Biological sample preservation tube with identification code and method for manufacturing the same

• US 9,986,980 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2016
• Issued: 06/05/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hangzhou Biobank Biotech Inc.
• Original Assignee: Hangzhou Biobank Biotech Inc.
• Inventors: Zhang, Yang
• Primary Examiner(s): Hyun, Paul S
• Application Number:
  US15/131,928
• Publication Number:
  US 20160228103A1
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0096 Casings for storing test samples A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; preservation of living parts of the human or animal body A01N1/02; containers for retaining a material to be analysed B01L3/50; containers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/16; swab-sampler being part of enzymology or microbiology container C12M1/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/08 Sensors provided with means for identification, e.g. barcodes or memory chips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/021 Identification, e.g. bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0851 Bottom walls
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0858 Side walls
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5453 for test tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/14918 in-mould-labelling
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14 incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles B29C45/1671 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/712 Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages closures therefor B29L2031/56; ink or toner cartridges B29L2031/7678; squeeze tubes B29L2023/20; suitcases B29L2031/7418
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/753 Medical equipment; Accessories therefor bloodbags, medical bags B29L2031/7148; artificial eyes B29L2011/0008

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biological sample preservation tube with an identification code, wherein an information element which records the sample information is fused integrally with the bottom wall and/or side walls during molding the preservation tube, the preservation tube is suitable for the preservation of a biological sample at low temperature and can ensure the effectiveness and stability at low temperature; and at the same time also relates to a method for manufacturing the biological sample preservation tube, wherein the preservation tube is molded by a one-step process, without an additional secondary processes for manufacturing the identification code, the method improves the production efficiency, reduces the production cost, employs multi-point symmetrical feeding, and has good quality and stability of the product, so that the method is of great significance as it opens up a new idea for developing and producing the similar product in the industry, especially the small-sized preservation tube with an identification code.

Claims

1. A method for making a biological sample preservation tube with an identification code, comprising:

manufacturing an information element, including;

printing the identification code on a core layer;

overlaying a heat sealing layer on the identification code of the core layer; and

forming the information element by integrating the core layer and the heat sealing layer;

cutting the information element, including;

cutting the information element into a size not exceeding that of a position to be fused, and each cut information element is removed off static electricity to avoid attaching to each other; and

placing the cut information element on a same support frame as a mold, for being taken by a robotic hand;

picking and placing the information element, including;

placing the cut information element on a predetermined position in the mold by the robotic hand, with a side of the cut information element having the identification code facing away from an inner core attached to an outer wall of a mold cavity;

applying static electricity on the cut information element such that the cut information element is attached onto the mold under the effect of the electrostatic field for temporary fixation; and

performing mold closing and injection molding to form the biological sample preservation tube, including;

injecting molten plastic feedstock into the mold via at least two symmetric feed channels from both sides of the mold, each feed channel being reflexed at a point close to a plurality of feed inlets pointing to a center position of a bottom side of the mold, the at least two symmetric feed channels introducing the molten plastic feedstock into the mold.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the feed inlets are an even number, and are symmetrically distributed in the mold.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the core layer is made into a required thickness by means of extrusion or stretching, and the core layer and the heat sealing layer are integrally molded by means of coating or co-extrusion.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein placing the cut information element on the predetermined position in the mold by the robotic hand comprises:

placing a first cut information element on both a bottom position and placing a second cut information element on a side wall position in the mold by the robotic hand.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein performing mold closing and injection molding to form the biological sample preservation tube comprises:

injecting molten plastic feedstock into the mold to surround another side of the cut information element without the identification code and a side surface of the information element.