CA1179914A - Collector assembly and specimen tube therefor - Google Patents
Collector assembly and specimen tube thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA1179914A CA1179914A CA000397855A CA397855A CA1179914A CA 1179914 A CA1179914 A CA 1179914A CA 000397855 A CA000397855 A CA 000397855A CA 397855 A CA397855 A CA 397855A CA 1179914 A CA1179914 A CA 1179914A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- reservoir tip
- specimen
- end wall
- collector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A urine specimen collector assembly includes a specimen tube and funnel-shaped member wherein the speci-men tube is characterized by having a lower reinforced reservoir tip of reduced diameter so that the tube is adapted for use with centrifuge machines for the precipi-tation of a measured quantity of solid materials in the tip from the specimen placed in the tube. The mouth of the tube is outwardly flared to conform to the shape of the outlet end of the funnel, and the funnel has a ribbed internal surface to direct the flow of liquid through an elongated outlet tip for insertion into the specimen tube so that the tube and funnel may be filled with fluid.
Upon inversion, a user may empty all but a measured quan-tity of fluid from the tube.
Upon inversion, a user may empty all but a measured quan-tity of fluid from the tube.
Description
The present invention relates to liquid specimen collector and testing devices specifically of the type adapted for the sanitary sampling of human urine as an indicator of various pathological conditions. As is often the case, it is desirable to obtain such a sample free from bacteria present in the body or in the urethra. Such a specimen is taken during the middle of the period of urination so that it is taken "in midstream" utilizing the inherent property of the urine to wash away extraneous 0 bacteria to provide a relatively uncontaminated sample of urlne .
Heretofore, it has been well known to utilize a cup or jar or similar container to collect the urine spe-cimen from the patient by having the patient urinate directly into the container. In practice, however, the container of urine may often be exposed unduly to airborne bacteria and contamination and may be contaminated from other sources as well. For example, it is often necessary that the specimen be transferred to various testing containers, such as, centrifuge tubes and the like, and additional contamination may thereby result. Further con-tamination may occur when the analyzing technician requires a measured quantity of a specimen so that it is necessary to utilize several receptacles for purposes of the measurement and storage of the selected quantity.
Contamination can also occur due to bacteria on the sur-face of the opening of the specimen collector container or through overflow or imprecise filling of the container.
Midstream collectors have been developed in the past which have recognized the problems of contamination of the specimen. For example, United States Patent No.
l~t~
3,832,738 to Kliemann issued 3 September, 1974 and United States Patent No. 3,711,871 to Sherin issued 23 January, 1973 disclose sanitary liquid specimen collectors having enlarged mouths and tops to seal these mouths after the specimen has been collected. United States Patent No.
3,923,040 to Beach issued 2 December, 1975 discloses the use of a graduated tube having a funnel with a flexible spout wherein the entire assembly is sealed by a cap fitting arollnd the specimen tube and spout. In this apparatus, the collector tube is in the form of a common centrifuge tube so that it may be utilized for analysis purposes as well. Similarly, United States Patent No.
3,518,164 issued 30 June, 1970 to Andelin et al, United States Patent No. 4,026,433 issued 31 May, 1977 to Crippa and United States Patent I;Jo. 4,106,490 issued 15 August, 1978 to Spilman et al all disclose sanitary urine collec-tion apparatus including a graduated tube which may be utilized for analysis purposes, especially with a centri-fuge apparatus. A problem in the prior art, thoush, has been the danger of breakage of the specimen tube when centrifuged, especially where the collector tube is formed with a sediment trap at its lower end.
The present invention, however, provides a novel specimen collector which allows the sampling of a midstream portion of fluid in such manner as to allow the disposal of the excess fluid while providing a measured amount thereof. Further, the present device has a rein-forced sediment trap and is adaptable for use with stan-dard centrifuge machines without requiring transfer of the fluid to a special centrifuge tube.
9~1~
It is therefore an object of the present inven-tion to provide a novel and improved urine specimen collector device as a sanitary and effective means for collecting and analyzing samples of human urine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient means for collecting urine specimens occurring "midstream" directly into a specimen tube.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a urine specimen collector which allo~s collection of a urine sample in a minimum number of steps while mini-mizing the risk of contamination.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-piece urine collector which allows the user to discard excess of the sample while automatically providing a measured quantity for analysis all under sani-tized conditions.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a urine collector assembly wherein the sample is conducted directly into an analysis tube having a reduced portion of measured volume to retain a measured amount of fluid upon inversion of the analysis tube and to receive solid precipitate from that sample during centri-fuge analysis.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a urine collector assembly including a funnel and centrifuge tube which are configured for collecting a controlled volume sample of the "midstream" portion of urine in which a vapor lock is established between the funnel and tube; and wherein the surface tension of the fluid in a reduced portion of the tube is such that a simple yet accurately measured volume of liquid sample or solid precipitate can be collected while avoidin~ undue contamination of the sample by the user.
The present invention is adapted to be used to collect a midstream portlon of a urine specimen and inclu-des a collector tube adapted to be employed with centri-fuge machines and which tube has a lower reinforced reser-voir tip at one end and an outwardly flared mouth opposite the reservoir tip. The reservoir tip is of a selected volume and is generally cylindrical having a mouth of reduced diameter with respect to the main body of the tube. Upon inversion of the tube, the surface tension of the specimen fluid in the tip causes the tip to retain a measured amount of fluid. The reservoir tip also receives solid precipitate during the centrifuging operation. In order to permit use of the collector tube during the centrifuging operation, the reservoir tip has thickened A sidewall portions-~crfcr~b~ ~n the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced external reinforcement ribs extending in a longitudinal direction from -the sidewall of the reservoir tip of the centrifuge collector tube whereby to support the reservoir tip and reinforce it in circum-ferential and longitudinal directions.
In order to facilitate collection and to enhance sanitary collection of the specimen, the collector assembly includes a funnel-shaped member having an elongated spout provided with an angled tip or discharge end which is adapted to be inserted into the main body portion of the collector tube. The collector tube has an outwardly flared mouth opposite the reservoir tip which is shaped to conform to the external surface of the funnel so that the funnel may firmly seat and be sealed in the mouth i~7~
o~ the collector tube, and the mouth provides a lip constructed to snap-fit with a sealing lid. Further, the funnel has a plurality of ribs on its internal surface to direct the flow of fluid toward the elongated spout for conducting the fluid into the collector tube.
The collector tube is graduated so that the volume of liquid contained therein may be readily observed. A feature of the present invention resides in the selection of length and size of the elongated spout of 0 the funnel and the seating of the funnel surface against the flared mouth of the collector tube. Particularly, the seating of the funnel and mouth of the collector tube establish a vacuum or vapor lock when fluid is introduced into the collector tube through the funnel to prevent overflow; and, upon inversion of the apparatus, any por-tion of the sample in the funnel may be exhausted.
Therefore, the positioning of the mouth of the elongated tip defines the amount of fluid which will remain in the collector tube so that a standard measurement quantity may automatically be retained.
By constructing the funnel and tube out of a plastic or plastic-like material, an inexpensive apparatus may be provided and, if desired, this apparatus may be disposable. Further, by constructing the apparatus out of inexpensive materials, contamination can be reduced by avoiding the need for reuse of the collector apparatus.
Contamination is also minimized in operation when a sample is placed in the collector tube and automatically measured A , ,~
by inverting the apparatus with the collector tube sn~e-30 quently being usable in a centrifu~e so that there is no need to contaminate the sample by transferring it to a special receptacle.
In summary, the invention provides a urine specimen collector tube assembly comprising an elongated tubular member having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a surrounding sidewall between the open and closed ends, which terminates in a rounded convergent end wall adjacent the closed end. A reservoir tip at the closed end defines an axial extension of the convergent end wall, the degree of convergency being sufficient to prevent release of the portion of the specimen contained in the tip when the tubular member is inverted to pour out the specimen. External reinforcing means extend between and are united with the reservoir tip and the end wall.
A funnel-shaped member includes a generaily conical sidewall and an elongated spout attached a-t one end to the vertex of the sidewall in fluid communication with the interior of the funnel member and having an opening at the opposite end.
The exterior of the sidewa]l is substantially smooth and uninterrupted. Adjacent the sidewall, the spout is configured for and disposed in c]ose-fitting engagement with the open end of the tubular member so that the spout extends into the tube.
These and other objects, advantages and features will become more readily appreciated and understood when taken together with the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the mids-tream collector assembly according to the 2referred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the collector assembly according to the preferred embodiment Gf the present invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken about lines 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken about lines 4-4 of F'igure 3; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper por-tion of the preferred collector tube including a sealing plug therefor.
As is shown in Figure 1, collector assembly 10 includes a graduated collector tube 12 and a funnel 14. Tube 12 has an elongated cylindrical main body 16 which is closed at one end by a sediment trap in the form of a reservoir tip 18 and which has an outwardly flared mouth 20 with an e~posed edge 39 at an end opposite reservior tip 18. Funnel 14 is adapted to be inserted into collector tube 12 and includes a conical body portion 22 which has an upper circular rim 24 and an elongated spout 26 opposite circular rim 24 at the vortex of conical body li'7~3~3~
portion 22. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, funnel 14 has a smooth uninterrupted outer surface 28 and is pro-vided on its interior surface 30 with a plurality of ribs 32. Ribs 32 function to direct or guide a fluid sample entering funnel 14 towards spout 26 for discharge into collector tube 12.
Elongated spout 26 is tapered so 'chat its sidewall 34 converges to a mouth or open end 36. Open end 36 may be formed in a plane at an angle to the longitudi-nal axis of funnel 14 and functions as is hereinafter described. As may be noted in Figure 3, midportion 3~ of funnel 14 is configured in a shape which conforms to that of flared mouth 20 of collector tube 12 so that an annular A portion of funnel~t~ abuts the upper frustoconical portion of flared mouth 20 of collector tube 12.
An important feature of the present invention is found in the construction of the closed end 40 of collec-tor tube 12. Closed end 40 is formed by a convex rounded, downwardly convergent end wall 42 of main hody 16 tapering sharply at an angle o greater than 4S into a closed cylindrical reservoir tip 18 which is coaxial with main body 16 to define a sediment trap in the form of a cylindrical nose portion of tube 12. As noted, reservoir tip 18 has a closed rounded tip 44 and a cylindrical sidewall 46 with cylindrical sidewall 46 having a smaller diameter than main body 16, the end wall 42 rapidly increasing in diameter away from the upper edge of sidewall 46 so that a sharp ~dge or shoulder is formed at the juncture between the end wall 42 and sidewall 46. A
particular problem among the prior art in forming a reser-voir tip such as tip 18 has been the fragile nature of this construction so that the tuhe is not readily adap-table to analytical measurement machines for fear of breakage. The present invention, however, removes this disa~vantage by having a plurality of support ribs 48 at equally spaced intervals around the reservoir tip 18 defining thickened sidewall portions therefor, with these thickened sidewall portions being somewhat thicker than main body 16. Specifically, ribs 48 extend lengthwise and are tapered downwardly from rounded end wall 42, along cylindrical sidewall 46 to points adjacent tip 44 of reservoir tip 18. In this manner, the entire length of reservoir tip 18 is reinforced by ribs 48 a]ong spaced intervals about its sidewall 46. While in the preferred embodiment four such ribs 48 are provided, any number may be employed so long as suitable reinforcement is present for tip 18. Ribs 48 are generally triangular and A ~ fin-shaped and may be of the same thicXness as the sidewall of collector tube 12, but may also be fabri-cated with a reduced thickness on the order of one-half that of the sidewall cf tube 12. It is important, however, to increase substantially the effective thickness and strength of the sidewall of tip 18 so as not to be subject to breakage during a centrifuging procedure. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, ribs 48 are triangularly shaped so as to join end wall 42 and tip 44 while having a suf-ficient width so that the unconnected inclined edge of the triangle tapers or converges downwardly along a line bet-ween the sidewall of collector tube 12 and the end of reservoir tip ~4.
To seal collector tube 12, a plug 60 has a cylindrical sidewall 62 which has a tapered nose 64 ter-minatinq in a flat end wall 66. Sidewall 62 has an upper 117~
surrounding shoulder 68 opposite end wall 66 which is con-figured to abut flared mouth 20 when inserted in collector tube 12 as shown in Figure 5. Tab 70 is attached to end wall 66 internally of sidewall 62 and extends outwardly of plug 60 so that it may be easily gripped by the user to withdraw plug 60 fro~ collector tube 12.
Utilization of the collector tube and funnel according to the present invention may now be appreciated with respect to the particular configuration of funnel 14 and flared mouth 20 as well as reservoir tip 18. In use, funnel 14 is placed in collector tube 12 so that midpor-tion 38 abuts flared mouth 20 around an annular portion of collector tube 12. The patient then fills collector tube 12 with a biological specimen by means of funnel 14 so that the biological specimen fills collector tube 12 and covers open end 36 of elongated spout 26. This creates a vapor lock at a fluid level defined by the position of open end 36 so that excess fluid does not enter tube 12.
If an excess of the specimen is taken so that the fluid level extends into funnel 14, the patient may drain the excess fluid. An automatically measured amount of fluid is therefore obtained by the vacuum seal After the measured amount of fluid is provided in collector tube 12, the sample may be sealed with plug 60.
At this point, the sample is ready for analysis.
Preferably the spout has an internal diameter of approximately 0.65 cm or .25 inch where a urine specimen is to be collected. It is important, for a selected fluid, that the diameter of the spout be sufficiently large to allow venting of the air in the collector tube.
If the diameter is too small, the surface tension of a il'~t~3~14 viscous fluid will cause the stream of fluid entering the funnel member to seal the spout thereby preventing the escape of air from the collector and consequent]y pre~
venting entry of fluid into the collector tube.
Further preparation for analysis of the sample may be undertaken directly in collector tube 12 since, by having reinforced reservoir tip 18, the sample may be directly centrifuged without the need for transferring containers. Reservoir tip is sized to have a volume of 0 .25 milliliters in the preferred embodiment but may be sized for other volumes such as .5 milliliters, 1.0 milli-liters or in another desired volume. When a urine speci-men is centrifuged in collector tube 12, suspended solids are then collected and concentrated in reservoir tip 18 to form a sediment or semi-solid material having the volume of reservoir tip 18. The fluid portion of the sample may then be transferred to another container or disposed of with the solid plug of material being ready for further analysis as a pre-measured volume. ~eservoir tip 18 also permits the automatic measuring of an amount of fluid corresponding to its volume upon inversion of tuhe 12 since the diameter of its mouth is relatively small so that the surface tension of the fluid holds the fluid in the reservoir tip. Analysis of the fluid may then be conducted.
It will be evident that while the preferred form of this invention has been described specifically in con-junction with its use for urine specimen analysis, it is conformable for use in other applications, such as for instance, radioimmunoassay determinationc. Generally, therefore, it has application to any determination in which a limited but measured volume of material is to be collected and analyzed. Accordlngly, although the present invention has been described with particularity relative to the foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiment, various modifications, changes, additions and applications other than those specifically mentioned herein will be readily apparent to those having normal skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Heretofore, it has been well known to utilize a cup or jar or similar container to collect the urine spe-cimen from the patient by having the patient urinate directly into the container. In practice, however, the container of urine may often be exposed unduly to airborne bacteria and contamination and may be contaminated from other sources as well. For example, it is often necessary that the specimen be transferred to various testing containers, such as, centrifuge tubes and the like, and additional contamination may thereby result. Further con-tamination may occur when the analyzing technician requires a measured quantity of a specimen so that it is necessary to utilize several receptacles for purposes of the measurement and storage of the selected quantity.
Contamination can also occur due to bacteria on the sur-face of the opening of the specimen collector container or through overflow or imprecise filling of the container.
Midstream collectors have been developed in the past which have recognized the problems of contamination of the specimen. For example, United States Patent No.
l~t~
3,832,738 to Kliemann issued 3 September, 1974 and United States Patent No. 3,711,871 to Sherin issued 23 January, 1973 disclose sanitary liquid specimen collectors having enlarged mouths and tops to seal these mouths after the specimen has been collected. United States Patent No.
3,923,040 to Beach issued 2 December, 1975 discloses the use of a graduated tube having a funnel with a flexible spout wherein the entire assembly is sealed by a cap fitting arollnd the specimen tube and spout. In this apparatus, the collector tube is in the form of a common centrifuge tube so that it may be utilized for analysis purposes as well. Similarly, United States Patent No.
3,518,164 issued 30 June, 1970 to Andelin et al, United States Patent No. 4,026,433 issued 31 May, 1977 to Crippa and United States Patent I;Jo. 4,106,490 issued 15 August, 1978 to Spilman et al all disclose sanitary urine collec-tion apparatus including a graduated tube which may be utilized for analysis purposes, especially with a centri-fuge apparatus. A problem in the prior art, thoush, has been the danger of breakage of the specimen tube when centrifuged, especially where the collector tube is formed with a sediment trap at its lower end.
The present invention, however, provides a novel specimen collector which allows the sampling of a midstream portion of fluid in such manner as to allow the disposal of the excess fluid while providing a measured amount thereof. Further, the present device has a rein-forced sediment trap and is adaptable for use with stan-dard centrifuge machines without requiring transfer of the fluid to a special centrifuge tube.
9~1~
It is therefore an object of the present inven-tion to provide a novel and improved urine specimen collector device as a sanitary and effective means for collecting and analyzing samples of human urine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient means for collecting urine specimens occurring "midstream" directly into a specimen tube.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a urine specimen collector which allo~s collection of a urine sample in a minimum number of steps while mini-mizing the risk of contamination.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-piece urine collector which allows the user to discard excess of the sample while automatically providing a measured quantity for analysis all under sani-tized conditions.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a urine collector assembly wherein the sample is conducted directly into an analysis tube having a reduced portion of measured volume to retain a measured amount of fluid upon inversion of the analysis tube and to receive solid precipitate from that sample during centri-fuge analysis.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a urine collector assembly including a funnel and centrifuge tube which are configured for collecting a controlled volume sample of the "midstream" portion of urine in which a vapor lock is established between the funnel and tube; and wherein the surface tension of the fluid in a reduced portion of the tube is such that a simple yet accurately measured volume of liquid sample or solid precipitate can be collected while avoidin~ undue contamination of the sample by the user.
The present invention is adapted to be used to collect a midstream portlon of a urine specimen and inclu-des a collector tube adapted to be employed with centri-fuge machines and which tube has a lower reinforced reser-voir tip at one end and an outwardly flared mouth opposite the reservoir tip. The reservoir tip is of a selected volume and is generally cylindrical having a mouth of reduced diameter with respect to the main body of the tube. Upon inversion of the tube, the surface tension of the specimen fluid in the tip causes the tip to retain a measured amount of fluid. The reservoir tip also receives solid precipitate during the centrifuging operation. In order to permit use of the collector tube during the centrifuging operation, the reservoir tip has thickened A sidewall portions-~crfcr~b~ ~n the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced external reinforcement ribs extending in a longitudinal direction from -the sidewall of the reservoir tip of the centrifuge collector tube whereby to support the reservoir tip and reinforce it in circum-ferential and longitudinal directions.
In order to facilitate collection and to enhance sanitary collection of the specimen, the collector assembly includes a funnel-shaped member having an elongated spout provided with an angled tip or discharge end which is adapted to be inserted into the main body portion of the collector tube. The collector tube has an outwardly flared mouth opposite the reservoir tip which is shaped to conform to the external surface of the funnel so that the funnel may firmly seat and be sealed in the mouth i~7~
o~ the collector tube, and the mouth provides a lip constructed to snap-fit with a sealing lid. Further, the funnel has a plurality of ribs on its internal surface to direct the flow of fluid toward the elongated spout for conducting the fluid into the collector tube.
The collector tube is graduated so that the volume of liquid contained therein may be readily observed. A feature of the present invention resides in the selection of length and size of the elongated spout of 0 the funnel and the seating of the funnel surface against the flared mouth of the collector tube. Particularly, the seating of the funnel and mouth of the collector tube establish a vacuum or vapor lock when fluid is introduced into the collector tube through the funnel to prevent overflow; and, upon inversion of the apparatus, any por-tion of the sample in the funnel may be exhausted.
Therefore, the positioning of the mouth of the elongated tip defines the amount of fluid which will remain in the collector tube so that a standard measurement quantity may automatically be retained.
By constructing the funnel and tube out of a plastic or plastic-like material, an inexpensive apparatus may be provided and, if desired, this apparatus may be disposable. Further, by constructing the apparatus out of inexpensive materials, contamination can be reduced by avoiding the need for reuse of the collector apparatus.
Contamination is also minimized in operation when a sample is placed in the collector tube and automatically measured A , ,~
by inverting the apparatus with the collector tube sn~e-30 quently being usable in a centrifu~e so that there is no need to contaminate the sample by transferring it to a special receptacle.
In summary, the invention provides a urine specimen collector tube assembly comprising an elongated tubular member having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a surrounding sidewall between the open and closed ends, which terminates in a rounded convergent end wall adjacent the closed end. A reservoir tip at the closed end defines an axial extension of the convergent end wall, the degree of convergency being sufficient to prevent release of the portion of the specimen contained in the tip when the tubular member is inverted to pour out the specimen. External reinforcing means extend between and are united with the reservoir tip and the end wall.
A funnel-shaped member includes a generaily conical sidewall and an elongated spout attached a-t one end to the vertex of the sidewall in fluid communication with the interior of the funnel member and having an opening at the opposite end.
The exterior of the sidewa]l is substantially smooth and uninterrupted. Adjacent the sidewall, the spout is configured for and disposed in c]ose-fitting engagement with the open end of the tubular member so that the spout extends into the tube.
These and other objects, advantages and features will become more readily appreciated and understood when taken together with the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the mids-tream collector assembly according to the 2referred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the collector assembly according to the preferred embodiment Gf the present invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken about lines 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken about lines 4-4 of F'igure 3; and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper por-tion of the preferred collector tube including a sealing plug therefor.
As is shown in Figure 1, collector assembly 10 includes a graduated collector tube 12 and a funnel 14. Tube 12 has an elongated cylindrical main body 16 which is closed at one end by a sediment trap in the form of a reservoir tip 18 and which has an outwardly flared mouth 20 with an e~posed edge 39 at an end opposite reservior tip 18. Funnel 14 is adapted to be inserted into collector tube 12 and includes a conical body portion 22 which has an upper circular rim 24 and an elongated spout 26 opposite circular rim 24 at the vortex of conical body li'7~3~3~
portion 22. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, funnel 14 has a smooth uninterrupted outer surface 28 and is pro-vided on its interior surface 30 with a plurality of ribs 32. Ribs 32 function to direct or guide a fluid sample entering funnel 14 towards spout 26 for discharge into collector tube 12.
Elongated spout 26 is tapered so 'chat its sidewall 34 converges to a mouth or open end 36. Open end 36 may be formed in a plane at an angle to the longitudi-nal axis of funnel 14 and functions as is hereinafter described. As may be noted in Figure 3, midportion 3~ of funnel 14 is configured in a shape which conforms to that of flared mouth 20 of collector tube 12 so that an annular A portion of funnel~t~ abuts the upper frustoconical portion of flared mouth 20 of collector tube 12.
An important feature of the present invention is found in the construction of the closed end 40 of collec-tor tube 12. Closed end 40 is formed by a convex rounded, downwardly convergent end wall 42 of main hody 16 tapering sharply at an angle o greater than 4S into a closed cylindrical reservoir tip 18 which is coaxial with main body 16 to define a sediment trap in the form of a cylindrical nose portion of tube 12. As noted, reservoir tip 18 has a closed rounded tip 44 and a cylindrical sidewall 46 with cylindrical sidewall 46 having a smaller diameter than main body 16, the end wall 42 rapidly increasing in diameter away from the upper edge of sidewall 46 so that a sharp ~dge or shoulder is formed at the juncture between the end wall 42 and sidewall 46. A
particular problem among the prior art in forming a reser-voir tip such as tip 18 has been the fragile nature of this construction so that the tuhe is not readily adap-table to analytical measurement machines for fear of breakage. The present invention, however, removes this disa~vantage by having a plurality of support ribs 48 at equally spaced intervals around the reservoir tip 18 defining thickened sidewall portions therefor, with these thickened sidewall portions being somewhat thicker than main body 16. Specifically, ribs 48 extend lengthwise and are tapered downwardly from rounded end wall 42, along cylindrical sidewall 46 to points adjacent tip 44 of reservoir tip 18. In this manner, the entire length of reservoir tip 18 is reinforced by ribs 48 a]ong spaced intervals about its sidewall 46. While in the preferred embodiment four such ribs 48 are provided, any number may be employed so long as suitable reinforcement is present for tip 18. Ribs 48 are generally triangular and A ~ fin-shaped and may be of the same thicXness as the sidewall of collector tube 12, but may also be fabri-cated with a reduced thickness on the order of one-half that of the sidewall cf tube 12. It is important, however, to increase substantially the effective thickness and strength of the sidewall of tip 18 so as not to be subject to breakage during a centrifuging procedure. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, ribs 48 are triangularly shaped so as to join end wall 42 and tip 44 while having a suf-ficient width so that the unconnected inclined edge of the triangle tapers or converges downwardly along a line bet-ween the sidewall of collector tube 12 and the end of reservoir tip ~4.
To seal collector tube 12, a plug 60 has a cylindrical sidewall 62 which has a tapered nose 64 ter-minatinq in a flat end wall 66. Sidewall 62 has an upper 117~
surrounding shoulder 68 opposite end wall 66 which is con-figured to abut flared mouth 20 when inserted in collector tube 12 as shown in Figure 5. Tab 70 is attached to end wall 66 internally of sidewall 62 and extends outwardly of plug 60 so that it may be easily gripped by the user to withdraw plug 60 fro~ collector tube 12.
Utilization of the collector tube and funnel according to the present invention may now be appreciated with respect to the particular configuration of funnel 14 and flared mouth 20 as well as reservoir tip 18. In use, funnel 14 is placed in collector tube 12 so that midpor-tion 38 abuts flared mouth 20 around an annular portion of collector tube 12. The patient then fills collector tube 12 with a biological specimen by means of funnel 14 so that the biological specimen fills collector tube 12 and covers open end 36 of elongated spout 26. This creates a vapor lock at a fluid level defined by the position of open end 36 so that excess fluid does not enter tube 12.
If an excess of the specimen is taken so that the fluid level extends into funnel 14, the patient may drain the excess fluid. An automatically measured amount of fluid is therefore obtained by the vacuum seal After the measured amount of fluid is provided in collector tube 12, the sample may be sealed with plug 60.
At this point, the sample is ready for analysis.
Preferably the spout has an internal diameter of approximately 0.65 cm or .25 inch where a urine specimen is to be collected. It is important, for a selected fluid, that the diameter of the spout be sufficiently large to allow venting of the air in the collector tube.
If the diameter is too small, the surface tension of a il'~t~3~14 viscous fluid will cause the stream of fluid entering the funnel member to seal the spout thereby preventing the escape of air from the collector and consequent]y pre~
venting entry of fluid into the collector tube.
Further preparation for analysis of the sample may be undertaken directly in collector tube 12 since, by having reinforced reservoir tip 18, the sample may be directly centrifuged without the need for transferring containers. Reservoir tip is sized to have a volume of 0 .25 milliliters in the preferred embodiment but may be sized for other volumes such as .5 milliliters, 1.0 milli-liters or in another desired volume. When a urine speci-men is centrifuged in collector tube 12, suspended solids are then collected and concentrated in reservoir tip 18 to form a sediment or semi-solid material having the volume of reservoir tip 18. The fluid portion of the sample may then be transferred to another container or disposed of with the solid plug of material being ready for further analysis as a pre-measured volume. ~eservoir tip 18 also permits the automatic measuring of an amount of fluid corresponding to its volume upon inversion of tuhe 12 since the diameter of its mouth is relatively small so that the surface tension of the fluid holds the fluid in the reservoir tip. Analysis of the fluid may then be conducted.
It will be evident that while the preferred form of this invention has been described specifically in con-junction with its use for urine specimen analysis, it is conformable for use in other applications, such as for instance, radioimmunoassay determinationc. Generally, therefore, it has application to any determination in which a limited but measured volume of material is to be collected and analyzed. Accordlngly, although the present invention has been described with particularity relative to the foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiment, various modifications, changes, additions and applications other than those specifically mentioned herein will be readily apparent to those having normal skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (15)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A specimen collector tube unit adaptable for collecting urine specimens therein comprising:
an elongated tubular member having an open end, a closed end opposite said open end, a surrounding sidewall portion between said open end and said closed end terminating in a rounded convergent end wall adjacent to said closed end, and a reservoir tip at said closed end defining an axial extension of said end wall, the degree of convergency of said rounded convergent end wall into said reservoir tip being sufficient to prevent the release of that portion of a urine specimen contained in said reservoir tip when said elongated tubular member is inverted to pour out the urine specimen from said elongated tubular member, and external reinforcing means extending between and united with said reservoir tip and said rounded convergent end wall.
an elongated tubular member having an open end, a closed end opposite said open end, a surrounding sidewall portion between said open end and said closed end terminating in a rounded convergent end wall adjacent to said closed end, and a reservoir tip at said closed end defining an axial extension of said end wall, the degree of convergency of said rounded convergent end wall into said reservoir tip being sufficient to prevent the release of that portion of a urine specimen contained in said reservoir tip when said elongated tubular member is inverted to pour out the urine specimen from said elongated tubular member, and external reinforcing means extending between and united with said reservoir tip and said rounded convergent end wall.
2. A specimen collector unit according to claim 1, wherein said reinforcing means are defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced reinforcement ribs between the external surface of said end wall and said reservoir tip.
3. A specimen collector unit according to claim 1 wherein said reservoir tip has an axial length and a diameter sufficient to retain a fluid specimen having a volume of between .25 and 1.0 millimeters, inclusively.
4. A specimen collector unit according to claim 1, wherein said open end is defined by an outwardly flared mouth having a frusto-conical sidewall portion.
5. A specimen collector tube unit comprising:
an elongated tubular member having a cylindrical sidewall portion, an outwardly flared mouth portion at one end, said cylindrical sidewall portion ter-minating at the other end of said tubular member in a rounded convergent end wall, and a reservoir tip attached to said end wall in open communication with the interior of said tubular member, with said end wall converging sharply into said reservoir tip to form an edge at their juncture, said reservoir tip enclosed on one end and coaxially aligned with said cylindrical sidewall portion;
and longitudinally extending external reinfor-cement means extending between said end wall and said reservoir tip for reinforcing the juncture between said end wall and said reservoir tip.
an elongated tubular member having a cylindrical sidewall portion, an outwardly flared mouth portion at one end, said cylindrical sidewall portion ter-minating at the other end of said tubular member in a rounded convergent end wall, and a reservoir tip attached to said end wall in open communication with the interior of said tubular member, with said end wall converging sharply into said reservoir tip to form an edge at their juncture, said reservoir tip enclosed on one end and coaxially aligned with said cylindrical sidewall portion;
and longitudinally extending external reinfor-cement means extending between said end wall and said reservoir tip for reinforcing the juncture between said end wall and said reservoir tip.
6. A specimen collector unit according to claim 5, wherein said reinforcement means includes at least one external rib extending axially of said reservoir tip.
7. A specimen collector unit according to claim 6, wherein said reinforcement means includes a plurality of downwardly tapered ribs equally spaced around the peri-meter of said reservoir tip and each said rib having an exposed edge forming a tapered extension between said end wall and said reservoir tip and having a thickness approximately one-half the thickness of said cylindrical sidewall portion.
8. A specimen collector unit according to claim 6, further including sealing means for sealing said flared mouth portion, said sealing means frictionally engageable with said flared mouth portion.
9. A specimen collector unit according to claim 8, wherein said sealing means is a plug member frictionally secured internally of said flared mouth portion.
10. A urine specimen collector assembly comprising:
a funnel-shaped member having a generally conical sidewall and an elongated spout attached at the vertex thereof in fluid communication with the interior of said funnel-shaped member, the exterior of said conical sidewall being substantially smooth and uninterrupted, said spout having an opening at an end opposite said vertex;
an elongated tube releasably connected to said funnel-shaped member having a first end defined by an outwardly opening mouth including an interior surface dimensioned for and in close-fitting, mating abutment with the exterior surface of said funnel-shaped member with said spout extending into said tube, a cylindrical midportion, and a second end opposite said first end having a reservoir tip in the form of a cylindrical nose and an end wall converging sharply into said reservoir tip from said cylindrical midportion, said reservoir tip having an internal diameter less than the internal diameter of said cylindrical midportion, the degree of convergency of said end wall into said reservoir tip being sufficient to prevent the release of that portion of a urine specimen collected in said reservoir tip when said elongated tube is inverted to pour out the balance of the urine specimen from said elongated tube; and 1?
longitudinal reinforcement ribs extending between said end wall and said reservoir tip.
a funnel-shaped member having a generally conical sidewall and an elongated spout attached at the vertex thereof in fluid communication with the interior of said funnel-shaped member, the exterior of said conical sidewall being substantially smooth and uninterrupted, said spout having an opening at an end opposite said vertex;
an elongated tube releasably connected to said funnel-shaped member having a first end defined by an outwardly opening mouth including an interior surface dimensioned for and in close-fitting, mating abutment with the exterior surface of said funnel-shaped member with said spout extending into said tube, a cylindrical midportion, and a second end opposite said first end having a reservoir tip in the form of a cylindrical nose and an end wall converging sharply into said reservoir tip from said cylindrical midportion, said reservoir tip having an internal diameter less than the internal diameter of said cylindrical midportion, the degree of convergency of said end wall into said reservoir tip being sufficient to prevent the release of that portion of a urine specimen collected in said reservoir tip when said elongated tube is inverted to pour out the balance of the urine specimen from said elongated tube; and 1?
longitudinal reinforcement ribs extending between said end wall and said reservoir tip.
11. A urine specimen collector assembly according to claim 10, wherein said funnel-shaped member includes a fluid guide rib on its interior surface.
12. A urine specimen collector assembly according to claim 10, wherein said spout opening is formed in a plane oblique to the longitudinal axis of said spout.
13. A urine specimen collector assembly for the measured collection of a fluid specimen comprising:
an elongated collector tube having an open end and a closed end, a surrounding sidewall portion bet-ween said open end and said closed end terminating in a rounded convergent end wall adjacent to said closed end, and a reservoir tip at said closed end defining an axial extension of said end wall and being of substantially the same wall thickness as said surrounding sidewall portion, the degree of convergency of said rounded convergent end wall into said reservoir tip being sufficient to prevent the release of that portion of a urine specimen contained in said reservoir tip when said elongated tube is inverted to pour out the urine specimen from said elongated tube, and external reinforcing means extending between and united with said reservoir tip and said end wall;
a funnel-shaped member having a generally conical sidewall and an elongated spout attached thereto in fluid communication with the interior of said funnel-shaped member, said spout having a generally cylindrical portion adjacent said conical sidewall configured for and in close-fitting engagement with the interior of said collector tube adjacent said open end whereby said funnel-shaped member is frictionally retained in said collector tube; and said spout terminating in a downwardly tapered open end having a diameter of approximately one-half the diameter of said collector tube, said cylindrical portion extending into the interior of said collector tube and said tapered open end projecting into said collector tube being of a limited size to define a vapor seal for said fluid between said tapered open end and said collec-tor tube.
an elongated collector tube having an open end and a closed end, a surrounding sidewall portion bet-ween said open end and said closed end terminating in a rounded convergent end wall adjacent to said closed end, and a reservoir tip at said closed end defining an axial extension of said end wall and being of substantially the same wall thickness as said surrounding sidewall portion, the degree of convergency of said rounded convergent end wall into said reservoir tip being sufficient to prevent the release of that portion of a urine specimen contained in said reservoir tip when said elongated tube is inverted to pour out the urine specimen from said elongated tube, and external reinforcing means extending between and united with said reservoir tip and said end wall;
a funnel-shaped member having a generally conical sidewall and an elongated spout attached thereto in fluid communication with the interior of said funnel-shaped member, said spout having a generally cylindrical portion adjacent said conical sidewall configured for and in close-fitting engagement with the interior of said collector tube adjacent said open end whereby said funnel-shaped member is frictionally retained in said collector tube; and said spout terminating in a downwardly tapered open end having a diameter of approximately one-half the diameter of said collector tube, said cylindrical portion extending into the interior of said collector tube and said tapered open end projecting into said collector tube being of a limited size to define a vapor seal for said fluid between said tapered open end and said collec-tor tube.
14. A urine collector assembly according to claim 13, wherein said tapered open end is formed obliquely to the axis of said cylindrical portion and wherein said cylindrical portion is joined to said collector tube by means of a frusto-conical sidewall.
15. A urine collector assembly according to claim 13, wherein said generally cylindrical portion is tapered from an external diameter larger than the interior of said collector tube at a point adjacent said generally conical sidewall to an exterior diameter less than the diameter of the interior of said collector tube at a point adjacent said collector tube.
1?
1?
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000397855A CA1179914A (en) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-03-08 | Collector assembly and specimen tube therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000397855A CA1179914A (en) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-03-08 | Collector assembly and specimen tube therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1179914A true CA1179914A (en) | 1984-12-27 |
Family
ID=4122245
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000397855A Expired CA1179914A (en) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-03-08 | Collector assembly and specimen tube therefor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1179914A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107727453A (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2018-02-23 | 江苏三叶医疗科技有限公司 | A kind of flowover-proof type urine liquid sampler |
-
1982
- 1982-03-08 CA CA000397855A patent/CA1179914A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107727453A (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2018-02-23 | 江苏三叶医疗科技有限公司 | A kind of flowover-proof type urine liquid sampler |
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