Sampler coupler device useful in the medical arts

• US 5,122,129 A
• Filed: 05/09/1990
• Issued: 06/16/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald J. Olson, Judith A. Mcgrail
• Original Assignee: Donald J. Olson, Judith A. Mcgrail
• Inventors: Olson, Donald J., McGrail, Judith A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafer, Robert A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Owens, Kerry
• Application Number:
  US07/521,186
• Time in Patent Office: 769 Days
• Field of Search: 604/407, 604/411, 604/414, 604/415, 604/240, 604/243, 604/905, 604/283
• US Class Current: 604/240
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/02 Access sites

Abstract

The sample coupler device is used to connect a sample collector container to a pipe used to transport gases or liquids. The coupler device permits collecting of blood or intravenous fluid sample material without it becoming contaminated. The coupler'"'"'s most significant feature is the combination of the conical snout on the housing containing the integral feeder tube so that the blood or intravenous fluid may be collected without utilizing any external needles. This is significant when the person to whom this intravenous feeding system is connected has been exposed to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, hepatitis or any other non-curable or potentially fatal malady.

Claims

1. A coupler device for coupling a sample collection container to a distribution system for gasses or liquids, said device comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, the second end including a rigid delivery tube, and a rubber-like boot, the boot being of sufficient dimension to contain the contents of the delivery tube, while enveloping said tube;

a means for coupling the first end of said body to the distribution system;

a longitudinal axis;

an integral internal opening as an axial passageway which allows open communication through the device; and

a means for delivering sample material into a collection container from within the second end.

2. A device for coupling a sample collector vial to a distribution mechanism on a transport pipe, said device comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, a longitudinal axis, and an integral internal opening extending from the first end of said body to the second end of said body, said first end of said body of such construction to sealably mate to a distribution mechanism, such that its integral internal opening is in open communication with the interior of said distribution mechanism, said body comprising a first substantially cylindrical wall at said second end of said body that is concentric to said longitudinal axis; and

a first blind recess lock-in-place feature affixed concentrically, on said first end of said body to permit fixed attachment of said body to the distribution mechanism, such that their integral internal openings remain in open communication;

the second end of the body comprising a first substantially cylindrical wall, a first blind recess within said first cylindrical wall, concentric to said longitudinal axis and open to said second end of the body, and a hollow delivery tube, the integral internal opening of which defines the longitudinal axis of the device, and which extends substantially into the blind recess, the hollow delivery tube being enveloped in a permanently attached rubber-like boot for preventing contamination to said delivery tube, and the boot being sufficiently larger than the delivery tube to contain any drippage from the tube inside the boot, to prevent inadvertent contamination to handling personnel by the drippage from the tube.

3. A device for coupling a sample collector vial to a distribution mechanism on a transport pipe, said device comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end, a longitudinal axis, and an integral internal opening extending from the first end of said body to the second end of said body, said first end of said body of such construction to sealably mate to a distribution mechanism, such that its integral internal opening is in open communication with the interior of said distribution mechanism, said body comprising a first substantially cylindrical wall at said second end of said body that is concentric to said longitudinal axis; and

a first blind recess lock-in-place feature affixed concentrically, on said first end of said body to permit fixedly attaching said body, to the distribution mechanism, such that their integral internal openings remain in open communication;

the second end of the body comprising a first substantially cylindrical wall, a first blind recess within said first cylindrical wall, concentric to said longitudinal axis and open to said second end of the body, and a hollow delivery tube, the integral internal opening of which defines the longitudinal axis of the device, and which extends substantially into the blind recess, the hollow delivery tube being enveloped in a rubber-like boot, which prevents contamination to the delivery tube, and contains any drippage from the delivery tube inside the boot, to help prevent inadvertent contamination to handling personnel by the drippage from the delivery tube;

the first end of the body having a conical cylinder of substantially similar dimensions of a standard injection syringe end used to administer medicaments.