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  Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using sameRelated Patent Categories: Surgery, Diagnostic Testing, Liquid CollectionLiquid sampling apparatus and method of using same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050209531, Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/550,743, filed on Mar. 5, 2004, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to sampling liquids, and more particularly, to an apparatus for sampling a liquid and automatically performing a test. [0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0005] Sampling methods for liquids typically involve drawing a sample into a pipet, syringe, or other container from a cup. Such a sampling method exposes the sample taker to the liquid. Limiting a sample taker's exposure to a sample may be desirable, such as in urine analysis. Further, sampling methods may include exposing the sample to contaminants leading to, for example, sampling errors. [0006] Therefore, a need exists at least for a system and/or method for reducing exposure to a sample, reducing sampling errors and limiting contamination of test samples. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sampling apparatus comprises an ampoule barrel for receiving an ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel comprising a second opening adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel and a structure adapted break a frangible tip of the ampoule. [0008] The ampoule is a sealed container having a negative pressure therein for drawing a predetermined volume of liquid into the ampoule, wherein a flow rate of the ampoule is less than or equal to a flow rate of the second opening. [0009] The sampling apparatus includes a seal located between an outer surface of the ampoule and an inner surface of the ampoule barrel. The seal prevents the liquid from passing into an upper portion of the ampoule barrel. [0010] The frangible tip is scored to promote a break in the frangible tip in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is substantially perpendicular to a descent of the ampoule into the ampoule barrel. The frangible tip includes a rounded terminus. The frangible tip is offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule. [0011] The sampling apparatus includes a cap for covering the second opening of the ampoule barrel. [0012] The sampling apparatus includes a carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a trench receiving an end portion of the ampoule, opposite from the frangible tip, and an upper surface supporting the ampoule barrel, wherein a distance between a bottom of the trench and the upper surface is adapted to prevent the descent of the ampoule into the ampoule barrel. [0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for taking a liquid sample comprises selecting a test system including an ampoule barrel and an ampoule comprising a desired reagent, immersing a portion of the ampoule barrel in a liquid, and breaking the ampoule within the ampoule barrel, wherein the ampoule draws the liquid sample. [0014] The method includes extracting the ampoule from the ampoule barrel. [0015] The method includes determining a test result according to the reagent and liquid sample. [0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an ampoule barrel comprises a first opening for receiving an ampoule, a tip, offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel, the tip including an elongated second opening for flowing a liquid into the ampoule barrel, and an inner surface effective for breaking a tip of the ampoule. [0017] The inner surface is disposed at an angle is between about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel. The inner surface is a convex radius relative to an interior of the ampoule barrel. [0018] The ampoule barrel includes at least a third opening on a sidewall of the ampoule barrel for flowing the liquid into the ampoule barrel. [0019] The ampoule barrel includes a flange at an end portion, opposite the tip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings: [0021] FIGS. 1A-C are an illustration of a test system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Continue reading about Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same... Full patent description for Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Micro-invasive tissue removal device Next Patent Application: Quantitative analysis of a biological sample of unknown quantity Industry Class: Surgery ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same patent info. 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