FLUID SAMPLE TESTING SYSTEM

• US 20110064613A1
• Filed: 11/16/2010
• Published: 03/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems (Roche Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: CHEN Ching-Too
• Inventors: Chen, Shuqi
• Application Number:
  US12/947,266
• Publication Number:
  US 20110064613A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/62
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 31/55 the materials to be mixed being contained in a flexible bag submitted to periodical deformation
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/452 using independent floating stirring elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/75425 using pistons or plungers
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/754251 reciprocating in the mixing receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/7543 using pneumatic pressure, overpressure or gas pressure in a closed receptacle or circuit system
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/7546 using squeezing means on a deformable container
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0293 for liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50 Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes devices for taking samples of blood A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip B01L3/5023 takes precedence; micromixers B01F33/30; microreactors for synthesis B01J19/0093; microcapillary devices in general B81B1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/505 flexible containers not provided for above
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00009 provided with a sample supporting tape, e.g. with absorbent zones
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/08 using a stream of discrete samples flowing along a tube system, e.g. flow injection analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1002 Reagent dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1079 with means for piercing stoppers or septums
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/10 Composition for standardization, calibration, simulation, stabilization, preparation or preservation; processes of use in preparation for chemical testing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/118339 with formation of a segmented stream

Abstract

A sample testing vessel may include a flexible plastic tube and a self-sealing injection channel. The flexible plastic tube may have a seal defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the seal comprises a pressure gate providing a fluid-tight seal between first and second compartments and opening upon application of a threshold pressure. The injection channel may be normally substantially free of fluid and capable of fluid communication with the tubule.

Claims

1. A sample testing vessel comprising:

a flexible plastic tube having a seal defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the seal comprises a pressure gate providing a fluid-tight seal between first and second compartments and opening upon application of a threshold pressure; and

a self-sealing injection channel, the injection channel being normally substantially free of fluid and capable of fluid communication with the tubule.

2. The sample testing vessel of claim 1, wherein the threshold pressure is 2 atmospheres.

3. The sample testing vessel of claim 1, wherein the pressure gate opens reversibly.

4. A sample testing system, comprising:

a housing;

a cavity in the housing, so sized and shaped to receive a vessel comprising at least two flexible compartments;

a sealing apparatus to form a lateral seal in the vessel;

a first contact member, so positioned;

as to be engageable with a first one of the flexible compartments when the vessel is in the cavity; and

as to compress the engaged first flexible compartment, thereby driving fluid flow from the engaged first flexible compartment to a second one of the flexible compartments of the vessel; and

a second contact member, so positioned;

as to be engageable with the second flexible compartment when the vessel is in the cavity; and

as to compress the engaged second flexible compartment, thereby driving fluid flow from the engaged second flexible compartment to the first flexible compartment.

5. The sample testing system of claim 4, further comprising a sensor to sense a condition of a fluid sample in the vessel and to generate an output signal indicative of that condition.

6. The sample testing system of claim 4, further comprising a temperature control device to control a temperature of at least one compartment of the vessel.

7. The sample testing system of claim 4, further comprising a base member positioned such that the vessel is compressed against the base member when engaged by a contact member.

8. The sample testing system of claim 4, further comprising a reagent injector having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, the injector positioned to permit injection of a reagent from the reagent reservoir into a vessel compartment.

9. The sample testing system of claim 4, further comprising a computer that controls the first and second contact members to cause the first and second flexible compartments to be alternately compressed by the first and second contact members, respectively, thereby driving fluid flow between the first and second flexible compartments.