Vent configuration for a blood sampler
First Claim
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1. A blood sampler device, comprising:
- a sampler body forming a hollow internal chamber with upper and lower openings, the sampler body including a sealing device disposed adjacent to the upper opening; and
a blood collector adapted to be inserted into the sampler body, the blood collector includinga first end and an opposed second end;
an opening adjacent the second end;
a seal surface extending around a circumference of the blood collector;
a pair of ribs formed in a region adjacent to the seal surface; and
at least one vent formed between the pair of ribs, the at least one vent in the region adjacent to the seal surface, the ribs forming the at least one vent, the vent being adapted to allow air to escape from the chamber as the blood collector is inserted into the sampler body, and the vent comprising a top shoulder extending inwardly from the seal surface in a direction toward the opening, the vent forming a gradually sloped surface adapted to smooth a flow profile of air flowing over the gradually sloped surface,wherein the seal surface engages the seal device to form a substantially airtight seal upon complete insertion of the blood collector into the sampler body.
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Abstract
A blood sampler device includes a blood collector and a sampler body. The blood collector is designed to collect a sample of a fluid, such as blood, from a user and to be inserted into the sampler body, such that the collected blood can be discharged into a liquid chamber in the sampler body to mix with a liquid stored in the liquid chamber for testing. The blood collector includes vents that are designed to facilitate the flow of air out of the liquid chamber during this insertion, such that a lower and more consistent pressurization can be achieved within the liquid chamber. This design may also increase user comfort and enhance the accuracy of testing performed on the collected fluid.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A blood sampler device, comprising:
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a sampler body forming a hollow internal chamber with upper and lower openings, the sampler body including a sealing device disposed adjacent to the upper opening; and a blood collector adapted to be inserted into the sampler body, the blood collector including a first end and an opposed second end; an opening adjacent the second end; a seal surface extending around a circumference of the blood collector; a pair of ribs formed in a region adjacent to the seal surface; and at least one vent formed between the pair of ribs, the at least one vent in the region adjacent to the seal surface, the ribs forming the at least one vent, the vent being adapted to allow air to escape from the chamber as the blood collector is inserted into the sampler body, and the vent comprising a top shoulder extending inwardly from the seal surface in a direction toward the opening, the vent forming a gradually sloped surface adapted to smooth a flow profile of air flowing over the gradually sloped surface, wherein the seal surface engages the seal device to form a substantially airtight seal upon complete insertion of the blood collector into the sampler body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A device for preparing a fluid sample for use in a fluid analyte meter, comprising:
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a sampler body forming a hollow internal chamber, the sampler body having an inlet, an outlet, and a sealing device within the sampler body; and a blood collector being insertable into the inlet of the sampler body, the blood collector having a first end and an opposed second end, a central axis extending between the first and second ends along a central portion of the body, a sealing surface extending around an outer surface of the blood collector, a vent disposed around the central axis of the blood collector, the vent including a shoulder having a gradually sloped surface extending from the seal surface toward the central axis, and a pair of ribs adjacent the vent, the vent formed between the pair of ribs, the ribs forming the at least one vent. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification