Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing – Including sample preparation – Volumetric liquid transfer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-26
2001-09-04
Warden, Jill (Department: 1743)
Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
Including sample preparation
Volumetric liquid transfer
C422S105000, C422S105000, C222S544000, C137S197000, C137S318000, C137S339000, C137S342000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06284549
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in reagent tube systems and methods, and, more particularly, to a new and improved system and method for venting gas trapped in a reagent tube during insertion of chamber-forming valves therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
It has been known to form chambers for reagents in a tube, wherein the reagent chambers are formed by valves inserted in the tube. The valves are adapted to be displaced upon the application of sufficient force to the tube, such that the reagents may be separately dispensed for use of each reagent, or intermixed to interact so as to enable use of a reagent mixture formed thereby. The valves are inserted in the tube through the use of a valve insertion tool, so as to seal the reagents in the chambers until intended displacement of the valves takes place.
However, in inserting the valves in the tube, gas such as air or nitrogen used during the reagent filling process may be trapped and compressed in the reagent chamber. The compression of the trapped gas in the reagent chamber may cause the valve to leak or to be internally stressed such that the seal created by the valve is unstable.
Further, it has been known to provide a tube which is comprised of an elastic material, and to provide a valve which is comprised of a rigid material. However, the elastic properties of the tube tend to make it more difficult to deflect the valve. An elastic tube such as for example silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, or urethane is much more costly than a tube made from a more rigid material such as polypropylene. Further, the use of pliable tube materials which do not exhibit good elasticity such as polyvinylchloride is not optimal. Such materials stretch to accommodate the valve. Initially, a reasonable seal is obtained, but without good elasticity, the material tends to take a new set. Any increase in internal pressure, through thermal expansion, shock, or the like, may cause the valves to leak. Also, the rigid properties of the valves make them more expensive to manufacture, requiring slower operations such as punching, sawing, or molding. Punching results in a ragged perimeter, a compromised seal, and considerable material waste.
Therefore, those concerned with the development and use of improved reagent systems and methods and the like have recognized the need for improved systems and methods for venting the compressed trapped gas from the reagent chambers to prevent valve leakage and seal instability. Further, the need has been recognized for more effective materials for the tube and the valve, for enabling the valve to momentarily deform in the tube, but remain as an obstruction to the flow of reagents from one chamber to the next, until displacement is required, whereupon the valve is displaced with minimal focused force.
Accordingly, the present invention fulfills these needs by providing efficient and effective systems and methods for inserting valves in reagent tubes so as to seal the reagents in the chambers and vent trapped gas from the chambers, for preventing valve leakage, providing seal stability, and enabling valve displacement when desired without obstructing the flow of reagent after valve displacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a new and improved system and method for inserting chamber-sealing valves in reagent tubes in an efficient and effective manner so as to vent compressed trapped gas from the reagent chambers. The system provides enhanced sealing of the reagents in the chambers and prevents leakage of reagents from the chambers. The system also provides a tube and valves comprised of materials adapted to enable efficient insertion and retention of the valve in the tube, and to enable effective displacement of the valves for separate dispensing or intermixing of the reagents for use thereof.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the present invention provides a new and improved system for enabling the venting of gas trapped in a reagent tube, upon insertion of a valve for forming a chamber therein. Each chamber may be adapted to contain one of a plurality of reagents therein. The plurality of reagents in the plurality of chambers may be adapted to be separately dispensed or mixed to interact, subsequent to being sealed in the chambers, upon displacement of the valve.
More particularly, the present invention may include a tube for separately containing a plurality of reagents therein. The tube may enable the separate dispensing or mixing of the plurality of reagents therein upon displacement of the valve in the tube. The tube may include a closed end and an open end. It includes a first chamber, for sealing a first reagent therein pending separate dispensing or mixing of the plurality of reagents. The first chamber may be formed upon inserting a first valve at one end thereof. The tube may further include a second chamber, adjacent to the first chamber, for containing a second reagent therein. The second chamber may include the first valve at one end thereof, and may be formed upon inserting a second valve at the other end thereof, for sealing the second reagent therein pending separate dispensing or mixing of the plurality of reagents. The present invention further includes means for inserting the first and/or second valves in the tube, so as to seal the chambers and enclose the reagents therein, and so as to vent compressed gas which may be trapped in the chambers upon insertion of the valves therein.
The system, in accordance with the present invention, includes one embodiment of a valve insertion tool which is adapted to fully penetrate the valve and vent the trapped gas, and the valve material is adapted to reseal the opening caused by insertion of the tool. The tool may further be adapted to enable the filling of a chamber with a reagent therethrough.
The system also includes a further embodiment of the valve insertion tool which is adapted to promote the venting of the trapped gas therearound during insertion of the valve, while preventing leaking of the reagent.
The system of the present invention also includes another embodiment of the valve insertion tool which is adapted to expand the outside diameter of the tube during insertion of the valve to enable the venting of the trapped gas thereabout.
The system, in accordance with the present invention, also includes a further embodiment of the valve insertion tool which is adapted to support a portion of the valve upon insertion thereof, to enable the venting of trapped gas through the unsupported valve portion.
The system of the present invention also includes a tube and valves comprised of materials which are adapted to enable the valve to momentarily deform upon insertion thereof in the tube, to remain in place as an obstruction to the flow of reagents between chambers, and to be displaceable for intermixing of reagents when required for use.
Therefore one advantage of the present invention is that it includes an improved reagent system and method for enabling trapped gas to be vented from the reagent chamber, to prevent valve leakage and seal instability.
A further advantage is that the present invention provides a tube and valves comprised of materials for enabling momentary deflection of the valves for insertion in the tube, while remaining in place upon insertion therein to obstruct the flow of reagent from one chamber to the next, and being readily displaceable with minimal focused force when required for separate dispensing or intermixing and interaction of the reagents for use thereof.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of illustrative embodiments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3269664 (1966-08-01), Lamb et al.
patent: 3290017 (1966-12-01), Davies et al.
patent: 3811326 (1974-05-01), Sokol
patent: 4364474 (1982-12-01), Hollander, Jr.
patent: 4632244 (1986-12-01), Landau
paten
Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht LLP
Gordon Brian R
Ventrex, Inc.
Warden Jill
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