Sampling device with immiscible fluid supply tube in counter-flow arrangement
First Claim
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1. A sampling device comprising:
- an outer sheath comprising a distal end on a lower portion of the outer sheath;
a plurality of tubes within the outer sheath, the plurality comprising at least one immiscible fluid supply tube;
at least one actuatable sample tube comprising a distal end proximate the lower portion of the outer sheath, wherein the at least one actuatable sample tube is within the outer sheath and is substantially parallel to the plurality of tubes within the outer sheath;
at least one pump in operable communication with the at least one actuatable sample tube, the at least one immiscible fluid supply tube, or both;
at least one immiscible fluid supply source in fluid communication with the at least one immiscible fluid supply tube; and
at least one actuator operably associated with the at least one actuatable sample tube and configured to extend the distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube beyond the distal end of the outer sheath and retract the distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube to within the outer sheath,wherein the device is configured to provide counter-flow between the immiscible fluid supply tube and the at least one actuatable sample tube.
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Abstract
The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for acquiring and/or dispensing a sample without introducing a gas into a microfluidic system, such as a liquid bridge system. An exemplary embodiment provides a sampling device including: a sampling member for acquiring or dispensing a sample; and a supply of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; in which the device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A sampling device comprising:
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an outer sheath comprising a distal end on a lower portion of the outer sheath; a plurality of tubes within the outer sheath, the plurality comprising at least one immiscible fluid supply tube; at least one actuatable sample tube comprising a distal end proximate the lower portion of the outer sheath, wherein the at least one actuatable sample tube is within the outer sheath and is substantially parallel to the plurality of tubes within the outer sheath; at least one pump in operable communication with the at least one actuatable sample tube, the at least one immiscible fluid supply tube, or both; at least one immiscible fluid supply source in fluid communication with the at least one immiscible fluid supply tube; and at least one actuator operably associated with the at least one actuatable sample tube and configured to extend the distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube beyond the distal end of the outer sheath and retract the distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube to within the outer sheath, wherein the device is configured to provide counter-flow between the immiscible fluid supply tube and the at least one actuatable sample tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for sample acquisition comprising:
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a sampling device comprising an outer sheath comprising a distal end on a lower portion of the outer sheath; a plurality of tubes within the outer sheath, the plurality of tubes comprising at least one immiscible fluid supply tube; and at least one actuatable sample tube having a distal end proximate the lower portion of the outer sheath, wherein the at least one actuatable sample tube is within the outer sheath and is substantially parallel to the plurality of tubes within the outer sheath; at least one pump in operable communication with the at least one actuatable sample tube, the at least one immiscible fluid supply tube, or both; at least one immiscible fluid supply source in fluid communication with the at least one immiscible fluid supply tube; and at least one actuator operably associated with the at least one actuatable sample tube and configured to extend tile distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube beyond tile distal end of the outer sheath and retract the distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube to be within the outer sheath; at least one vessel configured for containment of a sample and all overlay of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; and wherein the distal end of the outer sheath and the distal end of the at least one actuatable sample tube are configured to interact with the at least one vessel to acquire the sample without also acquiring a non-dissolved gas, wherein the device is configured to provide counter-flow between the immiscible fluid supply tube and the at least one actuatable sample tube. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification