (16), so as to determine that the sequin (1) is respectively in a filled state or in an unfilled state.

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