Patent Application
20070284300
Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.
Referring to
The insert 104 defines a collection volume 110. The collection volume 110 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 108. The insert 104 is generally cylindrical has an outer surface 112. The outer surface 112 of the insert 104 substantially conforms to the inner surface 114 of the vessel 102. In other possible embodiments, the outer surface 112 of the insert 104 and the inner surface 114 of the vessel 102 have non-cylindrical or even non-conforming shapes, although these alternative embodiments have a structure that prevents liquid from following between the inner surface 114 of the vessel 102 and the outer surface 112 of the insert 104. Although particular structures for a vessel 102 and an insert 104 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments might use different structures and configurations. Additionally, the shapes and dimensions of the vessel 102 and the insert 104 can vary depending on needs for various volume samples or the needs of various instrumentation and equipment that interfaces with the vessel 102 and insert 104.
The insert 104 has upper and lower end portions 116a and 116b, respectively, that define openings 115a and 115b, respectively. The insert 104 is slidably positioned within the reservoir 108 and arranged so that the lower end portion 116b is positioned within the vessel 102 and the upper end portion 116a projects through the opening 105 of the vessel 102. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper end portion 116a of the insert 104 will project from the vessel 102 when the lower end portion 116b of the insert 104 is directly adjacent to the bottom 107 of the vessel 102.
The outer surface 112 of the insert 104 defines a groove 113 that extends around the circumference of the insert 104. The groove 113 forms a seat for a seal 118, which is describe in more detail herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the groove 113 is positioned proximal to the lower end portion 116b. Additionally, the separation element 106 is positioned proximal to the lower end portion 116b. The separation element 106 is positioned to partition the collection volume 108 from the reservoir 110. Although particular configurations for the insert 104 and the separation element 106 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments might use different structures and configurations.
In one possible embodiment, the vessel 102 and insert 104 are made from tempered glass that can be heated for cleaning and sterilization. Other embodiments use other materials to form the vessel 102 and/or insert 104.
A seal 118 is seated in the groove 113 and is positioned between the insert 104 and the inner surface 114 of the vessel 102. One possible example is that the seal 118 can be fixed to the outer surface 112 of the insert 104. The shape and dimensions of the seal 118 can vary depending on the shapes of the vessel 102 and the insert 104. In the exemplary embodiment, for example, the seal 118 has a concave surface 119 that forms upper an lower edges 121a and 121b. In another possible embodiment, the seal 118 is a simple o-ring that has a round cross section. Although the seal 118 is illustrated as being seated in the groove 117, another possible embodiment positioned the seal 118 directly against the outer surface 112 of the insert 104 and the inner surface 114 of the vessel 102. The seal 118 may be adhered with an adhesive to the insert 104
One possible example of a material that can be used to form the seal 118 is rubber. In other possible embodiments, the seal 118 can be made from different types of material. Although particular structure and configuration for the seal 118 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments might use different structures and configurations.
Referring to
In the exemplary embodiment, the separation element 106 is a membrane having a plurality of pores 120 or perforations. A possible pore size is typically about 0.45 microns. The size of the pores can be in one possible range of about 0.25 microns to about 1 micron. Examples of materials that can be used to form the membrane include nylon, PTFE, and any other material commonly used to make porous membranes. Although particular material, structure, and configurations for the separation element 106 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments might use different material, structures and configurations.
Referring to
The upper and lower layers 122 and 124 can be any porous structure for retaining the separation bed 126 such as membranes, gratings, or perforated sheets. The first and second layers 122 and 124 are porous or in the form of a grating to allow liquid to pass and can be made from any material suitable for SPE, including polyethylene and stainless steel. Additionally, the upper and lower layers 122 and 124 can function as filters as well and cooperate with the separation bed 126 to separate undesired material from the liquid sample.
In the exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower layers 122 and 124 and the separation bed 126 are mounted in a frame (not shown) that attaches to the insert 104. In other embodiments, the upper and lower layers 122 and 124 are adhered to the inner surface 119 of the insert 104.
Although particular material, structure and configurations for the separation element 106 and/or the separation bed 126 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments might use different material, structures and configurations.
Referring to
The frame 131 attaches to the upper end portion 116a of the insert 104. In various embodiments, the cap 130 is either permanently or removably connected to the insert 104. Examples of mechanisms to attach the cap 130 to the insert 104 include threads, frictional engagement, a snap fit, and adhesive. Alternatively, the cap 130 can simply rest on the upper end portion 116a of the insert 104 or fit inside of the insert 104 and engage the inner surface 119 similar to a stopper for a test tube. The septum 134 is formed with a material that reseals if is it pierced with a needle or similar structure. Examples of such materials include rubber and rubber mixtures containing substances such as silicone, plasticizers, organometallics, and the like. In alternative embodiments, there is no frame and a septum extends over the entire opening 115a at the upper end portion 116a of the insert 104. In this embodiment, the septum 134 can be connected to the inner or outer surface 119 or 112 of the insert 105. Yet other possible embodiments do not include a cap or septum to cover the opening at the upper end portion of the insert. Although particular structure and configurations for the cap 130 and the septum 134 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, other embodiments might use different structures and configurations.
In use, referring to
Referring to
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
